Spaceship Model Build

Feb 2016, 

Going into this project I was skeptical if an inexpensive FDM 3d printer like my Flashforge could produce the detail that would make for a presentable model display. But I wanted to give it a try.


In my late teens I was a HUGE fan of the Wing Commander series, and my favorite by far was "Privateer."

To me the most iconic Spaceship in Privateer was the hunk of junk you started the game with, your grandpa's "Tarsus."  It was the 1980's volvo of the stars (boxy but good).

Step 1: Gather Reference

I really remember the game looking better than this!  Here's what grandpa's "Tarsus" looked like in 1993:

Step 2: 3d model

Using Maya I recreate the spaceship from the game.  I opt for a faithful recreation with added detail instead of "reimagining" it.

Step 3: Prepare the model for print

I use meshmixer to break up the model into printable pieces.  I want to print with as few supports as possible, so it ends up MANY pieces:

Step 4: Create a base

Step 5:  Print, assemble, paint and detail

Unfortunately I forgot to photograph the print before finishing it.  All the parts were printed in grey ABS at 0.1mm layer height.  There was nothing special about the painting process, just a mix of airbrush and model paints.

 

Conclusions:

• I CAN get decent results with a FDM printer as long as the model is at least this size (around 8 inches total).  Any smaller and detail would be impossible.  I didn't expect it to turn out this well.
• Taking the time to break the model up and avoid supports is worth it!
• This model would look even better if printed larger.  I've already started on the next version by adding a cockpit to the model.  It's going to be printed larger and I plan on adding fiber lighting. 

If you'd like to print  your own I posted the files on Thingiverse: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1479109