T-16 Skyhopper Scratch Build

[Dann]

So I'm gonna be scratch building a T-16 Skyhopper from the 3D files I made in Google Sketch Up. This won't be "Studio Scale" or even totally accurate to the model used in ANH, more of an artist's interpretation and possibly a little simplified in the highly detailed areas.

I received my styrene and glue a few days ago and have been waiting for a day off from work to get this started.

I've never done anything like this before, it will be my first attempt at scratch building, so be gentle, and any advice will be much appreciated.

I haven't finished the 3D model, but I think I'm far enough along to get started. Hopefully it will end up looking something like this.

 

[damon5973]

I have SOOOOOOOO wanted one of these..like the model luke played with and not the hasbro toy.....

good luck I will be watching this..

 

[IEDBOUNTYHUNTER]

Great, cant wait to see it take shape.


Al

 

[Apophis]

Ooo, cool Dann! i hope that heatsink i sent ya will help!

 

[Dann]

It certainly will. I need to check the mail when I get home to see if it's there!

I'm gonna TRY and get the scale close to the real model, but it may not work out that way, the styrene I ordered is cut 12"x12" I think. Haven't measured it but that may not be enough length for the wings.

 

[Apophis]

It shouldve already been there, draginlink got his friday in Maine.

 

[Dann]

Well I didn't check the mail yesterday so maybe it's there. Fingers are crossed!

 

[Sluis Van Shipyards]

I've only finished one scratchbuilt model, so I'm not an expert. The best advice I'd give you is just do it. I spent more time trying to make sure everything was completely perfect before I glued it together. I probably would have had it finished sooner if I'd just put the thing together. I was worried about messing up parts I'd already done a good job on.

 

[Firefoxm31]

lol Jason, kinda how I made mine back in 95...just did it.. did a pattern and went for it....they sold like hot cakes at Fernandos store in Ft Lauderdale too...Could never make enough of em, never made a cannon for it though.
Will

 

[Dann]

Dang that looks nice!

What kinda scale was it?

Got any more photos?

 

[Firefoxm31]

it wasn't all that big, only around 9" tall or so, somewhere I still have the masters...Course now that I've had access to a laser cutter since 96,this would be junk compared to a new one...
Will

 

[Dann]

Well it looks great, nice work my friend!

In other news, just got home and checked the mail, no heatsink.

Give it a few more days.

 

[modelcitizen]

the skyhopper looks almost better without that big gun on it. if i were a racer of skyhoppers i would remove it

 

[dragnink]

As Jerry said I received mine in no time (Thanks again Jerry, yours will be off to you early this next week!)

I have had 2 small packages I sent in the mail (usps) not get delivered recently.. this never, ever happens... and it's been close to 2 weeks and neither of them have been returned to my return address. Makes me nervous as I'm selling lots of old Koolshade to builders right now. I'll be avoiding u.s. mail and going through FedEX though, so hopefully I'll avoid these problems.

I wonder what's causing it? Downsizing, fewer employees? Or maybe just a string of bad luck..

Hope you get yours soon.

Well it looks great, nice work my friend!

In other news, just got home and checked the mail, no heatsink.

Give it a few more days.

 

[Dann]

Finally got the heatsink! Looks perfect!

I've also begun cutting out the main parts from the styrene, though I don't have my camera at the moment.

I'll post some photos when I get the camera back.

 

[Firefoxm31]

Finally got the heatsink! Looks perfect!

I've also begun cutting out the main parts from the styrene, though I don't have my camera at the moment.

I'll post some photos when I get the camera back.

make your vertical stabilizer and wings longer me thinks!
Will

 

[Dann]

Yeah I noticed the real models wings were much longer.

I adjusted for that a little bit, but they'll still be a little shorter.

 

[Dann]

Oh geez, well I just noticed something weird. Apparently the cannon is a separate section because in some reference it has the chrome "tanks" at the top and in some photos the whole assembly is flipped.

 

[Dann]

Well, I keep adjusting the 3D model in scketchup, probably gonna recut some of the parts.

Soon as I get my camera back I'll shoot some photos.

 

[Dann]

Okay, so here's where I'm at. Please don't laugh.

I'm not really sure if I'm going about this the right way or not.

Probably gonna make the wings a bit longer, the only parts that I've glued together are the two main side panels and a triangle at the back where the engine will go.

Any advice is appreciated.