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GCU Sherman Build, Part 1

The GCU Sherman is featured in my novella, K’nat Trap. It’s a smaller frigate that uses three Class C stardrives. Here is my original drawing of it that I made probably in the nineties. I’ll attempt to build it from just one side view. Call me crazy.

As with all of my studio scale model builds, it all starts with a RenShape mounting block a hole for an aluminum rod and a set screw. All of the Starstrikers Era Alliance starships use PVC as their star drive tubes. The Sherman is a Class C frigate so I went with 2″ PVC pipes for the drives. I use the Gorilla White glue to attach the RenShape block to the PVC. Various weighted blocks hold them upright and the angle ruler keeps things level.

Below you can see the wood base with the 1/2 inch aluminum rod. I usually use 3/4″ rod, but opted for a bigger diameter for this starship. My C-stand will hold up this size just fine on the gobo head. You can also see my only drawing of the ship in this image.

In this picture you can see the RenShape blocks and the set screw. RenShape holds a thread real good for the set screws. On the desk behind the Sherman you can see the GCU Griffin model. They are the same scale.

The third star drive tube is glued on top of the others. I shortened the wooden base and added another block to it for support.

The first bit of superstructure to be built up is the keel. Seemed appropriate for a ship. I also sanded the PVC where I knew plastic sheets would eventually be glued over them for panels.