Yup still around, just been waiting on parts so I could really do the planning and changes that are floating around in my head.  Assembling the frame showed quite a number of faults (photos eventually).  Things that don't align or that really need extra bracing.  Plus have some ideas for the engine area.

I don't really want to make a model of a crappy movie prop.  What I want to end up with is a model of what a real Falcon would look like.  After all this is a model you can look at up close so not only is the size impressive, but the detail needs to be spot on.  It also needs a bunch of added detail in certain areas. I will print out on cardstock a prototype of the hold that I created a while back cut it out and assemble it for a test fit.  I can tell yu right now that everything in the interior will be pretty much scrachbuilt.  I am thinking about also creating a master floor grate and doing some resin castings then.  The detail should be right up there with the photo etch set from ParaGrafix.  Corridors and cockpit will also be redone.  Note that the cockpit does NOT need to fit inside the exterior of the boom like it was a second skin.  The movie sets are kind of that way but only really have to look good on film.  They don't really have to fit and make sense.  Models do when taken to this level.

Also the engine flaps will be getting a lot of work and revision done to them.  Again that will probably be a master part(s) that will be cast for 26 sets with revisions for specific extra details.

Have a couple of other builds I am working on that I want to finish before spending too much time on this.

Awesome, I was wondering where you guys had went with your giant Falcons. Glad to see you still making progress! 

Looking like you're starting to catch up with me! LOL... I really gotta do some work on mine and now that the holidays are over I'll finally be able to do some work on some of this stuff for a change! :)  Looking great my friend!

Happy New Year Paul.

We're awake now and have caught up with your progress. This is going to be a fun ride now

Had someone on another forum ask how the DeAgostini Falcon compared size wise to the older Fine Molds 1/72 Falcon.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words.

Also note the itty bitty Mtn Dew can.  

Love my Mtn Dew.

This is the last post (for now) I promise.  

Yes it is a big-un isn't it!  Having the frame fully assembled has already shown a number of things that need rework and extra support members.  Also it will help me revise the location of the hold and I can test fit my revised hold to see what will have to be done.  From this point on most of the posts will probably be in the Extreme venue.

Again, Happy New Year everyone and thanks for following along.   

Are we there yet?  (nope)  Here is part 5.  

How much more is there?  Wait and see. . 

Part 6 is next.

Yes this is part 4.

Hey, not done yet, part 5 coming up!

Part 3

Yeah there is a part 4.

Here is part 2.

To be continued...

It has been a while since I did anything on the Falcon.  Mainly I have been waiting on parts to arrive to a point where I could start planning upgrades and changes.  Having received shipment #23 (out of 25) I now have all the metal frame parts which is where I was needing to start with the revisions.

Playing catch up with all that and some ACTUAL CONSTRUCTION this weekend, I have a large load of photos to post so bear with me.  Most of this is just the usual "Got these parts with this issue"  But follow through (or skip it if you must) to the last photo and you will have a surprise of sorts.

As usual I will break all the pics up into small batches.  Works better for page loading in the browser that way.

Happy New Year all and enjoy!  

To be continued...

That is very cool, the perfect backdrop! 

Ran across this on ebay the other day.  Decided it would make an excellent back drop for the finished Falcon.  Definitely something unique and will be a nice addition.

I should be receiving shipment 20 with Issues 77, 78, 79, and 80 in the next few days.  Still busy with other projects at the moment, though they are such that I can think and ponder things to do with the Falcon. 

Thanks for looking in!

Just a note on this item.  The seller pulled a switch and then refunded my money.  While I didn't loose any cash on it, just goes to show that there are some folks out there that just take the cake.  Another friend ran across a post where this was up for sale again and the price was ridiculous.  HA!  Guess the guy will be sitting on it for a while or will have to wait for a real sucker to jump on it.  On another note, if I really wanted something like this, I have some contacts that could do a laser etched panel with anything I could want on it.  Why worry about a jughead that can't do a proper auction on the bay.

Heavens Eagle

You can do the flaky soda straw if you want, but I don't think it is really viable.

I was thinking it would be a covering (like dryer hose) to a more elaborate workings underneath.  Perhaps it would be laser sheilded to protect the inner working robotic positioning system hinges from being damaged (but of course that didn't work too well in TFA! LOL!)

LrdSatyr8

I noticed the same thing about the gun turret.  I'm thinking of a telescoping support the bends like a flexistraw.  Whatcha think?

 

I noticed the same thing about the gun turret.  I'm thinking of a telescoping support that bends like a flexistraw.  Whatcha think?

Wow, the more I watch this I'm convinced that it'd almost be less work to build one of those full-sized kit cars!!! This is going to be amazing when done. 

Here are the parts groupings and layouts.  Finally getting the mandible parts and then there will be the side frames. (FINALLY)  I have decided that most likely I will remove most of the plastic plates off the hull bottom, build up the framing when I get it all and take some photos and do some reinforcement design work on the frame.  It will also allow me to figure out if some of my mod ideas are going to be feasible or not.  Here is the rest of this posting now.

Thanks for looking in folks.  Mostly obtaining the parts these days and brainstorming up a fart! 

You laugh, but I kid you not, there could be farts in the Falcons future.. .Bright ones.

Night all!

Here is the new upgraded screw sheet.  I will also correct the one at the beginning of the posts as it is a "for reference" sheet.

And now the rest of the photos. . .

Here is the next batch. . .

Still another batch coming your way.

Here is another big update and I will do it in multiple posts as it is about 30 photos.  Part of why this is such a big post is that shipment #17 got delayed several weeks and then I finally got it about a week before shipment 19 posted.  I did a special order to get shipments 17 and 18 bumped up and get a little ahead.  All it did was get things all crossed up so I will let the last 6 shipments come as they may.

Here we go!

To be continued. . .

Supercruise

My uncle was a draughtsman for British Railways at the Derby technical center - I wish I had payed more attention to him when I was a kid.

Is there any link you can share or maybe point me in the right direction to the work being done on moving the ramp motor? - I have considered using an RC servo - I fly RC helicopters so I have spare ones to experiment with and I know the guys who fly RC aircraft sometimes use plug in boards to sequence and control the speed of gear doors.

Thanks in advance.

Dave.

Hi Dave... I've been currently working on several ideas that will move the motor off the top of the ramp and out of the way but still be able to lift and lower the ramp... One design I have is currently in the process of testing, but my intentions will be that you'll be able to print a few parts, assemble them together, and move the motor out of the way mounted to those parts, and everything will still work without having to change or modify the motor or it's gears at all.  I don't want to spoil anything until I have a working prototype thou... want to make sure everything works and will even put together an instructional video when it's ready to let everyone know!  Trust me... it's gonna be AWESOME! :)

So far what I have seen is just some concepts and possible ideas.  If you are going to use the DeAgostini control board it runs a regular DC motor with up and down limit switches.  The trick is designing the linkages to do the job.  An RC servo isn't needed and won't work for what you would want.

So far the big wait is due to the fact that no body knows just how much room is between the bottom hull and top hull.  Best suggestion I can give at this point is to keep an eye open on this thread and watch how that problem gets solved.

My uncle was a draughtsman for British Railways at the Derby technical center - I wish I had payed more attention to him when I was a kid.

Is there any link you can share or maybe point me in the right direction to the work being done on moving the ramp motor? - I have considered using an RC servo - I fly RC helicopters so I have spare ones to experiment with and I know the guys who fly RC aircraft sometimes use plug in boards to sequence and control the speed of gear doors.

Thanks in advance.

Dave.

Thanks for posting Dave and Gamera!  Yeah, unfortunately the Millennium Falcon has the "Lost in Space" set to model problem and they don't match or make much sense.  If you take "stated" sizes and dimensions you almost always end up with problems so lets turn it around a bit and look at it from a reverse perspective.

1. The only thing "fixed in stone" about the model is shape and proportions.  NOT SIZE!  Shape and proportions can be either the 5 footer or the 32 inch.  In this case we are dealing with the 32 inch model so it's shape and proprtions are being used.
2. External details again can be from either model.  Usually whichever will look the best for a given part of the model.  NOTE: model "scale" has yet to be addressed yet.
3. Now we have the full (?) scale sets.  The external with ramp, the hold with corridors, the cockpit, and the gun turrets.
4. Now, the largest and only set that actually can be scaled is the hold.  It is a "fixed set size" with dimensions.  Placing this inside the hull (in 3 dimensions x, y, AND Z)  in a logical place will then give us a workable SIZE for the external model shape.  Note that this has to take into account ceiling height and shape as well as the 2 equipment pits.
5. With the size determined we can now determine REAL SCALE.  With that set we can now place the corridor at the top of the ramp, and try to place the corridors to the cockpit and gun turrets.  When there are actual proportions, sizes, and angles where things are supposed to go, it changes the "Loused up In Space" movie sets.

With all of that in mind, here were the steps I went through to generate the latest drawings.

1. Using the set drawing and photos I drew up a scaled and proportional hold.
2. Added some corridors based on other photos of the movie sets.
3. Placed and did initial sizing of model to hold.  (NOT hold to model)
4. Then it was place corridor time.  Ever since the origional movie folks have tried to force the model to fit the angles and spacing of the movie set corridors.  The answer is:  THEY DON'T FIT.
5. So I started with one end of the corridor at the hold.  Placed the other end just inboard of the boarding ramp.  Everthing between just gets shaped to run smoothly.
6. The biggest problem is with the corridor to the cockpit.  The movie sets place a nice sized wall section between the boarding ramp and 'pit corridor, then an equal sized wall to the hold.  It doesn't work as the angle between the ramp and cockpit corridors is too narrow.  Which then makes the length too long to the hold.
7. Final sizing and scale determination will come once I get the top frame AND sides to mount it to the bottom.  hen I will print up a basic hold printed on cardstock and glue it together for an actual trial.  When the size is found where it all fits the final scratchbuild will be done.

As to the ramp motor, there are a couple of folks working on a revision to get the motor out of the way so a ramp area can be built up to the corridor and still work.

I might try and get a photo posted of the ramp set drawing.  It really shows just how small some of the sets are.  The corridor inside just "barely" fits between the top and bottom of the falcon.  Looks good on screen, but not worth a flip for scaling purposes.

Good thinking there, I had no idea but it's good to see you back to work on this. 

Not to beat a dead horse but of course you've got a bunch of separate sets they film on and some cases no one checks to see if anything fits together. Maybe the set builders should get the modelmakers to come over and check some of their stuff?  Good work on getting everything to fit together. 

I remember with the original Trek shuttle the exterior mock-up was shorter than the actors but in the interior set they could walk around in without bending over... 

Hi - I have been following from the begining but this is my first post - You have done some sweet work on yours i.e. like the super-detailing on the turret but you have blown me away with all the theory of how they should actually operate.

I'm building two - One I was doing OOB the other was going to be a screen accurate - You have changed my mind :)

No.1 will most likely be gear up in flight No.2 sat on gear with ramp open - no motor so the corridor can be more detailed.

I do not plan to use the interior but make a dio. (this makes sense to me as it's the wrong scale to the exterior) as the full size film set with blue screens, scaffold, ply-wood and cameras etc - but time will tell on this.

Kudos to you on your build - I will be following.

Dave.

LrdSatyr8

Ok Paul... try this... I think the main problem is that the corridors are believed to be circular... when I believe they are more oval shaped.  If you take that into account, adjust the curvature of the corridor for your diagram in the one titled "Its a no good" and see what happens.  Muahhahahahahahaha! :)

 

Ok Paul... try this... I think the main problem is that the corridors are believed to be circular... when I believe they are more oval shaped.  If you take that into account, adjust the curvature of the corridor for your diagram in the one titled "Its a no good" and see what happens.  Muahhahahahahahaha! :)

Oh, I see now how it is.....sorta

p.s. Cool job of imangering Paul

Here we are, the last installment for now.

Let me know what you think.  Hope you enjoyed!

Now we get to the fun stuff eh!

Yup, you knew it, to be continued. .

Here is the 3rd part of the Basic posts.

Up next some EXtreme posts.

Here is part 2:

To be continued..  (you should have known it was coming)

Welcome to the thread Greg.  We have a huge update (51 pictures) that I am going to be posting today.  The first 30 or so are the usual Falcon Basic which is the rundown on Issues and parts.

THEN, I have a Falcon EXtreme installment where I am starting on the hold and internal details.  A big part of that is determining a scale for the model depending on how the hold fits.  The current consensus is that the hold actually fits best as 1/48 scale.  With my drafting background it is easyest to just draw it up to scale.  Once I have enough of the frame parts to actually put the hull top and bottom together I will print out (on cardstock) the layout, assemble it and test how it actually fits.

I will be posting these as several posts to keep web page length reasonable.  Here we go!

To be continued...

I've just read this thread for the first time (I'm a reaturning member, not been on Finescale for about 7 years) and I have to say I am in complete dripping awe of the work you are doing on this beastie. I for one will keep looking in and I hopeyou don't mind will use this thread for referencewhen I eventually get round to building my ancient AMT 'cutaway' Millenium Falcon (I know it's non too accurate).

All the best

Greg

Great to hear you're just taking a little break here, looking forward to more work on her! 

Have not posted here in a while.  Just don't really have much to report at this point.  I just received Issues 57 thru 60 so that makes two shipments that I need to do the basic posts on.  I have seen posts from our British friends that cover up to Issue 76.  Still no mounting parts for the interior hold through that.

Meanwhile my friend Jim (LrdSatyr8) has been keeping busy with redoing the hold with some impressive creations that he is selling thru Shapeways.  While they look great, I have held off on doing any interior work until I can actually see and test how everything fits.  Once I can determine that I can redo the hold AND cockpit to a common scale with corrections.

Until then I have been focusing on a 1/200 scale Arizona build in the ship section of the forum.  So far most everything I have touched on that kit has needed some tedious rework.  A lot of the same techniques and tools are being used there so you might check it out.

As to the next post on the Falcon, the latest 2 shipments should get posted in the next week or so.

Heavens Eagle

I had to order the Magazine tabs online as no one carried them.  WalMart said they had them but just totally FUBAR'd the order.  Cancelled and ordered from (I believe it was) Kingman office supply which turned out being here in the Memphis area.   Three weeks from (screw it up) WalMart and it never shipped, 2 days from Amazon.   Duh, go figure.  (and it was cheaper)

I looked in Walmart for awhile to find those strips and then DeAgo finally got the binders in stock and I ordered 4 of them.  Frankly I'm glad I did.  I was up to issue 64 and have 65-68 coming this week.  I was able to fill 3 binders and started a 4th.  Only thing I have to do now it create some labels for them 1-20, 21-40, 41-60, 61-80, and 81-100 and place them on my shelf when done.  Would have been really nice if they had done like a mural with the binder backs so that when the binders were filled and on the shelf it looked really cool! :)  I spent most of last night putting the mags in the binders.  FINALLY now I don't have to keep them all in boxes and go hunting for the issue I need!

Great to see her keep rolling along! \

I suppose I could afford one but as a casual SW fan I can't see spending that much money. I'm having enough fun just following along here, thanks again for letting us tag along for the ride.

NucMedTech

Well, my first time jumping in on this thread and now I am sorry I did. Now I want to subscribe but can't afford to plus the "war dept." Would catch me in a blitz! Lol. Seriously, though that is, for lack of a better term, some excellent work. I don't know what I like better, the mods you are doing or the tools you are using to make them. Keep up the great work and the updates!

-Stephen

I understand Stephen, I had to think about it a while before I actually dove in.  If you look at the overall price of the model it is way too intimidating.  As it is a subscription, it actually lessens the hit by a long way.

Here is how I justified it:

1. I really wanted to do a large Falcon and this had huge possibilities to enhance.
2. While the overall cost is a lot the monthly cost is actually $61 (got the $1 shipping)  I spend more than that on lunch, sometimes in a couple of weeks.  Cut back and I don't even notice the charge.
3. Gives me a monthly boost to do something with it.  In some cases I have held back on purpose, in others I am planning so many major changes that without the parts I can't even plan the mods.
4. This is kind of the biggie.  There have been a number of Falcon pro builds over the years and in my opinion most were only average.  The best example is the Master Replicas Falcons that originally were for sale at about $800.  The prices through the production period slowly raised to I believe about $2500 at the end.  Those replicas which are the same size as this kit now go for $5-10k on ebay.  Doesn't mean these will go for anything like that, but when they go out of production those that want one will be chomping at the bit.

All you will have to do then is build a coffee table to house it.  That is what I plan to do eventually though a large multi level display case could end up in the works as well.  I have other really large kits I want to build.

Cost wise though I don't even notice the monthly charge and I am really enjoying the build on this.  Beats the heck out of going to a casino or 3 or 4 movies a month.

Well, my first time jumping in on this thread and now I am sorry I did. Now I want to subscribe but can't afford to plus the "war dept." Would catch me in a blitz! Lol. Seriously, though that is, for lack of a better term, some excellent work. I don't know what I like better, the mods you are doing or the tools you are using to make them. Keep up the great work and the updates!

-Stephen

Here is some more meaty stuff.

I had to order the Magazine tabs online as no one carried them.  WalMart said they had them but just totally FUBAR'd the order.  Cancelled and ordered from (I believe it was) Kingman office supply which turned out being here in the Memphis area.   Three weeks from (screw it up) WalMart and it never shipped, 2 days from Amazon.   Duh, go figure.  (and it was cheaper)

Here is the Amazon address for these Rubbermaid strips as linking doesn't work on this forum, just copy/paste it to your browser.  

http://www.amazon.com/Rubbermaid-3-Hole-Plastic-Magazine-Holder/dp/B00007M9IU

I missed getting this out for Star Wars day  (May the 4th be with you)  

This is another Basic installment, but it has some extra goodies that I am sure some of you will find interesting.

To Be Continued...

Those are not the holes I am referring to Jim.  These were small holes 5/16 of an inch or so in dia and drilled around the sides of the model.  Small handles could be inserted so that several people could carry and handle it without damaging the other greeblies.  

BTW, did you ever find that drawing of the hold wall you were looking for?

Hey bro.... you're slowly catchin up to me! :)  Oh... both the 5 footer and 32" had mounting holes... 4-5 of them if I'm not mistaken, but the holes were also covered so you couldn't see them and only uncovered when that hole was used for mounting.  If I'm not mistaken, the holes were located on the bottom turret, both sides (where the docking hatches are), the rear engine panel and between the mandibles (but I could be wrong on that last one).

Hey Tanker Builder, thanks for posting!

As to the old Pocher kits, they had a lot of parts and work to them, but they also tended to have some big problems.  Currently I have 3 in my stash and one that I built many years ago.

As to this kit, I believe that the exterior is probably pretty close to what the 32inch Falcon had for detail.  As close as could be expected.  For the most part for what I have worked with it seems to fit together fairly well for what it is.

Here are some things to remember though!

• This kit is designed mainly for people that are NOT neccessarily model builders.  It is intended for the average Joe to be able to assemble it and have a "giant" studio prop model of the Falcon.
• The original props, the 5 footer, 32 inch, and full sized set pieces, were really not all that well detailed, nor were they all that clean.
• The 5 footer was the model intended for the detail shots.  It was quite large and had a lot of greeblies added.  It also was a bit rough around the edges.  It had a number of holes in the edge areas for handle to be inserted to it could be handled.  The holes do not have plugs.
• The 32 inch prop (which the DeAg kit is modeled after) was intended for the fast fly-by acrobatic shots that were in the ESB.  Later it was used as the basis for the CGI models, and so became the "more accurate" model.

As to the faults with this kit, they are mostly with the interior.  Most likely it was almost an afterthought and in my opinion are marginal.   For the non modeller though I am sure that the interior is considered quite nice.   I guess that I would be considered a rivet counter in some circles, though I am not as bad as some folks.

The way I am looking at this kit (for me) is that as a large model it deserves and needs as much quality detail as I can "reasonably" give it.  As I actually like the shape of the 32inch Falcon better than that of the 5 footer, comes as a plus.  As the external detail is supposedly a reasonably close match to the 32 inch prop, says that a lot of work was done to get it correct for what it represents which is the 32 inch prop.

However.

As it is a model that does not go zip across the screen but is static that people can give the close hairy-eyeball, I want it to have more of the "extra" detail that the 5 foot model has.  If there is a reasonable representation of that detail I will leave it.  If there are really noticeable differences, I will add or modify it to fill the bill.  If all I wanted was a model of the movie prop, it would be an out of box build.  What I want is something that folks can take a quick look, go "WOW", and then look even closer and still go "WOW".

This build is a mix of (hopefully) the best parts of all the iterations of the Millennium Falcon with some special things that I intend to add which should take it over the top.

Whew!

Ok, now for some more pics.

As always comments and questions are most welcome.  Enjoy!

You want replies ?

 Well here's one .This project is something else! Firstly , based on your dialogue there's a lot that is done wrong from De Agostini or whoever they get the parts from !

 for the price , the parts that have been seen on screen should be dead on correct ! i would say that their models don't really hold a candle to Pocher in the old days .Now , if you could get that quality then there is a feather in the cap .You are doing excellent work though .Don't let my little complaint Bug you !

     Builder of Tankers ( all sizes .) would you believe 7 foot !

No idea if it's correct or not but it sure looks cool to me. 

Heavens Eagle

Besides I want to try and get the cockpit and hold the same scale to each other which at the moment they are not.  I can only do that when I "know" how the hold and corridors mount.  For now that is still a guessing game.  I will do my mods when I can guarantee that I don't have to rework it 3 times to make it fit.

Well if this helps any, according to talks in many different forums, we've come to the conclusion that the cockpit details that were included by DeAgo are actaully 1:41.5 scale and kinda squeezed into the space (like stuffing a turkey) so everything in the cockpit is off.  The internal carbo bay lounge is around 1:47.3 scale... if is you want to increase the size of the interior, you're gonna have fun doing so my friend.  The cockpit should be relatively easy, but that whole interior would be a beast because everything would have to be redone and rescaled to proper dimensions to fit into the 1:43 scale of the whole ship.  I do know one thing... in building this monster, it's rapidly becoming an OCD nightmare! LOL

Jim I am about 20 steps past what you are talking about.  Only things holding me back are lack of a printer that works with the new 'puter and lack of mounting parts for all the hold and corridor parts.  Big gaps on some of that stuff and impossible to do a good rework with only half of the info.

Besides I want to try and get the cockpit and hold the same scale to each other which at the moment they are not.  I can only do that when I "know" how the hold and corridors mount.  For now that is still a guessing game.  I will do my mods when I can guarantee that I don't have to rework it 3 times to make it fit.

As to the buttons and lights, I posted these a while back while figuring out how I would get the lighting to work the way I wanted.

Like I said, already about 20 steps beyond.  There is a lot more working in my head, but until I can put dimensions to it (and print it out) I am just working through the 3D fit ups in my head.

Hey my friend... those pics you're using for comparison are of the 5 footer.  There are ALOT of differences between the 5 footer and the 32" incher.  I'll see if I can find some good 32" incher shots for ya.  Now one thing that I did notice that you might want to address in your cockpit square buttons is the fact that even though the buttons were square, the light behind them was round.  So you ended up with this button that had a round light illumination from behind it.  Here's what I'm talking about:

The buttons too were made of different colored acrylic, so you have blue and white acrylic, the light behind was all the same color (they didn't use LEDs back then).  Anyway, I thought you might enjoy the little tidbits of wisdom and nitpickedness! :)  

Your friend... Jim!

You can clearly see that the part inside the top of the cargo hold isn't a match for the inset photo of the Falcon! You're right - why not go all out if you're going to make a copy of this? For as much as this kit costs - why not get your moneys worth? It looks like he just added some detail pieces, but not with any degree of accuracy. It's wonderful to see that you're passionate about this - ensuring accuracy to the level that you've done so far. I only wish that others who offer such things who have the same passion to at least attempt to make a similar part even if it was from scratch!

~ Cobra Chris

For all of you that are following along I thank you for taking the time to comment!  This is a quick post that covers a big possible goof on DeAg's part.  Until we get the matching "upper" part we won't know for sure.

I know some have gone ahead and glued this, I wasn't going to as there is some lighting that will be going up front and I needed to have access.  In the process of looking it over I noticed some things and decided it was important enough to get a quick post out.

The pictures pretty much tell it all.

Hope this helps!  I have been delaying on my build somewhat as I need to see how a bunch of things go together.  I have also been watching some of the UTube videos from out British friends to get a little sneak peek of what is coming when.  As they are now up to Issue #60 it does give a little bit of an idea.  Still no mountings for the hold or corridors to the hull yet though.  A lot of my modifications to those areas are going to have to wait until I can get my hands on the mountings.

I also am going to have to wait until I can either buy an new monitor or printer as my old (but still excellent) printer is not supported by Windows 8.  UGH!

Either a new monitor to use with the new computer and the old computer can be set back up or a new printer.  I do intend to set the old machine back up and do a major overhaul on it so as to have a stand by.

As always, please feel free to ask questions!  (After all I might be forgetting something)  

I dunno if I'm an 'atta-boy' or not but I'm just happy you're posting this so I can follow along!

Yeah... what he said! :)

Well Paul, it just keeps getting “better-er an’ better-er”.  

  Now for a small side note to you and Cobra Chris from my point of view. I see so many times build threads where the “atta-boy choirs” seems to over shadow the actual work being performed, also having several smart-alic remarks and replies that “get in the way” (my opinion) of the reason we are reading that build report.  I do freely admit my on culpability in that sort of thing; after all I “think” I’m just too funny for words, some times.

On this build, however, my attitude is like watching a master craftsman creating a high art piece. A guy just doesn’t want to interrupt with banal utterances, jus’ to break the quiet.

Enough of my gratuitous adulation—Now, get back to Work!   

This should finish this installment...

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.  This is a long going subscribtion model and I am not even half way yet.  It is getting built as parts I need for knowing what fits and how a number of part will need to be modified and still fit as good or better.

The ramp area is going to go through a big rework at some point.  That huge amount of frame covering the ramp opening is going to be removed and then rebuilt.

Time for bed I am falling asleep here in mid sentance.  Night all

Not much suspense there I agree.  Should wait a bit and post that the cat jumped on it.  (I don't have a cat "yet" anyway)

On with the show.

Yup that isn't any hobby paint.  Why spend an insane amount for hobby paint for this application.  This is some really well working primer.  The silver gives a quite nicely shiney surface as shown by the inside of the cockpit corridor behind the can.

But we are not done yet.  I have some reference for you to ponder with modding 4 light locations and prepping to add a bunch more.

Yes, yes I am continuing, keep your shirt on.    Definitely KEEP YOUR SHIRT ON!

To be continued  (again)

Hey everyone!  You get some surprise photos tonight!  Quite a few and some good informative ones that you really should consider if you are not planning on painting your Falcon.

As they say pictures are worth a thousand words so I guess that here are may thousands of words :)

Last time you remember I was short one of the support ribs.  I was asked to tell which Issue and shipment it came from.  (couldn't remember so I picked one that had the needed part.  Here is what happened:

Nope, not all yet, there is more to come just breaking up the gigantic posts to reasonably size.

To be continued. . .

Wow!  Thanks for your post Chris!  I agree that not a lot of folks really pay much attention to the Sci-Fi forum.  It isn't in their interest zone I guess.  The thing is, THIS is where there is the most scratch building and innovation for building models is.  I'm not too worried as I look at the view count and see that it keeps growing.  Most of my posting is over on a smaller more elite site where the members are not only exceptional modelers but also a class act in how they treat each other.  Fine Scale is a larger more rounded community but as you stated, don't tend to comment much.

As to accuracy of the kit, I believe (exterior wise) that this kit matches the 32" movie prop fairly close.  Most folks love the high detail of the 5 footer though so it's a crap shoot.  I personally like the shape of the 32" miniature over the shape of the bigger one.  The surface detail on the 5 foot miniature wins out mostly though. 

I say mostly because the large detail on the large prop is also kind of rough and has a lot of descrepancies like big holes for the carrying handles for example.  Back when they were built nobody could have dreamed that these 2 movie props would become some of the most popular movie miniatures ever created.  Neither of the original props was built to pass the Hairy Eyeball test at a range of 6 inches, but then we build models of them that have to pass even closer scrutenization.

So, I am building an aggregate of the two movie props with "upgrades" for plausibility and to make it pass the toughest, close in, HET.  (Hairy Eyeball Test)

Again, thanks for looking in Chris!  I noticed the 4ft X-wing thread the other day, just have not had time to check it out yet.

WOW - Uh THAT'S the understatement of the year!! I know that what you've done is only a tiny bit compared to what you'll have to do next. However when you don't get a response to your posts many people don't want to clutter up your thread with a one liner, or two. But rather they watch in utter amazement! I did for the first night I read this - that being last night. I looked at these pictures, and read every single line for over FOUR HOURS!!! I wish I had the jewelers' lathe. That would save me so many hours turning parts on a hand drill. Look at my four foot X-wing thread - only a VERY SMALL handful of people have said anything about it, but with over 20,000 + views doesn't make for a very welcomed feeling!

I know what you mean, but you're a man after my own heart in many ways - from your humour to your way of correcting other peoples' mistakes.  You would think that they would've caught all these when making it! It's bad enough when you have either a lack of references, or a lack of model kits to build it with, but when you get something that you've PAID someone else to make correctly only to have a part that you're forced to rebuild is sad indeed! I am in absolute awe of your modeling prowess! I've had to do the same thing and (I STILL am) doing the same as you're doing now, and on the same scale. At least you have something to build on - a framework with out guessing the size, or shape using model kits, and pictures!

When you buy on the internet you'll have things like this from garage kits, and the same with those who aren't as passionate as we are about accuracy. I just happened to this looking through the forums since I have a litte bit more time this week. It was buried under other threads, so it makes it a little off putting when I don't have a lot of time to devote to reading. I'm glad that I fell into this thread instead of Steve Astognis' build - yours is more accurate. I used to do machining, and now the only machining that I do is for myself at the moment. I love making things from raw materials, and breathing life into them! Which is why I hope to have something to show sometime within the next two weeks. Don't let the lack of replies from other members bring you down just keep on moving. Remember - slow and steady wins the race! We're all watching.

~ Cobra Chris

~ Cobra Chris

I understand.  Not an issue as you will see with my next set of pictures.  The entire outside will be painted as well with good reason.

As to the insides of the flaps, not concerned at the moment.   I have some concepts running through my head to either super detail them, or maybe even make them move.  Either way involves major rework of these parts.

You've got the shown side of the hull, and the frame side of the hull where the frame is screwed in. On the hull plates around the edges of the frame side, about an inch or so in, you'll either have to remove the paint or paint over it the same color you use on the hull or it will appear silver around the edges that stick out over the sidewall detail! Make sense? On those tail fins you'll have to sand out the mold holes and the part stamps too that stick out over the edges... like this:

Yup, knew about the assembly order,  that was actually quite easy to figure out.  The problem on my build was that some of the plates "overlapped" just a tad much.  Maybe .010 to .014 of an inch.  Might have been due to the fact that I fully assembled the frame first and the stresses on it evened out through the whole assembly before adding the plates.  The thing to remember is that the starting points on the plates are the raised parts for the ramp and airlocks.

I only ended up with one spot where the plate still wanted to stick up and  that was because it had a larger than normal area not held down with a screw.  It has a slight warp to it and springs up.  I am not concerned as when pressed down it fits perfectly, and the large secondary parts fit over it.

The main reason I went ahead and mounted the plates on the frame is that they are a big part of the strength on the build.  Like a stressed skin on an aircraft, the plates give the frame a lot of rigidity and strength.

Something I also did was take a file to all the sharp edges on the frame parts, worked the holes for the plastic plate posts over, and made sure it was all square and level.  Smoothing out the edges of the holes seemed to help the pins in the plates go in easier.   With any large assemblies there end up being some fit problems.  I tend to be very OCD about assembly work, so it was fully fit each part until it set fully down and flush.

I will probably end up removing all the parts around the ramp area once I figure out how I'm going to rework it.  I won't do cut-n-chop on it untill I have all the fit issues and parameters.  (that means the top frame and interior all mounted)  While there is way more frame in the ramp area than is really needed, removing it without a plan in place to redo it is a bad idea.

As to painting around the edge, I'm not sure what you are referring to Jim.  I am going to fully paint the exterior of the model.  I have some old examples of how beige ABS changes color with exposure to light, humidity, and whatever else can be found in the environment.  I will have more photos next week sometime.  I don't think anyone wants their falcon to turn orange or brown which is what will happen over time to bare ABS.

Did anyone notice that the engine flaps are not installed?  This is on purpose, though what or how I am going to do anything there, again, will depend on how everything else fits around there.

Oh you are such a cheater waiting to put all the frame together at once when the rest of us put it together while they came in and had to wait for the next issues! LOL :P... but it's looking good my friend... a couple of things you may want to take into consideration thou before you get too much further... 1) Make sure to repaint the inside edges of the hull panels about an inch all the way around because those will be seen (and I don't think silver would be desirable).  2) There is an order to how the panels went on... they do all interlock just as long as you did them in the proper order you never really had to do any trimming.  The only problems I had were the posts didn't want to fit properly a few places, but a little determined nudging with a rag and a pair of pliers and it popped in with little problem.  The order of the plates is Bp-10,9,11,12,8,7,6,4,5,3,25,26,24,22,21,19,17,20,14,15... there are a few people that reported that the overlap between 21 and 19 is a little thick but just a little sanding took care of the problem!  You got it all down, but i'm sure those that are following your build would like to know!  Thank my friend Ian Lawrence for that order! :)

Great to see you back underweigh on this. 

And seeing your laptop beside the Falcon really smacks home to me the actual size of the thing! 

This is the last for now.  I should have shipment #11 sometime next week, but am also waiting on a part.  Someone misscounted the stiffening ribs and I ended up with an extra one used on the inner part and short one that is used on the outer part.

On with the show. . .

The magnet stand off trick is neat, but since there isn't much on the top, you really can't tell much of what is going on.  I will remember it for later though as it should make things a little more interesting.

Hope you enjoyed this installment, and as always, if you have any questions please feel free to ask!  I am always glad to help out and answer questions.  It even sometimes make me think of stuff I have not thought of yet.

First some closer shots of the frame parts, then rather than building it in the manner that everyone else did, I started in the center.

Next post. . .

Some more now.  FineScale has their number of posts per page set rather high and when you add in extra long posts with pictures, the web pages are huge.  By breaking up the posts like this it makes things a little less hassle when reading them.  (also makes the e-mails smaller)

So to continue on. . 

To be continued. . . .  (again)  

All right everyone!  I have received shipment #10 and with that the bottom frame is now complete!   With this installment I will assemble the bottom with the plates that I currently have.

Enjoy!

To shorten web page lengths this will be continued. . .

I often thought the same thing... about the engine flaps!  I often thought why they don't move in the movie.  I would think they would help direct the thrust of the engine and should act like air brakes when in atmosphere.  I could see in my mind the initial start up testing to make sure they work and they all move in unison like a crowd of people in a stadium doing the wave!  Would be soooooooooo cool!

Thanks for checking in and everyone's nice comments.  Another month has gone by and another shipment has arrived.   Things aren't quite to the point where I want to start doing any major mods on the hold or hull just yet.  Am considering contacting DeAgostini and getting them to bump me up for shipments 10 and 11 (since they are already shipping those here in the states) but am quite busy and doing a lot of thinking about parts and possible modifications.

At the moment there are 2 main things that are holding me back on doing any real work on this.  One, my new computer won't work with my (considered ancient) printer so I am unable to do much in the way of printing for decals, stickers, dimensional reference drawings, etc.  If I had the power supply for the (also ancient) Viewsonic monitor I got back from my daughter I would just power up my old computer network it and print off of it.  If I can't get the power supply I will probably invest in a super tabloid sized printer to use, but again I don't want to spend the bucks at the moment.

Second I am getting quite into a 1/200 scale Trumpeter Arizona build.  Have not done much so far except work on the 2 main hull parts and the fordeck piece.  It is for a group build on another site.  I might post here, but it is a bit of a hassle with posting photos here.

Anyway, here is the next Basic installment.

That is all for now everyone,   thanks again for looking in and for all your kind comments.  If you have any questions feel free to ask and I will try and get back to you quickly.

Looking good Paul!  Keep em coming! :)

Yeah, don't have the money or space and not really a big enough SW fan to buy one but I'm enjoying watching you guys build your giant Falcons.

Holy freaking moly.....outstanding work....and dedication, considering the outlay and the timeframe.
Stuff like this makes me strive to lift my game.
Thanks, mate.....for the JOURNEY.....THAT'S what's important....the JOURNEY.
Once it's done.....it's an amazing, delicate dust collector.  Walking the path is why I make models.  You're nailing this one.....hard.
Thanks, mate.

Nice bit of forward progress, Paul.

I'm sure when you have made your decisions on the corrections, you mentioned they will be both the easiest .....

and the right one

Hey Heavens Eagle,

Thanks for the last couple of posts. I was wondering how this build was faring. I always enjoy seeing how it's coming together and your thought processes in the modifications.

Out of curiosity, how is the Ju-87 coming along? Personally, I would really enjoy seeing that coming along.

TF

Woo Hoo! Thanks for the updates, I was wondering how things were going.

Here is the continuation...

Tempted to start assembling the lower frame, but I know it will be somewhat wobbly until all the parts are assembled.  Besides I also will be looking into how the hold and corridors mount down and how they fit.  There are a number of things that seem wonky and I want to make the interior as reasonably close to the movie sets as possible.  Lots of work there.

I also still have to get the cockpit all the way up to snuff.  I am content with how the rear bulkhead looks and fits, now to get some time set aside to lay out the panels and all for the sides.  There have been some new photos in the magazines that come with the Falcon that help a lot but there will still be more hard work to do.

Thanks for checking in!

It has been a while since I have posted on this thread.  Took a break and worked on some other kits for some group builds.  At this point I will have to either get my old computer hooked back up so I can use the printer or get a new printer.  I need to print some decals out and the old printer has no drivers for Win8.1   :bangs head   Still works great, just won't work with the new machine. (UGH!)

In any case I have 2 shipments to cover this go round.  I received shipment #7 back in the beginning of December but was busy with a number of things so just set it aside.  Got #8 on monday so it was time to update this beast.  I will need 2 more shipments (through Issue #40) in order to assemble the lower part of the hull on this beast.  For now everything is fitting into 3 boxes.

On with the next basic installment.

To Be Continued......

waikong

wow, this is one nice kit and great thread. Don't visit the SciFi section much, but glad I did. This along with another sub model I've seen are the only 2 subscription model I've seen so far. Start of a new trend.  Sure helps with the cost, and it is expensive.  So I'm living it thru your log. Thanks.

waikong

wow, this is one nice kit and great thread. Don't visit the SciFi section much, but glad I did. This along with another sub model I've seen are the only 2 subscription model I've seen so far. Start of a new trend.  Sure helps with the cost, and it is expensive.  So I'm living it thru your log. Thanks.

I know what you mean... I don't get out of my little Scifi bubble very often, but every so often I'll wander around the armor and tanks or warships forum just to see the builds.  Its amazing the detail on those things these days.  I remember back when I was a kid, wondering why the cockpit seat of the jet was so "toyish"... now they got all the rivets and instruments etc and it's amazing!  Helps to take a look around at what else is out there now and then.  Gives ya inspiration!  Ya never know... we may lure you to the dark side of the force before you know it! :)  Muahahahahahahha

wow, this is one nice kit and great thread. Don't visit the SciFi section much, but glad I did. This along with another sub model I've seen are the only 2 subscription model I've seen so far. Start of a new trend.  Sure helps with the cost, and it is expensive.  So I'm living it thru your log. Thanks.

Wow, I'm surprised too that they didn't stick any packing material in there. Well, if nothing is broken I can't complain!

Heavens Eagle

That is good to hear LS.  You know it wouldn't even need to be bubble wrap.  They could use some of those little air bags to take up the excess space and keep things from banging around.

 

Also, congrats in that you almost have all of the basic bottom pieces!

 

LrdSatyr8

I just got pack #9 a couple of weeks ago and was highly surprised to discover that everything was contained in bubblewrap this time around!  Very pleasant surprise!

 

I just got pack #9 a couple of weeks ago and was highly surprised to discover that everything was contained in bubblewrap this time around!  Very pleasant surprise!

I got my latest shipment in last week.  Nothing really special about anything in it.  For those of you keeping track of all the parts lists and all here is the newest Basic installment.

That's all for now.  With this post we are fully up to where I am at with this build.  All the way current.

As of this weekend I am taking a little break from the Falcon and am building on the 1/32 Trmpeter Ju 87A kit.  I have the Eduard PE sets for it and will be adding some of that to the build.  I won't be using the kit decals  for the aircraft call letters though.  I found a great photo of one of the early color scheme planes and will be using the Alliance Modelworks stencil set for the letters.

If you would like me to start a thread on the Ju 87A similar to this one, post a request here or PM me.  In some ways the FSM forum is nice, but it is the most difficult to post to of the forums I post on, especially as I post either using my tablet or phone.

Well when I started comparing screen caps I discovered the one in the hold is actually a bit taller with a few other greeblies... I think it's because the head rest topperis adjustable and was raised up about 5 inches.  There's also what looks like a bowl stuck to the top of it like a radar dish, which is weird, but I'm adding it.

Yeah those 3 seats based on the Martin Baker ejection seat frames are going to be a bit of a pain to do.  The ones in the kit are so wrong that they are pitiful.  I will probably do mine in separate parts and make rubber molds. Then it is easy to make multiples and they are all the same then.  Only have to do one real nice master and the castings are good to go.

I will also be making the 2 bucket seats as well as the kit parts are too large.  Again I will make one real nice master and then a rubber mold.  Easy enough to make multiples then.

I know the feeling well my friend... These seats are taking longer that I initially thought and am starting to feel the burnout myself, but am determined to finish at least one of them! LOL

Hey LrdSatyr8!  Really like your build!

Actually, I have some really thin steel wire I was thinking of using for the switches.  The fiber optics will get ised for something needing lighting.

Your interior diagrams of the walls were quite interesting.  I was going to be doing something like that but yours will give me a much better starting point. 

Thinking about taking a small break from the cockpit and doing some serious cut-n-chop on the hold.  I keep seeing major things that folks are doing (or not doing) that need to be corrected there.  Need to do some "not so fiddley" type work to keep from doing the burnout thing.

That really looks good my friend... I really have to get some new bits.  Would be nice to have a press too.  I got an idea for doing all the little switches on the side panels for ya.  Use fiber optics.  Just drill your holes andglue them in and cut them to length.  That should look pretty good for them.  Whatcha think?

I got the next update done quicker than I originally thought.  

See  Duster!  Measuring does pay off.  The trick is knowing HOW to do the measuring.  All that time spent on a drafting table has definitely paid off here.

So here is the initial results of my first test build (and fail)  along with the revised start of the Mark II panel.

Enjoy!

This section is going to be the hardest part of the whole build.  So much micro detail that can be seen and my OCD that makes me want it RIGHT.

Let me know what you think.   There will be a Basic post soon covering Issues 21 thru 24.

I have completely dumped the thought of using fiber optics in the cockpit for now.  It just didn't do what I wanted.  But I get ahead of myself here.  I had my rear wall laid out and was looking at putting the buttons on in straight lines.  I was going to need something to help.  So here is where I went and made a accurate little tool to help with things like this.

The whole point of this was that I really needed to do some testing.  I didn't know if my idea would work or not.  I didn't know if the paint would work, or if the little plastic squares would look right.

So in the next few days I will post my alpha test.  I learned a number of things, some good some bad.  I have come to believe that you learn more from attempts that fail than you do if everything just works.  In this case that was quite true.

One nice thing that came of it is I now have a thin alternate to the adjustable machinists square that I use all the time.

Heavens Eagle

No good rod in "exactly" the size I am doing.  Usually extruded rod isn't all that square either.  Who knows, my prototy[e might look great and won't need to be redone.  I will just have to wait and see once I do the test.  Also the paint I'm going to use might not be opaque enough.  Will just have to see.

Here's something I was thinking about for mine that might help... how about using a small press and melting the end of the fiber optic and pressing it into the square to make it squared off.  Might be worth trying, but doubtful.  I'm working on my nav chairs right now.  Almost finished with them.  Unlike you, I'm eyeballing everything instead of measuring.  Makes things go alot faster and doesn't require perfection (even though I require it and toss out alot of stuff because it didn't suit my OCD!)

Gamera

WOW, so this only makes 1/5th of the kit so far!?!  Gee whiz!!!

...

 

 Wow that is a lot of "comming in" parts in your future.

I am confident you'll know how to pound them into submission and turn their sow ears into a silk purse.

So, Heavens Eagle, I finally get a bit of time to make another reply, lol.

I think what stands out for me the most with this build is the degree of planning you are putting in to it. Oh sure, there's obviously skill in designing and fabricating more accurate parts, but  it seems to me it's the planning that really makes all that possible. That said, this thread continues to impress! I am particularly impressed with the plotting and fabrication of the cockpit bulkhead; should be incredible when finished.

There was a time I thought it might be cool to build the DeAg Falcon, but now that I know there are so many inaccuracies I would feel compelled to "accurize" it as best I could. I think this is an excellent example of ignorance is bliss, because I don't think I could just accept it as is now, hahaha ! I'm not at all saying it is not a good kit or that I couldn't enjoy it, just that I would  enjoy it much more if I made it more accurate.

I noticed when I logged in that there were nearly 1,900 views. Perhaps some of those views are folks doing a search on this Millenium Falcon kit and are looking for a solution to a problem. Or you could be right and some are bashful.  At any rate, I am really enjoying this build. Good stuff!

TF

If so few people are commenting on this thread, it's probably because, like me, they are spending most of their time scraping their jaw off the floor while looking at your work. Seriously great stuff!

Guess that's just me, if I buy a middle quality or cheap kit I don't mind doing a little extra work but if I'm buying a top of the line model I expect it to be pretty close to perfect out of the box. 

I couldn't agree with you more though that if you're having fun you're doing it the right way. And since you paid for it, build it whatever way you want. 

Gamera

WOW, so this only makes 1/5th of the kit so far!?!  Gee whiz!!!

Though on the downside you'd think they wouldn't cut corners. If I paid that much for a kit I'd be a little miffed too about having to scratchbuild and purchase extra detailing parts. 

 

In looking around at some of the U-tube vids there are a fair number of folks that are quite happy with the OOB offering. I am very rarely content with what is in the box.  I also have the HK 1/32 B-17 G kit with all the aftermarket goodies.  The price point becomes fairly close to what this one is when you do that.

Some folks just like to put together a model and aren't too concerned about anything beyond that.  Like assembling a picture puzzle.  Others like to do all the extra stuff (like me).  There is one guy on U-tube that drves me up the wall at times. He fumbles around with things and isn'the brightest bulb on the sign,  but he is so happy with the basic kit and is informative on parts in future Issues that I watch his build.  Helps me plan ahead.

The thing I always have to keep in mind is if that person is enjoying their build.  That is the whole point of all this.  To have fun.  Any hobby if you really get into it is going to cost money.  I know folks that blow a lot at casinos or spend a huge amount on cable TV.  Both of those are a waste to me, but some folks really like that.

Whatever floats your boat I say.

WOW, so this only makes 1/5th of the kit so far!?!  Gee whiz!!!

Though on the downside you'd think they wouldn't cut corners. If I paid that much for a kit I'd be a little miffed too about having to scratchbuild and purchase extra detailing parts. 

Here is the rest . . .

With this installment we are now current with where things are at.  Shipment #6 will probably be in sometime this weekend.   I will post on it once I have the new post put together.

In looking ahead at some of the videos from those in the UK, I have found that the lower frame will be complete at Issue #40.  I will assemble the lower frame at that time.  Also with Issue #40 a replacement (improved?) nose cone for the cockpit. There wil also be the (garbage) clear (garbage) parts for the turret and 'pit  (garbage) windows.  If you haven't guessed yet they look like something from a 3 year olds toy.  Garbage.

The boarding ramp will be in my hands by Issue #40 as well.  I knew it was going to get a total makeover after seeing the Utube video of the prototype in operation.  It goes up and down WAY too fast and there is nothing up inside except the ridiculous frame where the opening should be.  That is going to get an EXtreme dose of rework when the time comes.

But that is down the road a ways.  For now the cockpit is being a major challenge, so be patient sports fans, more is coming on that soon!

LOL!  Thanks guys, I do appreciate your posts! Getting feedback is one of the reasons that I do posts in here.  While there is a lot of stuff that I excel at, there is also a fair amount of stuff that I could use some suggestions on.  Coming up soon I will be printingout some custom decals for the first time.  Have done some looking and reading online, but until you actually do it, there is that element of "Oh Crap!" waiting to happen.

As I have shipment #6 now on it's way, I thought it is time to get the Basic posts all current.  Here is the info for the stuff in shipment #5.

To be Continued....

We have status? Meh.

All I know is I like what I like lol. I'm a broad spectrum kind of geek.

What you are doing here is just one of those "awe" inspiring builds. I've seen this partially built on other sites but this is something extra with the lengths you are willing to go to, so it's "right".

Other than sitting here on the other side of the net in a comfy chair and saying "whoa" to myself, I have nothing to say that would contribute to making this thread any better than it already is.

I'm sure I'm not the only one with this reaction so keep watching that viewer count as it will tell you all you need to know about how much interest you have here.

When something is this awesome, there are few to little words necessary lol.

You just keep going, because we're paying attention. ;)

Statis as armour modelers??? What do you think I'm risking with posting nice things about a Star Wars model if my fellow Star Trek fans find out about it?!!?! 

Gee, no wonder you work is so primo, you measure stuff! 

Who knew you could do that and get such good results?  Sure beats my  eyeball and knuckle  to knuckle  measurin’ system.

Seriously: Great Stuff

Gamera

Still looking awesome! Thanks again for letting us tag along.

 

Thanks again for your post Gamera!  Most appreciated!  I kind of keep an eye on the looky loos too to see how many folks are looking in and too bashful to actually post something.  (They might loose their status as a die hard military modeller if caught posting on a SciFi thread  )

Still looking awesome! Thanks again for letting us tag along.

Continued...

That is all for now folks.  There is a bit more of the basic and a short post yet for the EXtreme and I will be up where I am currently in the build.  Most of the hold changes are already planned out and shouldn't be more than cut and chop.  The cockpit is going to be my biggest hurdle, and the most challenging.  If I can do it to the level I am wanting, it should be awesome and really unique.

Thank you so much for the kind comments leemitcheltree and TF!  Much appreciated!

The rear cockpit bulkhead is going quite slowly.  I did do a prototype test this weekend and found many problems with the execution of my idea.  The basic idea is still fairly sound but (as I already knew)  the initial sets of square buttons were not accurate enough to work well, but showed the flaws in the test.  I have fixed that issue and have some very precise jigs made out of aluminum now to cut the square buttons out and they look GREAT!

The flaws I found are that the alclad chrome will not work on top of the bare acrylic very well.  The black primer on top of that chips off extremely easy.  Bad is it won't work, good is that I can use this on other builds to do chipped paint.  

As to the light coming through from behind, the clear plastic buttons are fairly bright once the paint is removed from the top surface, but can't get a consistent coat of white paint on it where they will be translucent.  I do have some .005 thick styrene that works quite well for this though so that should work OK.  The buttons won't be extremely bright, but will have a off white glow.  So that will work out.

The little round light idea with some .010 dia fiber optic placed in drilled holes is going to be too problematic.  It "sort of" works.  Sort of in that the lines are fairly straight, but not in that the areas between the strands don't have enough paint and what to really give the lights the separate "spots" they need to be.  This issue is what is making me rethink how the panels will have to be done.

So I have another idea. 

As an initial rethink I believe that some .003 or maybe .004 thick brass sheet with holes drilled for all the lights and larger holes drilled for the square buttons is what will be needed.  This then also breaks the panels up into smaller parts to be done.  I will still use an acrylic back piece like I have already done but the brass will be attached to it.  Then I think I can print some decals to overlay that, punch out the holes for where the buttons go and attach them with small amounts of CA.  That should take care of the marking problems, light block problems, and I can drill the tiny light holes with VERY small carbide drills.  The digital attachment on my mini mill will make that job easy.  Time intensive, but easy.  It will also be more crisp than a similar panel done as photo etch.

Anyway, enough on that for now.  I will have some photos on it soon.  For now I need to get some more of the basic stuff posted and get it closer to current.   Here are some more of the basics.

To be continued...

I love how the latest part has turned out, HeavensEagle. What a difference! I can't wait to see it painted and weathered, nor can I wait to see the interior when you're finished with it. Very impressive!

I look forward to the next installment. 

Absolutely outstanding work!  I'm sorry seemingly so few have posted, considering such amazing work.  I'll be watching this thread very closely.

Thanks for sharing, mate!

No good rod in "exactly" the size I am doing.  Usually extruded rod isn't all that square either.  Who knows, my prototy[e might look great and won't need to be redone.  I will just have to wait and see once I do the test.  Also the paint I'm going to use might not be opaque enough.  Will just have to see.

Have you thought about using square rod and cutting thin buttons using that instead?  They would all be consistant and I'm sure they make the clear rods for it too!

I'm using thin (.007 thick) acrylic sheet that I picked up at Hobby Lobby, for the white buttons I will put a thin coat of white Vallejo on them (after removing the paint coats).  For the colored buttons, I will be using some blue or yellow sheet.  I thought I had the button sizes all set, but am going to have to do them a different way to get "nice, square, and consistant"  It will take a bit more time, but will look better.

I just need to do a little more work on the test piece and try it out.  Once that is done and tested, the second remake should go a bunch faster.  It only took about 30 minutes to get it all laid out the first time, and I have figured out a bunch of tricks to make everything go much smoother when I do the second one.

I hear ya bud... I've been working with alot of Apoxie Putty lately and discovered that you can make a nice thin sheet, let it dry and cut out nice little square buttons that transmit light pretty evenly over the whole surface instead of just a pinhole.  I've just finished my replacement stickers and a matte for brass etching to match the graphic.  Nice thing about it would be that I can print and use it as a decal instead of a sticker by printing on glossy photo paper, spraying a couple of layers of gloss-cote over the top and soaking it in water.  Works wonderfully!

Lol, you need a break here, I'd be burnt-out after adding even a tenth of that much detail!

Duster (Steve) Thanks for the post!  Had me laughing for a good 5 minutes!  Much appreciated!

Thanks for looking in LrdSatyr!  Right now my build is stalled a little bit while I am working on a Trumpeter 1/32 Ju87A for a bit of a change up.  Have been working on the rear cockpit bulkhead and making a complete new one out of clear acrylic sheet.  While the idea and concept I have been working on has a good base, I am discovering that the little square buttons are going to have to be even more accurate (in size and squareness) than I originally thought.  Most likely what I am going to do is finish the square buttons on this first piece, add some of the .010 dia fiber optic, add paint, and do the other basics and test it to see what needs to change.  

I already know the square button lights are going to be more ragged than I would like, but need to test for lighting anyway.  Usuallly what happens in a case like this for me, first time looks good to most folks,  but works out the problems.  Second try is pretty much perfect and looks awesome!

There is going to be a ton of stuff redone in the hold and corrior areas.  Have made mental notes on that, but until I have all the lit cockpit panels done, everything else will be on hold.

Hey Paul... love the extra detail work you're doing!  Can't wait to see how you tackle the details on the interior (seating, floor, bunk, walls, etc).  I've been doing all the work myself using Apoxie putty and spare styrene.  Still working out some details.  Can't wait t osee how you tackle those areas.

  Vhy Yesss Paul, I'm Vatchen' Du. Dis iss wery ehn-joyabul. Pless Keep up zee goot verk, ass I'm on pins and needles (at least until my master comes back) and it maken zee time go buy not zo sholy.

Vertizn!   

Thanks again for your kind comments TF!  Tools are something that I have always appreciated.  There was a time when I would get ideas and thoughts on doing something and couldn't because I didn't have any tools.  Had an opportunity a number of years ago to obtain some of the tooling I had wanted and have never regretted it.  

I have been a bit busy lately with some other projects but I see you folks have been checking in to see more, so here it is.

Hope you like what I did.  If you have any questions or requests, please ask.

Until next time, unless the Empire strikes back. . 

Man, Heavens Eagle, this is some intricate stuff! I am rather in awe of how much you are "accurizing" this kit. I was wondering why the details differed so much from the 5-footer, compelling you to adjust them, until I read your comment that this kit was based on the 32-incher. Makes sense. 

I wish I had the tools and skill to do something like this to a project of my own. I'll just keep makin' 'em 'till I get there, I s'pose.  Anyway, nice work, sir!

TF

Here is the rest leading up to the finish of the top side turret TP-3.

Till next time sports fans!  Same bat time, same bat channel!   

Time to post some more modeling goodness.  Or in other words, show how far off the deep end I am sliding on this build.  

On with some more EXtreme Falcon!

To be continued....

Compressorman

This is some really fantastic work here, I love to see a really high-detail no-holds-barred build. I am really surprised at the 'lack of accuracy' on the original however. I had always assumed that for the price you pay for one of those kits that it would be spot-on accurate. :( 

Thanks for looking in and commenting!  

I believe the outside part is pretty accurate to the 32 inch filming prop.  Why they decided to use the 32 inch prop as the basis instead of the 5 footer I don't know for sure.  At a guess (and it is only a guess)   It probably has a bit to do with how much more stuff the 5 footer has on it, and the fact that when George Lucas went back and upgraded the original trilogy, the graphics guys used the 32 incher for the basis for the computer model.

As to the interior detail however, it pretty well FAILS.  It could have been done much better and to a more accurate level.  As it is, it resembles something that would be found in a toy.

After watching a number of Utube videos however,  I suspect that DeAgostini hit the "It's good enough I like it!" spot with most folks.  It's only the nut cases like me with AMS (Advanced Modeler Syndrome)  that are compelled to go the extra lengths.  

As to how much it costs, yeah the total cost at the end is a large chunk, but it is only $61 a month, and I blow more than that on buying DVD's or lunch every month.  The benefit is that I am enjoying the heck ot of all the special work I am doing on it and at the end I should have something really unique.  Whatever floats your boat.

Keep bringing the awesome please!!! 

wow this is detailed!

Here is the continuation.  If you noticed, one of the stiffening ribs in Issue #11 was bent slightly.  After Issue #12 and some other info, I will show how I straightened it without breaking the part.  Zinc castings can be fairly strong, but they can bend and become quite brittle.  It takes some finnesse and a little knowledge to straighten them, and it can be done successfully.

Here is the continuation. . .

There you go sports fans!  Hope that little demo helps.

I should be getting shipment #5 tomorrow, and I have been scratchbuilding a new cockpit rear bulkhead.  At this point I don't know for sure if my idea for lighting it will work well or not so I am just building it up, add paint and do the other little details, and add light to see how it works.  Wish me luck!

Next installment will be a little more detail on the window, modifiying the gun mount and a few more details leading up to the unveiling of the fully modified Upper turret TP-3.

So stay tuned!  

My thanks to all who have been looking in,  please at some point take a minute and let me know what you think.  Any questions or problems with your DeAG Falcon, please feel free to ask!  I am always glad to help!

Tonight I will have two posts covering shipment #3.  There is also some info on straightening a bent zinc casting without breaking it.

Enjoy!

To be continued.....

TempusFugit

Hahaha War Department! I had a good chuckle over that!

 

Hahaha War Department! I had a good chuckle over that!

I thought about how expensive it will be overall too Gamera and decided to look at the monthly outlay instead.  I blow on stuff more than I am paying each month on the subscription, so why not go for it.  As for where I am going to put it, I won't worry about it until I have to.  Have no War Dept to pitch a fit so why worry.

Anyway, thanks again for posting folks, it is appreciated!

Here is another update:  

There is plenty more to come, I am still playing catch up on where I am on the build.

Questions are most welcome and appreciated!

Friggin' awesome!!!

I'm glad I'm not that big a SW fan since:

A). I need the money for a new car.

B). I don't have anywhere to put anything that big!

Thanks for letting us ride along with you on this trip!

No worries, Heavens Eagle, I can relate!

I really like and appreciate WIP posts like this one. I find that even if the skills and techniques shown are beyond my skill level, I can often find something to take away from it and apply it to my own projects. For instance, I was able to take auto painting and bodywork techniques I learned from some of the car forums and apply it to my current aircraft project to achieve my best-ever airplane finish. Now, I've made TONS of mistakes on this little P-51, but as a result I've learned tons as well and have achieved what I think is a respectable result, especially considering that it's the first airplane I've done in like 30 years! 

At any rate, I find this Millenium Falcon build most interesting, because although I am back to building aircraft for the time being, I have several sci-fi kits in my stash that I will build only when I think my skills are up to the task of adding in detail I would really like to see. For instance, I have some Star Wars A-Wings and Snowspeeders I would love to superdetail someday. Not sure if I really want to make the cockpits as close as possible to the "hero" units used in filming, or if I want to take a bit of "artistic licence" and scratchbuild my own stuff.

Of course, there's also a Buck Rogers Starfighter in my stash that deserves a proper build, as well as a couple Battlestar Vipers. Those will all be down the road a bit.

But yeah, I'm diggin' your work on this MF so far. I would totally understand if you decided not to keep up with the updates on this project, but I, for one, am enjoying it!

TF

Thanks for posting TF!  Much appreciated!  I don't really understand why there are a bunch of folks looking in but no one posting anything.  Kind of odd and despiriting.

I try to build and then post so that the complex stuff I do others can learn and try it.  This build so far is becoming the most challenging I have ever done.  Not because the model is difficult, but because of everything I am having to do to upgrade the detail.

The hard part is I am just getting started on this and there is a bunch more to go.  The entire cockpit I have determined is going to have to be scratchbuilt to get it right, the hold and corridors will need almost as much redo, the boarding ramp is getting a complete makover and the actuator will be redone, and the engine area will have a huge amount of work too.    (take a big breath) 

That is just the stuff I know something about at this point.  Surface detail changes will depend on things when I cross that particular point.  If it looks good and similar to the 5 foot model I will leave it.  If there is a big difference or something missing that obviously should be there, it will be changed or added.  That bridge will get crossed when I get to it.

However, I am also a little like a stage actor and even though I can tell folks are looking, without some comments and folks posting questions it leaves me thinking "why bother" .

So TF thanks for posting!  You don't know how much it is appreciated!

Hi Heavens Eagle,

I am fairly new to this forum, and I just found this post as I am still exploring the different areas of the forum. I was pretty excited to find this as I have been curious about this DeAg MF. So in answer to your question, I'm enjoying it! In fact, I have this post bookmarked. 

TF

Here is the  next installment on the EXtreme part of the build.  In this I am still changing the part TP-3 to something resembling the part on the 5 footer.

In this post, I am making masters for 5 parts that there are multiple copies all over part TP-3 (the turret)  and some surface rework of the part to change it to something a lot more interesting.

So is anyone out there finding any of this interesting and worth watching or am I just piddling in the wind here. . . 

Here are Issues 7 and 8.

That's all for now. Hope you and the crickets are enjoying this.

It has been a few days and I have a ways to go to catch up.  I have to say there seem to be LOOKY Loos but no one seems to be interested in saying anything.

Here is a basic installment for Issues 5 thru 8.

There are Issues 5 and 6.  Issues 7 and 8 coming up.

SO!  Would anyone like to see a video of the Dremel cutting the part off in the previous post?  Let me know.

With the modification I now have a window problem.

That's about it for now.  More Cut-n-Chop later.

OK then,  Here is part 1 of the next EXtreme installment.  Using a rather old Dremel drill press, I set it up and use it as a cheap milling machine.  Can't do that with the newer designs.  Who ever said that new was better!

Here ends part 1, stay tuned for part 2.

Here is the first installment of my EXtreme Falcon modificatins.    Part TP-3 is going to get a thorough revamp by the end of this session.  There will be several more installments on this modification session.  Please let me know what you think.  While I know this is supposed to be "The 32 inch scale replica" , it is just too clunky and blah compared to the detail found on the 5 footer  (5F from here on)

Here we go. . .

Let me know what you all think, would ya?   I am curious as to if anyone really finds this build worthwhile.

I should have a bigger post in a couple of days.

Cheers!

Here is Issue #4 from Shipment #1

Next I will be posting some pictures for the extremists.  They will look slightly different and will be all kinds of how to and what I have done for some of the extreme modifications that will be coming along.

After that will be posts from Issues #5 and #6 of Shipment #2.  Those will finish up all of the stock cockpit parts.

Until next time.

It has been a few days and I have some more of the basic kit info and comparisons to the movie props.  A lot of the interior parts for the kit will give an "impression" of what the movie sets were, but really misses the mark if you are into the details of things.

So here are some more pictures to round out the first shipment Issues 1 through 4.  Please bear with me on the photos as I am uploading them via my phone and FSM's interface is not that easy to work with.  (OK it is a royal pain, as I can do with plain text in 5 minutes what takes 20 on here and the source code tool is worthless.) 

That is all for Issue #3  I find the cockpit ok for a passing glance, but if you were to really take a look and know what you are looking at, it fails.  In addition now that I am actively working on it, the stickers in the kit don't even really fit right.  It is all a mess, so when it is right and studied, it will be a good thing.

Issue #4 is next.

The screws description in the first post has been revised and updated.  The Type 6 screw is now added in and shown in detail.

There will be more photos in a day or 2. 

You're gonna need a bigger boat...

Continuing on with Issue #2 and the initial piece of rework on a part.

That's all for now folks!

Please let me know what you think and if you have any questions, be sure to ask.   There will be much more to come!

Good Morning everyone!  It's time for the first installment of many to come.  I tend to do rather big picture posts but am going to limit the individual posts to 10 or 12 pictures at max then do a second if there are more pictures.  Why pictures instead of just photos?  You'll see.  

Ack!  Posting from a phone and am really used to doing this with just text and code (which is MUCH easier and faster)  but the code editing on this site is unusable.  So cleaned up the extras and moving on.