1/144 Blockade Runner scratch build

[Bauble]

Hi everyone. I have been working on a blockade runner during this pandemic. I wanted it to be a partner to the 1/144 Hammerhead Corvette I scratch built last year. I thought they would look nice together on top of my wife's piano. I have not been able to convince her to let me put a plywood plank on her piano to serve as a shelf yet, but I will keep trying. After all, who wouldn't want to gaze on SW models when they are playing piano?

Here is my Hammerhead Corvette link:

1/144 Hammerhead Corvette scratch build

Hi, everyone. I had a build thread a year ago at Keeper of the Force on this project. I thought I would move some of the pictures over here and add a few more.

www.therpf.com

Here is a quick picture of where I am at with the Blockade Runner today.

 

[Bauble]

Here are WIP pictures of the head.

 

[Bauble]

The main body tube was made with aluminum rod reinforcements for strength and light weight.

 

[Bauble]

 

[Toadmeister]

Subscribed!

 

[monsterpartyhat]

I think the key here is going to be to design some nice stands for them that can be finished in a matching piano black finish (assuming it's a black piano, anyway) -- make the stands blend in with the piano's style and you might have a chance

 

[Toadmeister]

Just damn.....

The Corvette In a “manly scale” is on my bucket list. I don’t think I’d have the fortitude to scratchbuild. As I get older I just can’t work in fine detail over a workbench like I used to.

I will probably try my hand at a 3D printed version in 1/144 some day. Maybe do a little scratch work for finer items.

 

[Jaitea]

So gorgeous

J

 

[Bauble]

Thanks, J, T and M. I took my time on this blockade runner, not really caring when i finish. Just focusing on one area at a time. Toadmeister, if you take you time, I am sure you will be able to get this done too. Dont worry about spending large blocks of time at the bench. I just do15 mins of building at a stretch before other things in life grab me away. Here are the casted greeblies I made for the project. Again, it took me 15 mins at a stretch over many periods to get them done.

 

[monsterpartyhat]

Haha! very nice use of AT-ST legs in the main dish mount! I love it.

 

[Boba87Fett]

wow... incredible work!

 

[Bauble]

Thanks, Boba. Monster, you are very good at id’ing greeblies. I airbrushed it a couple of days ago. I had to smooth out a few burrs, but mostly, it came out ok. Here is a picture.

Also attached a picture of another part with lots of greeblies - Monster, have fun! I used resin casted pieces for most parts. Mold Star 30 and Smooth-Cast 305 were used. I wasnt able to find a good mold release agent, so the molds break after about 5 castings. But, my goodness, the casted parts were sharp and good. If anyone has a good release agent suggestion, I would love to know.

 

[joberg]

Very sharp pieces and the greeblies arrangement is very life-like; i.e. it's seems that they serve a very defined purpose

 

[skahtul]

Looking awesome, sweet build so far! Great greeble work for sure.

 

[kermet]

Very nice work, I'll be watching this one. This was a cool ship.

 

[Bauble]

I have been painting these past few days. Used up about 70 ml of tamiya flat white mixed with deck tan. I still need to lighten up the back to harmonize with the front, but I am glad a big part of the painting is done.

 

[Bauble]

Lighting up the bridge... The close up photos showed me a couple spots that still need improving. More sanding next.

 

[joberg]

Love it, really sharp

 

[StevenBills]

This is incredible! Great work being done here!

SB

 

[Attirex]

NICE. That's awesome. And looks properly scaled, too. The computer animated one in Rise of Skywalker was waaaaay too small.