Hero Phaser Scratchbuild

[Chrisisall]

"Tiny bubbles..."

"Wonderful stuff that Romulan ale..."


Okay, I'll stop with the quotes now.:lol
Great work. I'm lovin' this thread.:thumbsup

 

[cjvince]

I always stand in awe of the scratchbuilding skills displayed on this board. Hats off sir. I look forward to the progress.

Chuck

 

[robn1]

Bottom shell molded. Later today after it's set I'll pour the plaster.

 

[robn1]

Bottom mold is done.

P1 molds complete.

And plaster is poured. No plaster for the bezel.

 

[Chrisisall]

Are you taking pre-orders?:cool

 

[kahn1701]

I wouild like one please sir.

Paul/kahn1701

 

[robn1]

Thanks, you're on the list

One plaster mold is taking a long time to set, too much water. It has to set longer, but I pulled the other apart to allow it to dry faster.

The rubber mold will be placed into the plaster to make the final parts.

For now the plaster needs to dry through, I placed it on dowels to raise it up for better drying.

 

[Engelnicht]

I love how this build is progressing! Your photos and explanations are very clear and concise, and I love how I can track every step of the way! Keep up the fantastic work!

 

[robn1]

Time to make a fiberglass P1!

I'm using Smooth-On laminating epoxy. I mixed in some black tint, and some fumed silica (Cabosil) thickener to make a gel coat.

This was tough to brush into the mold, it sticks more to the brush than the rubber. I did my best here.

Then put in two layers of glass, with some straight epoxy.

The first glass layer was a very thin type from the hobby shop. It's almost too thin, 3/4oz, to be any use here. I thought it would be better for capturing detail, but the gel coat took care of that. The second layer was regular Bondo cloth, I think I'll just do two Bondo layers from now on.

 

[Chrisisall]

This is where no chrisisall has gone before.:rolleyes

 

[robn1]

Sorry to leave y'all hanging, I had a setback. I've gotten so used to mixing stuff with a 10:1 ratio, that I overlooked that this epoxy is 10:3! It sat for three days and it's still rubbery.

So I started over with the right mix, and got two shells that are much better. I used two layers of Bondo cloth. It's still pretty thin, I may do three layers next time.

I sanded them down, a bit too much. It's a little thin, I might be able to fix it. I also cut the bottom apart. I pumped up the brightness on these to show the detail.

 

[Cadeian]

Wow. I love watching this build - great work!

 

[Chrisisall]

SUHWEEEEEET.:cool

 

[kahn1701]

AWSOME

 

[Tiberius Kirk]

Can't wait to see the build complete!

 

[Demetrius]

Incredibly beautiful work. This thread is amazing to watch!

 

[robn1]

Thanks guys!

 

[Chrisisall]

Thanks guys!

Umm... pre orders??

 

[robn1]

No pre orders, yet. I have paid commitments to fill first, before I can make parts for order. I'll let you know.

 

[Chrisisall]

Rob, this is perfection in the making. I will wait.thumbsupthumbsup