Starbug - Red Dwarf

[Dimus]

I'm starting a build of Starbug. Aiming for a model approximately 20cm in length.

I've started a basic schematic of the mainly body using various reference pics.

Has anyone else done a model and if so do my measurements look okay?

Will post progress once I actually begin building.

 

[Dimus]

Progress. Now to order some bits.

 

[dano]

If it's of any help the original was made from EMA hemispheres so if you look at their catalogue and find the sizes closest to your measurements that could help?

 

[Dimus]

Some parts ordered and build underway.

 

[dano]

I hope these are of use Dimus? This was from the first Smallspace event nearly 10 years ago. This is the original large scale hero prop that Mike Tucker was kind enough to let me take some detail shots of after the event had finished. Apologies that the colours are a bit washed out and nit as great focus wise as they could be, the digital camera I had at the time was very inconsistent.

 

[ForbiddenOnion]

Gonna pay close attention to this one. Wish there were more Starbug kits out there.

 

[JNordgren42]

Smegging fantastic! I can't wait to see your progress.

 

[SteelDragon]

I've never heard of Starbug before, but even still, this is an awesome looking ship. I hope the build goes well for you!

 

[JNordgren42]

I've never heard of Starbug before, but even still, this is an awesome looking ship. I hope the build goes well for you!

You need to watch Red Dwarf STAT! It's my favorite sci-fi comedy. Great writing and acting, and the effects were pretty decent for the time, especially for British TV.

 

[SteelDragon]

You need to watch Red Dwarf STAT! It's my favorite sci-fi comedy. Great writing and acting, and the effects were pretty decent for the time, especially for British TV.

I will absolutely watch it! Sci-Fi and comedy are my two of my favorite things. As far as British TV goes, on the account of being american, I don't have much knowledge outside of Graham Norton, and Monty Python.

 

[the DOCTOR]

I'm starting a build of Starbug. Aiming for a model approximately 20cm in length.

I've started a basic schematic of the mainly body using various reference pics.

Has anyone else done a model and if so do my measurements look okay?

Will post progress once I actually begin building.

View attachment 1408483

Off the top of my head (because things like this stick) the article about making the miniatures by Rocky Morton in the Red Dwarf Smegazine nearly thirty years ago said the balls were 8 inch, 10 inch and 14 inch, the smaller ones being EMA, and the big one being specially made, so, if my maths are correct, you're pretty close, nice work.

 

[the DOCTOR]

Not to highjack, but this is the one I made twenty-odd years ago, out of Christmas baubles and a vac form from an EMA dome, it was basically to the above measurements, but 80mm, 100mm, and 150mm, as that's all I could get hold of:

It's one of my favourite designs, along with the Eagle Transporter and the Liberator from Blake's 7.

 

[dano]

It's Alan "Rocky" Marshall. Your model looks great!

A couple of other bits that hopefully may be of help, the back thrusters are actually light fittings from B&Q, they're now long since discontinued. The inside visor is a plastic visor that was very popular with the vis fx guys, it was used alot for visors as it was gold on one side, silver on the reverse and you can see through it either side. I have got a sample of it somewhere, it was used quite prominently for the Imperial Dalek props where it was used to clad the slats and neck bins, the reverse silver side material was then used for the inside of the iris and the visor for the helmet on the battle computer.

 

[the DOCTOR]

That's him! Had a long chat with him at a Smallspace show a few years ago, nice guy, very modest!

 

[the DOCTOR]

(Just realised I mixed Mr Marshall up with Rocky Morton, one of the people behind "Max Headroom", oh well...)

 

[Dimus]

Awesome photos & info there everyone. Will definitly help with detailing.

More progress. Getting the windows neat took ages at this scale. My new cordless Dremel helped massively though.

Almost ready to start putting the main body sections together. It's going to have engine and front lighting which is complicating things slightly but I think I have it figured out.

 

[SteelDragon]

Looks awesome! Once again good job! I'm sure the lighting will come together, just keep at it.

 

[Dimus]

Quick mockup of the main bits. It sits level so my calculations and measurements were correct. Phew!

 

[dano]

Quick mockup of the main bits. It sits level so my calculations and measurements were correct. Phew!View attachment 1422155View attachment 1422156

That is really great progress so far. Really well done!

 

[Dimus]

Engine mockup and started the rear detailing.