6 Foot Long Daedalus Scratch Build Up

[MechTech]

UPDATE 31 JANUARY 2010 - ANOTHER Year

I've taken a side trip and am pursuing another part of the Daedalus build for a short while, the stuff going inside of it that I still need for detailing the interior. The thread can be found here: http://www.macrossworld.com/mwf/index.php?showtopic=31945 I've put the vehicles in a separate thread because I'm selling extra castings for the vehicles.

As soon as I complete the ground vehicles, it's back to the ship itself! Until then... - MT

[Beltane70]

I can't believe that I haven't seen this thread until now! It's quite an incredible and impressive project to say the least. If I didn't know any better, I'd swear that this was an effects piece for an actual movie instead of just a person enjoying one of their hobbies.

[MechTech]

Thank you very much Beltane. The encouragement helps! It does have one affect, keeping the money out of my wallet I'm hoping to get back to it soon! - MT

Edited April 26, 2010 by MechTech

[MechTech]

UPDATE 26 APRIL 2010 - OVER FOUR YEARS - Sounds Like a Marriage

I'm finally back on board (no pun intended) with construction of the Daedalus. I'm waiting on casting supplies for the vehicles so why waist time. The two halves of the upper hangers despite all my best efforts don't quite align properly. So I put tabs that align it when put together. The major work was adding the bottom parts to the rear area of the hanger deck.

First, what she looks like from the side.

Not only did I work on the bottom, I reinforced some of the carbon struts attached to it. Just moving it around I'm starting to have to ask my wife for help. It's not so much heavy, just unbelievably unwieldy to move around. After I clean up the latest underside part seams, I'm on to the sides which will show some serious progress (I hope ) That's it for now. - MT

[valkyriepm]

UPDATE 26 APRIL 2010 - OVER FOUR YEARS - Sounds Like a Marriage

I'm finally back on board (no pun intended) with construction of the Daedalus. I'm waiting on casting supplies for the vehicles so why waist time. The two halves of the upper hangers despite all my best efforts don't quite align properly. So I put tabs that align it when put together. The major work was adding the bottom parts to the rear area of the hanger deck.

First, what she looks like from the side.

Not only did I work on the bottom, I reinforced some of the carbon struts attached to it. Just moving it around I'm starting to have to ask my wife for help. It's not so much heavy, just unbelievably unwieldy to move around. After I clean up the latest underside part seams, I'm on to the sides which will show some serious progress (I hope ) That's it for now. - MT

Oh, man! So good to see you back on this project!

Martin

[505thAirborne]

Glad to see your back to work on this masterpiece MechTech, Amazing everytime I see it!

[big F]

Nice to see you are back on target

[CheeseKing]

Sooooo amazing! Keep up the great work!

[neptunesurvey]

4 years already? Time went by quickly.

Looking good though. I do think you might need a larger table.

[MechTech]

Thank you guys for the compliments and encouragement! I plodding away at it. I'm also currently building the electronics for a CNC router that I wished I had years ago to help with building this project. - MT

[Flakpanzer]

What a great job, I am amazed with your patient and the awesome work.

Regards,

Flak

[MechTech]

Thanks Flak for the compliments, I really appreciate it!

UPDATE 14 June 2010

Well everyone, this weekend my employer is sending me off on special assignment for most of a year. That means no work on the Daedalus for a long time. I WILL, however, be bringing my small model building kit and some plastic to make either more vehicles or an aircraft that's Macross related.The good news is I should still

I just finished putting together one of the ultimate modeler's tool, a CNC router. Here's some photos:

I purchased a blank metal case and the rest is all purchased gear pieced together. The routing table is a K2 CNC #KT-2514 (k2cnc.com) and the electronics are from DMM Electronics http://www.dmm-tech.com/Dyn2-Driver.html They are AC servos so they are quiet, need no belts and have no brushes to replace. Both companies have EXCELLENT customer service by the way. The downside, I just finished it and have to go away for a while! Oh well...

When I get back I hope to get on with paneling the hanger sides. Take care everyone and I'll still be on the boards sporadically. - MT

[Flakpanzer]

That is a sad new, but work is work. That is a cool CNC router man, congrats for that.

Regards,

Flak

[big F]

That is a sad new, but work is work. That is a cool CNC router man, congrats for that.

Regards,

Flak

Huba huba that router deserves a thead of its own.

[Mark Warlock]

MechTech

This is truly an amazing display of engineering and attention to detail. I look forward to seeing the completion of this in the future. Your display of artistry and craftsmanship is inspiring.

[Million Star]

It`s tools down for the Daedalus construction team for now but they`ll be back I know. They`ll go back to their 1/200 kit homes and be with their 1/200 girlfriends and eat 1/200 pine salada...maybe some will get jobs at the MacrossNalds flipping burgers in the iterim. It`s taken this long, whats another year?

Edited July 21, 2010 by Million Star

[MechTech]

Thank you very much guys!!! I'm actually home a few days from my training course before I head out to my job site for a while again. My school had internet, but it was so bogged down, I could see this website! Anyhow, you know I am going to finish this project! I'm actually bringing some small parts with me to work on at night when I'm chilling out. Take care guys, and I'll keep up as electronically posssible! - MT

[cool8or]

Go ahead MT!!

[Million Star]

Do You Remember Mechtech?

[MechTech]

Hey Million Star, I'm still around, but hundreds of miles from my shop! I'm hoping to be back to begin work in February. Good thing I'm getting updates via e-mail or I'd miss this! I don't have much chance to get on MW often these days, but looking forward to beginning of the year!-MT

[kamotekid]

bumping this. it's February, we would really love some updates.

[MechTech]

Thanks! I'm actually back after several months and just getting settled into our time zone and back with my family. You KNOW I'll be working on my "baby" soon - MT

[Flakpanzer]

Those are great news.

Regards,

Flak

[neko_fr]

Hi, welcome back!

I'm eager to see what will come

[505thAirborne]

Good to hear from you MechTech, keep us posted!!

[katsuden]

Here to give my support too! This project is one mega one and certainly required lotz of knowledge on physic & naval engineering!

[MechTech]

UPDATE 28 MARCH 2011 - OVER FIVE YEARS AND COUNTING!!!

Sorry for the long delay everybody! I spent most of 2010 away from home and so very little work on the Daedalus. This monstrosity is taking TOOOOOoooooo long to build Last year I compared it to a marriage; now I think I need "marriage counceling" Anyhow, on to the build. The last couple weeks I've been trying to squeeze in some work here and there with my busy work schedule. I had catching up to do so at first my "build time" was building a giant Lego amphibious ship for my son (I ordered the BEAUTIFUL LHD-1 Wasp in 1/350th and he wanted one too, but it would take forever to build and break EASILY). Next I had to fix the Tunny VTOL model that fell off the shelf to it's demise while I was away (attached). It still needs painting.

Next I covered the front section with a top soon to be the flight deck for the bow section. Then I went to raise the main hatch and of course the clutch kept slipping so I had to take it apart and re-tighten it up. I also made a cover for the mechanism in the inside of the ship and solder on a brass nut to attach it to. Next came the top hatch opening "mechanisms" on top. I made the hydralics up with styrene scraps and tubes with aluminum shafts for the "real" look of metal despite the rubbing that will happen as the hatch is opened and closed over time. The rest of the bits came from my spares box to make up some kind of fake looking mechanisms to "power it.". The cowlings for the gear show a lot so I just had to stick something in there!

Next came the fun part, actually getting to put the sides on it! Now it looks like its getting somewhere - thank God! I did one side and then copied it to the other since the other side fit well once "flipped" over. Then I cut out the sections as the line art illustrates and now I have to figure out what the heck to stick in those opened sections of the sides More work! But it will be worth it when its done. Now I'm jut trying to get this thing done so I can move on to other models, like the Wasp! Enjoy the photos and any feedback for ideas is welcome as always. Take care - MT

Edited April 9, 2011 by MechTech

[Ahab]

Glad to see you back. Progress looks great!

[big F]

Has it really been five years. OMG!!

Good to see your back in the saddle.

[Flakpanzer]

Fabulous!!!!

Regards,

Cristopher

[sketchley]

Has it really been five years. OMG!!

Ditto.

Love the Tunny VTOL.

[neptunesurvey]

Ditto.

Love the Tunny VTOL.

Agreed. Nice to see you back in action.

[EXO]

I'ts been so long you got the year wrong! looks great

[505thAirborne]

Never a dull moment with MechTech, looks amazing!!! the Tunny VTOL looks superb!

[MechTech]

Thanks guys! I fixed the year in my post to read "2011" (thanks EXO ) The original VC-27, VC-33, EC-33, and fanliner photos are in an older post some years back if you're interested, do a search. Work has me busy lately so no Daedalus construction. I had it sitting out on our kitchen bar making access to the sides easy, but my wife got tired of seeing this six foot long "picket fence" sitting between the kitchen and dining room area (I thought it looked cool - every house should have a GIANT piece of Macross in it ) I'm hoping to get somewhere with it this weekend. Take care guys! - MT