As my recent UFO Moonbase model post went down extremely well with many of you, here’s some photos of my SHADO Lunar Module.
This is a 3D printed model which I bought from a dealer on eBay. It’s 180 mm long (7”) and arrived in five parts.
The model isn’t perfect, but accurate enough for me, although it did need some additional detailing on the base of the hull and around the rear thrusters.
The most annoying, unwelcome detail is the visible 3D printing lines, which on a model of this size is difficult, if not impossible to sand out. While some of the lines on the flat surfaces can be worked on to make them a little less prominent, the more intricate, less accessible areas are much harder to remove, if at all.
I don’t own a 3D printer myself, so I can’t say I’m over familiar with any differences or advantages in the wide range of current machines available, or indeed the quality of the plastic used. Maybe models produced from a more expensive machine wouldn’t have these nuisance lines.
When it came to choosing colours for the model, I just went for something close enough. A can of Ford Carnival Red for the hull, and Aluminium for the engines and ribbed cover. Some essential weathering which darkened the red, and a few random decals from the spares box completed the look.
Looks superb.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kev. It was a fun build.
DeleteWowee - That is one pretty model, of a rarely-seen vehicle! Great paint and weathering, and perfect setting and fotog of course. If there are anomalies in this beauty, I can’t see ‘em. Magnificent. SFZiggurat
ReplyDeleteCheers Ziggurat.
DeleteGood job on bringing it up to scratch!
ReplyDeleteI HATE the contours of FDM printers. I spent more time fixing surfaces than I would have spent actually scratch building the item!
The liquid resin SLA printers deliver near plastic kit quality surfaces as you can see from my Matt Mason style transparent visors. With enormous effort, i can get parts that are comparable to actual production pieces.
However, in the case of the visors, if I'd had the time, I would have made a hero piece, silicone moulded it and pressire pot cast it in Clear rigid Urethane resin.
Like your FDM spaceship -good enough as is!
Assuming things improve, which they should over time, I can see myself investing in a 3D printer at some point, Lewis.
DeleteAgain very jealous
ReplyDeleteThanks Dave.
DeleteGreat modellling and paint job Scoop. It looks ace!
ReplyDeleteCheers Woodsy.
DeleteLovely work as ever Scoop, especially the paint job.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mish.
DeleteStarship model
ReplyDeletehttps://astrodrom.com/en/spacenews/starship-sn15-cutaway-by-starship-3d-at-ideenexpo-22/
Behold—a single engine with the thrust of SuperHeavy
https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=22068.msg1471218#msg1471218
The commercial future of space travel!
DeleteExcellent job Scoop and awesome photography. I have several 3D printed things out in The Cave and quality goes from bad to quite good. Apparently not all printers are created equal.
ReplyDelete