Rocky Moore
Model-Making Examples
R5-B2 Astromech Droid
Replica R5-series astromech droid from the 'Star Wars' films, using references from a prop built for "The Phantom Menace" (R5-X2 droid) to capture the specific head-shape of that version of the droid. Bodywork was made entirely from cardstock within two weeks and weighs less than ten pounds. Powered by three 10v DC motors. Uses entirely off-the-shelf hardware and designed to be as ergonomic as possible, to make the droid easier to take to conventions. She is pink, maroon, and heavily weathered.
Thunderbird 2 Scratch-Built Model
Built entirely from cardstock using original Derek Meddings orthographic photos for reference, built to 1/87th "HO Scale" for use with model trains. Has a working deployable pod bay, which was designed to hold two model boxcars, but also carries several scratchbuilt 'International Rescue' machines. The frame is sturdy enough to carry heavy ceramic pieces, and during my tenure at CCAD, I would use this model to carry many smaller projects.
Lighted Star Trek Models
A number of 'Polar Lights' and 'AMT' plastic kits finished, painted, and lighted to serve as desk lamps. The Enterprise (NCC-1701) serves as an example of my painting process, involving two coats of primer, three different subtle panel colors, and light-blocking to get the windows to glow on this small model.
San Francisco Cable Car Diorama
A working display model of a San Francisco cable car layout, which works on the same principle as the real thing, and can run automatically.Unlike a traditional electric train, the cable cars, in real life, have no motors of their own. Instead, a powerhouse runs a gigantic winch, constantly moving a cable underneath the track. When the cars want to move, they grip the cable and are pulled along, letting go of it to stop.The model does the same thing, but uses a roller chain in place of the cable, and a few magnets instead of the grip. At each end of the track is a bumper, which forces the car to stop. The magnet is forced to let go, until it loops around again, grabbing the car again from the other side, pulling it back the other way. No automation or electronics are necessary, the setup reverses itself endlessly. For some operational fun, I also included a turn-table at each end of the track, which, like the real cable-cars, is "hand-operated"No scenery on this one yet, so it's a nice example of my ability to make things out of available materials.
Wooden Marion Steam Shovel
A wooden model built for a class at CCAD, this working model of a Marion steam shovel runs on real steam, the drive coming from a Mamod SP2 steam toy given to me by my grandfather. The little engine spins its flywheel very quickly in one direction only, with no controls, so the shovel makes use of a very intricate gearbox (Made from Lego odds and ends!) with an output for raising and lowering the bucket, and another for "crowding" the shovel arm in and out. The result is a machine very much able to dig ditches, though a bit clumsy, much like the real steam shovels.
