Blogs Are For Updating!
A very wise person recently reminded me that a blog isn’t really much of a blog if it’s never updated….and he’s correct. I apologize for that. It got rather lost in the shuffle of life, and I lost track of how long it’s been since I last penned an update. But alas, progress has been made! And now I’m here to tell you about it.
The master for the planetary sensor is finally complete! Making this little gem has given me a whole new appreciation for those that scratch build. It was difficult, and frustrating at times. But, educational and fun as well. Now the part will go off to someone who knows infinitely more about casting than me so I can have a few copies made. That way, I can use them on future builds, and dremel out the “core” to install lighting. On to the pictures!
styrene disks were laser cut to make the rough shape of the dome.
Bondo...sand....primer....repeat forever.
all smooth and dome shaped. Above is the collar that will go around the base of the dome
...and it snowed
Now it's starting to look like something!
I really wasn't sure how I was going to scribe the rings that go around the dome. I hate hand scribing I cheated and did it with the laser.
Tabs
The final product!
Now, let’s see. What else have I been doing? Oh yes! The saucer. The windows were masked from the inside, and silver paint was sprayed in to help block some of the light leakage. Foil tape was applied around the periphery as well. Next, several of the photo-etch crew silhouettes were placed behind several of the oblong windows in order to give a hint of something “being there”. Light boxes were made from styrene sheet, and 5mm LED’s installed on each side. After placing one of the boxes in front of the windows, I noticed I could see the LED’s a little to easily through the windows. I cut some 1/16″ acrylic strips, roughed them up with sand paper and used them as diffusers.
Light box with diffuser
The rest of the boxes were wired up, then installed and sealed up with foil tape.
in the dark.
"Bye Mom! We're off for a little training cruise!"
Well, there you have it for now. Next up, I’ll be installing the RCS and running lights. The impulse engine and crystal lighting will be added very soon as well. See you next time!
And if I’m not back soon….you have my permission to poke me mercilessly with a pointed stick!
