PDA

View Full Version : INT: Original Series Viper Cockpit Blueprints

ChrisPappas
March 23rd, 2009, 05:19 AM
As some of the hardcore Galactica fans may know, I have been planning a 1:1 replica of the interior control panels of the Galactica original series Viper cockpit for some time. At this point, I'm pretty far along with the research and parts acquisition.

I'd like to gauge the interest for a set of blueprints of the interior panels of the Viper cockpit and their layout.

Most views would be 1:1 and all panels and variations of panels used throughout the series would be laid out with all markings. Most switches, lights, instruments and other found components would be called out by manufacturers and part numbers. Anything not identified would have drawings and views accurate enough for fabrication.

For clarity, there are three components that I have not yet identified by part number - the HSI (compass), the two edgewise meters and a handle. EVERYTHING else is ID'ed. Two of the three components that have eluded me thus far are minor and not relevant to scaling and I have the face bezel from the third component to work from.

Because of the years of research I have put into this project, this blueprint set would be extremely accurate as well as professionally drawn. The planned presentation would be on several rolled 24"x36" sheets. (The presentation could change based on how the individual panels fit within the confines of the sheets.)

They would be drawn from the perspective of creating a prop or movie set, not as if the Viper were a real spacecraft.

The anticipated price for the set would be $90 shipped.

I am not taking any money now or going forward with this blueprint set until I see if there is sufficient interest. If there is, I will begin converting all my measurements, sketches, notes and data into CAD drawings and take a minimal deposit from the interested parties with the balance due prior to shipping.

You may post your interest here, or email me at Kobol @ ChrisPappas.com (remove spaces). If you have posted your interest on one of the other message boards that I have posted on, please refrain from duplicating your interest post here so I can keep an accurate tally.

Here's a photo showing a few of the instruments I've tracked down, just to show I'm serious. :)

Chris

http://www.chrispappas.com/rpf/cockpit.jpg
Athene
March 23rd, 2009, 08:35 AM
Thanks! for posting that. :salute:
I'm really looking forward to seeing what you come up with.
monolith21
March 24th, 2009, 12:30 AM
This is pretty much a godsend for anyone who plans to do a fan film. I love the idea of doing stock footage with a build up. I saw a picture of the panels in their formative days once. Kinda cool. Did the actors actually throw their legs down through two small holes?
ChrisPappas
March 24th, 2009, 05:31 AM
Yes on the holes, but I'm told that the principles never used this set, it was filmed with stand-ins. That's why, for example, you see the watch on the right hand duting some scenes when all the actors wore it on their left.

Chris
Damocles
March 24th, 2009, 11:09 PM
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9e/F18_Cockpit.JPG

I find it significant that the prop reflects the reality>

http://www.freewebs.com/battlestarguardianbsr65/Viper_cockpit_Mk_2.jpg
Gemini1999
March 25th, 2009, 08:15 AM
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9e/F18_Cockpit.JPG

I find it significant that the prop reflects the reality>

http://www.freewebs.com/battlestarguardianbsr65/Viper_cockpit_Mk_2.jpg

Uh -

I thought that the topic was about the original series Viper cockpit layout...

The link you posted shows a pic of the Mk2 cockpit from TNS - not even close to what the original series cockpit looks like.

Bryan
Damocles
March 25th, 2009, 11:36 AM
Uh -

I thought that the topic was about the original series Viper cockpit layout...

The link you posted shows a pic of the Mk2 cockpit from TNS - not even close to what the original series cockpit looks like.

Bryan

Yes it is, but I'm having a little trouble finding a good interior shot of same from TOS. Give me a day or two.
Damocles
March 25th, 2009, 12:24 PM
Yes it is, but I'm having a little trouble finding a good interior shot of same TOS. Give me a day or two.

Told you I would find it!

http://www.joelowens.org/bsg/index.html

http://www.joelowens.org/bsg/vipercockpit_set.jpg
ChrisPappas
March 25th, 2009, 01:30 PM
For anyone that is interested, those sketches show a representation of the general layout, although the panels are somewhat out of proportion to each other and missing a few things.

My blueprints will be far more detailed and accurate because I have all the found equipment at hand, quite a bit of skill in graphic manipulation, i.e. removing perspective distortion, as well as the CAD skills to put the package together. :)

Chris
Reaper
March 25th, 2009, 06:21 PM
Uh -

I thought that the topic was about the original series Viper cockpit layout...

The link you posted shows a pic of the Mk2 cockpit from TNS - not even close to what the original series cockpit looks like.

Bryan

Actually I think it's a real fighter plane cockpit. Not the MkII. I think that's just a real plane layout. but if it's not, it's close to reality as well as what they tried to do with the Vipers.
Gemini1999
March 25th, 2009, 06:38 PM
Actually I think it's a real fighter plane cockpit. Not the MkII. I think that's just a real plane layout. but if it's not, it's close to reality as well as what they tried to do with the Vipers.

Reaper -

I was talking about the 2nd of the two links. It's not a real fighter cockpit, It's a Mk2 Viper cockpit from TNS. I watch TNS I know the difference.

Bryan
Reaper
March 25th, 2009, 06:39 PM
Reaper -

I was talking about the 2nd of the two links. It's not a real fighter cockpit, It's a Mk2 Viper cockpit from TNS. I watch TNS I know the difference.

Bryan

sorry about that, I was stuck on the first picture.

My bad man.
Damocles
March 25th, 2009, 07:25 PM
All I was trying to show was that cockpit layout was built around the 'pilot shape' whether "prop" or the real thing. Form follows function.
monolith21
March 25th, 2009, 09:12 PM
For anyone that is interested, those sketches show a representation of the general layout, although the panels are somewhat out of proportion to each other and missing a few things.

My blueprints will be far more detailed and accurate because I have all the found equipment at hand, quite a bit of skill in graphic manipulation, i.e. removing perspective distortion, as well as the CAD skills to put the package together. :)

Chris


Well I'm interested. This seems like a pretty rare opportunity. Of course finding all the pieces to do a build up sounds like a real pain. I hope the guys with the 14th Colony find this thread. Heck we should buy a set of these plans for Tom DeSanto so he can use 'em!
goose814
July 23rd, 2009, 08:00 PM
Are there any updates on this project? Thanks.
ChrisPappas
July 24th, 2009, 03:51 AM
There wasn't enough interest for me to set aside other projects. I realize that there may be more interest once they're produced, but I don't have the resources right now to take on a project on spec.

So, it'll still happen, but I'm not sure of the timetable.

Chris
goose814
July 29th, 2009, 11:31 PM
Thank you for the reply. That's a real bummer. I was kind of looking forward to getting a set.

Gus