Modifying the Lunar Models Excelsior

[aptivaboy]

I just hope they print correctly. A few of the little details, like the tubular structure in the middle between the two cones are pretty small, right at the limit of Shapeways' reliable printing resolution. If they don't, I'll just thicken those areas although I fear that might hurt the fidelity of the overall part.

Bob

[Vidar710]

Small update while waiting for the 3D Dorsal Torpedo Launchers to show up.



Wrapped up the final stages for the master of the lower half of the Primary Hull. Added the aft bottom plate the saucer's superstructure under the impulse engines will glue down to.







There is a raised paneling detail that covers this section and surrounds the dorsal adapter to the saucer outside the radius of the ring trench. Here the paper template is in place.







The thick plate detail is in place, but further refinement to the part is still needed.







Once the 3D printed dorsal canons arrive, I can finish up assembly of the entire dorsal section and do the final sanding to shape.



Tracy

[Vidar710]

The Dorsal stack is finished then sanded to its final shape.







The 3D printed Torp Launchers are finalized and given a light primer coat with some light dry brushing to pop the detail.







The Nacelle grills are next!



Tracy

[Vidar710]

[Vidar710]

Making the Nacelle grills.

One big slice of .7mm sheet styrene. Each nacelle has 17 plates (8 Large, 7 smaller spacers) for a total of 34 plates to hand cut.



Strips were cut for ease of handling each plate.



Holes were drilled through all the plates to accommodate an assembly jig to ensure alignment.




Plates are stacked to test alignment and to allow sanding to their final shape.





Once they are sanded to shape, the plates that don't cut the mustard are designated to be trimmed down as spacer plates.







Once the spacer plates are all trimmed, they go back on the jig to be sanded down to "their" final shape.



Once the spacers are finalized, everything goes back on the port and starboard jigs to test shape and alignment.



To save some weight, I desided to "core out" the plates by removing material down their longitudinal axis. I did this by drilling holes just inside the end jig dowels then cutting away at the edges of the holes.



Once all the plates were cored, all the plates were glued together on their respective jigs. Once the glue set up a bit, they were removed from the jigs and placed on a flat surface (my drafting table) with a piece of wood and several clamps to ensure a flat assembly ensuring no waves in the grill.



It took 85 individual plates to reproduce this interesting characteristic of the Excelsior Class Starship.




Now back to modifying other parts of the kit for better accuracy and detail...

To Be Cont....

Tracy

[Neb]

Fantastic.
Building the jig shows a method to your madness!

[Vidar710]

I had to edit the text. Auto Text screwed up a lot of the descriptions I wrote making me look like a 3rd grader.

It's all good now.

Tracy

[aptivaboy]

Looking awesome!

[Vidar710]

If you haven't seen this before, I do have a history with the Lunar Models Excelsior.

This was the "out of the box" build I did back in late 91/92. I had no idea how badly inaccurate this model was back then.



Next, on THIS project, I'll be moving on to the nacelle struts.

Tracy

[aptivaboy]

Any additional progress? Also, do you still need the deflector crystal done?

Bob

[Vidar710]

No, and YES! I’ve taken a short break as I gather materials to correct the nacelle pylons next.

I need to determine the deflector dish’s diameter. I’ll get that done and send you some NX deflector images.

Tracy

[jpolacchi]

Just curious...is this a "personal build" or are you considering "casting accurate copies of this kit.The Lunar kit was never right.I had two of them once upon a time an was so disappointed in the shape and overall finish of the kit.The resin was bad...fit problems,warping of body parts..."everything" about it really.You are doing an INCREDIBLE job however.It should end up into a nice,finished piece.

[Vidar710]

Yes, this is a personal build. However, I’ve had some thought about kitting this. I’m molding all my masters anyway, so.... we’ll have to wait and see. I wouldn’t sell kits myself. Someone would have to buy the masters and original molds from me to release a kit.

Tracy

[jpolacchi]

I'm not sure I could ever afford the masters after all the research,work and hours you put into it(not to mention $$$$),but maybe Steve might be interested?He makes a S.S K.B.O.P.AMAZING if you haven't seen it.Keep up the incredible work!Too bad the Lunar kit could not have been made better,but you are taking care of that.