| Author | Subject: Scale: Full,1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16 ????? "ady" |
| William J. Feehan | Posted At 21:01:55 05/09/2002
Ady: True I have experience in building models but not from scratch. Currently I am working on three models, but I must admit the Time Machine has taken preferential first place to the other two models that now sit near complete and on hold. The first model is the NCC – 1701-D Starship Enterprise and fiber optics. Fiber optics light up 310 tiny windows and bulbs light up the warp engines and front array. The 2nd model is NASA Space Shuttle. The shuttle is 25 inches in length with a 20 inch wing span. The fuselage was carved out of a wood block and the wings made of plywood. Its mounted to a 36 inch high external fuel tank made from stacked paint cans soldered at the joints and sprayed with rust color primer. The booster rockets were originally giant crayons I picked up at the dollar store. Attention to detail, proper application of paint and much patience guarantees pleasing results. In building the Time Machine the most difficult challenge I have had to overcome was the issue of Scale. Scale will be a frustrating issue throughout the construction of the Time Machine, regardless if its full scale or 1/4 scale. It took Carl Piermarini over two years just to find the right geometric shape and size object to fashion the dish of his full scale Time Machine. Often I have been tempted to reduce or increase the scale just to accommodate a perfect part I found that was either to large or too small. I have already broke the laws of 1/4 scale by using a 13 inch dish rather than 15 inch however, the dish is easily removable and replaceable should I find a 15 inch. The next challenge was the dish support. I was determined that it be made of all brass, which took a lot of grinding, sanding, fitting, and buffing to fashion the column sections. If it were not for Don Coleman’s site and the many Time Machine builders listed in the ENTHUSIASTS section I doubt I would be building the Time Machine again. When I first discovered Don’s site I was overwhelmed with all the factual info and photographs covering every conceivable aspect of the Time Machine. If fact I became so absorbed I aborted all other projects and immediately started construction of the Time machine. Its nice to get help once in a while but I have found that it is more challenging and rewarding to, through trial and error, figure out how they made it or did it; and maybe improve upon it. I am now beginning construction of the chair. The chair will be my next and most difficult challenge, I fear. The detail of its majestic Victorian design will be time consuming. I have decided to use Balsam wood. |
| ady |
Re: Scale: Full,1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16 ????? (Currently 0 replies)
Posted At 12:41:54 05/10/2002 hello william: Just been reading your message, and i couldn't agree more, in respect to scale. Every single thing has to be made by hand. I use to criticized people for buying the model instead of making it themselves . I would like to apologize to everyone who has done so. It's a task in itself, just to build and decorate it. And if it wasn't for the fact that i don't like the taste of humble pie, i'd be buying one tomorrow!. I'm very envious of the fact, that youv'e made the dish support and column out of brass. I wish i could do that!. I haven't began to make that part yet, one of the harder things to do, i think. I will be using wood as usual, which i kindly borrow from work. Please keep me informed on the progress with the chair. Thats a nightmarish project, thats away off for me, and i'm glad it is. By the way I'm a big star trek fan, just love the sound of your model!. bye for now mate |
| ady |
Re: Scale: Full,1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16 ????? (Currently 0 replies)
Posted At 02:38:14 05/11/2002 hello william: Just had to come back and say sorry for not commenting on your space shuttle model, it's not that i was not interested in it. I think it's a wonderful space vehicle But everytime i see the space shuttle. I always think of the challenger disaster. I know all about the event's that lead up to the explosion and how the crew died. Very sad!. |