I have taken measurements from the available plans online and I have also used the two promotional pictures that AA released, which I have also listed here:
These two pictures actually help a lot as they contain certain things that are easily measurable, such as the figure, the chair and most importantly, the centre screen console. The chair and centre console are the same as the ones used on Reed's and T'pol's Stations.
As for the base, the flooring is patterned and recurring patterns can also be measured. The surface is a texture of raised dots, in uniform rows, and by measuring their spacings on one of the other set pieces, I found that there are 10 dots per inch, (or 100 dots per square inch.) Thankfully, the AA promotional pics above are of a clear enough resolution that I can count the dots to give me an accurate width and length for the base platform.
I noticed quite quickly that the AA helm had quite a few inaccuracies: the console slope isn't steep enough, the supporting pillar wasn't accurate at the base etc, so I am also trying to iron out those issues, too. It really comes down to a balance between available images and what is realistically achievable with plastic and glue.
For the moment, (see picture below,) my Helm is too far to the left. This is simply because it is taped in place to,allow me to take pictures and check alignments etc. when the supporting pedastool is completed, only half of it will be on the base.
The helm console is now correctly positioned, as the support podium is now pretty much constructed.
I have been fastidiously studying reference photos and I believe I have recreated it to an acceptable level of screen accuracy.
There are still a lot of panelling details to add but that will come after I have finished the remaining construction and filled with and sanded the Milliput. Looking good though.
I also found time to scratch build the helm seat, which involved a few hours heating plastic sheet and rod in hot water. I also scratch built 90% of the slide rail it is mounted on. Hopefully, I will finish the rail off tomorrow.
The seat does slide, just like the original.
It also swivels like the original. It's all in the detail!
Here's a peek under the seat at the mechanism. Simple but effective.
All in all, I think it is starting to shape up pretty well, and I am looking forward to Milliputting and then sanding this thing into shape!
After what seems like an eternity of detail sanding the Milliput to give nice crisp edges etc, I managed to finally complete all the panel detailing. I have also been working on other parts, such as the "gear shift", hand rails and details that cannot be made from styrene sheet. I love Milliput!
Anyway, the parts that have been made by sculpting will also be moulded and cast in plastic resin
and attached at the end.
so, here are a few pictures to let you all see for yourselves how it is looking. Hope you like it!
I have nearly finished the cutting and applying of all the console buttons. It's not 100% accurate but it's pretty close! I have also resized all the graphics, ready for printing. It's nice to finally start getting a little detail on this piece....
A lot of clean up now required to remove excess glue.
I will try to get the graphics printed ASAP to see how they look.
Okay, the wife laid down the law today so little to no model making. Instead, getting the Christmas decorations from the attic, and top to bottom house work so everything is up to her standards...
Oh, I did also get the gear shift assembled and roughly painted up.
Thanks for looking in and I hope you enjoyed my post.
More soon, hopefully!
