PS Fae Mk I

[Scotaidh]

'When I started the 'Plates in Space'' challenge on StarShipModeler, I had no idea of what I wanted to build.  Once the challenge was under-weigh, I went to the various cheap stores nearby to see what they had for plates.
One of these stores was a party store, where I obtained these two football-shaped bowls.



I decided they'd be good shuttle craft, Serenity-type - but they turned into something else, kinda.  Here's the build pics. 


I buy plastic signs where-ever I can them - this leads to unwanted colours on the front - mostly red and black.


I got this paper cutter from a hobby supply store. It works on thin plastic, but since the handles on it are only plastic themselves, I try not to tempt fate on thicker stock.


My kit of the Area 51 UFO says to paint the bottom of the craft a light blue ... Who am I to argue with authority, however questionable?




I felt it needed some wings for stability and guidance in atmospheric flight. This was my template, to be printed out, applied to sheet stock, and cut out.


The silvery thing came off an ear-piece for someone's connected-to-the-internet-all-the-time device.


Landing feet in place - they're from a sci-fi 'power station' kit.


Primered. The gold-things are the protective caps from my niece's disposable contact lenses. She gave me a pint jar full of them.


I'm out of flat grey, so made do with gloss. :/


I'm not sure I like the koala-nose effect - might have to do something about that. Or not ... p'raps it's Aussie in origin?


During WW II it was proven that the most concealing colour over water at night is not, in fact, black, but a mixture of greens and blues. Besides, I like dark green - this is Humbrol's Black-Green.


I really need to do something about that roman nose ...


The engine bell colour is Model Master Anthracite Grey Metallic. I've had this paint for some years - first use. I wasn't sure about it - it mixed a bit weird, and will require several coats to look acceptable. We'll see ...


Needed some way to actually get into the Fae, so I've added some side doors (in the style of the Roman nose profile). The pic shows the steps from spoon to door shape, via cutting wheel and sandpaper disc. 
(I really like this motor tool, which I picked up at a thrift store.  It's got two speeds, and the power pack/battery is rechargeable - new ones are available from local hardware stores.)


Front view - a bit more bulgy-cheeked than I'd hoped, but c'est la vie. I really should change the name to The Flying Hamster, but since the troops in the field will take care of that, I'm keeping the original "official" name.


You can see, from the sanded area just in front of the door, that I'd tried some different types of doors already. Believe it or not, this looks better than what came before.


Lizard-type leopard-spots camouflage seemed appropriate for this troop-carrier. The three entry-ports - one on either flank, and one at the bow - ensure quick ingress & egress of troops. The pilot station is situated at the rear of the cabin, for maximum protection and minimum intrusion into the 'cargo' area.


The power-plant is easily accessible for repairs. It was designed for long life, ease of replacement, and low costs of both operation and repair.


The controls are simple and flight characteristics mild and vice-free. And - this build is officially done.

[NARSES2]

Nice use of your imagination 

[zenrat]

More Wombat than Koala IMO.

Looks great.  In my mind this is what a Culture Module looks like.

[Old Wombat]

Hey, leave me out of it!



It's weird but I like it, especially the colour scheme!

[Scotaidh]

I built the second one as a gunship ... any interest in seeing that?  I don't want to fatigue you lot ...

[zenrat]

Yes please.

[Old Wombat]

Sounds like a plan!