Working on this new project......Enterprise Spacedock

[nothing]

well that is mighty presice cutting there! it will look awsome.

[airdave]

If anyone still cares...heres where its at:

Got my prototype assembled.
Didn't work as I planned.
My original idea called for tabs and a support beam
(Service Gantries)
that would span the width of the Spacedock
holding the opposite sides in shape
and providing a support for the Mini Enterprise Model.
(see the pics)

At this point I have a number of issues...
first the gantry support is heavier than I would have liked.
and it holds the Enterprise too high inside the SpaceDock.

The Spacedock itself needs to be cut from heavier card to retain some rigidity and be able to support its own weight when standing...but with all the cutting involved, heavier card would be a nightmare. I think the option is to coat the Spacedock "framework" with white glue and stiffen the parts that way.

So the next issue was how to stand the unit...it was supposed to be a display stand for the Mini Enterprise...but now it needs its own display stand!!
LOL

[airdave]

So....

I came up with a big modification.

I threw out the Gantry Supports completely!
Snipped out the paper tabs aswell.

[...still recommend coating the framework with white glue (dries clear) to make the structure more rigid and hopefully retain a better shape.]

Using some stiff clear plastic sheet, I created two supports that fit the inside of the Spacedock framework and have cutouts to support the Enterprise model.
The Enterprise now "floats" in the Spacedock!

I designed a simple folded card base, with some nifty printing...and the two clear plastic supports slide into two slots in that base.

Once I assemble the "stand" I slid the Mini Enterprise into place and then overlay the Spacedock framework allowing everything to free stand with no glueing or attachments.

I am quite happy with the look at this point and it serves my purpose.
As for a model I can share...I am going to redesign the Spacedock, removing the Gantry Supports, and I will add the folded Base and templates for the clear supports. It would be up to the builder to find suitable plastic to make the supports using my patterns.

With some creative lighting, you could make some cool photos...I have just used a regular flash so you can see the construction.

[elliott]

At some point you might want to try reinforcing card by soaking it with cyanoacrylate a la Mousemuffins construction techniques over on papermodelers.

Nice save on the space dock!

[nothing]

that looks awsome! ;D

[airdave]

when I get around to it, I will put together the basic print files and instructions.
(I'll post it here)

obviously its not a perfect model, but others might find it interesting to play with.
I will try to include the "mini enterprise" model i used also.

[cgutzmer]

Awesome dave
Chris

[airdave]

no problem
LOL
it may just take a while...I'm slow man!

[THE DC]

Real cool!

With minor modification this could be the template for a whole slew of docks from the movies and series.

Great contribution. When will it be ready?

[Texman]

It has been available on Dave's site.