Retirement means lotsa spare time, so I updated that comprehensive list of all the models I've built for the last 20 years (see page 1) with thumbnails, as well as the links to mo' bigger pics. http://www.inpayne.com/models/models_history.html It's been a while since I built a Trek model, but i hope to change that soon.
I've spent more time on this tiny little bridge module then I ever care to admit. It's supposed to have about 7 windows at the back of the bridge..... it's getting 3. Never have I see a kit that didn't want to lighted more then this damn 1/1000 scale Excelsior. The work continues...
I could see that as a yacht This looks nice: Isinglass https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/threads/isinglass-model.41501/ The NX-0002 https://www.therpf.com/forums/threads/1-1000-nx-0002.351975/
Yeah, I could definitely see it being an autonomous vehicle. Tho it's definitely too small the the scale presented. Definitely supports the idea that the Excelsior should be closer to 600m.
I've always been afraid of lighting, because my brain just doesn't understand electronics, and talk of LEDs and proper resistor values just doesn't sink in. The Polar Lights lighting kits are great because I don't have to know anything . But I've lately discovered LEDs with prewired resistors, and those LED ribbons. Soldering has also always been an arcane, inaccessible art to me, and any attempts I made failed. Well, one of the assignments I had at work was photographing one of the techs as she soldered parts onto a PCB for use in a training manual, so I paid attention, got a soldering kit, and - well, shit, it's pretty damn easy, isn't it. So here's my first 1/350 scale nacelle in progress: It's going to be a kitbash (my first in 3 years), but trust me it'll be quite a while before I manage to finish it.
Resistors are a pain in the ass. Use one with the wrong impedance rating and >>>poof!<<< there go your LED's. I always used potentiometers, which are basically just variable resistors. Put them on the lowest or "off" setting, hook up a single LED, throttle up the pot until it gets bright enough without blowing out and superglue the wheel in place. 'Sall good man!
I'm the same way with electronics. I've only ever lit one kit before, and that was with a pre-made polar lights lighting kit. For the Excelsior, I'm actually attempting to use a line of LED Christmas lights. Lol. We'll see how she goes.
Hmm, guess I can go into a 3d program and make a Excelsior bridge module with the windows cut out already.. I'll put it on my list of Important.
Christmas lights, yes! I've used that, and stripped the guts out of LED flashlights, and i used plain taplights in my 2001 Ares. Anything but try to wire and solder!
Christmas lights: http://www.inpayne.com/models/scifi/fs1-m1.html Flashlight innards: http://www.inpayne.com/models/figures/beast20k.html Lots of small taplights: http://www.inpayne.com/models/scifi/aries1b-48.html Polar Lights lighting kit: http://www.inpayne.com/models/trek/pltoselit1.html http://www.inpayne.com/models/trek/azrael.html Ertl 25th Anniv Enterprise lighting kit: http://www.inpayne.com/models/scifi/seaview_lm1.html
Quark’s ship has been released https://modelermagic.com/kit-alert-1-72-1-32-scale-ferengi-shuttle-kits-cozmic-scale-models/ I wonder if that’s the one on the underside of the Draconia—I mean on the Marauder. I always thought that Ferengi aerowing was actually sporting swept back wings with the nose pointing aft…for a quick getaway Some goings on The Saturn pad? https://www.menards.com/main/grocer...-tower/2759032/p-1642874267364104-c-13318.htm Datin’s https://www.nextbigfuture.com/2023/...riginal-star-trek-enterprise-model.html?amp=1
Little bit of progress on the Excelsior. As with most things, life tends to get in the way, so it's been slow going. On holidays for the next few days, should finally be able to make some real progress.
Still needs ALOT of touch ups and still a little more blue to add, but it's starting to look like I want it to look. Progress!
An old book on models: https://projectswordtoys.blogspot.com/2023/05/carving-out-my-future.html There seems to be a new way to attach things to one another: https://phys.org/news/2023-05-gluing-soft-materials.html Now THIS is divine https://www.shapeways.com/product/QNR3DSKWL/flash-gordon-rocket-detailed
Okay, now that I can solder, I went back to the 350 TOS E I started last year, and gave up on, because the PL lighting kit had lousy connectors and whole bunches of lights wouldn't work. They do now that I cut off the connectors and soldered everything! Even added a few lights from a second kit.
2001 Space Station model coming https://www.culttvmanshop.com/PREOR...te-115-145--PREORDER-RESERVATION-_p_7437.html
For builders of the refit---one individual came up with the so-called Raytheon effect (best on the first run of the model) that allows a simulation of TMP lighting effects. Well----that man has died, so here is his website....download while you can http://www.ianlawrencemodels.com/wipplent23.html
huge fan of model building. Building the TOS 1:350 scale with internal polar lights kits. Just bought model kit of the 1:350 STMP refit model, in process of getting the templates for the iridescent paint job on it.