1/72 Space shuttle build

[compucrap]

Hey everyone,

I've been working on a 1/72 shuttle stack build for a client and at his request I am trying to make it as accurate to *a* shuttle stack as I can. I've come along pretty far now and figured I have made enough progress to warrant some showing off. I've also made a breakthrough on the issue of correcting the tile pattern on the shuttle without quickly and efficiently. I came across the solution while watching a sign maker apply letting to a window. It involves a process of pressure applying vinyl decals that are cut by a computer plotter. The beautiful part was that to apply the vinyl decal all you have to do is press it on and then peel back the transfer film. I went about designing the tile pattern on a CAD program and sent it to a local sign shop for cutting. The end result is a vinyl medium that has thousands of tile cut into it which can be applied in a few minutes. In fact, I've spent a total of about 15 minutes applying the bottom tiles and the end result is shown below:

nose area

bottom of the nose

midsection

Here's a shot of the ET and SRB stack so far

so what do you guys think?

[sv51macross]

Very good solution to heat tiles! Also did an excellent job on the ET/SRB equipment as well!

[Jay Chladek]

Most impressive! If this works, I might have to see about having you place another order with that sign shop for another set of tiles.

[niart17]

very awesome idea on the tiles. i may have to try this as well since my cutting edge tile decals went underwater after hurricane ike. i've tried the medical tape solution with mildly decent results, but your approach seems to be the easiest and has the proper thickness look to it. the decals looked nice but didn't have the look and depth of tiles on top of the surface. please keep posting progress on this! great job.

Bill

[Jose]

Hey everyone,

I've been working on a 1/72 shuttle stack build for a client and at his request I am trying to make it as accurate to *a* shuttle stack as I can. I've come along pretty far now and figured I have made enough progress to warrant some showing off. I've also made a breakthrough on the issue of correcting the tile pattern on the shuttle without quickly and efficiently. I came across the solution while watching a sign maker apply letting to a window. It involves a process of pressure applying vinyl decals that are cut by a computer plotter. The beautiful part was that to apply the vinyl decal all you have to do is press it on and then peel back the transfer film. I went about designing the tile pattern on a CAD program and sent it to a local sign shop for cutting. The end result is a vinyl medium that has thousands of tile cut into it which can be applied in a few minutes. In fact, I've spent a total of about 15 minutes applying the bottom tiles and the end result is shown below:

so what do you guys think?

If I were you, I would marked them. I would love to lay hands on a couple of sets...

Regards and keep us posted on your terrific work!

José

[compucrap]

Hey guys,

thanks for the comments! It is indeed pretty easy to apply these. My sign shop applies them to a transfer paper which you peel up, press on carefully (you really only get one chance to get it right because they stick very well.) then you give it a good rubdown and carefully peel up the paper leaving *hopefully* all your tiles. Naturally, you loose a few here and there but that's fine since the real orbiters tend to have random spots of new tiles.

I probably won't be selling these since I have to really harass my sign shop to cut these for me. The file for these seems to freeze up their plotter. If I can find an online shop it may become an option. I will however be offering my CAD files of all the tiles when I'm finally finished with them. I'll post more details about that when everything's finished. That way people can go to a sign shop and have sets cut out for themselves.

look forward to more updates!

[Jay Chladek]

Using a soapy water method of application might work. I've tried it with other vinyl stickers on large areas to help position properly before sticking them down. The idea is that the soapy water helps keep the adhesive from sticking too tight so one can position them. Brush some on before adding the stickers and position as normal. When in place, use a squegee to press out the water bubbles and viola!

[archybean]

Hey guys,

thanks for the comments! It is indeed pretty easy to apply these. My sign shop applies them to a transfer paper which you peel up, press on carefully (you really only get one chance to get it right because they stick very well.) then you give it a good rubdown and carefully peel up the paper leaving *hopefully* all your tiles. Naturally, you loose a few here and there but that's fine since the real orbiters tend to have random spots of new tiles.

I probably won't be selling these since I have to really harass my sign shop to cut these for me. The file for these seems to freeze up their plotter. If I can find an online shop it may become an option. I will however be offering my CAD files of all the tiles when I'm finally finished with them. I'll post more details about that when everything's finished. That way people can go to a sign shop and have sets cut out for themselves.

look forward to more updates!

great idea! id definitely be interested in getting the CAD files.