(*another) Alliance Normandy SR2 by Thunderchild

[F131]

Following mcusanelli's lead, I thought I would also build (an enlarged version) TC's Normandy. Compared to sjsquirrel's SR1 Normandy, it will be smaller, but easier for me to build. Btw, the detail on this ship is fantastic. I do wish I used a lighter cardstock. 110 is proving to be a bit too thick for this scale.

 

[mcusanelli]

F131,
Looking great so far! I look forward to your build. When you get to the point where you add the engines to the wings, be careful cutting the slot and inserting the wings, you'll want to reinforce the engines from the insides....I collapsed one before I figured this out!

 

[Zathros]

It's amazing how many of these are being built and how cordial everyone is with each other! Looking real good!! You're on the homestretch.

 

[mcusanelli]

Another thing I thought I'd mention, when you are gluing the top and bottom of the wings together, you might want to trap a piece of wire or brass strip stock ( or something similar) to keep the wings from drooping later on, especially if you're using thin card stock. I wish I had, because as I was building it, I left the ship sitting on it's wings on my table, and it kinda went flat! Just another mistake in the chain of events in everything I build ......

 

[F131]

Thanks guys. Mcusanelli, I appreciate your advice and will use it.

 

[ThunderChild]

Off to a great start, can't wait to see how it comes out!

 

[F131]

Off to a great start, can't wait to see how it comes out!

Me too. Halo 4 is interfering with my build time.

 

[rowsdower]

This really is looking great. Hopefully by watching your progress I'll gain the courage I need to start my own. The curvature of the fuselage looks intimidating; way to go for having it turn out so well!

 

[F131]

ThunderChild designed her so the main body parts fit together well. What I would do differently is cut off the part tabs, glue thin paper strips behind the part, and then join two sections together. It would avoid the "Fish Scale" overlap I am seeing with my build.

 

[mcusanelli]

You can't tell from the photos that it looks anything but great!

 

[F131]

I finally got back to work on my Normandy. I teach CPR for my Fire Dept., and when I order certification cards, they are packaged in firm, flat cardboard that is the ideal width of my scales wings and the wing fins. It saves me on folding and provides firmness and strength to the wings to hopefully prevent sagging when the engines are attached. I'm happy with the results so far.

 

[leofirebrand]

I have always enjoyed the design of this ship. It's very Iconic and your's looks great so far. Smart idea on using the thick card. Small folds can be a real pain.

 

[F131]

OK, I'm struggling with the smaller scale, but I love the level of detail in TC's work. 1 wing is complete, now onto the second. I'm looking forward to touch up painting, a greeble or two, a couple gloss coats and displaying my little Normandy.

 

[mcusanelli]

F131,
That's looking really great! Yeah, I agree, the small parts are tough, but when it's finished, it's an awesome model, worth the effort
Mike

 

[F131]

She's almost done. I sound like a broken record, but the detail is so good on this model, she could could be scaled to be so much larger. A bit of detailing left and I think I might build one of those fancy TIE Fighters.

 

[mcusanelli]

You're right about the detail, it could go up in scale quite a bit, and it still would look great! Great job on it as well

 

[F131]

We would need TC to unlock the file....hint, hint.

 

[F131]

I'm finished, and mostly happy with the results. I overlapped a few parts for detail and added an antenna behind the bridge. I need to work on my photography...it looks sharper in person. Thank you Thunder Child for your hard work and mcusanelli for your advice.:thumb:

 

[F131]

It's so tiny and cute.

 

[DanBKing]

It's so tiny and cute.

WOW! Nice build!

Also...WOW, excuse my ignorance, but what is that impressive beast towering over the Normandy??

PS: Use a darker backdrop when photographing models. The white backdrop causes unwanted white balance problems, which removes the detail on the model, which is not so reflective..... If you use a black background for example, the auto white balance system will 'focus' on the highlights of the model instead of the backdrop.... I am no photographic expert and not even sure if my terminology is used correctly here, but I hope you know what I mean .... ops::mrgreen: