U.S.S Cygnus 1/700 scale… a study in insanity

[mrchester]

Well, I’ve decided to jump on the grenade and try to tackle the above mentioned subject. This is the Primitive Dave model that was available through Shapeways. For those who followed my failed MPC Cygnus thread, you would know that I had purchased some of the 700 scale parts back when it and the 350 scale one was being developed. As time passed I acquired some other components. This past January I was still figuring out what the devil I was doing with my new life ( this is the first anniversary of the passing of my wife, Monique). Something told me to go ahead and get the rest of the parts from Shapeways. The only parts I couldn’t get were the Probe ship, the Palomino, and the upper Command tower spire. These parts were available through Shapeways and were used on a previous thread for this same model. I’m mentioning this early because they were listed as ‘Not For Sale’ at Shapeways. And now the worst part, for those who don’t know, Shapeways has folded and Primitive Dave’s files had disappeared (along with Dave). If you can help me with the previously mentioned parts, it would be greatly appreciated. Now on with the show.
The first pictures are of the obligatory ‘put the pieces together for the first shot of ‘Wow’ ‘.

 

[mrchester]

This thing that stands out is it’s easy to tell which parts are older than the rest. Old ones are not as white and the newer parts had better print quality. There were a couple of old pieces that were not the best of quality. Fortunately, I got new prints made.

 

[mrchester]

On a side note, I was able to convert my garage to my hobby room. It beats the 6’x 6’ area that I had before. More ‘stick it together pictures.

 

[mrchester]

 

[mrchester]

In a preliminary examination of the parts there are only a couple of things that I found that needed addressing. The main engines have a rectangular opening that the blast shield fits into. My prints had a real tight fit that actually distorted the shields. Knife and file work helped with that. Also, three are three ‘timing’ pins on the main engine rear frames. They fit into the stern upper decking, but my prints had the third hole blocked over. I just removed the offending pin(s).

 

[mrchester]

The rear offender of having to much accuracy in your model is in the bow section. The box assembly has pipes running through the interior where the acrylic box is supposed to go (right side of first picture, the pipe runs full length but only in the lower corner on the left). The easiest thing to do is cut out the pipes or….
Before I pay this off, I had gotten the acrylic armature parts that were mentioned on Primitive Dave’s postings. I will address this soon with all of the page info on where to find the stuff.
Now, for the pipes in the bow section, I modified the light box by milling out clearance for the pipes. I filled in the missing sections with some cut out sections of blister packaging. And now for some pictures out of construction order.

 

[mrchester]

More bow pictures…third one is a teaser.

 

[mrchester]

Having the armature components helped with one thing at the beginning. You can actually stick mst of the model together to really get that Wow factor. It also helps with those pesky fitment issues. I also found that the external pipes that connect together between the main section pieces needed to have the female parts opened up. This was achieved with a micro drill and small number drills. Im passing on the finer details on what size drills and pictures because I got no pictures of this. However, when I get to retro fitting the forward engines for lights, I’ll be a bit more clear… and pictures. Bunch of pictures for the next few posts.

 

[mrchester]

 

[mrchester]

Gravity helped out with the fitment issues.

 

[mrchester]

Okay, I’m going to post the last of the ‘white’ pictures. I want to thank everyone for the ‘likes’ I will reply to comments. I might be a little slow on that front though. Now, more pictures.

 

[mrchester]

 

[mrchester]

 

[mrchester]

Here’s one more teaser picture… it’s a light color test. Next episode “Using a Turkey Frier Without a burning Down Your Garage”

 

[JNordgren42]

That is truly a thing of beauty!

 

[Cinematheque]

She's a stunner without question.

 

[Attirex]

Draw dropping work! I will always love this ship.

 

[Laspector]

That is way too cool!

 

[spidermanna]

That is the most beautiful model I have ever seen (apart from Adriana Lima). Truly amazing work. It probably cost you more to make than the Black Hole made at the box office. Have to ask, is there a little Palomino that goes with it?

 

[modelerdave]

That is gorgeous with the lights on. Wow.