The One True Battlestar...

SeanP · March 11th, 2009, 11:12 AM

I started this project a couple years ago and now I am going to finish it.
The only problem is that I started building it using the Jim Crevelling model pics as reference and then I found these:

http://www.modelermagic.com/?p=4124

http://resinilluminati.com/showthread.php?t=1143

The images on these sites made me realize that though JC's model was incredible it wasn't that accurate.
Now I am trying to decide if I want to continue with JC's version or If I should start over and build the original version.

ernie90125 · March 11th, 2009, 12:16 PM

I'm not an expert in the models, but it seems to be that several people are trying to make an incredible perfect Galactica. That's great, but how about you make a perfect Pegasus or Atlantia etc, that way we don't end up with a load of the same thing ?

SeanP · March 11th, 2009, 12:29 PM

As far as I know the only difference between the battlestars is the name plate on the flight pods.
The ships are identical other than that.
So if you build one battlestar you can easily make the whole fleet.
Just make a copy of the whole ship and then change the name plate.

peter noble · March 11th, 2009, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeanP

I started this project a couple years ago and now I am going to finish it.
The only problem is that I started building it using the Jim Crevelling model pics as reference and then I found these:

http://www.modelermagic.com/?p=4124

http://resinilluminati.com/showthread.php?t=1143

The images on these sites made me realize that though JC's model was incredible it wasn't that accurate.
Now I am trying to decide if I want to continue with JC's version or If I should start over and build the original version.

It looks like you haven't done too much of the detail yet. The important thing is trying to get the basic proportions right.

Most G models you can tell that the original modeller has just gone on without paying attention to the whole silouette and then, even a non-modeller like me will just notice straight away.

I'd go with trying to get the detail right as much as you can but if you have to fudge it a bit because you've already started, don't worry, only a tiny handful of nerds are ever going to know.

Good start, now finish it, we need all the good G models we can get.

ernie90125 · March 11th, 2009, 02:02 PM

I thought there were some differences between Battlestars, other than just the nameplates ?

gmd3d · March 11th, 2009, 02:37 PM

No difference at all they just changed the name tags as mentioned ... in the book there are supposed to be great differances between the Galactica and the the President ship.

Adama in his mind comments on the sleekness between both designs .. The Galactica been more sleeker and the Atlantica bulker ..

SeanP nice work .. what program are you building it in ?? ,,

ernie90125 · March 11th, 2009, 02:52 PM

There were differences between the Battlestars, only minor, but I'm making screenshots as we speak. Watching Battlestar again to make them is such a hard task !

I'm not discouraging SeanP from making a Galactica model, just saying different Battlestar model would be a more unique endeavour.

ernie90125 · March 11th, 2009, 03:31 PM

Take a look at these three images :

www.battlestarfanfilms.com/AtlantiaNameplate.jpg
http://www.battlestarfanfilms.com/Ga...aNameplate.JPG
www.battlestarfanfilms.com/PegasusNameplate.jpg

There are small differences in the areas underneath the nameplates, those little squares and the lines and colouration of the hull.

Rather than waste the work on this model already undertaken, which would be shame, why not aim to create one of these other Battlestars ? Then the variations would actually be an asset to the model in letting it stand out...

peter noble · March 11th, 2009, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ernie90125

Take a look at these three images :

www.battlestarfanfilms.com/AtlantiaNameplate.jpg
http://www.battlestarfanfilms.com/Ga...aNameplate.JPG
www.battlestarfanfilms.com/PegasusNameplate.jpg

Getting 403 Forbidden errors, but I think I know what you're showing us.

The detail on the Galactica did change, some test shots made it into the final cut. In the test shots there's less detail in certain areas and with the living Legend they added some more panel lines to the miniature. So it did evolve throughout the show's run.

ernie90125 · March 11th, 2009, 03:52 PM

I'm having the same error, but I then highlight the webaddress and I press the enter key and it works fine then.

Your explanation makes sense, but for the purpose of SeanP's model making I'm trying to suggest a way he can keep going with this model without wasting the work already undertaken yet still make it unique.

SeanP · March 11th, 2009, 05:40 PM

I know you guys don't know me, but I am sort of a stickler when it comes to making my models correct.
I spent almost 400 hours building a 1969 Camaro just to make it look right.
Only the Galactica has good reference photos available for it so that's what I have to build.
I'm not one to fudge details just to get the model done.
I do sometimes omit small details that will probably never be seen in a rendering, but what I build is usually accurate.
I've read a few articles on the making of the movie and they stated in those articles that there was only one studio model built and all they did was change the name plate.
In those images the name plate is different, but everything else looks the same to me.
I'm leaning more to starting over and building the original instead of the JC version.
I found some more awesome reference shots today that will make modelling the details easier.
Like you said, I haven't gone too far in the detail process to start over.
The body has some slight changes needed, but they are minor and will be quick to fix.
Thanks everybody.

gmd3d · March 12th, 2009, 04:26 AM

Good approach to building a model .. I wish I was so dedicated .. I look for short cuts when I can

gmd3d · March 12th, 2009, 04:52 AM

And What program are you using .. ??

Stevew · March 12th, 2009, 05:26 AM

I remember you Sean but only your name LOL Building a "G" is a very challenging task. So far it is looking good. Getting the proportions right was the most difficult thing for me. When I did my first some years ago there was little information, just piks that had to be scaled. Don and Folkum ( hope the spelling is right) have made 2 incredible models, the best I have seen and believe me I know how difficult it is to build. So far it looks like we are going to have another great "G" model. Please keep us posted on the progress
S

Titon · March 12th, 2009, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ernie90125

There were differences between the Battlestars, only minor, but I'm making screenshots as we speak. Watching Battlestar again to make them is such a hard task !

I'm not discouraging SeanP from making a Galactica model, just saying different Battlestar model would be a more unique endeavour.

How bout dis.....

Gemini1999 · March 12th, 2009, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Titon

How bout dis.....

Ooooohhh! Pretty!

Very nice work, Don!

Bryan

ernie90125 · March 12th, 2009, 05:48 PM

Wowser Don......that's a good looking ship, and I'm sure Cain would agree !

I take it the point you're making is that the models are so easily adapted for each Battlestar ?

I tip my hat to those with such incredible modelling skills..........

SeanP · March 12th, 2009, 09:50 PM

Thanks Taranis, I don't think of it as dedicated I think of it as committed... as in I should be.

I wish I could take some shortcuts, but the perfectionist in me just won't let me.
If I take a shortcut it will gnaw at me until I go back and fix it.
I'm that way with everything and sometimes it costs me a lot of uneccessary time and money.
I'm using Max 9 btw.

Thanks Steve, I remember you as well.
It was your's and Don's battlestar work that really put the idea in my head to build a G.
The proportions are tough, I still haven't gotten the front section right.
And I don't even want to talk about the details...
The new pictures I'm finding are definitely going to help.
I agree those two battlestars are freakin phenominal!

Hey Don!
Long time dude!
You battlestar is looking incredible man!
If you have any reference links not listed here can you either post them or email them to me?
I'd like to see any reference closeups that you have for the tank bodies on the sides of the engine section.

Gemini 1999 - you said it!

ernie90125 - I second that!

gmd3d · March 13th, 2009, 01:17 AM

perhaps this would be helpful ... closest I ever seen

Stevew · March 13th, 2009, 04:00 AM

You are so right Sean, I think the front shape was the hardest. I never did get it right LOL
S

Titon · March 13th, 2009, 10:22 AM

The head is the hardest of all.

It's a lot longer and tappers down the front of the nose.

It's hard to tell from pictures that's for sure.

SeanP · March 15th, 2009, 07:16 AM

Thanks Taranis!
Steve & Don - Yeah I've already spotted a few things I need to fix in the rear section and the front section of the main body.
Nothing major, but definite differences between the original model and JC's.
I will be starting the repairs today or tomorrow.
I've been at work all weekend so I haven't had any time so far.
I have a bunch of people up from the company in the USA that writes our business system.
They are installing a major upgrade for the service module.

Stevew · March 15th, 2009, 07:35 AM

Looking great so far

drtaz · March 27th, 2009, 05:30 PM

Great detail on the flight pod and drive section. Very nice

BCazzell · March 31st, 2009, 10:56 PM

That's a great start. Just go with it. Whether it's 100% accurate or not, it looks like it'll still come out great in the end.

gmd3d · April 1st, 2009, 03:41 AM

how goes the repairs Sean

SeanP · April 1st, 2009, 03:40 PM

Thanks guys.
I haven't taken time to work on it as of yet.
I got side tracked on another project - a great white shark model that I've been meaning to finish.
I started downloading the detail pics off those reference sites and I'm looking at them and saying "Do I really want to build this thing and if I do will I be able to render it when it's done?"
It will have a huge poly count.
I will take another run at it when my sharky is done.

SeanP · April 3rd, 2009, 07:39 PM

Just as an FYI, I started blocking in the major details to make sure the scale is right.
I will post some pics when I have a little more done.

gmd3d · April 4th, 2009, 03:09 AM

looking forward to it

Titon · April 4th, 2009, 04:53 AM

Hey Sean, looking forward to seeing your progress.