[michaelgr]

It's been a while since my first foray into paper model creation and I've been hankering for another one. I considered several possible projects. I love sci fi and fantasy so they were all SF/F oriented.
At first I thought I might try designing a dragon (of the fire-breathing variety). I went as far as having a rough 3D model of a dragon sitting with its wings folded and tail curled. but the details eluded me, as well as how to get from an organic looking model to something I could build. So I shelved that idea to a later date and got back to spaceships.


Next thing I wanted to build was a Star Fury from Babylon 5. I LOVED that show and the design of the starfury is amazing. There were two existing models for download out there - but one was too simplified, and the other way too complex, as if someone just took the 3D file and broke it with no regard to how complex the result. I set out to design my own, only to discover that there's very little in the way of information or screenshots online, as it has never been released in HD, and moreover, the original 3D model was a terrible hack job made back in the Jurassic era of computer modeling. I found some official-looking schematics... none of which agreed with each other when I compared the side, top and front view. And there's precious little on the rear or bottom views... and lastly, I just couldn't figure out the 3D shape and got bogged down in conflicting details. So again, I set that project aside.


Throughout all of this I became familiar with UHU02's models. He made an amazing BattleStar galactica Viper model that got me really excited. I thought maybe I could just build someone else's model... maybe even skip all those wondeful internal details and just get the outside done...but the Viper was no longer available for download.



Ao, what to do? I decided to design my own Viper. Luckily the new Viper was made recently enough that there's a ton of details on line, including plan views, and it turns out it's a relatively easy shape to create.



Here's my plan for going forward:
1. create an easy-to-build basic fuselage
2. have tons of optional details you could add in areas of exposed machinery, cockpit and the engine afterburner can.
3. create a great-looking realistic texture with weathering effects and perhaps some aircraft-like details there were never put in the original, such as access ports and warning labels - I have some first hand experience in this area.

4. Possibly create two/three texture options with varying levels of wear and battle damage.


And lastly... here's what I have so far. I'll keep updating this thread in days to come. I have some vacation time planned and will be able to make some progress soon.