Final build post- The outer skin....that's a wrap!
The building and placement of the stations, turbolift wall, and main viewer directly affect the fit and appearance of the outer skins.
109: I started with part 45 but you can also start with part 43. This is to make the final join where the turbolift bulge joins the station skin and helps to hide the joint. In a future update, I will modify the outer skins to make them a little longer as I had fit issues on this build and was about 3/32" gap I needed to fill. This way, minor fit problems can be fixed easily. When this new update is released, you should start with part number 43, then 44, then finish with 45.
Pre-fold the first skin. At the start, glue the SIDE EDGE of the first skin to the vertical tab at the turbolift/station joint, ensuring that when the skin is wrapped around, it will be straight and even across BOTH the top and bottom.
Once the side join has set for a bit, start across the top on the first section to the first fold, glue in place, ensuring the tops are even and clamp for a bit to set.
110: Then join the bottom of the first section, ensuring the bottom is even and clamp to set. Continue with the next section (up to the fold) starting with the top then finishing with the bottom. On the final section of this first part, join the top, then the vertical side edge, then finish with the bottom.
111: Start the second skin as you did the first one, starting with the vertical side edge. I had some misalignment issues, worked them out the best I could. Continue around working each section (to the next fold). When you get to the main viewer, apply glue to the back of part 35 (main viewer screen that holds the optional screens) and join to the outer skin. Ensure there is a good bond at the bottom of part 35 to the outer skin.
112-116: Ensure you can get something up into the front of part 35, I used a steel rule. Then I tested the screen I had available.
Finish the second skin as you dis the first skin, start the third skin as you did the first two starting with the SIDE EDGE and finish as you did with the previous two skins.
117: I used small cardboard triangles to help reinforce the chair posts that protrude to help them not get knocked out of place- for unknown reasons, everyone I show this model to wants to touch the chairs and they can loosen quite easily if not reinforced. I recommend finding something clear to attach to the top or keep the model in a case.
118: The finished model! Zathros, I printed a special main viewer screen just for this picture!
I'll post the update as soon as I gen get to it. I hope this build thread helps you when you decide to build one for yourself. Have fun customizing, greebling, lighting, and any other enhancing you can think of. Post pictures!
Ron Caudillo