Derrick

Derrick

Laser-cut kit building an oil derrick platform - also suitable as a comms tower support or any number of SF setpieces.

Tutorial Steps

  • step
    1
    Derrick

    Remove parts from carrier sheets using a sharp scalpel or craft knife; sand flush any remaining tags or sprue to leave a flat surface.

    Model shown assembled using PVA woodglue for strength; superglue and accelerator will allow faster assembly at the general expense of durability.
    Begin by assembling four sides of the main drilling tower, applying glue along edges and tags. Fit deck and supports as shown before dropping into place on main tower.

  • step
    2
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    Repeat for lower and upper decks (lower deck has larger central square cutout).

  • step
    3
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    Assemble and glue four sides of operator's hut.

  • step
    4
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    Assemble and clamp rooftop and soffit surround with engraved plank detail uppermost (if desired). Roof can be clad with styrene or card shingles at this stage if required.

  • step
    5
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    Place main deck face down and assemble side girder supports in order around the perimeter. Note that front (staircase) face should not be glued at this stage but is used to align cross-brace first.

  • step
    6
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    Fit stair treads in place to assembled deck frame.

  • step
    7
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    Outside, overhanging stair rail and outside frame are now fitted and glued in place. Set aside to dry and begin assembly of tower.

  • step
    8
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    Fit ladder spacers to tower frame.

  • step
    9
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    Glue and fit ladders to spacers and deck.

  • step
    10
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    Fix handrails to both decks. Glue and clamp till set.

  • step
    11
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    Take assembled lower deck - should now be dry and stable.

  • step
    12
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    Glue door to assembled cabin - open or closed.

  • step
    13
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    Fit roof assembly to top of cabin - underside overlap forms a socket for the cabin walls to snap into.

  • step
    14
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    Assemble sub-cabin walls. These are to be placed on the underside of the main deck for added strength and stability.

  • step
    15
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    Tower can be left unglued for ease of transport; cabin can likewise be left unfixed but we recommend glueing of the sub-cabin beneath the deck for strength.

  • step
    16
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    Fix ladder hatches in open or closed position according to taste.

  • step
    17
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    Leave whole assembly to dry thoroughly before painting. We recommend spray primer such as Halfords acrylic as an undercoat before painting with your chosen colours.