TOS Galactica (Studio-Scale) -- Engine Mystery Parts

[star-art]

These have never been (publicly) identified. There are lots of theories, but who knows if the exact original parts will ever be found.

My client and good friend Phil ("Wombat" over at StudioScaleModelers.com) commissioned me to recreate the original parts as closely as possible.

Starting with my 3D recreation of the Galactica studio miniature's engine section, I positioned the outlines of the parts to match the photos. I then built them in 3D.

When finished, the parts were exported to STL format and printed. They are now being molded so that castings can be made available.

 

[moffeaton]

Awesome!!
I always assumed they were the D51 I don't have still, lol

 

[star-art]

Thanks! Now that we've gone to all this trouble (and expense) you just know someone is going to reply and say something like, "Hey, I know what those are!" LOL

It's sort of like the old saying that the perfect reference for your project always becomes available right after you completely finish the model. :lol

 

[moffeaton]

Right? I thought Blade Runner Blimp pics would rain down after I finished that first one, but nooooooooooo

 

[GKvfx]

Right? I thought Blade Runner Blimp pics would rain down after I finished that first one, but nooooooooooo

We're saving them till you finish the third one..... :devil

Signed,
The Blimp Illuminati

 

[sleepless]

I would be up for a set if they become available

 

[star-art]

LOL Gene

Guys, this isn't a "For Sale" or interest thread. Otherwise, it could end up in the Junk Yard section where it would quickly get lost among thousands of other posts.

If castings become available, I'll create a JY thread and link to it here so nobody misses out.

Thanks!

PS For those who are curious about the printing process, the four main parts came out so perfect they could have gone straight into rubber. (The photos show the "raw" parts as I received them.) I primed them with Tamiya fine white primer anyway just to be sure.

The tube parts were printed with a different process to save money (since they had no surface detail). Even though in the pics they appear to have a texture, they are actually very smooth. After priming, I noticed what appeared to be fine "cracks" near the edges (where the curvature is steepest). This is simply the result of the layering process. A little touch-up putty and another coat of primer and they will be ready for rubber.

 

[GKvfx]

What was the material? Was it that ABS stuff? Or the resin material?

Gene

 

[star-art]

An acrylic based resin.

 

[mvmagic]

The shortest part of those pictured looks so familiar its annoying. I can almost place it, but not quite. I have a feeling I have that part in a box somewhere. I built a carry-on lie detector prop for a play a few years back and I am 99% certain I used that part on it. That said, I am no expert in studio scale but I will certainly go thru my boxes for any clues.

 

[star-art]

That would be fantastic, thanks!

 

[mvmagic]

So far no luck. I had one box which was labeled "otaki parts" and the few parts there seem to fit the scale (to me anyway). Wasn't Otaki a Japanese model company that had train kits? Were they used on BSG? Like I said, I am no expert, just bought boxes of greeblies from the widow of an professional model builder and over the years have used them on many things from props to models to set pieces.

 

[star-art]

Otaki was a Japanese model kit company that made planes, trains, and automobiles. Some of their molds were re-used by ARII.

Several Otaki kits were bashed for Galactica studio models. One of the most unusual was indeed a locomotive kit.

Thanks for trying!

 

[dejahthoris]

It is picture search of　'ootaki d51'

I am pleased if it becomes helpful.

 

[Richard_2001]

Gentlemen,

From that search the yellow box Otaki D-51 is the kit you want for the Galactica. The pink box and later kits have been retooled and surgery is required to make the parts fit and they have a new pebbled finish vs smooth on the older kits.

Richard

 

[Imperious]

This is the kit you need. Estes LTV Scout, popped from 1977-1982.

I got mine in December for around $45, when they would go from $50-$70 or so. It looks like someone found out about it and might be hoarding as last month they started going for $115-$135.

I hope this helps you.

 

[jawsmodels]

Thanks Sean! Much appreciated.

 

[LastBattlestar]

Wow, finally! Thanks.so much Sean, you are the master. Hey, get on Facebook and join in the original Galactica models page, there's a lot going on there!

Mike