Hi Everyone! It has been many...many years since I have built a scale model of anything. But I love to build all sorts of things, both big and small and complex. I came across a 'Build the Millennium Falcon' on YouTube and was instantly captivated by both the detail of the model...and the build process. I was HOOKED! I'm generally a patient person...but 25 Months was way too long for me...so I decided on the 12 Month build. I started a shopping list for tools and supplies based on YouTube videos and Forum posts. Amazon and Ebay got used to prep for the build.

Finally, pull the trigger April 14, 2017 and ordered the 12 Month subscription to DeAgostini's Build the Millennium Falcon. Yeah! But...I still had to let my wife know about 'another project' I was starting. That went fairly well over a couple of shared Margaritas. My Month 1 (Issues 1-4)package arrived on April 25th, along with a Subscription Binder, and the Falcon Paint Set I also ordered. Month 2 (Issues 5-8) were not in the shipment...but Customer Service was contacted and I hope to get the package soon.

My Build Goals:
Based on what I have seen from other builders...I have made some decisions on how I will proceed.
1) Light blocking all the hull pieces and anything that else that may benefit.
2) Wait to repaint the entire hull near the end... not piece by piece.
3) Add additional lighting (both fiber optics and LEDs)
4) Enhance the interior detail with some ParaGrafix, Shapeways, and other components.
5) Add an Arduino to control the various lighting features, maybe with sound too.
6) 'Document' the part counts in each issue and add-on...so I have a total build number in the end. I'm betting a couple thousand.
6) Take and share photos of the build in progress.
7) And the most important...do my very best to not screw it up.

With that in mind..I have been gearing up over the last couple of months with the necessary tools and supplies for the build. And now the fun begins!!! May the 4th be with you!

Thank you Delboy! I am looking forward to the build. The parts I have received are excellent quality and look forward to sharing the build progress.

Now where does this screw go?????

Welcome to the forum Doug. You've picked a mighty fine model., you can make this one however you want with your own imagination. Good luck and I look forward to seeing some pictures soon.

Regards
Mark

Welcome Doug. It's such a fun kit to build. This was my first model also in about 20 years, and it's been the time of my life. Lit a fire under me to get back into it. Looking forward to seeing your build.

Welcome, look forward to seeing your progress.
Best of luck on your build.

Welcome to the forum, the falcon is a great build.

Graeme

Thank you all! I'm taking it slow and easy and not rushing anything. But here are a few photos...I hope I figure this out.

(Uploads successful...but did not get them next to their topics, so they are at the end. )

My very first shipment of Month 1 (issues 1-4).

And my first shipment from ParaGrafix.

And Issue 2 with the Quad Laser Turret with incorrect window orientation. Will need to fix.

The basic metal frame assembly started. The Quad Laser Turret window orientation corrected. Cannon assembled after removing most of the obvious seams. While not totally true to the original model...they did not expect people to be able to get within inches of it to check the details. And since I do...I will go the extra mile to hide the more obvious mold seams.


And the question for the experts. The barrels of the Quad Laser Cannons are inserted into a slot in the laser cannon base...but mine are pretty loose and one falls out even. I intend to glue them, but is there any reason for them to not be secured with glue?

Thanks for your help!

Hope your build starts off well.

That is a nice set of parts to get yourself started.

Doug, I live down the road from you in Portland and would love to take a look at your progress. I'm waiting for my first shipment of Falcon parts.

Hey there Scott, welcome to the forum. I am the other forum support member for the US. I will also be here to help the best can. Looking forward to seeing your progress on this kit.