Death Star 2 Port Attack Diorama

This is simply awesome. Can't wait to see more. I'm truly inspired to take my modeling to the next level.

Just catching up on this now Kevin, as I don't spend a lot of time in the Sci-fi zone. This is just spectacular!!!!

Thanks.  Yeah, might be the slowest build ever with the three-month breaks ever so often, but it will get there eventually... lol.

My large rough-cut piece of ABS was ready Fri, so I got some work done on the new surface base... new piece of MDF and got the embedded grid piece roughed in.

Added a thick metal edging with some angles and flats.  Will also make a nice lip for the eventual acrylic cover...  next to cutting the hole in the MDF and reading the mounting points.

Kevin....there is something seriously wrong with you....lol.....and I love that model!

The concept....and the execution....is pretty darned inspiring.

Mate - I can't wait to see more.  Very nicely done.

Woah! Looking alot more like the set every time I see it!  

Thanks guys.  Starting to look like something...

Past the scary part...  I used the edge of the ABS circle to cut the new circle out of the MDF.  I thought about using a router, but haven't used one in years... didn't want to chance it.  Forgot how much fine sawdust MDF makes.  Got it cut out and drum-sanded smooth and even with the ABS edge.  Did a test fit over the lower port.  Also taped in a piece of edging that I'm thinking of putting around the inside edge for a nice uniform edge.  Epoxying the ABS to the MDF, final sanding, then a test fit for the red port.

Mounted the top... hinges along the back that I can pull the pins on to remove it. Going to want to move this around the house and maybe some shows, so decided not to epoxy, but instead try lots of permanent double-stick tabs to mount the ABS. Had done some previous tests and works well. Should also absorb minor vibrations for all those surface parts. Also got the inner hole cowling installed. A little bit of sanding and primer... then onto the port test.

more awesome work. i like how you caught the SW poster in the reflection. So are you turning the 'table top' into a death star surface to tie in with the port?

Yep.  Check out the previous pages... I laid out the whole surface for that area, with a partial-built laser turret tower.  Lots of cleanup and assembly coming soon on those...

Had an abnormal week of single-digit temps and snow... even too cold in the garage to lay down the surface... got back to 40 degrees today so got 'er done.  Glad I did the inner hole ring, too...

Gone for the holidays then two week sinus infection so been away from the glue and resin for a bit.  Decided to finally make some space in the display room.  Made a little workshop and year-round paint station out of the old basement laundry room.  Good timing since the garage was below zero for like two weeks.  Finally have some room to finish this.

I'm impressed by your Star Wars collection.

Thanks.  That's about the 20% of it that I have room to display... rest is all binned or boxed up in the basement or storage until I make more room.  At least the majority of building will now take place in another room and I've been working on getting dust cases for the stuff that's out, so less work displaying and less maintenance.

Amazing build! Any updates?

Holy wow, very cool. As a big SW fan (see avatar) this is wicked original and very cool!! Thanks!!