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  Michael Key's 3D printed models, dioramas (Page 2)

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Author Topic:   Michael Key's 3D printed models, dioramas
keymichael1855
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Posts: 176
From: Virginia Beach, VA, USA
Registered: Feb 2012

posted 10-19-2013 03:42 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for keymichael1855   Click Here to Email keymichael1855     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Thanks for the compliments everyone, and thanks to you Steve for the nice words on my design. You are a true professional and are very gifted in your craft! Steve and I are working on some more projects together, so be on the lookout for those in the near future.

keymichael1855
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Posts: 176
From: Virginia Beach, VA, USA
Registered: Feb 2012

posted 10-20-2013 09:59 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for keymichael1855   Click Here to Email keymichael1855     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
This model is a bit of a departure from the 3D printed models that I have been producing lately. This is a 1:2 scale Lunar Module landing gear replica. The model represents the portion of the landing gear that contains the lunar plaque — the primary focus of the display. The components of this display are made from solid wood. The landing gear is a 3" wooden post, and the ladder is made from wooden dowels that have been hand sculpted to replicate the real shape of the steps. They were sanded smooth and painted with Alclad to simulate the real metal finish of the real ladder.

The real highlight of this model is the foil. Through a contact of mine, I was able to obtain some real Kapton foil from a current Lunar Module restoration project. The foil paper that I had on this before looked nice, but the Kapton foil really made this model come to life! The plaque is printed on a similar finish metallic plastic as the 1:24 SM skin that I produced some time back, and simulates the brushed chrome of the real thing.

If you would like to see more pictures of the finished display, as well as some progress pics, see here.

This is the first model in a series of replicas called "Hands On" Apollo, in which I will be building replicas that represent components that the Apollo astronauts would use or be in close proximity to during their mission. More of these type replicas coming very soon. As always, comments are welcome. Thanks!

GACspaceguy
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Posts: 2474
From: Guyton, GA
Registered: Jan 2006

posted 10-21-2013 04:27 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for GACspaceguy   Click Here to Email GACspaceguy     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Very cool display!

SkyMan1958
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Posts: 867
From: CA.
Registered: Jan 2011

posted 10-21-2013 10:47 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SkyMan1958   Click Here to Email SkyMan1958     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
You do GREAT looking work!!!

Ronpur
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Posts: 1211
From: Brandon, Fl
Registered: May 2012

posted 10-21-2013 11:01 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Ronpur   Click Here to Email Ronpur     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Wow, that is cool! You could sell those plaques!

history in miniature
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Posts: 600
From: Slatington, PA
Registered: Mar 2009

posted 10-22-2013 11:44 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for history in miniature   Click Here to Email history in miniature     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Very nice Michael, I like the fact that you used real Kapton for the covering.

mode1charlie
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Posts: 1169
From: Honolulu, HI
Registered: Sep 2010

posted 10-22-2013 08:26 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for mode1charlie   Click Here to Email mode1charlie     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Outstanding! With 3D printing, we're seeing a whole new range of what sort of replicas are possible, and Michael is right at the cutting edge. Well done!

Retro Rocket
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Posts: 445
From: Santa Paula, Ca,. USA
Registered: Dec 2007

posted 10-23-2013 02:59 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Retro Rocket   Click Here to Email Retro Rocket     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Great work! That's a good idea, keep 'em coming.

keymichael1855
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Posts: 176
From: Virginia Beach, VA, USA
Registered: Feb 2012

posted 10-23-2013 06:19 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for keymichael1855   Click Here to Email keymichael1855     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Thanks for the kind words everyone! Burke, no 3D printing on this one - it's all hand cut and sanded out of wood. I looked into 3D printing this one, but it was way too expensive because of the size of the parts. JP, I definitely have more of these type models coming!

Ronpur, if you or anyone else is interested in obtaining one of the 1:2 plaques, I have a couple of extras. I printed up Apollo 11 and 17 plaques, so just let me know if anyone would like one. Also, I could have these printed in full scale as well if there is any interest. They aren't curved like the real ones were - they are flat. They are beautiful little pieces in themselves!

mode1charlie
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Posts: 1169
From: Honolulu, HI
Registered: Sep 2010

posted 10-23-2013 09:48 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for mode1charlie   Click Here to Email mode1charlie     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by keymichael1855:
...if you or anyone else is interested in obtaining one of the 1:2 plaques, I have a couple of extras. I printed up Apollo 11 and 17 plaques, so just let me know if anyone would like one.

I'm interested in a 1:2 flat one for 17 (I think I read that correctly - the extras you have are flat[?]). Will send you a separate email.

FlyAndFight
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Posts: 16
From: Miami, FL
Registered: Jun 2013

posted 10-24-2013 10:14 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for FlyAndFight   Click Here to Email FlyAndFight     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Michael, I've been away from the website for a while and am catching up on the posts and found your amazing works of art. The RCS displays as well as the LEM Ladder display are simply unbelievable. Wow!

Alexander

Meademan
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Posts: 24
From: Gatwick, West Sussex, UK
Registered: Oct 2012

posted 10-24-2013 05:47 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Meademan   Click Here to Email Meademan     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Incredible.

That 1:1 RCS motor is outstanding. Reading the posts, Steve has made excellent work of the head unit and the engine bell simply looks 'used'! It's the best One I've seen yet. I still think its amazing that you can now have a 1:1 replica of such a recognisable part of the Apollo/Saturn hardware sat on your shelf or in a display case. Only a few tears ago, things like this simply didnt exist, so full credit to you both on such a nice model.

As for the ladder display, that looks great as well. The lunar earth rise back drop really sets it off nicely and it's hard to believe that the ladder itself isn't real metal. You've made a really nice job of that as well.

Now all I need to do is make some more space for all this stuff!

keymichael1855
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Posts: 176
From: Virginia Beach, VA, USA
Registered: Feb 2012

posted 11-11-2013 04:23 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for keymichael1855   Click Here to Email keymichael1855     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Here is another joint build between Steve Nichols and myself — a 1:32 scale F-1 engine diorama.

I had been wanting to do another diorama with my 3D printed F-1 engine, so I asked Steve if he would be willing to help me with the build. I tasked him with painting the F-1, and he did a beautiful job — thanks Steve! He also painted the skirt and fin aluminum.

I built the display base, painted and detailed the S-1C thrust structure, and did the final assembly. The F-1 is held in place by strong magnets, so the engine can be displayed on its own as well. The 1:32 scale figures really help to show just how large this engine actually was!

More pictures can be seen here. This beautiful display is available, so if anyone is interested, please let me know. And as always, comments are welcome. Thanks!

Ronpur
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Posts: 1211
From: Brandon, Fl
Registered: May 2012

posted 11-11-2013 08:15 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Ronpur   Click Here to Email Ronpur     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Beautiful!!

mode1charlie
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Posts: 1169
From: Honolulu, HI
Registered: Sep 2010

posted 11-11-2013 11:28 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for mode1charlie   Click Here to Email mode1charlie     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Love it, great work!

apolloprojeckt
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Posts: 1447
From: Arnhem, Netherlands
Registered: Feb 2009

posted 11-12-2013 02:56 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for apolloprojeckt   Click Here to Email apolloprojeckt     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Very nice done by you both!!!!

keymichael1855
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Posts: 176
From: Virginia Beach, VA, USA
Registered: Feb 2012

posted 11-18-2013 07:54 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for keymichael1855   Click Here to Email keymichael1855     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Thanks for the kind words on the F-1 diorama everyone! It found a home in a fellow cS member's collection, so it is no longer available. By the way, I built two of the 1:2 Lunar Module landing gear displays that you can see at the top of this page. I built Apollo 11 and 17. Apollo 11 has been sold, but Apollo 17 is available. Just send me an email if you are interested. Thanks!

keymichael1855
Member

Posts: 176
From: Virginia Beach, VA, USA
Registered: Feb 2012

posted 12-08-2013 05:19 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for keymichael1855   Click Here to Email keymichael1855     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
This is the release #2 in my "Hands On" Apollo series that I have been working on, focusing on components that the astronauts would use or be in close proximity to during their mission. This is a 1:1 scale Apollo Command Module EVA handle replica. This was produced from my 3D printed model of the handle that I created from scratch. I spent a lot of time prepping and priming this model, and it was given a flawless Alclad paint job by Steve Nichols — thanks Steve!!!

It has been mounted on a base with simulated Mylar strips to put it into a realistic context. The handle has two small disks installed on the bottom portion. In doing research for the model, I found an article here on cS describing how the handles had glow in the dark disks to help the astronauts find them in low or no light situations. The real disks were made from radioactive material, but these are made using glow in the dark paint. There were at least two different sizes of handles, and this one represents the smaller size that would've been located on the outside of the hatch.

More pics can be seen here. Comments are welcome. Thanks!

Jeff
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Posts: 474
From: Fayetteville, NC, USA
Registered: May 2009

posted 12-08-2013 06:49 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Jeff   Click Here to Email Jeff     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Michael, absolutely stunning job once again... and Steve your contribution is flawless as always. Museum quality without a doubt.

apolloprojeckt
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Posts: 1447
From: Arnhem, Netherlands
Registered: Feb 2009

posted 12-08-2013 11:12 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for apolloprojeckt   Click Here to Email apolloprojeckt     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Very nice job you done both, looks very real!!!!

FlyAndFight
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Posts: 16
From: Miami, FL
Registered: Jun 2013

posted 12-11-2013 03:33 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for FlyAndFight   Click Here to Email FlyAndFight     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Another wonderfully unique work of art.

mode1charlie
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Posts: 1169
From: Honolulu, HI
Registered: Sep 2010

posted 12-11-2013 06:37 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for mode1charlie   Click Here to Email mode1charlie     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Looks great!

apollolem
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Posts: 14
From: Novi, MI USA
Registered: May 2013

posted 12-11-2013 11:28 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for apollolem   Click Here to Email apollolem     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Michael, your models are incredible! I thoroughly enjoy following your builds.

Just curious, is that a print of the Roman Colosseum I see hanging on the wall in your photos?

keymichael1855
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Posts: 176
From: Virginia Beach, VA, USA
Registered: Feb 2012

posted 12-12-2013 10:55 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for keymichael1855   Click Here to Email keymichael1855     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Thanks for the nice words about the handle everyone!

apollolem, yes, that is a print of the Roman Colosseum hanging on the wall. Besides being a space nut, I've had a longtime interest in sports stadiums and arenas. I got that print off of ebay about 10 or 12 years ago. It's really old, and I believe that it is a lithograph. My background is in 3D architectural illustration, so I loved the tremendous detail and depth in the print. I'm glad I snagged it, because I've never seen another like it!

keymichael1855
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Posts: 176
From: Virginia Beach, VA, USA
Registered: Feb 2012

posted 02-28-2014 07:45 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for keymichael1855   Click Here to Email keymichael1855     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
So when I was building the LM plaque/ladder/landing gear display a few months back, I had a printed background of the "Earthrise" left over. I wanted to put it to good use, so I came up with a display that is very similar to the last one, but focuses on the lower part of the LM and Neil's first step. This display is made with a combination of 3D printed parts, styrene, wood, and clay. Many thanks to Steve Nichols for building the footprint clay base that brought it all together.

More photos can be seen here. As always, comments are welcome. Thanks!

mode1charlie
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Posts: 1169
From: Honolulu, HI
Registered: Sep 2010

posted 02-28-2014 03:07 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for mode1charlie   Click Here to Email mode1charlie     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Another winner! Nice work.

apolloprojeckt
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Posts: 1447
From: Arnhem, Netherlands
Registered: Feb 2009

posted 02-28-2014 03:17 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for apolloprojeckt   Click Here to Email apolloprojeckt     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Very nice Michael!! Nice item.

AussiePete
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Posts: 104
From: Adelaide, South Australia
Registered: Jan 2014

posted 02-28-2014 10:48 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for AussiePete   Click Here to Email AussiePete     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Just purchased some 1/3 RCS and housing. Will post them up when finished. Thanks for providing this service Michael.

AussiePete
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Posts: 104
From: Adelaide, South Australia
Registered: Jan 2014

posted 02-28-2014 11:04 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for AussiePete   Click Here to Email AussiePete     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Wow. Fantastic work.

apollolem
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Posts: 14
From: Novi, MI USA
Registered: May 2013

posted 03-02-2014 01:12 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for apollolem   Click Here to Email apollolem     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Absolutely beautiful, a true work of art.

keymichael1855
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Posts: 176
From: Virginia Beach, VA, USA
Registered: Feb 2012

posted 03-17-2014 08:18 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for keymichael1855   Click Here to Email keymichael1855     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
A friend of mine requested that I design him a fully detailed 1:48 scale SLA for a scratch built Saturn V and S1B that he was working on. In order to test the fit and detailing, I ordered a test piece from Shapeways. When it fit, I paired it up with my 1:48 BPC/LES combo and made a nice launch stack. It is very similar to Dragon's Apollo 9, but much larger and much more detailed. It's a very simple piece, but impressive with its larger size. Comments are welcome.

Also, in case you might be interested in a fully detailed 1:72 scale SLA, along with a fully detailed instrument unit, check out this thread for more information.

AussiePete
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Posts: 104
From: Adelaide, South Australia
Registered: Jan 2014

posted 03-17-2014 08:49 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for AussiePete   Click Here to Email AussiePete     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Looks great.

mode1charlie
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Posts: 1169
From: Honolulu, HI
Registered: Sep 2010

posted 03-17-2014 11:25 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for mode1charlie   Click Here to Email mode1charlie     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Very cool!

AussiePete
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Posts: 104
From: Adelaide, South Australia
Registered: Jan 2014

posted 03-18-2014 09:20 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for AussiePete   Click Here to Email AussiePete     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Received my first Michael Key 3D part today. 1/6 RCS and housing. Amazing detail.

apolloprojeckt
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Posts: 1447
From: Arnhem, Netherlands
Registered: Feb 2009

posted 03-18-2014 09:20 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for apolloprojeckt   Click Here to Email apolloprojeckt     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
On what way you have let it print, high detail frost?

AussiePete
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Posts: 104
From: Adelaide, South Australia
Registered: Jan 2014

posted 03-18-2014 09:20 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for AussiePete   Click Here to Email AussiePete     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I think it was the default option.

keymichael1855
Member

Posts: 176
From: Virginia Beach, VA, USA
Registered: Feb 2012

posted 03-18-2014 09:21 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for keymichael1855   Click Here to Email keymichael1855     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Pete, glad that you received your first batch and that they look good to you! Beautiful camera work too — this material is very difficult to photograph.

Pascal, this is definitely Frosted Ultra Detail, as this is the only material that is capable of details at this size. This model is only about 2 inches tall (56 mm)!

keymichael1855
Member

Posts: 176
From: Virginia Beach, VA, USA
Registered: Feb 2012

posted 03-25-2014 04:38 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for keymichael1855   Click Here to Email keymichael1855     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
After a good friend of mine, and fellow cS member, saw the 1:32 scale F-1 diorama that I completed a few months back, he asked me to build him a model that I haven't built in about 4 or 5 years — the Apollo F-1 Full Stack Mirror Display. This is the fourth one of these that I have built, and the first since I've known about really high quality metal paints. Of all of the things that I've produced, this has to be my favorite.

From the front view, it doesn't look like much:

But when viewed at just the right angle, something magical happens!

This is 1:40 scale, and was inspired by the large scale (1:1 I think) version that lives in the National Air and Space Museum. Thanks, as always, to my friend Steve Nichols for his help on the engines for the build. Comments are welcome — thanks!

Retro Rocket
Member

Posts: 445
From: Santa Paula, Ca,. USA
Registered: Dec 2007

posted 03-25-2014 05:26 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Retro Rocket   Click Here to Email Retro Rocket     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Fantastic! Mirrors are a great way of displaying and tricking the eye, it works great at NASM! Works here too! I used the mirror trick to make a X-43B-TBCC model look like it had a full interior. Only half is built the mirror is right down the center.

I need to get some time to build another 48th Saturn V and use Michael's parts!

apolloprojeckt
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Posts: 1447
From: Arnhem, Netherlands
Registered: Feb 2009

posted 03-25-2014 05:42 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for apolloprojeckt   Click Here to Email apolloprojeckt     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Looks great the mirror idea!!!


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