Bat cave Atomic Pile

[svl]

You could always cheat it and do the cuts with paint instead...

[maniac cop 5]

Got my fingers crossed this works out so good luck!
"Measure twice, cut once".

[STP Swallowthispill]

You could always cheat it and do the cuts with paint instead...

I am not sure that would work I would still have the same problem.

Charles

[STP Swallowthispill]

Got my fingers crossed this works out so good luck!
"Measure twice, cut once".

Actually in this case it's measure twice cut 16 times, 4 times per side.

Charles

[svl]

No- I meant don't cut it at all, and use paint to achieve the ILLUSION of the cuts.

[STP Swallowthispill]

No- I meant don't cut it at all, and use paint to achieve the ILLUSION of the cuts.

See the size of the railing from the middle post to the end of the sign.
The bottom photo with Alfred in it is the one I am using for my model.
But you can really see in the top photo the size difference in the railing from the middle post to the ladder.
Now some may say why not just cut it once and widen that side well then the middle post would be off from the rest of it. The only way to do it is to widen it 3/4 inch on both sides thus giving the 1 1/2 inch overall size increase and leaving the middle post in proportion correctly.



Compared to what I have.



The railing is way too short I actually noticed this awhile back but it did not stand out as bad until I made the sign. I cannot see anyway around it I have to cut and lengthen the entire thing.
We could photo shop it to look right but I would still be left with the actual model that is wrong.

I think I did pretty good on the sign I made it from scratch in MS Paint.

Charles

[Lou Szabo]

Charles,
That looks great!

[STP Swallowthispill]

Charles,
That looks great!

Sorry I took so long to answer your post.
I have been a little mad at myself for cutting the AP to attempt the re-sizing.
Turns out I did not consider one thing structural stability which I cannot regain by gluing extention sections in place on all four sides top and bottom catwalks.
This has forced me to re-think the whole project I am going to attempt to re-build the top section from scratch this time the right size.
I would post photos of the AP after the cuts were made but I cannot bare to look at the real thing much less the photos.
I will not be posting for awhile just bare with me I don't know how long it is going to take to re-build it. Right now it is in 3 pieces.

Charles

[STP Swallowthispill]

Well the crying is over and I can now show you what I was crying about.



















I see no way of regaining structural stability without rebuilding the upper and lower catwalks the right size.
I should have been satisfied with what I had but the perfectionist in me would not have it that way.
But as they say mistakes are fuel for learning and I will not make that mistake again (At least I will try not to).

Don't fret fans of this project it will rise again!
As soon as I get the money for new materials work is slow right now.

Charles

[maniac cop 5]

I understand what you mean. I can't count how many projects of mine I have trashed because of my OCD about imperfections. I think you were wise to step away and get some breathing room in order to regroup.
This is a great project and it's difficulty will make it even more worthwhile in the end.
Hang in there. We're rooting for you!

[STP Swallowthispill]

I understand what you mean. I can't count how many projects of mine I have trashed because of my OCD about imperfections. I think you were wise to step away and get some breathing room in order to regroup.
This is a great project and it's difficulty will make it even more worthwhile in the end.
Hang in there. We're rooting for you!

Thanks Man I was not satisfied with the original anyway I knew the main part was too small way before I put in the railings I just did not want to start over then but in hindsight I should have.
I actually think this time around will be easier as I had to learn and figure out a lot of stuff that I won't have to do this time just repeat what I did only bigger.
At least I can still use the legs of the old one that's one thing I won't have to re-make.

Charles

[STP Swallowthispill]

Hi all I have not posted in awhile so I thought I would bring you up to speed with the project.
I am currently awaiting a new layout drawing for the upper two catwalks.
My son is working on that and is real good at photoshop.
I have not yet started the re-build but I am fabricating a plan to do so that will be different than my first approach.
First instead of waiting until the entire thing is built before painting I am thinking of building it in stages and painting the stages unassembled.
This will allow me to get into places I was worried about painting on the finished model.
This is only an Idea and I need some advise as to if it is a good or bad idea.
Also I really need help on choosing paint colors here is my thoughts on this.

The legs.....Silver
The bands around the legs .....dark gray
The trim.....Red
The railings and catwalks.....Turquise

What do you guys think?
Charles

I asked this question on October 31st I waited patiently for a reply but got nothing.
I remember this forum being a lot more helpful in the past.

Charles

[Batguy1966]

HI Charles,
Been a stalker on this forum for a while but newly registered. Hopefully with the Blue Ray set released it helped you on your question. Reason I joined is I am building a 1:18 Batcave myself and was inspired by a lot of your work. Where did you get the original blue print/ floor-plan?

BG66

[Batguy1966]

Hi Charles,
Looks great so far. I am building one of these as well(with a bit of a fun twist). I don't have a ton of true modeling experience but I have done a number of customs in my past. I would love to see so more updates from you and how far you have gotten.

[Lou Szabo]

Some recent photos that may help with colors

Cave from life