UPPER HULL FRAMEWORK
Truth be told, I'd put off working a lot on the framework for the top hull because it takes a long time and I'd kind of lost my drive. But, today was the day to get back on the horse...or in this case, Hawk.
First, I had to scratch build a greeblie to represent the lunar module piece behind the command module. I used 67 lb. white cover to build with. I drew out the parts freehand, did some test fitting and trimming, then glued it into this basic shape, making sure it cleared the framework.
I used bamboo skewer to make a mock up of the framework for size and placement. Once I got it locked down, I made a new piece out of 2mm styrene. At this size and shape, there was no way I was going to get a good piece out of paper and I want this to look as nice as I can make it. I taped rails to the cutting map, lined the mock up next to it, then cut and glued in the center rod working from the back to the front to keep the part from twisting.
To get the stripes on the frame, I made various size stripes (3mm-8mm) on the computer to match the studio model. I printed this on sticker paper, cut out the stripes and applied them as needed.
I've still got the side struts that go down both sides of the frame, but getting this part built and on made me really want to get back on this build as much as possible.