1/24 scale ROTS Jedi fighter

[Clone-extra1]

Last night I got started on my next model, a 1/24 scale Jedi Fighter from ROTS. I got the wings mostly done, they just lack some detail and the s-foils.

Here's a comparison to the set of the wing tips:

I still have no idea which paint scheme I'll go with.

I'd love to have suggestions and feedback.

 

[PHArchivist]

Is this the commercial kit or a scratch-build?

I really like this little ship. It has really grown on me, and is one of the few that I like from the prequels. If you haven't already, you should take a close look at the toys. They're an even larger scale, and seem pretty accurate in regards to portions...

 

[Clone-extra1]

It's all scratch-built from plastic signs.
I don't have the toy, but I have used pictures of it as reference in terms of porportions.

Tonight I added those wierd box-shaped things under the wings, and added the chassie that gives the wings their angles and is the base for the cokpit.

 

[Clone-extra1]

Got the top on the cockpit started today:

 

[PHArchivist]

I love the plastic sign scratchbuilds.

 

[Clone-extra1]

I like them because they're really cheap.

Tonight I finished adding the rest of the main shape (minus the s-foils). Now I'm using spot putty on the rough edges/seams. Then comes the detail.

I'm still looking for constructive criticism. All advice is welcome.

 

[cobywan]

You're off to a great start. But you do know that the Ertl kit is 1/24th right? It's actually one of the nicest SW kits to date.

 

[staermose]

Isn't the revell kit 1/24? I thought the the ERTL kit was 1/25.

 

[Clone-extra1]

<div class='quotetop'>(cobywan @ Oct 26 2006, 11:28 PM) [snapback]1345726[/snapback]</div>

You're off to a great start. But you do know that the Ertl kit is 1/24th right? It's actually one of the nicest SW kits to date.
[/b]

I didn't even know there were any kits of it. But I tend to like scratchbuilding anyway.

 

[cobywan]

In that case I would suggest that you make an egg shaped wood buck for the cockpit and thermoform your round parts. It's going to take a ton of putty to get your canopy to be right.

 

[Clone-extra1]

I have to admit: I'm afraid of vacu-forming. Since I just started with models, I'm planning on holding of on vacu forming anything until I get a feel for the rest of the process.

I started shaping the canopy areas where it will be painted black (I'm going for more of an early press-release look). But I think the area that needs the most work is right behind the canopy.

Also, does anyone happen to know a good way to make a 1/24 scale R2 unit?

 

[wolverine solo]

heres the metal versions that are out. have also done the plastics and gotten the revell overseas that have obiwan and anakin figures with them. you're doing a great job on the scratchbuild, keep up the great work.

 

[Clone-extra1]

I got primer and a first base coat on last night.

A look at the engines:

Test fit with the s-foils:

I decided to go with the paint scheme for Obi-Wan's Utapau fighter. I still need to sand the gloss off:

And I used epoxy clay to make a scale (I hope) R4 Dome:

 

[BlindSquirrel]

<div class='quotetop'>(Clone-extra1 @ Oct 28 2006, 08:12 AM) [snapback]1346501[/snapback]</div>

I have to admit: I'm afraid of vacu-forming. [/b]

Until recently, I didn't have access to a vacuformer but I was able to able to achieve some good stuff with a heat gun and chunks of balsa. Carve your form (cockpit canopy), heat up some plastic (wear gloves.) until it's floppy and stretch it over the form. You can continue to heat and smooth the plastic with your fingers. It's easy.

 

[Wistanley]

You might pick up a circle cutter to obtain more regular results when cutting circles and rings. You can pick up an OLFA cutter at Michaels that works great on styrene (Gundam modelers in Japan swear by it):

http://www.michaels.com/art/online/display...oductNum=nw0150

 

[Clone-extra1]

<div class='quotetop'></div>

Until recently, I didn't have access to a vacuformer but I was able to able to achieve some good stuff with a heat gun and chunks of balsa. Carve your form (cockpit canopy), heat up some plastic (wear gloves.) until it's floppy and stretch it over the form. You can continue to heat and smooth the plastic with your fingers. It's easy.
[/b]

I think I might try it on my next model. You didn't have to use a vacuum at all?

<div class='quotetop'></div>

You might pick up a circle cutter to obtain more regular results when cutting circles and rings. You can pick up an OLFA cutter at Michaels that works great on styrene (Gundam modelers in Japan swear by it):
[/b]

I'll get one ASAP.

I finished painting this afternoon. It didn't turn out as bad as it could have, but it could have been better. I might update it when I get the hang of vacuforming:

 

[wolverine solo]

that came out really well for a first try, best of luck on another go.

 

[juno]

Nice build. It's a little rough, but it's clearly got some love and skill in it. Is this your first time scratch-building something this complex? Have you seen Rick's sanding table: http://www.therpf.com/showthread.php?t=21344 it can be used as a small vacuform table too.

 

[cobywan]

A couple of days early. There's ALMOST one year between posts.

 

[PHArchivist]

I commend your efforts.

I note in your that profile you are -- well -- you're younger than me! It is refreshing to see a younger person's first foray into scratch-building, as many of the more senior members here have been at this game for more years than others have been on the planet! Some of the work seen around here can be intimidating, even for some of us more seasoned builders.

I again commend your diligence, and confidence in demonstrating your work.