So, how do you develop a replica as complex as Serenity? Simple – one piece at a time.
That’s why we were all so excited when we got a gander at the very first prototype component of the Serenity replica, pictured on the right. Look familiar? We certainly hope so.
The sculptor wanted to make sure we (and now you) knew this was only a rough prototype casting (his exact words: “This is NOT the FINAL VERSION of the Cockpit!!!!”), and so doesn’t represent the final component. For one, there’s a definite lack of “greeblies” (technical term for fine details like exposed wiring and rivets). We’re also taking a close look at the Primary Buffer Panel and what might be done to make it removable (no promises; just wanted you to know we’re keeping it in mind).
Still, after a year of collecting reference, doing design studies and mechanical testing, we might just have to put this, our first real piece of Serenity, in a shadow box and hang it on the wall.
So what is the scale of this beautiful ship going to be?
Thank you so much for doing this.
Beautiful detail. Of course, I expected no less from QMx.
Thank you for the update.
Respectfully,
Bob
[Yarmouth, ME]
Hi Therese –
This is actually a trickier question to answer than you might guess: There are several sources for the overall measurements for Serenity, none of which agree with each other. The movie and TV series CGI files denote different stern to bow dimensions, as do the set blueprints when you overlay them on the ship’s structure (and just to add to the fun, the set dimensions also differ between the movie and TV versions of the ship). For those keeping count, that’s four different “canon” sources for Serenity’s overall size.
After much debate, we went with the measurements defined in the Serenity Blueprints. Not only are the blueprints the latest officially-sanctioned source material, it’s the only published work that is focused specifically on reconciling issues like Serenity’s scale. Tim Earls also helped develop those blueprints – Tim was one of Serenity’s original designers and was set designer on the movie – so I don’t think we’ll get a more authoritative source than that any time soon.
Based on the blueprints, Serenity is 269 feet bow to stern, which means the Artisan Replica will be 1/180 scale. For those without their TI calculator handy, that’s 18 inches long.
Might there be some appropriately-scaled cattle to fit in that cargo bay ?
Or , maybe just a shipment of wobbly-headed geisha dolls…People LOVE those !
1/180 is very cool, but what about a 1/50 scale replica? A 5 1/2 foot long Serenity would be awesome! Ok, ok, I know. . . I’m asking too much. 18 inches long is great! Thanks for doing this!
Now I have to figure out how to make the crew less than an inch tall.
This is the shiniest thing ever.
Wobbly-headed dolls? *I* LOVE THOSE!
Hey there Pete – well, I won’t be really happy until we do 1:1 scale. But, you know, can’t find an apple crate big enough to hold it…
Firefly Shipworks Tees? What a brilliant idea! Black with that shiny neon blue circle logo and the words on the front, and the neon blue wireframe Serenity on the back?
Hell yes…..
Er, back to the plot – I’m pleased to see that the ship will be fully painted and assembled: didnt fancy painting it myself…
Marcus – Okay, that sounds pretty shiny to me, too. Let’s see if we can put something together and post it here for feedback. Might just be something special we do for folks who’re spending time with us here at the FFSW.
Yeah – I hear you on the painting. The guys at FX are pretty darned amazing, too. You can check out some of their commission work at their website: http://www.thefxcompany.com. Check out their NX-01 buildup. Hard to believe that’s a plastic model kit under their workmanship, eh?
Can’t wait for this! Any idea how much this might cost? I expect I may have to start saving up for it already… although I think there may be a discount coupon in my blueprints set, I’ll have to check.
How about a scale Ariel Ambulance that fits in the hold?
Oh also, sign me up for a shirt!!
Hey, I’ll get in line for that Tee Shirt. The black and neon blue color scheme sounds great.
About the finish, will the replica be shiny and new like it’s just out of the shipyard or will it be weathered like she has been to the edge and back a few times? I’m not sure which I prefer. I was looking at the sales brochure in the Blue Print Reference Pack and she sure looks nice all polished up. But since this is Mal’s Serenity, the later may be more appropriate.
jim
Hi Akin!
On price – no announcements on that yet. We’re not being cagey, we just don’t know. We have to finalize the pattern, paint master and custom electronics before we’ll know for sure. But our first priority will be making her the most accurate, detailed and just generally shiny replica we can. So, I don’t think she’ll be cheap, but hopefully she will be worth it.
Hi Jim – because this is Serenity and not a stock Series 3 Firefly (which is what you see in the brochure), you can expect us to weather her appropriately. In fact, because we have the surface map from the 3D model, we’ll do everything we can to make her the spitting image of what you see in the movie.
On the t-shirt – I’ve asked Adam to mock something up. As soon as he has a chance, I’ll post the image here for feedback.
Holy mackarel. If Serenity is going to look like that NX-01 on the FX website, that’s going to make me oh so happy, even with the $1200 price tag. Now if only you guys could make a life size Mal replica….
As shiny (literally and figuratively) as that NX-01 is, you should see their work on the Enterprise Refit. In fact, maybe I’ll get them to let me post a few of those pics here. Would you folks be interested in seeing some of FX’s other work?
As for the Mal Replica – we were actually thinking of cloning. You know, the latest in BioReplicas, guaranteed Studio Scale?
Yes, definitely would love to see more of FX’s work, especially of the Enterprise Refit (my 2nd favorite ship). The work on their site is amazing.
I’ve e-mailed them and I’m sure we’ll be able to post a gallery real soon. As the proud owner of one of their refits, I can tell you, it is my second very favorite ship, too
More pics and that tee shirt would be much appreciated!
Your wish is my command – I’ve just downloaded a couple hundred pictures of various FX Company shinies. There’s so much you’ll need to give me a couple days to sort through it all and start posting images.
Here’s a thought – seeing as Wednesday is the day we post the weekly Serenity update, let’s make Friday “FX Friday” – when we’ll post images of one FX replica. I can just keep doin’ that until you all are tired of seeing the pretties. Really, there are that many.
How’s that sound?
I’ll look at as many as you can post, couple hundred, even more! I look forward to it – thank you sooo much!
I am blown away by what I am seeing here. Fantastic doesn’t even start to cover it! Sign me up for a tee shirt or two! I just wish it was in 1/72 scale, but at 45″ long that would be a tad too large for my room. Still, lots of stuff to go in the cargo hold at that scale.
Should the model come out before I finish the Firefly theme room in my garage, the renovations in there will never get done. Furthermore, organ donor legality issues aside, I’ll sell a black market kidney to own Serenity.
That tshirt idea sounds awesome, count me in
Just flicking through the old posts and everything looked proper shiny
~Ben