BRINGING THE GALAXY HOME IN A BOX
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Welcome to Scale Model TechnologiesSince 1997 SMT has been delivering unique miniatures and model
kits to collectors and modelers worldwide. Over the past 19+ years my prototyping and skills set brought some of the most sought after model kits and miniatures to reality under the SMT brand name. My primary goal is an accurate and well thought out miniature that represents a true image of the subject. I use time honored “old school” techniques in conjunction with technology such as roto-casting, resin injection and thermo-forming. The site contains a mostly complete Kit Archive of what SMT produced over the years from 1997 to 2015. As well the site hosts some client and customer builds under the Gallery pages showcasing SMT products. There is the SMT Ebay link for SMT products. These products are limited runs and random bits that I hope folks will find useful. If you need something not listed by all means contact me and I will see if I can help out. Enjoy your visit with SMT, I hope you see something you like and let your imagination take shape! |
Sincerely, Colin Omilusik
Owner, Scale Model Technologies
Owner, Scale Model Technologies
Latest News
Well here it is mid May 2017. Wow!!
The V tanker build is sitting idle again while I do some client work and sell some goodies. One day I will build the tanker finally and will have completed my goal of having done all three (Skyfighter, Shuttle and Tanker) in the large studio scale. Perhaps the realization of completing that dream is making it a back burner project for me ??
I am very pleased with my $700+ investment for new technology to print my own WHITE color waterslide decals (not white decal paper). No outdated ALPS needed. This allows me to create a decal with white behind it so I can mount on a dark surface. This will be an asset in some upcoming projects in the future.
The V tanker build is sitting idle again while I do some client work and sell some goodies. One day I will build the tanker finally and will have completed my goal of having done all three (Skyfighter, Shuttle and Tanker) in the large studio scale. Perhaps the realization of completing that dream is making it a back burner project for me ??
I am very pleased with my $700+ investment for new technology to print my own WHITE color waterslide decals (not white decal paper). No outdated ALPS needed. This allows me to create a decal with white behind it so I can mount on a dark surface. This will be an asset in some upcoming projects in the future.
MPC Millenium Falcon Client Build Update #1
I have started the MPC Millenium Falcon build for a client who wants his MPC Falcon built up.
While this is to most simply be lights and paint- I cannot help but modify the model somewhat to improve its looks. Budget is a consideration so I will not be going with the 3d printed Shapeways parts or the MPC Falcon detail set SMT used to produce!
First a note on the box tops and credit. The top original release box top is from StarWarsmodels.com.
The original release has the 5 footer on the box cover. Subsequent re-releases use the 31" model built for Empire and there is some major differences between the two.
Now I know many say the MPC Falcon is based off the 5 footer and I think applies to the somewhat plating and details. Of course the 5 footer was modeled after the full plans as well.
In scale the approx 5' Falcon is 1/16 scaled. This fits with the Tie being 1/16 scale and even though I am a minority here I believe the X-wing and Y wing are 1/16 scale as well. NOT 1/24 for the Xwing and the Y if scaled out would be based on 1/33 scale. UH that's a nope for me! Anyway...
The main base of the structure matches to the measurements of the (drawn for Star Wars) full size blueprints very well. Including a longer than as seen on the 5 footer model cockpit tube (where they sit).
The MPC kit itself has some issues, but being based off the full size plans comes very close to how it was originally intended.
At about 27m (yes I am aware LFL has the Falcon listed at 34.4m) long this makes the MPC kit 1/60 scale. Others will say different and thats ok, I based my information on the full size plans. Even the cockpit tube is correctly scale (8' in 1:1) approx 4cm in 1:60.
The mandibles and front between section are too long by 1.0cm but I will be leaving those alone as correcting that would be a major redo.
The dish however is way large coming in at almost 1/46 scale!
The sidewalls as we all know are too tall and 'hamburger' shape is somewhat flattened. The walls I cut down to approximately 1.7mm. It should really be more like 1.3 cm but that adds a whole slew of extra work for correcting the curve.More on this below.
Once trimmed I carefully replaced the parts which have to extend above the sidewall to meet top surface detail.
So a few cuts to strategic places and a section of tube added interior wise to force the correct curve. The full size Falcon is based on a 110'6" radius.
This means cutting and letting the cockpit release and come back horizontal once the curve is enforced.
I also replaced the standard kit mounting pins with just styrene tube to space the halves correctly for the new side wall height. .. an interesting thing here. I believe those who patterned the Falcon kit made an error and knowing it ...and rather than redo the tool they just 'fudged it'.
I base this on the fact that whoever made the end of the ramp tubes - the details of the overall size is spot on at 1:60 scale to the full size measurements and if you glue the model together as is they don't quite meet at the ends!
Once trimmed and the hull re curved they work just fine though at the proper size meeting perfectly.
I added a box to contain the engine lights and have it serviceable if needed.
To me the worst of the kit is the lack of good detail over the engine section... going to have to fix that. I am not worried about making the details 'studio accurate' but will go for the impression... as it would simply be easier to do a Fine Molds or DeAgonstini or even just scratchbuild one of the studio model replicas.
So here is some photo's of where I am currently at. This coming week will be adding in the light wiring and securing the recessed bay area details.
While this is to most simply be lights and paint- I cannot help but modify the model somewhat to improve its looks. Budget is a consideration so I will not be going with the 3d printed Shapeways parts or the MPC Falcon detail set SMT used to produce!
First a note on the box tops and credit. The top original release box top is from StarWarsmodels.com.
The original release has the 5 footer on the box cover. Subsequent re-releases use the 31" model built for Empire and there is some major differences between the two.
Now I know many say the MPC Falcon is based off the 5 footer and I think applies to the somewhat plating and details. Of course the 5 footer was modeled after the full plans as well.
In scale the approx 5' Falcon is 1/16 scaled. This fits with the Tie being 1/16 scale and even though I am a minority here I believe the X-wing and Y wing are 1/16 scale as well. NOT 1/24 for the Xwing and the Y if scaled out would be based on 1/33 scale. UH that's a nope for me! Anyway...
The main base of the structure matches to the measurements of the (drawn for Star Wars) full size blueprints very well. Including a longer than as seen on the 5 footer model cockpit tube (where they sit).
The MPC kit itself has some issues, but being based off the full size plans comes very close to how it was originally intended.
At about 27m (yes I am aware LFL has the Falcon listed at 34.4m) long this makes the MPC kit 1/60 scale. Others will say different and thats ok, I based my information on the full size plans. Even the cockpit tube is correctly scale (8' in 1:1) approx 4cm in 1:60.
The mandibles and front between section are too long by 1.0cm but I will be leaving those alone as correcting that would be a major redo.
The dish however is way large coming in at almost 1/46 scale!
The sidewalls as we all know are too tall and 'hamburger' shape is somewhat flattened. The walls I cut down to approximately 1.7mm. It should really be more like 1.3 cm but that adds a whole slew of extra work for correcting the curve.More on this below.
Once trimmed I carefully replaced the parts which have to extend above the sidewall to meet top surface detail.
So a few cuts to strategic places and a section of tube added interior wise to force the correct curve. The full size Falcon is based on a 110'6" radius.
This means cutting and letting the cockpit release and come back horizontal once the curve is enforced.
I also replaced the standard kit mounting pins with just styrene tube to space the halves correctly for the new side wall height. .. an interesting thing here. I believe those who patterned the Falcon kit made an error and knowing it ...and rather than redo the tool they just 'fudged it'.
I base this on the fact that whoever made the end of the ramp tubes - the details of the overall size is spot on at 1:60 scale to the full size measurements and if you glue the model together as is they don't quite meet at the ends!
Once trimmed and the hull re curved they work just fine though at the proper size meeting perfectly.
I added a box to contain the engine lights and have it serviceable if needed.
To me the worst of the kit is the lack of good detail over the engine section... going to have to fix that. I am not worried about making the details 'studio accurate' but will go for the impression... as it would simply be easier to do a Fine Molds or DeAgonstini or even just scratchbuild one of the studio model replicas.
So here is some photo's of where I am currently at. This coming week will be adding in the light wiring and securing the recessed bay area details.
"IN THE SHOP" WITH SMT
Most folks don't like to provide a view in, but SMT is different so please sit back and enjoy a photo tour around the shop!
For a more detailed look at my shop and more information check out the new page "In The Shop" with SMT.
Here is a PDF parts list and blueprints of how to make your own 22" scaled Spine Booster for any 22" scaled Eagle from Space:1999. Using a few simple Plastruct parts and some basic kitbashing skill!
Space:1999 is © Carlton Media Inc.
Space:1999 is © Carlton Media Inc.
All photos and text © Scale Model Technologies 2017.
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Please feel free to click a link above and browse the site!
I've started a new site page (KIT Archives) with copies of the kits once produced under the SMT brand name.
I've started a new site page (KIT Archives) with copies of the kits once produced under the SMT brand name.
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All drawings, photographs and promotional material, unless otherwise noted, © Copyright 1997 - 2015 Scale Model Technologies. All rights reserved. Any names and images of Star Trek, are trademark and copyright 2012, CBS Pictures, Corp., V is a trademark and copyright 2012, ABC TV., Battlecruiser is a trademark and copyright 2012, Martin Bower & Associates., Battlestar Galactica is a trademark and copyright 2012 of NBC Universal Studios, Space:1999 is a trademark and copyright 2012 Carlton Media, Star Wars is a trademark and copyright of Lucasfilm.
No copyright infringement is intended used for reference purposes.
