Kuhn Global Randy Cooper Consular Ship *Complete* [Archive]

R L Bleecker

10-08-2007, 01:00 AM

In work right now is the Randy Cooper Consular Ship for Kuhn Global. Most of you should be familiar by now with this particular kit. It's mostly hollow, resin and will require some patience and persistence to do properly, but it should build up nicely.

Here are some in-progress pix:

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant1.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant2.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant3.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant4.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant5.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant6.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant7.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant8.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant10.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant11.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant12.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant13.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant14.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant15.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant16.jpg

REL

10-08-2007, 01:04 AM

Kick ass! Nice work.

R L Bleecker

10-08-2007, 01:06 AM

Thank you! I've started the painting process on the aft section and am still filling gaps on the forward section.

Didn't get to the engines tonight... But tomorrow there'll be more pix.

Max Zephyr

10-08-2007, 01:36 AM

Awesome work! Are you painting up ANH or ROTJ?

R L Bleecker

10-08-2007, 01:38 AM

Awesome work! Are you painting up ANH or ROTJ?

ANH as close as I can. I understand that the Tantive was repainted for Jedi then 'restored' afterwords. What you'll see will probably be the 'restored' version since the references for that are very good.

Kit Fister

10-08-2007, 02:22 AM

Looks complicated.

R L Bleecker

10-08-2007, 02:32 AM

Looks complicated.

Well, you have to pay attention to how things go together on this one. I'm spending a LOT of time squaring things up on the bench sander. The engine section in particular can be a bugger to fit and straighten. Stay tuned. :wink:

Apophis

10-08-2007, 03:29 AM

Very nice! Ive done 4 of these for some customers and one has lights, i dont want to hijack your thread and will post pics of my progress some where else, but you are right there are a lot of squaring to do on this one. :D

rider

10-08-2007, 08:15 AM

That is looking great.

Kuhn Global

10-08-2007, 12:10 PM

Bob is indeed doing a WONDERFUL job with this piece!

In the future, It would be very kewl if someone were to release a SS or a 1/2 SS done accurately. And even a variation for the CLEAN Episode III version! ;)

I can't wait to see how this finishes out Bob! :D

R L Bleecker

10-08-2007, 12:12 PM

Thanks guys.

I'll probably be taking this one right up to the Nov 1st deadline...

talon

10-08-2007, 02:52 PM

what brand/model of stand is that? I'm looking at manufacturers right now to get a bunch so I'm just curious.

R L Bleecker

10-08-2007, 03:04 PM

what brand/model of stand is that? I'm looking at manufacturers right now to get a bunch so I'm just curious.

That's a Panavise 833T. Amazon.com has them for around 23$ plus shipping if I'm not mistaken.

We were ordering them from CCTVonline, but then they got weird saying we could only order them in quantities of 50 or more. Insane.

I'm about to order a second one for assembly purposes. Right now I can only have one order on a stand at a time, which can cause a logistical crunch!

Max Zephyr

10-08-2007, 04:36 PM

Back to it Bob! I want to see this baby on Kurt's blue screen :lol:

You really fixed up the fit on that thing. I cringe a little each time I see those gaps up front in the first few pics. I be sure to have putty and sander on stand by when I start.

R L Bleecker

10-08-2007, 04:38 PM

Putty, sander... and styrene strips ALL are needed here. It's not for a beginner, that's for sure.

Kuhn Global

10-08-2007, 05:05 PM

Back to it Bob! I want to see this baby on Kurt's blue screen :lol:

LOLOLOLOLOL... me too! ;)

I can't wait! :)

R L Bleecker

10-08-2007, 10:38 PM

Deborah Borkman, Miss July 1976, has been installed in the cockpit. :twisted:

Boxster

10-09-2007, 01:38 AM

And I often wonder which month she is!

Nice work there, Bob man!

B

R L Bleecker

10-09-2007, 02:03 AM

And I often wonder which month she is!

Nice work there, Bob man!

B

Thanks! She's been primed and color-coated. I have another round of filling and sanding tomorrow as the painting has revealed literally DOZENS of pin holes and voids that I couldn't see on the bare resin.

Enjoy the pix.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant17.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant18.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant19.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant20.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant21.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant22.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant23.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant24.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant25.jpg

Kuhn Global

10-09-2007, 10:34 AM

Randy emailed me and is sending out the missing part to Bob today! :D

I am a little upset about the pinholes found in the casting, but I know Bob will cover them well with his talents. ;)

And, of course,... I love the poster in the bridge area! Just like the original! :)

Thank you again Bob for the EXCELLENT work! :D

R L Bleecker

10-09-2007, 01:07 PM

Thanks Kurt!

R L Bleecker

10-11-2007, 02:52 AM

Ok... things done today...

I filled the pinholes with spackle.... that's right... SPACKLE. Worked like a charm. I also replaced all the barrels on the guns with brass. Made it look worlds better. Then I reshaped the cockpit window to more closely resemble the SS one.

Also I pinned all the engine cans and test mounted them to their plenums. I can't describe how atrocious alignment is. Fortunately, I've made a jig that should help, so tomorrow the cans go on permanently and hopefully straight.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant26.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant27.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant28.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant29.jpg

R L Bleecker

10-12-2007, 12:25 AM

So... I get to the part where I'm putting on the engines.... and I have to come up with a jig... so I make a simple 2-D hole jig out of black lexan... and find that it doesn't address depth ( front to back ) alignment... so.... I make another jig out of particle board with 11 holes drilled out to the exact same depth. Then I find I got the top-to bottom spacing wrong... ARRRGH... but I found a way to use the jig anyway. I used the center holes for the center row first... buttered epoxy on the engine side mating surface and then pressed the engine block down on the jig. Works like a charm. To do the upper and lower rows, I used the jig's upper holes, but turned the assembly so the middle row is 'floating' outside the jig, but on shimmed up flat stuff so everything is the same height. Then I did the same for the lower row.

And... after spending all that time installing pins... I decided to cut them off. They weren't helping.

I left engines 1 and 11 off for now. They have a red stripe that needs to be painted on first. Better to do that off the assembly.

But I do think I've mostly solved the worst alignment issues. Anyone with a drill press, a ruler, a hole template, a forstner bit ( 1 1/2" ) and some patience can do this. I lacked the patience part tonight... which is why I fubarred the jig. But it still works. The moral? Anyone can make this simple jig correctly and get these cans to line up. It addresses side-to-side, up and down and back to front alignment. I'll still have to make a pass on the belt sander to make the final depth truing adjustment, but here you have it.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant30.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant31.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant32.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant33.jpg

REL

10-12-2007, 01:17 AM

I love that jig you made to align the engines, that's a kick ass idea!

R L Bleecker

10-12-2007, 01:23 AM

Thanks! Next time I'll double check my measurements if I ever build another of these. The next jig will be much better because I'll have some beer first!

I'm glad I'm a carpenter. I've had to use spackle, shims, Jorgenson clamps and wooden jigs to put this thing together!

Apophis

10-12-2007, 01:00 PM

Well, some stuff that might help with them, is useing a straight edge, i mounted the outside engines first, then the two middle and then the three center, and do the outside two then the two on the middle.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/Stipp08/100_0883.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/Stipp08/100_0884.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/Stipp08/100_0885.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/Stipp08/100_0886.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/Stipp08/100_0887.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/Stipp08/100_0888.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/Stipp08/100_0889.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/Stipp08/100_0890.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/Stipp08/100_0891.jpg
I pinned the engines and engine housinds right here and here, and it does help, also i poured epoxy into all of the recesses.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/Stipp08/100_0892.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/Stipp08/100_0894.jpg
Im just trying to help, i have built 4 of these and it doesnt get any easier, some are better cast than others, but it is always something that is bunged up or missing or got holes and bubbles galore.
If this is too much please remove or move. :D

R L Bleecker

10-12-2007, 01:06 PM

Nah.. that's cool, Jerry. These have some serious gaps and alignment issues.

The jig HAS been very helpful. I'll make a better one next time. Last night was an off night. I had a case of fumble fingers really bad and my temper was short... in essence... a night where normally a model would NOT be touched.

Today will be better.

Thanks for posting those pix. There's always more than one way to skin a cat.... or line up engines on a CR-90!

Kuhn Global

10-12-2007, 06:38 PM

Wow... the more I see of this, the more I see what a pain in the arse it is!

Thank you again for dealing with the kits problems Bob! ;) It takes a great artist to make something less than perfect shine. And I know that is exactly what you'll do! :D

R L Bleecker

10-12-2007, 06:41 PM

Thanks Kurt...

I just noticed... on Jerry's examples, it looks like the castings are near paper thin on those engine cans. Holy Crap! At least yours are a bit more substantial.

R L Bleecker

10-13-2007, 02:10 AM

Ok... I can finally start to get enthusiastic here...

I've done the major markings. I mixed up my own custom red color... sort of a kidney-bean red. My own red oxide primer was far too much on the brown side.

I've also started the nicking and chipping process while still at work on the engine block. I think from here on out, we'll be moving right along at a fair clip.

You can see it coming together:

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant34.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant35.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant36.jpg

Kuhn Global

10-13-2007, 08:56 AM

This is when the project starts to breathe for me!

My excitement for recieving this just went up a notch! ;) :D

Aztek Dummy

10-13-2007, 09:47 AM

Very nice,
But I have to ask the obvious question...
If this is a consular ship...Where's the Ambassador?

sorry

R L Bleecker

10-13-2007, 11:28 AM

^ She's hiding the Stolen Plans... in her buns. :twisted:

R L Bleecker

10-15-2007, 01:01 AM

Hokay.... here we are now with assembly finished but for the missing afterburner for engine 11. I'm hoping a package will show up for me tomorrow.

I've been chipping up the red oxide and painting the different color body panels as well as starting the weathering with the airbrush. Pastels and washes will also be used as well as a bit more chipping. I'm on time and on budget with this ship. Enjoy.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant37.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant38.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant39.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant40.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant41.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant42.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant43.jpg

Kuhn Global

10-15-2007, 08:48 AM

Considering how many problems this kit has...

NICELY DONE Bob! :D It is REALLY breathing now! ;)

Raytheon

10-15-2007, 09:36 AM

From pile o' bits to nearly built beastie and looking rather splendid she is too.

Top notch sah!

Griffworks

10-15-2007, 10:07 AM

^ She's hiding the Stolen Plans... in her buns. :twisted:
That was in the Pron!1!! version, dude: Star Whores! :P

R L Bleecker

10-15-2007, 11:10 AM

^ Thanks guys!

R L Bleecker

10-15-2007, 07:22 PM

The part from Randy came this afternoon... so we're full go again on this.

Kuhn Global

10-15-2007, 08:28 PM

The part from Randy came this afternoon... so we're full go again on this.

WONDERFUL!!! Thanks to Randy Cooper! Even though he never reads the boards, I appreciate him getting the missing piece to Bob so quickly. ;)

And thanks again to you Bob for your fantastic work! :D

R L Bleecker

10-16-2007, 01:31 AM

No problem. I fit the part just as soon as I got it so I wouldn't lose it! Now the BR is fully assembled and ready to have its paintwork finished.

Kuhn Global

10-20-2007, 09:28 AM

I am looking forward to viewing more progress on this beastie bird. ;)

How's it looking Bob?

R L Bleecker

10-20-2007, 12:21 PM

Updates tonight! :D

REL

10-20-2007, 12:22 PM

Updates tonight! :D

I thought this was an update, don't make me use the pic smiley :twisted:

Max Zephyr

10-20-2007, 12:33 PM

Damn you got me too Bob. I keep looking for more updates on this one lol.

R L Bleecker

10-20-2007, 12:41 PM

Tonight....

You know I update in the wee hours. ;) :D

I had to take a couple days off because I felt some burnout starting to creep in.

Max Zephyr

10-20-2007, 12:46 PM

Burnout... Say it ain't so LOL

I hear though. When I realize the last 8 hours of work was only in last nights dream it's time for a break. I had to do the same thing today.

R L Bleecker

10-20-2007, 12:58 PM

I get burned out from time to time since I spend the first half of the day here on the boards and then the second half living and (literally) breathing the (modeling) stuff!

I'm not complaining or anything... But I'd rather work on something only when focused. Otherwise the work suffers. I don't want that!

R L Bleecker

10-20-2007, 08:53 PM

Well, no photo updates until at least Tuesday. We're having problems with our regular Internet service. The modem is being replaced, so we're connecting via a low-signal level unprotected network just long enough to check emails and post text.

Our wireless modem looks like it took a surge and died. Sorry about the technical malfunction!

Kuhn Global

10-26-2007, 11:04 AM

updates? ;)

I have an acrylic case ready to go for this beastie! :D

R L Bleecker

10-26-2007, 11:20 AM

I think I'll just make everyone suffer until it's finished, which won't be long now. Stay tuned!

R L Bleecker

11-04-2007, 01:10 AM

Update... in the home stretch now. Still adding markings and chipping. Should be complete by this time tomorrow.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant44.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant45.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant46.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant47.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant48.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant49.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant50.jpg

REL

11-04-2007, 01:17 AM

Can't wait to see the bluescreen of this one.

R L Bleecker

11-04-2007, 01:19 AM

Yeah... me neither! And then the composites to follow.

Kuhn Global

11-04-2007, 08:52 AM

I LOVE IT BOB!!! :D :D :D

You MUST have gone over those scorches, scratches, and markings from the original's photos! From what I can see,... they are SPOT ON!!!

B E A Utiful my friend!!! THANK YOU!!!

Again, I hope I may do it justice with the Blue Screen photos!!

I am VERY excited to try!!! :D :D :D

"Pleased" wouldn't be an appropriate enough word to use for this piece. ;)

I await it's arrival with great anticipation!!! :D

R L Bleecker

11-05-2007, 10:12 AM

^ Thanks!

Updates to follow later today.

anubispro

11-05-2007, 11:31 AM

Lookin FAN-Tastic !!! :hail:

R L Bleecker

11-06-2007, 01:13 AM

Finished.

I'm kinda tired. I think I'll go home now.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant51.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant52.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant53.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant54.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc159/OutOfTimeLLP/projects/KuhnGlobal%20Consular%20Ship/KGtant55.jpg

PHArchivist

11-06-2007, 06:09 AM

The Cat

11-06-2007, 07:07 AM

I'm amazed at just how many Tiger tank kits went into this thing! Two per engine!

WOW!

INCOM

11-06-2007, 07:53 AM

This model looks HUGE...until you get to the last pic. :P

Stunning work! :hail:

Kuhn Global

11-06-2007, 08:56 AM

Absolutely FANTASTIC!!! :D

This is going to be GREAT to photograph with a Blue Screen!

Fantastic photos Bob! And again... GREAT WORK!!

This will display VERY well!!! :D Thank you sir!!! :D

Kuhn Global

11-06-2007, 09:03 AM

I just had to say again...

I LOVE THIS BUILD!!!! :D:D :D 8) 8) 8)

Thank you my friend! 8) 8) 8)

R L Bleecker

11-06-2007, 10:46 AM

Bob that's the best Blockade Runner/Consular ship/Tantive I've seen!

Question: Where did you get your pastels?

My X-Wing was weathered almost exclusively with pastels, but my color pallette is limited. I have black of course, a rust I like, and that was about it.

My set has one dark brown, but in my experience (with both paints and pastels), brown is very difficult to get in a natural looking shade, and the brown in my pastel set is not great.

First of all, Thanks All for the kind comments.... this was a fun build. I always wanted to do one of these.

Rob, my pastels are a set of Grumbachers that were given to me by my Grandma nearly 30 years ago. If your pallette is limited, you CAN mix the powders just like you can paints to make your own colors. Try that if you only have a few basic colors. ;)