Star Destroyer fibre optics !!!

scotty

Member since
January 2003
From: United Kingdom

Star Destroyer fibre optics !!!

Posted by scotty on Sunday, September 14, 2003 2:57 PM

Does anyone have any tips that will make it easier to complete the Star Wars Star Destroyer with fibre optics, just had a look at the instructions and boy does it look like one hell of a job.

Scott.

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rossjr

Member since
February 2003
From: Minneapolis, MN

Posted by rossjr on Monday, September 15, 2003 9:50 AM

I built this kit. I actually bought a Fiber Optic DS9 and stole the fiber out of that kit as well. This is a kit that requires methodical patience. I worked in sections and was satisfied with the results, I only had one bundle fail on my after doing the entrie ship. I'll see if I can find some pictures for you. Also drilled out the engines and installed grain of wheat bulbs in there as well.

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, September 15, 2003 10:05 AM

All I can say is slow and steady, Scott. It's quite a daunting project, to say the least. Good luck!

demono69

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rossjr

Member since
February 2003
From: Minneapolis, MN

Posted by rossjr on Monday, September 15, 2003 2:11 PM

Before I forget, if you intend to paint this model, my suggestion would be to be sure to stick the fiber through the hole about a 1/4" beyond the surface. Then you can go ahead and do whatever painting you desire, when you are finished you can then go back and trim the off flush with either an X-Acto knife or side cutters. It sure beats trying to mask them....

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scotty

Member since
January 2003
From: United Kingdom

Posted by scotty on Monday, September 15, 2003 2:30 PM

Thanks for the pointers, feel less worried knowing other folks are having the same daunting problems.

scott

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rossjr

Member since
February 2003
From: Minneapolis, MN

Posted by rossjr on Monday, September 15, 2003 3:35 PM

Just remember the old saying about eating an elephant when you work on it....

"How do you eat an elephant, a little at a time...."

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Papa-Echo-64

Member since
February 2003
From: Seattle

Posted by Papa-Echo-64 on Monday, September 15, 2003 6:44 PM

Scotty to the bridge......scotty to the bridge!

I would use a hand vise and hand drill out all those holes! dremel speeds at .010 is too fast and you will actually open up the holes 'oversized'

If you are building the MPC kit .010 optics would be your best choice.

leave the optics out from the ships surface a bit and cut them down 'flush' after you paint the finished model.

I drilled out all the port holes in Minicraft's 1/350 scale TITANIC and boy that was lotza fun!....not!

Be patient and have fun! .....OH yeah....get a few extra DRILL BITS!... they will break no matter how careful you are!

Straighten up and fly right.....

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Prince of Styrene II

Member since
September 2003
From: USA

Posted by Prince of Styrene II on Monday, September 15, 2003 11:05 PM

Papa has the right idea. Use a pin-vise to drill out the holes. Those sad little excuses for drill that the kits supply are junk! Years ago,I built an AGT E-D & ended up using about six times the recommended amount supplied with those kits! (Well, it seemed like a good idea at the time!) Lit up the room like a Christmas tree & the deflector dish threw a blue spotlight on the far wall!
So freaking cool! Wish I took a picture of that before the ship crashed from the cat attack. Sad [:(]

"Hold the weapons, Daddy. I'm going to go get my monkeys." The Dutchess of Styrene

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Papa-Echo-64

Member since
February 2003
From: Seattle

Posted by Papa-Echo-64 on Tuesday, September 16, 2003 12:57 AM

I put some effort in AMT's Enterprise A when on its third release around 89.....and a Cat killed that one too!

The next night the cat was fine as side dish! Tongue [:P]

Also try to find some WHITE LED's TO work with! (never use condecent bulbs....if you can avoid it )

Try:

http://www.eled.com/

They ROCK! with very low prices, helpful staff and NO min orders!

www.galaxyhobby.com

Galaxy Hobby Has a package of .010 ten mil Fiber optics for about 6.00 bucks!
if you can't find it in their catalogue ask fir it.....Iit's on the shelf I saw it just tonight.

Straighten up and fly right.....

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rossjr

Member since
February 2003
From: Minneapolis, MN

Posted by rossjr on Tuesday, September 16, 2003 8:59 AM

Although I agree about the pin vise and initially had trouble with their drill, I did manage to get it work. The nice thing about it is that it is a slow speed. The trick I found is to just let the bit do the work. I even managed to use 1 drill bit on two models..... When I was done with the drill, I cut off the cowling, and glue the handle from a toothbrush on the end and use it for stirring paint........

Works great!!!

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, September 19, 2003 2:10 AM

I'm getting ready to start on my Star d. Great tips guys.

ROSSjr. I thought you ate an elephant butt first to get the worst part out of the way? T.L.

"THIS IS MY GRACELAND!"

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, September 19, 2003 6:21 PM

Hi everyone!
First post here :)
Can anyone tell me where can I find this Star Destroyer? I´ve been looking for ages!
Thanks

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scotty

Member since
January 2003
From: United Kingdom

Posted by scotty on Saturday, September 20, 2003 3:41 PM

Neodxun, I found mine on ebay.co.uk, there usually 1 or 2 on there mine cost my wife £50 as a xmas prezzie last year.

Hope you find 1 and all the luck in the world building it !!!!

Scott

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, September 21, 2003 9:14 PM

Thanks Scott!
Hopefully I´ll find one.

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