Here are a few teaser pics

Happy Monday, everyone!

Let's see what kind of trouble we can get into this week, and if we can interest anyone else in signing up for what is turing out to be a GB with a nice range of subjects.

Marc and Bish -

Congrats on receiving your kits! They've been added to the list.

Just got home from Hols and my Darth Vader was waiting for me, and boy are these things big. Tim, if you can just put it down as a 1/4 Darth Vader. I have a funny feeling the seller has made copies of the Screamin kit. It didn't come in a box or with any paper work and the cape, which I believe should be rubber, is the same vinyl as the rest. And though the pose looks exactly the same, the feet are closer together, which means its going to need some adjustment to stand properly. So I think calling it a Screamin kit might be going a bit to far.

This should be fun.

In keeping with the theme...

So I am coming home... turn onto my street and a I get close enough to my house, but still a ways to go, I see the box.   Leaning against the door petty as you please. I immediately  turned on my "Terminator" robotic eyes and all those little flashing graphs and measurement instruments start blinking on and off, highlighting adjacent objects for scale,  and there is a whirring sound in my hear as microchips start to analyze the data.  Suddenly a klaxon sounds in my head and across the bottom of my field of view in red digitized letters are flashing..

PROBABILITY OF BOX CONTAINING "CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOONS" NEAR 100%

PROBABILITY OF BOX CONTAINING "CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOONS" NEAR 100%

PROBABILITY OF BOX CONTAINING "CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOONS" NEAR 100%

PROBABILITY OF BOX CONTAINING "CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOONS" NEAR 100%

jgeratic

... and the full link here for further reading:

surfacefragments.blogspot.ca/.../how-old-masters-created-look-of-gold-in.html

Just went through that post, Jack. Spectacular! Thanks for sharing it!

jgeratic

hmm, I like the idea of finding miniature coins - nothing wrong with a mixed media approach.  It will entail some work to carve off those that are already on the base, unless you just place new ones on top.

GMorrison is right in adding that only the top coins need to be fully detailed.   This is something the old masters did to great effect with their canvas paintings.

Decals is another great option, again just the upper most coins need to be thoroughly detailed.  I would forgo using a straight metallic paint,  and rely on maybe 4 to 5 shades to give the illusion of gold colour.   So for instance paint overall a mid-light brown, add a dark wash, and use decals (clear type) with two darker tones for detail.  Then go back in with a fine brush to add highlights.

The miniature coins route hadn't occurred to me, though I thought I might punch my own out of styrene. Thanks, GMorrison!

I had mulled the idea of decals, and still might take that approach. As for the metallic paint--you're absolutely right, Jack. I'd definitely go with the non-metallic metal approach.

One heck of a post, JG. Thanks for that!

hmm, I like the idea of finding miniature coins - nothing wrong with a mixed media approach.  It will entail some work to carve off those that are already on the base, unless you just place new ones on top.

GMorrison is right in adding that only the top coins need to be fully detailed.   This is something the old masters did to great effect with their canvas paintings.

Decals is another great option, again just the upper most coins need to be thoroughly detailed.  I would forgo using a straight metallic paint,  and rely on maybe 4 to 5 shades to give the illusion of gold colour.   So for instance paint overall a mid-light brown, add a dark wash, and use decals (clear type) with two darker tones for detail.  Then go back in with a fine brush to add highlights.

Here is an example the colour range you can incorporate:

... and the full link here for further reading:

surfacefragments.blogspot.ca/.../how-old-masters-created-look-of-gold-in.html

regards,

Jack

www.ebay.com/.../i.html

I guess it depends on how many you need. They'll be pretty good sized, 8mm or so would be 2" which seems about right. There's lots to look at in beading, including strings of tiny coins you can take apart.

You only need the top layer to look good.

Joanne's or Claires are always good resources. Something to do while Ms. Kidwell is at the mall.

Ooops...forgot to mention heating the branding iron, otherwise it would brand very well

Hmmmm...intriguing problem.  How about finding some cool medallion or two, mounting a handle to it, and using it as a branding iron to emboss detail into the coins?

Now that I have no idea Tim, unless you want to paint each coin or print out tiny decals and apply them! I think I'd just paint them gold, add a dark gold wash and then drybrush the upper edges with a light gold.

I assume they'd have the face of a Hyborian (sp?) king or queen on them?  

Good morning!

All right, so it looks like we have 15 inmates (including Aaron and me). That's a good number.

To tell the truth, I've already started mapping out building Conan and gathering the materials I'll need. I've also started going through colors and planning.

Which brings me to a problem--I have a bunch of treasure, coins mostly, dressing up the model. In the past, I'd paint it gold or whatever and call it done. But, on this one, I want to step it up a bit. I'm trying to come up with ways to detail the coins rather than have them be nondescript metal discs.

I know at this scale detail is going to be tough to see without an Optivisor, but I want that added texture, as minute as it might be.

I'll continue to puzzle this one out and let you know what I come up with.

shivinigh

so went to the hobby store today and picked up Mobius' spiderman.

Sweet! One of the things I like most about that kit is the clever way it hides the seams along the webbing on the costume. If I remember right, I had some issues with hiding the seams around the head and neck, but painting was able to hide the issues.

so went to the hobby store today and picked up Mobius' spiderman.

Tim Kidwell

Eagle90

Alright Tim.....jumping in feet first into a new realm of modeling for me!  I would like to officially submit my request for entry to the GB with a ERTL/AMT 12" vinyl Star Trek figure of..........Mr. Scott!  He was always my favorite.  Without him where would the Enterprise be!?  Now remember, it's my first figure kit, so no laughing until I start laughing at myself (which probably won't take long!).  

Eagle90

Welcome, Eagle90!

You'll find that these guys (most of whom supported me at the lowest points during my battle with my Fokker D.VII) will offer help and critique rather than criticize. It's gonna be a blast seeing Scotty come to life. 

And props to you and everyone whose taking a step out of their comfort zone to come along on this build. Impressive. Most impressive.

GMorrison - I put you down as TBA for your fig.

Thank you sir!  I'm already compiling a few questions!    Very exciting trying new stuff!  Who knows....I might even do a ship before long!!!  

Eagle90

Eagle90

Alright Tim.....jumping in feet first into a new realm of modeling for me!  I would like to officially submit my request for entry to the GB with a ERTL/AMT 12" vinyl Star Trek figure of..........Mr. Scott!  He was always my favorite.  Without him where would the Enterprise be!?  Now remember, it's my first figure kit, so no laughing until I start laughing at myself (which probably won't take long!).  

Eagle90

Welcome, Eagle90!

You'll find that these guys (most of whom supported me at the lowest points during my battle with my Fokker D.VII) will offer help and critique rather than criticize. It's gonna be a blast seeing Scotty come to life. 

And props to you and everyone whose taking a step out of their comfort zone to come along on this build. Impressive. Most impressive.

GMorrison - I put you down as TBA for your fig.

Alright Tim.....jumping in feet first into a new realm of modeling for me!  I would like to officially submit my request for entry to the GB with a ERTL/AMT 12" vinyl Star Trek figure of..........Mr. Scott!  He was always my favorite.  Without him where would the Enterprise be!?  Now remember, it's my first figure kit, so no laughing until I start laughing at myself (which probably won't take long!).  

Eagle90

GMorrison: My apologies- I completely misunderstood your post there. Didn't mean to open that whole can of worms but Tim cleared it all up.

Tim: Those are really cool figures, if only I had more money or room in my stash.

I've got a few Kaiju figures too, including Gammy of course and Gyaos. I figured the Trek models would be a lot easier to do and far more likely for me to finish in the time frame.

Rob - Does the Polar Lights kit give any scale? I think it was a 16" tall model, right?

GMorrison

Thanks Tim, I'll check those out. I have some leads on a way to do Quatermain as well. Involves a head swap. Now I just need to figure out how to not have to buy two models...

You bet! I was going to suggest a little fig modding, but hesitated, then got sidetracked, then ... wait ... What was I saying?

Thanks, my 9 yr old son & I are attempting to build a pair of old Aurora (one is a Monogram reissue, the other a more recent Polar Lights kit) as a father and son project. I stumbled across this group build and thought it would be fun.

I built the Godzilla kit a long time ago, 1970 or so. I remember enjoying it and I think it is easy enough for my son to build. I also got him a King Ghidorah by Polar Lights (originally bought for my daughter about 10 years ago).

Yes, I took him to Pacific Rim and he loved the movie. Although he prefers the Jaegers to the kaiju, I encourage him to build models.

GMorrison

Gamera

Thanks Tim for clearing both of those up esp Tarzan. Sure he's not wearing much, but he's friggin' Tarzan - what else would he wear!?!

Just to clear this up....

My comment regarding the (lack) of clothing our hero has, is simply me chickening out on what would be a very difficult project in skin tones. I'm the guy with the box of unfinished 1/35 figs from all the armor I've built, just because the thought of doing a face the size of a peanut terrifies me. Thank God for tanker gloves!

I looked at the Youtube clips of someone making that model. I need to leave that one for the experts, as I'm not much into highly public prat falls.

No worries, GMorrison. That's all on me. And I totally get where you're coming from.

Thanks Tim, I'll check those out. I have some leads on a way to do Quatermain as well. Involves a head swap. Now I just need to figure out how to not have to buy two models...

Gamera

Thanks Tim for clearing both of those up esp Tarzan. Sure he's not wearing much, but he's friggin' Tarzan - what else would he wear!?!

My comment regarding the (lack) of clothing our hero has, is simply me chickening out on what would be a very difficult project in skin tones. I'm the guy with the box of unfinished 1/35 figs from all the armor I've built, just because the thought of doing a face the size of a peanut terrifies me. Thank God for tanker gloves!

I looked at the Youtube clips of someone making that model. I need to leave that one for the experts, as I'm not much into highly public prat falls.

GMorrison

Running out of ideas.

Older guy.

Fully clothed.

Curious weapons.

???

Still like Allan Quatermain

It's not Alan Quartermain, but, I think this figure is a take on Solomon Kane (by Robert E. Howard). 

Perhaps not so curious on the weapons, and not particularly old here, but The Road Warrior.

Thanks Tim for clearing both of those up esp Tarzan. Sure he's not wearing much, but he's friggin' Tarzan - what else would he wear!?!

Gamera

Tim: So a villain has to be a significant character? The Romulan officer I listed does have a very strong resemblance to British actress Carolyn Seymour who played a minor role as Sub-Commander Taris in the Next Generation episode 'Contagion' and a major role as Commander Toreth in 'The Face of the Enemy' which I'm guessing does make her significant?  

I wish someone made a model of a brain-eating Japanese space babe....

Dude! That trailer killed me! I was crying by the end. Awesome!

Romulans have such big egos that they're all villains, so on that count, you're safe.

Gamera

Is Tarzan wearing nothing but a loincloth an issue? I mean it's not sexual or anything, it's just that he lives in a jungle and it's hot and there's not many places to many places to shop for a nice suit.

Hey guys, a PSA for the build:

BEEP ... BEEP ... BEEP ...

Body parts we would not typically see on display while walking down Main St. in a typical Midwest town should not be on display on the models. Legs, arms, a man's bare torso, all of these things are OK.

BEEP ... BEEP ... BEEP ...

We're not going to hash out a sexual bias or equality thing here. I'll leave that to your personal blogs. The simple matter is that this is the company's policy, and I work for FSM and by extension Kalmbach. I HATE sounding all boilerplate on this one. The fact is my personal opinions on this particular issue don't carry any weight, and I don't have a lot of wiggle room. However, what wiggle room I do have, I'll use.

As some of you have already done, if you have a question about suitability, PM me. 

Now, back to hijinks and fun!