This is a hobby littered with the bodies of model makers who have tried admirably and abandoned so many subject matters, because it's just seemingly insurmountable. I always cheer from the sidelines on those builds, and sometimes magic happens. The Slave 1 that the UK fellas pulled off is probably the best example. Yeah, the dynamics and players along the way could be deeply dramatic (myself included), and a couple fellas to this day super duper hate my ass, lol... but wow the work is just top notch and the builds so far are gorgeous. I have no problem complimenting them and that work. Inspiring. It *can* be done.
I got a small taste of that satisfaction on bringing something challening to life myself with the Ion Cannon. I know deep down it's flawed in some ways, because reference isn't ideal. But it's "pretty pretty good".
So, I say all this because holy smokes - an accurate Rebel Transport is happening. YEARS in the making. Many many talented friends working and bringing their skills and resources and references and occasional ACCESS to the original into the project. I've waited for twenty plus years hoping this could happen. Waiting for technology to catch up a little, to make it happen. You will be able to buy machined engine bells, a cast top shell, side plates, and top gondola ready to go with all plating in place. Use it as a guide if you prefer to go hardcore with vacformed styrene, or use as is and have more time in your life to smell the flowers - your choice! Resin cast containers, lasercut mounting plate, and I believe we can easily have an armature machined as well. EVERYTHING ELSE WILL BE UP TO THE BUILDER... it's your standard ESB kit list of donors, I will get into that later. But it's by no means insurmountable to get them all (many of you have them all already I bet).
I'll post updates here as parts are made available - there won't be a kit release so much as a couple waves of parts to buy to aid you in building it. Timeline is "over the next year" being realistic, but I have done this enough to finally be able to say something publicly, confident it's not back burner any more
Machined engine bells will probably be the first thing done, as that is something relatively easy!
Here's some eye candy... many thanks to Hiroshi, Stinson, Craig, Ed, and some others who shall remain behind the shield generator
Main shell in progress:
Mock up, checking arrangements:
Container masters being grown in quantity:
Gondola! Engine hollows will be plugs from the underside:
And here's something to explain why I am so tired, Myrtle and Baxter, my new assistants/model destroyers:
I got a small taste of that satisfaction on bringing something challening to life myself with the Ion Cannon. I know deep down it's flawed in some ways, because reference isn't ideal. But it's "pretty pretty good".
So, I say all this because holy smokes - an accurate Rebel Transport is happening. YEARS in the making. Many many talented friends working and bringing their skills and resources and references and occasional ACCESS to the original into the project. I've waited for twenty plus years hoping this could happen. Waiting for technology to catch up a little, to make it happen. You will be able to buy machined engine bells, a cast top shell, side plates, and top gondola ready to go with all plating in place. Use it as a guide if you prefer to go hardcore with vacformed styrene, or use as is and have more time in your life to smell the flowers - your choice! Resin cast containers, lasercut mounting plate, and I believe we can easily have an armature machined as well. EVERYTHING ELSE WILL BE UP TO THE BUILDER... it's your standard ESB kit list of donors, I will get into that later. But it's by no means insurmountable to get them all (many of you have them all already I bet).
I'll post updates here as parts are made available - there won't be a kit release so much as a couple waves of parts to buy to aid you in building it. Timeline is "over the next year" being realistic, but I have done this enough to finally be able to say something publicly, confident it's not back burner any more
Machined engine bells will probably be the first thing done, as that is something relatively easy!
Here's some eye candy... many thanks to Hiroshi, Stinson, Craig, Ed, and some others who shall remain behind the shield generator
Main shell in progress:
Mock up, checking arrangements:
Container masters being grown in quantity:
Gondola! Engine hollows will be plugs from the underside:
And here's something to explain why I am so tired, Myrtle and Baxter, my new assistants/model destroyers:
