[USS VALIANT]

Hello everyone.

I've been modeling now for a number of years, and want to get into scratch building. My problem is I have no idea where to start, where to get supplies or what supplies I'll need.

What I'm looking at build are the interior sets from Star Trek. Like Enterprise D's bridge, Engineering etc.

Any help would be wonderful.

Thanks.

 

[jwrjr]

The first rule of scratch building is that there are no rules. If a part from a washing machine looks like a bridge console part, then use it.

 

[rossjr]

Not sure I should repsond, but what the hay!

I have done little in the way of scratch building, but a couple of things I've learned from sessions at Sci-Fi U is that nothing is off limits and let your imagination be your guide. Break the subject down into basic geometric shapes and work on the details later. Try to pick a medium you feel comfortable with, as an example Joe Brown loves to use foam, and free form approach, were other people get the drafting board out and draw out detailed 3D plans that they build off of. Start with something simple and build on your successes, just try to remember - How do you eat an elephant, a little at a time.........

 

[uss_columbia]

Read Dave Merriman's articles on Cult's site. There's a wealth of information there. (And Dave's writing can be fun, too. )

 

[James Henderson]

I agree. Dave's article on scratchbuilding the Dove is very informative. I hope he gets back to finishing it one of these days.

James

 

[Styrofoam_Guy]

There are so many areas to explore but you can start with using sheet styrene to build stuff You are already familiar with the stuff and have the tools and glue to use it.

Later on you can get into other materials and methods


Alex
Styrofoam Guy

 

[perotis]

one quick tip i can give is just about where to get sheet styrene... i have a friend that works at a sign shop, and he brinsg home scraps, and rejects. (the erjects have some screen printig on them, but who cares )

this may be a moot point for most, but its what i have to offer.

 

[fokkerpilot]

The first rule of scratch building is that there are no rules. If a part from a washing machine looks like a bridge console part, then use it.

Lego works too and they are LED friendly

Jack

 

[terryr]

And if it doesn't look like it, don't use it. A bottle with crap glued to it and painted silver looks like a bottle with crap glued to it and painted silver.

 

[Steve244]

OK who let the ringer in?

check out Robert Hargrave's progress page on building up the Jupiter 2. Lots of techniques there may apply to building trek bridges. It's discussed in this thread.

Definitely get some sheet styrene and start playing with it. Check your local hobby shop.

 

[beeblebrox]

For Sale signs come in varying sizes and thicknesses. They are usually made of styrene and cost less than the little sheets you find at your hobby shop. The only drawback I've found is it does not work for vacuforming. The printed areas do not melt or stretch at the same rate.

 

[phicks]

Two hints:


1. Make sure you have drawings of your subject that are the same size as the model you are making.

2. The best way to make a great scratch built model - is to do a lousy one first, and learn how not to do things.

 

[jwrjr]

Rule 2 also goes for somebody just starting out with lighting. Start with something expendable so that when you make a mistake (not if) it is no big thing. At least you learn what not to do next time.

 

[Stimpson J. Cat]

We have a Star Trek group scratchbuild going on over at the FSM forum. We have people in the build who this is their first scratchbuild along with experienced builders. Here is the URL for my project.

http://www.finescale.com/fsm/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=24894

The completion date is Dec. 1st so get ahold of me if you would like to join in.

 

[PerfesserCoffee]

And if it doesn't look like it, don't use it. A bottle with crap glued to it and painted silver looks like a bottle with crap glued to it and painted silver.

LOL! Good one!
:roll: