This week, rather than posting another close-up, we’re giving you a peek at the big picture – the overall progress we’ve made on the Serenity sculpt. I know there are a lot of bits in these shots we haven’t previously revealed. Not to worry, we will get back to them. But after seeing how close we are to actually being done with the master pattern, I couldn’t resist posting a “We Are Here” update.
Over 85 percent of Serenity’s total surface area is finished. Of course, the remaining 15 percent are some of the hardest bits to get right. For example, the way the Grav Rotor attaches to the ship, if the symmetry isn’t exactly right, you’ll be able to see it immediately. We’re still working on getting that just so.
At this point the part count has crested the 400 point (some of you Core-Techs we’re asking how many parts in the final kit; this should give you some idea). Over the next few weeks we’ll be looking at ways to bring that part count down, without losing detail. The more parts, the longer the build, the more expensive the replica. We’re now entering the phase where we’ll be making those little trade-offs to deliver the greatest possible detail, while trying to keep the price out of the stratosphere.
Beyond that, I’d invite you to take a gander at the images. There’s lots of detail here you haven’t seen before. Of particular note is all the greeblies you’ll barely be able to see in the final model (the wire terminals at the base of the reactor or the connecting door inside the shuttle landing bay, come to mind).
As mentioned before, the sculptor working on Serenity is doing it up Old School – with a few minor exceptions, almost everything you see here is hand-sculpted. No CNC machine for our girl; every component of Serenity is being crafted by someone who loves her. Love will keep her in the air and love is what will make a good replica something really special. Hopefully, the results you’re seeing here will bear that out:
Absolutely amazing. That’s the only term I can come up with for it. Wow.
What is the plan with the cockpit? Will there be much to see inside it, or will the windshield (forgive me if that’s the wrong term) be frosted or something?
Thanks for the overall view, it’s really coming together nicely.
*Sniff* So beautiful.
Excuse me, I think I have something in my eye…
All I can say is… Wow.
Nice, I just introduced my mother to the first episode. This is a nice treat for me. I was getting a bit burnt out on looking at the individual pieces. This looks great.
Michael – we left the cockpit windows open because we want to create a photo-etched bridge, complete with translites, etc. We’ll have to see whether we’re able to pull that off
Thanks, everyone, for the kind words. It means more than you can know to the whole team at the Ship Works, and especially to the sculptor who has truly put his heart and soul into this project!
Wow, that’s really amazing, and just think how it’ll look once painted.
Are you going to have the Mess Hall windows open as well?
Oooh! Oooh! I know that part! It’s uh… um… hang on… *looks for blueprints* Is is a ship?
Seriously, this is fantastic! It’s nice to see her coming together.
Awesome.
Getting excited at the prospect of finally being able to place my order.
Words fail. I clicked on the images today and went all addlepated.
See also: confounded, amazed, stunned, astonished, stupified, dazed, overwhelmed.
Pretty, so pretty
in a word, wow, that’s all i can say. well, that and when can i buy one? she’s coming along real nice like. what all is going to light up on her?
SHINY!
Holy guacamole Batman! WOW! I can’t wait to see the final product! Please make at least 2000 so I’ll have a chance of getting one. Huge props for the attention to detail.
The work that I have been privileged to see so far is beyond incredible. I look forward to seeing the finished product. Keep up the fantastic work.