I took a break from building the engine section for Galactica #2 to make further progress on the head section for this Galactica #3 (juggling these monsters sure isn't easy!).
It's really starting to come together. The modified hatch tub is now complete and installed. I redesigned the parts to make it a bit easier to build the eye sockets as that is one of the most difficult tasks with this design. I also took some extra time to round over some of the sharp corners inside the structure as they can be quite hazardous.
The access hatch has been built, skinned, and test fitted in place. With this design, the hatch is a self-contained unit with integral light source and fiber optics. The original had dozens of fibers going into a light source between the "eyes." As a result, it was not possible to remove the top hatch because it was tethered to the rest of the head by the fibers. With my design, there are only two wires connected to a plug. By unplugging the electrical harness, the entire hatch can be taken off the model for more convenient internal access to the head section.
There is something else that complicates the design. The rear of the access hatch actually extends back into neck rather than being secured to the head structure. (This was how the original was built.) To make sure everything fits together properly, I bolted the neck section from Galactica #2 in place to see how it all goes together.
The upper stringers have also been built and installed. These are another new feature I recently added to the design. They make it much easier to align and install the top skins. But, making patterns for them required using some advanced 3D techniques since they curve in two directions.
Speaking of the top, next I'll glue down the sides of the top skin on either side of the hatch. Then, the side skins can go on. The lower portion of the top skin, however, does not get glued permanently in place right now. That's because the client (in this case, Phil) will need to get underneath it to run fibers for the lights. So, I will just tape it in place for delivery.
It's really starting to come together. The modified hatch tub is now complete and installed. I redesigned the parts to make it a bit easier to build the eye sockets as that is one of the most difficult tasks with this design. I also took some extra time to round over some of the sharp corners inside the structure as they can be quite hazardous.
The access hatch has been built, skinned, and test fitted in place. With this design, the hatch is a self-contained unit with integral light source and fiber optics. The original had dozens of fibers going into a light source between the "eyes." As a result, it was not possible to remove the top hatch because it was tethered to the rest of the head by the fibers. With my design, there are only two wires connected to a plug. By unplugging the electrical harness, the entire hatch can be taken off the model for more convenient internal access to the head section.
There is something else that complicates the design. The rear of the access hatch actually extends back into neck rather than being secured to the head structure. (This was how the original was built.) To make sure everything fits together properly, I bolted the neck section from Galactica #2 in place to see how it all goes together.
The upper stringers have also been built and installed. These are another new feature I recently added to the design. They make it much easier to align and install the top skins. But, making patterns for them required using some advanced 3D techniques since they curve in two directions.
Speaking of the top, next I'll glue down the sides of the top skin on either side of the hatch. Then, the side skins can go on. The lower portion of the top skin, however, does not get glued permanently in place right now. That's because the client (in this case, Phil) will need to get underneath it to run fibers for the lights. So, I will just tape it in place for delivery.
Charles Adams | www.StarshipBuilder.com | Follow me on Facebook
Author, MODEL DESIGN & BLUEPRINTING HANDBOOK, Volume 1 SECOND EDITION NOW AVAILABLE
Author, MODEL DESIGN & BLUEPRINTING HANDBOOK, Volume 1 SECOND EDITION NOW AVAILABLE