James' Viper Mk. II

[jgderuvo]

Okay, gang, this is my first model that I'm really pushing to finish. I've been learning from reading up on the threads here (particularly SilverOxide's Viper II detail thread) and decided to strike out on the Mk. II.

I started with the main size, but it was simply too small for my patience to put together. So, in order to get going, and to learn the design, I doubled the size in order to really get into it.

Rather than bulkhead each individual section, which I plan to do on the next version, I tried to use a "keel" setup to build the bulkheads around. This reminded me of the old balsa wood days and I think it helped me to work out my mistakes and to make it a tad easier to align. I already see how it does and doesn't work and will seek to correct that in Mk. II of my Mk. II.

Additionally, I printed a monochrome version of the skin just for fitting purposes in order to save on ink until I was ready to really skin it with a more hi fidelity print. Additionally, I really want to "whiten" Jaybat's skin as it's a tad too gray for my liking.

Anyway, I look forward to your comments and tips on how I'm going as I'm always looking to tweak my direction.

Thanks

 

[silveroxide]

BIG SIZE!!!!!

With it being bigger I do not recommend a hangar bay, but it leaves it to much more possibilities and details. Plus you might be able to use the small Star Wars characters for a pilot and ground crew diorama. Of course you will have to cut and modify the figures. I will look on your build with interest. Good luck and enjoy....

 

[Commander Adama]

Supersized Viper, cool man. :thumb::thumb::thumb::thumb:

 

[jgderuvo]

Okay, here's the latest pics ... clearly, my skillz need work. But I'm enjoying the process. I have noticed the shortcomings of the Viper Mk. II model which no doubt prompted Silver redesign it. I have had to add a few glue tabs here and there to shore it up. I'm finding the rudder a tad tedious.

Also, I'm found the Mk. II model to be simply too gray. I want it brilliant white like brand new off the line ... as if Kara Thrace flew it back after blowing herself up. So, with photoshop, I'm going in and cleaning it up some. I'm also planning on building an ejection seat for the cockpit, based on the Aces II design. That, with Silver's cockpit design and hopefully, it'll look nice. But I have a LONG way to go. Still, first model I've built in about 25 years, so, I'm enjoying it.

 

[jgderuvo]

update

Okay, here's where I'm at now. I'm learning a lot about how I'm building, mistakes I've made, etc. I'm pretty happy with the rear engine module (although the wings need to be improved upon) and I'll be redoing the nose with a more high res skin next. One thing I'm not too thrilled with is the cockpit. It needs to be rebuilt.

I'm also wondering if there's a template out there for a display stand I can customize, print and build. Any ideas?

 

[silveroxide]

It looks like you are using standard 20 weight paper. Increase the weight to cardstock or poster board and it will eliminate many of the wrinkles.

 

[jgderuvo]

Actually, it is card stock. But maybe I can find thicker?

 

[silveroxide]

cardstock?????

Actually, it is card stock. But maybe I can find thicker?

US cardstock weight 120lbs. Next heavier would be posterboard, cereal box, shoe box. Anything heavier would be matt stock, and too hard to work with if curves are involved.

 

[jgderuvo]

According to the package, it weighs out at 110. I should also mention that I have a cardboard keel and bulkheads.

 

[jgderuvo]

So, I decided to redo the cockpit and nose to give it a more solid feel. So I started that today. I especially want the cockpit to stand up, and I wasn't that thrilled about how "flimsy" it felt.

 

[jgderuvo]

I really wasn't thrilled with the airframe, seemed too flimsy. I thought I could do better and so I started from scratch and beefed it up a bit. In addition to adding multiple layers of cardboard for the bulkheads, I took a page from actual design and put in some cardboard strips to not only anchor the bulkheads, but also to give the skin something to lay on top of for that taught look.

 

[silveroxide]

Great to see you back. I been there and haf to start over. That is part of the designing procedure. Thru errors you find your way. Waiting to see how it comes out.

 

[jgderuvo]

Model base

I've been working on the display base for the Viper Mark II and would welcome some feedback. I'm going to want to use a "swoosh" to attach it to make it look as if it's flying off the base. Thoughts?

 

[silveroxide]

The base looks octagon in shape top and bottom. Make the top a smaller octagon and the base a bigger size to give it a bevel shape. The design is great. You may opt for a non paper pylon like a plexiglass rod or a piece of plexiglas sheet cut into a curve for the pylon then attach that to the base. How is the design for the viper coming along.

 

[jgderuvo]

I don't know if I could swing that w/ my meager skills ... I just got the shape from the Web.

I like the idea of plexi though!

 

[silveroxide]

Another Idea is to use the Galactica Logo in the center and all of the fighter squadron insignias around the base.

 

[jgderuvo]

Yeah, I thought of that. I'll see how it looks that way. But so far, I've only found two squadron logos for BSG ... Raptor's not included.

Another Idea is to use the Galactica Logo in the center and all of the fighter squadron insignias around the base.

 

[silveroxide]

Suadron Insignias

Here Are Some of the Insignias

 

[silveroxide]

Logo

For the Galactica logo You may want to use one of these two

 

[Commander Adama]

Awesome

The base looks great:thumb::thumb::thumb: