Space 1999 Ultra Probe Command Module

[dbhs]

Is this the first Space 1999 studio scale build on this site?
I'll get the first series of photos up later on.

Here's where I ended up tonight.

Most of the clamp arms have the original kit parts on them now.


I sanded down the corner and forked part of the clamp to have a rounded taper on the end like the studio model.



The hinge part of the clamp arms works great but has too much play in it. To solve this I added styrene backing behind the notches and strengthened them with epoxy putty. The rotating part of the clamp arm (the axel, I guess) had to be sanded down carefully so it just fit snug in the slot.



To lock the clamps in place I glued a small strip of styrene after it to hold it in place.


Now I'm working on scratching the top side hatch so that it matches the studio model. Hopefully some more progress tomorrow. Thanks for looking.

[JAWS]

Doug looks like your off to a great start mate.
Am sure this will be another beautifully executed build from you.
I believe this is the first SPACE1999 build here which is awsome.
Hopefully not the last.
So just for those unfamiliar with this model I attached a photo kindly scavanged from http://www.eagletransporter.com.
   
Thanks Berni.

[dbhs]

Top side detailing nearly done.

[JAWS]

Whats the hull made from Doug?

[Wombat]

Nice clean work there Doug!

Love that greebling action finally as i know you are also. It appears to be coming together nicely and is looking good mate! Nice bit of work also with them hinges. If the arms are to be moveable then what you've done is gonna work great. Gotta mention also that's a nice clean looking hatch scratch ya did. Damn good all round!





Editame story

[dbhs]

Thanks, Phil. I think making that hatch and putting those greeblies on has been the best part so far. (actually easiest part)

[dbhs]

Thanks, Photoworks !!

I was able to find a little time to work on this over the weekend. I got the clamp arms installed on the body and scratched the side thrusters.



Thruster side blocks and the bells with a photo of the original. Thse will get glued up after painting since masking off these shapes will be a PITA.


For the bells I found these cheap ball point pens that had removable tips that are nearly an exact match for the size and shape of the original thrusters. I glued them onto brass tubes to make them easier to work with while sanding the wide part down a bit.

[Wombat]

Thats some cool thinking for them thruster bell's. Whats a few pen's when it's required for a build? Exactly! LOL
You know in the first picture my first thought was it's a bloody squid, sorry but that was the first vision that popped into me head. It actually looks like it's coming together nicely now, and i bet not only is it the easiest part so far but it's actually fun how it should be finally. Nearly there with this one and it's looking pretty sharp ta boot!




Edit: Theres rats in the corn again!

[steve36uk]

Looking great-love the Pen trick!!

[dbhs]

Big update tonight.

Construction complete and primered.






The side thrusters are done except for weathering. This one is held on by magnets.


This side screws into the mounting point on the starboard side. The studio model mounted from this point so it will be in place when I'm using the bottom mount point.


Now the tricky part was the rear plate details. The only reference I have been able to come by are screen caps showing the actual original details. The studio model was modified sometime after filming with the version with 2 thrusters and the details are different. Since this images is the best I have I did my best to duplicate it.


Here's what I came up with in similar lighting to the screencap. Not a perfect match but close enough given the reference.


I also made this plate removable (held on with magnets) so if and when better reference comes to light I can scratch up a new one to swap out.
Here it is in better light. All the parts are from the same donor kit.


Thanks for looking. Next up is painting all the markings.
-Doug

[JAWS]

Wow that looks freakin kool Dougy!
What are youusing for the thrusters?
So no cockpit?
Would look sick with clear windows & a cockpit!

[dbhs]

The big thrusters came with the kit. The'll go on last after everything is painted.

Yeah, no cockpit. the set cockpit would never have fit inside this thing. The studio model didn't have it either and I'm trying to stay true to the studio model.

[JAWS]

Thats fair enough.
I thought it might have had a cockpit as the 44" eagles did.
Looking forward to seeing what you do with the paint mate.

[Wombat]

Looking VERY sharp there, Doug!

That butt plate looks really good going on what you had to use for reference.
Plenty good enough by my book anyway. LOL

[dbhs]

Thanks. I guess mine is perfect unless someone can prove me wrong....in which case I'll get the reference I need.. Either way it's a Win-Win for me !!

Can't beat that.

[dbhs]

Finally after a long hiatus I'm getting this one done. Going with all paint for the markings. Tedious as there's at least 7 colors on this.

[darkimmitator]

Doug , where do you get your panavises from ? Build looks awesome , and can't wait to see it painted !!

[Red III]

Beautiful Work!

[dbhs]

Thanks!

I ordered these direct from panavise. When I got these the prices were pretty much the same regardless of where you ordered them. I remember a whole back you couldn't get them on panavises web site but they had a store there when I ordered them.

[dbhs]

Started removing the masking. Overall pretty good but a few touch ups needed.

[darkimmitator]

Beautiful model sir . Love it !

[dbhs]

Thanks Kenny!

[dbhs]

The painted on markings are all finished now. Next up is drawing on all the line details.

[Tsophika]

That's a gorgeous model!

C

[Red III]

Ultra Sharp!

[darkimmitator]

Damn Doug. With every new pic you post ,this model looks more and more stunning !!!! Top notch job sir !

[dbhs]

Thanks guys. The markings really stand out on the white body color. The panel lines will all be done with pencil like the studio model which will be kind of strange but a lot easier than scribing. The details will reall pop once the lines are drawn on. I'm going to dull coat it first so the graphite has something to hold on to. Still need to finish painting the engine bells as well. It will look a little less egg-like with them on.

[JAWS]

Nice job Doug.

[steve36uk]

Beautiful job!

[dbhs]

I've finished drawing on the line details.

Next up is weathering and those little cable doohickeys.

[darkimmitator]

The new lines make the surrounding colors and details pop . One very , very eye catching model to say the least . Love it !!!!!!!!

[dbhs]

Thanks Kenny!

Yeah, I like the finishing stage. Every little thing you do makes a big difference.

[dbhs]

Done. I'll post real finished pics when I have a chance to photograph it properly.

[Wombat]

Very impressive work, it turned out looking fantastic!! Bit late to the party but just the same it really looks great, Doug. All them markings look so sharp and the weathering is done to perfection for this one. I'm sure getting all them markings on was a total pita but it was well worth it. Another one to be very proud of and one more finished in your collection. Congrats mate!

[JAWS]

Damn that is smooooth Dougy!!!
Very nice piece for the collection.

[darkimmitator]

OUTSTANDING job Doug !! Full marks for this one .