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Gunnie
04-21-2008, 02:14 PM
When I have a good time at a model contest (even when I am asked to judge), I always come home fired-up to crack open another box and start something. Problem with this is that I already have an embarrassing number of started projects (25) crying out to be finished. I'm like anyone else...

So, I figure - what's it gonna hurt to start another one! :p

Ever since I bought Fine Molds' Jango Fett and Boba Fett versions of the KSE (Kuat Systems Engineering) Firespray-31 Class Patrol and Attack Ship, I've felt a bit contrained in what/how to model them. With the near-canon lore already written on this ship type, you can really only model either or - as Jango Fett stole one of the -31 prototypes when escaping from the prison on Oovo IV and destroyed the hanger with the remaining prototypes. Frakkin' Bounty Hunter scum!

I hate being hemmed-in. But, SW:Expanded Universe lore has KSE reviving the ship type in an attempt to re-enter the small starship market by cashing in on the notorious Boba Fett's exploits with his -31. So, that gave me an idea to take the basic kit and improve upon it for a more up-to-date version in the timeline shortly after the Battle for Endor. There really isn't a lot more information or drawings/photos to go on beyond that.

I'm going to do what I envision the -41 (my creation), the reintroduced KSE Firespray Class Patrol and Attack Ship, might look like as a Privateer in the hands of scoundrels.

I attached a photo of Andrasta (source: Star Wars Galaxies) as my source of inspiration. And, I'm going to use five figures from PetarB's excellent 1/72 scale line to populate my Privateer. Furthering the idea, I'm going to apply a custom paint scheme for my bootlegger's ship and I am seriously pondering the idea of applying a "cheesecake" pin-up on the fuselage side like the dancing Twi'lek on Andrasta. I am not sure if I'm going to do a human female, or what species to select right now.

I've decided my ship's Captain will be a female - but haven't come up with a name to christen my miniature - yet. The other four will likely be a mixed-race contingent. Writing this, it sounds a bit like Firefly, huh? I never watched the series, but did watch Serenity. Maybe that's where my drive is coming from...

It will be lit internally with 15 soft-white LED's driven by a small 3V powerpack that I can tuck away in the nose, allowing the miniature to free-stand without having to be tethered to the nearest electrical socket. I already have the lights/juice ready to put in the hull, but won't cut plastic until a few minutes from now. Gotta do my stretch-and-flex exercises to get pumped-up.

My goal is to update the basic design in some areas where the -31 is deficient, without changing the overall look and feel of the craft. I envision that is part of the draw KSE would be pushing in marketing the ship to potential customers. More to come...

Apophis
04-21-2008, 03:24 PM
Ya know, that is a fantastic idea!!!! Way cool man! You have just inspired me in doing mine in another variation! Which one? i have no idea, but we will see, Thanks!!

Monsieur Tox
04-21-2008, 03:30 PM
I was a hardcore gamer on Star Wars : Galaxies ! :D

Great idea, good luck, cant wait to see the result !

R L Bleecker
04-21-2008, 03:37 PM
Why not just call it 'Gunnie's Luck' or 'Gunnie's Prize' or something like that. Why couldn't YOU be the captain?

Gunnie
04-21-2008, 03:53 PM
Hmmmm, I could be the Captain of Gunnie's Prize...

That never occured to me before!

Scorpius
04-21-2008, 03:59 PM
Cool! Can't wait to see more!

modeler1964
04-24-2008, 06:03 AM
Gunnie- Great idea! I like the different shades of grey on this one. I was never really a fan of the design until I saw AOTC. I also had never heard the back story on how Jango got his ship and that it was a prototype! Thanks again for posting and Semper Fi!

Gunnie
12-13-2008, 05:31 PM
I'm still plugging away on this project - even after all this time. Other projects and writing kit reviews gets in the way of the fun!

I settled on most of the extra equipment for the Flight Deck & Surveillance Deck, trying to find a balance between interesting and not-too-much. The photo is of the parts press-fit together with PetarB's excellent 1:72 scale figures from Studio StarForge. I settled on his Female Human to command my Privateer - it'll go with the cheesecake artwork on the exterior of the hull later on...

The Command Island and the Surveillance Island are lit from below and there will be small points of light in places around the decks lit from behind when the model is sealed up.

I still have some adjusting to do, some spring steel to hang from the rafters and have to come up with something to do about the "legless" Mon Cal and Sullustian yet before moving on...

Kuhn Global
12-13-2008, 05:52 PM
This is SWEET Jim!

I can't wait to see more! :D

http://www.resinilluminati.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=21190&d=1229218139

Gunnie
12-13-2008, 06:01 PM
I found some "juice" to get me going in the model workshop again. Been in a bit of a slump - but rediscovered Linkin Park's Meteora album - it kicks ass... :) Good to listen to while modeling!

PetarB
12-13-2008, 06:23 PM
Looking forwards to this one!

k-dog
12-13-2008, 06:35 PM
Looking great so far!!!!

Griffworks
12-14-2008, 06:19 AM
Awesome work thus far, Jim!

Gunnie
12-14-2008, 01:13 PM
More playing around this morning, I hung the spring steel and gave the Sullustian and Mon Cal some lower legs. I sacrificed the kit-supplied figures of Jango and little Boba. A little putty filler and I think the surgery will work out okay.

I added the last bits of machinery and slapped everything back together for quick photos. I think for 1:72 scale, it's busy enough in there...

nwjedidave
12-14-2008, 07:54 PM
I was a hardcore gamer on Star Wars : Galaxies ! :D

Great idea, good luck, cant wait to see the result !

AH! SWG Kauri server checking in here !!

Can't wait to see more of this kit !!
dave

Schweinhund227
12-27-2008, 06:54 PM
This is an Excellent Twist on a well known subject !!!

I approve totally !!! Can't wait to see more !!!

Keep the JUICE alive !! Don't stop now !

Gunnie
12-28-2008, 09:53 AM
Thank you Sir - you are indeed an inspiration! I'm working on the Wing modifications now - will post some pics after the football games...

dbhs
12-29-2008, 07:23 PM
Gunnie,
Keep the progress shots coming. Fantastic work with this one. The added details and mods looks great and in keeping with the overall look of the ship. Can't wait to see what you do with the bottom side.
-Doug