Landspeeder

Full-Size Sit-In Display Prop - From the sands of Tatooine

This is a full size sit-in Landspeeder ala SW Episode 4. I wanted to share this project since
the person I created this design for appears to have lost interest in the project. This design starts with an external block model, then contines into an interior construction breakdown.

I am not setting out a full set of dimensioned blueprint documents, but representative renders from a number of views. Besides, the dimensions are still speculative.

Amazingly, there are not a lot of accurate blueprints floating around publically for this vehicle. I do have the set licenced by Lucas through Ballantine (IIRC) back in the late 70's (and re-released ad infinitum). Oddly, the speeder depicted in that venerable set is not even the Luke "hero" type but another style, perhaps either used as a background unit or an abandoned design. Many other drawings on the net are asymetrical, misformed, or freestyle, not to mention grossly disagreeable on the dimensions. The few 3D models out there suffer similar issues.

Consequently, after many hours of research at Google University, I decided that I had to make my own blueprint set. I had to start by choosing a reasonably accurate prototype to measure and pantograph. I decided on the Revell 1:14 model kit. I selected this because it is more recent and so hopefully less inaccurate, and large enough that the measurements are easily taken. Trusty micrometer in hand, I spent a number of hours measuring and building a block model in 3D using Autodesk Inventor.

One of the first things I noticed is that the nominal scale of 1:14 is way off. By my estimate, more like 1:18-1:20 scale. A little more research revealed the origin of the car frame used to build the hero operating vehicle built for close-ups. A little 3 wheel car called the Bond Bug (or a sister model) popular in the UK at the time (for no reason I can easily discern) was stripped to its bare bones chassis. On-set and production photos show the rear wheel-set visible when the body case is off. Cockpit photos sometimes show the stick shift of the Bug, still serving its function.

Since the dimensions for the Bond Bug are readily available on Wikipedia, I was able to get a more reliable width to scale from. Even then, I made the scale a bit bigger since the foot-well is only big enough for a smurf, and not a big one at that.

From the detailed block model, I started designing an external skin to go around a grid network interior intended to be CNC cut in 3/4" cabinet grade plywood (we do this at work all the time).

I don't intend to build a fiberglass shell, since that would still involve building a near-finished master positive, then having the extra expense of the molding and casting process. I'm not building a fleet, after all. Also, I am not a fan of fiberglass fabrication.

The engine caps would be 3D printed in FDM then molded and cast or just reprinted as FDM is fast and economical now.

Size: about 10 feet long

Material: Plywood, Wood, Plastic

Approach: Completely Custom!

Client: Private client

Software:

Autodesk Inventor