Builds By Baz- Full scale Mk II Colonial Viper

sandbagger · Feb 5, 2018

After a colour correction, I moved onto the port side instrument shelf.

Some tweaking to do now to make the starboard shelf fit. There's a former block in the way of one of the protruding instruments. Job for another day. I think I might even have a little sleep tonight.

forttusken · Feb 5, 2018

Awesome! I am working my way up the sides as well and was debating on what to make the side panels from. Looks like wood works pretty well! You really pulled off all the contouring! I'll see if I can get those labels printed and sent out to you since you are getting close!

sandbagger · Feb 9, 2018

Starting the ejector seat configuration with a spacer box underneath to raise it and provide a base to build the rest of the unit from. I also cut the top of the seat off as they did with the original prop to allow for the headrest and integrated systems in the top of the seat. The padded cover just gets folded back and stitched behind the seat to dress it off.

Building the sides and top was tricky and a bit of trail and error. I only really had three half-decent photos to work from at different angles, but they were difficult to translate into shape and size with such limited views and details. I made a frame out of plywood which was pretty basic to back the seat and hug it's contours. Then I started from the top, as the pictures I have are of it are best from there. Working my way down, it was a bit of improvisation with limited materials, but I managed to find a happy approximation.

Again, I found it a big money saver to use cardboard first to freehand the shapes and fit, then transfer to half inch plywood once I had established the form. I'll add in small details later, but that's the main construction finished. It was quite a challenge.

Full story here >> http://www.buildsbybaz.com/cockpit-interior-fit-out/

sandbagger · Feb 13, 2018

Cockpit construction complete. Just a bit of gap filling and some paint left now.

gedmac66 · Feb 13, 2018

Sooo Brilliantly Cool mate !

. That’s looking fantastic , and , like so much fun ! - Not necessarily the hard graft at making it so maybe , but the pleasure of ‘ playing ‘ with it or having to try it out , for research and posterity of course , whenever possible eh !? .

Really appreciate your sharing and updates :thumbsup

:cheersGed

Jintosh · Feb 13, 2018

Looking Great ! And the helmet really sells it.

Prefect42 · Feb 13, 2018

BRILLIANT!!!

I had dreams of putting together a small cockpit a few years ago. Wasn't sure where I would put it. You got this dream up off the flight deck. And soon, the entire ship.

WIll you have space for the engines in the same area? Or will you need to store it in sections?

13doctorwho · Feb 13, 2018

So fracking incredible! What an amazing project. You need to find some property and display... people would to pose standing next to it. Or take it to conventions and charge for pictures sitting in the cockpit. Really awesome work!!!

sandbagger · Feb 15, 2018

My friends Andrew W and David M have both been working hard with the graphic design, re-formatting and installing into the electronic equipment to go into the cockpit. I't's been an exciting day and we've got a lot done!

Full story here. >> http://www.buildsbybaz.com/viper-dradis-and-weapon-systems-screens/

gedmac66 · Feb 15, 2018

Absa - bloody - lutly - brilliant Baz !!! :eek Wishing I had me some friends with know how like that !

You planning on a HUD as well down the track ?

Thanks for sharing ,

:cheersGed

sandbagger · Feb 16, 2018

gedmac66 said:
Absa - bloody - lutly - brilliant Baz !!! :eek Wishing I had me some friends with know how like that !

You planning on a HUD as well down the track ?

Thanks for sharing ,

:cheersGed

Thanks Ged. I am blessed with good people around me. No screen HUD. I like the look of the one I have with the dials and gauges.

edspaged2 · Feb 18, 2018

Epic build mate! Your going to town on this!

perhaps you should keep the CD player so you can play a soundtrack of Battlestar drumming music and All Along the Watchtower

sandbagger · Feb 18, 2018

edspaged2 said:
Epic build mate! Your going to town on this!

perhaps you should keep the CD player so you can play a soundtrack of Battlestar drumming music and All Along the Watchtower

Thanks mate. There's no CD player behind the slot. Don't worry, the engine speakers can double as a DJ box.

joberg · Feb 18, 2018

Wow, pro-job on that project once again mate:cool

sandbagger · Feb 25, 2018

^^^ Thanks Joberg.

Modules 4 & 5, main engine block.

Starting behind the cockpit firewall and continuing for another 3 metres, is the last parts of the fuselage that the three main engines will attach to. Again, I am using plywood formers, spaced and supported on a rigid welded steel frame.