BS 6" Golan Arms DF9 Hoth rebel turret

Oofa · Jul 13, 2016

Hello

I've started a few things before, but never got around to do more work on them, and now I've done it again, only this time, I've put more effort into it.

It's for the Black Series 6 inch figures and it's supposed to resemble the DF9 turret, as seen in Empire Strikes Back.
The proces, roughly (put in spoiler tag, because of lots of text):

Spoiler:

So here are the first 15 images of the process - I have more, but haven't copied those over yet.

As of now it is mostly the rotating tower I have been working on. I have drilled a hole for the operator to stand in - it will be visible in the next set of photos

Oofa · Jul 14, 2016

Next set of wip images.

Drilled small holes to make the manhole in the turret, first with a smaller sized drill, then a larger and then using my multitool to cut/sand/grind away the rest.
I wasn't aiming for it to be approx. the same diameter as a beer can, but lo and behold, it fits perfectly! So I used some steel wool to grind off the print and buff it to some degree.
The middlesection consist of 2 pieces of currogated cardboard that I glued together and made a hole through to fit the top and bottom. As you can see, I have a thin wooden stick in the middle to make sure they stay in place. So now I am trying to figure out how the gun barrel should fit.

Utinniii · Jul 14, 2016

This is an interesting build! Thanks for the WIP pics. They are quite helpful!

Pegging/pinning things for stability is really important. Just keep in mind where they might intersect.

Oofa · Jul 14, 2016

Thank you, Sir

I am thinking of making the inside hollow so there actually will be room for the rest of the 3-man crew

Oofa · Jul 14, 2016

So assembling the pieces temporarily, it looks like this:

Oofa · Jul 16, 2016

Next up was how to make it all fit together.
I decided to use a cardboard tube from paper towels as the center pillar. But the manhole is overlapping into it, so I filled it with expansive foam, normally used for walls etc. (but it's cheap).
Also I wanted to make a straight inner tube so there will be no angled walls inside the turret.
When the foam cured I cut it to fit the center and cut steps into it. Placed it to see how it all looked. And then I cut a door in the outer wall.
Last image is seen from inside and up trough the manhole.

Oofa · Jul 18, 2016

36. New "body" test. And a new method for making it fit better. The first was a bit leaning to one side.
37. Base needed seperators to cover that "step" half way round. Some references only a quarter is a step, some it's 4 quarters.
38. Styrofoam cutting a half circle on the diy styrofoam cutter.
39 Fitting the pieces in between the seperators.
40. Cutting them to size and the approx. right angle.
41. Seen from above.
42. After sanding the second application of spackle/body filler.
43. Plates on top of the turret.
44. Plate armor/wall/deco on the outer wall of the turret.

Utinniii · Jul 19, 2016

I'm enjoying your WIPs.

How'd you make the cutter?

Oofa · Jul 20, 2016

Utinniii said:
I'm enjoying your WIPs.

How'd you make the cutter?

A friend of mine made it

I had an idea for it, and he just threw some wood pieces together and made sure the wirings etc was right - he's tech savy that way

Fan_of_the_1300 · Jul 29, 2016

Oofa, I've been watching this custom for awhile looking for inspiration when it comes to building my own. This thing is a thing of beauty. Just curious, have you figured out how you plan to make the cannon?

I ask, because at this stage of your build, I'd be tempted to add LED's to it. Perhaps a few random colors for the interior (monitors, scopes, perhaps a hologram generator), and red lights for the cannon barrel. Would be easier to set the wiring and switches now rather than after its finished.

Oofa · Jul 29, 2016

Fan_of_the_1300 said:
Oofa, I've been watching this custom for awhile looking for inspiration when it comes to building my own. This thing is a thing of beauty. Just curious, have you figured out how you plan to make the cannon?

I ask, because at this stage of your build, I'd be tempted to add LED's to it. Perhaps a few random colors for the interior (monitors, scopes, perhaps a hologram generator), and red lights for the cannon barrel. Would be easier to set the wiring and switches now rather than after its finished.

I've been laying low with this for a week, so I haven't really thought that part trough, but I like what you're saying

I do want to make the interior somewhat more exciting than just an empty hull.

Though electronics is not my specialty, I do have some friends that are far far better at that than me

Fan_of_the_1300 · Jul 29, 2016

Oofa said:
I've been laying low with this for a week, so I haven't really thought that part trough, but I like what you're saying I do want to make the interior somewhat more exciting than just an empty hull.

Though electronics is not my specialty, I do have some friends that are far far better at that than me

I can understand that, I've never added LED's to any of my own things yet either. Perhaps repurposing a cheap jack-o-lantern light. Here in the State's we have some that run as much as $5 bucks that come in solid clear, assorted solid colors, or a combination (usually clear, red, and green). Plus, they can be set to be on full, or random flashes..

Just an idea.

Oofa · Jul 29, 2016

Fan_of_the_1300 said:
I can understand that, I've never added LED's to any of my own things yet either. Perhaps repurposing a cheap jack-o-lantern light. Here in the State's we have some that run as much as $5 bucks that come in solid clear, assorted solid colors, or a combination (usually clear, red, and green). Plus, they can be set to be on full, or random flashes..

Just an idea.

I will look into this, though we usually don't have all the fun stuff you guys have readily available. E.g.: casting kits/materials are almost import only.
If only wallmart etc. would franchise to European markets like Denmark

Oofa · Jul 31, 2016

So, got to work a little on the turret again

A lot of sanding, repairing dents etc, spackling, sanding and then priming.
Oh, and I decreased the size of the manhole to fit a pvc tube - just a tiny bit smaller. But the pvc tube is thicker and stronger than a soda can, so that's why.

Utinniii · Aug 1, 2016

Looking good! I want to see a pic of how everything fits together.
For the cannon, clear straws, stirring sticks, and even clear pens might come in handy. They will show light if one end is touching a light source.
I'm not good with electrical wiring, but I have used a lot of battery string lights (usually bought around Halloween or Christmas). If you only need one light source, electric tealights (candles) might give you what you need.

Oofa · Aug 2, 2016

Utinniii said:
Looking good! I want to see a pic of how everything fits together.
For the cannon, clear straws, stirring sticks, and even clear pens might come in handy. They will show light if one end is touching a light source.
I'm not good with electrical wiring, but I have used a lot of battery string lights (usually bought around Halloween or Christmas). If you only need one light source, electric tealights (candles) might give you what you need.

The cannon is my aim at the moment. First of all making it look like the actual cannon barrel. Then how to make it customizable - replace a barrel with a heavier kind etc.

Great ideas, thanks Utiniii

Oofa · Aug 2, 2016

Edit: double post.

Oofa · Aug 2, 2016

Had an idea for the barrel - to use my old speed loader from airsoft rifles. And adding a thin metal pipe piece to the black pieces.
I put some hot glue under the metal piece, for it to "lean" on and align with the rest.
Glued it all on the barrel. Sanded it and primed it with the bottom and top again.

Utinniii · Aug 2, 2016

Looks great! It's HUGE!

Oofa · Aug 2, 2016

Utinniii said:
Looks great! It's HUGE!

It is - I made it according to the measurements I could find - it does seem, from certain angles, a little oversized, but then on other images, it's right on the money

Utinniii · Aug 2, 2016

I wasn't implying that it was oversized, it is just now that it is assembled one can truly appreciate the size of it.

For the most part, oversized is better anyway. Most vehicles/beasts... are too tiny, although my scale is 3.75 so even if oversized they don't take up a lot of space. I'm happy I don't need 6" playsets/vehicles.

Oofa · Aug 2, 2016

Utinniii said:
I wasn't implying that it was oversized, it is just now that it is assembled one can truly appreciate the size of it.

For the most part, oversized is better anyway. Most vehicles/beasts... are too tiny, although my scale is 3.75 so even if oversized they don't take up a lot of space. I'm happy I don't need 6" playsets/vehicles.

Not to worry

I love the size of it - and I was kind of surprised by the volume of it when I had the early mock-ups put together.
Maybe that is why, when it's the right size, it feels a bit oversized.

I made some diagrams of approx. size comparison to me and 6" sized vehicles (and figures) - they get quite big some of them!

---

Utinniii · Aug 2, 2016

Some of those are real monsters! (Literally!)

I find that I change the scale to fit the space I'm putting the thing in. For example, I wanted all the alcoves of Jabba's Palace but if I used the correct scale then I wouldn't have had room for the room with Han in it.

One day I want to make a Sandcrawler but it WON'T be to scale! It would just be to huge. I think 2-3' tall is big enough.

Oofa · Aug 3, 2016

Utinniii said:
Some of those are real monsters! (Literally!)

I find that I change the scale to fit the space I'm putting the thing in. For example, I wanted all the alcoves of Jabba's Palace but if I used the correct scale then I wouldn't have had room for the room with Han in it.

One day I want to make a Sandcrawler but it WON'T be to scale! It would just be to huge. I think 2-3' tall is big enough.

There is a video from Dioramaworkshop I think, where they build a large sandcrawler - not sure what scale it is, though.

Utinniii · Aug 3, 2016

I've seen that! I believe it is 1/16 (3.75cm) scale.
As much as I love Jawas, I found it to big to really enjoy, especially since it was hollow and is really meant for only a dozen figures. Using the same space for Hoth, the Deathstar or Jabba's place would allow for dozens (hundreds) of additional figures.

My idea is to make half of the Sandcrawler (side profile). The outside can have a Jawa droid sale and the inside will have lots of rooms/junk.
One day though. It's #12 on my list of dioramas. I think it needs to made from wood though, not foam board.

Oofa · Aug 3, 2016

Utinniii said:
I've seen that! I believe it is 1/16 (3.75cm) scale.
As much as I love Jawas, I found it to big to really enjoy, especially since it was hollow and is really meant for only a dozen figures. Using the same space for Hoth, the Deathstar or Jabba's place would allow for dozens (hundreds) of additional figures.

My idea is to make half of the Sandcrawler (side profile). The outside can have a Jawa droid sale and the inside will have lots of rooms/junk.
One day though. It's #12 on my list of dioramas. I think it needs to made from wood though, not foam board.

That sounds like a great idea - the half side. Especially for diorama purpose.
What are the previous 11 on your list?

If I may ask.

Utinniii · Aug 3, 2016

Here's a pic of my rough sketch. The lines of the Sandcrawler are to light to see, but you can get a rough idea of height and depth. The Jawa on the bottom is where the treads are.

I'm going to cut it out and make 3 copies of it (2 paper, one cardboard). Once I buy the wood, I will make it. Actually, I'll probably make a cardboard prototype first so I can see how to fit everything together.

Here are my other projects, in the rough order I want to make them. Maz , Jabba Dungeon, Jabba Droid torture, Jabba’s dais, Rancor, Cantina redux, Dagobah, Secret Mystery Project, Avengers Conference Room, X-Men Danger Room, and to finish my Gremlins movie theatre.

You might have noticed in my own thread I had a pic of 4 of these just plastered and painted. I add as many details as I can so even though the walls are up, they all have a way to go before being finished. I also want to have all the characters (including concept sketches) of the SW scenes.

I will probably make a Halloween display this October as well.

Yakface is having a diorama contest that ends Sept 30. If you finish yours in time, you should enter it.

Oofa · Aug 3, 2016

Utinniii said:
Here's a pic of my rough sketch. The lines of the Sandcrawler are to light to see, but you can get a rough idea of height and depth. The Jawa on the bottom is where the treads are.

I'm going to cut it out and make 3 copies of it (2 paper, one cardboard). Once I buy the wood, I will make it. Actually, I'll probably make a cardboard prototype first so I can see how to fit everything together.

Here are my other projects, in the rough order I want to make them. Maz , Jabba Dungeon, Jabba Droid torture, Jabba’s dais, Rancor, Cantina redux, Dagobah, Secret Mystery Project, Avengers Conference Room, X-Men Danger Room, and to finish my Gremlins movie theatre.

You might have noticed in my own thread I had a pic of 4 of these just plastered and painted. I add as many details as I can so even though the walls are up, they all have a way to go before being finished. I also want to have all the characters (including concept sketches) of the SW scenes.

I will probably make a Halloween display this October as well.

Yakface is having a diorama contest that ends Sept 30. If you finish yours in time, you should enter it.

It's very hard to see.
Interesting projects, especially the Danger Room

Oh well... Mine isn't exactly a diorama, but making a snow-scape with some trenches wouldn't be that far stretched to make. Time will tell

Oofa · Aug 6, 2016

So, time for an update:

55: Hole drilled - a wee bit off, of what I intended, but it's straight though (plus it's mainly cardboard inside, so... )
56: Test fitting - perfect (almost)!
57: Test fitting made me realise the hull seemed too "thin", so I increased the size in top and bottom and made a new.
58: With new "hull"
59: Kinda looks cool with no hull too

61: Decided to start on a holo projector - Darth Vader style (ESB)
62: Close up of the "carvings"
63: Grandson wants to try
65: The things beside the barrel - I believe they are called "Laser Actuators".
66: The missing piece! I needed an end cap in between the above and a pen cap from TRU was the perfect fit!
67: I needed to drill it out a little though.
68: Getting closer to completion
69: Glued, primed and fitted on!
70: TBC

Oofa · Jul 6, 2017

Phew, too long have this been lying low, but since then I got the mammoth book Star Wars The Blueprints.
Lots of great great references, as long as you can decipher the numbers on those images.

Well, I've long had a feeling that my turret was a bit on the large side, turns out I am right.
Although, according to the measurements in the book, I was on the right track, actually spot on.

But in the book there's a silhouette next to the turret, and with those measurements, the figure is about 8 ft 0.45 inches tall in real life.
So, I will have to make the corresponding sized turret - I think I might do it while finishing the one posted with images in this thread.

For once a considerably overscaled vehicle/machinery for the figures!

Watch this space for updates, hopefully with a higher frequency than since last post.

Oofa · Jul 14, 2017

So far, so good

CHEWIE · Jul 14, 2017

Wow. Awesome!!

Oofa · Jul 15, 2017

CHEWIE said:
Wow. Awesome!!

Thank you very much

still a lot of work to be done.

Oofa · Jul 16, 2017

Some images that were uploaded via Photobucket, have now been deleted by me, and instead can be found here

GreedoTwerp · Sep 7, 2019

Oofa said:
Some images that were uploaded via Photobucket, have now been deleted by me, and instead can be found here

Loving the use of simple materials yet the end result looks perfectly rendered, you have some serious modelling talent. Awesome work!

Oofa · Sep 8, 2019

GreedoTwerp said:
Loving the use of simple materials yet the end result looks perfectly rendered, you have some serious modelling talent. Awesome work!

Ah, thank you very much. I redid the turret, because the more I worked on it I realised it was way too big. You can see on the image above.
Those measurements you can find online, especially the official ones, are not always correct. They might have been what they wanted, but the end result in some cases (e.g. A-wing, this turret) came out different.