BATTLE BEYOND THE STARS NELL STARSHIP

Welcome to the NELL STARSHIP webpage.  This model is made in appreciation of practical visual effects and the very *ahem* UNIQUE feminine design created by then visual effects man James Cameron for the film BATTLE BEYOND THE STARS (1980). Build blog reports can be seen here: facebook.com/letsmakethestuff

Nell is now available as a set of files for 3D printing.   She is also available as a physical kit through my partnership with 8K miniatures.  Default scale is 1:120th.

 Video instructions for building and painting Nell:

PART 1 (assembly, electronics, base, base-painting):

PART 2 (final assembly, weathering):

Nell separates into the following components:

1. LEFT NACELLE
2. RIGHT NACELLE
3. HULL FORWARD
4. HULL AFT
5. 3 ENGINE INSERTS (optional)
   
6. CABIN
7. NELL AI
8. CANOPY
9. optional clear marble (optional)
   

The 3D files include several options for this ship including a one-piece Nell with cockpit attached, a one piece Nell with detached cockpit, split Nell, split hollowed nell, split hollowed Nell with keys.  All of these options give you flexability in your 3D printing experience.  A skilled hobbiest will be able to start with any of these options and customize shell thicknesses, segment locations, orientations, etc..etc..   I recommend printing the hollowed keyed nell.  This will allow you access to the interior for installing LED lights into the cockpit and 3 engines.

Sample buiild up on a print scaled at 80% of default scale:

Her complex color in photos shifts depending on the lighting conditions.

 

Please keep in mind the DEFAULT SCALE of a 3D print model is merly a SUGGESTION. It is inconsequential.  You can customize the size of your model by increasing or decreasing the scale before you print.  I have video instructions on how to do this in two steps using free software (Cura). 

At DEFAULT SCALE she works out to be 1:120th. Here's the specs at default scale. Of course, this is only a suggestion; increase or decrease size in your slicer before printing.

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$49 USD digital file set (no physical media).

NELL DIGITAL FILE SET (no physical media)

NELL DIGITAL FILE SET (no physical media) $49.00 USD

If you would like to scale Nell UP or DOWN, it's very easy.  Just follow these instructions:

HOW IT WAS MADE

The rough shaping begins...

 Shapes are refined with mechanical pits forming into her surface:

Nacelles begin taking on their final form. Evolution continues....

Panel line experimentation happens alongside sample 3D prints.

 Panel lines are developing along with final body refinements and high details:

The cockpit module takes shape:

Panel lines are progressing:

3D PRINTING AND BUILDING NELL:

RETURN TO STUDIO SCALE MODELS

RETURN TO 3D MODELS