Re: 1:1 Millennium Falcon Console Replica
Hi Gang,
First of all...BRAVO on your work so far!!! This is an EPIC thread about an EPIC build...It's...EPIC!
Since reading up on your project, and drooling over Stinson's original CG thread that started all this, I've been thinking about how I would go about building one of these as well. So I had a few thoughts I wanted to throw your way.
In regards to the panel striping, and your recent run of "non-stick tape"...Have you ever given any thought to painting the panels the colors of the lines, laying the pin-stripes down as a mask, and then painting the grey and removing the tape? I only ask because you clearly are an ANIMAL of a tape layer (meant completely as a compliment), so the lines would be nice and straight...But you wouldn't have to fear another round of tape pulling up this way.
I know the thought of re-doing all that work sounds overwhelming, but If you guys plan on taking this around to shows, different climates and humidity could cause more issues down the road...And this would remedy that from happening.
I also thought about yet another option...Sign makers use a type of plastic that has color on the outside, and a white core. They then use a small routing type tool to cut letters, designs, etc through the top layer, exposing the white underneath...Think about your average office desk sign or door sign. I believe that stuff comes in various colors and sheens. I was thinking it might be possible to take the original files from Stinson to a sign shop and let 'em rip. To me the only down side would be the additional cost...(ain't that always the case)
Anyhow...GREAT work on this...I stop by for updates several times a day...I think I'm addicted.
Jason
Hi J,
Thanks for the very kind words! Glad to read your interested in building a cockpit/console for yourself! Did you have any specific questions?
So far, this is the first time the pin striping didn't take. I've seen this before and it's no big deal. I probably got a roll that near the end of the larger "roll" that was cut during production. Thankfully, this wasn't a complicated panel so reapplying the striping wont take too long.
I considered painting, but with everything that has to be applied, LEDs, buttons, greeblies, rockers, etc... Once paint goes down... you're basically stuck and have to find a work around.
Once I lay the pin striping I spray several layers of satin clear to help seal both the panel and the striping. So far, other than this roll, I've had ZERO issues (I'm knocking wood as I type).
The console and surround have been in the garage for the past week and it's been really cold - so far so good! : )
All your ideas sound really good but money is tight... I think the pin striping, as of now, is the way to go. We might change our tactic when the cockpit for the full scale build starts.
Thanks for the inputs and let me know what your plan for your console is. Would love to hear it!
I was wondering the same thing Jason ^^ (painting a layer and then masking it off) King I have run into this "tape fail" problem several times in my basement project, and I was giving serious thought to painting the lines going forward to prevent this issue.
Hey Fuzz,
If you got a bad roll - that's going to happen. However, make sure the surface area is clean. When you apply the striping tap into place and then make several passes over the striping with your fingers applying more pressure after each pass - the striping may fold over itself so be careful. I then use my finger nail for the final pass. Applying more pressure pushes the striping onto the surface and ensures complete sticky-ocity-ness.
Then spray a clear coat (flat, satin, clear - depends on your project) to help keep the striping in place and also add a layer of protection. Again, I have not had any issue with any of the other striping I've done so far minus the bad roll I purchased.
Hope this makes sense.
Why not just make a stencil of the longest stripe? Then you could block off one end to get the shorter lengths. Weigh it down along the edge so it doesn't bleed, then airbrush it.
The longest stencil would be those going around the edges. I like the idea... it reminds me of my airbrush days back in college!
Painting it how I'd do it but it does take longer. More durable though.
As I mentioned above, Chris Lee might want to change the approach when we tackle the ESB version. Painting the striping would take a considerable amount of time and materiel but you are correct, it wouldn't peel and it would last... We'll probably burn that bridge when we get to it. lol
I did pick up some new pin striping and I'll know the moment it peels from the roll if it's a bad roll or not. The signs are petty evident - frayed edges, uneven width... This is the first time this has happened and let's hope it's the last!
As always... More to Come!
