yvesvidal

Well, this is what I have been working on, for the past few days. The cold weather has been slowing me as I can only paint outside (cans). The effort has been concentrated on the display for the Discovery vessel. I want to represent it orbiting around Jupiter as it completed its mission, after getting rid of the crew. The frame is 48 inches by 18 inches (diorama) and is made of premium pine of 1.5 X 0.75 inch. I have used that kind of wood and know that it will hold very well in time, without any warping. The frame is glued and re-enforced by metal corners. The "T" shaped pieces will be used to hold the vessel. Two 3 mm rods are taking care of holding the long Discovery in its cradle. In retrospect, 4 mm would have been better but I did not have the special nuts that went into the model. I will compensate the lack of rigidity with some brass tubing. The rods are also electrical conductor for the lights. The concept seems to work.... It is now time to paint... Primer first... and then final paint: two coats of gloss black. Now, the holders can be permanently mounted with 4 mm screws: In the meantime and while the weather was preventing me from painting the frame, I tried to approach Jupiter in two ways: Artistic painting and Pictures from NASA: The picture is of course more accurate but presents the drawback to show the seams of the paper sheets, when you place your nose on it. I could have asked FedEx to print it for me on glossy paper but that would cost more than $90 without any warranty that I would be happy with the result. I can always go back and do that later.... The painting is more beautiful with vibrant colors and is for the time being unfinished. I have used Liquitex Soft Body artistic acrylic paints diluted with a tiny amount of water and airbrushed on a foam board. The tormented Jupiter atmosphere is done with a regular brush. People who have seen both, told me they like the painting better..... So, this is what I will be using until I refine the painting with more details and a fine mist of white on top. After mounting the vessel, this is what we are getting: Of course, that sky will require a few stars and a couple of moons to be more realistic. It is relatively easy to swap the background, so I may try the picture solution, even though I like my painting a lot :-) - Crazy project, don't you think? Yves

I feel like you, but have too many other pressing projects. You just cannot dilute yourself too much, or nothing gets done. This is my Emma Berry thread: Yves

Yes, Isopropyl alcohol will remove acrylic paints. It can be a good thing (when you goof off) or a bad thing (as you know....). Yves

And so, did this kit was ever made available in the USA? Sincerely, I doubt it will be and the Trumpeter kit (although plastic) will fill the niche of that incredible vessel in 1/200 scale. The Revenge designed by Chris Watton took quite a few years to be proposed by Amati. The Victory (1/64) also designed by Chris Watton is still not available, years after the kit has been delivered to their office in Italy. I am not holding my breath on this one, even though the Parts were distributed in Europe a few years back. Yves

Beautiful colors selection. You are turning this little kit into a masterpiece. Yves

Delf, You are starting a fantastic kit here. Chris Watton's realizations are top notch and I have been following his work for many years. The structure of the hull seems to be the MDF parts that Chris started using for the Victory that he designed for Amati. I will be following with a lot of interest. Yves

In parallel to the building of the frame to display the model, I am starting the antennae module, containing the infamous AE-35 device that is the reason HAL 9000 invokes to terminate the astronauts aboard the Discovery: The parts are very delicate and the main cross was broken in my box. A coat of German Grey before applying the white color on top. Below is a picture of Stanley Kubrick, inspecting the original antennae prop built for the 2001 Movie: Yves

All these round shapes do not make the planking easier.... You are doing a good job on that delicate part of the construction. Yves

This model is absolute perfection in realism and details. Where will you stop? Yves

That island is incredibly realistic. You did a fantastic job. Congratulations. Yves

Beautiful. Yves

Old Collingwood, here are a few pictures of the two Mosquitoes that were on display (and flying) at the past 2019 Oshkosh airshow. An incredible machine and so elegant in flight: Yves

So, you are testing the water with a scratch build, before going for the big challenge? Very good idea. Yves

Very nice model. I love the theme that you gave it....naughty and spicy, for great evenings and nights! Are you planning to place some figures, men in elegant suits and ladies in long dresses? Yves

WOW! You made some serious progress. Yves

This is a fully rigged vessel, for sure. Thank you for explaining to us what each line is used for. I find that very useful. Yves

Nice collection of ships on your bench. Congratulations. Yves

Connections sealed: Yves

Lovely build and great colors. Yves

A major milestone has been attained: front and rear spines have been connected to each other: It does not sag too much. Obviously, this brass piece of tube, helps tremendously. I can actually hold the ship from the propulsion block without much noticeable sagging. Of course, once the living quarters (Sphere) will be in place, it will be another story: I am now going to start working on the frame, used to display the model, and will try to finish the front electrical connections, so that I can close the lid on the front section. Yves

Thank you Popeye. I hope that my whole anchoring idea is going to work.... 3 mm times two, should do the trick.... crossing my fingers. Yves

Popeye, the sphere will be unglued from the rest of the vessel. The ship will rest horizontal, and with the magnets, the tight fit of the copper tube on the steel rod and the three little plastic prongs, the Sphere/Living spaces should hold decently. In addition, there will be electrical wires....so I am pretty confident, it will stay in place. Yves

It is looking really sharp Kevin. Yves

No, that would not make it: front and rear would be sagging.... These tubes, although made of steel, are somewhat flexible. Yves

Still working on the forward spine. First, some Primer (Vallejo): Details of the anchor and electrical feed. The device is glued with epoxy two components for extra strength. Once the lid (right) is closed, it will not be possible to access the wires and anchor nut: I just finished assembling the some 30 PODs required for the front spine.... Slightly boring, but not too bad overall. In this picture, you can see the difference between the plain molded white of the parts and the base coat in dark gray, oversprayed with white. It is worth the extra efforts, for sure. All the PODs are in place and glued to the spine: A heavy coat of dark gray (German Grey) to finalize the whole Kebab: Yves