Hi Gang,
Don't you think it's time for an update?
Starting with the new foot well greeblie.... I recut the legs and a few of its details using MDF and 1/8" acrylic
1/4" details
I picked up one of those coils lamps a while back and I'm going to mount here and illuminate
During all this excitement... I forgot to pull the bolt out while the MDF dried... it's stuck
I then primed the leg
After punching out the screw I drilled a larger hole for the lamp wiring
After days of sanding I was finally able to add some paint!
While the foot well greeblie was off drying I added silver to the Pin Ball parts
I really liked this configuration
I think it has that Star Wars look
Going to mount into this greeblie
In addition to the Pin Ball parts I cut these
They will be painted silver and placed here
I also cut this shape
This helps me locate the mounting holes
Put into place
Drill the holes
Mounted!
Added silver
Adhered into place!
Many of you might remember Samantha from the Space and Rocket Center... She's now with us full time and stopped by to help add some greeblies to many of the panels! She started off by removing these static light bars and drilling holes for future LEDs
We laser cut these replacement pieces which will be painted white and have new acrylic "buttons" added
She then drilled holes into the metal knobs and mounted into place
Up top and in the corner - Samantha was a HUGE help and we look forward to her continued support! Thanks S!
Now on to the nose! I added these filler strips to the vertical beams. It was easier / cheaper to do this than buy two new pieces of 4x8 sheets
While adding the strips I didn't realize how this area of the nose was warped. I removed the screw (which helped a lot) and when the nose is separated from the body I'll add a filler piece behind the skin to help push the skin out and match the natural curve of the nose.
Added strips to the other side
The main reason for this update is show you how the new Dreaded Volvo panels are coming along! These are not easy... Started with Han's side
Center support
Chewie's side - the strips weren't added to the vertical supports yet
Created a template for the upper panel front on Chewie's side
Creating the template for the back (note the diagonal line - that is the original width of the window sill/ top of the Volvo panel - which I'll explain further down the post)
Cut the pieces and...
I love it when a plan (or lack there of) comes together!
I then started the upper Volvo panels
Piece near the front window
I had to re-cut this piece
Getting closer! I love how the outer edges follow the exterior curve!
Switched over to Han's Side
If you notice, the panel does NOT meet with the edge of the vertical support. The upper Volvo panel is also the start of the canopy window sill. The sill's are approx 2 1/4" wide. Unfortunately, I had to double that width at the back or there would have a massive gap between the Volvo panel and the vertical support. I think adding the additional 2 1/4" was a good compromise. It still retains the original look... Mostly
Cut the piece with all the associated angles (one side is 16 degrees and the other 21 degrees with a curve - very confusing)
Cut the front piece to Han's side - which wound up cracking... I didn't cut with the grain... ugh
Cut the top piece to Chewie's side upper Volvo panel
Making sure everything fits. Naturally, I had to pick the most warped boards I could find... ugh
In this pic you can see how thin the panels are at the window. BUT... they finally match the exterior curve! Skinning the exterior side of the panel is going to be fun and challenging! I'm really looking forward to adding the hoses!
Samantha and I then added bracing to all the corners and T Nuts. The T Nuts will allow me to mount the panels to the vertical supports/body since the Volvo panels will essentially be skinned and sealed. But I'm probably going to add some access panels just in case!
Whew... and that's that...
A HUGE thank you to Samantha and Scott for their help over the weekend!
More to Follow!