E.T. Starship ULTIMATE EDITION Homepage
This is the PHONE HOME ONE starship scale model. It's about 1:2 to the studio filming miniature for the film. This kit is part of my tribute series to the golden age of movie special effects - when actual models were shot in camera without the use of computers. A scratch-built, true labor of love. I saw this model in 2008 at the sci fi museum in Seattle and the photos I took that day are all around the interwebs. I scratchbuilt version 1 of this model that summer and have, over the years, made improvements. In 2022 I decided to take this model all the way home with a complete re-master with the aid of modeling and 3D printing technology.
edit: LED lights on amazon are sometimes discontinued. Here are more current listings: I haven't used these yet but they should suffice: Amazon.com : imenou chasing effect led strip lights, battery powered waterproof RGBW neon dreaming color flexible rope light strip USB powered tv backlight for diy home decoration (2m/6.56feet)
Today I present to you, the ULTIMATE EDITION OF THE E.T. STARSHIP.
**ELECTRONICS DEMONSTRATED IN MY TUTORIAL SERIES IS HERE:Amazon.com: imenou Chasing Effect Led Strip Lights, Battery Powered Waterproof RGBW Neon Dreaming Color Flexible Rope Light Strip USB Powered TV Backlight for DIY Home Decoration (2m/6.56feet) : Tools & Home Improvement
There is now a 5 part build-up tutorial series for this project. Give it a look (follow the links to see all 5 episodes:
You can follow my progress here: (4) Dream Studios | Facebook
This is what I'm calling THE ULTIMATE EDITION of the E.T. Starship. Take note of the engine bell supports. They used to be 63 separate parts. They are now 9 parts. I said it: 9. Made in a very specific matrix I developed using 3 different MSLA resins. The antenna has been 100% reworked for accuracy. All the extras including the mini E.T.s, laser cut screens, etched grated acrylic ramp, and bell endcaps, etc.. are included in this ultimate edition. There are no seamlines to clean. This model builds itself. This build will be accomplished on camera as a 2-3 day build coming shortly. I'll demonstrate both ALCAD and SPECTRACHROME finishes on the dome. I have a few more corrections to make, namely slightly re-shaping the 9 engine bells, tapering the middle hull ring and re-working the landing gear. For reference on the size, I'm including a photo of the Mark 3 with Dee Wallace from 7 years ago.
The laser-etched ramp panels look like this once painted:
If you watch my 2022 video tutorial you will see I created an DELUXE ADD-ON KIT PACKAGE that includes laser cut light diffusion strips, laser cut foam and styrene, and pvc tubing that creates the optional inner light core. This is an add-on for an extra cost. Electronics not included.
Most of your LEDs and 2 light chase LED strip can be purchased on Amazon for less than $50-$60. My 4 part video tutorial details how to use them.
Each ULTIMATE EDITION includes a set of 2 E.T. figures (SLA resin printed)
FOR THE ULTIMATE EDITION, THE ANTENNA HAS BEEN RULLY RE-WORKED IS NOT OFFERED LIKE THIS WITH EACH KIT:
Description
The E.T. Starship ULTIMATE EDITION kit
- 1 x dome
- 1 x middle hull
- 1 x lower hull
- upper vent ring
- lower vent ring
- antenna base
- antenna tower (4 parts 3D printed)
- lower hull ring (laser cut acrylic)
- ramp frame x 2
- ramp detail (laser engraved acrylic)
- 9 x engine bells
- 9 x engine bell connectors
- 9 x engine bell bottom (laser cut)
- 9 x engine bell screens (laser cut)
- 3 x feet
- 3 x landing foot mount (4 parts - 12 parts total)
- 2 x diffusion material (laser cut)
- 4 x blue acrylic inset (for main engine)
Fully assembled it stands almost 18" tall. The biggest benefit to this kit is the engine mounts. They are 9 pieces in total because I'm able to SLA print them in one piece instead of dozens of resin cast parts)
OUTDATED TUTORIALS:
The story of how this model was produced:
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In 2009 I had a chance to visit the ILM-built filming miniature used in E.T. The Extra Terrestrial. I ADORE this film and really love the ship design (designed by Ralph McQuarrie) so starting right there, while standing next to this awesome film-used model, I decided to build it when I got back to the studio. I took as many reference photos as I could manage, and a few weeks later I started planning out the construction of the model.
PHOTO OF THE LASER CUT ACRYLIC UPGRADE COMPONENTS:
We are working on the first finished model. Follow the blogspot on this exciting project HERE!
Click thumnail below to visit the MAKING OF: Phone Home One
Kit Unboxing/breakdown
Check back again soon for a gallery of a chromed completed Phone Home One with full lighting effects.
The buildup we are working on utilizes a chrome plated upper dome. In the film you can clearly see the dome is mirrored (to help disguise it). The film-used model is more of a spun aluminum surface, but the buildup we are building will be more similar to the craft's appearace on film which is highly reflective like this:
GA Replica:
Film-used:
ANIMATED PHOTO GALLERY
RETURN TO THE STUDIOS SCALE MODEL PAGE
Completed Tutorial!
