Ruben's mini & micro contest entry #1

[Rubenandres77]

I am seeing all those wonderful entries
to this contest, and I wondered if I could enter.

Problem is I wasn't sure of my skills.
Since I rarely build something, and I've
never tried anything at very small scales.

I also know that my skills at "normal" scales
are not the best, and I didn't know if that
was going to be enhanced or minimized.
Probably minimized. But I had to know it
for sure.


With that in mind, I chose a very simple model
that I could use to test my abilities.

If things work with this, I will surely submit other entires.
And if I fail, I will run away with the tail between my legs.

So, the main objectives of this build are:
- Test my skills at very small scales.
- Learn how to use my tools with very small parts.
- Learn about the paper and printing at this scale.


I chose the model of the Great Pyramid by Delta7 Studios
from their "Seven Wonder Series".

I don't remember what size I printed.
But it was like a third of the original kit.

I used an inkjet printer, with normal 60lb white paper.


This is a very simple model.
But I managed to screw it with the very first part I assembled.

The paper was too thin, and I decided to laminate it
using black cardstock behind the base.
I probably used too much glue. And I also forgot
that black cardstock behaves in different ways.

The result: the base warped in a funny way.


The solution: I added pieces of heavy cardboard inside.


The pyramid itself is built easily, and I love the detail
of the interior wall, which also serves as a former.



Actually it took me about 1 hour to complete it,
but I really liked the result.


I was thinking on submitting this to the "micro" category,
but I found too late that even thou the pyramid measures
3,7 cms, the black base exceeds the 8 cms.
And since the rules for micro said that it would be under 7 cms,
then I guess I'll have to enter this pyramid in the "mini" category.



But I guess that if I emphasize the fact that this is built
at a 1:6,000 scale with all the parts of the kit
it can sound really impressive!!!!
Silly. But impressive.

[Rubenandres77]

Now.. that pyramid was fairly easy.

But I still needed to know if I could make something
that could be really called "micro".

So I started the same pyramid at a much smaller size.


It was a bit more difficult for me.
But the assembly was rewarding.



It took me over 1 hour to finish this too.
But It was really worth.



My patience was exercised, and I found I could
at least make a pyramid at the most incredible
scale of 1:30,000

This means that the base of the pyramid is
only 7,68 mm. The black base of the model is 16mm

It was more difficult, and I got really stressed
and tired. I believe this size is my limit.


So, this are my first entries to the contest:


The big one for the "mini" category.
The small one for the "micro" category.



Thanks to this model I learned that it is really possible
for me to work at small sizes. It wasn't so difficult
(at least with pyramids).

I also got familiar with the more precise and fine
movements needed to build something like this.
Working at this sizes means that any minimal deviation
is very noticeable.

I also learned that using an inkjet printer
with normal paper is not the best for very small parts.
Lots of details are lost, and things get very blurry.
A laser printer and better paper would probably be
best to keep all the details.


And yes, now I am really tempted to build something else
at very small sizes and enter the contest with other models.

If time permits it, I'll attempt a couple of planes.
Very simple planes.
Planes that preferably look like pyramids!


Ruben

[cgutzmer]

very good! excellent subject to start with cant wait to see the udet candystripe!

[airdave]

seeing the Mini and Micro side by side is awesome!

at first I thought "gee thats an awfully simple model",
but your presentation brings it home!
haha I love it