Building The Death Star - PRODUCTION

[PHArchivist]

In the portion of the lower dome I'm working on, I'm beginning to conclude that there was quite a bit of silver tape on the lower dome that has since mostly rubbed off.

There IS still LOTS of it on the upper dome, left of the dish.

Look at this image - anything that looks dark charcoal grey is most likely silver tape, as this is how the tape on the upper dome (that I confirmed exists, and is silver) photographs.

So the two squares and strip on the right of the image are fully intact pieces of silver tape. The incomplete rectangle and strip to the left of the circle (plug) I believe were also silver tape.

 

[TridCloudwalker]

Does this look like residue from silver tape to anyone...? In the upper right of the blank grey area?

I would venture a yes on that one.

 

[PHArchivist]

I would venture a yes on that one.

Cool - and yours is a respected opinion.

And it makes sense. Again, on the upper dome, the silver tape (or whatever it was) is only extant to the left of the dish (facing the model).

My photos of the LOWER dome on the right ofthe dish do not show any sign, or residue of tape at all, nor does the upper right.

Seems they applied the silver to just the left side only, but both top and bottom.

 

[PHArchivist]

You guys are probably getting tired of looking at this...

 

[Darth Brass]

No way. Still totally awesome!

 

[faustus100]

You guys are probably getting tired of looking at this...

Hell!I cant speak for anybody else but Im not!!:love
I may be wrong but this is the first time I can remember anyone making an SS DS with so much attention to detail.Im happier with every postthumbsup

 

[Scott Graham]

That silver tape looks good. It's nice how it adds an extra level of detail.

It might have been an abandoned idea since it was on just one side? We don't usually see much of that side of the model in the movie, do we?

You guys are probably getting tired of looking at this...

 

[PHArchivist]

It might have been an abandoned idea since it was on just one side?

I think you're right on with this... Its possible they ran out of time too.

The lower dome has tons of pen and pencil lines all over it, but no other type of detailing on the right side, while the left side does show this residue.

The upper dome clearly has silver tape and significant lines on the left, but no tape and very little in the way of lines on the right.

Also on the right side, it is clear that additional paint was added at a later stage.

Perhaps they thought the left side would be shown more based on planned shots or storyboards?

We don't usually see much of that side of the model in the movie, do we?

No we really don't...

In fact, if someone can find a clear photo of the left side of the lower dome that offers decent resolution and clear insight to if there may have been silver on the lower dome, I would be impressed, and grateful

I feel that I have seen just about every published photo of this model, and virtually all show this portion (lower left dome) in heavy shadow (basically black) or poor resolution.

 

[vaderdarth]

I like the tape idea. I've thought it was some sort of masking material from the start. It almost makes me wonder if it were actually areas they intended to mask and remove the tape and then they painted over it and just missed pulling that tape free because it was invisible after painting??? Just a thought. Makes sense that it was just in one area too. Just an overlooked masking strip. It really does add a realism addition just seeing a long strip like that .......which is raised rather than just paint. Very cool either way.

 

[PHArchivist]

My other thought on the darkened corners of the incomplete rectangles is that the dark corners may actually be acrylic, showing through from pulled-off paint (possibly supporting your masking tape theory, Dave).

Both silver tape (that is not reflecting light), and raw acrylic (exposed due to rubbed off paint), appear black on the model today under flash photography.

Removed paint is easy enough to discern when the model in Seattle is lit from the internal lamp.

I think Gus posted a series of the illuminated model on Flickr. I'll check it out...

 

[PHArchivist]

My other thought on the darkened corners of the incomplete rectangles is that the dark corners may actually be acrylic, showing through from pulled-off paint (possibly supporting your masking tape theory, Dave).

---

Removed paint is easy enough to discern when the model in Seattle is lit from the internal lamp.

I think Gus posted a series of the illuminated model on Flickr. I'll check it out...

OK here is a cropped bit of Gus' Flickr photo. Clearly shows the partial rectangle is not exposed acrylic - no light showing through. The band of light above is the equatorial trench.

 

[Bryancd]

Ahh, yeah, I have no skills whatsover and visit this thread daily....keep posting those pics!

 

[voice in the crowd]

You guys are probably getting tired of looking at this...

No we certainly are not.

More pics, more updates, more, more more

Chris

 

[SpyderDan]

Makes me wonder if the silver tape was purposefully used on the portions that would be in shadow when filmed, to reflect a little light and make for better contrast.

And we certainly never tire of seeing updates! The top things on my interest list when logging on are seeing more pics of either your DS, or Julien's SD. Both are incredible projects, that never cease to inspire awe. :thumbsup

 

[PHArchivist]

Personally I think Julien's got me, hands down! His SD is AMAZING!

 

[PHArchivist]

Makes me wonder if the silver tape was purposefully used on the portions that would be in shadow when filmed, to reflect a little light and make for better contrast.

The thought crossed my mind...

Its a real ***** trying to extrapolate where exactly the tape may have been, based on simply the residue/remenants.

And - not being used to seeing it on there - it looks a little "different".

 

[JPolacchi]

Looks pretty tight to me.

 

[PHArchivist]

Its a real ***** trying to extrapolate where exactly the tape may have been, based on simply the residue/remenants.

For example, in this shot, it looks like residue going about half way down the blank grey strip, but then there is a dark silver patch at the very bottom.

So do I run the silver tape half way, or all the way (rhetorical question - I ran it all the way)?

 

[PHArchivist]

And - not being used to seeing it on there - it looks a little "different".

This is what I mean - looks a little "patchy"...

 

[SpyderDan]

I'm thinking that the tape you are using might be more reflective than what was used on the original. If the tape were duller, the reflections wouldn't go so dark in shadow, or so bright when lit.

I wouldn't look for a different tape, but maybe shoot some flat coat (lightly) to see how that dulls it out.