Blue About Danube...

[Loneknight]

For those who are wondering why I'm posting this here, I don't consider this a completed model because in theory, this model was never meant to be completed. I receive this kit from a friend of mine (also a co-worker) who happened to find it's half-assembled hulk collecting dust in it's box. It was from a time when he thought it'd be nice to try on the hobby, but being a young kid (at the time), he didn't have the patience for it. Thus, it came into my hands.

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg104/Loneknight776/Danube/DSC02043.jpg

When I received it, the model was in sub-standard shape. The previous owner had cemented in all the windows, sealed the two halves of the main hull together, and (since he was a kid at the time...this was back in '98, he's 21 now) the port warp nacelle was sealed tight with layer upon layer of glue...the ramscoop had frosted over.

What I had intended was to make this runabout appear that it had been through hell & back, figuratively speaking and otherwise. This would be the first time I was to try any kind of semi-basic/advanced weathering techniques, and the first time I were to try aftermarket decals from JT Graphics.

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg104/Loneknight776/Danube/DSC02047.jpg

In no way do I consider myself an advanced modeler. Maybe a borderline intermediate, but I could no more scratch-build a starship using bondo and duct tape than I could write an award-winning script, so I knew that mistakes would be made and this was the intent. I haven't really built a decent model in years, starting one here, working on another there...I have at least 8 or 9 different models I've started, still waiting to be put together. The Runabout was to be my re-introduction into the hobby, and a chance to expound on techniques I've watched others use. I never considered the Runabout a great piece of Starfleet lore, so to dirty it up and use it as a practice run seemed logical.

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg104/Loneknight776/Danube/DSC02044.jpg

The first thing I did was to separate the halves of the main hull, remove the windows, smooth the seams and re-attach both halves. The windows worked out...save one I broke. I sprayed the inside of them with a gloss black, re-seeded them and re-glued the main hull back together. It was then I tried to hide the seams and re-scribe the panel lines, taking note that the pre-scribed panels were crooked, but to an untrained eye it wouldn't be too noticable. In all, it didn't turn out half bad.

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg104/Loneknight776/Danube/DSC02050.jpg

I tried to bring out the panel lines using ground pastel with a water & dish soap mix. Then I sprayed over the entire thing with a light ghost gray. While this was going, the 'rebuild' process of the port engine was taking place. This above all was a freakin' nightmare to rebuild.

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg104/Loneknight776/Danube/DSC02051.jpg

As you can see, I did not hide the separation seams on the engines. This particular engine required several xacto blades, a model saw, lots of prying, cursing, and patience to open it up. After that, I tried sanding off the rest of the glue, had to remold one of the housing pieces over the nacelle, and hoped to God I could just get it looking like an engine again. I opted to try a 'powered down' look, similar to what the Enterprise-D looks like when the lights are out. I loved the whole 'bronze/copper' look, and attempted to mimic the same style on the Danube. It wasn't perfect, but again I wasn't intending for this to be perfect.

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg104/Loneknight776/Danube/DSC02046.jpg

Something about the whole warp core assembly just screamed 'brass', so I tried a variation. Looking back I probably should of toned it down, but to each his/her own. Most of the colors were simply out of the bottles- SAC bomber tan for the cockpit inset, around the exterior dilithium housing, a particular gray for the module panels, panzer gray & dark ghost gray for some of the other panels in various places on the ship, and a custom mixed paint for the greenish-blue panels to offset the shading and give it that half-hazard aztec look this ship is known for. I was being rather meticulous on the color, trying to tone down this or that, making sure nothing was too bold. That's something I've noticed while studying colors on Trek ships, their colors tend to be more muted and subtle.

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg104/Loneknight776/Danube/DSC02049.jpg

Once all the pieces were in and the paint was dry, I received the replacement decals. Let me just say that JT does wonderful work, and I thank him immensly for providing replacement graphics that, IMO, are far more superior than what you get in the box. I almost feel bad they turned out the way they did on the model...anyway, I had read a few things about gloss-coating the model first, applying the decals, then sealing it with a flat coat. I also heard that a drop of elmers in the water will help to remove that 'sheen' to them.
Whatever the case, I didn't gloss the model. The decals went on the paint, and after ruining a few of them I realized I should have glossed. To add insult to injury, I also realized that I should have done the weathering BEFORE the decals....another tip I neglected to follow. This resulted in revealing the cut lines I made for the decal...not perfect, I know I know...

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg104/Loneknight776/Danube/DSC02042.jpg

The weathering was done by using ground pastels, brushing them on dry. I did the bottom 'skids' by running my finger over a large clump of it. It didn't turn out too bad, as I was opting for that 'beaten to hell' look.

Before realizing my mistakes, I made two more. The first was not leaving on the window masks when I sprayed over the flat. The last mistake? Spraying on too much flat....While most of the top decals remained relatively decent, the bottom Starfleet runner bunched up on me after I over-saturated it with the flat sealer. Frustration and a full spray can does not mix well.

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg104/Loneknight776/Danube/DSC02048.jpg

So, that's basically it. The additional sensor 'roll bar' is still being worked on, and I'm intending for that piece to be added/removed at my discretion. I realize I am my own worst critic, but in hindsight there were things I intentionally did not do, and things that I knew should have been done. It all adds up to experience, learning from previous mistakes, and moving on. That said, I'd love to hear some of your opinions on this. Favorite techniques? Different paint? How best to drop-kick it and start over? :p I do welcome your comments and criticism, advice and tips, etc.

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg104/Loneknight776/Danube/DSC02045.jpg
That's the end. *snicker*

[rider]

Loneknight, I think it looks great and kicks the crap out of my Runabout efforts. You have achieved some beautiful effects and it is most photogenic aswell.

All I can add is, get round to repainting the windows to get rid of the white blotches near the frames, or recolor the blotches with brown to look like dirt/weathering, and that will be most finessed. Now, be sure to proceed with the rollbar and let us see the progress. :D

[Kuhn Global]

VERY Nicely done LK! :cool::cool::cool::cool:

The Runabout is one of which I wish a larger model kit would be made... about 24 to 36 inches would be a nice display!

Your weathering looks FANTASTIC!

Nicely done sir! :D

[Scorpius]

That looks great! Welcome also!

[Gunnie]

I like it too - no slag to your efforts from me either! I've never had that model kit in my collection before, so I'm not aware of it's pitfalls and traps. It might be interesting for you to revisit someday in the future to go back over some things you decided not to do in this effort - and maybe try out some new ideas.

[Loneknight]

You guys are just too cool, y'know that? :hail:

I do appreciate all of your comments, as it is very humbling since I look at all the work you guys do here and hope I can be on the same caliber. Thanks again!

Rider, I will for sure update when I get the rollbar completed, and thanks for the tip on the windows! I'll be sure to try that...it'd probably be wise to remove the sealant around those areas though, right? How would I go about that? Any tips?

Gunnie, my intentions exactly! Initially, I had the idea of displaying the runabout with the port nacelle (the one I was having trouble with) all torn up with chunks of the paneling missing, exposing the warp coils and various other components. I might go back to try something similar once I get more experience under my belt.

By the way, I showed it to the guy who gave it to me originally, and he couldn't believe it was the same model. He swears up and down that I just scrapped the original kit and bought a new one. ;)

[Raytheon]

You already know where the faults lie and have pointed them out. Fair enough and braver than some i know of.

You have put in the not inconsiderable effort of taking a already built model apart and bringing it up to scratch. Your obviously not shy about putting in the effort.

Clean enough rebuild considering what you had to start with. Smart paintwork with a dab of subtle weathering in the right places and replacement decals. You seem willing to give something new a try not truly knowing what the result will be.

Perfect? no but you already say that it isn't so all in all, i forsee this as very promising for future builds. This is definately good all things considered, the next one will be better as will be the one after that and so on.
Keep going and posting the pics.
Welcome aboard!!
:D

[777]

Great job and great post.

[rider]

it'd probably be wise to remove the sealant around those areas though, right? How would I go about that? Any tips?


Never tried so worth an experiment.
I know you can find glue remover in DIY shops, worth a look.
Don't know if maybe vinegar may help also. :confused:

Bare in mind though, on the clear plastic especially, it may react and rash it :(

Anyone else?

[Loneknight]

Time to dust this thread off, at least one last time:

So I've had the external sensor pod done for awhile now. I just haven't gotten around to taking decent pictures until recently.

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg104/Loneknight776/Danube/DSC02141.jpg

There are a few subtle changes I did with this, namely the decals. I had those leftover decals from JT Graphics, the extra registry numbers, chevron runners (or racing stripes), etc. After I finished the detail work on the pod, something still didn't look right. That's when I broke out the decals and went to work.

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg104/Loneknight776/Danube/DSC02144.jpg

The little red bits on the panels are duped on either side, inside and out. I cut up one of the runners and very carefully applied them to the corners of each panel. The '51' was from one of the registry numbers. No real significance in it's choosing, unless you want to figure out the logic between it and a bad Area 51 joke.

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg104/Loneknight776/Danube/DSC02145.jpg

Again, I used one of the smaller runners and added it to the top. I tried it with the Starfleet Chevron at the end, but it just didn't look right when I set it on the model.

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg104/Loneknight776/Danube/DSC02143.jpg

Didn't add too much to the underside. I tried adding some exhaust stains to the back of those vents...if they are vents. Also added the red 'warning' strips to the back of the pod...for...whatever reason. It's a little obvious that I spent less time on the underside, because the chances of people seeing that more than the top were slim.

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg104/Loneknight776/Danube/DSC02147.jpg

I didn't glue the pod to the main model, so I could remove it at will. The runabout was sitting on my desk at work when I finished the pod, so my concern was that the overall paint scheme would contrast. Thankfully, it turned out pretty decent.

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg104/Loneknight776/Danube/DSC02149.jpg

Rear shot.

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg104/Loneknight776/Danube/DSC02146.jpg

And that's where it stands.

Out of all the models I've ever built, I really have to look at this one with admiration. What started as a throw-together "don't care where it goes" project turned into a great learning experience, and a decent confidence builder. The encouragement I received from you guys here, as well as comments from friends and co-workers (even from the guy who gave me this model to begin with) have certainly given me more motivation to finish my other projects, and take larger risks.

Since I have other projects on the bench, I won't be revisiting this kit for awhile. But, I have been thinking about lighting, scratch-building interiors, opening the hatches, and possibly separating the cargo pods. It's ambitious, granted, but the powder keg has been lighted. It's only going to get crazier from here!

Thanks for looking, guys.

[fokkerpilot]

Nice job!!