Runabout landing pad and bay

[Trekmanscott, M,Ed.]

Since I am totally insane, I have begun to build not only the AMT runabout but the landing pad and maintenance bay to go with it. I was unsure how to build the structure of the bay. Then I had an idea...what if I used plastic campaign signs? So on election night I did my civic duty and "helped" candidates by removing their signs so they would not get fined.

I had to cut the signs down a bit but they were exactly what I needed to build the shape for the bay. I was also able to build the observation deck from left over parts of sign.



To build the pad lifts I drew the shapes on my computer ( because axial symmetry sucks) I printed the shapes out and cut them out of styrene sheets. I laminated the styrene shapes together, then I glued each shape to the other to try an match the shape of the lift in the DS9 Tech manual and "In the Pale Moonlight" I also added some styrene strips and channels to add some detail.

[img]

I have more detail to add to the walls of the bay to make it look more Cardassian.

To add the detail to the landing pad I ask Lou Dalmasso of Aztek Dummy to make me a painting template.

The Runabout will have the Federation Models interior and will be lighted.


Comments welcome

[beeblebrox666]

If there's one thing I love, it's a big-assed diorama.

[beeblebrox666]

I've got a very old Runabout that will one day be reborn after a Castrol Superclean Baptism.

[Revell-Fan]

WOW! This will be awesome!

[The Cat]

Scott, this is going to kick all kinds of ass!

Actually, it already does!

[Trekmanscott, M,Ed.]

Thanks guys!

[mar10]

Nice project. and you are insane.

[pheniks]

nice work

i love the concept
keep us posted on your updates

[Sci Fi Smoker]

Very cool.

[Tiberious]

That's gonna be very sweet!

[Neb]

Cool!!!!

You're nuts.

[lakespeed]

Looking forward to seeing your take on this Scott. Lots of creative freedoms on this one.

[Trekmanscott, M,Ed.]

Thanks for all the kind words. I worked out how I am going to route (hide) the wiring. I built a hollow column that I will place on the back wall that will run from top to bottom. I am waiting on my crew figures from a friend for me to really get to work on the runabout interior. But, I do have it painted and decaled. I will try an post some pictures of the interior soon.

[Trekmanscott, M,Ed.]

I have to share these pictures! I asked a very talented modeler who is a member of my IPMS chapter, and member here (Haunted pen) if he would help me with a crew for my runabout. I bought some Woodland scenics HO scale railroad passengers. He turned these figures into the perfect crew for my Runabout!





I think he went above and beyond with the crew. He made Major Kira, Chief O'Brien, some Vulcans, even Guinan! The figures will really add to the Runabout.

To make things even better he Vac formed new windows for the Runabout! The vac formed windows are so much clearer and thinner than the windows that come with the kit.


This is a view of the aft cabin


This is view of the cockpit

[The Cat]

Frigging awesome!!!!

I want to start on my Runabout build sometime, and I'll very definitely be using your thread as a cookbook

I think Steve could make some good change selling replacement windows.