Building Hawk's Fighter from Buck Rogers

This video follows the assembly, painting and detailing of a 3D printed replica of Hawk's ship as seen in season 2 of Buck Rogers in the 25th Century TV show. The files are available on CGtrader and consists of 16 easy to assemble pieces. In this video I demonstrate a layering technique for painting the wing tips. Weathering and detailing of the model is also shown. The video concludes with a final reveal of the completed project.
Chapters
0:00
0:22 Introduction to the build
2:06 Remeniscing about Buck Rogers the TV show
3:20 Reference photos and reviewing plans for the build
6:47 Reviewing the parts
11:12 Using Dymo labeling tape to scribe panel lines
13:25 Layer painting technique for the wings
17:18 Painting, weathering
20:46 Cockpit windows and pilot
22:50 Final Reveal
26:11 Closing Comments
Links
Model designed by CG Morph
www.cgtrader.com/3d-print-mod...
byyourcommand.net (studio miniature pictures)
www.byyourcommand.net/cylonga...
Pilot figure
www.thingiverse.com/thing:176...
Colors used
Main hull color: Americana's LIght Buttermilk combined with a few drops of Vallejo Model Air Burnt Umber
Colors for panels: Black, Ivory, Burnt Sienna, Burnt Umber, Khaki and Model Air Burnt Umber

[@cperez1263]

This was the ship of my dreams when I first watched this episode so many years ago. Thanks for sharing. Subscribed.

[@InterstellarModeler]

You’re welcome. Thanks for your kind words and for subscribing

[@the-kevinlc]

Oh wow! What a blast from the past for me. I haven't seen this since 1981, but I instantly recognized it. At least there's something memorable about that season! This made me think of something else from 1981 that was pretty "fowl" in its own right -- Condorman!

[@InterstellarModeler]

Thanks....great memories for sure

[@eg395]

I agree, this SHOULD have been a model years ago to go along with the Starfighter kit. You did an awesome job! 👍🏼

[@InterstellarModeler]

Thanks so much.

[@SteveWhite1970]

I remember this so well. I remember building Hawk's ship out of cardboard when I was about 10 years old! Excellent build as ever Oggie

[@InterstellarModeler]

Thanks so much. I recall making things out of stuff I had available too. Fond memories for sure. Appreciate your kind compliments

[@emilflognoid1532]

Heck yes, I made it out of legos more than once

[@tombower450]

Nice little kit even if it's not 100% screen accurate. Anyone under 40 probably won't have any idea what it is. Buck Rogers was made close to the end of the "disco" era and the show definitely reflected it. You did an great job in the building and painting of it. The figure was a nice touch. 👍👍

[@InterstellarModeler]

Thanks...yes totally agree. It's the reason the show looks so dated these days but the ships....were cool. Thanks for watching

[@tombower450]

@@InterstellarModeler yes, the ships were definitely cool even if the show itself was kinda cheesy. The main reason I watched was for Erin Gray.

[@brentfox7068]

That model came out great! Thanks for giving detail on the simulated wood painting technique. :)

[@InterstellarModeler]

You're very welcome. Thanks for your compliments too

[@HobbyLinkInternational]

This is such a beautiful build! I especially love the wings. Great job as always my friend!

[@InterstellarModeler]

Thanks so much Kenny

[@aztekdummy]

Excellent work! my experience with magnets has taught me that you don't have to go magnet to magnet, I keep dulled xacto blades handy so i can break off a part and glue it opposite the magnet. works just fine and it's a lot cheaper

[@InterstellarModeler]

Thank you very much. And That’s a great tip Lou. I’ll keep that in mind.

[@ianfleetwood8804]

I remember this being the best thing from season 2 along with Thom Christopher Mr Spock approach to the character where Gil Gerald would had been Kirk. To me having something that looks like something from the show reminds me of kits from the past where we were happy with what we got and not bothered that details was missing unlike today were we want everything accurate. A very nice build and the scale looks fine. I have looked at this seller myself and you sir are the first to show one of his kits.. Thank You

[@InterstellarModeler]

Thanks so much. Yes very true about not being concerned too much about accuracy. I did contact the designer and he's gonna check out the reference I gave him. I'd keep an eye out to see if any modifications are made. The rest of his stuff looks great too. I definitely will be looking at doing more of his designs. Appreciate you watching

[@planetpopvideos4418]

Hawk was pretty much a wasted character. After the first episode, he didn't really get that much to do.

[@ScaleModelGeek]

I always was a fan of that craft except it's landing legs. Thought that was a dumb idea but I get what they were trying to achieve. Cool build.

[@InterstellarModeler]

Lol...yes they are impractical. Cant imagine they would ever be able to hold a ship up but the effects were cool. Thanks so much for watching.

[@kudukilla]

The talons made for a plot point. Hawk used them to grab onto Buck’s fighter, but Hawk’s mate was in the back, and a talon went into her, and it killed her.

[@conrailfan6277]

Very nice model Oggie, I was a Teenager when Buck Roger's Aired on TV I had a crush on Erin Gray!!! I have been contemplating getting into 3D printing, both my Son in Laws have been into it for about 3 years now and have printed some modern water towers for me in HO scale for my Conrail layout but now I'm switching to N Scale so I'm going to need new prints!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@InterstellarModeler]

That’s great. 3d printing has brought so much to our hobby. And Yeah i was a fan of Erin Gray too. Got to meet her in person once and she was very nice. Thanks for watching.

[@briancalibergbmd]

So cool!! The very first model I ever built was in 1979 and was the Draconian fighter from Buck Rogers.

[@InterstellarModeler]

brings back a lot of great memories no doubt. Thanks so much for your compliment

[@outofthisworldmodelsandmin898]

Great job on the build and paint! I'm loving your technique for the wood grain/feather effect. -John

[@InterstellarModeler]

Thank u very much.

[@scifiguy26]

Nice 👍 thanks for the tip on how to do that feathered look with the paint & the Hawk pilot figure now I know what to do with mine 👌

[@InterstellarModeler]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching

[@michaelhintzmikesminiature1812]

Always thought it was a Cool ship. Always hoped the came out with a toy of it. You did an Awesome job on it. Thanks for sharing

[@InterstellarModeler]

Thank you

[@planetpopvideos4418]

That ship was the best thing about that episode! 😂

[@InterstellarModeler]

Yes it was. Totally agree

[@planetpopvideos4418]

@InterstellarModeler I meant to say -- you did an amazing job on that model! You mentioned Wonderfest -- have you been before? It's on my "to do" list -- just to go look at all the amazing work.

[@travisweeks7819]

Wow she looks awesome

[@InterstellarModeler]

Thanks Travis. This was a fun project to work on

[@johngrubb1590]

Hi Oggie great work as always, Hawk's ship might not spot on but it sure dose look the part.🦅👍

[@InterstellarModeler]

I think so too, thanks so much for watching. Appreciate your kind words

[@AlohaMilton]

Yes I remember that ship. All the ships in BRIT25C were pretty fantastic. Series is worth re-watching just for Erin Grey. She was born in Hawaii so its kinda sad they didn't do a Buck and Wilma stranded on a deserted island with Bob Denver as a friendly alien...

[@InterstellarModeler]

Lol....that would have been something to see. And yes....I agree the series is worth watching because of Erin Gray. Thanks for your watching the channel

[@wraith20072007]

Well, might not be screen acurate but still came out looking great...i like it. Awesome work Oggie.

[@InterstellarModeler]

Thanks so much. Yeah it still is a pretty decent looking replica.

[@jingles009]

Wholly cow BATMAN!!! I was looking at buying this kit from Monsters in Motion yesterday. The 139.00 kept me from pushing the purchase button. It was a resin kit.

[@InterstellarModeler]

These files look very much like that resin kit. I did contact the designer and informed him of change he could make to improve its accuracy. We’ll see if changes anything but regardless, It’s still a nice replica

[@planetpopvideos4418]

@InterstellarModeler I really wanted MPC to make a kit of it back in the day, as they did for the Starfighter and Draconian Marauder, but Season 2 of BR wasn't even a full season, so I'm sure the ratings weren't good enough for MPC to take the financial risk. Speaking of season 2 -- anybody else think the Searcher is an ugly ship? LOL It was just a retooled version of the space cruise ship from Season 1.

[@vaicente_8831]

Sorry. My name is Vicente. Very nice job of the Buck Rogers hawk.

[@InterstellarModeler]

Thanks so much

[@bobbressi5414]

Can you imagine this conversation at the shipyards? The designer is like, " You want lasers or plasma guns? And what sort of thrusters would you like? And are there any special design elements that will suit your needs better?" There is a short pause before the customer says, "Can you make it look like a hawk?"

[@InterstellarModeler]

Lol….yeah that would be funny.

[@sprueVerse]

Loved this video Oggie...such a great memory of my youth and such a unique subject. Bravo.

[@InterstellarModeler]

Thanks so much Phil

[@mrwoodandmrtin]

I knew what it was immediately. Only the Klingon bird of prey has a similar approach. There was a Judas Priest record cover too..

[@InterstellarModeler]

Very cool. Thanks for watching

[@bearbergmann2782]

Very cool subject!

[@InterstellarModeler]

Thanks so much

[@clutch2827]

Looks great!

[@InterstellarModeler]

Thanks so much

[@emilflognoid1532]

Looks so cool

[@InterstellarModeler]

Thanks

[@richardcattafi6221]

fantastic oggie !

[@InterstellarModeler]

Many thanks Richard

[@Reindeer911]

Man, it's been a loooong time since I've seen that show! LOL! As I recall, Hawk used the claws on his fighter as a weapon. As I seem to remember he could "grab" onto an enemy ship and use the claws to tear it apart. That being the case, what about mounting it to a stand with the claws extended and make a flying diorama where the claws are shown holding on to a chunk of enemy starship? Just a thought!

[@InterstellarModeler]

Thanks...interesting idea. I dont have a lot of display space these days but that would be a cool looking dio for sure.

[@kudukilla]

Unfortunately for Hawk, he killed his mate doing that.

[@Johan-rm6ec]

Skilled done GJ sir.

[@InterstellarModeler]

Thanks

[@kenspriggs5687]

Wow! This turned out great! I love the painting and weathering!

[@InterstellarModeler]

Thanks so much Ken

[@massmike11]

You might want to try microscope slide cover glass for windows. Its very thin and super clear with no distortion.

[@InterstellarModeler]

Hey that's a great idea. Will definitely keep that in mind for the future. Thanks

[@TheShornak]

Hello, yes you are write it's like Space 1999. I liked Buck Rogers 1st season. I even saw this Buck Rogers movie at the theater. Are a 16 or 17 YO the Intro to rhw movie version was pretty fasinating. Season 2 though I saw only a couple episodes and I just couldn't finish it. Your versioin of the model looks real good.

[@InterstellarModeler]

Thanks so much. I appreciate the comments

[@outsider238]

Oh wow! Really excellent job on this! I never noticed that the wings have that wood style paint job on them. It's very odd for a spaceship. I met Erin Gray twice and she's very nice in person!

[@InterstellarModeler]

I got to meet both Erin Gray and Gil Gerard at San Diego Comic Con years ago. They were both really nice. Thanks for watching

[@outsider238]

@@InterstellarModeler Love those conventions!

[@AsianFlew]

Season two was bad, but Hawk's ship was bad-ass! Great build!

[@InterstellarModeler]

I agree. Thanks for the compliment and for watching

[@mzeroxx69]

would love to see somebody create the Cylon tank from universal studios back in the day!!

[@InterstellarModeler]

My thoughts exactly.

[@goforitpainting]

Cool 👍

[@InterstellarModeler]

thank you

[@martindekoning8346]

Nice build, but u can use the same resin as the model to clue the model. It dries even quicker and even fills small gapes.👍

[@InterstellarModeler]

True, the resin could be used to fill the gaps and in doing achieve adherence as well. I prefer and feel more comfortable keeping the handling of resin to a minimum. Once its cured i move onto using adhesives instead. Appreciate the tip. Thanks for the compliment too

[@eaglesfly5236]

The technique for painting woodgrain is called "Scrumbling".

[@InterstellarModeler]

That's interesting, thanks. I didnt know it had a name. Appreciate you watching

[@eddayton1688]

Cool

[@InterstellarModeler]

thanks

[@GPGPapercraftTX]

3 feet! Man! Who's gota printer big enough? Now, if it were done n paper... I really like the wing feathers.

[@InterstellarModeler]

Thanks Tim. Yeah 3ft….you’d have to lot of room for sure.

[@franco3584]

Well that looks way better than the Filming Model. The Extra Panel lines you penciled in really was a nice touch. Are the paintings for the Comicon Art Show ? I wish they would put the Art Show back up in the Sails Pavilion ,there was so much better light there. That Hilton room is like a Dungeon.

[@InterstellarModeler]

Yeah the paintings are for the upcoming ComicCon art show. Yeah the Hilton is a bit far off the beaten path but the attendance to the show has been good nonetheless. There's definitely more room too but yes I wish it wasn't so isolated. Thanks so much for your kind comments.

[@JohnJones-oy3md]

Colonel Wilma Deering got me through puberty in the nicest of ways.

[@InterstellarModeler]

Lol you and many others Lol.....thanks for watching

[@robertherriges6807]

Another great build Oggie. Where's the link for the pilot figure?

[@InterstellarModeler]

Hi Robert...sorry about that. I completely overlooked placing the link. Its in the description but i'll leave it for you here too www.thingiverse.com/thing:1761697

[@1Also]

0:15 you can really see how Huge Canada is compared to the rest of North America here.

[@InterstellarModeler]

you sure can

[@AlohaMilton]

Canada is like the Kid 'n Play haircut of North America

[@1Also]

@@AlohaMilton like Hawaii is it’s poopy bumhole

[@tintobrass532]

i think buck roger is pretty cool guy, he freeze for five hundred year and doesn’t afraid of tiger man

[@InterstellarModeler]

Thanks for watching

[@vaicente_8831]

Hello Oogie. I would give anything for having the hammerhead model that you show on this video. How can i have one for me, here in Spain? Is It resin or plastic kit? I LOVE that kit!!!

[@InterstellarModeler]

Hi….they are stl files for printing. I dont sell prints but u could purchase the files at gambody.com. Just search star wars and you’ll see it. You can then find a printing service to print the pieces. Try shapeways.com but u might have to search locally. Hope that helps

[@davefletch3063]

The 3’ version would be amazing…has anyone built that version?

[@InterstellarModeler]

Not that i’m aware of.

[@robertjensen1438]

I forgot about poor old Hawk. Even as a kid, I felt bad for the actor. The makeup was a bit ridiculous. The model turned out great.

[@InterstellarModeler]

Thanks so much. Yeah, it's definitely an example how much a good actor can bring a character to life even if the costuming is bit outlandish. Appreciate your kind words Robert, thanks again

[@sci-fimodeler1701]

Oggie, is there anyway you could do a video on 3d printing and where to get the files? I was looking into Gambody to get files like Alien, Galactica, Star Trek, Space 1999. Not sure what printer to get. I want to get a FDM printer. Thanks

[@InterstellarModeler]

Hi....not sure how soon you plan on getting a printer but I plan on starting a series of tutorial videos soon on the channel and can include one on 3D printing. In the meantime....although there are quite a few sites out there now to buy 3D print files from I typically use Cgtrader, Cults3D and Gambody and myminifactory. Beware there are lots of stolen files out there too. Unfortunately some terrible sellers take other people's designs and sell them for cheap. If you see a good solid design for example on Gambody then see it elsewhere for a fraction of the cost, it's probably someone reselling the files without permission. I make it a point to not buy those and purchase from the designer. As for printers, I'm afraid I have no experience with FDM and have only used resin. I chose resin because of the level of resolution and detail you can get for model building. Those who wish to print stuff that is larger (i.e. cosplay helmets), FDM really is the only affordable option at this time. I've used the Elegoo products and currently am printing with a Saturn 8K but will be upgrading to the new 14K printer they have soon. Hope that helps. Feel free to email me if you have other questions.

[@sci-fimodeler1701]

@@InterstellarModeler I am considering getting the Creality Ender 3 V3

[@MidnightSculptor]

Hey Oggie, great build! A friend of mine has a casting of the studio scale model. Also, I received your email a couple of months ago and replied, but I don't know if you got it, many of my emails are going into people's spam for some reason. It Steven by the way.

[@InterstellarModeler]

Hi Steven. Thanks. good to hear from your. I searched my inbox and spam but couldnt find anything. Hope all is well. Appreciate your kind compliments. Stay in touch.

[@Iskelderon]

Awesome job! Great design wasted on a season ruined by studio interference.

[@InterstellarModeler]

Thanks...and yes its a shame. Lots of potential there.

[@reedrancho]

Thats Cool! Shame how the studo got it "wrong" 😏

[@InterstellarModeler]

Thanks for watching

[@davefletch3063]

Good ol buck rogers. The only space captain to lay more alien women than Cpt Kirk

[@InterstellarModeler]

Lol….yep for sure

[@TheSquaredM]

The feathers just sing too dark.

[@InterstellarModeler]

They're a little lighter in person actually

[@OstrichLongneck]

You did an excellent job! Your weathering is spot-on and the texture of the feathers really turned out nice! No lighting, though? 🥲

[@InterstellarModeler]

No, no lighting. Not sure it'd be worth the effort with this one. Appreciate you watching and thanks for your kind compliment.