1:1 Millennium Falcon Cockpit Replica - Group Build

SofaKing01 · Feb 25, 2014

Jundland Raider said:
Exciting stuff for sure, thank you for sharing all these build shots, SK!

To me the dings and repairs and the layering of paint add that extra layer of Star Wars realism - the console truly feels like part of a "used universe".
Will you be weathering the final piece as well?

Hi J,

Thank you for taking the time to check out the post - and you're very welcome.

I never really looked at all the dings and imperfections in the console as being part of the "used" universe. That actually makes me feel a little better about all the imperfections. I don't have to worry about it so much. I'm not sure we'll be weathering the console too much. I'd like to think regular wear and tear will do the job.

We have sveral more things cooking. So stand by!

joberg · Feb 25, 2014

FAB job once again SofaKing:cool Love the console (to think about the work you've put into it is mind-boggling!)...keep at it, one day she'll fly!

SofaKing01 · Feb 26, 2014

joberg said:
FAB job once again SofaKing:cool Love the console (to think about the work you've put into it is mind-boggling!)...keep at it, one day she'll fly!

Hey J,

Thanks so much, my friend. I have to admit it was somewhat upseting to take a perfectly finished console and tear it down... but knowing the direction we're taking and what's about to happen does make it a little easier... I did just get a few sound bytes from Chris of the MF engines. So... we're getting closer to actually flying

Jundland Raider · Feb 26, 2014

Hi SK,

thank you for your reply!

Re-reading my last post it dawned on me that it might have come across as though I was pointing out imperfections, when quite the opposite was the case! What I meant to say was this: What a joy it is to see the console grow layer by layer, detail upon detail. It's like watching Han and Chewie looking after their beloved ship, repairing, adding, perfecting. There is so much work and care beneath that pristine surface, I am reminded, too, of a vintage car that has been lovingly restored and cared for over the ages. Perhaps you could call it emotional, as opposed to visible, texture. The console has a rich history, just what the Falcon is all about.

Certainly standing by for more workshop goodness!

SofaKing01 · Feb 27, 2014

Jundland Raider said:
Hi SK,

thank you for your reply!

Re-reading my last post it dawned on me that it might have come across as though I was pointing out imperfections, when quite the opposite was the case! What I meant to say was this: What a joy it is to see the console grow layer by layer, detail upon detail. It's like watching Han and Chewie looking after their beloved ship, repairing, adding, perfecting. There is so much work and care beneath that pristine surface, I am reminded, too, of a vintage car that has been lovingly restored and cared for over the ages. Perhaps you could call it emotional, as opposed to visible, texture. The console has a rich history, just what the Falcon is all about.

Certainly standing by for more workshop goodness!

Hi JR,

I was not offended or put off by your comment at all. The funny thing is, the console armrest in particular has been giving me such greif these last few weeks that I sometimes lose sight of the fact that this ship is supposed to be a piece of junk. The minor imperfections "I" see and constantly dwell on should be seen as character and the "wear and tear" we've all come to know and love about the SW universe.

More workshop goodness is coming. I've taken the last few days off to regroup. Plus the paint on the console needs a few days to dry.

I very much appreciate the kind words. Stand by!

Kevlarr · Feb 28, 2014

Has been a while since I saw your build, and the progress is still good I see. A few...hundred tiles, looks exhausting, but necessary. Nice work!

SofaKing01 · Feb 28, 2014

Kevlarr said:
Has been a while since I saw your build, and the progress is still good I see. A few...hundred tiles, looks exhausting, but necessary. Nice work!

Hey Kev,

Great to hear from ya! Unfortunately we're still taking baby steps and there is still no resolution to the workspace... UGH... But we all have our marching orders and work does continue. I'll be hitting the console this weekend and "hope" to have my share of the work complete.

Cutting the tiles was easy... it will be carefully removing all those glass tiles and drilling the holes that will be a killer... But we're ready for anything...

How's R2 coming?

Kevlarr · Feb 28, 2014

I guess some work isn't supposed to be fun, but in the end it's the result that matters. I'm sure you can do it

Well, I guess there are ups and downs in all builds, no way around.

The R2 is coming along nicely, thanks.

I will get started on it later on today, I just have to pick up some new supplies like more glue, paint and primer. Let's give him some details and more parts!

Operascot · Feb 28, 2014

Hi Everyone,

Not much in the way of pictures on the quad v2, but some decent progress- The second piston frame now joins its brother in pseudo completion. The next step is building a frame for counterweight for the back end.

A fellow stagehand dropped by to discuss motor and solenoid control issues, and we think we have a plan. Right now we are aiming (sorry, couldn't resist) for a pitch move of a little over 90 degrees in about a second and a half. He thinks he has a motor in operation on another project that he thinks has enough torque for the job, as long as we are able to balance the load properly. Once we know we have a motor that will a) make the quad move right, and b) fit inside the body of the quad itself, we can figure out the mount and join the two piston frames together.

We also decided on an axle dimension that will support the gun, so that leads us to bearings and sprockets and chain (oh, my) (again, apologies, theatre rat here)

SK and I have been discussing some "maintenance hatches" on the barrels to help with installation and overhaul, if necessary.

I will get more pictures soon, but anything I take right now looks more like a step backwards with all of the skin removed.

Scot

metal wood · Mar 1, 2014

that acrylic greeblie of yours.... i cant not see some form of ak-47 or variant such as the SKS's receiver. i have an sks, maybe i will break it down for a better look. still loving this build, keeps blowing me away

SofaKing01 · Mar 1, 2014

Hi Gang,

Well... we ran into a slight problem with the darker paint. After a week of sitting the paint still had not cured / dried. VERY frustrating. So, we sat down and decided to do a little cosmetic surgery on the console. With the help of the laser cutter and some behind the scene photos from ESB, we decided on this...

Away with you!

After taking dozens of measurements, we then laser cut a new panel with the LED and switch holes precut

The panel will sit atop the console just as the ESB version did

Lever greeblies in their place - still needs some paint

Side View

Over time the two instrument panels have begun to sag - we're going to address this issue as well

Temp clamps in place as we design "something"

That's better

Then added a new center brace

More to Follow

joberg · Mar 2, 2014

Looking good as always...yes, more bracing will be needed (steel) overtime...maybe the next one will be aluminium

Jundland Raider · Mar 2, 2014

Hi SK,

very sorry to read about the paint not curing. Great to see that you didn't get discouraged though.

The new laser-cut panel looks absolutely fantastic :thumbsup

Have been doing a some research and found this interesting little fellow:

Consolidated PBY Catalina throttle quadrant 1.jpg

This segment in particular:

This is the throttle quadrant of a Consolidated PBY Catalina. It is not an exact match to the levers on the console, but quite similar.

The images hailed from here: Collect Air | Good Stuff P-40 Etc (scroll down to about the middle of the page).

Have a great Sunday!

trainman · Mar 2, 2014

The paint never dried? What the hey???!!!

maruska · Mar 2, 2014

trainman said:
The paint never dried? What the hey???!!!

Enamel? Hate that...

SofaKing01 · Mar 2, 2014

Hi Gang,

Spent a few hours at the lab...

Laser cut a few shapes...

Started putting them together

This is base for the new armrest lever

Still needs to be painted silver

Started on the second one

Added primer

Mike then got to work on the back panel - this was his baby!

Several measurements later and the help of the laser cutter - a new back panel was made

Acrylic was then cut for the new ESB details

Testing the red 1" tiles and panel light

More backlight tests

Some of the acrylic still had the paper backing

Needs a little paint and some pin stripes

Armrest lever greeblie

Those empty holes are for the toggle switches

Tomorrow night the wiring / lighting / sound officially begins!

SofaKing01 · Mar 3, 2014

joberg said:
Looking good as always...yes, more bracing will be needed (steel) overtime...maybe the next one will be aluminium

Thanks! I have to admit I was very hesitant about cutting out the panel but I'm glad we did. A fresh panel is good.

We actually discussed using metal... so who knows?

SofaKing01 · Mar 3, 2014

Jundland Raider said:
Hi SK,

very sorry to read about the paint not curing. Great to see that you didn't get discouraged though.

The new laser-cut panel looks absolutely fantastic :thumbsup

Have been doing a some research and found this interesting little fellow:

View attachment 292759 View attachment 292760

This segment in particular:
View attachment 292776

This is the throttle quadrant of a Consolidated PBY Catalina. It is not an exact match to the levers on the console, but quite similar.

The images hailed from here: Collect Air | Good Stuff P-40 Etc (scroll down to about the middle of the page).

Have a great Sunday!

Hi JR,

Thanks for the kind words and GREAT FIND! I really wish we could use more real parts for the project but the cost for some of these parts are very high. But I think we're doing pretty well so far?

- - - Updated - - -

maruska said:
Enamel? Hate that...

Me too! I wasn't too thrilled coming into the lab and finding the paint hadn't cured. But... it is what it is and that panel no longer gets to play with the rest of the console. Bad panel!

- - - Updated - - -

trainman said:
The paint never dried? What the hey???!!!

NOPE! Horribly frustrating! But I think we're headed in the right direction now.

Kevlarr · Mar 3, 2014

Sad about the paint, but it's nice to see that it's fixed, or right about fixed. Great work!

Lights already added? Nice! Gives it a lot more sci-fi look, keep it going.

retrogarde · Mar 3, 2014

Remembering that you are going to make three of these, I'd say you can't beat yourself up about not using more original parts. Plus, there is something cool about the way you're going about it where the end result is true to the fictional source (i.e. it looks right) vs. the actual production source. If folks looked closely at a greeblie and saw "made in China" it would sort of ruin the whole "galaxy far, far away" aspect.

Hmm, so now I'm thinking you should add "made on Alderaan" in Aurebesh on some of the greeblies!

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