Notes on scaling and working with Blender
My target scale for all source files and output STL files is 1:1000, However, I generally recommend 1:2500 or smaller given the detail level of the model. Although these files have not been extensively tested through printing, they are intended to be resized to match common modelling and miniatures scales.
Target scale - Scale STL files to: - Notes
- 1/3900 - 0.25641026 - FASA miniature scale
- 1/3788 - 0.26399155 - ADB Starline 2400 scale
- 1/3125 - 0.32 - ADB Starline 2500 scale
- 1/2500 - 0.4 - The Trek modelers "Golden scale"
- 1/1600 - 0.625 - TOS 3-Ship Set scale
- 1/1400 - 0.714285714 - Common resin model scale
- 1/650 - 1.538461538 - Modelling scale
- 1/537 - 1.862197393 - Common scale for TMP models
- 1/350 - 2.857142857 - Large scale
Blender
Blender is free, which to be honest was the primary factor in my decision to learn it. There are many fine video and text tutorials available online if you're interested in learning more. For a basic tutorial on moving and joining objects in Blender(which should be the minimum you need to know when working with these parts), see this instructables tutorial.
You can use File -> Import -> Stl (.stl) and File -> Export -> Stl (.stl) to load or save STL files in blender.
Note: These kits were built using Blender 2.9.
Post-processing STL output
Although all of the STL files included have been tested as valid watertight meshes, joining the parts together and exporting new STL files can introduce small errors that may cause issues with slicing programs. I recommend any STL files you create are checked using a program like Netfabb Basic free edition. Doing a simple "Close All Holes" repair has fixed most of the issues I've run into so far. If you do run into issues with mesh quality, please let me know.
File manifest
Parts
The ConstellationV2-parts-stls.zip file contains all of the part STL model files listed below.
Part - Description
- constellation-command-module.stl - Bridge and top saucer decks.
- constellation-lower-port-module-thick.stl - Port side large underslung dome module (modified for small-scale printing).
- constellation-lower-port-module.stl - Port side large underslung dome module.
- constellation-lower-saucer-details.stl - Smaller domes and other details for the underside of the saucer.
- constellation-lower-saucer-dome.stl - Lower saucer section including sensor dome.
- constellation-lower-starboard-module.stl - Starboard side large underslung dome module.
- constellation-nacelles.stl - All four nacelles positioned as standard for the Constellation class.
- constellation-pylon-bottom.stl - Bottom neck and pylon assembly connecting main hull and nacelles.
- constellation-pylon-top.stl - Top neck and pylon assembly connecting main hull and nacelles.
- constellation-rear-hull.stl - Rear hull with impulse drives, separate from saucer.
- constellation-saucer-basic.stl - Extended saucer without rear hull, lower domes, and greeblies. No shuttlebay cutouts.
- constellation-saucer-full-details.stl - Extended saucer without rear hull, lower domes, and greeblies. With shuttlebay cutouts.
- constellation-style-nacelle-standalone.stl - Standalone version of the nacelle.
- constellation-torpedo-module-bottom.stl - Neck mounted torpedo module.
- constellation-torpedo-module-top.stl - Neck mounted torpedo module.
- wasp-engineering-hull.stl - Secondary hull (exact copy of refit Constitution class secondary hull).
- wasp-nacelles.stl - Nacelles configured for the Wasp variant.
- wasp-neck.stl - Neck connecting the main and secondary hull for the Wasp variant (modfied refit Constitution part).
Combined ship STLs
The ConstellationV2-ship-stls.zip file provides the printable ships created using the parts included in this kit.
Part - Description
- ship-constellation-thick.stl - Constellation class starship (for small scale prints).
- ship-constellation.stl - Constellation class starship.
- ship-wasp.stl - Wasp class starship (kitbash).
Blender files
The ConstellationV2-blender-files.zip file contain a parts file, containing the STL parts arranged as used in the sample ship designs, and a parts source file, containing the raw blender objects used to create the parts.
License
I'm releasing this under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license. You're free to distribute and modify these files (even for commercial use), provided you attribute the creator and distribute your contributions under the same license.