1:1 Millennium Falcon Cockpit Replica - Group Build

[SofaKing01]

Hi Gang,

Just wanted to clear a few things up that might be confusing some folks... As you know, this build started out as the original ANH version of the cockpit. As the project "grew"... so did the cockpit - literally. I added the ESB 15" extensions, different greeblies, holes for LEDs, etc... We then decided to light ALL the LEDs... Whether fortunate or unfortunate, the original ANH version still exists under all these changes so many of the LED holes don't line up with the new ESB greeblies, pin stripes, etc. I'm doing what I can to best represent the ESB cockpit using the existing ANH version.

When all is said and done and this version is finished we will immediately begin work on Cockpit Ver 2. Instead of working with a sort of hybrid or... Frankencockpit, we will be starting from scratch and and have a blank canvas to work.

Hope this helps.

 

[red4]

NOTE: You have to let the silver dry for a good period of time before REALLY handling it. Although it leaves a great finish, it is prone to finger prints. Also, unless someone has a solution, it does NOT accept a clear coat at all. Those are the only two negatives. Hope this helps.

Just as long as it doesn't leave a powdery residue or come off by scratching with fingernails. I've had great results with Krylon paints not coming off of plastic or resin when I scratch them with my fingernail. That's the standard test that all paints must pass. Oh, and I do these tests with no primer or sanding, so that says a lot about their bonding strength.

 

[SofaKing01]

Agreed. I've always found prepping (which is the most important) the surface for primer helps with the scratch test.

 

[maruska]

Agreed. I've always found prepping (which is the most important) the surface for primer helps with the scratch test.

Do you guys have access to spray guns or just rattle cans? We use DuPont automotive paints for all our models at work and they hold up really well. Nice clear coat options too.

 

[SofaKing01]

Hey J,

I have a spray gun and comp at the house but it's easier just to use the spray cans for the smaller details. I'm not sure how we'll approach Cockpit Ver 2. Any ideas?

 

[maruska]

Hey J,

I have a spray gun and comp at the house but it's easier just to use the spray cans for the smaller details. I'm not sure how we'll approach Cockpit Ver 2. Any ideas?

Make all the silver bit out of aluminum. Lol.

For big builds, we only paint at the end. Everything is dry fit then disassembled and painted all at once. Only load the gun when needed...

 

[SofaKing01]

LOL - the CNC does cut aluminum but the set up is such a hassle...

As for Ver 2... I'm going to create ALL the panels before any paint is even purchased/ opened. As you said, all at once...

 

[red4]

Do you guys have access to spray guns or just rattle cans? We use DuPont automotive paints for all our models at work and they hold up really well. Nice clear coat options too.

Spray guns are too rich for my blood. I only use rattle cans.

 

[SofaKing01]

These totally remind me of the top of an overhead projector (upside down, of course)

A quick follow up... I've been doing some digging and my thought is they might be some kind of avionics mounting tray. If anybody wants to weigh in?

 

[SofaKing01]

Hi Gang,

A quick morning update... The rubber bump-ons are coming along

After boiling in water then simmering all night long the yellow really tuned out nice

Nice

I'm going to change up the process for the red ones and see if I can get the same results as the yellow!

 

[DaddyfromNaboo]

So, no calls from the production yet, I guess? I really, really, really would love to know how many manhours THEY have put into building their falcon interior. And once the movie is out I am really curious to see how their version holds up against yours!

 

[trainman]

I suddenly have a craving for lemon-flavored gummy candies. I wonder why...

 

[SofaKing01]

So, no calls from the production yet, I guess? I really, really, really would love to know how many manhours THEY have put into building their falcon interior. And once the movie is out I am really curious to see how their version holds up against yours!

Hey D,

Nope... no calls... sigh... They have a team of folks working round the clock and I'm sure many of them are fans - at least I hope! So they can get A LOT more finished in a much shorter time. Having the necessary tools, materials and $$$ doesn't hurt either! What has taken me over 2 years has been done in a matter of a few months! I would give anything to hang out with those guys for a day! And then quietly smuggle them back to the US and put them to work!

My gut tells me that Lucas saved the original cockpit. It has never been seen. If not, I have no doubt they will sucessfully recreate if not make special modifications before her screen debut!

- - - Updated - - -

I suddenly have a craving for lemon-flavored gummy candies. I wonder why...

LOL! I dropped one on the floor and the dog (the same dog that got into a fight with the skunk) thought it was food!

 

[mattkelly]

According to filmmaker Kevin Smith, the newest cockpit was built as a hybrid between ANH and ESB.

http://www.galacticnewsone.com/2014/07/kevin-smith-talks-star-wars-episode-vii.html

 

[SofaKing01]

Whoa... a hybrid? That sounds familiar, Man-O-Man... I'm really looking forward to seeing her on screen again.

 

[spacebob]

Wow do you really think the original is still out there? did they reuse the esb one in jedi? could they be using the original controls/desk with a new set/surround?
Questions questions questions.

 

[SofaKing01]

Hi Gang,

Another early morning update!

This panel is almost finished - ran out of the thinner striping

Started another

More to Follow!

 

[Kevlarr]

Quality work as always, wouldn't surprise me either if the original falcon cockpit is still out there, stored in a crate or in the corner of a storage facility somewhere.
Keep it going, you're making great progress!

 

[SofaKing01]

Wow do you really think the original is still out there? did they reuse the esb one in jedi? could they be using the original controls/desk with a new set/surround?
Questions questions questions.

That's really more wishful thinking... There are several pics from the backlot at Elstree studios taking back in the early 80's showing bits and pieces of the MF that had been scrapped along with props from Raiders of the Lost Arc, several landspeeders, and misc SW props... Very heart breaking! But there was something special about the cockpit... But it appears they have rebuilt it.

- - - Updated - - -

Quality work as always, wouldn't surprise me either if the original falcon cockpit is still out there, stored in a crate or in the corner of a storage facility somewhere.
Keep it going, you're making great progress!

Thank you, Sir! I'm trying!

My thoughts exactly. The cockpit was such an iconic piece of the OT, it would have been a shame to toss it. The greeblies alone... oh the humanity!

 

[trainman]

It's going to be interesting to see just how many "original" MF parts they can come up with for the Episode 7 build. Some of the greeblies and whatnot are probably next to impossible to find anymore, which makes me wonder what the newest incarnation will look like. I had heard that the floor panel grates originally used have not been made in ages. Either they still have a bunch on hand, will have to re-create them, or will have to go with something entirely different, yet similar.