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Post by lightning on Sept 15, 2016 23:48:46 GMT -9
I have been working on the next iteration of improving the unfold of the homestead. I was able to break it into modules to allow for a little choice in how to build (add some variety). The walls and arch/door segments are connected on the sides to form the connected structure of the walls. A dome can then be place and removed as required for interior gaming or showcasing. After completing this I just thought another approach to connect would be to vertically slide/connect them, maybe with the things I learnt with fold-flat tabs or so... have to experiment further. Separate modules Glued together Ring of all segments (not fully connected yet) And finally all glued together. Using one of my old dome prototypes to finish!
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Post by marzman on Sept 16, 2016 19:26:09 GMT -9
That looks awesome! I love having modular buildings for gaming, Good show
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Post by Christopher Roe on Sept 17, 2016 12:47:31 GMT -9
I like where this is going. I have a soft spot for domes, and I like the fact that these have removable tops and usable interiors. I was thinking just now that if you added plug connectors to the doorways, I could see a bunch of those being linked together into some sort of moonbase-like space habitat.
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Post by lightning on Sept 18, 2016 8:31:29 GMT -9
Ha! I was thinking about doing a space texture version too today :-)
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Post by wyvern on Sept 18, 2016 10:19:20 GMT -9
I was thinking just now that if you added plug connectors to the doorways, I could see a bunch of those being linked together into some sort of moonbase-like space habitat. Yep, definitely going to need some connector tubes and other linking/linkable module structures, I think:
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Post by lightning on Sept 18, 2016 21:28:47 GMT -9
That is an inspiration. I have been working on spaceships/futuristic planes during my holidays. I should start sketching some space habitat too :-)
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Post by lightning on Sept 19, 2016 7:54:14 GMT -9
Today I was working on optimizing the unfold (esp the tabs) of the door module. I wanted it to be as easy to build and I think I can't do better than this. On to the dome! BTW the little left over parts ... that's what we call "Papierschnitzel"
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Post by lightning on Sept 20, 2016 1:08:32 GMT -9
Working on the dome bloopers ... I thought the registration marks would make this impossible, but I had to laugh when I saw this! After a no-lines test build (wanted to see how it looks without the distracting lines) I found the dome is sleightly too small! After checking I found that the Blender export reduced the size of the large part to make it fit to a page. So after making the export page larger and splitting the part better I now have double measure checked correct unfold to build :-) I do like the look of the just white surface.
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Post by lightning on Sept 20, 2016 7:25:35 GMT -9
Finally it fits! Had to split the dome main part in half to make it fit on a page. The dome stands on its own legs and the arcs are filled, so there are no gaps when inserted. I can start thinking about texturing now!
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Post by marzman on Sept 20, 2016 13:38:10 GMT -9
Looks awesome, like the half dome idea, it could have a wall texture and be useable as a half dome shelter maybe, or even the end of a long sausage like building to house your zepplin thang. . .
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Post by lightning on Sept 21, 2016 5:12:13 GMT -9
First texturing test. I found a way in Gimp to handle the circular nature of painting the dome. The effects of weathering need to be more profound, but I am happy with what I am able to do with Gimp.
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Post by lightning on Sept 25, 2016 7:36:17 GMT -9
Researching the color of the homestead I compiled a couple of pics I found to focus on the different looks. I see two major color versions, probably due to time of day of the shoot and also color grading effects. The one version is leaning more towards a saturated yellow with reddish color patterns. The other shows more natural sand color tone with variations of lighter and darker shades. I will try to make these two version for the set. First test of a better texture for the dome. I found it makes a big difference with this model what type of paper I use. The first test above was on a slightly "shiny" surface, very white paper. This version was printed on a little coarse, very matte and structured paper.
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Post by Vermin King on Sept 25, 2016 16:52:56 GMT -9
Maybe lighten and reduce contrast and I think you will have a very good representation. I wonder if overlaying this over the tan one I did and adjusting the opacity would be a quick fix
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Post by lightning on Sept 26, 2016 10:48:13 GMT -9
I am in the process of building a full model with the first texture. Once complete it will be easier to assess how much the colors need to be adjusted. I'll probably have first pics by tomorrow.
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Post by lightning on Sept 26, 2016 23:47:55 GMT -9
Ok, so here comes the first proper test build with the reddish texture variation. I have not added the smaller texture details like the "switches" panel on the front but just wanted to get the overall look right. Also I wanted to see how the dome looks when I build it carefully. And I am very pleased with the look! The edges almost disappear on the dome if you take your time with the build. I have highlighted the edges on the outside so I don't need to edge and it still looks good. Can't wait to print the other texture but have to wait until end of the week when the new ink cartridges arrive ... Are there any vaporator models out there? I think it would cool next to the house.
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Post by Vermin King on Sept 27, 2016 4:07:59 GMT -9
I added a standee of a vaporator to the Star Tales Hoard.
Looking very good, sir.
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Post by kgstanley81 on Sept 27, 2016 7:20:25 GMT -9
Looks great
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Post by lightning on Sept 28, 2016 22:06:01 GMT -9
While waiting on the new printer cartridges I tried to squeeze one more page out of the printer. Vermin King used a Landspeeder model in his diorama and I thought this would go well with the homestead. After successfully printing Dave Winfield's Landspeeder (how many more pages can you print when the printer says it's out of ink?!?) I had a blast assembling this piece of beauty. It's definitely not a beginners model. The turbines are glued edge to edge. Some parts I reinforced with added tabs under the edges. And some parts are REALLY small :-) But when finished, it's all worth the effort. I love the stand that makes it look like it's really hovering. Doesn't it look great next to the homestead?
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Post by wyvern on Sept 29, 2016 10:34:29 GMT -9
And the texturing on the dome means you could almost glue two together and have a globe of Tatooine as well
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Post by lightning on Sept 29, 2016 20:37:02 GMT -9
LOL ... great idea. The hidden bonus feature. I look forward to some kitbasher to produce this!!!
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Post by cowboyleland on Sept 30, 2016 4:44:13 GMT -9
(how many more pages can you print when the printer says it's out of ink?!?) I have never counted but I basically ignore those notifications and just keep printing until the colours go wonky.
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Post by kgstanley81 on Sept 30, 2016 6:59:00 GMT -9
Wish I could do that, my printer just stops working if ink gets to low
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Post by lightning on Sept 30, 2016 7:58:46 GMT -9
So still no new ink arriving today. I checked the printer status and found that I actually have a bit of the black ink left. I remembered these crates lying around the homestead and thought I'll give it a try. This is what I was able to make today.
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Post by oldschooldm on Sept 30, 2016 10:10:43 GMT -9
So - you don't have any desert colored gaming mats/tiles laying around? :-) You're very close to your first shareable diorama!
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Post by lightning on Sept 30, 2016 22:55:07 GMT -9
So far only the generic grass and dirt ones. Maybe I can create some desert ones for this.
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Post by lightning on Oct 3, 2016 7:53:24 GMT -9
Finally with the printer ink cartridges arriving I could start building the other texture version. So far I have finished the dome! Tomorrow I will build the walls.
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Post by lightning on Oct 4, 2016 2:06:15 GMT -9
Made the removable door, an easy door version (just printed on the flat wall) and built the remaining walls for the sand version. Now all I need is to finish the instructions and do the file check. I'll probably do a moisture vaporator some day but just not now. I have started working on the geometry on the weekend but I want to get back to the Japans and finish the castle keep. Looking back I have to thank Vermin King for inspiring me to do this. Esp. designing the dome was a very nice new challenge and I think the way I build it works quite well. Hope it will make a couple of Star Wars fans happy :-) I have also included a layer with just plain wooden doors, in case one wants to use it in a non Sci-Fi setting.
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Post by oldschooldm on Oct 4, 2016 15:42:46 GMT -9
I usually press like to express my joy at builds, but I must say that this model is something special. Very well done, sir. :-)
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Post by lightning on Oct 5, 2016 2:34:46 GMT -9
Coming soon ...
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Post by Vermin King on Oct 5, 2016 3:21:29 GMT -9
I see that you have that door and door surround texture that Lucas used everywhere in the original movie. In your research, did you ever see how they did it? My guess is that they had rolls of wallpaper that they applied to all sorts of stuff.
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