u/treenorth14

Happy modeling Memorial Day weekend!

Another update for the constellation class (or more inspired by) scratch build. Over the last week or so, I’ve been adding detail paneling across the ship to build up some dimensionality to this build. Surprisingly, I have found a new appreciation for this style of ship and have grown fond of this ugly duckling!

After getting the paneling completed, I finalized some filling and sanding to remove any bigger gaps and hard edges and did a quick black primer. After a few days, the first coat was applied to the model, which gave me hope this scratch build would be worthwhile! The darker gray is the first of 3 colors to be applied for a custom Aztec design. (Pictured is a constitution class with the future paint scheme).

As a side note, I didn’t like the way some of the middle greebles were laying out, so I took that piece off and built another part for its place. It ties well with the other “power plants” on the top saucer!

Custom registry ordered and masking is this weekend!

Enjoy!

Happy Mother’s Day!

Snuck in part 2 on the constellation class scratch build. First major update has been the filler/sanding. I’ve been working to smooth out the hull on the saucer, to some success, and filling some gaps on the ventral and dorsal hull sections. This has proven the biggest challenge due to the curved hull. After the last session, I declared this mostly finished and want to move on to paneling.

I’ve been adding small bits and bobs around the hull to provide more surface detail. I changed the power plant covers on the top hull to have a smaller profile to the original pieces. Using the reference photos, I’ve tried to stay true to the overall “theme” of the constellation class while giving myself some more liberty to change up the ship.

The shuttlebays proved problematic. I didn’t realize until later the shuttle doors are recessed into the saucer. The curve of the hull gave me quite a curveball on getting them to looks right. I decided to move the rear bays back, and separate the front bay into 3 smaller bays.

The ship is really starting to come together now and I forgot how much fun can be found it just building. It’s been a long time since I’ve scratch built a ship!

Enjoy!

1/1000 constellation kitbash: part 1

Happy may!

After gathering supplies and reviewing way too many official/unofficial photos, I decided to start in this kitbash. The build goals are below:

-recycle 75% of the parts from old builds, styrene, sintra (1 refit kit will need to be purchased for the hull)
- limited or no 3d printed item, old school kitbash
- custom Aztec and decals
- keep build within 60 dollars

I took a long time trying to get the paper templates right on size and layout. If anyone is curious, the refit saucer is the same size as a cereal bowl. After cutting out the sintra base parts, I created posts for them to attach. This was a two attempt process as the first posts were too tall.

After getting the right height, I attached the base parts, and secured the saucer pieces to the main hull. I figured these parts would help guide the build.

I used styrene for the saucer edges and I am hoping that my filler and sanding will correct some of these fit problems. It looks good at a distance, but not overly pleased with this part.

I finished the build session with the custom pylons for the nacelles. These will get further detailed in a later session.

Overall a very successful day with a few setbacks!

Enjoy!