Wireframe Cobra Mk.III from Elite

thingiverse

The iconic Falcon DeLacey Cobra Mk. III from Elite!'s 1984 release takes center stage in this wireframe display model. With a 7-inch wingspan that's more conceptual than actual, this model is a testament to the creativity of its creator. The original files were sourced from an archive.org snapshot of WitchSpace, where someone had cleverly converted BBC files into VRML format. To bring it to life in openSCAD, I wrote custom code to transform the data. The 3mm diameter "wires" that make up this model are a delicate balance between precision and fragility. For those willing to take on the challenge, be warned: extensive model cleanup is inevitable, and patience will be rewarded. A new Xacto blade and gentle workmanship are essential for preserving the intricacies of this model. The original snapshot can be viewed here: http://web.archive.org/web/20090517122753/http://mackayj.doosh.net/eliteships.html Printing the ship as a single piece is possible, and I've included files to craft a sturdy acrylic display stand that will work with materials of any width at 3mm. The L-shaped piece is designed for easy 3D printing. Attaching the ship to its stand requires only M2 screws and nuts. Check out the photos for insight into how the stand assembles. A felt piece, cut using a laser at low power, should be glued to the base of the stand for a seamless look. If you're interested in adding an etched logo to your model's base, here's my approach: Spray the back side of the acrylic black, then carefully etch the text and images before cutting out the base. Finally, spray red over the etching, creating a smooth, engraved appearance from the other side. Experiment with contrasting colors to achieve the desired effect.