1:350 Tamiya Enterprise Hangar.

WOW! I don't know what to say?  How did you do it and how much more of the ship can you do by the 3d printer?

The starting point is 3d solids in Turbocad. I started by making some throwaway test pieces. These were things like solids to fit the doors, and a test deck. Then I made supports to get the height right.

The main limitation is the size of the printer. I made the hangar in four segments to fit the printer. There are 6 supports underneath. I have one that wraps solidly around the bow, one more loose at the stern and one at each door to match the floor to the openings.

Not shown above are structures for the front and back. I still have to make the roof. Need to measure for the steel bars from the kit

The big challenge here was measurement.

I hope to be able to build some full ships. I am working on a 1:192 New Jersey.

Now that's pretty darned cool.

Are you thinking about selling those?  I have one of the 1/350 Tamiya Enterprises and I've been waiting on someone to make an after market hanger deck just like this.

I'd buy one!

Bill Morrison

I had not planned to sell them. If there is some interest I might be able to find a why to get them out there.

Jim,

Please let us know! I would definitely buy one from you.

Bill Morrison

Can you take more detailed pics please?  Also, are you creating a ceiling as well?

Man, you really peeked my interest!

That is plastic, correct? And may I ask what brand 3D print you used?

It is made of PLA plastic It is very sturdy. I hammer the segments together with a persuader. It's a Makergear M2 printer. I am working on a ceiling. I have to measure around the  steel bars from the kit.

I plan to have openings in the ceiling for LEDs. I am still making final adjustments to the walls. I, personally, do not plan to have a lot of detail in the hangar; just the major structures you can see through the doors. For example I left off the fire fighting station as it is not visible. I've seen people reproduce the artwork in the hangar but I just want to show the ship.

While searching for F4 stuff, found a blurb for a hanger deck for CV(N)65 on the AM, but can't remember where.   Did not look at it so can't say how much it consisted of or pricing on it to compare.

This is one

www.tomsmodelworks.com/.../product_info.php

Just the floor and doors though.

I'm having trouble getting close up shots to show detail with the camera. I did a series and this is the only picture to come out in focus. (I think it has a problem latching on to the all red). In this picture I am grabbing the stub at the bow end (to allow shimming against the front bulkhead). Even though it is in four segments, I can hold it off the floor from one end. You can also see the balcony detail for the front and back.

Due to my failure so far with photos, here are some renders. There are two big differences between the renders and the printed parts. 1) The printed parts have texture from the printing process. They need to be primed and sanded to get smooth; and 2) shrinkage at the floor creates small gaps that need to be filled.

This is an overall view showing the breakdown.

This is the area where the dividing doors go.  The large structure on the wall is an ammo elevator. I am just doing the structures in the large. Any detail has to be added later.

Here is the engine workshop. I will probably add photo etch rails and included ladders.

Here is the corresponding structure at the bow.

Prefer your rendition much better.  Very nicely done.

bigjimslade

I'm having trouble getting close up shots to show detail with the camera. I did a series and this is the only picture to come out in focus. (I think it has a problem latching on to the all red). In this picture I am grabbing the stub at the bow end (to allow shimming against the front bulkhead). Even though it is in four segments, I can hold it off the floor from one end. You can also see the balcony detail for the front and back.

Here is my [hopefully] tina version.

The ceiling is very thin (1/32") to fit under  the bars. It is very flexible. The edges are reenforced at 3/32". The rest is very beefy. The walls are 3/32" the floors 1/8" and the supports 1/2". '

Here is a closeup shot:

This gives an idea of the tolerances. It's set in place with only the bars holding it in place. I'd have to glue it down do the deck would be flush with the bottom of the opening.

The 3d printing process inserts supports under the arches. I have knocked those out but not sanded them down flush to the deck.

The ceiling has a grid of slots for lighting.

I had to create a box for the screws on the the forward bar. That extends a little into the hangar.

Since there is some interest in other getting these I am going to try to figure a way to make them available. I am going to see if someone else is willing to make them for folks.I looked at Shapeways but they would cost about $350. A photo etch deck would set you back $55. So I am thinking  I need to find someone who can sell them for around $100.

Design an anomaly in there somewhere. Something subtle but clearly put there by you. like an extra pillar out of sight from the openings, etc.

It'll really help to be able to point to it if someone starts knocking you off.

VERY high on the cool'o'metre!!

Da r n ship guys have all the cool tools 

Just let us know if you do make them available!  I will buy one from you.

Bill

Me too. Hell, I would like a hangar bay for both BigE and J.F.K.

JFK does come with a nice Hanger Deck, though.  She just doesn't appear to have a lot of detail with the walls and bulkheads.

Bill

Jim, 

  If that product does become available at a reasonable price, I'd be interested too.