3D Printed FIREFLY/SERENITY prop renditions and close approximations

[propmaster2000]

My first attempt at 3D modeling and printing Firefly/Serenity props was the Pop-out version HOB, "Hands of Blue" Sonic Disruptor weapon from my own design.
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I then tackled the Alliance "paintball gun" Pistol using PLA filament as well.
(still WIP)
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My next endeavor is the CATALYZER from the episode "Out of gas". I know that this valve has been cast and replicated in resin, but I wanted to see
if I could 3D render and print in PLA.
I'm sure the real valve (unmodified) is not cheap and I think there are 2 versions of this valve from 2 different manufactures.
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I know that it's not at all an exact render by any stretch of the imagination.
It is more of a close approximation/rendition. But I think it is recognizable.
It will be printed hollow (or with very little infill), in several pieces, sanded, assembled and painted.
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Expanded view: Ready for printing.
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[ssdesigner]

Shiny! Keep boosting the beacon!

 

[colinjreed]

Time for some thrilling heroics! I’m interested to see how the catalyzer turns out.

 

[Krats]

Looking good! That's some nice work with the models.

 

[propmaster2000]

Just finished printing the top half of the main body valve assembly (will add the outer details later) and
looking to do the bottom half (cup portion) next + the lower exhaust tube & intake port.
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A little sanding and paint and Voila! a nice representation
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[propmaster2000]

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I managed to find a little time this morning to print the lower portion of the valve assembly.
Since I am printing at a fairly fast rate at a much higher layer height, it will show a bit more of the 3D
printing tell tale signs.
I'm doing this to test the modeling design of all the parts first, to see how they come together.
If all goes well then I will change the setting to give a much cleaner print over all.
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I am currently printing the intake and exhaust tubes at the same time on two different printers (to lessen the over all print time in a day).
One of my ENDER 3's and my CR10S.
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The smaller detail part will come next.
If this project comes together as I'd like, maybe I will be able to sell the SERENITY - CATALYZER as an unfinished kit of parts
(to keep the price down), less labor cost on my part.
The real metal valves are a bit expensive for the average collector, if you can find one.
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[propmaster2000]

Well, I haven't given up yet. I got 4 of the largest portions of the print completed.
I'm now going to concentrate on the smaller detail pieces for the upper valve body.
I know that there is an AMP style connector that can be purchased, but to save a bit of money, I am going
to attempt to render and print a reasonable facsimile. One that should look OK if you squint a little and from a
distance.
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As a kit, it will require a bit of sanding, assembly and paint.
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(more to come)
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[ssdesigner]

Looking great!

 

[propmaster2000]

Added a couple more detail parts to the CATALYZER.
I 3D printed the AMP connector (to save money) and added the solenoid block.
Will print the solenoid body, the tube that goes on the top and another plug style connector next.
I think it could turn out to be a pretty good kit to assemble and finish (much like building models when I was a kid).
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[Snow Builder]

Nice work -you're making it look easy

 

[propmaster2000]

Nice work -you're making it look easy

Thanks

 

[propmaster2000]

Well, getting closer to finalizing all the specific parts needed to make this prop/kit of parts.
This is the most recent additions:
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Thanks for your interest
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[Raven713]

Looking good

 

[Dingo80]

Everything is looking awesome! Keep at it, I'm excited to see it finalized.