Hey guys, it's been a while since I posted anything here.
About 5 months ago, I got a Flashforge 3D printer, which is basically a clone of the original open source Makerbot Replicator.
I've converted several of my models over, and printed them. Recently, I've started painting them and finishing them, too. The first real model I did was my Prime Alternative Enterprise model:
I also did my STXI Reliant model, but I haven't painted it yet:
Batman:
Prometheus, from Stargate SG-1. Primed, but not finished painting:
The Eighth Doctor's Sonic Screwdriver:
And finally, my Assault Phaser from Star Trek VI. Just printed out the other night, and ready for assembly:
All of the models are mine, except for Batman. I downloaded that one from Makerbot's Thingiverse.
More updates later. I've got a Kelvin phaser planned, and I want to do a Tricorder. What do y'all think?
-Ricky
Posts
Enterprise and Reliant are about 11 inches long. The largest object I can reliably print is 6x6x6 inches, so I have to cut everything up into smaller parts. If a part is longer than 6 inches, I can get some curling on the edges of the part.
Yeah, after they come out of the printer, I sand them, and then hit them with primer; that seems to work pretty well. Depending on the orientation of the part, I do end up with support material like you mentioned on the phaser. It's pretty easy to trim and sand off, though.
Yep, not too much, though. I like being able to see some of the layers if you look close. That way, even after it's finished, you can still tell that it's 3D Printed.
Updates on the phaser later... I got the gaps filled, and sanding finished. Plan is to hit it with Primer tonight.
-Ricky
Got the phaser done. I think it turned out well.
I went with more of a TOS color scheme on it, and I think it looks sharp. I felt like the real one was a little too dark.
And here it is compared to the Art Asylum TOS Phaser...
What do you guys think?
-Ricky
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2lm6FuaAWI
As I'm working on more of these, my parts should get more and more refined. I'm also trying to re-learn how to paint stuff like this, and get my workflow worked out.
I've looked into vapor baths... like you said, kind of dangerous. I'm using sandpaper and plastic model putty right now, which works OK.
More stuff later.
-Ricky
Gigabyte RTX 3080 Gaming OC 12GB
1TB NVMe SSD, 2 x 1GB SATA SSD, 4TB external HDD
32 GB RAM
Windows 11 Pro
Hey guys, more stuff tonight.
I got most of the parts built for Valiant, and assembled. I think it turned out pretty well.
Also, I was playing around the other day, and made some comm badges. I was watching TNG on Bluray, and never noticed that the TNG comm badges delta shape wasn't the same shape as the TOS delta. I thought it was weird that I had never noticed, so I had to make some.
What do you guys think?
-Ricky
And yeah, I noticed the difference in the commbadge design, it's one of those things where once you notice it, you can't stop noticing it.
You never noticed that? Seriously? Sorry, but I think we may have to confiscate your Trekkie membership card for that one.
Thanks. I am taking build requests, so PM me if you want one.
Thanks. Yeah, yeah, I only got the card in a box of Froot Loops anyway. I don't know why I never did, I always though it was the same asymmetrical shape as the other deltas. I wonder if there is a behind the scenes where they talk about it somewhere.
More pics when I primer the Valiant. I need to get primer on Reliant soon, too.
-Ricky
Mine was in a box of Frosted Flakes.
Oh, if I had a 3D model of my Excalibur...
I'm not familiar with the Excalibur... I tried to do a search, but couldn't find it. Got pictures?
-Ricky
Been working on this guy... It's done, except for a little paint touch up, and the gloss coat.
It's my biggest model yet... right at 13 inches.
What do you guys think?
-Ricky
The model looks good, but tbh the paint-job looks ... less than good.
Thanks. They are both 3D printed though... the Enterprise there was the first ship model that I printed out.
Fair enough. I have several places to touch up still, before I put the clear coat on it. I was going for a grungy weathered look, but a lot of that will be toned down after the clear goes on. Still practicing.
More later on... I have a couple of more models that I've got queued up for the printer.
-Ricky
Definitely. That's something I'm wanting to get in to. Send me a PM if you have something in mind.
-Ricky