Topic: Storage Box Diorama - Imperial Field Support Base

[hangarbay94]

I've recently forced myself to get back into customizing after a considerable break. My kids have now outgrown their Star Wars toys and with no real purpose except self-gratification and a chance to leave work behind I am beginning to take fresh steps back into a hobby I really enjoyed. I'm also hoping that one day my Grandchildren will enjoy the fruits of my labour.

Anyhow, enough with the mushy stuff, this little project is another example of Hangarbays quest for simple to build, easy to store playsets that are actually durable and playable. After the storage container that I use to keep the parts for my projects got sprayed it occurred to me that it could double as a diorama and playset. Once complete it would be used to store vehicles and figures, then flip it up and viola, an Imperial Field Support Base.

Here is what I've done so far. Added some greebleys and planned the build. I intend to have a removable turret that slots into the top, an opening loading bay door that will be cut in one side of the box and LED lights fitted in the roof both inside and outside, creating an internal repair bay and a landing pad. All made from a common storage box.

WIP Images:








 

[hangarbay94]

Oh and I've discovered a great adhesive for applying greebleys to hard to apply shiny plastic surfaces. Its a non-odour adhesive that is usually applied using a silicone gun. It's called Sticks Like Sh*t. Yes only in England would you find a product with a name like that, but I kid you not, if you want something to stick and not melt or come off period, then it does exactly what it says on the tube.

[BlackThorne]

I'm happy we all gonna see new custom from you, I really enjoy your projects.

[Luke Sprywalker]

Julian, great to hear from you my friend! So glad to see you getting some time to customize and share with us. This looks to be another great project and I can't wait to see the next steps.

[Tamer]

Now this is one cool idea. Turn your Rubbermaid into a modular diorama playset. Its a no brainer. I am off to share.

[Mr. Black]

Great to see this, Jules. It's already starting to shape up real nice and once it's finished I'm sure it'll amaze us all.

[hangarbay94]

Thanks Mr Black, Tamer, LE & Blackthorne! Today I went parts shopping - I'd forgotten how expensive our hobby can be. So far the spend has been £45 and I refuse to spend any more.

Parts purchased:
Wood for inner roof section
Foamcore (we all know how handy that can be)
Acrylic Thinner for the airbrush
LED Lights -
4 x bright blue for the interior and 4 x small red for the outer landing pad.
1 x voltage reducer
1 x flasher unit for the landing lights
1 x battery pack
cable.

I'm now committed to finishing this baby.

[zedhatch]

That's cool, I'm getting some thoughts from that for some ideas I've had on the back burner for a very long time.  Awesome. 

[CloneSniper78]

Jules, it's good to see you back in action. I'm sure this project will turn into plastic gold.

[CHEWIE]

Looks fantastic... this is you at your very best!

 

[hemble]

Very interesting idea Jules, I'm really interested how this is going to turn out.

Ron

[hangarbay94]

Thanks for all the replies folks, I'd forgotten how lively these forums were.

My LED lights arrived today along with the flasher unit, so over the next day or so I'll be making the roof section with the electronics.

When I opened my dremmel the chuck section broke so I've got to wait for a new one to turn up before I go cutting the main hangar door. I'm also waiting for some plastic hinges to arrive. I'll post some images as things start to progress further.

[Clonehead]

Looks good so far, Jules. Fantastic idea making it dual purpose like that.

[DocOutlands]

One of the Grandmasters returns!!  Love the look of this even just getting started!

[hangarbay94]

Too kind Doc!

UPDATE ---

This evening I cut out the door, made the ceiling/cable housing and added some detail. Hopefully tomorrow I'll have the lighting circuit tested. Next stage will be fitting the hangar door mechanism and detailing the interior and exterior.