1:50 B-Wing Fighter

[Tirick]

I'm may not be terribly focused, but rarely do I sit idle, and rarely do I have less than a 1/2 dozen projects on the go at one time or another. While waiting for my muse to kick in with other projects, I've started a new one; as the title suggests, a 1:50 scale B-Wing fighter from Star Wars. I'm not too far into it, and I imagine the model alone with take the better part of several months, but progress threads are fun to watch, so I thought I'd share this one. I've attempted several projects this large before, but have yet to complete one. I think now I have enough experience to give it a solid shot at the least.

This will be quite a large build, despite the moderate scale. The fighter is reportedly almost 17 m long, so once built this will stand at about 30-32 cm in length. I'm planning several elements into her; detailed cockpit (with pilot), opening canopy, rotating gyro-mounted cockpit assembly, landing gear, and opening/closing S-foils.

As you can see, I've the cockpit gyro-mount mostly modeled, although I have to model the hinges for the canopy yet. The assembly as shown will be a little over 10 cm long, and I have a number of detailing elements to add yet.

Enjoy!
Sean

[nothing]

splended! we are in need of a decent model of this!

[Tirick]

I agree! There are a ton of them out there, but most look to be game rips, and at the scale I want, that's not enough for me to work with.

A quick update; rough in for the engines and cowling. I still have a lot of greeble work to do on the cockpit and the housing (as well as the back covering).

Work flow seems to be fairly smooth so far. Let's see if I can keep this up....

[Tirick]

I've made a little progress, modeled and then remodeled the struts joining the engine to the cockpit and then detailed the engine housing some. In the last pic you can see some of the panel build-up sections that will be added. Hard to see in the render, but they will be laminate panels much like the studio model. I plan to cover most of the wing sections and engine sections in these, to add to the model realism.

Enjoy!
Sean

[Getter 1]

Lookin good :D I can't tell you how long I've wanted a decent model of one of those beasts. All those game rips look good on a screen but when you make em into models they don't look good at all :(

Keep it up.

G1

[sjsquirrel]

Lookin great Tirick!

I have a plastic kit of the B-Wing that I started years ago and never got around to finishing it, and with a paper kit like this available I may never finish it.

Keep up the good work, and we'll be watching...

Steve

[Tirick]

Not much to report; This week has been busy with my 1:50 Rebel Pilots (of which a B-Wing will eventually be added). I've finished the basic curvature of the hinges for the canopy, although I am not happy with the overall shape of the mesh, and I need to rework it. I've also finished the panel rough in on the connecting wing frame and the cockpit reinforcements. As all four sets have minor but distinct cutaway differences, I have to adjust them individually. I've begin to model the 'pods' on the sides of the engine, although I need to conceive and model the braces joining them to the wing frame. These pods will also have laminate panels (most of the ship is covered in raised panel sections). I also added, upon consideration 72 panels to represent the gear 'teeth' on the cockpit pod.

Vert count(thus far): 8500

Enjoy!
Sean

[legion]

Will there be optional parts for the 2 seater version?

[Tirick]

No, I'm afraid. There is honestly no room behind the pilot for anything other than mechanism. A two-seater would require a longer nose, and I suspect it was just conceit on the author's part in an attempt to include an existing fighter in the text. KJA was never on my list of favorite SW writers.

It might be possible, but I am not intending to include an option.

Sean

[Tirick]

Brief update:

I took the problem of the hinge form to some of my design engineering friends and came up with a final solution; good or bad, right or wrong, its what I'm going with. Feel free to modify your own once the release is out.

We took a look at the long braces on the sides of the canopy and tried to image what purpose they served. They really are in the bloody way, at about 20 degrees into the FOV for the pilot, and they are wide, long, seemingly purposeless braces. What my friend posed is the question: what if they were not part of the canopy, but rather part of the frame? The idea, to me, was a stunning realization. If it is so, it opens the canopy motion up to a much more confined hinge, and explains the purpose for the bar (which I had always wondered at). It also limits the potential binding at the corners of the forward openings, which are really acute angles on the curvature. The angle shown is a 110 deg rotation, which is more than sufficient to allow the pilot climb clearance.

I know, no canonical support that the bridges are divided, but hell, there is no canonical support for the canopy even opening, or support for the notion that there is even transparisteel protecting the pilot. All other fighter/ship models have obvious clear coverings as an integral part of the canopy: except this one!

Enjoy!
Sean

[hawkman67]

Hiya Tirick; I really like this design of yours so far.... Is nice to see someone making the B-wing in a decent scale. and I really like the chain of thought on how the canopy would/could work.... it got me to thinking, would opening from the side be possible?? kind of like a P-51B canopy?
Jeff

[Tirick]

I had considered that option, but I am under the impression that it is designed to land on either side of the 'blade', meaning a side-opening canopy could potentially get in the way of entry if the cockpit was rotated the wrong way. That said, All the bits will be there upon release, making a side-opening hinge should be easy enough.

I've not yet conceived the landing gear so I may change my mind on that impression, but I'm waiting until I've the most of it at least rough modeled before I try and sort out that part.

:) I do enjoy healthy design debates though!

[Fargo]

hi man :)
maybe this could help you (I think that it won't be new to you), from 0:30 on...
YouTube - Star Wars X-Wing collector's CD-Rom edition gameplay german (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyazHq_MHAY)
and that's even a good view about the "landing technique" used by this bomber, from 3:29 on.
as you could have thought, this ship is in my "ideas&futureprojects" closet too :D

[hawkman67]

Tirick, I never thought of that point. Your idea seems way better and makes more sense really. the landing gear seem to be skids acording to my cut-aways book. But any thing that makes sense would work that is for sure. How are the troopers coming along?
Jeff

[Tirick]

:D I loved X-Wing, bar none, my favorite 'simulator'. XWA is a very good inheritor of the title, but my bloody joystick won't work on my current PC (no XP64 drivers). Yeah, the B-Wing sequences are neat indeed, but I stick by my assessment; there is just not enough room at the top for a hinge, or for the opening swing of the canopy. ;) They do appear to have the side fuel tanks (as that is what they were kit-bashed from) being used as extensible gear. That is a neat concept, and one I'd not thought about. Certainly my gear will likely come from around that area, although I am leaning toward the engine section.

hawkman: my pilots are going well, I have a test print of an untextured Rebel pilot to assemble tonight, and if Jules (paper-replika) finishes his LAAT I am likely (sooner rather than later) to make pilots and troopers to support that. Clone troopers v2 thus may well be first quarter 2010.

The B-Wing (and A-Wing) pilots will actually be far easier to make than I initially imagined. Close examination of a pile of photos and film seems to indicate the uniform is almost identical (except color, no neon orange for them), with only the box controls different. Of course I'm certain a regular x-wing style pilot would work fine in the B-Wing as well.

Sean

[Tirick]

Mucked about a bit with the mesh and started to model the main wing and S-Foils. Not really much of an update, but she's really starting to take the shape of the B-wing nicely.

Again, most of these wings will be covered in greeble and laminate panels, which I have yet to model.

Enjoy!
Sean

[Stev0]

Slowly but surely, it's shaping up.

[Tirick]

Slow indeed; I've been focusing on my Rebel Pilot design.

There's not been a lot of time, between work and holiday business, to work on this, but I've finished rough modeling the turbolaser on the end of the main blade and I've completed the main attachment points and hinges for the structure.

This means the next phase is setting the cutaway sections and adjusting all of the main parts for fit-up. I'll hope to be ready with a prototype print by the end of the year, which will include all of the main parts of the assembly, including the base cockpit sections and canopy (still have to refine the actual hinge for that).

Enjoy!
Sean

[Tirick]

Wow, it has taken a while, but I'm about 60% done the model adjustments to allow for paper fit-up. Al that remains (of course) are the hard parts; the hinge for the wings (and the stop-block to allow posing), the tip gun attachment points, and the turbolaser attachment points. The good news of course is that once all of that is done, I'll be essentially well past the 1/2 marker for modeling (just detailing and greeble after that, and will have no worries about assembly).

I was tired of playing with the model, so I started the process of converting to .pdo. I finished the prototype cockpit, which has come out at 3 pages. Low on ink here, I'll likely wait until Tuesday (when I work again) to print the prototype pages on our laser printer at work.

I've never considered this before, but if anyone is interested in building a copy of the prototype, please drop me a PM. I think on something this big, extra eyes/hands could certainly be an asset.

Enjoy!
Sean

[Tirick]

I've started the assembly at long last; it is a slow process as there are a lot of parts. I have the main cockpit body completed now though; just need to build the easy chair and the canopy. There were a few minor fit-up issues, but all in all it assembled like a dream.

Starting the assembly (http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/100_1777.jpg)

Cockpit pt 1 (http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/100_1779.jpg)

Cockpit pt 2 (http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/100_1781.jpg)

Finished (http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/100_1782.jpg)

To scale... (http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/100_1785.jpg)

I plan to get the sleeve/guide finished this weekend, but even the best laid plans can fall apart.

Enjoy!
Sean

[marksolo]

Looking good.
This is going to be the most detailed B-Wing paper model.

[Tirick]

Not much progress, but I did manage to get the hinge and canopy put together, as well as the easy-chair and some of the cockpit greeble. I'm very pleased with the canopy, as it was an element I was particularly concerned with.

Enjoy!
Sean

[marksolo]

Wow, that is some intricate work. The hinge alone is incredible. I dont think I have seen any moving hinged canopy on any vehicle in this form or the other.

Good job!

[imcold]

This is an awesome project, good luck with it! I'm really looking forward to see it finished :)

[Tirick]

I finished laying out and printing all the sections down to the Engine pods. Now I'm just going through the process of cutting/assembling/trimming. I've assembled the central support ring and guide beams, although I've not added any of the greeble bits yet. The collar has very similar assembly issues to the cockpit pod, where I had to switch to a laminate ring structure for detailing, rather than the slip-rings I'd initially planned. Aside from that, most of the parts went together well, albeit some with a little too tight of a fit. I've now attached the ring to the main keel, which has been fed through the two dorsal 'wing' supports (I'm assuming a 'Z' 0 of the middle of the engine pod, with the 'Z' axis running along the keel).

I was a little concerned with the fit and alignment, but my fears were assuaged once assembled. It has a tight fit, but the cockpit rotates just fine. A couple of pictures show it in different positions, but its hard to demonstrate the rotation with static pics. Once the full assembly is complete I might make a short video demonstration and post it up on YouTube.

Enjoy!
Sean

[nothing]

great work! nice to see it coming together on paper!

[Tirick]

The engine mount is now assembled, although I've not added all the fins or the engines themselves, and we are approaching the point where I am stuck in the model. I'll likely fill the time with some texture work on my pilot, and with adding the greeble I've already layed out and modeled.

The hinges, s-foils and main wing are obviously modelled, and in fact the hinge and wing attachment is complete. Where I am stuck is the stop-block for the rotation. I've a few ideas but I need to play around with the model before I commit to them. I also need to edit and model the tip-guns attachment and the main turbolaser join, but those are reasonable minor in comparison.

Enjoy!
Sean

[Tirick]

Minor Update: Pilot! :D

Enjoy!
Sean


PS. I have the main wing and s-foils printed now, so it is just a matter of time before I have them assembled.

[Tirick]

Hmm... odd that I never posted the final assembly. It seems like so long ago, but I did actually get the bird built to the point of weapon mounts. I've left it off after that, and took a hiatus; partly due to some games that demanded my attention, and partly RL responsibilities. Nevertheless, here she is:

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/100_1866.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/100_1867.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/100_1868.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/100_1864.jpg

Since these pictures I've been working on a ton of other projects; I apologize for the long delay. This'll be a beast to finish, but I found the so-called 'holy grail' of reference photos, and I aim to make good measure of them. Most of the core model will remain untouched, but most of the greeble, especially the cockpit and guns, will be completely scrapped. I may end up having to redo the main 'wing' as well, but we'll see how it goes. I still have to plan where to put the landing gear, but I'm focusing on cleaning the cockpit and texturing as I go. Here are some preliminary shots of the textured interior. Note that there is a lot of greeble to be stuffing in there yet.

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/Cockpit-004.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/Cockpit-002.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/Cockpit-003.jpg

Enjoy!
Sean

[Getter 1]

Looks great :D Funny, I was just thinking of this build a couple days ago :P

G1

[imcold]

Ah, the lower gunpod really has a complicated shape compared to the rest of the fighter, doesn't it; good luck with it. And lot of greebles? Sweet, I couldn't be happier :D This is going to be a great model :)

[Janx]

wow looking great! love the Bwing, has to be one the most original designs.

[Magus42]

It is great to come this late to the table and see how this came together.
Looking fantastic.
I love the Bwing your redesign is great.

[kolacho]

HI!!! i love this model! you finish building it? I would also like to build it, you have to download?

Hola me entanta este modelo, lo terminaste de contruir? me gustaria contruirlo tambien, lo tienes para descargar?

thanks
gracias!

[Tirick]

I've been (slowly) finishing some other projects first, although it is certainly not 'dropped'. I hope to show some progress once I've finished working on my Courser and Female Protagonist.

[imcold]

Hi, small accuracy nitpick - this area (fuel tank?) should to be moved lower:
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii260/imcoldz/misc/th_4fbf3d36.png (http://s266.photobucket.com/albums/ii260/imcoldz/misc/
4fbf3d36.png)

See these photos: http://www.modelermagic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/kg_lfa_b-wing-032.jpg http://www.modelermagic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/kg_lfa_b-wing-043.jpg The tank touches the engine section and the aft part sort of "wraps" around the engine exhaust slightly.

Otherwise nice work, I hope you'll post some updates soon :) Good luck!

[Tirick]

Yeah, when I get down to those parts I'll likely tweak a fair bit; my initial work was based on some fairly fuzzy pictures at odd angles. I have downloaded every one of the pics from that repository, and have a keen interest to finish this beast (once I'm done the two projects I'm currently on).

I'm focusing on the cockpit right now, and may end up releasing this in sets, starting with the rotational assembly.

thanks!
Tirick

[imcold]

Great! Another good source that may help is Star Wars The Exhibition Madrid - Ala B - B Wing - a set on Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/toromodel/sets/72157621862894553/) , though downloading from flickr is a pita.

[Tirick]

They are not of the same model... I wonder how many of these LFL built.

Take a look at the cockpit here: Star Wars The Exhibition Madrid - Ala B - B Wing (13) | Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/toromodel/3803065641/in/set-72157621862894553)

... and then in the one attached, particularly in the area behind the pilot. I only noticed as I've finished modelling that area in mine based on the MasterModel shots.

Tirick

[imcold]

True, the general shape should be the same, although they differ in some details (different uncovered panels, minor differences in gun package, some sloppiness in general). I wonder about how many they built, but I know only of two models that are being shown currently. Too bad that there are no recent photos of Red 2 X-wing, they would come in handy (the big X that is on most of the tours is different from the ANH versions).

[Tirick]

And finally I return to this project. I've not doubt the full textures will take months, but here is the cockpit and cockpit greeble complete. I'm moving on to the cockpit 'pod' the weekend; I have a lot of detail modeling to correct/add, especially with the guns.

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/CockpitGreeble4.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/CockpitGreeble2.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/CockpitGreeble3.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/CockpitGreeble1.jpg


My plan is to finish this in stages and build up print-prototypes as I go. The first will be once the pod is complete. I intend to make two: one at 1:35 and one at 1:50.

Enjoy!
Tirick

[imcold]

I'm glad to see you back on this one, nice work. Will you also release each stage as it's finished or just after the whole model is completed?

[Tirick]

If there is enough call for it yes. The only caveat on this whole build will be its release. I will probably only release in .pdo format, and likely without the same degree of instructions I typically provide.

Tirick

[Sidewinder81777]

I look forward to this one

[Magus42]

Wow, this is a fantastic build so far.
I can't wait.
Thanks for posting

[spacewalker]

Great stuff!!! Please release this model!!!

[Tirick]

Thank you all, I appreciate the comments (and they encourage, strangely enough).

Some progress: I made some major changes to the nose section near the guns, remodeled the guns and textured the front pod. The remaining pod will not take too long to texture, but I'm in a crunch at work as I head towards a two-week holiday, so I may not progress a lot before I go.

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/Pod-001.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/Pod-002.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/Pod-003.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/Pod-004.jpg

Enjoy!
Tirick

[SJPONeill]

Wow! That's looking realer than the real thing...

[imcold]

If there is enough call for it yes. The only caveat on this whole build will be its release. I will probably only release in .pdo format, and likely without the same degree of instructions I typically provide.

I'm interested, right after I finish releasing the x-wing (5 textures away from release) :D I think this thread is a good alternative to instructions.

[Tirick]

The pod redesign and textures are now complete. I made some modifications to fit, changed the back end to better match the filming model and added some extra greeble detail. I've really enjoyed this portion of the texturing; I can only hope the remainder will continue this way.

I will be laying this part out over the weekend, and may have a release before my holidays (of the pod alone). As noted, this will be .pdo only.

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/PodComplete-005.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/PodComplete-004.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/PodComplete-003.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/PodComplete-002.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/PodComplete-001.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/PodComplete-006.jpg

Enjoy!
Tirick

[imcold]

Beautiful textures, I'm impressed :) Keep it up!

[kolacho]

googlish:
grate model!!! I can't wait until you finish

spanish:
excelente papermodel no puedo esperar a que lo termines

[kolacho]

googlish:
grate model!!! I can't wait until you finish

spanish:
excelente papermodel no puedo esperar a que lo termines

[Zathros]

Man that's beautiful! It looks like a painting, then you see it in pieces? Superb on every possible level.

[rbeach84]

Wow, you're doing a wonderful job with this design, Tirick. As the B-Wing is one subject missing from the ol' StarWars collection, I am most interested in your final product. Glad to assist with encouraging you on this project.;)

[Tirick]

It is without a doubt my favorite 'fighter' from the series, as such I'm pouring my appreciation for it into the design. The filming model pictures are a goldmine for this project; without them it may have languished in design hell.

I certainly hope that everyone enjoys the final product (and it seems I will not lack for build-testers).

Thank you,
Tirick

[spacewalker]

Wow! Very nice textures. Great job.

[Uyraell]

To my eyes, the B-wing is pretty much the Star Wars equivalent of the BV141 B.
While the Y-wing always looks like pieces thrown together (and did in the original, let alone any kits of it) and thus void of style, the X, A, and B Wings were and remain impressive.
Seeing this B-wing take shape is truly enjoyable.

Respectful Regards, Uyraell.

[Tirick]

I've added Part 1 to my downloads (subject to the approval queue) here. This is in .pdo format only, and currently only released in 1:50 scale.

I must stress, the two halves (which should be the end result of Part 1) must not be glued together! If you do so, you will not be able to assemble the pod into the cockpit sleeve (Part 2, upcoming).

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/PodHalf-01.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/PodHalf-02.jpg

I would greatly appreciate any build reports, advice or assembly concerns/questions.

Thank you,
Tirick

[Dented Rick]

This is definetly going to the top of my "to-do" list. as soon as its released :)

Awesome work

[Dented Rick]

Please, Update :)

[Tirick]

Don't worry, she's not abandoned, although on top of taking two weeks to visit Germany, I've lost two PC's in the last two months (I still have my backups at least), so still catching up. I will be finishing the RAF pilot before returning to this project however, and I hope to get that finished this month.

Thank you!
Tirick

[Dented Rick]

Don't worry, she's not abandoned, although on top of taking two weeks to visit Germany, I've lost two PC's in the last two months (I still have my backups at least), so still catching up. I will be finishing the RAF pilot before returning to this project however, and I hope to get that finished this month.

Thank you!
Tirick

Just checking. :) sorry about your PC's, lost mine awhile back, and a few others lost theirs too

[rbeach84]

Thanks for the update, Tirick!

[F131]

So.....how are things progressing?

[HMCS]

this is awesome!!!

[Tirick]

Let's just say I'm easily distracted... :rolleyes:

The B-Wing is one of those projects; I have major edits to do before I can texture, and I've just not had the will to start past the cockpit. I've certainly not dropped the project (I want one too!) I just need to work on the things that compel me, or I will work on nothing at all.

I am targeting another major section (likely up the engine pod) this year.

Sean

[HMCS]

I think most of us suffer from PM-ADHD

[rbeach84]

Given the artifacts so far, I'll gladly wait for the final 'smooth' from your design-works, Tirick. Anticipation is fun too.:)

[Tirick]

Part of me wants to begin with an apology, but it sounds hollow after such a long while so... uh yeah. I've made progress!

As stated (somewhere in the distant past) it is my fervent hope to complete the sections up to the engine nacelle (see the last pic) by the end of this year. Moving it into Pepakura should be a snap after that.

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/CollarComplete-001.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/CollarComplete-002.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/CollarComplete-003.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/CollarComplete-004.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/CollarComplete-005.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/CollarJoinWIP.jpg

The collar is more or less a complete redo of the original. it is wider for one, with a different join design (with additional stop-collars for the cockpit pod). It is as close to the filming model as I can make it, given some of the design limitations due to the pod design.

I have some major mods to make going forward, particularly on the wing elements (the angle on the back is not acute enough, relative to the filming model, for example, and the gear-guide base is too wide/long), so that might stall progress, but we'll see. The real roadblock at this stage is the siren lure of Skyrim.

Thank you for your patience. I do this for me, but I hate letting any of you down with my glacial rate of progress.

Sean

[SJPONeill]

Looking good!!

It's a privilege just to be able to watch your design processes at work so no need for any apologies for glacial rates of progress - if it weren't for glaciers we wouldn't have the enduring beauty of the Norwegian and New Zealand fjords to enjoy...

[Loui]

Solid Design... Thanks for sharing the design progress.

[HMCS]

the glacial rate is perfect!,.. take your time,.. I am a glacial speed builder myself,.. looking at these images makes the wait worth it,.. "this is the B-wing i am looking for"

[Tirick]

Thank you for your comments!

More progress! I completely remodeled the wing sections shown (and considerably modified the joining sections). I am much happier with the overall shape, and am confident that it matches the filming model (as near as I can make it anyway). I still need to model the armour panels, and then I'm on to texturing. I'm not certain yet if I will include (or even need) formers inside the wing sections. In a way, the end caps should make good formers.

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/MainWingJoin-002.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/MainWingJoin-001.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/MainWingJoin-003.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/MainWingJoin-004.jpg

I may (or may not have) mentioned earlier that in the full final release I will likely release the texture maps. By the time I'm done I doubt I'll have the heart for repaint options.

In case you are wondering, yes, the shelf at the top of section #2 forming a ring around section #1 are intentional, and are close to the gaps in the filming model. The filming model actually has a rounded edge, making it less obvious, but the shelf is there.

Sean

[imcold]

Sweet, I love the details and the shape is spot on. The front seems a bit tricky, but there's hardly anything to do about it without sacrificing accuracy. About formers: I think that one or two formers inside the wings would help to form&hold the intended profile (like in aircraft models), but it's your choice :)

[Tirick]

Yes, formers are likely going to be required. Once I'm done texturing section 2 I'll model some up.

More progress! It is surprising how the difficulty scale of texturing is reduced the more detail there is in the actual mesh. You'll note that the armor panel halves of section 1 are not completely symmetrical. This matches the filming model.

I should note that in the interests of preserving my sanity, I am not going to attempt to replicate battle damage (and probably handling damage after 20 years). Mostly this is so that I can use symmetrical textures, but also it allows modelers who want a 'clean' model to have one. Black/grey paint is easy to apply, as well as 'damage' holes after the model is built.

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/MainWingJoin-005.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/MainWingJoin-006.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/MainWingJoin-007.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/MainWingJoin-008.jpg

Sean

[Tirick]

Section #2 and #3 are modeled and textured, although neither are in their complete form. Currently they are in their 'mirror' state, but some major changes to Section 2 are required to fit the mating elements for the fuel pods (or whatever they are). I cheated the fit in the original prototype, overlapping the section. I will endeavor to match the filming model in this part however, which is more of a cutaway.

Section 3 has some changes to it, but mostly cosmetic. The filming model is missing an armour panel on the port side, with exposed inner workings, which I will aim to model. I will include the armour panel for those who which to leave it covered.

I had aimed to get at least this far by Christmas. I however, have a bit of a bug to take this a bit further before I make another release, making at the least the fittings for the fuel pods and the modifications to Section 2 required to fit them.

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/MainWingSct2-3-001.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/MainWingSct2-3-003.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/MainWingSct2-3-004.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/MainWingSct2-3-005.jpg

Sean

[imcold]

By the way, thanks for releasing the texture maps :) I think I'll be going to modify mine slightly; adding some chipping & desaturating the orange circle.

[Tirick]

Like a slow avalanche, each change to the model almost demands further changes. I'd set out thinking "I'll just texture the model, add some details and be done". Yeah, uh. No.

While this section still requires some detail work, panels and the filler part between the engine thrusters, but it is for the most part complete. As well, I still need to modify the section it attaches too. It is similar to but actually a complete redo of my original model. This more closely matches the filming model. My original was a little too wide and not quite the right shape. There are a few concessions on this set of parts, relative to the filming model. Hopefully there are few complaints.

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/EngineSection-005.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/EngineSection-001.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/EngineSection-002.jpg

Enjoy,
Sean

[imcold]

Funny, I was looking at photos of exactly this section - I'm assembling the AMT B-wing kit and its fuel tanks are waaay off. Yours are better, but I do have a few suggestions, see this pic (http://imcold.evilhosting.org/misc/BWcomparison.png). Moving the pipe and stretching the aft of the tanks should be quite easy, widening not so much - they look like the curvature was flat-sanded where the tanks meet the engine section, might be troublesome to model. By the way, the ref. photo is from the "Behind the magic" cd-rom, if you miss those, I can send them to you.
And I admire how well you did the cockpit section, it matches the photo very well. It's gonna be way more accurate than the plastic kit :)

Edit: also, the space between engine section and the bottom wingbase (the textured part) must be wider, put you probably know about that.

[Tirick]

That is a great reference shot! I have about 100 HQ shots of the filming model (from here (http://www.modelermagic.com/?p=6160)), but none with such a good side-view of the whole width of the engine and the wing panel together, in fact the only side-view shot I have crops just above that point.

I'll make some changes. Looks like the engine pod is definitely too 'tall', which will allow some further height changes to the pods.

Thank you!

[imcold]

PM sent ;)

[Tirick]

Ok, I've reanalyzed my model relative to a generous contribution of data. Let's pretend the last update does not exist. I'm about 1/2 through re-remodeling the engine intake section, and I will be re-remodeling the fuel pods.

I have had an epiphany however, and felt like sharing. All along I've been looking at the static models (there are more than one, BTW, although they all seem very close to one another in shape, several details, damage markings are absent/different) and at the front of the engine intake there is a weird nubby bit that sticks out. I've always modeled this, thinking: "Odd, but clearly a design choice".

No, sir.

That my friends, is a switch. If you look at the film screen shots, it is perfectly straight, no odd stuck-out bit. Several of the BW shots correspond with this, showing this switch depressed in side profile. As such, I will be modeling it as shown in the film, not as shown on the static model displays.

I'll be a bit with Christmas approaching. I still hope to have this part modeled and textured by the end of the year, but don't expect a release right away as I have several modifications to make to Wing section #2 and #3. #2 has parts carved out where it meets the fuel pods and #3 is truncated on the lower (upper?) part close to the engine intake to make room for the s-foil hinges.

Sean

[imcold]

I have had an epiphany however, and felt like sharing. All along I've been looking at the static models (there are more than one, BTW, although they all seem very close to one another in shape, several details, damage markings are absent/different) and at the front of the engine intake there is a weird nubby bit that sticks out. I've always modeled this, thinking: "Odd, but clearly a design choice".

No, sir.

That my friends, is a switch. If you look at the film screen shots, it is perfectly straight, no odd stuck-out bit. Several of the BW shots correspond with this, showing this switch depressed in side profile. As such, I will be modeling it as shown in the film, not as shown on the static model displays.

Great find! I never realized this, but it makes sense - if the switch is depressed, all the plates are neatly aligned in both side&top view.
As far as I figured out, the photos show 2 models. The main tells are the orange circles on one, and detached panes at the middle aft end of the main wing on the other.
Good luck with modifications :)

[rbeach84]

Just blown away; awesome teamwork, too!:cool:

[Tirick]

May you all have an excellent new year!

Some (small) progress. May not look like much, but it took a several hours to get here. The engine section is completely redone (again), as well as the fuel pods and joining elements. As well, Section #2 is now cut away to fit more properly into the joining section.

Lots to do before Part 2 will be released. Part 2 will include the collar, wing sections #1 and #2, the Fuel Pods and the entire engine section.

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/EngineSection-008.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/EngineSection-007.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/EngineSection-006.jpg

Enjoy!
Sean

[imcold]

I'm really looking forward to the next release :)

[kolacho]

Happy new year for you too. the model is excellent.I hope the following progress. regards

[HMCS]

awesome guys,.. whaata treat!

[Tirick]

More progress on the B-Wing. Not much I'm afraid, with Christmas and post-Christmas work catchup I've not had a pile of free time.

I'd like to get the engine section done this week, but its hard to say how things will pan out. I have to examine the filming model to be certain I get the panels right, as well as the detail on the surface and the engine mounts. I'll have to be a bit creative there. The filming model is chock full of electronics in that back section with the engine pods.

The armor panels on the Fuel Pods (I don't know what they are supposed to be, but I'm fairly certain the scratch-build component was a fuel pod from a fighter) is laminar. The filming model ones are fairly thick, although I've only modeled one layer. May need to thicken it with card a little in the build.

I many have mentioned this before, but I am neither texturing nor modeling the tiny pipes that dot the surface of the B-Wing. The effort to texture is not worth it (for me). I'd rather scratch build some and paint myself. I will provide the UV's for any of you who wish to correct these.

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/FuelPods-004.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/FuelPods-003.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/FuelPods-002.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/FuelPods-001.jpg

Enjoy!
Sean

[imcold]

I many have mentioned this before, but I am neither texturing nor modeling the tiny pipes that dot the surface of the B-Wing. The effort to texture is not worth it (for me). I'd rather scratch build some and paint myself. I will provide the UV's for any of you who wish to correct these.

Exactly my thoughts - don't mind the pipes, they can be easily made from thin strips of paper or something; it's definitely not time effective to model them.

[nosports]

I'd like to get the engine section done this week, but its hard to say how things will pan out. I have to examine the filming model to be certain I get the panels right, as well as the detail on the surface and the engine mounts. I'll have to be a bit creative there. The filming model is chock full of electronics in that back section with the engine pods.

The armor panels on the Fuel Pods (I don't know what they are supposed to be, but I'm fairly certain the scratch-build component was a fuel pod from a fighter) is laminar. The filming model ones are fairly thick, although I've only modeled one layer. May need to thicken it with card a little in the build.

I am following this threat with much interest....

If its of some help - I got a Revell B-Wing hanging, albeit not very good painted and builded, above my desk.....

[Dented Rick]

I am following this threat with much interest....

If its of some help - I got a Revell B-Wing hanging, albeit not very good painted and builded, above my desk.....

Hehehe.....I've got a micro sitting on my desk

[kolacho]

excellent progress!!! I like it! I need it!! JAJA :D

regards

[Tirick]

A sneak look at some of the detailing around the engine section. I still have to make the armour panels, then texturing will follow. The last picture shows in inner 'guts' of the engine itself, much of which is build-up to position parts correctly (and make the greeble at the back). I've not modeled anything in between the thruster pods as I'm not yet settled on what to put there.

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/EngineDetail-001.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/EngineDetail-002.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/EngineDetail-003.jpg

Enjoy!
Sean

[Dented Rick]

:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:

[imcold]

It never occurred to me, but are you making it in Blender?
As there were only wires and a mounting hole between the pods, I wouldn't add anything in there, just a black flat wall.

[Tirick]

Yes, I use Blender for all my modeling, followed by GIMP for the textures.

I'm inclined to agree on that point. No rush anyway. I can always add bits at the end.

[imcold]

So at the expense of going somewhat off-topic...: how do you make a screenshot like in the first or second picture - unshaded, white surface of an object and just some prominent edges visible? I am still quite new to Blender and I'm trying to figure out how to do some nice screenshots/renders for instructions.

[Tirick]

No problem, glad to (try to) help!

First of all, I delete all the light sources and cameras. Then, on the objects I want to display (that are untextured), I set the object display properties (in the Properties window), under the Object tab, to display Wire (a check box). Both pictures #1 and 2 (in my last picture-post) were taken while in 'Textured' display/shade mode in the 3D window. Picture 3 was in 'Solid' mode.

I take all my pictures using the 'Render Active Viewport' button on the bottom of the 3D window (looks like a camera). This allows me to shift the scene freely without mucking about with a camera object. Once the picture is taken, there is an option to save the picture (depends on the version of Blender you are using).

Hope that explains it well enough; I can take screenies if you need better clarity. I've been using Blender for.. uh 4-5 years now.. had to adapt my modeling style a few times with upgrades, but I've never used a better program (and I've tried a host of them). I actually started to use it with the intent to make a 1:50 scale (full) interior + exterior Falcon. I'll finish that one one of these years.

Sean

[imcold]

Thanks very much for the helpful tips! I use it just to unfold my models at the moment, though I'm experimenting with its other features now and then.
Ah, Falcon at that size will be huge! Good luck with it, whenever you get to it.

[Tirick]

And here we have the Engine section complete:

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/EngineSection-009.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/EngineSection-010.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/EngineSection-011.jpg

I will probably make a few texture tweaks after the unfold, but the maps/meshes are done, so the Pepakura work can begin. That said, anyone who has build the cockpit, be forewarned, I have modified the 'paint' grey on the aft portion, to more closely match the grey stripe on the engine housing. After review of the various pics it is a better match. It should not make a huge difference either way; I will have to investigate whether or not I can correct the file uploaded here.

So Part 2 will include:

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/Part2-001.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/Part2-002.jpg

And the model, once released will comprise of the following:

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/Part12-002.jpg

I may build the parts completed before moving on to the rest of the model, but it is hard to say. Either way I expect I'll work on the main 'blade' next, with the s-foils last.

Enjoy!
Sean

[imcold]

Sweet! :)

[SJPONeill]

Looks great!!

[Tirick]

I near completion of the unfolds. As with Part 1 (and subsequent parts) I will not be including instructions. I will have some notes on the assembly added to the pages, but the intent is that you use Pepakura Viewer to get a good idea of the fit-up of parts in each assembly. This should be considered of moderate to advanced building difficulty. There are not a lot of complex parts (Part 1 has more curves for example), but I've not made allowances for paper thickness in a lot of the fit-ups, so expect some need for filing/trimming as well as edge retouching.

A sample of the utter crap-work that is required to translate complex curves in Pepakura:

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/Unfold.jpg

The Engine Housing Page:

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/Unfold2.jpg

I'll be a few more days, I have the housing panels/parts to unfold and some tweaks on the fuel pods yet to do. There will be two main .pdo files: the Collar and Wing sections 1 & 2 and the Engine/Fuel pods. This should keep the model view complexity down as these separate sections mate in obvious ways. While the main 'spine' (the inside joining bar for all the parts) will be included in this release, I would not recommend gluing all the parts together just yet. I've not fully determined if I will be notching the blade-end of the spine, and the length of it may change depending on fit up.

Enjoy!
Sean

[Tirick]

Part 2 is now complete!

I am having a few upload problems (I don't know if the file is too big or what; I've sent a note to the Admin team for review), but hopefully soon it will be up for download.

Here is what she looks like all together:

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/FullviewPart2.jpg

(I should note, I do not have a unified file as shown above included, this is for demo only).

11 Pages on this release. Add that with the 3 from the Cockpit Pod and we are up to 14. I expect that to approximately double with the next two parts.

Enjoy!
Sean

[SJPONeill]

Very cool, Sean!! Top effort for all your work!!

[Tirick]

Because I am an impatient man...

I've now added these BETA parts to my store at http://tcfgaming.com, under Vehicles. They are, of course, free, but you will need to make an account to download them. Both Parts 1 and 2 are there, for convenience.

Sean

[ARMORMAN]

getting a "page does not exist" on your link to your page.

[Tirick]

Interesting; link works for me. Did you use the link in my signature, or in the post?

[Dented Rick]

both links work for me, and I got a sketchy laptop

[ARMORMAN]

both...neither worked.

[gremlin]

i am haveing the same issue both dont work for me either. i am useing IE 8

[SJPONeill]

Both work for me using Chrome, Win7 Starter and an iffy satellite broadband hookup...don't hink problems are at the website end..

[gremlin]

i tried 5 differant browsers and all just times out :mad: i cant afford windows 7 so that is not an option

[SJPONeill]

Works with XP as well...

[Tirick]

My webhost is flaky of late, but the site is up (at the moment). No idea what could be causing the problems.

Sean

i tried 5 differant browsers and all just times out :mad: i cant afford windows 7 so that is not an option

It is either a hosting problem or a ISP problem on your end, either way, upgrading your operating system is NOT required.

[Tirick]

Progress!

I'm going to be honest, the Creation Kit for Skyrim comes out tomorrow, so I may be a tad distracted.

However, We'll see how far I can go before it gets here:

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/BladeWing-001.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/BladeWing-002.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/BladeWing-003.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/BladeWing-004.jpg

Because they are mating parts, I will be focusing on the turbolaser housing before I work on the details/panels for the 'Blade' wing. If it looks like I'm avoiding the hinges for the s-foils, well, I am.

Enjoy,
Sean

[ARMORMAN]

[QUOTE=Tirick;269026]If it looks like I'm avoiding the hinges for the s-foils, well, I am.

Chicken.... ;)

[rbeach84]

All I can say is indeed, WOW! Truly is fun watching the design process...

[gremlin]

woo hoo!!! i got on with no issues today and the downloads was worth the issue i had yeaturday...thanks everyone!!!

[kolacho]

Hi tirick!! some advance in this model? one question, can you estimate the size of the model?
thanks a lot

[Tirick]

No mate, no further progress. I've been mostly in a design funk. I have been working on a 40K dropship, but otherwise, nothing inspires me.

The finished model should be about 35-40 cm long (at 1:50), something close to 12-15 inches. at 1:35, quite a bit larger, 50 cm or so, almost 2 ft.

[F131]

Waiting patiently, Sir.

[x120]

???????? ?? "???????? ????" / B-wing starfighter - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=jZiYKiPyHSc)

[x120]

B-WING Starfigter ??????????? ?? ?????? - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_UMyOc1E7w)

[thorst]

X120, this is really impressive! Congratulations for your achievement!

Tirick: Perhaps this model can be some sort of motivation for you? ;) Hope to see progress of your version sometimes!

Thorsten

[DNALOR]

X120 Wauw that B-wing looks great..
tried to find if it's freely downloadable..but i didn't find it.
I even tried the paper only site..but my Russian?...isn't that good..

i would love to have the b-wing for a treasure usb stick...
ah.. my builds are all on zealot.
(building my own snowspeeder - Zealot Hobby Forum (http://www.zealot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=172670))


Your B wing looks really great!

[OhGodWhy]

Any News ?

[Tirick]

I have been on a total design and build hiatus for a few months. I wouldn't call it deliberate, I've been distracted by some MMO gaming. This is not on permanent hold of course, although I imagine the next few designs from me will be in the 1:1000 series I was working on before Guild Wars 2 ate my life.

I don't expect that my model will come close to the extreme detail displayed in that Russian model mind you. My skills/patience are not that extreme.

Tirick

[Tirick]

On a side note; depending on how Disney handles the license, I may not be distributing my models in the future.

What a horrible, terrifying decision that is, although I'm sure Lucas is happy. Fans haven't been kind since the last films.

[SJPONeill]

I don't know...Disney seems to have a better track record supporting paper modelling that LucasFilm ever did...

[thorst]

[...]
I don't expect that my model will come close to the extreme detail displayed in that Russian model mind you. My skills/patience are not that extreme.

Tirick

I don't think so, your attention to detail was great, with a lot of research! And the texturing you made looked also very convincing, better than just plain colors.
I hope you sometimes will go on with this one, but I can fully understand your decision. Have fun, with whatever you want to do!

Thorsten

[gimpee]

I agree with Thorsten, your model is great and at the same level that the Russian one.

[thislonelyplanet]

I don't know...Disney seems to have a better track record supporting paper modelling that LucasFilm ever did...

Yeah. The Disney site actually has a really extensive library of some very extensively detailed models of a LOT of their attractions as well as vehicles from different movies, as well as links to sites that feature Disney intellectual property paper models.
so I would hope they not only don't try to squash you, but actually encourage your work and allow it on their site, as they've done with others. I am SOOOO glad to see that you are designing one of my favorite designs from the star wars universe.
As far as on screen vehicles and designs, all the truly imaginative and creative awesomeness completely STOPPED after ROTJ. The designs of the next 3 movies sucked a$@%#.
I will be going nuts with this beaut. THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH.

[Davej]

Ok. Now this is on my must do list. Great to see the design process as well.

[rbeach84]

Bump! BTW, during the interim, I've been working up very detailed drawings for the B-Wing using Autocad (but 2D only) which may be of use... if I can only find a method of sharing the files!

I have been getting a lot of help from the RPF community (Replica Props Forum) which led to a 'decomposition' approach. For example, I found the identity of a bunch of the B-Wings parts such as the 'fuel tanks' (1/32 Tamiya F-14 kit), aft pod section (1/144 Space Shuttle EFT nose cone), engine nozzle 'cans' (1/48 Tamiya A-10 engine cowlings), S-foils (1/32 Hasegawa F-18 wings), and so forth. For example, the filming miniature was 1/32 scale since they used a 1/32 scale pilot figure from the Tamiya F-14 kit, with the head swapped from the kit's deck crewman figure... which allows for actual ''scaling" of the 'ship'. ;^P

R/ Robert

[Vermin_King]

That is very interesting

[Stormeagle]

Bump! BTW, during the interim, I've been working up very detailed drawings for the B-Wing using Autocad (but 2D only) which may be of use... if I can only find a method of sharing the files!

I have been getting a lot of help from the RPF community (Replica Props Forum) which led to a 'decomposition' approach. For example, I found the identity of a bunch of the B-Wings parts such as the 'fuel tanks' (1/32 Tamiya F-14 kit), aft pod section (1/144 Space Shuttle EFT nose cone), engine nozzle 'cans' (1/48 Tamiya A-10 engine cowlings), S-foils (1/32 Hasegawa F-18 wings), and so forth. For example, the filming miniature was 1/32 scale since they used a 1/32 scale pilot figure from the Tamiya F-14 kit, with the head swapped from the kit's deck crewman figure... which allows for actual ''scaling" of the 'ship'. ;^P

R/ Robert
Hi Robert,

you know it would be of great help to actually get this list filled. This way a modeler can build the B-wing using al the different parts from all these models and you have no issue with the SW people...as you don't give away any actual SW model.....