Hi Gang,
(NOTE: Photobucket has changed the way one posts images so bear with me)
I am SO SORRY for the lack of updates! As Izzy said, work has been killing me. While I am making time to work on the project(s), I am exhausted by the week's end... I have barely enough time to make videos. Again, I am sorry. You guys have always been awesome! BAD ME! Although work has been consuming most of my time, I have some MAJOR updates that I hope will make up for my absence! Let's get to it!
First, work continues on the 1/6 scale YT-300. I'm at a standstill right now as I am waiting on some material to arrive so I can finish out certain areas of the ship.
Second... while I wait for material, I got back to work on the full scale Falcon cockpit. When she came back from Dallas there were a LOT of fixes that needed to be done. I spent the first couple of months getting her back to her original self before I could move forward. There were a LOT of electronic issues that needed fixing. A buddy of mine, Andrew, stepped up and was able to knock out all the electronic fixes and even went so far as to add his own personal touches here & there. I also got to work on some much needed exterior updates. CHECK IT OUT!
Andrew added some LEDs to this cockpit greeblie! Andrew, you are awesome!
To see more on this update check out the video below
I FINALLY got to work on the exterior. This included fixing the front window. I added fiberglass to fill in the gap
I've started the first round of sanding and hope to have some Bondo/filler on this weekend!
The other, and MOST EXCITING UPDATE, is that I am FINALLY adding the exterior skin to the cockpit! For years, I didn't know how to add skin while still being able to get access to the wiring. I couldn't figure it out. A few weeks ago I was getting the truck washed when I noticed the panels lining the interior of the car wash. I did some research and the panels are FRP (that's tough to write). FRP is Fiberglass Reinforced Panels. The panels are 1/16 thick and adhered to the walls and then plastic trim sits / locks each panel together. HMMMMMM... I thought.
They are sold in 4x8 foot sheets at the local home improvement home. One side is textured but the backside is smooth fiberglass. It takes paint, it's flexible, 1/16 thick and there is ZERO waving when the panel is laid around a curve. Let's test it out! You all are the FIRST to see the FRP update. No video has been made yet. : )
This is 1 of 2 types of trim pieces where the panel(s) insert
I'm using Liquid Nails adhesive to attach the trim to the wood frame. I adhered the trim to one of the cockpit entrance panels (I used brads to keep the trim in place)
Trimmed the corners
After taking a bazillion measurements, I cut (simple box cutter) and laid the FRP across the entrance panel and gently tapped the panel into the trim slots
SUCCESS!!! It actually worked. I was pumped. Let's get this side skinned!
Worked my way down the side
HOW awesome is that? There is a slight wave in this panel. Why? The actual frame is not a perfect curve. I'll see if I can fix it. To hide these edges, I am going to add a flexible pipe (greeblie) that goes around the entire edge of the cockpit.
Look how smooth those lines are! It's not exactly screen accurate as I had to work with what I had. But there are almost zero waves.
For the armor plating I think I'm going to use 1/2" thick EVA foam. This will keep the weight down and it is flexible. I cannot wait to start adding greeblies and then weathering. This is going to be so much fun.
This is where I am right now. I'm "hoping" to have this section skinned this weekend. The top part is getting the same treatment but I am going to be adding the greeblies using real world items (washing maching parts, etc). So, I have to think through how everything will mount.
What makes the FRP so awesome is that the panels slide in and out of the trim. I only had to add a few screws to keep gravity from pulling the panels out from the lower positioned pieces. It really is amazing.
To see more of the window being worked on, check out the video below.
I also finally figured out how to keep the dang corridor pads in place without falling off. The image below is a little sneak peek! A new video is coming...
I hope you are excited as I am to finally see the exterior skin in place! What a difference! Again, I am so sorry for the lack of updates, gang. You all have always been awesome, supportive and the best group on the interwebs!
Stay Tuned! More to follow!