Building The Death Star - PRODUCTION

[PHArchivist]

I agree on the height change of the trench Rob. This last pic you posted, those black lines are just pencil lines aren't they? The white panels look like light gray pin striping or tape.

Dave

Yeah, Dave, pencil lines or something similar. They are all over the model, especially on the lower half.

And yes, the ligher grey striping looks like it too could be some for of pi-striping tape.

 

[PHArchivist]

Working on the trench, will post pics later today or tomorrow.

 

[PHArchivist]

Some intriguing photos...

After seeing the model in person and studying the pictures, I've been theorizing that when the model was sent to teh stage, Muren, et. al. determined they needed more coverage around the sphere.

This series of photos strongly suggest this is correct.

Note on the left what looks like rougher sprayed on paint overlaying a smoother more even finish. And on the right, almost and edge.

Similar thing going on here; looks like paint sprayed over the top of something that was already there, that continues coverage to about 75% of the globe.
Arrows, from left to right: 1.) Additional coverage, 2.) Clearly sprayed-on paint, 3.) Edge of original base covering (silver?), 4.) Final base color coat

Finally, on stage with Muren, the additional coverage is not present (ignore that arrow).

 

[vaderdarth]

Yep you appear to be right.......looks like the camera kept catching the "dead edge" of the paint when filming and they had to make it opaque so it wouldn't reflect light off the bare clear plastic or something. I plan on painting the whole thing on mine. except for some access point for changing light bulbs....adjustments etc... I believe I'll probably mount it up in the corner of my display room up near the ceiling so the bottom will be the more critical location on my model. I'll likely mount the support somewhere just below the equator on mine to keep it from showing up. I just realized this when I saw your pics. Your building this thing has opened my eyes to alot of potential concern areas for when I do my own model.

 

[Jedifyfe]

I just thought of something. Rob, when you went up to Seattle about a year ago did you take these pics at the Sci-Fi Museum? I thought I heard the DS was there.

BTW: Your theory about the paint coverage seems to sound plausible. You should think about posting most of your pics so we can all give you a fresh set of eyes. I don't think anyone else is interested in making this since you're doing a great job.


Brad

 

[Junk Pilot]

Perhaps you should have sprayed the insides of the dome as well? Top work though.

Not much to report (or show) today. I've now sprayed two coats of primer (three full cans) and it is still only about 50% light fast.

 

[PHArchivist]

Perhaps you should have sprayed the insides of the dome as well? Top work though.

Spraying the inside of the domes would totally screw up the plans for the lights, requiring drilling all the way through the acrylic.

 

[PHArchivist]

I just thought of something. Rob, when you went up to Seattle about a year ago did you take these pics at the Sci-Fi Museum? I thought I heard the DS was there.

BTW: Your theory about the paint coverage seems to sound plausible. You should think about posting most of your pics so we can all give you a fresh set of eyes. I don't think anyone else is interested in making this since you're doing a great job.


Brad

Yes, Brad, the pics I'm posting of the original are from my batch I smuggled out of the museum last June.

 

[Laffo]

Spraying the inside of the domes would totally screw up the plans for the lights, requiring drilling all the way through the acrylic.

All the way through, or none at all. What size pants and shirt do you wear?
Laffo.

 

[PHArchivist]

All the way through, or none at all. What size pants and shirt do you wear?
Laffo.

You really think the Salvation Army or Goodwill stores will have that much selection of high 70's fashion?

Working on the trench today - updates later...

 

[Junk Pilot]

Spraying the inside of the domes would totally screw up the plans for the lights, requiring drilling all the way through the acrylic.

Yeah. That's what I thought too. Isn't the original DS in private hands somewhere in the US? Have you been able to get to see this miniature in person?

 

[CTF]

Gus Lopez now owns it:

http://theswca.com/index.php?action=disp_item&item_id=47464

The link hasn't been updated, it seems.

There are some good links that Rob posted about its history since '76. It could be in his original research thread...? Or this one.

 

[PHArchivist]

Yeah. That's what I thought too. Isn't the original DS in private hands somewhere in the US? Have you been able to get to see this miniature in person?

Yes - privately owned but on loan to the Science Fiction Museum in Seattle, Washington. I was able to view it last June.

 

[PHArchivist]

OK, the obsession continues...

I was at a McDonald's (you know - special meal out for Valentine's Day and wife's birthday; I go all out), and they had a paneling in the dining area that was 100% identical to the speckled look of the the Death Star,

Identical.

It was a Formica counter top type finish; some form of laminate. Does anyone know how these laminate finishes are applied?

 

[Junk Pilot]

OK, the obsession continues...

I was at a McDonald's (you know - special meal out for Valentine's Day and wife's birthday; I go all out), and they had a paneling in the dining area that was 100% identical to the speckled look of the the Death Star,

Identical.

It was a Formica counter top type finish; some form of laminate. Does anyone know how these laminate finishes are applied?

Wish I could help you there. I worked in the business for a couple of years but in the sales side of things. I know with melamine it comes in huge rolls of paper before actually being impregnated with resin onto the particle board (chipboard) surface. Laminates may also start life off as a roll of printed paper which is then glued onto the laminate surface before itself is then glued to the counter/table.

If you want to investiagate further look up particle board manufactures or find where a locate kitchen manufacturer gets his wood supplies from.

You know if you stopped spending your money on your DS you could afford to take her to McD's more often. Anyway I hope she remembers the effort you put in to making if a worth while experience for her.

tic

 

[Kuhn Global]

Working on the trench, will post pics later today or tomorrow.

THIS I am very much looking forward to viewing Rob! Looks to be OUTSTANDING work so far my friend.

cool:thumbsup

 

[feek61]

OK, the obsession continues...

I was at a McDonald's (you know - special meal out for Valentine's Day and wife's birthday; I go all out), and they had a paneling in the dining area that was 100% identical to the speckled look of the the Death Star,

Identical.

It was a Formica counter top type finish; some form of laminate. Does anyone know how these laminate finishes are applied?

You could always photograph the formica and then print the pattern on vinyl. That would be pretty easy. BTW, you can get tons of formica samples from you local cabinet store. You may be able to find it. Anyway, just a thought.

Will

 

[PHArchivist]

You could always photograph the formica and then print the pattern on vinyl. That would be pretty easy. BTW, you can get tons of formica samples from you local cabinet store. You may be able to find it. Anyway, just a thought.

Will

In the long run, the rattle can splatter will likely be easier with the same results... But man, it looked JUST like the closes up shots of the DS surface!

Can't get onto Wackychimp's now so will have to post pics later...

 

[PHArchivist]

THIS I am very much looking forward to viewing Rob! Looks to be OUTSTANDING work so far my friend.

cool:thumbsup

Kurt, welcome to the party! Not sure if you've posted here or not... Thanks for the compliments!

 

[Kuhn Global]

Kurt, welcome to the party! Not sure if you've posted here or not... Thanks for the compliments!

You are very deserving of the praise my friend! I have been looking forward to viewing your build of this for a long time. This is going to be AMAZING when completed! And... VERY inspirational to all modelers!