Great site that. I can certainly scratchbuild the ships but not for everyone, it would take far too long! I was hoping to be able to spread the love with a kit so everyone can own an Elite ship if they want!!
Elite Plastic Model Ship Kits
- Thread starter Sweet Spot Astronaut
- Start date
I agree with you Father Cool and REALLY hope you are successful. After I complete my current build I may try my hand at scratchbuilding a Sidey. Since there is a paper model available for the Sidewinder (which I enjoyed building), it should be a good starting template to cut the pieces out of a sheet of plastic. If I do that I will be sure to take lots of pictures and try to document the process.
Let Gwenydd's Metal Cobra be an inspiration to scratch-builders everywhere! 
[up] [cool]
https://forums.frontier.co.uk/showthread.php/15320-Gwen-s-all-metal-Scale-Cobra-MK-III-model
pics:
https://forums.frontier.co.uk/showt...a-MK-III-model?p=558890&viewfull=1#post558890
[up] [cool]https://forums.frontier.co.uk/showthread.php/15320-Gwen-s-all-metal-Scale-Cobra-MK-III-model
pics:
https://forums.frontier.co.uk/showt...a-MK-III-model?p=558890&viewfull=1#post558890
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I think FD are really missing a market here. I'd love some real models of the craft.
you mean companies can make money selling physical things? that's insane. Who would have thought this was possible?
Though, i woudln't go the solid metal route NMS did. Or the 3d printed sandstone method that startup company did. Since apparently those were more expensive than initially thought. Plenty of viable options for FDev to take though. Cmon.
Though, i woudln't go the solid metal route NMS did. Or the 3d printed sandstone method that startup company did. Since apparently those were more expensive than initially thought. Plenty of viable options for FDev to take though. Cmon.
The problem is the initial set up costs. You are probably looking at £20k for the moulds to do one ship and then the cost per shot to get the parts out in plastic. FD obviously don't think that there would be enough people wanting the kits to make them viable, I was and am still a little unsure. Anyway my discussions with FD have come to a halt at the moment as they won't give me permission to use the assets and names without first seeing samples. Chicken and egg really as I can't justify having the samples made without a go ahead from them. I'm planning to 3D print a kit in high quality surface finish plastic to get a sample to them but I have other projects on at the moment which are taking priority over my time.
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Build it, and they will come!
If someone made an airfix Python, I'd but it.
Although, I haven't built anything like that in 20+ years...
I'll probably need about 30 to get it right.
And some sort of excuse to explain to my girlfriend as to why there are 30 poorly build pythons in my house....
If someone made an airfix Python, I'd but it.
Although, I haven't built anything like that in 20+ years...
I'll probably need about 30 to get it right.
And some sort of excuse to explain to my girlfriend as to why there are 30 poorly build pythons in my house....
I have a friend with a 3D printer, so this is of real interest to me. Rep++
Unfortunately, when I closely inspected the Asp model I found 2 holes in the mesh (on either side of the cockpit) and one of the "spine" doors is missing. If anyone decides to print this model, I urge you to carefully review the model and fix any defects you find, prior to printing it. You may need to split it into pieces, since there is no flat base for the bottom of the print and there appear to be no support structures to prevent drooping.
No problem. Once I pick this up again I'll let everybody know!
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I have a 3D model of the Asp that doesn't have holes or the missing door but to print it solid would cost a lot in decent material. I've looked! Also the printer software automatically adds the support structure so no need to model it in the stl file.
With my kits I plan to redraw them all from scratch based on the game models as a proper set of parts akin to an airfix kit on sprues. Its a lot of work and far more involved than ripping out game assets and sending to a 3D printer. When I have time I'll give it a go.
I don't think FD want to get into it themselves, they're a software company. My 2c is either they can't find someone to do the things or they can't find someone to do the things at a quality they like or at a deal they like.
Very cool! I got a 3D printer for XMas, so I'll have to try a ship or two. I see a few cobras and a Vulture, Adder are out there.
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I'd pay a lot of money for a nice 16 inch replica of my FdL to display on my shelf. I'm waiting for color 3d printing tech to be affordable enough for home use. I know there's a company that does full-color 3d printing of ships from Star Trek Online. We need that here. And not just those tiny little things like the Anaconda and Viper that I've seen. I want something substantial. 1/100th scale would be perfect.
3D printing costs scale exponentially with volume. That would cost you a fortune. Don't expect models to be bigger than 200mm in length
Even at 200mm its a fortune to have printed.
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If you want me to send you the Asp file let me know.
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If you want me to send you the Asp file let me know.