Who knew that the Death Star — that infamous moon-sized battle station from Star Wars — hid such an intricate, terrifyingly detailed interior?
A jaw-dropping handmade model has been turning heads in the sci-fi community, giving fans an unprecedented peek inside the Empire’s ultimate weapon. This isn’t CGI or an official prop; it’s a stunning scratch-built cardboard masterpiece crafted by renowned model maker Randy Cooper, complete with exposed superlaser components, massive reactors, power conduits, turbolaser batteries, and that ominous central core we all remember from Luke’s trench run.
Randy Cooper is no stranger to epic Star Wars builds. He’s best known for his massive 42-inch Imperial Star Destroyer kits (highly detailed resin productions that modelers rave about), but this Death Star cutaway takes creativity to another level. Using primarily cardboard, foam, recycled parts, careful painting, weathering, and endless patience, Randy has created what feels like a real cross-section of the station — as if the Rebels had sliced it open to study its deadly secrets.
The model reveals layers upon layers of fictional (yet convincingly engineered) machinery: coiled cables snaking through compartments, spherical power nodes, gun emplacements ready to fire, and the gigantic superlaser dish assembly that could destroy entire planets. It’s the kind of detail that makes you pause and think: “The Empire really did build this thing to last!”
Here are some incredible close-up and angle shots that showcase the insane level of craftsmanship — from the textured “metal” panels to the tiny greebles that bring it all to life:
These views highlight the central reactor tower, the intricate superlaser focusing array, and the honeycomb-like structural supports — all pieced together with what must have been hundreds (if not thousands) of hours of work. The gray-and-black color scheme, complete with realistic weathering, makes it look straight out of an Imperial engineering blueprint.
Why This Build Is So Special
In a galaxy far, far away (and in our real world of model making), the Death Star is usually seen as a smooth, ominous sphere. But Randy’s creation peels back that shell to show the chaotic, industrial guts beneath — reminding us that even a planet-killing superweapon needs plumbing, wiring, and a whole lot of engineering.
It’s a perfect blend of art, fandom, and sheer dedication. Whether displayed at conventions, shared online, or admired by fellow builders, pieces like this keep the Star Wars spirit alive decades after the films.
Randy’s other works (like his detailed Star Destroyers) show the same obsessive attention to detail, but this Death Star cutaway stands out as something truly unique — a love letter to the franchise that lets us explore the “inside” we never got to see on screen.
If you’re a modeler, a Star Wars fan, or just someone who appreciates incredible handmade art, this build is proof that creativity can turn cardboard into galactic legend.
What do you think — could you spot the weak point for a proton torpedo in this cross-section? Or are you more impressed by the superlaser details? Share your thoughts below!
(Images inspired by Randy Cooper’s work and similar high-detail Death Star fan builds shared across sci-fi communities.)
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