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Project 10: Scratch Built Spaceship


For Project 10, we will be scratch-building a spaceship. This is an exciting process with a lot of steps. To make this easier, I will be splitting this into a number of steps. We'll finish each step before moving on to the next one.

Step 1: Spacecraft Model Making

The model makers who make spacecraft for film and television are responsible for creating details that bring to life these futuristic vessels. It's a challenge and there are some examples in the history of film and TV that stand out. These videos are all about the special effects and techniques of making model space ships.



Step 2: Scratch-Building How To

We are going to mostly follow Adam Savage's techniques for making model spaceships. He did two builds exploring the techniques in a lot of detail. Watch both of these videos to gather a more complete understanding of the process we will be using.



Step 3: Working with Styrene

Working with styrene is different than working with any other material we've encountered in this class. Take a look at Eric Strebel's suggestions and techniques for working with this material.


Step 4: Planning Your Model/Inspiration/Sketching

Before you begin you might want to look for inspiration for your model. This might be old movies, or illustrations from the age of pulp fiction. Star Wars had a fundamental impact on how these kids of hard-edged models looked and can also be a resource for inspiration. I put together a few resources that you may check out to find inspiration. 






The next part of this step is to begin sketching your ideas. Even if you are not great at drawing, being able to put pencil to paper can bring new ideas to the front. Give it a try and don't be embarrassed to share your sketch in the chat.

Step 5: Building the Basic Shape

This is the stage where you are going to start building the basic shape of your model. 

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