Battlestar Galactica - Light Bomber "Aurora" - Viper concept by Andrew Probert

[zathros]

Make one for me, and send it to me, then I'll call it "MINE!"

After reading this tutorial of yours, I have to say that if you ever Purchased Rhino3D 5.0, you would find that with your expertise, you can do so much, and much more easier in Rhino. Es ist unglaublich!! The windows on our model (great, by the way) for instance. You just draw the shape on one plane (View, Right, for instance), extrude the curve into a shape, that passes through the body perpendicularly, then select, "Split", then select the object to split, and the shape to split it with, Baddabing, baddaboom, you're all done. All shapes can be changed by going backwards, and turning on control points. Not enough control points? No problem, insert as many as you want. If you make two curves and have them connected with a straight line, using those curves as "Rails" and "Running Two Rails", then selecting the straight line as the profile curve, the shape will unfold, guaranteed. You can also "Smash", and "Squish" pieces, and make unfoldable assembles from the monstrosities that may result. (BLaah BLah Blah, I know. )

 

[Revell-Fan]

I have heard of Rhino but have never had the opportunity to check it out. Martin Saenger is working with it and he likes it VERY much . Before I got to know SketchUp I tried some other 3D programs (Meta, Blender, Milkshape, Poser) but I was unable to manage them (because of too many controls or simply PEBKAC ).

However, according to what you say about making the windows on a model (and if I understood you correctly), the procedure is basically the same. The unfolding options surely are much more advanced. However, Rhino is way too expensive for me!

BTW, I have finished the texture of the top. Now I'm making the bottom texture.

 

[zathros]

If you have anyone in your family who is a student, you can get the full working version, that will load on three computers, for $199 (U.S.) All you need is a school record. If (as in my case) you son or daughter is 8 years old, it does not matter, they have to sell it to you as minors are not allowed to make purchases. They were most Happy to sell it to me for $199. This is not scamming them, they want young people learning their program, as those young people grow into adults! It is well worth it. It is one of the most advanced C.A.D. programs in the world. P.M. me if you want more info.

 

[vulcan8630]

I have been thinking thoroughly about a proper name for the plane and have come to a conclusion:

Let's call it "Aurora"!

Heck yeah, I remember Aurora!

(Heh, a little "Foo Fighters" reference....)

 

[Rhaven Blaack]

I have been thinking thoroughly about a proper name for the plane and have come to a conclusion:

Let's call it "Aurora"!

I SECOND THE PROPOSAL!!!

All of those in favor, say AYE!

 

[ASC Mclaren]

Aye!

 

[starbuck]

Aye!

 

[Revell-Fan]

Okaye! "Aurora" it is!

 

[spaceagent-9]

that's really a great concept, I was wondering if those bug catcher looking things were buzzard collectors?

 

[Revell-Fan]

Time for a major update!

I have completed the basic texture which will be edited in Gimp to make it look more realistic. And so she looks at the moment:

Due to the lack of references the bottom texture is complete fantasy. I tried to make everything look good and logical.

The bottom of the nose is almost completely empty. This was done on purpose to make it look like a massive and powerful shield.

The tail wings were "borrowed" from my Viper!

The inner structure of the jet intakes was completely empty. I couldn't have done much using a texture only. So I decided to add some scoops.

The small grey areas on the sides of the lower intakes are flaps which are able to release fake targets to distract enemy missiles. The idea came into my mind after I had applied the texture. I was thinking about the logic behind it and came to the conclusion that a coloured flap would drew too much attention to it. So I have decided to recolour them with the base colour to make them less eye-catching.

Please ignore any flaws in the alignment of the texture. Everything serves as a guide line only; the final plans will be much better.

 

[Rhaven Blaack]

What all you are doing looks ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!
This looks like it will be another fun build!!!

 

[Rhaven Blaack]

I forgot to ask: When does the alpha building start???

 

[Revell-Fan]

I still have to finish the texture.

 

[Revell-Fan]

Well then, I suggest you sit down and fasten your seatbelts for this post because this is some kind of "revelation".
IF the plane would be a one-manned or two-manned ship it would be about as big as a Viper. Here come some comparison shots:

Fairly small, isn't it?
That thing had to be enlarged. But by how many percent?
I was looking at the thrusters and thought they would have to be at least as big as the Viper thrusters (because it is a fast and powerful jet).

So I increased the size by 25 %

and put the ASF (average space family) beside the door:

Look, they fit inside!

They even fit inside the corridor, meaning the ship is able to keep passengers.
RB suggested this ship to be some sort of "Colonial Marine One" which actually makes sense. So here she is with her escort:

BTW, RB also suggested to recolour the nose texture. Now it features dark grey tiles.

In 1:48 scale the model will be about 46 cm long.
CU!

 

[Rhaven Blaack]

It looks FAN(FRAKKING)TASTIC!!!
I like the escort!!!

 

[Revell-Fan]

I am now working on the inner skeleton. I have switched to parallel view and drawn several rectangles around the model. Each rectangle was grouped (double-click - right-click - group) and moved to a strategic point. Then all groups were marked and grouped to keep all skeleton groups together. Each group was activated (double-clicked) and intersected with the model. Unused parts were deleted. I ended up with this:

The rectangle to the right has no real function in the build but is part of the inner skeleton group for a reason:

Once the skeleton group is deselected I wouldn't have a chance to activate it again because it is hidden by the outer hull of the model. I would have to make every group of the model invisible to make the skeleton visible again. Now I only need to click the rectangle to access the skeleton group without having to touch the rest of the model.

Of course I could have arranged everything on different layers like I did on the Viper but I wanted to show you how you could do it in a different way.

 

[D-WHALE]

Question: at the engine tube looks it like an intersection with the wing! is there an intersection or i´m wrong ?

 

[ASC Mclaren]

46 cm at 1:48? So, mine will be 122.66 cm

 

[bgt01]

I like the sizing to make it compliment the Viper. She should look more like a fighter than a jumbo jet.

 

[Revell-Fan]

is there an intersection or i´m wrong ?

Eagle eyes! You are correct but there is no need for concern. I have intersected the tubes with the wings but I haven't deleted the intersection to leave the tubes intact in case I have to change something later. This is how the parts look in the model:


This is how they look in the (alpha build) plans:
The white areas will be cut off. The texture is being reworked and flaps will be added, too. My plan is to simply push the tubes over the wings.

46 cm at 1:48? So, mine will be 122.66 cm

Ohhh, I'd love to see THIS!

I like the sizing to make it compliment the Viper. She should look more like a fighter than a jumbo jet.

One of the big advantages of this model is that there are absolutely no size references available. So it may be a small fighter as well as a Learjet. Nobody knows (except for Andy Probert himself).

I like the idea that it is bigger (and more powerful) than the Viper. The four engines alone indicate this. In addition, it is unclear how the crew gets on board (as I stated above). Adding the door to the side makes much sense and also requires the ship to be fairly big (unless the crew is forced to man the ship crouching). There are no weapons visible meaning that they are hidden inside the fuselage (if there are any weapons ). That can only be achieved if the ship is big enough to keep them. I have started a similar thread on a German model building forum ("Phoxim", hello there! ) and the fellow members are completely blown away by the size of that thing. They can't wait to get the plans to build it.

Nevertheless, you are fully free to rescale the final plans according to your needs. The kit will be available in 1:72, 1:48 and 1:32 scale. So you may choose the plans which fit best for you.