Another Escape Pod (Masterpiece Models Base)
- Thread starter vectorzero
- Start date
The escape pod is number 5 in my set of ANH miniatures (X, Y, TIE, TIE X-1), and the intent is to ensure consistency in the way they are displayed. The stands are an important factor in this, and they need to allow options in terms of posing the model, as well as being discrete. For the Imperial models, the stands are black and feature the well established visual cues. Here for example is the stand for the TIE fighter.
For the Rebel Alliance ships we took inspiration from the Falcon's mandibles. Here's the (belly mount) stand for the X-Wing.
The X-1, X and Y Wings are all lower profile models, but the TIE and the Escape Pod are fairly tall. To allow for some balance in a display we wanted to keep the height of the mounted TIE and Escape Pod fairly close. So we examined mounting designs eventually settling on number 4 which utilises the central mount, and will allow the Pod to rotate to have the engine or cap uppermost depending on the mood. Ignore the Imperial aesthetic. The stand will be consistent with the less than pristine finish of the Pod.
For the Rebel Alliance ships we took inspiration from the Falcon's mandibles. Here's the (belly mount) stand for the X-Wing.
The X-1, X and Y Wings are all lower profile models, but the TIE and the Escape Pod are fairly tall. To allow for some balance in a display we wanted to keep the height of the mounted TIE and Escape Pod fairly close. So we examined mounting designs eventually settling on number 4 which utilises the central mount, and will allow the Pod to rotate to have the engine or cap uppermost depending on the mood. Ignore the Imperial aesthetic. The stand will be consistent with the less than pristine finish of the Pod.
The final design of the stand was laser cut from steel as it has to be sturdy to support the weight of the model and with its substantial internal armature.
The stand incorporates a long expanding spigot to lock the pod at the chosen angle. Everything was base coated, and then carefully welded together. Note the flanges on the head end of the expanding bolt shroud, these lock into grooves inside the tube to stop the rotation.
The stand will then be dressed with kit parts to hide some of the mechanical function.
The stand incorporates a long expanding spigot to lock the pod at the chosen angle. Everything was base coated, and then carefully welded together. Note the flanges on the head end of the expanding bolt shroud, these lock into grooves inside the tube to stop the rotation.
The stand will then be dressed with kit parts to hide some of the mechanical function.
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The greeblies took some trial and error, but eventually an old Bandai Y Wing gave much of the detail. The surfaces were given extra details and covered with pipes etc. The first base coat was then applied.
The stand was then painted and weathered consistent with the Pod.
An extra detail cap was also created to hide the locking screw.
An extra detail cap was also created to hide the locking screw.
Where the spigot enters the model needed addressing. With the Sealab dish removed you can see the steel shaft and of course that grabs your attention.
Another Sealab part was cast to disguise the join. This was tricky as the spigot enters at an odd angle due to the way the support tube inside the pod has been welded to the internal armature. It worked fine in the end and spacing was good to fill the gap.
Model in place on the stand with all weathering complete.
Another Sealab part was cast to disguise the join. This was tricky as the spigot enters at an odd angle due to the way the support tube inside the pod has been welded to the internal armature. It worked fine in the end and spacing was good to fill the gap.
Model in place on the stand with all weathering complete.
The Escape Pod is bristling with delicate details that are just begging to get knocked off. The heavy duty internal armature was designed from the outset to ensure the model can be transported securely.
The custom travel stand inserts steel spigots into both the top and side apertures - solidly locking the model in place.
The whole thing is then bolted into its travel case. Note the spare Sealab and end caps depending on how the Pod will be mounted.
Here it is fully secured and protected. Can’t wait to get it home and get some high res photographs done.
The custom travel stand inserts steel spigots into both the top and side apertures - solidly locking the model in place.
The whole thing is then bolted into its travel case. Note the spare Sealab and end caps depending on how the Pod will be mounted.
Here it is fully secured and protected. Can’t wait to get it home and get some high res photographs done.
Millenniumf
Sr Member
Hot damn, this is really an inspiring thread from beginning to end! I love your solution for travel, and am definitely borrowing it for my 32" Millennium Falcon (though as big as that one is I'm going with 80/20 aluminum and welded steel).
They are 1/700 scale ship guns. Hasegawa Yorktown or Ticonderoga.
CheesyGrin
Active Member
Wow, this looks fantastic! I'm not sure how I missed this. Love the stands too. I hope no one is offended if I do a little reverse engineering for my Y-Wing mount. 
Thank you, I'll add them to my Pod
DARKSIDE72
Sr Member
Excellent work!!!!
