Next up, I was working on the wings. Started by sanding down all the flat surfaces. To recreate the sharp edges on the lines, I used a needle file. This step was neccessary to make all gaps the same size. Then all parts of the wings were glued together. Again, I used short steel rods to make the connection really strong. This will be needed later for the moving mechanism, cause I am not trusting glue alone. In addition, I included a ribon cable for the LEDs. Better to do it now, cause later would be a bit tricky to get the cable all the way through. After I filled some smaller gaps, all 4 wings got one quick wet sanding. And then dry before the next step. A layer of spray filler was applied to see were some more spots needs additional attention. Tomorrow, I will wet sand again and work on the turbines. Then the pieces will be connected, so stay tuned. More progress to come shortly.
Now the worklog starts to get a bit more confusing, cause I am building so many different parts at the moment. So just be prepared Besides the X-Wing I also got the opportunity to modify a Viewsonic XG2402 monitor. To keep the Star Wars theme, it should look like a cockpit from a space ship that may be fits into this specific universe. Everything started with a simple sketch. To get a better feeling for the strukture and design, I made a template out of cardboard. Here I also tried to include as many details as possible. The cardboard was then transfered onto paper to get all the measurements right. Next, everything was again transfered, this time directly onto the MDF plates. Then the cutting began. Outlines were made with a table saw and the cut outs simply with a jig saw. Also all other panels were cut and the holes were made. At the end we ended up with a bunch of wood. After the parts were losely put together, for a first quick test fitting, the gluing started. And always remember, you cant have enough clamps
After gluing the first pieces, I decided to add a drawer for the keyboard to the monitor. To figure out the exact position, I used some tape to hold the drawer temporarily in place. The inside was covered with black carbon foil. Then the top part was glued together. Clamps are still the way to go. On the top panel, I added small holes fo a bit of ventilation. Here I will also install a light effect later. I found this old mouse here in the trash, so I decided to maybe use it also for the monitor, cause a keyboard is already added. The track ball really gives a nice touch to it. Now the panels for all the buttons are still missing, but I already designed them in 3D, and my printer is ready.
Even if I'm used to it from your first thread, I can't avoid mentioning again how your skills and your ideas are really impressive, and it's a real fun and pleasure to follow your threads
After the printing of the panels was done, I put them into place for a short test fitting. To make a glow effect, I installed LED stipes to the bottom side. The main body had to be prepared for the paint job. For that, I covered the entire body with two layers of spray filler. Smaller gaps were also closed with some filler. Also the panels were primed and painted. Cause the entire monitor should lokk a bit used, everything got some layers of weathering. Then the first panels were attached to the also painted body. To control the liall the light effects, I prepared a switch panel. Here also an RGB LED will switch from red to blue, when the controlled effect is running. I also found this little LED blinking kit in my electric drawer, so I thought why not try it out. I will add some more details and a running light effect. Next up will be final pictures of the monitor, then I will work on the X-Wing again.
I wish my electronics drawer came with an instruction manual. Lovely work once again. The monitor casing kicks a**.
Woulndt need an instruction for that, cause its basically ony two capacitors and two transistors, but always nice to have one just to double check
And here are some final pictures of the monitor. We also made a short video showing the building process and all the functions. And now back to the X-Wing itself.
Its all for the design, not the functionality. Just imagine there is no screen behing the corners, and the keyboard is used while standing in front
Thanks guys. As you might have guessed, I could not finish the X-Wing in time for the Cooler Master World Series But ofc I will finish this mod. Now I have all the time to add all the functions I want, that I would have to skip otherwise. So be prepared After the monitor was done, I went back to the main body which is in 3 pieces at the moment. In the middle section, the motherboard will be included. So, I cut a piece of MDF and used it as a mobo base. I already put on part of the cockpit above, just to see if it is fitting the way I want. Next up, I made a quick test of the opening mechanism of the wings. The Wings now can be closed, or opend up in a 15 dergees angle. Should be more than enough. Close up pictures of the inside will follow soon. Then all the 3 pieces were assembled. Just to see the dimensions of the mod. I am 1,81 m btw. Next, I will close all the gaps and rework some of the detail lines.
The 6 year old me would have had a stroke if I could have seen this thread. -And probably inspired to build a massive Star-Destroyer out of boxes. The contest time-restraints suck. It's a shame you couldn't enter. I've been thinking for a while that ^ that is the best position for desktop use. That way you don't have to crawl under it to get to your closet or something.