Behind the Production: How Galactic Yards Produces Star Citizen Ship Models

Creating a physical model of a *Star Citizen* spaceship is an intricate and multi-phase process that goes beyond just the 3D design. Once the digital modeling stage is complete, Galactic Yards embarks on an elaborate production journey to bring these ships to life for fans and collectors. This blog post explores the production process in detail, covering everything from material selection to final distribution.

Material Selection: Building the Foundation

The first step in creating a physical model is selecting the right materials. Galactic Yards chooses high-quality materials based on the specific needs of each ship model. Factors like size, structural integrity, and the presence of movable parts all influence material choice. The three primary materials used are:

• Resin: Ideal for capturing fine details and small components, such as ship armor plating or intricate cockpit designs. Resin models are known for their smooth finish and crisp lines, making them perfect for high-detail areas.
• Metal: Often used for structural components that need to be more durable or parts that will support weight, like landing gear or load-bearing interior sections.
• Plastic: Lightweight and versatile, plastic is commonly used for exterior hull pieces, larger ship sections, and moving parts. It's a cost-effective material that offers flexibility in terms of manufacturing and detailing.

In addition to these materials, Galactic Yards sources specialized materials for models that include electronic elements like LEDs or motors. These components require heat-resistant, non-conductive materials to house wiring and circuits, ensuring durability and safety.

Prototyping: Testing the First Physical Form

After the materials are selected, the team moves on to **prototyping**. This phase involves creating the first physical version of the ship using a 3D-printed version of the final 3D model.

The prototype is crucial for testing the model’s structure and functionality. Designers assess its durability, ensuring that moving parts, such as landing gear, wings, or turrets, operate smoothly without compromising the model’s appearance or strength.

During this phase, the team also evaluates how well the prototype captures intricate details, such as panel lines, rivets, or texture variations. The goal is to confirm that these details are sharp and accurate before moving into mass production. Any necessary adjustments are made to the prototype’s design to improve functionality or aesthetics before proceeding.

Mold Creation: Preparing for Mass Production

Once the prototype passes all tests, the team moves on to **mold creation**, which is essential for mass-producing the model. Molds are created from the prototype, with materials chosen depending on the size and complexity of the ship model.

• Silicone molds: are used for small, intricate parts that need to capture a high level of detail. These are perfect for sections like weapon mounts, antenna arrays, or detailed cockpit panels.
• Metal molds: are used for larger, more durable components like exterior hull pieces or structural supports.

Some ship models feature movable parts or intricate interiors, requiring **multi-part molds** to accommodate these additional elements. By breaking the model into multiple sections, Galactic Yards ensures that each part can be painted, assembled, and detailed with ease before final assembly.

Casting and Production: Bringing the Pieces Together

With the molds ready, the production team begins casting the individual parts of the ship. Depending on the complexity of the model, the casting process may use either injection molding (for plastic components) or resin casting (for finer, more detailed parts).

Each cast part must be checked to ensure consistency in size, scale, and detail. For ships with open interiors, these sections are often produced separately to allow for easier access during the painting and assembly process.

During this phase, the production team focuses on creating high-quality, durable components that will fit together seamlessly during the final assembly. Each part must maintain the high level of detail seen in the prototype while being strong enough to withstand handling and use by collectors.

Painting and Detailing: Bringing the Model to Life

Once the cast parts are complete, the model enters the **painting and detailing** stage, where each ship begins to come to life visually. Galactic Yards uses a combination of painting techniques to ensure the highest level of accuracy:

• Base coats are applied to all cast parts, typically using spray or airbrush techniques to ensure an even application. This layer serves as the foundation for the more detailed painting.
• Hand-painting is used for intricate details like weathering, battle damage, and faction insignias. Artists carefully apply these details to bring the ship to life, replicating the same aesthetic seen in *Star Citizen*.
• Specialized paints are used for areas with integrated lighting, such as engine exhausts or cockpit windows. For instance, metallic finishes might be applied to engine components to give them a realistic glow when illuminated by LEDs.

This phase also includes the application of decals for faction logos, serial numbers, or other small markings that add realism and narrative context to the ship model.

Electronic Integration: Adding Light and Motion

For models that feature **LED lighting systems** or **motorized parts**, the next step is to integrate these electronic components. This phase involves carefully wiring and installing the necessary electronics within the ship’s internal structure.

• LED Lights are added to illuminate key areas like cockpits, engines, or interior spaces, enhancing the realism and display value of the model.
• Motorized elements (for applicable models) are installed for features like rotating turrets or moving wings, adding functionality to the model.

The team carefully tests each electronic component to ensure it works smoothly without interfering with the model’s structure or aesthetics. Switches for lights or motors are discreetly integrated into the design, making them easy to access without detracting from the model’s appearance.

Assembly: Piecing it All Together

After all the individual parts and electronics are ready, the model enters the **assembly** phase. This is where the exterior, interior, movable parts, and electronics come together to form the final ship model.

• Adhesives, screws, and magnetic connectors are used to assemble the model, ensuring that each piece fits together securely while allowing for flexibility in accessing electronics if needed.
• The team performs quality control checks at each stage of assembly, verifying that the ship’s parts align correctly, movable parts function smoothly, and the electronics are fully operational.

This phase is one of the most crucial, as it’s where all the prior work—casting, detailing, electronic integration—comes together to form a cohesive whole.

Final Quality Control: Ensuring Perfection

Before the model is packaged and sent to collectors, it goes through a **final round of quality control**. Every detail is inspected, from the paint and material finish to the functionality of moving parts and electronics.

• Movable parts are tested to ensure they operate without sticking or breaking.
• Electronic systems are powered on to check that all lights, switches, and motors function as intended.
• Paint and detailing are closely examined to confirm there are no defects or inconsistencies.

This final check ensures that the model meets Galactic Yards’ high standards and is ready to be shipped to customers.

Conclusion: Crafting Quality Beyond 3D Modeling

The production process for *Star Citizen* ship models is a meticulous journey from concept to reality. While the 3D modeling process is vital for shaping the ship’s design, it’s the **production steps**—material selection, prototyping, casting, painting, electronic integration, and more—that bring these models to life. Galactic Yards' dedication to quality ensures that each ship is a true work of art, blending fine craftsmanship, cutting-edge technology, and fan-driven design to create a collectible worthy of the *Star Citizen* universe.