A little while ago, in a sudden fit of creativity, I decided I needed a flying saucer. A little one. A big one would be nice but I don’t have anywhere to park it. This sudden desire to design and build a little flying saucer was probably a result of too much time 3D printing various sci-fi themed projects together with having run a bunch of stop motion animation workshops as part of my contract developing STEMM programs for the local libraries.
About the Flying Saucer.
It is a two seater with, admittedly, limited cargo capacity but featuring the latest in styling! Just look at the fancy wrap around control panel with a fully digital system management display inset into an exactingly curved dash that contrasts stunningly with the blocky structure used elsewhere.
Getting down to the good stuff, the perimeter is punctuated by five sensor ports fitted with the latest sensors for detecting thingys. The tail end is also fitted with two large and excitingly retro styled thrusters for boosting the vehicle along at a worryingly reckless speed. In order for any flying saucer to levitate and make spacial jumps, it needs a Spatchcock Flange. This little vessel features a fully external Spatchcock Flange allowing the gravitational distortion to achieve a very uniform enclosure of the ship.
Other less important things
The .pdf contains more information that might help you put it together and direct you to some of the other information such as manufacturing your own dome. The little side ports can be removed to allow a support stick to be installed if you are looking to suspend it during a special effects / stop motion shoot.
With regard to printing it, you don't need to use support for anything. The biggest challenge is finding a dome for the canopy. What I suggest is that you find a suitable dome and then scale the model to suit. The one pictured here was vacuum formed over a polystyrene ball – in hindsight the polystyrene ball wasn't the best choice because it gives a slightly cellular surface and the heat also disrupts the surface of the ball. This means it is a one shot attempt. If you have a plastic ball handy which is about 115-120mm diameter, give that a go.
The inspiration for the design was primarily the outrageously messy Petey and Jaydee animated shorts. Other than that it just looks like a real one.
Have fun.
