Randy Cooper Imperial Star Destroyer

Hi - I'm new to the site but have often browed models that have featured on the site and have recently used the forums for help in the building of my latest assembly - the Randall Cooper 1/1500 Imperial Star Destroyer.

This is pushing my skills to the limits - I think I got my hands on his last casting of his older Star Destroyer as Randy soon after announced he was to revise the kit - its all on his Facebook and YouTube pages and needless to say, I have one of the new kits on back order already with Randy. This kit was not in the greatest of conditions when it arrived, there were signs of significant mould breakdown and distortion and certain parts had to be replaced by 3D printed alternatives. I need add that I have never wired, it or done anything with fibre optics before so that also adds to the challenges I am facing.

So here we are, the main body is nearly done and the upper super-structure is now in the process of being wired and optic loomed up.

This is the first resin "garage" type kit I have attempted - and have Randy's Sand Crawler ready to build in the gap while I wait for his new ISD to be released.

Thanks for looking in - John

3D printed hangar - with TIE fighter launch shute and plenty of superb holes for fibre optics

https://flic.kr/p/VDrXrZ

https://flic.kr/p/WFhjo6

3D printed main engines - these are now available on Shapeways if anyone ever needs them

https://flic.kr/p/WUUrY6

as you can see - they look quite hot when illuminated !

https://flic.kr/p/WVXMmA

and unlit, they look like this

https://flic.kr/p/W9n84R

assembly

https://flic.kr/p/X5xvH2

https://flic.kr/p/X5xvgR

https://flic.kr/p/WLKTrW

This picture shows the improvements I made to the forward hangar which will hold an Imperial shuttle in it with it s wings folded - its got fibre optics to light it up - also, the main tractor beam dishes dry fitted here

https://flic.kr/p/WLKTj1

https://flic.kr/p/XnQkyn

The guts of this kit soon started to look like a BT Telephone exchange

https://flic.kr/p/WWMXFo

https://flic.kr/p/Wh4Fbq

https://flic.kr/p/XY4Dc8

https://flic.kr/p/XTVY4h

https://flic.kr/p/XY4CBa

Loads of Evergreen plasticard used for blending n joins etc

https://flic.kr/p/Xn5eJu

https://flic.kr/p/XY4C7T

3D printed gun emplacements - those supplied with the kit were not really worth using

https://flic.kr/p/Xn5eB5

more panel join blending

https://flic.kr/p/WVXMwq

having just watched Rogue One again when the ISD powers up her 3 big main engines over Jedha, I am very pleased with these big burners

https://flic.kr/p/XWzYZ3

https://flic.kr/p/XACxGw

4 Hyperdrive boost engines test

https://flic.kr/p/XWzYLN

https://flic.kr/p/XACxvj

https://flic.kr/p/XACxjN

https://flic.kr/p/XWzXZs

test on display stand

https://flic.kr/p/XACwZ9

https://flic.kr/p/XWzXvS

https://flic.kr/p/XACwBW

https://flic.kr/p/XWzXgy

https://flic.kr/p/XACwpG

https://flic.kr/p/XWzWnj

https://flic.kr/p/XWzWzo

thanks for any interest this might inspire - John
 
Man, your build makes me drool. Very awesome work.

I've only just discovered RC's stuff but his SD has me intrigued because the Zvezda kit isn't as detailed as I like, and I'm losing hope Bandai will ever release an SD.

So dumb question: I notice in the photos there are wooden bits for interior support. I'm assuming you have to make those yourself--does Randy provide templates? Wondering because the crafting required for this kit might be beyond my skills and available tools (and in the case of his upcoming retooled SD, also beyond my budget).

Thanks!
 
Hi Attirex - thanks for the note. The kit has 3 basic internal supports but they are not great and wont really be sufficient to support the kit when lighting and other guts are added - most builders of this kit re-enforce their kits as I have with either metal or timber. The next ISD from Randy that I build, will have a sturdier internal structure as what I have used is not really sufficient for what I have produced - it weighs a ton with all the internal extras. If you go to Randy's facebook pages, you can see how he has created his internal tube structure but I'm not sure he will produce the kit with the same internal supports, and may leave his new kit with just the 3 internal supports which he supplied with his old ISD. You will need a long flat surface to build this kit and some tools for metal and woodworking, vice etc.

use the link below and scroll forwards for a pictorial of how I built mine to get an idea if its within your limits - and good luck if you do get one of these as they are worth every penny in my opinion

http://s1110.photobucket.com/user/J...ers/DSCF6731_zps5dd18rog.jpg.html?sort=2&o=39

Regards - John
 
DSCF7064.JPG
https://flic.kr/p/YfNLyX
https://flic.kr/p/XeVdeP
https://flic.kr/p/YfNLmc
https://flic.kr/p/YfNL62
https://flic.kr/p/YthLtH
https://flic.kr/p/YfNKDR
https://flic.kr/p/YbDXrA

- - - Updated - - -

ah ha - just worked out how to make the pictures come up without having to paste a lnk - so here you go

DSCF7088.JPG
 
I did one a couple of years back, it was a real joy. It's really hard not to over-do it with the fiber strands.
I have a few pics on my website www.nbg-studios.com
 
wow Nils - your build is amazing. Mine wont have anywhere clos to the same number of fibre optics s yours - I have stuck with 1mm fibre as this was my very first fibre lighting experiment in modelling and did not have the knowledge or confidence to use smaller threads - that said, the 5 or 6 main bridge screen windows were done in 0.2mm threads and the hangar optics were 3mm to produce a brighter light in the under belly main and forward hangars.

Its rewarding to see that in certain areas of your build, you had to use plastistrip to blend in the joins and make light tight exactly where I have - I have been using a square punch and nibbler tool that Randy recommends on one of his YouTube videos to cutting plasticard shapes to help blend in joins and make the upper super structure joins light tight.

Both my 2 deflector shield domes were too badly cast to be able to use so I had to opt for a 3D printed alternative from Shapeways.

Your collection is outstanding - so very very jelous

Regards - John
 
DSCF7150.JPG

DSCF7151.JPG

DSCF7152.JPG

DSCF7154.JPG

The model is now completed and ready to be exhibited in November at the UK IPMS International show. I shall upload some pictures of the Destroyer shortly

thank you for following - John
 
completed Star Destroyer

DSCF7212.JPG

DSCF7211.JPG

DSCF7207.JPG

DSCF7205.JPG

- - - Updated - - -

oh, nearly forgot to include the illuminated hot end - the engine baffle plates with tiny reflective mirrors help deflect light back into the engine nacelle which really adds to the aesthetics

DSCF7181.JPG

DSCF7179.JPG
 
Great project!

Awesome!! The back view is amazing!

Randy is using some of my 3D printed parts for his new ISD.
And I've made too the Rogue One Devastator style domes -in this case for the Zvezda.
 
yes I saw Randy had some 3D printed new pieces going into his MKII star destroyer - the engines I used are a 3D printed assembly from shapeways @ about £240.00
 
That model is massive, good luck on your build! Randy is now accepting orders for his V.2 ISD...$750, ouch. And where the hell would I display it? :lol
 
Fantastic work Shelter, I'm very impressed...ultra cool :thumbsup I'd love one of those myself, but I have the same problem as our friend Guns, where would I put it?
 
This thread is more than 6 years old.

Your message may be considered spam for the following reasons:

  1. This thread hasn't been active in some time. A new post in this thread might not contribute constructively to this discussion after so long.
If you wish to reply despite these issues, check the box below before replying.
Be aware that malicious compliance may result in more severe penalties.
Back
Top