1:1 Millennium Falcon Cockpit Replica - Group Build

[SofaKing01]

Re: 1:1 Millennium Falcon Console Replica

In addition to that damp air makes it very difficult to get a nice paint finish.

OH MAN! I've lived in AL for 11 years now and this weekend was the worst humidity I've ever felt. Within 5-10 min I was dripping from sweat. The air was SO thick it was just miserable... So I stayed inside and played "Call of Duty" for a few hours LOL!

- - - Updated - - -

I realize that you shouldn't apply toxic chemicals indoor man, and I also am aware of water ruining anything you are working on. It was more of a joke than anything anyway.

HEY... we don't joke around about toxic chemicals... especially the good kind! Why do you think building models in the 70's was so much fun!

 

[SofaKing01]

Re: 1:1 Millennium Falcon Console Replica

Hi Gang,

I picked up a new paint sprayer (19 bucks - on sale) and 2 gallons of primer and paint. I'm going to paint the quad laser a flat black undercoat and then finish with an "off white". This will be my first attempt at something this scale. I was hoping to do it this weekend but as I mentioned, it was just too miserable outside.

 

[Michael Bergeron]

Re: 1:1 Millennium Falcon Console Replica

Can't wait to see it! :thumbsup

 

[SofaKing01]

Re: 1:1 Millennium Falcon Console Replica

Hi Gang,

PROBLEM: As many of you know I've recreated the center console instrument panels. By saving money I joined two pieces of MDF to create the top surface of the panel(s) - note the filler in the center of the panel

I also glued a scrap piece of MDF to the backside of the panel helping join the two pieces. Here's the problem... Every time I sand the filler smooth and pick up the panel, the filler cracks leaving a small gap between each panel. Do I need something more than just the scrap piece of MDF on the backside to help adhere the two panels?

Ideas?

 

[manwich]

Re: 1:1 Millennium Falcon Console Replica

Maybe drill the joined faces and use two or three dowels to strengthen the join?

 

[red4]

Re: 1:1 Millennium Falcon Console Replica

You should temporarily screw in a couple of wooden studs to the back. They should be almost the full length of the panel.

The red line indicate where the studs should be (on the back), and the black dots indicate the most important areas to put screws.

For extra security, put 1 stud in the center on the front.

 

[SofaKing01]

Re: 1:1 Millennium Falcon Console Replica

Here's how the back of the panels look now. I'm trying to avoid adding more "depth" to the panel so I can add LEDs and switches... I'm going to remove the little piece of MDF and try adding a wider piece for right now. Hopefully that will do the trick.

Note the piece of MDF joining the two panels

On another note - added primer/filler to the quad tip and getting her ready for sanding and making molds!

Good news... the weather finally broke and there are dryer skies and cooler temps headed my way!

 

[red4]

Re: 1:1 Millennium Falcon Console Replica

Wait. Are those beams under the panel doing the exact job I described? I mean, it looks like they ought to be. If they're solid wood, and don't have cuts halfway through, they should be doing what I described. If they're not doing it, then I don't know how else to reinforce the seam.

 

[Amazing DJ]

Re: 1:1 Millennium Falcon Console Replica

Hmmm.

Use coarse thread drywall screws all over the bottom face. This might prevent some of the movement. Pre-drill the holes first undersize. Countersink all the screws and fill the heads. That should add some rigidity. Also grind out that wood filler in the seam with a Dremel. Use something that will make the seam more rigid such as carpenter's wood glue. Wait till it gets hard, several days, then sand off the top layer. Let it dry another day, then finish sand.

 

[Michael Bergeron]

Re: 1:1 Millennium Falcon Console Replica

You should have dowel or biscuit joined your two pieces together. It needs more supporting the seam than just glue and a backboard.

 

[Bigdaddy]

Re: 1:1 Millennium Falcon Console Replica

You should have dowel or biscuit joined your two pieces together. It needs more supporting the seam than just glue and a backboard.

^This, or if the panel is under 96" get a new sheet and make it solid (easy for me to say! :lol)

 

[SofaKing01]

Re: 1:1 Millennium Falcon Console Replica

The MDF is only 1/4 inch thick so I don't think a biscuit or dowel would work - if I understand what you're implying.

I'm trying to avoid creating a "cross beam" so nothing gets in the way of the LEDs and switches... ugh... I'm going to try a few things. Money is kinda tight right now so I am trying to use up the scraps and avoid another big purchase.... but I might have to bite the bullet and recreate the panels...

 

[Michael Bergeron]

Re: 1:1 Millennium Falcon Console Replica

The MDF is only 1/4 inch thick so I don't think a biscuit or dowel would work - if I understand what you're implying.

I've used biscuits on 1/4 stock. It works. Too small for dowel though.

Bigdaddy has a point though, any way you could re-make it in one piece? That would solve all your problems.

 

[Fuzzual]

Re: 1:1 Millennium Falcon Console Replica

I've used biscuits on 1/4 stock. It works. Too small for dowel though.

Bigdaddy has a point though, any way you could re-make it in one piece? That would solve all your problems.

yuk man, hate to say it but Michael is right, biscuits the way to go. A re-make with a solid piece might give you a better chance to have it perfect. Besides, you want to rebuild it anyway don't you? LOL!

 

[SofaKing01]

Re: 1:1 Millennium Falcon Console Replica

I could skin it with the dreaded... do I dare even mention it? Formica!!!!

 

[Fuzzual]

Re: 1:1 Millennium Falcon Console Replica

i could skin it with the dreaded... Do i dare even mention it? Formica!!!!

nooooooooo!!!!!!

 

[Fuzzual]

Re: 1:1 Millennium Falcon Console Replica

On another note entirely, you need to start talking to folks about putting this bad boy on display at Celebration in Anaheim! This would be amazing for people to see. I don't know how that all works with the RPF presence at the show? Anyone? I am sure the group will have a presence there, am I correct? Just a thought. But it does give you a deadline

 

[SofaKing01]

Re: 1:1 Millennium Falcon Console Replica

I agree! I do need to set a deadline for myself but my shoulder had been preventing me from doing anything. But I did just get a shot so it is feeling MUCh better! And the weather finally broke. So I'm hoping for "some" movement this week/weekend. She will be on display at the Maker's Fair in Nashville at the end of Sept and then another show 6 weeks after so I'm not sure if I will transport everything back and forth. I still need to discuss with the Chris Lee - he's the planner.

The Formica might be the way to go. I already know how to deal with it and it will create a strong bond. And the KILZ primer is perfect... OMG! What am I thinking!? I must be home dead on my toilet!

 

[SofaKing01]

Re: 1:1 Millennium Falcon Console Replica

Wait. Are those beams under the panel doing the exact job I described? I mean, it looks like they ought to be. If they're solid wood, and don't have cuts halfway through, they should be doing what I described. If they're not doing it, then I don't know how else to reinforce the seam.

Hey Red,

I used 1x2s for the frame so I am VERY surprised that the MDF is flexing as much as it is. I should have everything figured by the end of the weekend (baring any interaction with Formica). I would really like to get this part of build finished. But, I do get to do more pinstriping...

 

[SofaKing01]

Re: 1:1 Millennium Falcon Console Replica

Besides, you want to rebuild it anyway don't you? LOL!

You know... I don't think anything is better for one person than doing the same thing over and over and over again until they finally get it right... You know what I mean, right? By the way... how's that glue on your HIC working for ya? LOL Just kidding, my friend... I had to say it!