Viper MK2 Sharp Corners

[ST-One]

This looks really good.

[Pearse]

I've had the same troubles with the cockpit area that you did, interesting to see someone else's solutions. Looks like you've got it just right.

[under9stars]

Originally Posted by ST-One

This looks really good.

Thanks, ST-One! I hope it does with all the effort I am putting in this one.

[under9stars]

Originally Posted by Pearse

I've had the same troubles with the cockpit area that you did, interesting to see someone else's solutions. Looks like you've got it just right.

Thanks for the input, Pearse. I have to say, one of the biggest challenges on this project has been interpreting some of the references. It would be sooo much easier to do this project if there were more definitive and thorough refs. As it is now, I have collected about 50 images of live models from the net and some images from the show, meshes done by other people, and whatever else I can find. I have started watching my DVDs again to scan for good shots too.

[Pearse]

Same here, although I'm starting to get to the point where I can't be bothered to keep to the references, which is unlike me. I'm usually pretty meticulous in recreating whatever I'm making as accurately as I can, but some details have got the better of me. The tips of the wings and the area around the cockpit have been particularly difficult, so I'm just going to make them as good as I can for the moment and come back to them when I'm a better modeler. If I don't move on, then I'll just get frustrated and give up on it altogether.

[under9stars]

Hi Fleet,

This is just an update. Finding that in this model, since I am trying to make it as accurate as possible, that at least 4 revisions per section is mandatory. Thought I was done with the canopy when I noticed that triangular ridge on the back area which I imagine is a handle. Spent this weekend on the interior of the side. That went pretty well. The hardest part was the the ridged curve piece that looks sort of like a car amp.

So, I feel pretty good about me doing this model as a subD model. So far, I have avoided any tris or n-gons—I hope I did not just hex myself.

BTW, ashamed to admit this, but, anyone else notice that there are no navigation thruster holes on any of the life size props?

[under9stars]

I had to rework the front of the canopy so it conformed to the fuselage, and I observed that it was not as accurate as I thought. I am happy with it now.

Tonight, I created the holes in the nose for the thrusters. That went pretty well. Had to create some additional bands and do some edge and vertex sliding to get the geo prepared. Starting to look like a functional viper!

[D.M.J.]

Lookin' fine there.

[Pearse]

I've noticed there are a few differences between the two full size Viper props that can make it a bit confusing when you're using them as reference. It's mostly stuff around the cockpit. Looks like there are two different cockpit canopies, one with five rivets and one with very many. I went with the five rivet one just like you. One of the Vipers also looks like it has an extra seam around the cockpit, that's missing on the other, and the rescue point circles are decals at the beginning of the series but have been switched for fuel caps later on.

With all the research you've done you probably already knew that, but just to confirm that someone else noticed... Your canopy looks just right to me, anyway. I was surprised at how fiddly it was, but once it's all done you can finally see your Viper coming together.

[under9stars]

Originally Posted by Pearse

I've noticed there are a few differences between the two full size Viper props that can make it a bit confusing when you're using them as reference. It's mostly stuff around the cockpit. Looks like there are two different cockpit canopies, one with five rivets and one with very many. I went with the five rivet one just like you. One of the Vipers also looks like it has an extra seam around the cockpit, that's missing on the other, and the rescue point circles are decals at the beginning of the series but have been switched for fuel caps later on.

With all the research you've done you probably already knew that, but just to confirm that someone else noticed... Your canopy looks just right to me, anyway. I was surprised at how fiddly it was, but once it's all done you can finally see your Viper coming together.

Hi Pearse,

Yeah, I noticed the rivets on the life size viper from the season 3 finale and decided to go with the earlier version. I figured it would not be a problem to add those rivets later if I changed my mind. Looks like they added some details that make the viper look more believable in design. However, the new viper is still missing the thruster holes. I guess they figured they wanted to keep some of the mistakes consistent. Hehe, maybe they will throw them in for the season 4 finale.

I think this weekend I will start on the top engine. It gets more exciting as the progress continues!