Thanks guys! This may not take as long as originally thought. I say that now, but most work is in the turret.
Stenhunter,
Hello Chad,
I have to ask since scratch building awesome looking vehicles is front and center this week. Can I ask some questions?
What are you making the body out of? is it foam board?
What are you using as glue/bonding?
Are you going to fill the joints? If, yes what will you use?
Is there a underlying skeleton under the panels?
Do you use anything outside of graph paper to work out your panel sizing (like a program)?
Any tips?
The tank top, interior body is made from styrene; plain, pattern, tube, I-beams. Base is from 1/16 RC tank. Other parts used from Star Wars and MSG.
For bonding. Depending on material, weight, and material. Most times model masters glue works great with styrene. I use superglue for parts I need to bond quickly (ABS to styrene and hard angles). For large models, where there is significant weight and size, I use screws and bolts and glue.
Yes. I always sand down parts and fill in gaps as well as build parts of my models using Aves Epoxy Sculpt or Fixit.
For some of the tank (turret, interior chassis), I use a skeleton to provide a stable frame for large pieces to help with load bearing and prevent warping/drooping. Comes in handy. Future project, due to its size and weight it will have to consist of a skeleton frame so can use thinner plastic to reduce the weight.
Regarding dimensions. That's hard for me to explain for some reason. I visualize the vehicle in my mind. Most are from a personal storyline/verse that I've worked on over a decade. I don't use a program or graph paper (granted a program would speed up the design process). I do take pictures of each part cut and assembly made. This model has 209 pictures of the build process (if decide to replicate the build). Most have no sketch. I build my models on the go based on what I imaged in my head. I use tools like angles, compass, X-Acto knife, sculpting material, cutting boards, miters, Stylus Dremel, LED's. chisels, micro-cutters, etc. I do use graph paper for hard to measure angles in tight spots.
Tips. Hard to do mainly because never been asked. Also because the ideas exist in mind. The build; requires patience! My largest tank called TOVREX-S, has been a WIP since Apr 09. That's due to combination of factors. Time and other projects. The average vehicle scratchbuild for me is around 6 months. Customs can be couple weeks to couple months. Use your imagination. Key to anything you do in the scratchbuild/custom hobby starts within your imagination. If you need to draw it then start there. Me, drawing actually inhibits me. But that's how my mind is. I can build and take pictures to remember specific dimensions, parts, etc. but it slow me down. But you can build pretty much whatever you want. Need to have patience with your builds. Especially if they are large or complex.
