Space Shuttle Challenger on Launch Pad

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Mon Dec 11, 2017 4:10 pm

Stokesy44 wrote: ↑Mon Dec 11, 2017 2:01 pm
DBMiller wrote: ↑Mon Dec 11, 2017 1:39 pm Aren't you done being silly and moved on to something more manageable?
This is Scott we're talking about DB. You are asking WAY too much of him

Ya
I have been doing woodwork all weekend for a project that HAS to be done for Tuesday morning

Didn't touch this Sunday at all

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Wed Dec 13, 2017 5:50 am

Moving along on things....wiring the three main engines
First up, winding some magnet wire, soldering the ends and getting a negative and positive lead
Alligator clip holds things still but more importantly is a heat sink so not fry the LED with soldering

Then linking all three lights together in series.
I ran the little computer fan off the 9 volt battery to blow away the fumes of soldering

[

A test firing while everything is still loosely fitted

BobM · Post by **BobM** » Wed Dec 13, 2017 5:56 am

Looking good Scott!

One day I’ll have to try adding some lights.

Oh, by the way, take good care of Dowd, he was a favorite down here...

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Wed Dec 13, 2017 6:12 am

BobM wrote: ↑Wed Dec 13, 2017 5:56 am Looking good Scott! One day I’ll have to try adding some lights.

Oh, by the way, take good care of Dowd, he was a favorite down here...

Thanks Bob..the light stuff is easy as falling off a log.
That little tester box was $4 off e bay and has built in resistors, 100 LEDs for $2 just not expensive if you can solder a bit
Makes life super easy and cheap doing the electronics yourself, I actually enjoy it.

I missed Dowd in the game vs Winnipeg

, but didn’t watch the whole game. I bet you Subban takes any opportunity he gets to play and goes crazy with it. Canucks screwed him over.
Canucks are having injury troubles and permament retirement of a starter Dorset so a good solid forward will be huge...I am sure the Canucks will screw it up though, they usually do. I fear we need some new ownership who either know hockey or know enough to leave things to the experts.
Have a good week

DrSprue · Post by **DrSprue** » Wed Dec 13, 2017 2:15 pm

Looking really cool so far Scott. Love the use of magnet wire. Got a bunch of Wire wrap wire here for my leds and stuff, but the thin insulation of yours is a great Idea! Really one Im going to use someday as well. What gauge? Very cool.

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Wed Dec 13, 2017 4:12 pm

DrSprue wrote: ↑Wed Dec 13, 2017 2:15 pm Looking really cool so far Scott. Love the use of magnet wire. Got a bunch of Wire wrap wire here for my leds and stuff, but the thin insulation of yours is a great Idea! Really one Im going to use someday as well. What gauge? Very cool.

Shoot, not sure what gauge, but it is really fine.I will look it up when I get home.
Stranded two lengths together and probably could have done three or four. Wanted something fine so I can thread it out her back end inconspicuously.
The little fan was a godsend to blow those fumes away while soldering...usually I hold my breath, but that stresses the body out after a while.
The lights didn't work after I got finished and I had to have my son look at the circuit for a second opinion. When he put the leads into the power it fired up right away...typical

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Thu Dec 14, 2017 7:12 am

Bit more of a Research night tonight, not much accomplished.
I did find some good reference info on Shuttle and solid boosters/ tank.

As you can see in the last picture, mission 51L was Challenger’s last. Here are some good SRB comparisons diagrams...helpful as internet photo searches show different missions than what I want to see.

As mentioned, the kit did not include Challenger decals. I tried the dry rubs on decal film but it all disintgrated. So then I kept the paper backing on and tried the dry rubs. This was waaaayyy too thick and they looked stupid. I let it be to stew in my head and then figured some clear tape would work as a dry rub letter carrier. I found some clear sticky tapes covering one of my pinstriping tapes...then went to town with the dry rub letters

Stash · Post by **bfrd** » Thu Dec 14, 2017 12:44 pm

Silly question, why not just print directly onto the decal paper?

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Thu Dec 14, 2017 3:54 pm

bfrd wrote: ↑Thu Dec 14, 2017 12:44 pm Silly question, why not just print directly onto the decal paper?

Short answer: unreliable
Long Answer: Have some Testors decal paper for ink jet and it just doesn't seem to hold the ink...even with coats of clear over the printing
Don't have a laser jet and not much time to order new decals, so this was a simple solution with something I had available

Post by **Tomcat64** » Fri Dec 15, 2017 11:21 am

Well that took some serious catching up!

You sir, are a steely-eyed missile man... or completely off your trolley - can't decide which.

But this looks absolutely awesome - totally blown away by the whole thing

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Fri Dec 15, 2017 3:49 pm

Tomcat64 wrote: ↑Fri Dec 15, 2017 11:21 am Well that took some serious catching up!

You sir, are a steely-eyed missile man... or completely off your trolley - can't decide which.

But this looks absolutely awesome - totally blown away by the whole thing

Had a good chuckle at all that trolly business

Thanks, I think

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Fri Dec 15, 2017 3:54 pm

Working on the decals for Orbiter and SRB's. Kit decals are useless, they have left out most things.
So off to the coloured Tamiya tape and pin striping

Getting there

So why not tape it off and spray the lines???
Slap yourself one, I only have 12 days to finish

Post by **Stokesy44** » Fri Dec 15, 2017 4:41 pm

Twokidsnosleep wrote: ↑Fri Dec 15, 2017 3:54 pm

So why not tape it off and spray the lines???
Slap yourself one, I only have 12 days to finish

Well I think the striping looks very cool. It really makes the boosters pop versus their all white base colour. I have no issue with using a credible alternative to masking and spraying, I'd do it, absolutely.

DrSprue · Post by **DrSprue** » Fri Dec 15, 2017 5:53 pm

Wow... looks quite real to me!

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Fri Dec 15, 2017 7:29 pm

DrSprue wrote: ↑Fri Dec 15, 2017 5:53 pm Wow... looks quite real to me!

Ya, not bad hey

I got some of the black lines on them as well now and the kit actually had the black circles and little 'loaded' decals....those are cool
Finding the photo I posted a couple pages back that compares the details on the tanks with different missions was a big help. It showed the SRB's black lines on some missions vs not on others...why pictures were confusing.
When you internet search, you get a whole bunch of incorrect launches showing up and it is maddening.
I can replicate stuff, I just need the correct information to do so!

DrSprue · Post by **DrSprue** » Sat Dec 16, 2017 3:18 am

Twokidsnosleep wrote: ↑Fri Dec 15, 2017 7:29 pm
DrSprue wrote: ↑Fri Dec 15, 2017 5:53 pm Wow... looks quite real to me!
Ya, not bad hey
I got some of the black lines on them as well now and the kit actually had the black circles and little 'loaded' decals....those are cool
Finding the photo I posted a couple pages back that compares the details on the tanks with different missions was a big help. It showed the SRB's black lines on some missions vs not on others...why pictures were confusing.
When you internet search, you get a whole bunch of incorrect launches showing up and it is maddening.
I can replicate stuff, I just need the correct information to do so!

So true Scott, ya have to take what you find on the net with a grain of salt...

its open to anyone from anywhere for any reason!

Post by **Tomcat64** » Sat Dec 16, 2017 8:20 am

Nice stripes dude! And the lighting and angle you've used in that last photo makes those boosters look immense.

No problem at all using pin stripe tape; as far as I'm concerned it's the same as using decals - it's the end result that matters, and why overcomplicate things if you've got an easier way of getting to the same result?

Post by **Stokesy44** » Sat Dec 16, 2017 8:32 am

Tomcat64 wrote: ↑Sat Dec 16, 2017 8:20 am Why overcomplicate things if you've got an easier way of getting to the same result?

Too right, he's not a German tank designer is he!

Post by **Tomcat64** » Sat Dec 16, 2017 9:57 am

Stokesy44 wrote: ↑Sat Dec 16, 2017 8:32 am
Tomcat64 wrote: ↑Sat Dec 16, 2017 8:20 am Why overcomplicate things if you've got an easier way of getting to the same result?
Too right, he's not a German tank designer is he!

Ah but at least when he starts building the crawler he'll have lots of wheels to play with

You are building the crawler as well aren't you Scott??

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Sat Dec 16, 2017 3:16 pm

No crawler, the pad is fixed on legs at launch and the crawler must crawl away

Post by **Stokesy44** » Sat Dec 16, 2017 3:21 pm

Twokidsnosleep wrote: ↑Sat Dec 16, 2017 3:16 pm No crawler, the pad is fixed on legs at launch and the crawler must crawl away

Excuses, excuses. What a wuss!

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Sat Dec 16, 2017 3:30 pm

Stokesy44 wrote: ↑Sat Dec 16, 2017 3:21 pm
Twokidsnosleep wrote: ↑Sat Dec 16, 2017 3:16 pm No crawler, the pad is fixed on legs at launch and the crawler must crawl away
Excuses, excuses. What a wuss!

As president of the ITAC, I thought you would have done your research

I figure they have to get the Transporter out of the way for the Flame Trench to operate properly

Wuss indeed.... I am cutting out as much superfluous stuff out as I can

Took me two nights after work just to get the booster rocket details done and then so sleepy, had to crash.
Been a long stressful week

Hoping for a productive couple of days here, 11 and counting

Post by **Stokesy44** » Sat Dec 16, 2017 3:44 pm

Twokidsnosleep wrote: ↑Sat Dec 16, 2017 3:30 pm
Stokesy44 wrote: ↑Sat Dec 16, 2017 3:21 pm
Twokidsnosleep wrote: ↑Sat Dec 16, 2017 3:16 pm No crawler, the pad is fixed on legs at launch and the crawler must crawl away
Excuses, excuses. What a wuss!

As president of the ITAC, I thought you would have done your research
I figure they have to get the Transporter out of the way for the Flame Trench to operate properly

Wuss indeed.... I am cutting out as much superfluous stuff out as I can
Took me two nights after work just to get the booster rocket details done and then so sleepy, had to crash.
Been a long stressful week
Hoping for a productive couple of days here, 11 and counting

Another stunning pic Sir.

Yes indeed, as president (nice that you referenced ITAC btw) I was aware they wheeled the crawler away. When I attempted to build the Apollo LUT a few years ago it took me an age to work out what they did with the crawler, even to the point that I couldn’t work out why it didn’t have a huge hole in the middle of it.

I’m not the sharpest tool in the box, not by a long way

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Sat Dec 16, 2017 9:17 pm

Mr Stokesy will like all this... matt cutting

Speaking of sharp tools, this is the Finger Slicer Offer 3000

I am using a picture matt cutter to make the internal cuts in the matting used for the base

Rough try on

Gluing down the mat to the base...and a sneak view of the Shuttle stack

I cut the tip of my right middle finger, was going to show a picture of it, but that might be rude

General demeanour matches my shirt.

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Sat Dec 16, 2017 11:31 pm

After the glue up, this is the overall presentation of the diorama

Ready to move on to detailing the base
I went a bit crazy on the panel lines and weathering of the Orbiter, but up close those tiles are not pristine white...they have writing and on them and each one is numbered!!!

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Sun Dec 17, 2017 7:50 am

Kept at it with the base, Ultimate grey primer and then adding side support rails.

The numbering system for the corners can only be deduced by a NASA Rocket Scientist....I have seen the corners numbered at least six different ways and in two colours. So I simplified it for me as I am not a rocket surgeon.

The styrofoam base needs to be cut down the middle for the Flame Trench, so I decided to glue it to a thin plywood base.
Here it is all clamped up for the night and it will visit the table saw tomorrow ....if the pounding rain stops as the saw is in the garage. I really like recycling some of these materials styrofoam, cardboard, plywood, that would otherwise be land fill garbage.

Got the base to here .....a good Saturday of work

Post by **Stokesy44** » Sun Dec 17, 2017 7:58 am

The base is looking very cool. The details are making it come alive. What a thing to wake up to on a freezing cold Sunday morning

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Sun Dec 17, 2017 8:24 am

Stokesy44 wrote: ↑Sun Dec 17, 2017 7:58 am The base is looking very cool. The details are making it come alive. What a thing to wake up to on a freezing cold Sunday morning

Ya, I kinda got on a role and just went with it.
Bed time on this side of the world...nighty night

Post by **Tomcat64** » Sun Dec 17, 2017 11:04 am

Blimey - you got out the grown up toys!

This is a real piece of engineering and the platform is really starting to look the business - nice work mate, really nice work!

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Sun Dec 17, 2017 3:28 pm

Tomcat64 wrote: ↑Sun Dec 17, 2017 11:04 am Blimey - you got out the grown up toys!

This is a real piece of engineering and the platform is really starting to look the business - nice work mate, really nice work!

Thanks Neil
Feels good to get a jump in progress and inspiration.

DrSprue · Post by **DrSprue** » Sun Dec 17, 2017 7:25 pm

That base is looking really nice, not to mention the sleek Shuttle as well.

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Sun Dec 17, 2017 8:56 pm

DrSprue wrote: ↑Sun Dec 17, 2017 7:25 pm That base is looking really nice, not to mention the sleek Shuttle as well.

Thanks my friend, she is coming along now

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Sun Dec 17, 2017 11:33 pm

Transitioning the fuel tank from the plastic base to the diorama’s base
Nesting square metal rods will do the trick to keep alignment and prevent the tank from rotating. That is important as the tank holds the Orbiter and both SRBs in proper position relative to the fire trench openings and the tower.

Cut out the Flame Trench on the table saw. Not too bad mess wise, but I hate styrofoam

Test fitting all the base elements together

Coating the styrofoam with plaster to make it look like cement...and to cover up the nasty stuff
Like icing a cake I suppose

Have to let it all dry now so I can sand it up a bit

DBMiller · Post by **DBMiller** » Mon Dec 18, 2017 2:29 pm

Here is some inspiration for your next build.

https://www.facebook.com/316702317216/p ... 7/?type=3

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Mon Dec 18, 2017 3:59 pm

DBMiller wrote: ↑Mon Dec 18, 2017 2:29 pm Here is some inspiration for your next build.

https://www.facebook.com/316702317216/p ... 7/?type=3

Post by **Stokesy44** » Mon Dec 18, 2017 4:58 pm

Twokidsnosleep wrote: ↑Mon Dec 18, 2017 3:59 pm

That has to go down as meme of the week. LMAO and then some

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Mon Dec 18, 2017 6:07 pm

I have been saving that one

Tonight, I sanded the putty smoother, used some Tamiya smoke as a pre-panel line spray and then rattle can sprayed the flame trench base with Tamiya light grey primer...just to bring another tone of grey into the mix. It really looks like cement.
Then took some AK jet exhaust pigments and stained up the shuttle’s base around the openings where the engines fire off.
Film at 11 after things dry and son’s hockey game done.

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Tue Dec 19, 2017 7:58 am

Ok a another boring update for you ah few and far between ISM faithful

Some photos of the set up I call “Romance With A Double Base”
That was a funny short film from John Cleese and his wife Connie Booth....PG13, some nudity and hilarity

Happy how the Tamiya grey primer came out so that the two bases have great contrast yet match in perfectly.
Will do some weathering and mucking up to get more reality.

Oh and my son had a 3-0 shut out win tonight

Post by **Tomcat64** » Tue Dec 19, 2017 8:36 am

That's really taking shape nicely! How tall is the whole ensemble going to be once it's done?

And many congrats to your lad on the shut-out - his save % must be going through the roof with two shut-outs already this season?

ElCapitan · Post by **ElCapitan** » Tue Dec 19, 2017 11:29 am

Looking fantastic - I love the angle of that second photo looking up at the shuttle!

Post by **Stokesy44** » Tue Dec 19, 2017 11:53 am

Twokidsnosleep wrote: ↑Tue Dec 19, 2017 7:58 am Oh and my son had a 3-0 shut out win tonight

DrSprue · Post by **DrSprue** » Tue Dec 19, 2017 3:14 pm

Oh man that is really coming out nice!

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Tue Dec 19, 2017 4:04 pm

Thanks to all of you kind gents for your motivating comments

I will have to take some measurements and see the overall dimensions...it is getting a bit largish

Next up is detailing everything, some moderate weathering, the lighting and the smokeshow
I am fairly happy with the progress vs time left, but need to keep plugging at her to finish on time and still enjoy the holidays.

all

BobM · Post by **BobM** » Tue Dec 19, 2017 4:47 pm

Just superb.

And congrats to your son, that's one of the positions in sports that I have a great respect for...

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Tue Dec 19, 2017 6:00 pm

BobM wrote: ↑Tue Dec 19, 2017 4:47 pm Just superb.

And congrats to your son, that's one of the positions in sports that I have a great respect for...

Bob
I tell ya, it is excruciating being the goalie parent watching him trying to hold a shut out and not being able to do anything
He is a cooler head and stronger soul than I am, that is for sure

Post by **Tomcat64** » Wed Dec 20, 2017 9:13 am

Twokidsnosleep wrote: ↑Tue Dec 19, 2017 4:04 pm I am fairly happy with the progress vs time left, but need to keep plugging at her to finish on time and still enjoy the holidays.
all

kilgore456 · Post by **kilgore456** » Wed Dec 20, 2017 11:11 am

Very, very nice. Excellent work!

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Wed Dec 20, 2017 3:49 pm

kilgore456 wrote: ↑Wed Dec 20, 2017 11:11 am Very, very nice. Excellent work!

Thanks bud

to you

I sat last night after some hard shovelling and finished the decals and details of the Challenger. I had two pretty solid reference photos with only slight differences to help me out. Very disappointed in the decal set from the kit...it does not even have the iconic NASA silver logos!!!
So making some stuff myself and making due with what I have.
Good lesson to really look at your decals before you start out...I would have ordered some aftermarket ones if I had the time....my bad
No pics as we are all getting bored with my slow progress and extensive posting

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Thu Dec 21, 2017 5:33 am

Well I got this attatched and working tonight...still rough wiring

So then I attatched this to that and added those along side....

From a different angle

Then the money shot from above...love this

We are at the point where it all starts to come together and the creative juices just get flowing.
Love the use of light to bring a build alive.
I could stay up all night and just keep building, but last day of work calls tomorrow

Probably the worst kept secret of a build in the world....I have shown you in detail pretty much every single bit!!!
Goodnight

Post by **Stokesy44** » Thu Dec 21, 2017 7:50 am

well that just looks friggin awesome!