Kicking off my build log for the Falcon -
I will be trying to highlight things I am doing to may Falcon, and hopefully pass on some good info.
I am up to month 13, (which is shipping as I type this)
My initial plan is as follows:
Build the framework first, then apply the hull paints after they are initially primed. (lower, top, sides)
Paint the hull pieces with gray primer and black paint (car enamel) - to allow light blocking and to get that studio look with the damage marks during weathering.
Paint the hull with Tamiya AS-20 white - and follow up with panel paint from DOA paints. (rattle can for the overall hull will make it easier for me)
Using a combination of oils, weathering kits, and other tricks I picked up with the airbush - try to get it to the studio look.
Remake the damage marks - to make it look better than what comes with the kit. (will be using the shadow box technique for the holes punched through the hull - plus careful use of the soldering iron to make the blaster marks look more "real")
Correcting TP-1 and TP-3 to correct notches and plates.
Using a new cockpit from Shapeways - TonyRR makes a great replacement set.
Fiber optics throughout. Will be making a custom arduino board to simulate the blinking lights from the movies - both for the cockpit and tech station in the hold area.
At this point - I may make my own control board for the entire project and not use the one supplied from Deagostini)
Using the hold and corridor parts from paragrafix (along with LED lighting for the corridor/hold as required)
Making full landing lights available (it appears only 4 large ones are coming in the kit)
Making a custom cabinet/table to display the Falcon landed, perhaps modeling the landing bay 94, or landing bay 327, or maybe Hoth - not sure at this point.
_____________________
I am still on the fence about the working ramp - not sure if I will keep that - the ones I have seen built look like a "toy"
So - to begin with - I screwed together the bottom framework -
No real surprises (helps that others have forged ahead to this point - so great references!)
The only things that stick out - make sure you get the stiffener rods seated correctly in the slot of the center ring before tightening the screws , if you don't you can deform the parts.
Don't tighten the screws till they are all in place. The 4 hole connectors are prone to lift out and screw up the other holes/screws if you tighten to much.
Only had to use the tapping tool, which they provided, once. (screw hold on the center ring (issue 26)
_________________
Was pleased on how well the parts fit - especially if you consider they are months apart from each other.
I will be trying to highlight things I am doing to may Falcon, and hopefully pass on some good info.
I am up to month 13, (which is shipping as I type this)
My initial plan is as follows:
Build the framework first, then apply the hull paints after they are initially primed. (lower, top, sides)
Paint the hull pieces with gray primer and black paint (car enamel) - to allow light blocking and to get that studio look with the damage marks during weathering.
Paint the hull with Tamiya AS-20 white - and follow up with panel paint from DOA paints. (rattle can for the overall hull will make it easier for me)
Using a combination of oils, weathering kits, and other tricks I picked up with the airbush - try to get it to the studio look.
Remake the damage marks - to make it look better than what comes with the kit. (will be using the shadow box technique for the holes punched through the hull - plus careful use of the soldering iron to make the blaster marks look more "real")
Correcting TP-1 and TP-3 to correct notches and plates.
Using a new cockpit from Shapeways - TonyRR makes a great replacement set.
Fiber optics throughout. Will be making a custom arduino board to simulate the blinking lights from the movies - both for the cockpit and tech station in the hold area.
At this point - I may make my own control board for the entire project and not use the one supplied from Deagostini)
Using the hold and corridor parts from paragrafix (along with LED lighting for the corridor/hold as required)
Making full landing lights available (it appears only 4 large ones are coming in the kit)
Making a custom cabinet/table to display the Falcon landed, perhaps modeling the landing bay 94, or landing bay 327, or maybe Hoth - not sure at this point.
_____________________
I am still on the fence about the working ramp - not sure if I will keep that - the ones I have seen built look like a "toy"
So - to begin with - I screwed together the bottom framework -
No real surprises (helps that others have forged ahead to this point - so great references!)
The only things that stick out - make sure you get the stiffener rods seated correctly in the slot of the center ring before tightening the screws , if you don't you can deform the parts.
Don't tighten the screws till they are all in place. The 4 hole connectors are prone to lift out and screw up the other holes/screws if you tighten to much.
Only had to use the tapping tool, which they provided, once. (screw hold on the center ring (issue 26)
_________________
Was pleased on how well the parts fit - especially if you consider they are months apart from each other.