DBMiller's Star Destroyer - destroyed.

Post by **wookiee76** » Mon Jul 20, 2015 9:35 am

Epic work fella, ive been trying to hold off on my star wars addiction and youre making it really hard!
I do however have to get shot of my lego star destroyer so i may replicate your build by actually crashing one and seeing what happens!

Post by **wappynutter** » Thu Sep 24, 2015 9:24 am

Hey Don, hope the build is still progressing Sir.
Found this on the Tubes and instantly thought of you and your build..
[youtube]d1aubxsfkS8[/youtube]

Keep building and having fun mate...
All the best.

Post by **DBMiller** » Mon Sep 28, 2015 1:25 am

Not progressing but not forgotten! I just want to finish my ship before I add another build to the queue! And work (as well as the hot weather) had sucked the life out of me for a while. Thank you for checking in though!
By the way, that trailer was cool. I wish I could build mine to look half as good!

Post by **DBMiller** » Mon Oct 12, 2015 12:13 am

Getting ready to start up again on the crash site. I have a 12"x12"piece of Styrofoam and a 12"x12" picture frame for the base. I should be moving right along soon!

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Mon Oct 12, 2015 12:22 am

Parallel universe....Haha we are doing the same thing, crashing the build!
Good to see you back at this great project

Post by **Coen** » Mon Oct 12, 2015 4:07 am

Ditto that... To the both of you.

It's great to see both of these builds on the go again.
In fact... I've started one of my own because of ya.

December is still a ways off... Lots of room to build something.

Post by **wappynutter** » Tue Oct 13, 2015 12:07 pm

Yay!!!..... Don's back at the bench....
Excellent stuff, looking forward to seeing where you go and how you intend to progress with this gem of a build..

Continued success buddy....

Post by **DBMiller** » Wed Oct 14, 2015 3:52 pm

So, before I get to the base I have to figure out how to paint this thing so it looks big! Mostly I've been trying blotchy greys and white to break up the surface since any kind of panel line shading would make it look smaller.
Also, I really didn't add enough damage (compared to the reference from the trailer) so I've added a few more dings and some foil tape for skin peeling. Skin peeling - sounds like sun burn! Yuck!

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More damage:

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And, more blotching:

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By the way, inside that popped sphere is a piece from my evil Yamato kit. Serves it right.

Post by **Coen** » Wed Oct 14, 2015 4:52 pm

That's no easy thing to paint without all the battle damage. So don't stress things too much. It looks fantastic so far.

I can't wait to see it once the base gets sorted, it will really start to look like something then.

Hey! Blue thunder!!

I built that very same kit not long ago as a nostalgia build from when I was a kid.
Not an easy kit to build.
I know where to get replacement decals for it if you need them. Mine were badly yellowed and couldn't be salvaged no matter how long I left them in the window.

Post by **DBMiller** » Wed Oct 14, 2015 7:25 pm

Coen wrote:That's no easy thing to paint without all the battle damage. So don't stress things too much. It looks fantastic so far.
I can't wait to see it once the base gets sorted, it will really start to look like something then.

Hey! Blue thunder!! I built that very same kit not long ago as a nostalgia build from when I was a kid.
Not an easy kit to build.
I know where to get replacement decals for it if you need them. Mine were badly yellowed and couldn't be salvaged no matter how long I left them in the window.

Thank you! I keep thinking I should build that one but something else keeps putting it off. I'll remember that about the decals.

Post by **DBMiller** » Tue Oct 20, 2015 7:19 pm

Running some tests on adding dust to the nooks and crannies. Doesn't look too good right now, especially the front, but once it is buried in the sand I'll have a better idea what to do. I have been working on the base (photos to come soon) and it doesn't look too bad so far. My greatest worry is that it will look pretty sparse compared to the shots in the new trailer! There should be more wreckage strewn about but I'm not sure I can pull off something like that.

The front area will be completely buried in sand so it should look better than it does now.

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New damage to the underside.

These closeup shots really show what a poor kit this is! The fit is awful!

Post by **kiwigav** » Tue Oct 20, 2015 8:21 pm

That is awesome mate

Post by **DBMiller** » Tue Oct 20, 2015 9:34 pm

I had to do it eventually; here are my first shots of the base. I am using drywall taping compound for the sand base coats since it has a fine grain. I have to apply it thinly to prevent cracking and long drying times. The colors are from some fine railroad grass or ground coat just to see how it would look for scale sand. The Styrofoam pieces are to build up volume under the compound to show where the ship pushed up the land. I have several more coats to apply to get the "sand" to cover the ship as shown in the trailer but I want to take it a bit slow so I can think about the shape of the landscape before I get too far ahead to shape it right.

Some of the Styrofoam is already covered. The wet look is because I was trying to smooth out the surface to make it look more wind blown. I have added some small rocks to build some character.

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Much more work to go since the sand has to extend all the way up to that first shelf of the super structure!

Thank you all for the moral building!

Post by **wappynutter** » Tue Oct 20, 2015 10:32 pm

Fan-Bloody-Tastic!.....

Gonna be a sweet looking dio build when completed Don, Star Destroyer is excellent..well done mate..
Keep sharing the progress buddy..
Continued success..

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Tue Oct 20, 2015 10:50 pm

Yep, that is pretty cool

Post by **Coen** » Wed Oct 21, 2015 4:26 am

One thousand kinds of awesome buddy!!!!

Post by **DBMiller** » Wed Oct 21, 2015 8:07 pm

Just to keep the excitement level high I present the new Star Wars poster!

Post by **rodrant** » Wed Oct 21, 2015 8:44 pm

some great modelling over here ! Real Great ! Awesome !

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Wed Oct 21, 2015 8:53 pm

DBMiller wrote:Just to keep the excitement level high I present the new Star Wars poster!

Mesa thinks too mucha Jar Jar

Post by **Jan01** » Sun Oct 25, 2015 4:07 pm

This is one awesome build, can not wait to see this finished.

Post by **DBMiller** » Sun Oct 25, 2015 9:24 pm

Having a bit of a set-back. The plaster 'sand' was looking terrible and taking too long to dry. Even though at this scale you probably would not see grains of sand it looked wrong to be so smooth. I have been investigating another method for creating the shape and texture of the landscape; one that should be easier to work and look, if not scale accurate, at least more like sand.
Updates soon!

Until then, more Star Wars crashes!

This one is great. A screen grab from a behind the scenes video.

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Mon Oct 26, 2015 3:40 am

Don't be too hard on yourself, those pics of your WIP on the last page looked pretty cool to me
The old sayings "don't throw the baby out with the bath water".....perfect is over rated......

Post by **MikeyKb** » Mon Oct 26, 2015 4:27 am

this is absolutely brilliant!
incredible work, just f*$&#$*(% amazing!

Post by **DBMiller** » Mon Oct 26, 2015 12:15 pm

Twokidsnosleep wrote:Don't be too hard on yourself, those pics of your WIP on the last page looked pretty cool to me
The old sayings "don't throw the baby out with the bath water".....perfect is over rated......

Man is that a good thing or what! Thanks!

Post by **Coen** » Mon Oct 26, 2015 12:50 pm

You really should take heart bud... if you look at one of the images that you shared, the sand texture is very smooth. That looks to be about 1/72 or 1/48 scale. Sand texture would be completely invisible at those scales. It would just appear very matte.

At 1/4222 you would see even less, just endless matte rolling hills and dunes with darker rocks jutting out or half buried. It would be very smooth.

Post by **Lee** » Mon Oct 26, 2015 4:44 pm

Looking awesome so far. Can't wait to see this finished. Really hope you get it done in time

Post by **DBMiller** » Tue Oct 27, 2015 9:17 pm

Coen, you are so right! What I was trying looked even more wrong than the plaster! So, while scouting around the local art store, looking for inspiration, I found a product that I know I saw someone here using. I can't remember who was using it but it is just the ticket! Instead of something courser than the plaster, which was awful, this is much smoother and looks way better.

.

So, taking it slow, I am building up the sand dunes. This stuff is great for sculpting out the shapes! I couldn't do that with the plaster or the acrylic paste I was using. Over time, giving myself a chance to ponder my work, I will add more to the base. Once it is painted it should look pretty good!

.

Post by **wappynutter** » Tue Oct 27, 2015 10:25 pm

Awesome Stuff Don....

Just loving this and scott's builds and think the guys are gonna have a tough time choosing a winner..

Gonna look superb when complete mate.... sat here hoping for you to make lots of headway with the dio...

Now i have found a little something during my searches across the web that may help out with the sand worries..
While searching for images for your build ( sand reference) i found this..
A Sci-fi modeller by the name of Stefan Hacker... #who i might add gave me the inspiration and various reference material to build my "Otana"..#
well he is also building this very scene over on a Sci-fi forum... and i never knew this.. don't know how i didn't??..

Link here incase you wanna look...
http://www.keeperoftheforce.com/viewtop ... f=6&t=1312

His reference for his build on this forum is in an open photobucket folder to have a browse through..
http://s474.photobucket.com/user/HACKCO ... t=3&page=1

This guy is a Master at the scratchbuilding Sci-fi stuff and i am amazed at how alike both his and your builds are...
Are you secretly Stefan Hacker??....
Seriously though, you'd maybe find heaps of helpful reference and build ideas from this guy, it may even help hurry your build on if you are stuck like with the sand finish..
Hope this info is of some help in some ways.
Continued success Don, all the best mate...

" Gonna float around your thread too for a while as i am enjoying the Star Wars-iness too much!".. lol..

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Tue Oct 27, 2015 10:47 pm

Ooo, that is a good reference from Andy, some good ideas there to 'borrow'

I use that Das stuff for my bases as well...it stinks a bit, but is reasonably clean and keeps well if you fold over the bag and clip
Started the package back when the Vietnam build started. Paints well and makes good texture and you can add to it and it will stick
Sorry I didn't suggest it earlier

Citadel has some sand coloured textured paints that might work for you as well, will look at the name when I get home
You are on the right track there for sure

Post by **DBMiller** » Tue Oct 27, 2015 11:29 pm

wappynutter wrote: Awesome Stuff Don....

Now i have found a little something during my searches across the web that may help out with the sand worries..
While searching for images for your build ( sand reference) i found this..
A Sci-fi modeller by the name of Stefan Hacker... #who i might add gave me the inspiration and various reference material to build my "Otana"..#
well he is also building this very scene over on a Sci-fi forum... and i never knew this.. don't know how i didn't??..

Link here incase you wanna look...
http://www.keeperoftheforce.com/viewtop ... f=6&t=1312

" Gonna float around your thread too for a while as i am enjoying the Star Wars-iness too much!".. lol..

I looked. Now look what you have done to me.

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Wed Oct 28, 2015 12:08 am

Dude, don't let another build bring you down, you are doing your own thing and it will look spectacular
Just steal some ideas that work for yours

Post by **wappynutter** » Wed Oct 28, 2015 12:48 am

DBMiller wrote:
wappynutter wrote: Awesome Stuff Don....

Now i have found a little something during my searches across the web that may help out with the sand worries..
While searching for images for your build ( sand reference) i found this..
A Sci-fi modeller by the name of Stefan Hacker... #who i might add gave me the inspiration and various reference material to build my "Otana"..#
well he is also building this very scene over on a Sci-fi forum... and i never knew this.. don't know how i didn't??..

Link here incase you wanna look...
http://www.keeperoftheforce.com/viewtop ... f=6&t=1312

" Gonna float around your thread too for a while as i am enjoying the Star Wars-iness too much!".. lol..
I looked. Now look what you have done to me.

Sorry Don..... Please forgive me, i feel real bad now.... my intention was to show you that " damn bud, your build and the Master builder Hackcore's are almost the same"... It was meant as a compliment and also a little info/idea stealing to help in your superb build.
No harm was intended, I just have this knack of finding stuff and sharing it with good intentions..
Stefan Hacker is to the SciFi guys what Mig Jimenez is to the Armour builder. As mentioned in my original post I myself have taken to following some of his detailing for my smaller Otana build.
Sorry again if I have made you feel bad.... I will remove the references if you'd like.

Continued success bud..

Post by **DBMiller** » Wed Oct 28, 2015 2:17 am

NO! Don't! I'm only joking with you!

I knew someone else would have the same idea for a diorama at some point. I just never figured they would try it with a hugely expensive kit like that one! Really, I am glad that you linked his build and site. That guy is something else! Happy I didn't see it before I started though. It would have driven me nuts trying to achieve that level of detail! Besides, this was a great opportunity to use that David Tennant in the rain gif.

"Sorry Don..... Please forgive me, i feel real bad now.... my intention was to show you that " damn bud, your build and the Master builder Hackcore's are almost the same"... It was meant as a compliment and also a little info/idea stealing to help in your superb build.
No harm was intended, I just have this knack of finding stuff and sharing it with good intentions..
Stefan Hacker is to the SciFi guys what Mig Jimenez is to the Armour builder. As mentioned in my original post I myself have taken to following some of his detailing for my smaller Otana build.
Sorry again if I have made you feel bad.... I will remove the references if you'd like.
Continued success bud.."

Post by **Coen** » Wed Oct 28, 2015 8:11 am

Same thing happened to me with my desert rats diorama. Not one, but two incredibly wonderful dios that looked either very similar or had the same story idea as mine popped up on Facebook when I was only half way throug my build. It didn't help that I wasn't particularliy happy with the build in the first place.
I lost all my mojo for the build.
Nearly shelved it.
I put it aside for a week or so and worked on something else, then came back to it.
I still don't like it much, but not because it looks like someone else's build. Its because I think that it's crap. Haha.

I use DAS on many of my bases, it's one of my go to materials, when I can afford it. It's very expensive here.

Post by **DBMiller** » Wed Oct 28, 2015 12:39 pm

Coen wrote:Same thing happened to me with my desert rats diorama. Not one, but two incredibly wonderful dios that looked either very similar or had the same story idea as mine popped up on Facebook when I was only half way throug my build. It didn't help that I wasn't particularliy happy with the build in the first place.
I lost all my mojo for the build.
Nearly shelved it.
I put it aside for a week or so and worked on something else, then came back to it.
I still don't like it much, but not because it looks like someone else's build. Its because I think that it's crap. Haha.

I use DAS on many of my bases, it's one of my go to materials, when I can afford it. It's very expensive here.

I'm not giving up on this even though it looks like I'm whining about someone else building it better! I think mine is not coming out too bad at all for being only my second diorama. It's pretty close to what I had in mind when I started. That DAS clay really is nice stuff, but not too cheep here either. By the way, my first diorama was a Star Wars kit too!

Post by **Aliktren** » Wed Oct 28, 2015 1:19 pm

DBMiller wrote:
Coen wrote:Same thing happened to me with my desert rats diorama. Not one, but two incredibly wonderful dios that looked either very similar or had the same story idea as mine popped up on Facebook when I was only half way throug my build. It didn't help that I wasn't particularliy happy with the build in the first place.
I lost all my mojo for the build.
Nearly shelved it.
I put it aside for a week or so and worked on something else, then came back to it.
I still don't like it much, but not because it looks like someone else's build. Its because I think that it's crap. Haha.

I use DAS on many of my bases, it's one of my go to materials, when I can afford it. It's very expensive here.

I'm not giving up on this even though it looks like I'm whining about someone else building it better! I think mine is not coming out too bad at all for being only my second diorama. It's pretty close to what I had in mind when I started. That DAS clay really is nice stuff, but not too cheep here either. By the way, my first diorama was a Star Wars kit too!

Coen wrote: Re: DBMiller's Star Destroyer - destroyed.
Post by DBMiller » Wed Oct 28, 2015 2:17 am

heh, if you guys do that it gives me hope because I always compare my stuff to everyone elses and if I stopped every time someone did something better nothing would ever get built at all, lol....

I think this looks amazing and Mike your desert rats build was just amazing!! I wish I had either of your talents.

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Wed Oct 28, 2015 5:28 pm

This is a good lesson on following your own ideas and imagination.
Most of our brilliant original plans for a model or dio have been done by someone else before.
Just use it as research, inspiration and ideas for your own spin on the subject.
Not saying seeing other work doesn't sometimes put me off a build, but just gotta forge on your own path.
Sermon Over

Post by **MikeyKb** » Thu Oct 29, 2015 12:31 am

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the DAS clay!! (both in using it, and in how you used it!!!!!)
Fantastic job, just lovely - looks much more real than the real sand hahaha

Post by **DBMiller** » Sun Nov 01, 2015 6:26 pm

Just about done with the sand. Once this dries I will check it over for any needed edits then star painting. I've already started testing painting directly onto the surface, without priming, using Ammo paints. It sinks in a bit but may work out anyway. The darker grey is just new clay that hasn't dried yet.

.

Post by **kiwigav** » Sun Nov 01, 2015 7:20 pm

That looks awesome mate

Post by **wappynutter** » Sun Nov 01, 2015 8:30 pm

Superb Don.....
This is gonna be excellent buddy...
Keep sharing the progress... 46 days and 3 hours... and counting..
No pressure guys!... lol..

Take care mate.. Continued success..

Post by **Coen** » Sun Nov 01, 2015 10:39 pm

Oh wow!!!
That's looking freaking AWESOME!!!!!!
I love those dunes. Superb stuff bud!! Damn!

Post by **qeialto** » Sun Nov 01, 2015 10:54 pm

Top stuff, awesome!

Post by **Ads24** » Sun Nov 01, 2015 11:00 pm

The sand looks perfect - incredible work. Can't wait to see it finished.

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Mon Nov 02, 2015 3:14 am

She is getting there Don
The sand covering and impact waves look great

Post by **Lee** » Thu Nov 05, 2015 7:53 am

You'd better get this finished on time DB

Post by **DBMiller** » Tue Nov 10, 2015 7:40 pm

Lee, I'm sure I'll finish in time for a change! This is being fun, despite some minor glitches. Working with the DAS clay has been great, especially since I have sculpting tools from some classes I took.

Well, this is being instructional. For the "things to remember for next time" file: when you pack a bunch of wet stuff on top of a somewhat flexible material you get this:

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That's a bit of a warp.

I was working on a stack of paper towels over a lazy Susan and never noticed how bad it was warping! On the other hand, there are no cracks or shrinkage gaps. Small favors, right.
The picture frame I bought for the base is now too thin to cover the warp! Either I buy a new one or make one, but that would require me to cut in a straight line with square angles. Not my best talent.
Also, I was going to add more clay to the underside of the ship but what was there was still wet! Why? Oh, I had pushed so much clay between the ship and base that it was trapped inside the hull and wouldn't dry! I had to poke a hole in the Styrofoam to let it air out. Luckily that worked. Once the rest of the clay dries I can start to paint the sand! Yea!

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Tue Nov 10, 2015 8:20 pm

The Das stuff is super easy to add to and fix cracks should they occur when you flatten the base
Looks cool

Post by **tiking** » Wed Nov 11, 2015 4:54 pm

Looking fantastic. Love the look.

**Felis Barcinonensis YouTube Channel** · Post by **felisbarcinonensis** » Wed Nov 11, 2015 9:30 pm

Love it mate!