R-wing Vacuum tool build up (Hulls)

[3D-builder]

I am new here and just wated to say hello to all. Iam currently working on a ship for a fan-based SW movie.Iam not here for acolades but more to help people who may be intersted in scratch-building and learning what goes on to make these awsome ships come together Iam here to help and get help so if you guys have any suggestions let them fly.The R-wing has a hull shape like a speed boat or a surf board with compund curves , that will usually dictate vacuum-forming.Vacuum forming is a fun process but only if your master tool or (vacuum plug) is in good order.I decided to use sheet styrene my plan was to decifer the top and bottom hulls and come up with templates for each.On the top hull I wanted to incorporate as much as possible into the vacuum plug so I would have less adding on to do later, this includes the canopy shape and the area behind the canopy where the droid socket is.On the bottom hull I have the keel and the shims that make up the shape just like the top hull.I (spot)glued the top and bottom hulls together eventually to keep the ribs lined up later after everything is filled I will seperate them again and have two vacuum plugs one of the top hull and one of the bottom.Right now the two hulls are complete they just need filling and I can move onto vacuum forming them.Here are some pics so far.

 

[Tatooine_Todd]

Welcome. Interesting project. From the photos in the last pic it looks like a ship from the prequel time frame, is that what you were shooting for?

 

[3D-builder]

<div class='quotetop'>(monster_collector @ Nov 6 2006, 11:32 PM) [snapback]1352181[/snapback]</div>

Welcome. Interesting project. From the photos in the last pic it looks like a ship from the prequel time frame, is that what you were shooting for?
[/b]

Well to be honest with you Iam not sure but you might be right, it's one of the many CG renderings I had to chose from.So no it's not really what I was shooting for, but more of the choice I made of the available ships.I decided to danate my time on the film I decided I would be building anyway so why not I will post a link with a site so you can all watch as I build it if you wish.
Regards,
Michael

 

[jackdoud]

Neat stuff, I look forward to seeing more in the future.

 

[amish]

That is really sharp.. Any chance of a picture of the ship your are using as reference. I see the two in the bottom pic, I was just hoping for a clear picture of it.

Thanks for sharing...

Tom

 

[3D-builder]

<div class='quotetop'>(amish @ Nov 9 2006, 06:48 PM) [snapback]1354268[/snapback]</div>

That is really sharp.. Any chance of a picture of the ship your are using as reference. I see the two in the bottom pic, I was just hoping for a clear picture of it.

Thanks for sharing...

Tom
[/b]

Here is a link to follow the build if anyone would like.
http://public.fotki.com/HVHMG/members_gall...g-fighter-scra/
Regards,
Michael

 

[3D-builder]

Here are some new progression pics of the R-wing bottom hull Vacum forming.
Regards,


As you can see the ship has changed in shape a great deal..
Regards,
Michael
Here is a link with more of the forming process enjoy,
http://public.fotki.com/HVHMG/members_gall...scra/page2.html

 

[falcondesigns]

Great build,3D-Builder.Is that a homemade vacuum machine or commercially availible?Alexander

 

[takevin]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(falcondesigns @ Jan 8 2007, 10:50 PM) [snapback]1393589[/snapback]</div>

Great build,3D-Builder.Is that a homemade vacuum machine or commercially availible?Alexander
[/b]

uuuh, guessing by the looks of it since its hooked to a up to a home vaccum cleaner im guessing homemade. Never seen a commercial vacuum machine with a vacuum cleaner before, but i could be wrong. LOL :rolleyes

 

[ralphee]

Cool work Micheal, all the hard work is paying off, as usual your putting your hand in and pulling out gold buddy. Hows the box for suction, i always got scare stories from folk saying they just dont pull right, but to me looks like you have it dialled.


lee

 

[3D-builder]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ralphee @ Jan 11 2007, 10:24 AM) [snapback]1395087[/snapback]</div>

Cool work Micheal, all the hard work is paying off, as usual your putting your hand in and pulling out gold buddy. Hows the box for suction, i always got scare stories from folk saying they just dont pull right, but to me looks like you have it dialled.


lee
[/b]

Hey thanks guys yes it is a home made table . We are developing a better table that will be available in diffrent sizes. Stay in touch with me as we progress if you are intersted in a table. Most tools used for scratc-building models have limitation as all tools do . I have never had a problem with getting good forms, you just need to know the limitations of the machine and how they will effect the pull of your vacuum plug, and when to get the plastic out oven the oven.It's a good tool because air is free and plastic is relatively cheap.

Regards,
Michael