Re: Space Cowboys ship, Battle Beyond the Stars PART ID HELP NEEDED 
All of the models were built at Roger Corman's New World Studios in Venice, CA, and filmed there as well (sadly, the facility, a converted lumber yard, no longer exists). Nell was designed by James Cameron, and built by Pat McClung. Robert and Dennis Skotak, along with Maury Shallock (sp?), Tom Sullivan, Brian Chin and several others contributed to the model crew (Brent Scrivner may have been there during that film, not sure -- he passed several years later, sadly). The Skotak brothers were responsible for many VFX shots, mostly the non-moco shots, which were handled by another crew, led by Chuck Comisky (who supervised the entire VFX shoot).
Extensive kit bashing and "found objects" were used for the miniatures. I started at New World as a model maker just the VFX work for Escape from New York was wrapping up. All the miniatures were located in the model shop at that time. The space station was hanging from the ceiling for many years. Lots of Airfix and Monogram Saturn V parts on that one, including EMA ("Plastruct") parts, along with Evergreen styrene sheets and parts.
The shop did not have any elaborate tools, though Brent did bring in his own vacuum former periodically; very little molding or casting was done there until Android, my last film there.
Sorry I cannot provide specific details regarding Cowboy's ship. It was one of my favorites though, and I held it in my hands many times. It was not very large, to my recollection. Although I was not fond of the design, Nell was clearly the best made in terms of modeling quality. Pat did a fantastic job on the detailing. I believe that Jim Cameron may have actually painted the ship. He may even have carved the green foam shape (which was either bondoed or glassed, can't recall). Pat could tell you for sure. My comments are recollections from conversations with Robert, Dennis, Brian and Brent primarily.
Hope this helps, at least a little...
Jay Roth
