Studio Scale Tie Fighter Build - Nice'N Model Designs

[Corellianexports]

Success! I was able to get one of the flashing LEDs attached to both of the "blaster" (super bright) LEDs to create a pulsating effect.

Surprisingly, none of the TIE Fighters in ANH have lit up blasters, but when Vader's ship tries to blast Luke's X-Wing there's a nice close up of the pulsating, white lights on the model. I don't know if this was a post-production effect or the real deal. I like to think they were real LEDs, though.

In any case, I decided to use the same pulsating, white lights for my TIE as seen on the Advanced TIE.

View of the new set up:

Flasing off:

Flashing on:

Flashing LEDs movie:

 

[Corellianexports]

After a couple of months of removing chipped paint, sanding and painting, the wings are finally ready to be painted flat black. It's a good thing too, since I'm just about out of primer:

 

[Corellianexports]

All the hobby stores were complete out of Tamiya Semi-gloss, so I used Krylon Satin. The finish isn't as smooth as Tamiya, but the TIE panels aren't smooth, so I think it worked out. After waiting 7 days for the paint to completely dry, I've started the long and painful process of taping off the black panels. It's definitely easier than taping off the frames:

 

[Corellianexports]

A can and a half of Tamiya Haze Grey later, the wings are done:

 

[Corellianexports]

I've had some trouble in the past with basic, painters tape, so I spent the extra money on "Sharp Lines" tape by Scotch and I'm really impressed with the results:


Not only that, but it was easy to remove. I'll probably use it on my next project, the SS Y-Wing.

 

[Corellianexports]

As I was getting ready to put the wings back onto the fuselage last night, I realized that some of the grey paint had gotten between a couple of strips of painters tape. It's interesting what can or can't be seen on this model in a certain amount of light.

I sprayed some of the Krylon Satin black into a plastic cup and used a tiny brush to cover these small areas. There always seems to be some "touch up" involved with these things:

 

[Corellianexports]

Finally finished final assembly this morning. So here she is in the Icons style display case:

Rear:


Without the display case top:

Rear:


Front with lights:


Rear with lights:

 

[bighead5]

Looks great! You did a nice job!

 

[DaddyfromNaboo]

That is one impressive T.I.E. build!

 

[madebyap]

Hello! How did you clear out all the resin in the ball? I have the same kit from Nice-N circa early 2000s and want to hollow it out. Any suggestions? I was thinking a dremel? Thanks!

 

[Corellianexports]

Hello! How did you clear out all the resin in the ball? I have the same kit from Nice-N circa early 2000s and want to hollow it out. Any suggestions? I was thinking a dremel? Thanks!

I originally started with a dremel, but there's too material for such a small tool, so I used a drill press with the largest bit I had. It removed most of the resin.
I also used an end mill to flatten out the bottom, but a dremel could be used for that.

 

[Corellianexports]

Looks great! You did a nice job!

Thanks. I'm glad it's over.

 

[skahtul]

Incredible work, great build!