Model
Specifications:
Scale = 1/72
Length = 73 cm
Width = 40 cm
Height = 78 cm
Probably the most interesting piece from Alien Resurrection,
the Betty is first seen roaring overhead towards the Auriga with top secret cargo.
My first impressions of the ship was that it kind of looked like a scorpion and I always like lots of moving parts
on a ship.
I was able to use the drawings that were included in an issue of
"Sci-Fi & Fantasy Models" magazine. Some modifications would be made, especially to the
cockpit area. The rest would be pretty much according to the drawings.
I decided to build the model so I would be able to pose the engines up
or down and rotate as well. The model would be divided in sub-assemblies
and then attached to the main body after painting and finishing.
The tail was made mostly out of styrene. The model was then entirely detailed with styrene sheet of various thickness, pressure
sensitive vinyl for smoother panels, lots of Plastruct bits and pieces,
and various kit parts.
I started with
Plexiglas for the forward fuselage, extra strength would be needed to support both pairs of engine booms and pods.
Both these units were built with sheet styrene.
A bolt was epoxied to each pod and the corresponding nut to each boom
allowing engine rotation and this also made it easier to carry to shows
if it could be partially disassembled.
The wings were carved out of two sheets of heavy
styrene cut to shape, then attached via two pins to the secondary
engines.
The main engine nozzles are actually shrouds for electrical
wire.
The intake cone started out as a kitchen funnel cut to length and
dressed accordingly was also screwed onto the fuselage. The cockpit area
or cabin was constructed from sheet styrene and clear acrylic sheet for
windows. This was trimmed to fit snuggly underneath the intake cone and
then cemented in place.
The base coat was pretty much a mix of
Yellow and Light Brown. The tiger pattern was masked and painted
Medium Brown.
The model was then weathered with the airbrush. Panel lines were drawn with a fine felt
tip pen following the reference material I had. The entire model was
given a couple coats of Clear Flat.
Once dry, all sub-assemblies were then attached to the fuselage.
The cargo bay area was dressed with four cargo doors per side.
The whole unit was built out of styrene and screwed to the ship's
body.
