Thunderbirds (Star Wars-Style)

[Thunderstarfan5]

I guess to those of you who are now viewing this may be wondering right now, what this is all about. Well this began a good five or so years ago I think, when I began to start toying with an idea which to most may sound crazy, and maybe rather impossible, but might for my case work:

I couldn't help but wonder about the concepts that was used in the abandoned 1999 film that was going to be released. To me they're just so brilliantly redesigned for their time. I just wondered it were possible to model them Star Wars-style.
When I say that, I mean from how the Original SW Trilogy was filmed for their space scenes, like what if the Thunderbirds themselves where rendered as models with access panels to a steel armature each, and fitted with Greeblies/Nurnies for absolute detail?
Purely a theory, but I believe it could be possible, with the right equipment, materials and donors to use, alongside some recognizable ones used 60 years ago, some albeit recreated via 3D modelling software.

I have a Twitter link for further proof of concept: twitter.com/BenjaminEthanS1/st…

I did a little colour hunting with Ford on possible colouration that would look close enough:

And I even recreated the International Rescue graphic that was made for said film too (In just two colours):

So for those who wanna see me build something, tell me if this'll work, because I've already spent years studying, scouring potential Nurnies and design ideas for the five Thunderbird Machines, which may more or less look close to these renders you see here.

So tell me Everyone, will this work?

I'll leave you all to decide whether it's possible... F.A.B.

 

[johnfields]

I don't see why not

 

[joberg]

Start building away my dear Sir

 

[Thunderstarfan5]

Start building away my dear Sir

Not so fast Mister!
I've still to try actually finding the right components, and even which Thunderbird I want to build first. Luckily I've already decided upon what I want my first two to be:

TB5 (1/76): 114ft/18in (Saucer Section Diameter) - 95ft/15in x 85ft/13.4in (Airlock & Equipment Bay section lengths)

TB3 (1/76): 279ft/3.6ft (Length) - 25ft/3.9in/13.2cm (Diameter) - 70ft/11in (Wingspan)
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To us Brits, that's OO Gauge Model Railway, right down to the Kitmaster Girder Bridge, Footbridge, Signal Gantry, Dockside Crane and Windmill produced under Dapol (Previously Airfix), and what was used on the original Thunderbird 5 prop from 1965.
It also means both can work well with Airfix 'Vintage Classics' kits which are now available, as well as some by Revell. But ILM using variously different-scaled kits on Star Wars starships and such, I decided maybe I should find something largely close enough in scale to where I'm going, but also try and make even the bigger or smaller scale Nurnies/Greeblies work in tandem with each other. Thank some fans for identifying most on the Millennium Falcon, Star Destroyers, Star Fighters, Etc.
Listed below are most of the Kits I feel could be worth usage on these two when I eventually build them:

Of course, I might not get all of them, but point is, the sooner I have the basic shapes of both Thunderbirds constructed, the better... I have also been planning on having the two dock via their metallic armatures (In my case Copper Piping and fittings my Father often keeps in the shed and Garage), which can be disguised in a convincing enough way.
Another factor I've chosen, is also what other versions of both I could add aspects of into these models. Here's some that I think brill:

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I am of course open to any suggestions and/or recommendations over the course of this long-term passion project of mine.

 

[joberg]

Of course, not all models can be radically transformed into a SW design...some of the Thunderbirds models are so iconic that it could be done with a minimum of greeblie work, paneling and such to modify them enough to satisfy the viewer (playing on both fans of the series).
I think that the Space Station 5 would be a good place to start (mind you, some of the designs are closer to a 2OO1 A Space Odyssey feel than a SW's). Love the way you're going about and collecting some of the "famous-most-used-greeblies found in various kits

 

[Thunderstarfan5]

Of course, not all models can be radically transformed into a SW design...some of the Thunderbirds models are so iconic that it could be done with a minimum of greeblie work, paneling and such to modify them enough to satisfy the viewer (playing on both fans of the series).
I think that the Space Station 5 would be a good place to start (mind you, some of the designs are closer to a 2OO1 A Space Odyssey feel than a SW's). Love the way you're going about and collecting some of the "famous-most-used-greeblies found in various kits

Good thing I've found the objects to start off with, from my local Home Bargains:

 

[Thunderstarfan5]

I thought the Art palette would make a pretty fair similar vibe to the original TB5 prop by AP films, as seen on this replica by Paul Harrison:

Melamine Round Board you see is meant to be a base layer for the saucer section, and the eventual 'Elbow Section', which I have decided to make a Hexagon shape in pattern. That way I could put base pieces of either a warship, the Deltic or Aircraft body halves upon eitherside, to add the whole 'futuristic', sleek vibe to the station.

 

[Thunderstarfan5]

Of course, not all models can be radically transformed into a SW design...some of the Thunderbirds models are so iconic that it could be done with a minimum of greeblie work, paneling and such to modify them enough to satisfy the viewer (playing on both fans of the series).
I think that the Space Station 5 would be a good place to start (mind you, some of the designs are closer to a 2OO1 A Space Odyssey feel than a SW's). Love the way you're going about and collecting some of the "famous-most-used-greeblies found in various kits

"not all models can be radically transformed into a SW design...some of the Thunderbirds models are so iconic that it could be done with a minimum of greeblie work, paneling and such to modify them enough to satisfy the viewer (playing on both fans of the series)."

That is exactly why on the first four Thunderbirds, I'm going to try throwing the more heavily Nurnied/Greeblied areas on the interior spaces, even round the engines for example, like this rough set of plans I've made for Thunderbird 1:

The design for engine block rear may change over time and once I eventually reach TB1, but that is WAAAAAY off for now!
But owing to the scale I've decided her to be at, I was able to find suitable kits by both Tamiya and Trumpeter; Latter two of course:

Whatever pieces that remain from either one of them could be reused for other models, including maybe a 24th Scale set of Thunderbird 2's Modular Pods (Removable Magnetic numbered doors & Wall panel detailing.)
Aerodynamic shapes of Ship Hulls, Submarines and Aircraft though, along with bombs and drop tanks, would be most suitable for giving each one of the Thunderbirds a strong enough 'futuristic' modern vibe.

 

[publiusr]

“Use the Force, Parker…”

“Yes, Mi’lady.”

 

[Thunderstarfan5]

That's a good one!

“Use the Force, Parker…”

 

[joberg]

Right, so most of the paneling effects were made with an airbrush on the models of the original series. One of the transformation you could do would be to actually score the paneling lines or clad the model with different panels (like in SW).

 

[Thunderstarfan5]

Right, so most of the paneling effects were made with an airbrush on the models of the original series. One of the transformation you could do would be to actually score the paneling lines or clad the model with different panels (like in SW).

I've already got an idea on that score: Cricut Vinyl. Combined with Letraset tapes and cut Styrene squares, they'd make quite the difference! Also adds much thinner panelling to the models too! By the way, you said I could possibly add to the Thunderbirds a '2001-esque feel', right? Got pictures to show how exactly?

 

[Thunderstarfan5]

Right, I've been studying a side render of Thunderbird 5, and found forth a way to make up the saucer section, just by designing this template based upon the render.
Circles you see are where holes for copper tube structure, lighting and electrical wiring will be drilled, while also allowing air to circulate through them, providing light weight to the model.
Covering it over though, I thought of possibly using sheets of Balsa or Styrene coated in Isopon O.38 Body Filler which I got from my local Halfords. Once applied and sanded smooth, I'll be able to have a nice smooth shell to work on, as well as cut out some access panels which can be removable via copper tubing. Whence Nurnied over, you'd never have known it was there. Either way, it'll be perfect enough to add panel detailing once it's smoothed over.

 

[joberg]

I've already got an idea on that score: Cricut Vinyl. Combined with Letraset tapes and cut Styrene squares, they'd make quite the difference! Also adds much thinner panelling to the models too! By the way, you said I could possibly add to the Thunderbirds a '2001-esque feel', right? Got pictures to show how exactly?

I also use regular tape, or paper labels of various size for the paneling details. It can be painted without any issues. I'm also a fan of high-end cardboard for other paneling stuff. Here's a pic of the Orion shuttle from 2OO1 (Moebius kit). The panels were already scribed-in and I took an airbrush/tape to mask and spray the panels according to the pictures of the movie.

 

[Thunderstarfan5]

I also use regular tape, or paper labels of various size for the paneling details. It can be painted without any issues. I'm also a fan of high-end cardboard for other paneling stuff. Here's a pic of the Orion shuttle from 2OO1 (Moebius kit). The panels were already scribed-in and I took an airbrush/tape to mask and spray the panels according to the pictures of the movie.

An airbrush is most certainly one of the more expensive equipment me and my father plan to acquire one day, alongside a Photon 3D Resin Printer, thanks in large part to advice from a friend of his.
With the latter, I could be able to print out Nurnies/Greeblies that would be otherwise impossible to find these days or afford, as well as try printing out more 'interesting details' I doubt anyone ever tried before:

Worked before on replicas of the Tantive IV & Millennium Falcon, so why can't I do the same?

Lucky I've got many files from certain sites, including Thingiverse!
Not just Sci-Fi and Star Wars, but also Bionicle too, so I'll never have to run low on parts once I get this baby!

 

[Analyzer]

great project!

 

[joberg]

I have a Paasche double-action airbrush (not expensive); comes with an array of different parts: 3 different nozzles/needles. Amazon have good sales on those

 

[Thunderstarfan5]

I have a Paasche double-action airbrush (not expensive); comes with an array of different parts: 3 different nozzles/needles. Amazon have good sales on those

You got a link?

 

[Thunderstarfan5]

Just now I've done some calculations for another possible scale, for my go on Thunderbird 1:

At present I now have two choices in what scale to make her, mostly in order to account for what size she should be in:

(1/35): 115ft/39.4in (Length) - 30ft/10.2in (Height) - 11ft/3.7in=12.6ft/4.3=17.5ft/6in (Diameter) - 60ft/20.5in (Wingspan with wings extended)

(1/65): 115ft/21.2in (Length) - 30ft/5.5in (Height) - 11ft/2in=12.6ft/2.3in=17.5ft/3.2in (Diameter) - 60ft/11in (Wingspan with wings extended)

For example, 65th scale is what I've chosen to do Thunderbird 2 in, so as to account for the relatively large size of both earthbound craft. Any bigger and it would've been highly impractical!
35th scale is my original choice for TB1, since it would mean giving extra detailing to her via Nurnies/Greeblies.
Other refs I've got for her:

I dunno..., what do you all think?

35th Scale..., or 65th?

Give me a good reason, for whichever one you think may be best.

 

[joberg]

I love the design of TBI with the palm trees at the bottom! I would say that, at a 1:35, it would be a good size.