StarshipBuilder's Studio-Scale Galactica #3

[star-art]

This is a commissioned build consisting of a head section module and engine section module only. The client is assembling the rest of the ship using pre-fab components (designed by me) that he received from Custom Replicas.

As with my previous effort, I will be building the structure ready to detail and the client will take it from there.

Here are some pics of what's been accomplished so far. Please see my other Galactica build thread for more details on things like my custom aluminum workbench, jigs, etc.

To see more, please be sure to visit the thread started by the client over at StudioScaleModelers.com. (Membership required in order to view.)

 

[ringa]

Wow, Charles! You really go the extra mile to ensure top quality. You've built these for others, I'd love to see you build one for you! You certainly have worked hard enough to deserve a Galactica of your own.

 

[star-art]

Thanks! I will keep building these while I can. I'm very thankful for the opportunity, that's for sure.

Maybe one day, I'll get back to building one for myself. But, I have lots of other stuff I also want to get done.

 

[star-art]

The bottom of the head section for this build is now complete. I'm still missing some key parts for the top so I'll be taking a break from this to concentrate on building up not one but *two* engine sections. See my other thread for more details on the first one. More parts are arriving this week and there will be lots to do!

 

[ringa]

Looking good!

 

[star-art]

I took a break from building the engine section for Galactica #2 to make further progress on the head section for Galactica #3 (juggling these monsters sure isn't easy!).

It's really starting to come together. The modified hatch tub is now complete and installed. I redesigned the parts to make it a bit easier to build the eye sockets as that is one of the most difficult tasks with this design. I also took some extra time to round over some of the sharp corners inside the structure as they can be quite hazardous.

The access hatch has been built, skinned, and test fitted in place. With this design, the hatch is a self-contained unit with integral light source and fiber optics. The original had dozens of fibers going into a light source between the "eyes." As a result, it was not possible to remove the top hatch because it was tethered to the rest of the head by the fibers. With my design, there are only two wires connected to a plug. By unplugging the electrical harness, the entire hatch can be taken off the model for more convenient internal access to the head section.

There is something else that complicates the design. The rear of the access hatch actually extends back into neck rather than being secured to the head structure. (This was how the original was built.) To make sure everything fits together properly, I bolted the neck section from Galactica #2 in place to see how it all goes together.

The upper stringers have also been built and installed. These are another new feature I recently added to the design. They make it much easier to align and install the top skins. But, making patterns for them required using some advanced 3D techniques since they curve in two directions.

Speaking of the top, next I'll glue down the sides of the top skin on either side of the hatch. Then, the side skins can go on. The lower portion of the top skin, however, does not get glued permanently in place right now. That's because the client will need to get underneath it to run fibers for the lights. So, I will just tape it in place for delivery.

 

[ringa]

That's looking outstanding, Charles!

 

[star-art]

This is becoming a 2-person thread! LOL

 

[ringa]

It's OK, dude, I like your work. There's good, great and then there's what you're doing.

 

[Captain April]

I have been following the thread and as a member of your Starshipbuilders site under the same screen name, I am well aware of your work. I am just enjoying the updated high tech version of our favorite Battlestar. BTW are you going to detail the model or is the customer going to do it himself?

 

[star-art]

I'm just building the body and the client will take it from there. This is the most fun part for me, anyway. It allows me to take on more projects as well since the detailing can often take months (or even years) to complete.

I may be doing some custom wiring and lighting work, though. I'm talking to the client about those options as we speak. I have a lot of experience making custom wiring harnesses, soldering, working with LEDs, etc. I love doing 12V work as I used to do a lot of custom wiring for cars in my younger days.

 

[LastBattlestar]

It allows me to take on more projects as well since the detailing can often take months (or even years) to complete.

Years.

Mike

 

[star-art]

Hey, Mike! Glad to see you over here for a change.

 

[-... . .- --..]

Mostly lurking this summer, but this is still one of a small number of must-read threads for me.

Keep up the incredible work, Charles!

 

[star-art]

Thanks, Kevin!

 

[star-art]

Time for a long-overdue update. One of the reasons this project is taking a while is because A) the scope has expanded and B) I'm juggling more builds at one time than I think I have ever attempted. All of them are challenging as well. I am building two head sections, two neck sections, and two engine sections -- all at the same time.

The client originally was going to get just the head section, but this has now been expanded to include the engine section and neck section as well. I'm not complaining, though, as I am very thankful for the opportunity to keep building these.

The head section for this build is being wrapped up as we speak. I have finalized the top hatch, installed the top skin, side skins, and built the eye sockets. The upper and lower "lips" are on. The only detail left to add is a "shelf" of sorts on top of each "upper lip." Then, some minor puttying, sanding, and cleanup and this section will be ready for delivery.

Sorry for the poor photography. The white styrene parts are really bright and contrast strongly with the black plex. I have a weird combination of incandescent and fluorescent lighting in the shop and the camera really doesn't like it (or me, it seems, as I rarely get any good pictures from it). LOL

 

[moffeaton]

Charles, if I win the lottery, expect a phone call!!!

:lol

 

[star-art]

LOL! I should have these builds wrapped up by next month. I'll be looking for the next project, so if anyone else wants one, now's the time!

 

[Wombat]

Now thats whats called a Battlestar head right there!:love

Absolutely outstanding work both in the planning and construction of it all.

Looking forward to getting some grubby paw marks on it soon!:love

 

[ShowCraft]

WOW! Exceedingly high level of engineering. That's going to be one solid beast.