Rebel's Ghost - A 16k Brick Project

A huge undertaking. At times I thought I would never finish this model. To date, this is the biggest ship I've built. Here are all my WIP updates.

Update 1 (April 3)

From the 16k bricks I sorted, about 15% of the build done over the course of the week. 2k+ bricks used so far. As usual, spending more time finding the bricks from over 600 unique parts.... Hate that.

But it gets easier as the build progresses and I have fewer pieces to work with =)

My 3 month ETA is well on its way! Crossing my fingers I have minimal hiccups.

Should also get easier for people to figure out the build.

I have taken huge inspiration from eb icarus design for the exterior.

Update 2 (April 10)

Most of the lower body framework is complete. Real challenge is going to be the rear engines and whether the body can hold the weight of the rear section.

30-35% of the build is complete in terms of brick count.

The central body alone is made up of about 2500 bricks.

Update 3 (April 16)

WIP 3: Ghost

A 16k brick project - 20KG of LEGO.

Pictures in order: 1) Front View 2) Rear View 3) Side View

Wanted to give a side view this time round to give the impression of the size of this model.

Very much wanted to test the weight on the rear, but needed a break today after building for 4hours straight.

I did try hanging 2KG of bricks on the rear technic bricks and it held fine. The rear interior frame isn’t complete and I still have a few more ideas I have yet to implement to further strengthen it.

I’ll probably build again next weekend of the week after.

Update 4 (April 22)

Rear starting to shape up.

Picture was taken bout 12 hours ago, it’s still holding.

Will work on the engines maybe today or tomorrow.

Update 5 (April 23)

I added the rear-bottom section.

Top rear section is progressing and you can see the gunner seat up top.

I did add weight to the engine area to test its stability and I’m happy with it. But Ill add the engines later as it would otherwise be tougher for me to move the model around.

It’s getting to be very heavy. I really do need to put it on its display area soon or gonna be difficult later on.

April 26 (Photo in Progress)

Update 6 (April 27)

Small update.

Just did the 2 rear engines. Testing them out, the fit, the size, the strength. It does hold together, but not the best connection. Will try something else as the build progresses.

This will probably be one of the last bits, if not the last to be connected to the final build.

Update 7 (May 2)

Another small update.

All 4 engines are done.

I’ve solved the weight and stability issue with the smaller 2 engines when they hang over the top of the ghost’s rear. It stayed without and droop or disconnect over the past week. I only just took them out as it does get in the way of building the rest of the body and plating.

The larger 2 can and will be attached last. I am not entirely confident of its stability when connected but I’ll work something out over the week.

I think from now on there will be smaller updates such as this as its much less trying.

I built way too fast initially and the time I take to sort through 700 unique parts was so frustrating. It’s getting easier now with more than half the build done.

Update 8 (May 4th)

Side Pods are done.

Took some pics next to the 10179 for comparison and scale.

Also added Pic 4, to show the MF really is LEGO - in case anyone tries to start something =p. Certain lighting tends to render the LEGO imprints unnoticeable.

Attached the pods and its holding up with no visible droop.

Will leave it there for the time being to test its weight (its not heavy and I’m confident but I like to test stuff like this out).

1 section of top-front plating - nothing much to show for it till I attach the whole panel.

Update 9 (May 6)

Front cockpit structure done.

Can now see the Cockpit is taking shape.

Side frame/plating done.

I think with the sides completed, its a lot easier to get a sense of the size of the model.

Next update will probably be end of next week.

Stay tuned!

I’ll start uploading more stuff to flickr soon as well so you can follow there for other models too.

Update 10 (May 9)

You might not be able to tell, but I modified the frame some more and it is now about 95% done.

More panel work done this week.

Pic 1 - Front underside - will attach at the end of the build

Pic 2 - Side underside

This part was particularly problematic as it actually could not fit through the side framework and the pods.

So I had to detach the hinge plate around the Ghost to better access it, and also had to modify the undersides to adequately fit + not leave any gaps. Am rather pleased with the end result as it took me a good hour to problem solve.

Pic 3 - Side top-side Just laid it over to ensure it would fit, did not attach it. Ezpz

Pic 4 - Side view

Pic 5 - Front view

Just to give a comparison to previous WIP shots.

Other notes: All 4 Engines have been modified. I did not take any additional pics as the changes are more internal and how it will attach to the Ghost. The exterior remains the same.

All in all, very happy so far. It is still holding together. Sides are not bending.

Am going to need a friend to help move this monster once I’m done as the diameter is ~80+cm, and weighing ~20kg.

Only left with about 3k+ bricks now

Update 11 (May 16)

Another small update.

Picture shows the front panel laid over the ship.

I’ve not actually attached it, just for testing and fitting.

Done with most of the panels and plating. I just haven’t attached them.

Engines are done as well with the mod attachment I have yet to test - but I’m confident it’ll work.

Frame is almost complete, I have to finish off the rear with a few more bricks and I’m done.

Down to only 2,500 bricks now ... Finally!

This will probably be my last WIP update, as there is very little left for me to show.

I started this project on April 3rd and gave myself 3 months to get it done right. At one point, midway through the build, I even thought I could get it done in a month. But I burned out building so much =p.

Anyway, thank you all who have been following for the past month and a half.

I hope the final model won’t be a letdown.

So cross your fingers, throw me a rabbit’s foot, and pray I don’t have a misstep when I move the finished model off my table (that wooden board I have underneath seems solid... I think

Update 12 (May 25)

Not exactly a Ghost update as nothing was done to the Ghost =p In fact the

Ghost is done, save for some tiles and plates I can only add after attaching all the exterior panels.

Deciding whether or not to get a display case or a coffee table sized enough for the Ghost to fit.

But the Phantom, scaled to the Ghost, is built and docks nicely.

I also bought the Phantom 2 a couple weeks back.

Have to say, I so appreciate having instructions to follow + numbered bags.

Phantom 2 looks a bit funny to me when placed on the Ghost =p

If I do want to dock the Phantom 2, I’ll have to mod or redo it to scale. To be honest I have not checked the dimensions for the Phantom so I’m not sure at this point what size it should be. I’m also not really a fan of the ship.

I’ve put both Phantoms side by side for reference.

Also already designing my next 2 projects, something completely my own.

Will keep you posted!

Update 13: (May 28)

I had a shelf space ready, but it would still stick out some.

So I’m using the bay for it till I have a better option.

Not my 1st choice as the bay, believe it or not, is too small for this.

Alas, I can get to work putting all the panels and finishing touches!

Update 14 (May 29)

Mission accomplished.

The Ghost is Completed

After taking 3-4months to complete my HammerHead, I told myself I’ll take a break and do something easy like a Tie Defender - which I actually designed and have the parts for =p or the HailFire droid or even the BB8.

But I just couldn’t help myself and went for something bigger.

I got my bricks and sorted all 16,500+ of them.

And on April 3rd, I began the build.

I’m an impatient man and I hate leaving things unfinished, so I gave myself till the end of June/ early July to finish this.

Somehow, thank God everything went in a way that let me get this done

today, 29th May.

The most worrying part of the whole build, was the 4 rear engines.

I spent a good 12hours (maybe more) building them, redesigning and rebuilding, and then testing, and then redoing it again, and again... but it was well worth it.

Engines are holding up!

And I’m so happy the Phantom can be docked.

Only thing that is left is for me to get a sticker done.

I’ll get around to it some time this week

Special thanks to all of you who have been following, and a shout out to icarus which I based the design on.

And to my girl who has not complained at all about my addiction to designing and building, but supporting me.