Hope this will be the final test build. I will document the building process here in detail as an assembly instruction which I will compile into a pdf when I am done.
As the test builds before, this is the layered version. I will prepare the template for a "flat" single layer version if there is time and demand for it.
Let's go
Cut out parts 1 – 7.
These parts come without glue tabs and should be glued together using paper stripes on the inside to achieve smooth surfaces. If you need glue tabs, create them while cutting out the parts.
Fold up and glue together the tip of the cockpit on part 1. Take your time. You want to get the shape right. Use a small paper stripe on the inside, like a small triangle with a cutaway, to hold it together.
Use part 2 to cut out grey board. You can glue part 2 to the board if you like to. Make a fold along the dashed middle line on part 2 because the underside of the hull needs to be slightly concave (10-20 degrees).
Glue part 2 on top of part 1, on the inside of the hull. Mountainfold of part 2 pointing upwards, to the inside of the ship.
Preshape parts 3, 4, 5, 6. All „mountain folds“ along the long black lines. After folding work the faces from the inside to achieve a slightly convex shape but keep the folds as prominent features. Also mountainfold along the dashed line of the aft cap on part 6.
Glue part 3 – 6 together using paper stripes from the inside. Work your way from the cockpit to the engine at the rear. Then glue part 7 to the rear.
Now for the most complicated step: glueing the belly (part 1+2) to the hull (parts 3-7).
First make sure that the belly part is not twisted but has the proper concave fold running from the front to the rear. If you hold it against the top hull you will see that you need two additional folds in the belly part to fit to the hull: one fold at the first black crossing line after the cockpit front and one at the crossing line between the front and hind landing gear.
I recommend to glue them together beginning with the cockpit. Use the carefully shaped tip on the belly part as a hinge, glue the top part to it using small paper stripes on the insides.
When the glue has dried and the two parts are securely joint on that hinge you can close the hull, applying glue on the sides and work your way to the rear. Always make sure it is properly aligned. Correct the fitting as long as the glue is not dried. Pry out the edges with the pincer in case the belly part slipped into the hull.
For this step I apply much glue to the edges to prolong the drying and be able to correct those small mistakes. But don’t overdo and wipe off excess glue. Good thing here is that most of the faces, all the white parts are gonna covered up with another layer. Important thing here is to get the shape right!
If you used grey board on the belly, like I instructed to do, that grey board will help you now. For it’s edge is providing stability and a face for the glue.
That is the first big assembly step and you should end up with a nice inner layer of the ship hull.
Next step is the second layer with hull texture and cut out areas for recessed details already present on the inner layer.
First I have to design a functioning boarding ramp and that elevator. that would be cool. AND before that I need the landing legs.
