Model of an aged-gray space freighter displayed on a sandy diorama with a small ground vehicle “I know... In space, you can't hear the brakes...”

A collection of illustrations of space cargo ships that served as inspiration for the project Inspired by the paintings of sci-fi artists from the 1970s through the 1990s, notably Chris FOSS...

Inspiré des tableaux des peintres de sci-fi des années 1970 - 90 notamment Chris FOSS...

Preliminary sketches of a space freighter, with a reference photo, pencil, and ruler on the table Build a spaceship that doesn't look like a hair dryer or... anything... The challenge was on. Images from 1970s illustrators and a few sketches helped us form an initial idea. First of all, we need blueprints. At least a cross-section and a rear view to determine the placement of the engines...

Technical drawings and blue foam cutouts of a space freighter under construction Three cutouts made from thick plastic card will serve as templates for the entire project...

Trois découpes faites dans de la carte plastique épaisse serviront de gabarits à l'ensemble...

Top view of a space freighter model under construction, showing thrusters and a blue internal structure

Wooden rods will serve as the "backbone" to hold the plastic walls in place.

Model of a space freighter under construction from a blueprint, with a transparent frame and detailed parts on the workbench

The first pieces are arranged and glued in place...

Space freighter under construction, with the assembled fuselage painted gray against a light background A space for an airlock has been cut out; the piece on the right will fit into it...

L'emplacement d'un sas est découpé, la pièce à droite viendra s'y loger...

Model of a space freighter under construction, with a metallic fuselage featuring portholes, resting on a work surface The shape of the "nose" and the cockpit has been finalized...

La forme du "nez" et du poste de pilotage est définie...

...As well as the general shapes...

Engine nozzles from a space freighter currently being assembled, with the exhaust grilles detached The main reactors are made from chemical anchors. The protective covers are cappuccino pods with the filters removed. The side nozzles are 1/6-scale Formula 1 wheel rims...

Model of a blue space freighter, rear view, showing its multiple propulsion nozzles Another view...

Model of a space freighter under construction, featuring a yellow central structure and threaded support rods The vessel will be placed above the ground with its hatch open. Jacks will hold it aloft. Threaded rods secured to brackets with screws, washers, and nuts will form a solid base...

More views...

Rear view of a space freighter model showing the detailed thrusters and propulsion engines Addition of additional engines (B-52 parts)...

Ajout de réacteurs supplémentaires (pièces de B52)...

Model of a space freighter under construction, featuring an orange frame, metal antennas, and gray details A view from below. Manufacturing the thrust reactor housing...

Une vue de dessous. Fabrication du caisson des réacteurs de poussée...

Four model engine nozzles from the space freighter, lined up against an orange background These are borrowed from Star Wars...

Ceux-ci sont empruntés chez Star-Wars...

Detailed nozzle assembly and engines at the rear of the space freighter model Setup. Large-scale motorcycle parts will complete the display...

Mise en place. Des pièces de motos à grosse échelle viendront compléter l'ensemble...

Model of a space freighter, viewed from the rear, showing the numerous propulsion nozzles and the transparent fuselage We're continuing to add details to the rear facade...

On continue le détaillage de la façade arrière...

Model of a space freighter showing the propulsion nozzles and the weathered orange fuselage The thrust reactors in position...

Les réacteurs de poussée en position...

Design

Front view of a space freighter model showing its four circular engines and side nozzles

Model of a space freighter, viewed from the rear, showing its numerous propulsion nozzles on the workbench Two views of the rear facade, which is taking shape...

Model of a space freighter under construction on a workbench, with nozzles, details, and scattered parts Let's continue detailing the aircraft around the perimeter...

On continue le détaillage de l'appareil par le pourtour...

Model of a space freighter under construction on a workbench, with parts and nozzles Close-up of the hull of a space freighter model showing various panels and glued components

That's the concept behind the models from the first Star Wars movies.

The main body is made from wood and plastic, and then detailed using dozens of parts from various model kits...

Model of a space freighter, viewed in profile, with a hull featuring detailed panels and thruster nozzles A view of all the glued-together pieces...

Une vue de l'ensemble des pièces collées...

Model of a space freighter under construction on the workbench, featuring interior details and cardboard structures

Detailed model of a space freighter with cargo compartments and thrusters The main assembly is complete... Note that the craft is 70 cm long...

Le détaillage principal est terminé... A noter que l'engin atteint les 70 cm de long...

Detailed model of a space freighter, viewed from below, featuring a copper-colored hull and numerous mechanical components Close-up of the space freighter model showing the textured hull and its multicolored panels More views...

Autres vues...

Model of a space freighter with a transparent canopy, thrusters, and mechanical details, mounted on a stand Detailed model of a space freighter, viewed from below, mounted on stands against a light-colored background

The removable
wedge

Orange interior of the space freighter model with a wheel mechanism and an assembled green frame The spacecraft's removable ramp lowers equipment to the ground using its retractable jacks. It is made of plastic...

Top view of a space freighter model featuring a cargo deck, vehicles, and detailed miniature craft It is also illustrated with various parts...

Elle est aussi détaillée à l'aide de pièces diverses...

Top view of a space freighter model showing the detailed deck and the green platform Model of a space freighter under construction, showing the open upper deck and its interior details Front view of a space freighter model with an open cargo hold and detailed orange interior fittings We're adding wiring around the perimeter...

On ajoute du câblage sur le pourtour...

Interior detail of a space freighter model featuring scratch-built decks, wiring, and equipment Details...

Détails...

A silver space freighter model under construction, with the detailed hull and engine section resting on the workbench A view of the hold laid out on the ground...

Une vue de la cale déposée au sol...

Top view of a space freighter model with a transparent canopy and a painted hull currently under construction The smooth surfaces and edges are sanded...

Les parties lisses et les arêtes sont poncées...

Paint Primer

A white space freighter model under construction, resting on a table, with portholes and hull details Initial primer coats and successive sanding sessions...

Premiers essais de peinture d'apprêt et ponçages successifs...

Model of a space freighter currently under construction, with a detailed upper hull raised above the base View from below...

Vue de dessous...

Model of a space freighter, viewed from the rear, showing its multiple nozzles and detailed thrusters Rear view...

Vue arrière...

Side view of a white space freighter model showing its thrusters and rear details More sanding of the hull...

Nouveaux ponçages de la coque...

Model of a space freighter currently being assembled, mounted on a wooden stand Model of a space freighter on stands, showing the underside—which is filled with mechanical structures—and the base Light gray space freighter model with an open access ramp and interior details under construction Gray space freighter model under construction, featuring surface details and thruster nozzles, resting on a workbench The keel has been primed...

La cale a reçu une couche d'apprêt...

Adding parts to the top of the cylinders...

Top view of a space freighter model with articulated arms and painted mechanical details ...and a close-up of the wedge...

...et détaillage de la cale...

Top view of a space freighter model showing the open cargo hold and interior mechanical details Paint the inside of the hold with matte black spray paint...

Peinture de l'intérieur de la cale en noir mat à la bombe...

Accessories

Model of a space freighter being assembled, featuring a crane, a red seat, and a nozzle A farm tractor converted into a research vehicle, stored in the lower hold below ground level...

Un tracteur agricole transformé en véhicule de recherche stocké dans la cale inférieure au sol...

Aoshima Road Ranger 1/48 scale model kit featuring a futuristic vehicle with figures A 1/48-scale Roadranger from Aoshima will serve as the exploration vehicle...

Un Roadranger à l'échelle 1/48ème de la marque Aoshima sera le véhicule d'exploration...

Gray model of a futuristic open-top six-wheeled vehicle with an antenna and a detailed cockpit It is painted with Humbrol 147 oil paint...

Il est peint à l'huile Humbrol 147...

Model of a futuristic khaki-green six-wheeled vehicle with an antenna and red seats Dry brush using beige 168 and white 34...

Brossage à sec avec un beige 168 + blanc 34...

Model of an armored space vehicle with figures in an open cockpit on a rail platform A finish made from Terre d'Ombre has been applied. Jet pilots will serve as the crew...

Un jus est passé en finition à base de Terre d'Ombre. Des pilotes de jet serviront d'équipage...

Finishes

Detailed model of a space freighter on a light-colored background for a model-building tutorial Re-sanding the hull and filling the gaps...

Nouveau ponçage de la coque et masticage...

A detailed model of a space freighter against a dark background during a step in the tutorial Front view...

Vue de face...

Rear view of the space freighter model showing the detailed thrusters and engines ...and back...

...et arrière...

Close-up of the white hull of a space freighter model with exposed mechanisms

Gray space freighter model on stands above a detailed diorama featuring a shuttle Model of a gray space freighter under construction, detailed oval hull as seen from above Finishing and detailing the top of the hull...

Finition et détaillage du dessus de la coque...

Painting

A gray space freighter model currently being assembled, placed on a cardboard base Hobby Color acrylic primers: gray FS 36 231 & FS 36 375. Dry brush with Humbrol gray 127–147 + white 34...

Bases acrylique Hobby Color gris FS 36 231 & FS36 375 brossé à sec Humbrol gris 127 - 147 + blanc 34...

Model of a green space freighter with a white vehicle on a ramp and a spaceship in the background The lower part of the keel is sprayed with a coat of green paint...

La cale inférieure reçoit une couche de vert à la bombe...

Model of a white and green space freighter with two detailed panels placed next to it Juices made with Humbrol matte black and chocolate 98...

Jus à base d'Humbrol noir mat et chocolat 98...

Top view of a space freighter model with its loading ramp extended, resting on a workbench Then dry brush in lighter shades...

Puis brossage à sec dans des tons plus clairs...

Model of a space freighter under construction, showing the detailed upper deck and the gray hull ...and painting the various elements...

...et peinture des différents éléments...

Interior detail of the space freighter model showing grating-covered decks, wiring, and weathered piping Details...

Détail...

The Setting

A piece of wood-textured cardboard with a pencil sketch of the space freighter's silhouette The base is a wooden panel measuring 82 cm by 41 cm. Holes have been drilled for the threaded support rods...

Model of an open-top space freighter with a loading ramp and a miniature armored vehicle The wedge serves as a guide for marking...

La cale sert de repère pour le traçage...

Glass jars filled with powder and sifted sand, with a small red strainer We're preparing powders and sand of various textures for the set, which will be a sandy floor...

On prépare des poudres et sable de différentes textures pour le décor qui sera un sol sableux...

Model of a space freighter set on a desert landscape diorama with a gangway and figures Next, prepare a fairly runny plaster mixture, add wood glue, and after spreading it out, sprinkle the mixture with the sieve and the various textures. Then spray the entire surface with very runny white glue...

Model of a space freighter on a diorama with a loading ramp and a ground vehicle A view of the finished floor...

Une vue du sol terminé...

Detailed gray space freighter model displayed on a sandy diorama with a small ground vehicle The ship, in turn, is painted with a mixture of umber and sienna, applied with a fine brush to the recesses and details...

Model of a gray space freighter with rear engines and a small vehicle on a base Rear view of the space freighter model showing the numerous propulsion nozzles and mechanical details

Model of a gray space freighter displayed on a diorama with a ground vehicle and a platform

Logos

Model of a gray space freighter with orange markings displayed on a sandy diorama After trying out various designs, a logo was chosen for the top of the hull...

Après différents essais, un logo est adopté pour le dessus de la coque...

Lettering cut out of a transparent grid-patterned film using a scalpel and a metal ruler

We use airbrush masking film to create the stencils...

Gray hull of the Urania II space freighter with stencil and adhesive masking tape prior to painting This very thin film adheres easily without peeling off the paint...

Ce film très fin adhère facilement sans arracher la peinture...

Close-up of the gray fuselage of the space freighter model bearing the inscription "Urania II" The result: a light white that won't be too "blinding"...

Le résultat : un blanc léger qui ne "flashera" pas trop...

Paper masks and stencils secured with tape to the space freighter model before painting Same process for the second logo...

Même procédé pour le second logo...

Model of a space freighter with red markings and a detailed white hull, viewed from above

Removing acrylic red...

Close-up of a model of a gray space freighter with orange markings, a number, and a pin-up decal We finish it off with orange spray paint in specks and some added striping and pin-up decals...

On termine avec de l'orange vaporisé en grains et des decals bandes et pin-up ajoutés...

Model of an aged-gray space freighter displayed on a sandy diorama with a small ground vehicle The model is finished...

Le modèle est terminé...

Model of a gray space freighter on a base, overlooking a detailed landing platform Some changes will be made, including: the reddish color of the floor, which is being repainted with acrylic paint...

Des changements seront effectués plus tard, dont : la couleur du sol rougeâtre, qui est repeint à l'acrylique...

Model of a six-wheeled space freighter with a fuel tank, crane, and accessories placed next to it ...The "Roadranger" is being phased out in favor of another, more suitable vehicle...