Cardassian Shuttlepod 3D Print 1/48 Scale

Discussion in 'Fan Art' started by R.W., Mar 18, 2023.

  1. R.W.

    R.W. Cadet Newbie

    Joined:
    Mar 15, 2023
    Hi all,

    It's been a LOOOONG time since I made any trek designs, let alone showed them online, but I recently finished a 3D model that I thought you guys might like. I designed this Cardassian shuttlepod schematic way back in 1998:

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    Then in 2015 I started using Rhino 3D to design military model parts for 3D printing. After a few years I decided to give the pod a go in 3D during a bout of sci fi inspiration. It quickly evolved away from the original design. As you can tell, I never did learn how to do textures properly. Also, Rhino's built-in renderer is a bit ropey. I never invested time in learning more because it's just not necessary for 3D printing: it's the physical prints that count for me!

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    When I felt it was done, I sent the file off to my brother the 3D printing wizard (well, in my book he is), who printed it in 1/48 scale using his Phrozen mini 8k printer. It came out looking pretty smooth:

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    I've since removed the scars from the printing support struts on the rear of the model and done some sanding to remove the most obvious printing lines. Now all it needs is some filler here and there and it should be ready for painting..

    I hope you enjoy!

    RW
     
  2. publiusr

    publiusr Admiral Admiral

    Joined:
    Mar 22, 2010
    Location:
    publiusr
    Jaw-dropping

    Collect those printing support struts.

    Enough of them and you can make an erstwhile Cygnus;)
     
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  3. Tosk

    Tosk Admiral Admiral

    Joined:
    Jan 7, 2001
    Location:
    On the run.
    Aye, cute little bugger. Reminds me of the critters from *Batteries Not Included. :)
     
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  4. Mage

    Mage Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

    Joined:
    Jun 17, 2007
    Man, I know everyone will love that physical model. I mean, I do and I want one! But your mesh well done mate!! Great work!
     
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  5. Cyfa

    Cyfa Commodore Commodore

    Joined:
    Dec 9, 2013
    Location:
    Over the Cusp...
    Wow! That's fantastic! And unmistakably Cardassian :cardie:
     
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  6. Bernard Guignard

    Bernard Guignard Fleet Captain Fleet Captain

    Joined:
    Jan 25, 2005
    Location:
    Ontario
    Very nice work there.
     
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  7. R.W.

    R.W. Cadet Newbie

    Joined:
    Mar 15, 2023
    Thanks for the comments everyone! I've done some filling and sanding, one more round of that and it should be ready for some paint. I'll ask my brother if he's interested in printing it for customers. I'll detail the bottom some more in case anyone wants to put it on a standard. I didn't bother with that for my own print as I'm planning on sticking it on a base.

    RW
     
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  8. Michael

    Michael Good Bad Influence Moderator

    Joined:
    Jul 10, 2007
    Location:
    Aloha Quadrant
    Outstanding job! The 3D printed version looks flawless.

    Design-wise this somehow strikes me as something that would have shown up during Enterprise's run, when they had much more freedom to include one off ships as digital models.
     
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  9. DrNicket

    DrNicket Ensign Newbie

    Joined:
    Dec 23, 2014
    Location:
    Vancouver, B.C. Canada
    Beautiful design! Are you sharing the file for others to print by chance?
     
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  10. Finn

    Finn Bad Batch of TrekBBS Admiral

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2006
    Yeah, cute. Where's the door/hatch?
     
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  11. Michael

    Michael Good Bad Influence Moderator

    Joined:
    Jul 10, 2007
    Location:
    Aloha Quadrant
    I could be totally wrong, but my guess would be it opens up light this (plus, there's what appears to be an airlock on top of it) …

    [​IMG]
     
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  12. Finn

    Finn Bad Batch of TrekBBS Admiral

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2006
    That was my guess :)