Well it's complicated, but I basically used all possible SS references I could get my mitts on and basically tried to alter the kit to match a bit more closely to the screen model back before it lost the forty or so pieces that were on the filming miniature in ANH. It's been beaten up quite badly over the years. It seems it's missing another handful of details every time it's on tour.
I have added model kit bashed pieces at randon to replace things that had horrid air bubbles in the resin and styrene strips to fill cracks and add interest to areas. I also scratch built some of the details that were just missing completely. I have added wire tubing and brass tubing rods etc.........for some of the details. Some kit parts were poorly cast and required alot of filling and sanding etc.............true for most garage kits.
That's about it for now. I'll take some pics with all the things I've added prior to priming and then again after priming so you can see how it all looks together. The raised details which have undercuts etc.....that would be impossible to cast look so phenomenal once it's painted. It really makes it look movie quality moreso than something that is simply cast in place if you know what I mean?
I am truly looking forward to the painting stage. My plan is as follows:
gray primer
spray the model with black to give the crevices and grooves more depth
spray the basecoats, brown for the exterior and gray for the interior.
then panel the hull plating with an overspray of darker browns and blacks
then add the dark grimy parts , smoke grime, streaks etc
then add the sand weathering: light overspray from above to let the sand stick in little places it might get caught on tattooine, plus a bit extra on the treads/covers.
the treads/covers/wheels will be sprayed their various black/gunmetal and brown parts with extra tan weathering near the ground.
Voila!
Dave
