Building The Death Star - PRODUCTION

[propologist]

I think I'm going to like yours more than the original.

 

[jawsmodels]

That is just so sick! Its always better to fix something thats bothering you rather than leave it to bother you forever. Great job. I admire your craftsmanship.

 

[PHArchivist]

Thanks guys. Staying on target to finish the "redo". I "greyed out" the first row tonight.

Heart-breaking to a degree, as that first row was quite literally the most complicated lines on the model, and one section I have already doen TWICE! Oh well... Moving forward.

Tomorrow I will add the fine detail masking of the first row, and speckle it. Later in the week I'll start redoing the lines.

The biggest challenge will be getting that somewhat muted (but not to dark/yellow) look. I'll just have to ever-so-slowly and lightly build up the clear until it blends, likely waiting a week or two inbetween applications.

Also, I will test the 2-3 cans of clear I have laying around on white plastic to see if there is varying degrees of yellow straight out of the can.

 

[PHArchivist]

Did I mention where I think I went wrong on the upper dome?

I'm pretty sure what happened is that I laid down multiple heavy coats of clear to get the silver tape to seal to the surface. Tape that I ultimately peeled off anyway!

Knowing the source of the problem adds comfort, as I know that I will almost certainly not repeat the error.

 

[PHArchivist]

Back on track - almost...

Finished masking and flecking the first row today.

Will start the new lines tomorrow.

 

[vaderdarth]

That was lightning fast Rob.

 

[PHArchivist]

Committed to getting back on track, and start moving forward again! Got to get this thing done!

Here's some pics. Very encouraging that it looks just fine, (no screwups or mismatches), albeit very light and clean.

And the lines will go quick too since I have MUCH better road maps this time - full 8x10 prints of each city block.

 

[CTF]

I'm pretty jealous, Rob.

Phenomenal work!

 

[PHArchivist]

You can stll see that the clear will make the re-done section a bit darker.

In the second pic, look at the blank rectangle in the first/bottom row, immediately to the left of the dish. See that it is darker?

But it is not as dark/yellow as the base coat areas were before I re-did this section (look at the base coat areas in the darker, under-coated portion farther to the left).

 

[Richard_2001]

PHArchivist,

Did those pesky rebels visit your house and blow up your Deathstar or has some stunning new progress been made?

I am eager for more beautiful pictures!

Richard

 

[modeleers]

I have MUCH better road maps this time - full 8x10 prints of each city block.

OMG! It like Xmas morning - reading that you made copies of each city block.
Make me a disc-copy of those images & their replacements and I'll pay what you ask -
to help reimburse what you've already paid for your sphere halves.

 

[PHArchivist]

PHArchivist,

Did those pesky rebels visit your house and blow up your Deathstar or has some stunning new progress been made?

I am eager for more beautiful pictures!

Richard

I pulled it apart and used the two halves for clothes hampers...

 

[Richard_2001]

I pulled it apart and used the two halves for clothes hampers...

Ouch! I would have thought a liquor cabinet would be more tasteful! :lol

Richard

 

[PHArchivist]

Ouch! I would have thought a liquor cabinet would be more tasteful! :lol

Richard

Very true!

No earth-shattering progress. I completed the redo on the one section about a week ago, and made a tiny bit more progress on the other side of the dish. That's about it...

 

[Richard_2001]

PHArchivist,

That is much better than nothing for sure!

Richard

 

[CTF]

I know it's summer, and that you're spending time with your family, but we -- well, I -- need to see this finished. By the end of the year, I hope. Mainly 'cause I'll be able to see it in person; and I'd much rather be drinking a beer than drilling holes, Rob.

Ha!

 

[Ogait-Nas]

May be is too late but... have you consider putting a green laser in the inside?

 

[PHArchivist]

I know it's summer, and that you're spending time with your family, but we -- well, I -- need to see this finished. By the end of the year, I hope. Mainly 'cause I'll be able to see it in person; and I'd much rather be drinking a beer than drilling holes, Rob.

It'll happen!

But yeah - sort of recharging my batteries now. Summer activities, home improvement projects, etcetera.

I'm also deeply immersed in a soccer highlight video for my son's champion soccer team from this past fall - I need to get it done before August (when the boys venture off onto a new team). Since the video project has a deadline of sorts, its been a priority.

I actually envisioned spending some time on the DS yesterday, but opted to work on the vid, and to go on a five mile bike ride with my boy...

I've also felt less compelled to push at the DS, since what is left to do should go fairly quick (there is no reference for it, so I can make it up as I go). Once I buckle down and get at it, it should go fast.

Maybe I'll find some time this week to plug away at it...

 

[STARTREKTOS]

I can't wait to see it finished it is gonna be awesome, heck it's already amazing.

 

[CTF]

Definitely take your time, as all the hard work will show in the end. And if there is any work left to be done, well, I'll be able to give you a hand.