Khetanna - Jabba's Sailbarge - Scratchbuilt Custom

Snaketibe · Jan 6, 2017

More amazing work!

Clarkspie&chips · Jan 9, 2017

I've been looking forward to an update on this one and was worried you'd given up.
Thanks for posting, what a cracking start to 2017

wbobafett · Jan 14, 2017

Thank you so much guys. Keep the comments coming!!! 8) 8)

UPDATE:

All pictures from this update can be found here:
http://swspaceclub.com/wbobafett/my-collection/customs/khetanna/khetanna2#14jan2017

Here we go on with the deck. Still some stuff and details missing:

No on with the frustrating part: The deck-cannon.
I am working on the cannon from time to time since the beginning. Because it's a toy and toy 3 3/4 inch figures should be used it was clear to me to use the Hasbro cannon. Therfore it was always important to include it in the planning also for the size. Here is some old pics:

So far so good, but the cannon always looked ridiculously oversized. I planed and built two sockets by now only to throw them into the bin.

So here we go again. Hasbro cannon modification: Most annoying to me was the back of the cannon and the very wide step to the side.

I also wanted the cannon still to fire the missiles, but the muzzles just looked wrong:

More modifictaions:

Buliding the base:

Proper end to the muzzles:

And now the worst case scenario. Some super glue found its way into the spring mechanism. The missiles don't launch anymore. I tried to release it with a scalpel, but the knob broke into pieces. Then I tried to drill 1 mm holes into the mechanism to add wires to connect it to the knob again...more things broke.......that is kind of very frustrating because I can't just dismantle the whole cannon without destroying most of the modifications.......I will need to think about this....for now it looks like this:

Comparison to Hasbro and the movie:

Hope you like it. Thanks for looking!

Grant_C · Jan 14, 2017

I love it mate.

If I was insanely rich I would request youbuild one for me for what im guessing would have to be a lot of money. This is brilliant.

Michael Sith · Jan 14, 2017

Superb, the detail on that canon is insane, great update 8)

DARTH VADER · Jan 15, 2017

Thanks again for the update, brilliant attention to detail.

I can relate to the issue of "something has not gone to plan...what should I do now..?" as I have faced that problem many times...you chose to take a breath and pause...it is always the best way...given time, you will decide what is right and continue with your masterpiece. Looking forward to seeing more in the future...

plantainman · Jan 15, 2017

wbobafett said:
And now the worst case scenario. Some super glue found its way into the spring mechanism. The missiles don't launch anymore. I tried to release it with a scalpel, but the knob broke into pieces. Then I tried to drill 1 mm holes into the mechanism to add wires to connect it to the knob again...more things broke.......that is kind of very frustrating because I can't just dismantle the whole cannon without destroying most of the modifications.......I will need to think about this....for now it looks like this:

The way I see it, This is a model NOT a toy, Therefore the look and aesthetics are far more important than any ability to be able to have 'play value' with the end result. I think the new modification to the cannon look absolutely fantastic and are very close to the movie screenshots, This for me is the #1 factor. The fact super glue has prevented the cannon from actually firing is not an issue IMO.
Appearance Appearance Appearance !
Well done & KUTGW

Snaketibe · Jan 15, 2017

Thank you for another brilliant update. Sorry to hear the cannon won't fire. That must be frustrating, but it still looks awesome. Since it's your project only you can decide whether you want to go back and fix it so that it does still fire, however whatever you decide on that, rest assured that the rest of us remain in total awe at the skill, scale, excellence and dedication you have shown in this project. The Khetanna looks fecking superb, whether the deck gun actually fires or not!

Palifan · Jan 15, 2017

plantainman said:
wbobafett said:

And now the worst case scenario. Some super glue found its way into the spring mechanism. The missiles don't launch anymore. I tried to release it with a scalpel, but the knob broke into pieces. Then I tried to drill 1 mm holes into the mechanism to add wires to connect it to the knob again...more things broke.......that is kind of very frustrating because I can't just dismantle the whole cannon without destroying most of the modifications.......I will need to think about this....for now it looks like this:

Click to expand...

The way I see it, This is a model NOT a toy, Therefore the look and aesthetics are far more important than any ability to be able to have 'play value' with the end result. I think the new modification to the cannon look absolutely fantastic and are very close to the movie screenshots, This for me is the #1 factor. The fact super glue has prevented the cannon from actually firing is not an issue IMO.
Appearance Appearance Appearance !
Well done & KUTGW

I do agree with this as it really does look fantastic with all of your modifications and seems a shame to have to start over on it. I can feel your pain though of it not being how you want it ( I used to make props for Aardman Animations before becoming an animator and know it's all in the details!). Have you tried a superglue debonder to try and get it working? It sounds like you have tried everything so this may well not work and whatever you decide to do will be the right decision for you. It really is a work of art though so don't beat yourself up too much over it.
Ian

user 5830 · Jan 15, 2017

That cannon is a thing of beauty in itself... totally understand your frustrations, but if it were me I'd keep it non-functioning and stunning looking rather than start again. Its too good to pull apart surely?
Either way, keep the goodness coming, this thing needs its own art gallery show (Matt Fox?) when completed... or maybe exhibiting at a toyfair/comicon/celebration/Farthest From?!?!?

wbobafett · Jan 16, 2017

Guys....thanks for the warm and encouraging relies here!!! Very very welcome and they helped so much!!! Many many many thanks. this was much appreciated!!! 8)

(PS: I got it working again for now

)

UPDATE:

All pictures from this update can be found here:
http://swspaceclub.com/wbobafett/my-collection/customs/khetanna/khetanna2#16jan2017

Okay...plan A, B and C failed. I removed all the stuff releasing the mechanism. I went with the most easy solution: I drilled holes into the top and got some wires to realease the cannons while pushing down. this works for now and can be removed (just pull)...that's good. The bad thing is: It wont work forever, at some point the top will break I think. Anyway...solution found for now and the knob will be placed in without glueing so I can make further repairs without breaking it apart.

New solution found also on the base. I always worked with blind rivets. But the base went into the bin to safe some height. And I have not enough thickness to the top deck ...I would damage the inner ceiling. Anway...I came up with another solution that makes the deck cannon also removable any time while going safe and strong without dangeling: pin + magnets!

It's all very close and narrow. that's why the handles to the back of the cannon were shortened:

All worth the final product:

One quick shot....all put together

Hope you like it and thanks for looking!

Snaketibe · Jan 16, 2017

You hope we like it?! I don't like it, I love it!

Congratulations on solving the firing problem, and for your ingenious use of magnets (I use them a lot myself for all kinds of things, including pinching the leaves of my DIY perspex-fronted display cabinets together to minimise the chances of dust entering :wink

. The finished gun looks fantastic and about a thousand times better than when Hasbro were left alone with it!

Thanks for another stellar update!

Palifan · Jan 16, 2017

A true work of art and such a good solution to the problems you faced. It look stunning and I knew you would get it 'fully operational'!

Ian

wbobafett · Jan 20, 2017

Thanks guys. 8) 8)
UPDATE:

All pictures from this update can be found here:
http://swspaceclub.com/wbobafett/my-collection/customs/khetanna/khetanna2#20jan2017

On with the deck. Last paneling to the floor:

Details with cables for the gun:

Details to the back wall and the doors/windows behind:

Comparison:

Old problem: The paneling to the top inside is falling apart....ever since. The problem here is I have added those after priming. The glue and the primer don't work well together it seems. After reglueing parts with super glue from time to time it all went worse plus they still fall down from time to time. I have to fix this before painting. Only solution seems to be doing it again: Removing the parts, sanding....a lot of sanding and glueing new parts.

A detail for the masts...sort of speakers/megaphones?

Hope you like it. Thanks for looking!

Wolff

Snaketibe · Jan 21, 2017

Another great update. Sorry to hear about the problems with the glue and primer not working well together, but once again you impress with your persistence and dedication to this project. I'm quite certain you will overcome the obstacles.

Well done on the speakers! They look terrific

user 5830 · Jan 21, 2017

Speakers look ridiculously good! So amusing to see a plastic seahorse (cocktail stirrer?!?!) being used as a raw material. You Sir are a genius!!!

wbobafett · Jan 22, 2017

Thanks guys!

I am planing to get a unicorn built in too.... :lol:

UPDATE:

All pictures from this update can be found here:
http://swspaceclub.com/wbobafett/my-collection/customs/khetanna/khetanna2#22jan2017

Fixing the partitions with magnets. I need to remove them again for painting, so this is probably the best solution.

Forgot to add an detail to the cannon:

Finsihed the seiling from the throne room:

And now....finally all parts are primed and can be put together:

Next up: Finishing the two Ishi Tib gargoyles and fixing the Rancor statue.

Hope you like it. Thanks for looking!

Tarkin's nosehair · Jan 22, 2017

Stunning work Wolf....just beautiful

Palifan · Jan 22, 2017

Fantastic looking all primed, everything looks so clean and neat that it's definitely worth all the effort you've put in.

Can't wait to see this complete (as I'm sure you can't either), such a work of art and you may need to go out to a beach just to get a few pictures of it against the sand backdrop.

Ian

Snaketibe · Jan 22, 2017

Another terrific update! This keeps on getting better and better. Thanks once again for sharing your efforts with the rest of us.

bosk70 · Jan 22, 2017

great updates, for the sketchy glue areas have you tried scouring the area and then contact adhesive, longer to dry but stronger bond, or two part resin, you may have to clap whilst drying

wbobafett · Jan 25, 2017

Thanks a lot guys for the comments. I personally think its too late to start on new methods....gluewise...I am almost done only missing the masts and sails. Anyway...I will keep suggestions in mind for the next project for sure

UPDATE:

All pictures from this update can be found here:
http://swspaceclub.com/wbobafett/my-collection/customs/khetanna/khetanna2#25jan2017

Last bits and pieces. Started the Ishi Tib gargoyle some while ago:

Now up on finishing it. As already said...I am not really good in sculpting. But it does the job and its better in real life then looking on the pictures

After duplicating some smoothing and primer:

Now all pieces are done for the rear part, just waiting for beeing assembled

Next up: assembled rear and some beauty shots (hopefully

)

Hope you like it. Thanks for looking!

theforceuk · Jan 25, 2017

Amazing build, can't wait to see the finished ship.

Thanks for posting your update.

Snaketibe · Jan 26, 2017

Another great update. Those Ishi Tib heads look fantastic!

wbobafett · Jan 28, 2017

Thanks a lot!!!

UPDATE:

All pictures from this update can be found here:
http://swspaceclub.com/wbobafett/my-collection/customs/khetanna/khetanna2#28jan2017

Assembled rear......finally:

Hope you like it. Thanks for looking!

Andyclarke · Jan 28, 2017

Wow amazing stuff. Love it. What a talented artist you are. I'm always amazed at how people can make something from nothing. You should be very proud of what you have done so far and look forward to the finished model.

Snaketibe · Jan 28, 2017

Yes, completely agree. It looks amazing and puts Hasbro's efforts on their ships to shame. I always wished they had made a Khetanna, but having seen yours, anything Hasbro made would simply be a disappointment!

Thanks for the update and keep up the good work!

wbobafett · Jan 30, 2017

Many thanks!!!

and here we go...

UPDATE:

All pictures from this update can be found here:
http://swspaceclub.com/wbobafett/my-collection/customs/khetanna/khetanna3#30jan2017

Some shots of the current inside look: