[kdaracal]

Here are a few pics of my current pod build


Kit includes some PGMS photo-etch, TSDS decals/vinyl kit, and the VooDoo FX light kit:

Front w/photo-etch:
http://i874.photobucket.com/albums/ab301/kdaracal123/101_5687.jpg

Scratch microphone:
http://i874.photobucket.com/albums/ab301/kdaracal123/101_5693.jpg


Inner wall:
http://i874.photobucket.com/albums/ab301/kdaracal123/101_5697.jpg

Attempting to put light kit switch on front hull to simulate scanner detail and be functional on/off switch:
http://i874.photobucket.com/albums/ab301/kdaracal123/101_5692.jpg


Pilot controls w/TSDS decals:
http://i874.photobucket.com/albums/ab301/kdaracal123/101_5688.jpg

Awesome solar scanner from PGMS (unpainted):
http://i874.photobucket.com/albums/ab301/kdaracal123/101_5701.jpg

Using Tamiya gloss silver, med. gunmetal for exterior, and Testors light ivory for interior

More to come...

 

[Paulbo]

That's looking super, KD. I'm looking forward to seeing more photos. :thumbsup:

 

[kdaracal]

Modelling tricks learned, rediscovered, or stolen off of others:

1) Taymia paints really ARE better than Testors-usually.
2) 3-M blue tape is a good masker in a pinch.
3) Using tape on the back of photo-etch to keep them from flying across the room while cutting works.
4) Using a good set of sprue cutters will change everything.
5) Good liquid masking works really nicely.
6) Regular fine-grit sanding sticks work on photo-etch metal.
7) Running warm water over cold spray cans brings them to temperature fast and boosts their spray power.

 

[hedorah59]

Thats looking very nice, kd - I look forward to seeing it all put together :thumbsup:

 

[kdaracal]

Thanks, guys. I just wish I had the knowledge to make that interior look more realistic.

That one gentleman who posted those beautiful Flying Sub interior pics was able to make it look like a movie set. It was clean, not overly weathered, but looked less "flat'. Wish I could observe a guy like that for a few sessions.........I'm always fighting that "toy" look.

 

[JohnGuard]

aaaahhh!! i'm getting whooped in the big Pod race!!!!!!!!

i've missplaced the front panel!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Paulbo]

That's not good.

Did you look behind that thing that sits next to the doohicky?

Seriously, though, that's a major pisser with the switch and all that you've done on the part. I hope you find it really soon.

 

[JohnGuard]

i found it!
it was next to the hoober-doober.
i have a slide switch on the inner wall where i can reach it with my finger.
now my batt underneath the main control panel.
problem:
if i glue the front on, how will i ever acess the batt?

 

[Paulbo]

Phew!

How about some of those super-strong magnets to hold the front in place?

 

[kdaracal]

aaaahhh!! i'm getting whooped in the big Pod race!!!!!!!!

i've missplaced the front panel!!!!!!!!!!!

I love your work. keep posting! BTW: I think I'll go ahead and "entomb" the battery and call it good.

 

[kdaracal]

Here's a little more progress...

TSDS vinyl details drying:

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I followed Henry's advice and used a wooden burnishing tool I found at a local art supply store to rub out all the left over soapy water. This was invaluable in applying the orange sticker. The color was perfect for me and so much easier than masking and painting. I suggest following the TSDS directions EXACTLY to achieve a super finish. I didn't do that with my PL J2 floor sticker...


Here's a video of the light kit from VooDoo installed:

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Thanks for looking!

 

[kdaracal]

BTW: My brother from Missouri wired up the light kit for me with his "mad skills"-------------Thanks, bro!!:wave:

 

[Seaview]

Looking fantastic, kdaracal; my only misgiving is your needing to "entomb" the battery, so I recommend that you conserve it for as long as possible. :thumbsup:

 

[kdaracal]

Looking fantastic, kdaracal; my only misgiving is your needing to "entomb" the battery, so I recommend that you conserve it for as long as possible. :thumbsup:

Man, I know. And what will I do about acid leakage. I'm reconsidering.......

 

[wander1107]

I'm really liking this build. Thanks for sharing.

I was on the fence about using the orange vinyl decals on the exterior, but after your explanation and results, I'm sold.

 

[JohnGuard]

Man, I know. And what will I do about acid leakage. I'm reconsidering.......

thats my dilemma too. i want the batt under the controls but i'm trying to figure out if i can have the whole front of pod removable. it's holding up my whole project.

 

[g_xii]

I followed Henry's advice and used a wooden burnishing tool I found at a local art supply store to rub out all the left over soapy water. This was invaluable in applying the orange sticker. The color was perfect for me and so much easier than masking and painting. I suggest following the TSDS directions EXACTLY to achieve a super finish. I didn't do that with my PL J2 floor sticker...

Wow -- truly excellent job with the viny exterior! It was never a real big seller, but I gotta say I think your pics have caused some folks to rethink! I've been selling them fairly well all week!

--Henry

 

[kdaracal]

I found the perfect solution!

thats my dilemma too. i want the batt under the controls but i'm trying to figure out if i can have the whole front of pod removable. it's holding up my whole project.

I snugged the front panel in as good as possible, (DRY) and then dug out some pin striping tape and covered the seam with the tape. This tape, purchased years ago, has sat in the bottom of my model junk drawer for years. It matched my paint exactly. The tape is pressure tape, with hardly any gooey glue. It comes off like Post-it notes. The photos catch the flaws, but the naked eye cannot see the minor flaws in regular light. I call it blind, dumb luck. Now I can run the 9 volt as much as I want and still have the option to take it out!

Yea, baby!!

Here's some pics:

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[kdaracal]

Thanks, Henry!

I want to thank Henry for all the cool decals and vinyl stock. What a bargain.

Between VooDoo FX, Paragraphix, and TSDS, I think I can say this is my first model approaching museum quality. I say that with humility. I pretty much stink on ice, otherwise!:wave:

I'll post a couple final photos after some paint touch-ups and the feet installation....

 

[wander1107]

I know we can be the biggest critics of ourselves. Honestly this is a great looking build. You've done a great job and I really appreciate how you shared your experience; so when I get ready to tackle my Space Pod I can use some of your advice to complete mine.

Also, the switch came out great too.

Great idea with the tape I like the effect it shows.