Building A studio Scale A-wing

[3D-builder]

It's come to my attention through my own mistakes, that trying to be a great model builder doesn't always mean you do it on the first try. In fact what makes up the real good builders is the ability and fortitude to stat over.The ability to be able correct mistakes by using the correct methods.The hardest part is walking to the garbage with something 95% finished and dropping it in!! If it wasn't for the fact that I look forward to seeing this ship done the best "I" can do....... the walk to the garbage would have bee much harder!!:D

Well Rich this is what we have so far....I think you can see I am much closer now.Coming out 240mm flat from the rear deck and building up the shoulder lines has helped a great deal.

If you are really interested in this build, this is the vacuum buck for the hull. Also in the picture is the canopy bulkhead buck and the canopy/ canopy rail buck. I will be vacuum forming as much as I can,there will be some cast resin parts. These parts include vector rings, rear engine cowlings, laser cannons, and a few original ILM kit parts.

When I have the hull buck correct I will be vacuum forming it....when my wife is not HOME!!

[REL]

Much better, it looks perfect.

[Max Zephyr]

Way to tackle it man! You'll this bugger back in no time.

[Apophis]

Wow, Mike! I know this will be great like your snowspeeder!

[Griffworks]

Good to see you here, Michael! It's comin' right along!

Now we gotta get Al over here!

[3D-builder]

There is a area at the back of the A-wing that is flat.This area is the rear deck it has a span off L=240mm and W=188mm. Occupying this area are two assemblies, the canopy bulkhead and the canopy and rail. This area has to be flat...not kind of flat or a little flat, dead nuts flat. I drew some reference lines on the plug and got started.To make sure I was sanding flat I wrapped the sand paper around a 2x4 cut to length.To sand on the exact lines I held a steel rule down on the plug as I sanded.There is a tiny bit of Apoxie Sculpt needed to fill the gap at the 240mm mark, after this it's pretty much ready for warm plastic!!

Regards,
Michael

[Kuhn Global]

LOLOLOL.. Like I stated in your "welcome" thread Michael... I think we are all in for a treat in watching you create this beastie. :D

Correcting the angle that bothered you didn't take you long at all!

This is going to be a FANTASTIC BEASTIE!!! :D I am excited!

[modman06]

looks great. what material are you using for the master, is that a plaster or a cement like ultra cal.

Al

[3D-builder]

Al the plug is all pine with a amount of bondo but the top layer is a two part modeling clay called Apoxie Sculpt. It dries like granite hard so it's great for forming over.

Regards,
Michael

[3D-builder]

I pulled the top hull today, and cut out the center insert. I also fit a new center insert....what a BITCH!! I will post pictures of the vacuum forming of the lower hull as I forgot when I did the top hull.I finished up th canopy plug, to get it to sit flat on the center insert I cut it in half.This allowed it to angle down and match the slope of the insert.Then I filled the gap in the plug with CA glue. Next I added the tip of the canopy rail.I sculpted this out of Apoxie sculpt right on the model, so it would also match the slope of the center insert. I also cut the template out for the gun emplacements on each side of the model.Tomorrow I will form the canopy bulkhead and the canopy rail, scribe the panel lines into the top hull.

Regards,
Michael

[frostrubin]

Looks great! Can´t wait to see first "casts".

[Kuhn Global]

Most excellent! It starts... again! ;)

Very kewl Michael! Very kewl! :D

[3D-builder]

I have plotted all the panel lines on the top hull, they are not scribed in the pictures. If you want to get better at scribing panel lines I have the ultimate tool PRACTICE!! Next I will fire up the oven and warm up some plastic for the canopy and canopy bulkhead.

[REL]

That was quick! Nice work Michael.

[Raytheon]

The boy don't hang about, this much is certain.
Top notch stuff Michael!

[modman06]

looks great. looks thinner and sleeker. as always great job.

AL

[3D-builder]

Thanks again for the kind words guys.Today besides locating all the panel lines on the hull I pulled the canopy and the canopy bulkhead.The canopy vacuum plug serves three purposes, from it comes the canopy and the railing and nose support at the end.To get the rail I marked the required angle and used tape to bend it around the canopy so it could be marked.This was done on each side, as I got to the tip of the canopy I drew the nose support also.The rest of the pull was cut away leaving the rail.

You will notice on the vacuum plugs a riser underneath, this is to elevate the plug so it is possible to pull past the equator.Pulling past the equator allows you to achieve the true mid point of the plug. After the plug is pulled the riser is removed, the riser is screwed to the plug so during forming it won't slide around.After the riser is removed you are left with the master plug embedded in the plastic.The flash is cut away while the master plug is still embedded, this allows you to perfectly work it down to the equator. It is more effective since the plug is in the styrene to cut the flash from inside the plug.This allows you to keep an eye on the equator, where as cutting from the outside can be a bit of a crap shoot at times!!!

Encapsulation can be an issue with vacuum forming, making it impossible to remove some patterns.The bulkhead pulled today and the canopy are examples.They would be very hard to remove if something was not cut away.Luckily the bulkhead and canopy can be cut at the rear and front to make removal a snap.New pieces have to be re-cut out of styrene to replace the cut away sections.

Vacuum forming creates instant freedom for curved compound shapes,a great tool when used safely. It will also pick up amazing detail.....amazing as casting resin NO. But you will see two pictures here of a hair that was on the platen when the hot plastic was formed over the canopy bulkhead. The hair made a depression in the soft plastic!!

[3D-builder]

Few more pictures of todays work.

[Max Zephyr]

I declare a moment of silence to honor this work of art. Michael you have topped them all with this rework buddy! She SOOOOOOO looks the part now!!!

[modman06]

besides the great job as always and i am so jealous of you, and the fact that i miss the smell of warm plastic. does your wife know what you are doing to her stove when shes not there. but really great job and i would like one for christmas.

AL

[modman06]

oh yeah i will be home in a few weeks and i have nt forgot about the kool shade for you. i will definetly get it out when i get home. i still have your address.


al

[3D-builder]

No problem Al just keep your ass safe!!

Regards,
Michael

[3D-builder]

I declare a moment of silence to honor this work of art. Michael you have topped them all with this rework buddy! She SOOOOOOO looks the part now!!!

Thats funny Matt...:D Thanks Bud!

[REL]

Oh you got all of that one.

[Peagis]

Man that looks awesome!!

[Kuhn Global]

Michael you have topped them all with this rework buddy! She SOOOOOOO looks the part now!!!


INDEED!!! :D

[3D-builder]

Here are the panel lines scribed and the rivet depressions. I used a smaller drill bit this time with only a few rotations, this gives more of just a depression closer to the studio model....I think? I have a few more panel lines to add that I missed.

Regards,
Michael

[Peagis]

Wow!!

[Franz Bolo]

Great work!! Great to see this project...Again!!

FB

[modman06]

it looks great. goes alot easier the second time around. awesome work..

AL

[Griffworks]

Schweet job there, Michael! I hope I'm half as good a modeler as you are when I grow up!

Seriously!

[3D-builder]

Griff thanks for the compliment, the only thing that separates me from you is I have tried. I didn't try once and quit or twice or give myself ultimatums. I have been trying for 10 years and I have made some real ugly models trust me!!:D At some point if you want to become a scratch-builder you have to put the kits away and try, you have to be ready to start over at times.You get to a point where starting over becomes "Not a big deal" because your addicted to that feeling of when it looks right!:D

Don't shoot to be half as good as me Griff....... shoot to be even better!!!

Regards,
Michael

[Kuhn Global]

Good Lord this is BEAUTIFUL!!!

I told you guys we'd be in for a treat in viewing Michaels scratch build of this beastie! :D

[Apophis]

I love it Mike!!!

[3D-builder]

I love it Mike!!!

Thanks Jerry,

These pictures are version (three):D Ya I started over again! I had to make ....like vacuum plug #5 FOR THE ENGINES i THINK i MIGHT HAVE IT NOW!!:D

Regards,
Michael

[rider]

:eek: This is superb 3D-builder. Way to go on your perseverance and persistence, its really paying off and creating beautiful work.
Can't wait to see more.

[modman06]

Excellent work. still shocked you threw the first one away. was good talking to you. should be back around your area in may have to make a trip up to see you. keep the pics coming great job as always.

al

[Kuhn Global]

:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:

:cool::cool::cool::cool::cool:

I think that about sums this up! ;)

[JohnLogan]

As allways, great work. Can't wait, to see the paint.

[3D-builder]

As allways, great work. Can't wait, to see the paint.

John me to except I am not painting it......and I am happy for this....Kurt will be to!!:D My painting to building ratio is way lopsided right now, and i don't need to practice on a piece that is going out the door for a client.

I did finish the tub and cockpit parts yesterday. I still have to finish the seat's left side bolster.

[Griffworks]

Man, that's looking better and better all the time, Michael! Excellent work!

[R L Bleecker]

Every day and in every way, it's getting better and better...:D

[Max Zephyr]

So you done yet? Huh? LOL. Looking hot buddy! I can't wait till you start painting this thing up.

[Kuhn Global]

I think I am holding him back Matt! LOLOLOL.. I need to send Michael an important item for fit and finish. I will do that today! ;) :D

[Franz Bolo]

Looks Great!

FB

[3D-builder]

I think I am holding him back Matt! LOLOLOL.. I need to send Michael an important item for fit and finish. I will do that today! ;) :D

Kind of but not really, my wife is more she has a cold and is home.This keeps me out of the kitchen, as I have to form one engine half and another vector ring.:D Thats ok though I found a oven at work, and I will be forming them tomorrow......I never quit!!!:mad::D

[R L Bleecker]

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h91/Freddo6/forming.jpg

[3D-builder]

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h91/Freddo6/forming.jpg

:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

[Max Zephyr]

Looking great Michael!

[Boxster]

Obscene, sick!!! Love it!!!

B

[modman06]

as always. great job.

AL

[REL]

Schweet!

[3D-builder]

Thanks guys Al keep your head down and be safe!!! Some shots of one finished engine and vector ring.

[REL]

Man that is so freaking nice, damn I wish you'd kit this, you bastard.:p

[3D-builder]

You know it's the little forgotten fighter....people don't realize how cool it is until they see one in a studio scale size wise.Maybe this model will spawn some new interest? I know it's one of your favorites Rich, and it should be done real nice in Fiberglass one day by a professional....hint....hint!!:D I find it much more nicer to look at than a 65 it's just not iconic yet...maybe it never will be?

Regards,
Michael

[bar]

I totally agree about the beauty of the A-wing. It's the Ferrari Modena of Star Wars. Super small, giant engines, and beautiful to look at.
Bar.

[Boxster]

Freaking freak out work!

This is one of the ships that needs to be larger to be better appreciated. Like tits!

B

[Kuhn Global]

I am telling ya Michael.... I can't wait to get this beastie in front of the Blue Screen!!! :D

[3D-builder]

Worked out the final bulkhead.

[bar]

Good work, Michael!
Bar.

[REL]

Incredible.:eek:

[Kuhn Global]

My drool has overwhelmed my bucket! I need another! LOLOLOLOLOL

[Boxster]

Nice nice farken nice!!!

B

[fokkerpilot]

Awesome work Michael - just flat out awesome !!

[3D-builder]

Hi Jack, thanks I haven't talked to you in a minute!:D Good to hear from you, I know your up to your ass in some kind of HUGE Federation subject matter.:D

Regards,
Michael

[3D-builder]

The tub is almost done a harness is just about all it needs.

[Griffworks]

Whoa! :eek:

Continuing to impress, Michael! :thumbsup:

[3D-builder]

Whoa! :eek:

Continuing to impress, Michael! :thumbsup:

Thanks Griff!

Here are a few shots of some of the last building on the model.I pinned the lower stabilizer to the port engine, it just needs a vector ring and it will be all happy back there!:D After this it's button up time and off to the body shop for paint!:D

[Kuhn Global]

OMG!!!! :eek:

This beastie is simply BITCHEN!!!! ;) :D :cool::cool::cool::cool:

Michael.... You have outdone yourself my friend! This piece is going to SHINE in the Collection! :D

[3D-builder]

OMG!!!! :eek:

This beastie is simply BITCHEN!!!! ;) :D :cool::cool::cool::cool:

Michael.... You have outdone yourself my friend! This piece is going to SHINE in the Collection! :D

It may not be "the" best one in the collection, but it will be "one of the best!" I can't promise you more than that Kurt.:D Finished the other vector ring and detailed it.Minus a canopy, f-16 intakes, guns,misc detailing,.... this bird is close to body shop time.:D

[Kuhn Global]

:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:

:cool::cool::cool::cool::cool::cool:

:D:D:D:D:D

[modman06]

AWESOME... thats fantastic. like i said you do the best cockpits, and the pics outside the window getting me home sick, i actually miss the snow.

AL

[3D-builder]

Well Al you will be home soon enough!:alright:

Well a fighters heart and soul is in her engines and guns, here are her guns!:D

I originaly was going to cast these in resin so they were entirely made of copper and aluminum stock.They were to heavy to stand alone as finished pieces on the model. I gave what I had to my friend Carl and asked him to see if he could come up with something the same but lighter.He made the main body of the gun from brass and the rest from platic tubing, also a few bits form a pod racer kit.:D The guns are nice and light and can stand alone on the kit with no need to cast them.They are also very quick to re-make.;)

[modman06]

awesome. my man. great stuff. already anticipating your next one.

AL

[3D-builder]

awesome. my man. great stuff. already anticipating your next one.

AL

thanks Al!:D

[swfan]

You aren't finished yet? lol. Looks great!

Isel

[Peagis]

Dude you should seriously consider kitting this! I'm not one for the SS I prefer the smaller scale stuff but I'd buy one of these!!!

[3D-builder]

Dude you should seriously consider kitting this! I'm not one for the SS I prefer the smaller scale stuff but I'd buy one of these!!!

Thanks Peagis there is a "VERY" small list that is private and filled, it's not going to be a kit so to say....just pulls very rough.For advanced builders or modelers that are already experienced scratch-builders. I don't have time for kits or the experience, plus I have to start on a 47 commission after the A-wing is finished and delivered.

Regards,
Michael

[3D-builder]

More detail on the guns adding the cooling conduits.....at least thats what they look like......CARL is killing these fast now!!:D

[ralphee]

I still reckon you should not burden Kurt with this awful build and send it to me bro hehe.

Mike, you just keep knocking my socks off man, you have a tech and way to do anything in this hobby, and this build along with the 47 shows, if you were doing this at the time of the OT, you would be one of those guys in the ILM shop we all admire.

Shit not that i dont admire YOU bro, these builds of yours will beat the shit out of any ILM build...period, your one of the coolest and nicest guys i know, and just seeing you do this stuff, its a pleasure to share the trip, thinking way back on your 47, i sat there and used to think "how the crap does he do it" lol, then i realise, its pure love and dedication...oh and an understanding Mrs P lol.

bests and cant wait to see some paint on this demon.....lee

[3D-builder]

Those are real kind words Lee, thats why I have always have considered you a true friend. A good friend will tell you if your off or if your right on, and not have to worry about hurting your feelings example: Rich and the A-wing hull. I always considered you the "SLEEPER" of modeling Lee, low profile with insane talent and learned skills!!

I remember when I started the speeder WOW it was so long ago! You were building one and you stopped...and I said to myself..... "Maybe he is not a builder?"But I have learned your just crazy picky and the only reason you stopped is because you couldn't get it exactly right!:D After watching you scratch the AT-ST I knew then you were about.....at least 4 notches more anal than me!!:D I am still waiting for you to shock the modeling community with your building skills!!;)Not that your finishing and painting haven't already.:grin:

Oh don't worry about Kurt's burden, you will carry yours soon enough!:D

Regards,
Michael

[Boxster]

Someone said something about not wanting the Awing you got there, Micheal? Do you have my address?

LOL!

Freaking awesome work, Mike!

B

[Kuhn Global]

HOLY BUCKETS MICHAEL!!! :eek::eek:

This guns turned out FANTASTIC!!! :D:D:cool::cool::cool::cool:

I am sooooooooo looking forward to this beastie! It is truly a piece of art from a master! :D

[3D-builder]

The pylons that mount to the gun, and also mount to the gun emplacement bulkhead, were filled with Apoxie sculpt.When it had hardened they were drilled out and metal tube stock was inserted.The main gun was carefully marked and a small hole was drilled to accept the tube coming out of the pylon. The targeting sensor that is mounted on top of the main gun has been pinned also. Carl is well on his way to finishing these up! Hopefully he will be a member here soon and he can become more involved, he will be painting this bird so it would be nice to see the progression!

[3D-builder]

While Carl is pressing on with the guns, I have finished the vacuum plug for the rear cowlings that go between the engines.They look and are F-16 intakes i believe, but like all parts on the A-wing you have to make it.There was not a Tomcat or Falcon at the time big enough outside..... maybe a inducted RC fan model? So I have been told most of it was scratched also, it's possible a study model was created in a small scale?

This was a part I was back and forth on as far a medium for final product. I wanted to keep the model as much styrene as possible, so in the end I decided to vacuum form it. The plug was made from pine, because it stands kind of tall on the platen I was worried about webbing on the sheer sides.It did web a bit but I was able to cut it away with out the plastic opening up.I got away with this because of the 3mm plastic it kind of healed up as it cooled in the webbed areas, to help it along I squeezed the webbed areas so it melted back together.

I added in the rounded corners with a tiny bit of Apoxie Sculpt, but I think If I paid more attention when cutting...... the corners were there all along.:mad: I cut away what I needed, I knew this when I looked at one side and it was perfect with no clay. I added a backing to the two cowlings for maximum gluing surface to the engine bulkhead.

[3D-builder]

Hey Lee I think I came pretty close to the studio Scale of the cowling because the part you sent me fits perfectly in there!:D What the hell was that from again...it's some kind of rim.

Regard,
Michael

[Franz Bolo]

Nice! Thanks for the updates! I don't get tired of that avatar either!

FB

[3D-builder]

Nice! Thanks for the updates! I don't get tired of that avatar either!

FB

Ok for you I am going to keep the honey in the avatar around for a while!:D

Hey speaking of avatars what is flying in yours locking on the X-wing!:D

[Kuhn Global]

We need a drooling icon! ;) LOLOLOL

I feellike Homer Simspon staring through the window of Lard Lad Donuts! LOLOLOLOL


.... mmmmmmmmmmmmmm AAAAAA Wiiiiiiing!

LOLOLOLOLOLOL

[LastBattlestar]

Incredible! Me, I just make square boxes and glue them to a pipe. You blokes are TRUE scratchbuilders!

Mike, Oz

[3D-builder]

Thanks Mike!:D The laser cannons, targeting senors, pylons, are finished the cockpit is also complete,the last step in the cockpit was a 4 point harness! The cockpit can now be treated to some paint.

Regards,
Michael

[modman06]

damn dude!!! thats awesome. got that just about done. cant wait to see your next one. and ill call you tomarrow.


Latersssss im HOME.


AL

[3D-builder]

Man great news your back home Al!:D Talk to you soon hope your home for a while!

Regards,
Michael

[Kuhn Global]

WELCOME HOME AL!!!:D:D:D:D:D

Mike...... duuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuude. :cool::cool::cool::cool::cool::cool::cool::cool::c ool::cool:

[ave4uevoli]

wow those side cannons are simply amazing. The fact that you have an actual buckles on the seatbelt are just sick.

Great stuff!

[Peagis]

Holy Frak!!!! That is just Awesome!!!

[Peagis]

So are ya gonna paint it??

[3D-builder]

No worries paint coming soon! For now watch Ally bo wind for you!:D

[Raytheon]

Top notch, just absofrakin'loutely top notch!
Premium build Michael :wtg:

[ralphee]

Said it before, ill say it again, you rock bro and nothing beats you, you just keep slogging.
If you made patterns Michael, you would be up there with the best of them, cant wait to see you sling the paint now!

lee

[3D-builder]

Thanks guys!!:D Speaking of paint lee I sent you a PM did you get it?

Regards,
Michael

[ralphee]

Bro PM,d you back this AM? Hmm let me know if you didnt get it as ill resend on SR.

lee

[ralphee]

Bro just mailed ya too, not sure whether i had a full inbox or maybe you buddy lol, anyways, gave you a few pointers Mr P!

bests....lee

[3D-builder]

Lee I didn't get anything here or over at SR?:D
I will make sure my inbox is all cleared out it usually is.

Regards,
Michael

[3D-builder]

Ok I got your E-mail I am all square!!

Regards,
Michael

[swfan]

Michael,

Simply stunning.

[3D-builder]

Here are a few pics in primer

[R L Bleecker]

Finally... after almost exactly one year... the birdie is in primer... fantastic!

[Peagis]

Very nice Michael, I cant wait to see it completed!!!!

[ralphee]

She looks sooo good in primer bro, my god lol!

lee

[Max Zephyr]

Paint! Paint! Paint!

LOL

Looking great Michael!

[3D-builder]

Here is your damn paint, if you don't like it to bad!:D

[modman06]

we like it, we like it. great job michael.

Al

[JohnLogan]

Very very nice, Michael. Looking really good. :thumbsup:
-John

[RKW]

OH YEAH!

[boba flint]

hommina hommina hommina hommina :eek:

[777]

I've been following this thread with great interest and what a result. Excellent.

[Kuhn Global]

Here is your damn paint, if you don't like it to bad!:D

LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL.... of course I like it Michael! :D

You usual masterpiece my friend! AWESOME!!!! :cool::cool::cool::cool::cool:

[Peagis]

Awesome job Michael!!!!!

[manjp]

Wonderful!!!

[JohnLogan]

Looks great Michael!!!
-John

[REL]

This was an amazing build, Michael! Very, very nice.

[k-dog]

Great Job!!!

[Kuhn Global]

This was an amazing build, Michael! Very, very nice.

Indeed! I was just looking at the beastie again this evening. :D

sweeeeeeeeeeeeet! :D