COMPLETED -- Converting the FX toy X-Wing

[PHArchivist]

Re: Converting the FX toy X-Wing into a display piece

Had an epiphany oday about how to ensure the cannon barrels are straight in line with the cannon bodies.

I gutted the two body halves, then inserted a glob of Sculpy to use to properly oistion the cannons. The Sculpey is - of course - maleable, but has no spring tension, so once in place, it stays there. And it is sticky enough to hold the cannon barrel... Quick tack-down with CA glue, then smothered it al in epoxy, and viola!

By the way, the barrels start at 9/32 for the primary barrel, then I installed a 1/4" insert into the 9/32 tube, and then a 7/32 tube for the secondary barrel. The 8/32 (or 1/4) insert provides the proper step from the primary barrel to the secondary.

 

[Jedifyfe]

Re: Converting the FX toy X-Wing into a display piece

Good thinking!

 

[PHArchivist]

Re: Converting the FX toy X-Wing into a display piece

Thanks. Plan in my head was to use two blobs.

Then in doing it, I figured the front opening of the main boody would serve to cradle the forward part, but it was too big. So the one in the pic had to be cut and bent slightly to straighten.

But on the next one I'll use two blobs of Sulpey and that should do the trick.

 

[PHArchivist]

Re: Converting the FX toy X-Wing into a display piece

This post was from another X-Wing thread, and refers to a source for the correct heat sink for the engines and gun bodies.

I believe this is the same one.

http://www.alliedelec.com/Search/Pr...19-0093&sid=46D0C280737BE17F&tab=overview#tab

I got some of these today and they are perfect! They fit perfectly inside the Maxi-brute resin engine nozzle castings I made.

For those of you that have some of my castings, if you hollowed out the resin enough, then these will work well for you.

I'll get a pic or two later...

 

[PHArchivist]

Re: Converting the FX toy X-Wing into a display piece

Made good progress today. Finished three out of four cannons. Also realized the studio scale detail pieces that fit underneath the intakes can be made to work on the toy. Pics tomorrow.

 

[Kuhn Global]

Re: Converting the FX toy X-Wing into a display piece

KEWL!!

This is worth waiting to see Rob!

I have loved this idea since you began this endeavor! I'll bet you can't wait to see it complete? It will be AWESOME!!!

 

[PHArchivist]

Re: Converting the FX toy X-Wing into a display piece

Which was nearly a year ago!

BTW Kurt -- get in touch with me about another topic when you have time. Call or PM..

 

[Kuhn Global]

Re: Converting the FX toy X-Wing into a display piece

Will do!

 

[PHArchivist]

Re: Converting the FX toy X-Wing into a display piece

Here are some progress pics:

 

[Kuhn Global]

Re: Converting the FX toy X-Wing into a display piece

Eeeexxxcellent! Keep up the great work Rob! And keep those progress pics comin'! I love em'!

 

[PHArchivist]

Re: Converting the FX toy X-Wing into a display piece

Will do! Last night I popped off a series of pics detailing how I managed the laser cannon tips. I think those following along will appreciate the pics!

 

[PHArchivist]

Re: Converting the FX toy X-Wing into a display piece

OK here are the pics... Biffed on the focus on most of them, but its enough to convey what I did.

First I removed the stock tip in entirety

Then I removed the final tip

I drilled a hole in the back of the main tip so that I could attach a tube that would slip into the secondary barrel of the overall cannon

Then I cut off that tube...

And inserted it into the secondary barrel

For the final tip, I also drilled a hole inside the arc where the plastic final tip had attached, and inserted the tiny tube for the new tip

 

[PHArchivist]

Re: Converting the FX toy X-Wing into a display piece

More progress pics... Zeroing in on final assembly.

Made MAJOR progress today in that I managed to fit the studio scale cockpit tub into the toy fuselage. I had to cut away at EVERYthing to make it fit, and I did not take pics along the way (sorry).

For those following along and doing their own, adding the studio scale cockpuit tub is VERY doable, but not very easy. You need Dremel skills!

Also, tell me what yo think about my engines. You're looking at the original clear plastic inserts underneath the true and correct heat sinks.

 

[PHArchivist]

Re: Converting the FX toy X-Wing into a display piece

I've started a companion piece for the TIE Fighter...

 

[rider]

Re: Converting the FX toy X-Wing into a display piece

I think that looks superb PHArchivist. I think your access to established parts is used very well and getting proper accessories adds to the accuracy and overall effect. I knew from the outset that I'd be pretty much on my own improvising things on my effort, but that's okay as that was half the point in giving it a shot it. I'm a bit in trouble with the rear backing as there is a cutout on mine to allow for the S-Foil mechanism and I'm probably going to leave it as is. :angel But nuff about mine.

So yes, definately looking spot on. Love the R2, and the success of that helps me out a lot. Love the work you have done narrowing the engine section, it looks really cool. :thumbsup I'm loving this and thanks for sharing it. Its rocking.

 

[PHArchivist]

Re: Converting the FX toy X-Wing into a display piece

Thanks Rider.

On the butt plate, I backed the opening for the lever with sheet styrene and then filed from the front.

Funny you mention that, as I am still finessing that part.

 

[rider]

Re: Converting the FX toy X-Wing into a display piece

I take it that means you've elected to leave the wings fixed as open

 

[PHArchivist]

Re: Converting the FX toy X-Wing into a display piece

I take it that means you've elected to leave the wings fixed as open

I am... And that is a nice segue -- my next (and last) hurdle to overcome IS the wings.

Anyone who has one of these knows how the wings attach with three flimsy clips per wing. Even in stock out-of-the-box configuration, the wings are floppy and sag.

I have now added weight wth the brass cannons.

So...

What to do to prevent icons-esque sag in the wings...?

I have an idea, but I want to hear yours, everybody...

 

[rider]

Re: Converting the FX toy X-Wing into a display piece

Ooops, I missed this. :angel

Well, I don’t have the means, but I think the best solution would be to cut wood or metal inner wings, and as they overlap the inner engine, it should brace and straighten them… I think. :unsure

Another option would be to make some kind of strips out of those same materials and place them on each edge and either merge it into the tiling of the inner wing, or put the inner wing ontop like a mild platform which could also fix the gapping when closed.

I’m making my inner wings out of styrene, and I figure it’s going to be floppy but hoping the superglue will help a little in bracing it.

 

[vaderdarth]

Re: Converting the FX toy X-Wing into a display piece

If there is anywhere you might add metal strips as details, that would strengthen it..........for instance along the wing edge. Seems if you did that front and back it couldn't really begin to sag. Just a thought.