Which Issue was this in?

Welcome to FSM forums Mike. I am sorry I don't recall that issue. I am sure some one in the forums can give you the information you are seeking.
mark956

I do not remember which issue it was, but I do vaguely recall the article. Why don't you look for the old AMT/Ertl Death Star? They originally clearanced out at a whopping $9 or so and should be available on Ebay. I've got one and it is about the size of a volley ball, slightly smaller than a basketball.

It was the May 1995 issue. I was just reading my copy this evening.

I did a quick search and only came up with this in the TOC:

"Into the Death Star" A "Star Wars" Diorama
by Dan Thompson
A 1/262 scale scene from "Return of the Jedi."
http://www.finescale.com/fsm/html/issues/1997/1997_3_issue.asp

Thanks Woody and to all for their input. I'm not building a Death Star, but plan on using some of the techniques from that article on a long awaited pet project. I am going to attempt a 2001 Space Pod with a twist. I'm trying to use only easily available materials in standard stock sizes, no casting and minimal vac forming. In short, a pod on the cheap...I found a large 51/2 inch dia. styrene ornament at a craft store the other day for a buck and a quarter, so I'm off to a good start. Given the self imposed restrictions, some proportions will be off slightly one way or the other but overall it looks pretty good on paper.

Mike

Good luck on your project Mike. I hope you can post some pictures of it once it's completed.
mark956

Not a problem! It was kind of weird that I had just finished reading that very same article. Let us know how your project is going.

I knew I had it I just didn't feel like rooting through almost a complete set of FSM to find it. I'll keep you posted on progress (or lack thereof). Lots of honey-do's to deal with. Just finished a stained glass picture frame and I'm supposed to help crank up the
Christmas cookie factory. Mmmmmmm Coooookies......
I hope to start actually cutting plastic soon. Maybe one more trip to Office Max to tweak the drawings and possibly a visit to the hardware store for good measure.