November Challenge - Ptrope

[Ptrope]

You knew I couldn't miss out on this one!

This isn't the finished piece, obviously - just the first exploration of the box art layout. The model is my redesigned S.S. Bonaventure from the 'reanimated' "Time Trap' episode, based on the AMT "Leif Ericson" model.

More to come ...

 

[Klondike307]

It's great so far!

 

[Ptrope]

Second WIP:

If anyone is interested, I modeled the box fresh for this and UV-mapped it, and I'm happy to share it - the proportions are 1700x1300 (top), 1300x400 (ends), 1700x400 (long sides), and the lid is separate from the bottom of the box. It even has those diagonal fold lines on the long sides . http://www.ptrope.com/downloads/Ptrope_AMTStarshipModelBox.zip

 

[Bernard Guignard]

That is really nice

 

[Solarbaby]

Awesome

 

[Kaiser]

very awesome

 

[CorporalCaptain]

YES!

 

[publiusr]

This should be on the shelves--hear that Round 2?

 

[Forbin]

The bridge-base is the best base idea I've ever seen for a Trek model!
Get some of them cast up stat!

 

[Ptrope]

We're working on it now - the masters are cleaned up, supplies are on their way, so hopefully in the next couple weeks we'll be able to start testing, during which time I plan to learn how to photoetch. The assembly kit will be approx. 8" dia., but you can get the 1-piece 6.5" base now from Shapeways as a 3D print (affordable - I can't list the price here, but choose the plastic! And it might be on sale for Black Friday ... )

 

[Forbin]

A good thing would be to sell them through the Starship Modeler Store, Cult TV Man, and/or Federation Models.

 

[Kaiser]

A good thing would be to sell them through the Starship Modeler Store, Cult TV Man, and/or Federation Models.

Or thru more private means.

I heard Delta Quadrant Models got the C/D from CBS

 

[Ptrope]

I don't see a problem, so far, in that the base isn't a design ever associated with Trek, and won't be marketed using any trademarked names, images or designs. I've already discussed selling it through Starship Modeler, and we'll probably also set up an eBay store for this and other potential castings.

 

[The Lensman]

That is a gorgeous piece of work Ptrope! Both model and box art!

This contest is going to be a tough one to vote in because all the entries have been great so far.

 

[Forbin]

Couldn't find it on Shapeways - I'm not really familiar with the site.

 

[Ptrope]

You should be able to just go to the site and search for "Ptrope" and it'll pop up - just don't be shocked by the price, because for some reason they default to stainless steel for the advertised price ...

 

[Forbin]

You should be able to just go to the site and search for "Ptrope" and it'll pop up - just don't be shocked by the price, because for some reason they default to stainless steel for the advertised price ...

EEK! Yeah, even the plastic is a bit on the high side for a base!

 

[Ptrope]

Yeah, that's why we're going with the resin casting - the 3D print is a great item, and all it needs is painting, but it's not cheap compared to something cast or injection molded. Although, these days, with model kits selling for $30, it seems less and less outlandish (sadly). I look forward to the day (soon) when 3D printing does actually compete with injection molding in terms of speed and cost-effectiveness. A 3D print is fine if it's a one-off and you have your own printer - you can afford to wait 6 hours to get the finished piece - but you can't do that on a production basis unless you've got some serious printing horsepower with a resin printer, rather than an extrusion printer. I'm looking forward to HP's promised printer based on their inkjet tech, that's supposed to be able to print about 8x faster with 2x the resolution as something like a MakerBot. The barrier there will be how expensive the resin is - if the pricing model is anything like their printers, I don't want to spend $200 for a cartridge that can print only $150 worth of products at retail pricing. :O

 

[Ptrope]

Since I couldn't entice Redfern to enter the model kit challenge, I adopted his kitty kit - I really wanted to see M'Ress as a figure model . (Still do!)