I've been steadily getting through the build over the last few weeks, despite quite a bit of work getting in the way. The progress I have made recently has me pretty confident that I will be finishing the build in time.
Here is a shot from the last thruster getting put together. I try to build it in sections to give the joins time to strengthen.
After the thrusters were finished, they were assembled and glued onto the wings with wires going through the inside wings to connect to the base when ready. I then took cross-sections of the hull at five points, and created my top hull skeleton from it. The slight curve to the bottom of the hull made things a little difficult, but with enough sanding I was able to achieve it well enough. I made a skeleton set for the bottom section as well, and included the piping as a brace for the stand. Holes were drilled into it for wiring from the wings. I spent half a day working on window lighting which just came out horribly, so it all got entombed by the resin. Maybe next year.
The hull resin work is halfway done. The first layer has been set and sanded. The next layer of patches is applied and setting. It is apply, sand, repeat, until I have the perfect hull. The bottom will get done the same way after.
The base is well along in construction as well. I got the stand set up, and drilled a hole through for the power supply to connect to. The wire will run up to a quick disconnect at the connection on the ship.
I knew my SR2 was going to be roughly twice as large as the SR1, but it wasn't until I took out one of last year' prototype pieces that I was struck by just how much larger of a build it is.
Left to do:
-Finish top hull sculpting
-Create back, side, and front fins
-Wire and integrate wings to hull
-Finish bottom hull sculpting
-Integrate fins to hull
-Prime and Paint
-Decal/detailing
-Finish base. Plaque, and either wood stain or nebula airbrushing
The model will be fully assembled and painted up for auction during the G33kwatch Mass Effect Marathon, November 26th at 8PM EST. The auction takes place in the marathon chat feed, and I will be in chat and on the video when it is auctioned. All proceeds go directly to the Childsplay Charity, which helps children in hospitals to have toys and games.
If you are interested in the model, feel free to ask me any questions! If you can spread the word about the marathon and auction where you can, I would be very grateful.