fox

What is your background in electronics?

I guess it depends on how one looks at it.  Pure electronics, pretty much nill.  I couldn't scratch build a timing circuit to make a blinky light to save my life.

I do however have some experience with programing microcontrollers such as Arduino.  I could definitely program those types of actions and tie them to buttons/etc.  My challenge would be a lack of experience in modding models and wiring.  But I am rather fond of trying something new in every build. 

Rob Gronovius

Awesome idea, I have many of those kits, would love to do it, but space, the final front...wait, yeah, lack of space would provent me from doing so.

 

While I  can fit it on the bench I am going to have to find a way to move the parts in process around.  I won't be able to keep all of it on there while being built.  Model building Tetris.

What is your background in electronics? I've seen WWII dios at shows with lights flashing in sequence across a field that looked like machine gun tracers lining up on their target.  There are companies that sell lighting and sound effects for models. The best was a B-29 that when you threw a switch, the engines started one at a time (with sound and smoke coming out the exhaust {courtesy of old model RR engine}), sound of engines running up, lights on, taxiing and take off. Anything is possible. You just have to enter the "Twilight Zone" and come back out in one piece. 

Jim 

Stay Safe.

All you need now is some pyrotechnics in there to hopscotch explosions across the surface 

Awesome idea, I have many of those kits, would love to do it, but space, the final front...wait, yeah, lack of space would provent me from doing so.

Took a moment this evening to snip out all the tiles.  Turns out I had 39.  3 of them are spare thermal exhaust ports.  Guess you can't have too many of those on a Death Star. 

Arranged in a 6x6 grid.  Death Star Sudoko!

And with a cutting mat for size reference. 

This is definitely going to be sizeable.

International Rescue:

Item number something or other for the ideas list.  Hidden lighting in the display.  I like it!

Everyone:

Y'all are great!

The input I've been getting is most definitely making me look at this project in a whole new light (maybe a little bit of a pun was intended ).  I've been jotting down ideas like mad both from what the forum has shared as well as the ideas your ideas have inspired. 

Please keep them coming! 

Gamera

Oh wow, only advice I'd have is make it in multiple parts for sure unless you're never going to move it. 

 

Love your concept and it looks like a great project to dive into and see where it takes you; might be one of those where you start in one direction but switch it up half way through.  Either way it looks like fun and thats what it's all about!  One thought since it will be a longer display is to conisder hanging it on the wall.  That would make it easier to view and minimize any risk of damage sitting on a display cabinet or low shelf. Another thought is to place some hidden lights in the trench to provide some extra shadows and interest.  Looking forward to seeing where this one takes you!  

Cheers 

Oh wow, only advice I'd have is make it in multiple parts for sure unless you're never going to move it. 

Greg: Wiser words were never spoken.   It is a large project and that alone can make it hard to start.  Yours and others feedback has got me fired up to get this started!

Ikar01:  I have a feeling the scars of battle will be present throughout.  And it's all justifiable as we well know many attack runs were made.

Bill:   I hadn't thought of making a rough model of it first.  I have some general thoughts but nothing more.  Your words reminded me of something I read a long while back.  It was along the lines if you want to succeed, plan it out first.  It might seem like busywork now but it will save time in "fixing" and "figuring out" later.  Thank you!

TJS: 

Thanks!

1. It will be open on one side.  I thought it would be easier to illuminate the display as well as improve the viewing experience by revealing more of the scene.
2. Regarding resin cast/3D print of the tiles.  An excellent question.  There was one company that had some a while back but haven't checked recently.  I am fairly certain I have enough but sometimes these project can grow unexpectedly.  I shall have to see if I can still source any. 
3. Sound had not been on my list but could be a fun addition.  An excellent stretch goal.  Thank you for suggesting it!

First off, great and very ambitious idea for a model diorama!  Questions - 1. Will your trench have two sides, so you'll have to look at it either from the top or both ends, or will it be open on one side?  2. Does anyone currently mold either 3-D or resin the bases(Death Star surface) to give you the "square footage" and blaster towers to complete your trench/diorama?  3.  Since you're going all in with this project with the lighting, have you considered adding sound effects?  

This is going to be an epic project and I wish you all the luck in completing it.

" May the Force be with you"

TJS

Make a model of the model.

Otherwise you will fail.

Bill

If you fail at one part or point you could always call it battle damage.

There's nothing wrong with a little insanity, as long as it's kept at the modeling bench where it belongs, and not moved out into the streets.

My advice would be to 'embrace the madness' and at least make a start as soon as possible.

To further elucidate.

The plan is to mash together three of these kits.

And make a much bigger diorama. 

The Death Star pieces are modular so plenty of opportunity to mix up things including where you find a Turbolaser tower.  Each kit has twelve tiles that are 3" square.  For a total of 36 tiles.

That many tiles, there should be plenty of room for 6 or more fighters.

I've got X-Wings, Y-wings, Ties, and Tie Advances.  With spares of each.  Which means alternate views may be possible.  I even have one of the small Bandai Falcon's as well.

With such a cornucopia of options I thought it would be fun to solicit ideas from the group for what could be happening in it.  There is quite a bit more that could have happened in those trenches that was never shown.  Things like....

A fighter failing to dodge a turbolaser tower and clipping it.

An attempt by some X-Wings to rescue a lone remaining Y-Wing.

A unique way to arrange the 36 tiles.

Or...

I like hearing ideas that aren't sourced from the echo-chamber I call my mind.  ;)

ikar01

That coiuld end up being one large diorame or several smaller ones.  Either way you would need a lot of LEDs, material to construct the trench. or blurry speed photos of the trench.  I don't know how you could simulate the laser firs from behind the X-Wing.  A lot will depend on what your intended final effect will be.

Have fun.

 

I am looking at doing a large static scene based upon the trench.  Tried to use the photos as a fun way to call it out.  

Like I said, it may be insanity.

That coiuld end up being one large diorame or several smaller ones.  Either way you would need a lot of LEDs, material to construct the trench. or blurry speed photos of the trench.  I don't know how you could simulate the laser firs from behind the X-Wing.  A lot will depend on what your intended final effect will be.

Have fun.