Upgrading the cockpit.
Way back when I first built this cockpit, I was in a bit of a hurry and on a budget.
Read MoreYou have arrived at Baz’s Viper project. Here you will find photos, videos, work-in-progress, planning and reference used for the build.
Mission: To build a MK II Colonial Viper at full scale. (8.4 metres) (2003 reimagined series of Battlestar Galactica.) Finished prop will be displayed at relevant venues as they occur and when convenient.
Models: Photos of studio-used prop as reference and Zoic’s CGI design as a base, heavily modified by a friend and 3D CAD operator.
Planning: Modular design for ease of storage and transport. Material considerations focus on recycling local industry packaging and waste-materials. Real-world aircraft instruments sourced from Australian aviation industry, uncalibrated, rejected or unserviceable to keep costs down.
Materials: Steel frame, plywood formers, polystyrene base for shape and fibreglass skin. Resin replacement for compatibility with polystyrene.
Accessories: Instruments and electronics, sound, motion and lighting hardware. Flight suit, helmet and accessories. Other relevant props.
Motivation: Building stuff is a big part of what makes me, me. Without it, I would lose part of myself and the joy it brings to create something with my own hands. God gave me the gift of my hands and I would not like to disappoint Him by not using such a gift.
So say we all.
Baz.
Way back when I first built this cockpit, I was in a bit of a hurry and on a budget.
Read MoreI’ve been in consultation with Lee Stringer from the show and Steve Fronczek who worked on the BSG auctions and
Read More6 November 2023 After six years of building, the Viper is finished. I will be tinkering on it from time
Read MoreThe final processes have begun. To achieve any kind of reasonable finish on this massive warbird, I have to learn
Read MoreAs anyone who is familiar with this build knows – it’s mission is not for charities. Unlike the previous Iron
Read More31 July 2023 As the build finish-line looms ever closer, planning has started for the trailer to store, transport
Read More18 September 2022 I purchased a product called Botecote, which is a far safer alternative than standard, solvent-based resins. Over
Read MoreWednesday, 17Aug2022 After constant tweaking and fault-finding to find every tiny rattle and tap, I got all of the turbines,
Read More02 Feb 2022 Lock-down in Canberra 2021 saw me getting very busy in the forge, madly trying to survive with
Read More19 March 2021 In as much as Newtonian physics were employed for spaceflight in the re-imagined series, there was also
Read More24 May 2020 Now that the Viper is happily protected in it’s new hangar, it’s time to clean up, realign
Read More23 May 2020 My old shed and carport was messy, substandard and degrading as large tree roots had got under
Read MoreInterview with Lee Stringer CG Supervisor at Zoic Studios for Sci-Fi Channel’s Mini Series and first season of Battlestar
Read MoreWELCOME! With the full scale Viper build taking a break in lieu of home renovations, I still need a creative
Read MoreThe final modules to make are the wings and tail fin. Once these are done, it’s then a matter of
Read MoreAll of the details that make up the aft engine access panels are off-the-shelf products, many of which are still
Read More16 Feb 2019 Located both sides of the nose, forward of the cockpit are two avionics access panels. Likely for
Read More1 December 2018 Use what you’ve got. Tonight I made a start on turning the twin 30mm cannons.
Read MoreThe Canopy During the cockpit build, it was getting very hard to squeeze in through the side of the cockpit,
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