1:1 Millennium Falcon Cockpit Replica - Group Build

[Alkali Jones]

Re: 1:1 Millennium Falcon Console Replica

Hey SofaKing01,

If you just need a ridged base to set things on that can move, have you considered a torsion box? I'm guessing here, but I would think you could use 1x2s and 1/4" plywood, form a lattice from with the 1x2s (maybe 8" O.C. both ways) and glue the plywood to both sides (nail, screw, clamp, whatever). If you must attach stuff to it permanently (like wheels), you must reinforce the structure inside in advance, but from what I've seen, you're up to the challenge! You can reinforce from the outside, but then there's a penalty because height is important to you.

If you go with 1/4" ply, you probably can't walk on it as a point load would pierce the plywood. But maybe 1/2" ply on the top would work just as well if it meets height requirements. Good luck.

Oh, and beautiful build!

Dan S

 

[Oldman]

Re: 1:1 Millennium Falcon Console Replica

Seems the torsion box would be the best solution. I tried coming up with something else, but always come back to a need to anchor the bottom row of panels. With the torsion box, the bottom panels and door frame could be anchored to the top plywood layer with T-nuts. If you built the torsion frame and top layer first, then layout and mark holes for the bottom panel bolts and install the T-nuts. After all the bolt holes and T-nuts are taken care of, install the bottom plywood layer. Also, you could use 3/8" plywood B-C sheathing for the top layer.

 

[red4]

Re: 1:1 Millennium Falcon Console Replica

What kind of silver paint did you use? Does it rub off easily? Do you primer? I've had the worst experiences with metallic paint. The best one is a ceramic based automotive paint, but it's not very shiny.

 

[Felgacarb]

Re: 1:1 Millennium Falcon Console Replica

I'm loving this build.

 

[maruska]

Re: 1:1 Millennium Falcon Console Replica

What about 8020 for a mobile platform base? We use it all the time to build the frames for our aircraft models...

http://www.8020.net/

 

[SofaKing01]

Re: 1:1 Millennium Falcon Console Replica

Hey SofaKing01,

If you just need a ridged base to set things on that can move, have you considered a torsion box? I'm guessing here, but I would think you could use 1x2s and 1/4" plywood, form a lattice from with the 1x2s (maybe 8" O.C. both ways) and glue the plywood to both sides (nail, screw, clamp, whatever). If you must attach stuff to it permanently (like wheels), you must reinforce the structure inside in advance, but from what I've seen, you're up to the challenge! You can reinforce from the outside, but then there's a penalty because height is important to you.

If you go with 1/4" ply, you probably can't walk on it as a point load would pierce the plywood. But maybe 1/2" ply on the top would work just as well if it meets height requirements. Good luck.

Oh, and beautiful build!

Dan S

Seems the torsion box would be the best solution. I tried coming up with something else, but always come back to a need to anchor the bottom row of panels. With the torsion box, the bottom panels and door frame could be anchored to the top plywood layer with T-nuts. If you built the torsion frame and top layer first, then layout and mark holes for the bottom panel bolts and install the T-nuts. After all the bolt holes and T-nuts are taken care of, install the bottom plywood layer. Also, you could use 3/8" plywood B-C sheathing for the top layer.

Thanks guys! That was the overall plan. I've been doing several sketches of the "Torsion Box" / "Platform". I don't plan to make it very high - just 2X4s and 1/2 or 3/4 ply with several casters mounted at key areas. I will also build it in two pieces to allow for easier transport. Also, with the casters I'll be able to move her around - just have to be careful not to let her roll down the driveway! LOL Can you imagine!? If it happens I'll jump on board and scream "YAAAHOOOO" and then sift through the rubble...

What kind of silver paint did you use? Does it rub off easily? Do you primer? I've had the worst experiences with metallic paint. The best one is a ceramic based automotive paint, but it's not very shiny.

Hi Red4,

Any of the "Metallic" paints work pretty well but prepping your object is key. Whatever your painting, be sure to paint a high gloss black before laying the metallic paint. While there are currently no spray paints that will give you a full chrome effect, this is a pretty good alternative. Another option to try this:

This looks very promising! Alsa Corp | ChromeFX: Product Information-Our Chrome FX can produce a real METALLIC FINISH on any surface

I also posted this: http://www.therpf.com/f11/liquid-chrome-aerosol-180399/

Let me know how your project turns out!

I'm loving this build.

Hi F,

Thanks! In between all the setbacks and having to redo panels 5 times... I'm having lots of fun!

What about 8020 for a mobile platform base? We use it all the time to build the frames for our aircraft models...80/20® Inc. - The Industrial Erector Set®

That's some cool stuff! I'm looking into it now!

 

[SofaKing01]

Re: 1:1 Millennium Falcon Console Replica

Hi Gang,

As I get closer to rebuilding the throttle housing... the throttles are connected to what is called a "arm shoe" (part of the door closer). Do you think I should leave/paint them silver or paint them all flat black?

 

[seven]

Re: 1:1 Millennium Falcon Console Replica

Tough to see - but the 3D prints are really porous...

Don't know if it could help, but watching the Special Features on Paranorman, they describe putting their 3D printed parts in a Super glue bath. Perhaps it may help fill in the pores?

 

[maruska]

Re: 1:1 Millennium Falcon Console Replica

Don't know if it could help, but watching the Special Features on Paranorman, they describe putting their 3D printed parts in a Super glue bath. Perhaps it may help fill in the pores?

Paranorman was created using Z-Corp type printer. Which is a cornstarch based powder that is glued together with a binder and simultaneously ink to colorize it. It absorbs the CA like a sponge.

I'm supposing that SofaKings parts are SLS - which is similar, but uses lasers and polymers (instead of cornstarch and binder). Bathing them in CA will just make them bumpier and harder to finish.

Cheers,
J.

 

[SofaKing01]

Re: 1:1 Millennium Falcon Console Replica

Gang,

Thanks for the INFO! The Super Glue was a great idea (made perfect sense to me) until Maruska's post. I don't want to take the chance and compromise the batch of bezels I have. So far I've been using plastic filler and then sanding smooth. I did have to stop work on two of the bezels but I think I got the process down. It's a long process but better to take my time and not rush things.

I've been chatting with Starkiller and he told me there were several other options and materials that ShapeWays offers - one of them is a polishing option. We're going to print a few sample pieces and then move forward from there.

 

[SofaKing01]

Re: 1:1 Millennium Falcon Console Replica

I just found these Mitchell Matte Boxes

Mitchell MK II Matte Box Bell Howell Red ARRI | eBay

Mitchell 35mm Movie Camera Follow Focus Matte Box Set or Hand Cranked 2709 | eBay

 

[Jynxx]

Re: 1:1 Millennium Falcon Console Replica

Looks Amazing, Hope your going to get a projector at the front and have stars planets and light speed and the odd star destroyer going past that would be great! (probably been said already in this topic somewhere)

 

[SofaKing01]

Re: 1:1 Millennium Falcon Console Replica

Looks Amazing, Hope your going to get a projector at the front and have stars planets and light speed and the odd star destroyer going past that would be great! (probably been said already in this topic somewhere)

Hi J,

Thanks much! The plan is to allow folks to have their picture taken while sitting in the cockpit. However, the more I think about it a front projector would be a great addition. But that's a LONG way off from now. I'd like to just get it finished! LOL

Thanks again!

 

[Toxx]

Re: 1:1 Millennium Falcon Console Replica

For that angle of view it must be a big screen to cover!


.

 

[SofaKing01]

Re: 1:1 Millennium Falcon Console Replica

For that angle of view it must be a big screen to cover!.

I had the VERY unfortunate opportunity to experience the Millennium Falcon "Jump to HyperSpace" ride during the "Star Wars Where Science Meets Imagination" tour... Other than being very cheesy... They used a very large "Imax" style screen that was place around the entire canopy - you really had to stretch to see the edges of the screen. You did get the feeling of flying.

With the right visual effects, that would be a great addition to the project!

 

[Michael Bergeron]

Re: 1:1 Millennium Falcon Console Replica

I had the VERY unfortunate opportunity to experience the Millennium Falcon "Jump to HyperSpace" ride during the "Star Wars Where Science Meets Imagination" tour... Other than being very cheesy... They used a very large "Imax" style screen that was place around the entire canopy - you really had to stretch to see the edges of the screen. You did get the feeling of flying.

With the right visual effects, that would be a great addition to the project!

This NEEDS to be done!!!

 

[Bigdaddy]

Re: 1:1 Millennium Falcon Console Replica

This NEEDS to be done!!!

You would be the man to talk to about it! :thumbsup

 

[SofaKing01]

Re: 1:1 Millennium Falcon Console Replica

Do you know what kind of screen and projector was used?

 

[Yodamann]

Re: 1:1 Millennium Falcon Console Replica

I had the VERY unfortunate opportunity to experience the Millennium Falcon "Jump to HyperSpace" ride during the "Star Wars Where Science Meets Imagination" tour.

What do you mean "unfortunate"? From what I recall, it was a good time...

 

[maruska]

Re: 1:1 Millennium Falcon Console Replica

I think he meant it set a high bar to live up to...

: )