Ok so here's a quick build log...
I'd originally planned to just make the kit out of the box because I was expecting Bandai to make a 1/72 scale version and the Revell kit would be a practice run but they released a 1/144 version instead. After that I decided to add a few of the missing details.
This included:
- Scratch built rear radiator thingy
- A few new panel lines (particularly around the cockpit)
- Engines that light up
The overall look I was going for...
I'd also planned on making a nice beach dio for it to be flying over but half way through the build I realised the colours of the Scarif U Wings were different so I put that idea on hold. I'm actually going to build up a version of the Tie Striker "concept" but I'll save the details of that for another WIP
I didn't take any pics of the radiator but I pretty much just measured out the rear end, cut a piece of 0.3mm styrene sheet to fit then used it as a template to measure out another dozen. I trimmed the corners off each one, glued a stick of styrene (same width) between them and that was pretty much it.
For the engines, I used the electronics that came with the model. A small circuit board with built in switch fits snugly in the fuselage. It powers a small green cockpit light and speaker which lights the cockpit (a horrible bright green) and makes a laser sound when the button is pressed. the button is actually very cleverly hidden under the round thing at the rear of the ship.
First I got rid of the speaker and cockpit light because I was going to replace them with the engine lights.
I drilled holes through the engine cowlings (correct name?) and fuselage halves then ran the LED wires through. Just test fitting at this stage.
Doing it this way you can position the wings in the forward and rear positions.
Next thing to do was to cast clear blue engines because the kit engines were solid grey plastic. I made a mould of one of the engines from sillicone rubber...
Then used clear epoxy with a few drops of blue food colouring to cast the parts...
As I only needed the end nozzles of the engines, it didn't matter if the front bit was a rough. I cut the ends off the kit styrene nozzles then replaced them with the epoxy casts and did a quick lighting test.
FYI for anyone looking to use this method... I used bright-white 3mm 3v LEDs. The kits used 3 LR144 1.5v batteries which gave an output of 4.5v. It's a little higher voltage than the 3v LEDs were designed for but they're pretty forgiving these days and it worked out fine.If I wanted to have them on a lot, they probably won't have a long life span but I'm only planning on switching the engines on every now and then for a few mins to admire them lol. If you're still nervous, pre-made LEDs with built in resistors will fit in the engines just fine.
I painted the rear engines a medium dark grey shade then gave them a wash with Flory Models black and air brushed the nozzles with a darker grey to copy the look of the U Wing in the movie.
The panel lines I added were mostly on the engines as this area was lacking a lot on the kit. They were a real pain too... even with tape as a guide, the scribe just wanted to go off in different directions. I'm guessing it may have been irregularities in the plastic but not really sure. I also scribed in the panel line that runs through the middle of the canopy (missing on the kit) and it made a pretty surprising difference to the overall look.
Another little I added (but is hardly visible) was scratch built control yokes (also missing from the kit). I've got to tell you, at approximately 1/110 scale, they had to be tiny lol. I also moved the figures forward just a little as they were too far back.
Anyway, that's pretty it. just let me know if you'd like paint colours, etc. The painting was pretty much one big experiment for me but I took notes of all the paints used and mix ratios.
Thanks for looking.