Shuttle Tydirium model

While studying model-building at Bemidji State University, my curriculum required a final project that focused on only one type of model (architectural, forensic, prototype, etc). I chose to build a special-effects model for filmmaking: the Shuttle Tydirium as featured in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.

This is a hand-made model, constructed mostly of crescent board, bleached tag, and bond paper. It boasts a 22" wingspan, glowing engines, a glowing instrument panel in the cockpit, landing lights on the bottom of the fuselage, and blinking navigation lights on each wingtip. The wings have practical hinges and fold up (manually).

A metal armature runs through the dorsal fin and into the bottom of the fuselage with threaded connectors at either end, covered by small access ports. This allows the model to be mounted on a rig for shots from above or below. All electrics are powered by a simple DC power adapter.

The finished product is shown here, composited against some generic backdrops for demonstration purposes. Between my homework and other studies, it took me nearly 6 months to build this model for my final project. I also built a stand and placard (not shown). It was definitely my favorite college assignment.