Customs: Need Scratchbuilt Details Opinion

Discussion in 'Creative General Discussion' started by Boggs6ft7, Oct 8, 2007.

  1. Boggs6ft7

    Boggs6ft7 TFW2005 Supporter

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    I'm working on a scratchbuild project right now and have run into a snag.

    I need to build a hinge, and while getting a hinge that works as just a hinge isn't a problem, its an aesthetics issue.

    Making it where the hinge shows and works is easy, however making it hidden and work is not. Also, showing the hinge will make the figure look ugly.

    So, do I go for a more pleasing looking figure, or more accurate details? The hinges in question do not have anything to do with the transformation, just extra details.

    I'm puposely not saying what I'm working on because I don't want to feel stupid if I never finish it, I already have too many other projects waiting to be finished.
     
  2. Donocropolis

    Donocropolis Well-Known Member

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    I already know what it is, and I'm going to tell everyone.
     
  3. MegaMoonMan

    MegaMoonMan OFFICIAL MMM REP

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    Have you considered a different type of hinge?

    It would really help to know at least what the part is, its function, and how it relates to the rest of the figure in order to understand the engineering aspects of it.
     
  4. Boggs6ft7

    Boggs6ft7 TFW2005 Supporter

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    Yes, I've looked at all types of hinges.

    But basically, its a panel the opens up, while closed, the panel is raised above the surface, but flat against it.

    Example: 20th Anniv. Prime's communicator arm panel thingys, it would be like that, but instead of going down flush, it would sit raised above the rest of the arm. Otherwise, I would use that type of hinge.
     
  5. MegaMoonMan

    MegaMoonMan OFFICIAL MMM REP

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    So why not use that same kind of pivot hinge for it? Instead of having an exposed piano-type hinge (which is what I'm assuming you are talking about), you could create a raised divot point on either side of the panel for it to swing out on. You could even cut out the corners of the panel, so the hinge would fit within the area of the panel. It's hard to explain what I mean, and I can't think of an example.

    I'm not sure if that would fit on whatever your idea is, but it may look better than what you are thinking.
     
  6. Boggs6ft7

    Boggs6ft7 TFW2005 Supporter

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    I know where you live, well not really, but I can Mapquest it.
     
  7. Boggs6ft7

    Boggs6ft7 TFW2005 Supporter

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    That would work, but.... its supposed to look flat all over and I can't make the hinges small enough. If I could make the hinges as thick as my panel, then it would work great, unfortunately, they are thin.

    Which makes me want to choose aesthetics.

    But you gave me some more ideas, thanks.
     
  8. MegaMoonMan

    MegaMoonMan OFFICIAL MMM REP

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    I drew a pic of what I meant -

    [​IMG]

    Hope that helps give you some ideas. If it's too small to pin, you could replace the pin with a couple of little nubs on either side to pivot on. A lot of work for a hinge, to be sure, but it would look nearly flat like you want.
     
  9. Erector

    Erector I ruined the Hall of Fame

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    MS Paint ftw!

    I guess it's not in a position where you can pin it easily then
     
  10. TonyzCustomz

    TonyzCustomz TFW2005 Supporter

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    MMM has the right idea and thats probably the only way it will look nice and flush.
     
  11. Boggs6ft7

    Boggs6ft7 TFW2005 Supporter

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    MMM, that would work if I make the panel I have thicker.

    I'm going to try a few more things and see how I like it.

    For the custom itself, I think it is minor, but I'm trying to make it as detailed as possible.

    Thanks for the help.
     
  12. Lobo

    Lobo Well-Known Member

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    What about a sliding hinge like this.

    [​IMG]
     
  13. Boggs6ft7

    Boggs6ft7 TFW2005 Supporter

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    Hmmm, that may work too.

    How small can I get these model aircraft hinges?
     
  14. Greyryder

    Greyryder Kitbashed

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    Another option, depending on thesize of this piece, is to put the hinge itself under the lower suface, and behind the panel. Then, connect the panel to the hinge with one or two curved swing arms. It would be similar to how a lot of diecast cars' doors are hinged.
     
  15. Boggs6ft7

    Boggs6ft7 TFW2005 Supporter

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    This was acutally the first way I tried doing the hinge, just couldn't get it to move in a natural way.
     
  16. REDLINE

    REDLINE longer days, plz? Veteran

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    I have aircraft hinges on my Motormaster trailer, they're only about 1 mm thick, 11 mm wide, and 1 and 1/16th inches long, could be cut down as they're vinyl w/ metal pin
     
  17. Boggs6ft7

    Boggs6ft7 TFW2005 Supporter

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    Tiny hinges FTW!

    I picked up some model airplane hinges tonight while making a run to the hobby shop. It looks like they should work out nicely. Now its back to work on the scratchbuild.

    [​IMG]
     
  18. Donocropolis

    Donocropolis Well-Known Member

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    I wish I had an actually hobby shop somewhere near me. If they don't sell it at Hobby Lobby, I have a hard time getting it.