The Imperial Shipyards

Imperial Creative Engineering => Dioramas => Topic started by: Yr1977 on July 18, 2013, 10:01:46 PM

Title: Star Wars Figure Display and Diorama Project [LIVE]
Post by: Yr1977 on July 18, 2013, 10:01:46 PM
Hey everyone,


I just thought that you may all like to know that in the next week or two there will be a funding campaign launching on Indiegogo.com for a project that is looking to produce and offer for sale custom Star Wars display environments for 3.75" scale figures. The bases will come in both vintage and modern. I will post again with the link to the campaign page closer to the launch time. Until then, I'll leave you with these design drawings for the proposed first wave of custom display environments.

(http://d2oadd98wnjs7n.cloudfront.net/medias/929935/pictures/full/20130717184018-deathstar_concpet.jpg?1374111623)

(http://d2oadd98wnjs7n.cloudfront.net/medias/929646/pictures/full/20130714202247-tantiveIV_concpet.jpg?1373858573)

(http://d2oadd98wnjs7n.cloudfront.net/medias/933404/pictures/full/20130717171159-set_sizes.jpg?1374106322)


[UPDATE]

Hi everyone,
Here is just a quick update on our initial post: We are planning to launch the funding campaign for the Custom Star Wars Display Project this coming friday on Indiegogo.com.

For those of you who may not know about Indiegogo.com, it is a crowdfunding website similar to Kickstarter.com, where anyone with a great idea for a project or cause can pitch those ideas to attract contributors to help with funding.

We are pleased to see that there is quite a bit of interest for our planned display environments- for which their will be bases available for vintage and modern figures, as well as interest in other possible environments, such as a Cantina one. Through your posts, you have given us even more ideas for other pieces that we could produce should this project take off, including pegless base pieces and extension base pieces for increased display depth.

Anyway, we would just like to thank you all for your support, we really appreciate it and we will update you with the Indiegogo.com campaign link once we have launched the campaign on Friday.





Hey everyone,
This is just an update to let you know that the funding campaign for the Custom Star Wars Display Project has been launched on Indiegogo.com! It has been awesome to see so much interest in this project over the past week and we really appreciate your support. Here is a link to the campaign page, so head on over and check it out! http://igg.me/at/CustomStarWarsDisplayProject/x/3881808


Title: Re: Star Wars Figure Display and Diorama Project
Post by: Tamer on July 19, 2013, 06:37:18 AM
Wow! Consider us onboard with these! I saw this and shared on our FB Page last night as a matter of fact. Gonna add this project to my front page to do list today. Welcome to ISY by the way!

If its ok I would like to ask a few questions.

1. Are these going to be as modular as they look? Meaning you could snap them together for an extended dio?

2. Any chance you might be offering any of these with leds further down the road? I could easily see light work really adding to the effect on some of these Death Star or Ship Board pieces.

3. I would love to hear what other environments you might be thinking about attempting if this is a success?

This just looks stellar to me and makes perfect sense to do.
Title: Re: Star Wars Figure Display and Diorama Project
Post by: Hand So Low on July 19, 2013, 07:41:35 AM
I am also on board with these. What kind of price point would we be seeing?
Title: Re: Star Wars Figure Display and Diorama Project
Post by: Spookymufu on July 19, 2013, 11:11:37 AM
this looks promising
Title: Re: Star Wars Figure Display and Diorama Project
Post by: Yr1977 on July 19, 2013, 09:01:44 PM
Hi Tamer,

To answer your questions,

Yes, they certainly will be modular as they look. We are planning on producing extension pieces for each environment.

We would love to add lighting effects to the environments, but that is something that we would have to look further into.

There seems to be a bit of interest in a Cantina environment, so that will definitely be one that we will look into. Also, we will definitely be listening to what the community wants to see as well- thats the main reason behind our campaign.

Thanks for the support, we really appreciate it!
Title: Re: Star Wars Figure Display and Diorama Project
Post by: Tamer on July 19, 2013, 09:05:39 PM
My pleasure, I sure did like all those answers to my questions too. Bravo!

I would love to see you come up with something Hoth related down the road. I can envision Echo Base or Trenches or Wampa's Cave that would look cool set up this way too. I have been told I am partial to that environment though. All joking aside this is a really cool idea and I can't wait to see what comes of it.
Title: Re: Star Wars Figure Display and Diorama Project [LIVE]
Post by: Yr1977 on July 26, 2013, 05:36:58 AM
Hey everyone,
This is just an update to let you know that the funding campaign for the Custom Star Wars Display Project has been launched on Indiegogo.com! It has been awesome to see so much interest in this project over the past week and we really appreciate your support. Here is a link to the campaign page, so head on over and check it out! http://igg.me/at/CustomStarWarsDisplayProject/x/3881808
Title: Re: Star Wars Figure Display and Diorama Project [LIVE]
Post by: Luke Sprywalker on July 26, 2013, 06:01:13 AM
Very cool and long overdue! I too am working on Death Star panels that have been molded and cast. They will just be wall plates and you would have to build the rest of the diorama/frame to hold them. I love that you will offer a floor and ceiling section. One thing that would be nice/more screen accurate is if the wall detail in the center did not stick out. It should be flat with the rest of the wall tiles. I am thinking you did this to support the roof tiles. Will you offer additional floor tiles so it could be wider?
Title: Re: Star Wars Figure Display and Diorama Project [LIVE]
Post by: Tamer on July 26, 2013, 08:10:15 AM
Awesome, time to go announce this!
Title: Re: Star Wars Figure Display and Diorama Project [LIVE]
Post by: Yr1977 on August 04, 2013, 06:56:29 PM
Any of you guys wanna see some hi-res renders of the 3D models we will be using to print with?

Space Station
http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2013/214/f/d/space_station_render_by_piece_of_resistance-d6g9x1h.jpg (http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2013/214/f/d/space_station_render_by_piece_of_resistance-d6g9x1h.jpg)

Space Cruiser
http://fc05.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2013/214/c/f/space_cruiser_render_by_piece_of_resistance-d6g9wyc.jpg (http://fc05.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2013/214/c/f/space_cruiser_render_by_piece_of_resistance-d6g9wyc.jpg)

These are still subject to change though.
Title: Re: Star Wars Figure Display and Diorama Project [LIVE]
Post by: Tamer on August 04, 2013, 07:05:12 PM
Wow, how cool are these!

(http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f115/CTtamer/VALUEDCUSTOMER/space_station_render_by_piece_of_resistance-d6g9x1h_zps2120b203.jpg)

(http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f115/CTtamer/VALUEDCUSTOMER/space_cruiser_render_by_piece_of_resistance-d6g9wyc_zpsebbb0aa4.jpg)
Title: Re: Star Wars Figure Display and Diorama Project [LIVE]
Post by: Tamer on August 04, 2013, 07:24:10 PM
The level of detail here is amazing. Seeing those high rez images and seeing all that detail able to be reproduced is just over the top.

When do you expect to try your first one?
Title: Re: Star Wars Figure Display and Diorama Project [LIVE]
Post by: Yr1977 on August 05, 2013, 12:47:43 AM
Could be seeing some actually pictures within the next week  ;)
Title: Re: Star Wars Figure Display and Diorama Project [LIVE]
Post by: Tamer on August 05, 2013, 05:10:11 AM
Quote from: Yr1977 on August 05, 2013, 12:47:43 AM
Could be seeing some actually pictures within the next week  ;)

Music to my ears! And congrats again on meeting your goal. I hope you guys buy two printers and start cranking out even more!
Title: Re: Star Wars Figure Display and Diorama Project [LIVE]
Post by: Tamer on August 05, 2013, 07:12:33 AM
I just had to share this high rez news on our pages. I feel like a kid the night before Christmas with these!

Best of luck on that first print.
Title: Re: Star Wars Figure Display and Diorama Project [LIVE]
Post by: Jedi Minstrel on August 05, 2013, 07:46:16 AM
Kinda been following this.  Congrats on reaching your goal.  I may have to buy something...er...many somethings.  There goes my savings account, retirement plan, children's college...
Title: Re: Star Wars Figure Display and Diorama Project [LIVE]
Post by: Spookymufu on August 05, 2013, 08:47:30 AM
these look great, Id love to have about 4 or 6 of those tantive walls, but I dont think I'll be able to afford em, what were the projected price on them per piece?
Title: Re: Star Wars Figure Display and Diorama Project [LIVE]
Post by: Tamer on August 05, 2013, 04:45:37 PM
Quote from: Spookymufu on August 05, 2013, 08:47:30 AM
these look great, Id love to have about 4 or 6 of those tantive walls, but I dont think I'll be able to afford em, what were the projected price on them per piece?

Check out the very first post with the indiegogo link. Here it is:

http://igg.me/at/CustomStarWarsDisplayProject/x/3881808

Pretty reasonable if you ask me.
Title: Re: Star Wars Figure Display and Diorama Project [LIVE]
Post by: rex smoke on August 29, 2013, 03:28:13 PM
When are more going to be in stock?
Title: Re: Star Wars Figure Display and Diorama Project [LIVE]
Post by: Yr1977 on August 29, 2013, 05:28:51 PM
Here's a picture of the prototype Space Station wall. Prototypes are mostly done now and it wont be long before you guys can see what the finished pieces will look like! Lets us know what you think.


(http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa356/Yr1977/f5bf60f4-b24a-4890-aa7a-168edd4841e3.jpg)
Title: Re: Star Wars Figure Display and Diorama Project [LIVE]
Post by: Tamer on August 29, 2013, 05:35:06 PM
Well I thin you are gonna make a lot of people very happy and more people want more and more!  Thats what I think!
Title: Re: Star Wars Figure Display and Diorama Project [LIVE]
Post by: jangorick on August 29, 2013, 05:59:54 PM
My only concern with the 3D modeling is the smoothness of it. Will it be smooth or have the rough edges you see? Can't wait to see the final pics
Title: Re: Star Wars Figure Display and Diorama Project [LIVE]
Post by: Yr1977 on August 29, 2013, 11:52:14 PM
Quote from: jangorick on August 29, 2013, 05:59:54 PM
My only concern with the 3D modeling is the smoothness of it. Will it be smooth or have the rough edges you see? Can't wait to see the final pics

This is true, they look very nice as you can tell by the photo but it wont be a smooth as injection molded plastic.
Title: Re: Star Wars Figure Display and Diorama Project [LIVE]
Post by: Clonehead on August 30, 2013, 04:50:47 PM
That does look very cool though!
Title: Re: Star Wars Figure Display and Diorama Project [LIVE]
Post by: hemble on August 30, 2013, 07:56:57 PM
These are looking fantastic.

Ron
Title: Re: Star Wars Figure Display and Diorama Project [LIVE]
Post by: Yr1977 on September 25, 2013, 08:38:26 PM
Just a quick update for you guys who have been following our progress, hope you enjoy.

(http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa356/Yr1977/spacestation2.jpg) (http://s1193.photobucket.com/user/Yr1977/media/spacestation2.jpg.html)

(http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa356/Yr1977/CruiserPhoto.jpg) (http://s1193.photobucket.com/user/Yr1977/media/CruiserPhoto.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Star Wars Figure Display and Diorama Project [LIVE]
Post by: Tamer on September 26, 2013, 03:11:45 AM
Wow, I think we knew these were going to finish great after seeing your first print image, but seeing that Dengar on a fully armed and operational Battle Station sure does bring a smile to my face. I cannot wait to get this in my hands to review. Off to share.
Title: Re: Star Wars Figure Display and Diorama Project [LIVE]
Post by: hemble on September 26, 2013, 10:53:50 PM
Impressive work  indeed.

Ron
Title: Re: Star Wars Figure Display and Diorama Project [LIVE]
Post by: Yr1977 on September 26, 2013, 11:43:51 PM
Thank you for the kind words guys :)
Title: Re: Star Wars Figure Display and Diorama Project [LIVE]
Post by: Tamer on September 29, 2013, 08:21:02 AM
I just had to get the Space Cruiser Diorama Image up on the fp too. I just cannot wait to get these in hand!
Title: Re: Star Wars Figure Display and Diorama Project [LIVE]
Post by: hemble on October 02, 2013, 10:46:01 PM
Quote from: Tamer on August 04, 2013, 07:05:12 PM
Wow, how cool are these!

(http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f115/CTtamer/VALUEDCUSTOMER/space_station_render_by_piece_of_resistance-d6g9x1h_zps2120b203.jpg)

(http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f115/CTtamer/VALUEDCUSTOMER/space_cruiser_render_by_piece_of_resistance-d6g9wyc_zpsebbb0aa4.jpg)

They look awesome, I can see these selling like hot cakes.

Ron
Title: Re: Star Wars Figure Display and Diorama Project [LIVE]
Post by: damonsfast on October 08, 2013, 08:50:16 AM
Are you selling any?
Title: Re: Star Wars Figure Display and Diorama Project [LIVE]
Post by: CHEWIE on December 02, 2013, 11:36:07 PM
Got my sets in today... also posted this at Yakface.

As you can see, the pieces are modular.  You can remove the floor bases if you like, and rearrange the sets (even upside down) if you so desire.  You can have a lot of fun with these as they are very versatile.  The Death Star ones show more "grooves" than the Tantive sets in the pics, but in person they really aren't as noticeable, at least not to my eyes.  And the Tantive sets has some stickers that the Galactic Merchants team used for the black panel areas - these turned out excellent. 

Are these perfect?  No.  Are they worth it?  Hell yes.  Is this better than anything Hasbro has ever done in terms of playsets?  Without a doubt, YES.  And in my opinion, these are way under-priced.  Galactic Merchants has done the collecting community a service with these that deserves the highest praise.

I also noticed that in spite of the $5.00 shipping charge, Galactic Merchants was charged a whopping $30.00 for my order (which I am happy to send them another $25 more to cover this)!  Which I assume means they are going to need to up their charges on future orders.  But it's worth it, in my opinion.  I also hope we see the community to support these guys.  This is obviously a labor of love for them, and to me, this is the BEST item of 2013.  Nothing else even comes close.  These are the best playset items I've seen since Owen Driscoll used to make custom styrene playsets.  Hasbro is clueless... what a goldmine they could have with sets like these.

(http://www.yakfaceforums.com/Chewie/120313gm1.jpg)

(http://www.yakfaceforums.com/Chewie/120313gm2.jpg)

(http://www.yakfaceforums.com/Chewie/120313gm3.jpg)

(http://www.yakfaceforums.com/Chewie/120313gm4.jpg)

(http://www.yakfaceforums.com/Chewie/120313gm9.jpg)

(http://www.yakfaceforums.com/Chewie/120313gm5.jpg)

(http://www.yakfaceforums.com/Chewie/120313gm6.jpg)

(http://www.yakfaceforums.com/Chewie/120313gm7.jpg)

(http://www.yakfaceforums.com/Chewie/120313gm8.jpg)


And for fun... a photonovel-style pic...

(http://www.yakfaceforums.com/Chewie/120313gm10.jpg)

Let's hope more environments are on the horizon!  If you got in on the kickstarter campaign, I assume your order will be shipping soon.  I just got my notice last week, and my order was at my doorstep today.

 0/
Title: Re: Star Wars Figure Display and Diorama Project [LIVE]
Post by: Tamer on December 03, 2013, 03:49:14 AM
For the price I agree with you, I just don't see how you can argue with the type of play and pose ability these sets offer for the price you have to pay for them. This is one of the biggest "duh" moments I have had with Hasbro over the years and there have been many. Thanks CHEWIE for the review and I plan to do the same when I get mine.

For other folks out there who ordered sets of these too we would love to know what you think!
Title: Re: Star Wars Figure Display and Diorama Project [LIVE]
Post by: Luke Sprywalker on December 03, 2013, 05:05:25 AM
Great review and yes, these look great! So glad these guys were able to make this happen and hope it is the first of many offerings from them.
Title: Re: Star Wars Figure Display and Diorama Project [LIVE]
Post by: CHEWIE on December 03, 2013, 06:37:33 PM
These really are fantastic sets - I definitely hope we see more offerings from them, and these open up a whole new world for the collecting community.  The thing is... I don't know if they will be able to meet the demand! 

 0/
Title: Re: Star Wars Figure Display and Diorama Project [LIVE]
Post by: JediMerc on December 04, 2013, 04:34:39 PM
I ordered my perks a little after Chewie did, so I'm hoping to see mine soon.  These look absolutely tremendous!  I appreciate what the guys at Galactic Merchants have done (and are doing) in producing and offering these dio pieces.  I love the fact that they are trying figures, of a certain kind at least, with the upcoming T3 astromech. 

I would love to see what they could do with some Bespin hallways or carbonite chamber flooring... :)
Title: Re: Star Wars Figure Display and Diorama Project [LIVE]
Post by: CHEWIE on December 04, 2013, 06:18:05 PM
I think Bespin hallways would rock... also, environment pieces like Death Star consoles...

 0/
Title: Re: Star Wars Figure Display and Diorama Project [LIVE]
Post by: Mr. Black on December 05, 2013, 03:07:48 AM
I posted Chewie's pics in the Star Wars Google+ community as well. Furthermore, FlyGuy of Boring Conversation Anyway will upload a YouTube review. I say as soon as you have received your set, take some nice pictures, write up your own thoughts on these and spread the word!

I already mentioned the possibilities of adding LED lights in the Space Station ones, but if I understand correctly, that center piece is a solid piece of plastic, right? Shouldn't matter, we're customizers after all :D

Title: Re: Star Wars Figure Display and Diorama Project [LIVE]
Post by: Tamer on December 05, 2013, 06:05:09 PM
Folks, I just got in my set today and can say hands down that this is the best action figure purchase I have made in years. It just happened to coincide with an order from Hasbro Toy Shop of Mara Jade and the new Stormtrooper and my daughter and I willed away the evening playing with these playsets and I am not sure I have played as much with her in regards to SW Action Figures for years. Needless to say I will be ordering more. Stay tuned for my full review which at the very least will include pictures and I think a video is in order.
Title: Re: Star Wars Figure Display and Diorama Project [LIVE]
Post by: Spookymufu on December 05, 2013, 08:50:27 PM
new stormtrooper?
Title: Re: Star Wars Figure Display and Diorama Project [LIVE]
Post by: Tamer on December 06, 2013, 02:56:21 AM
Quote from: Spookymufu on December 05, 2013, 08:50:27 PM
new stormtrooper?

The new Wave 2 Black Series Stormtrooper Spooky. The one with the E-11 blaster that folds out.
Title: Re: Star Wars Figure Display and Diorama Project [LIVE]
Post by: Tamer on December 09, 2013, 04:17:10 PM
Death Star Action Figure Display Stand Review:


Hands down I think it is the best action figure product I have bought all year for the price as well as the quality. If you watched the video you saw how simple it is to construct, how easy it is to re-arrange it, and how sturdy it is to play with. My biggest fear with this off the bat was that it would not be able to serve in a playset capacity as it would be too delicate due to the 3D printing. Needless to say that worry was unfounded. My daughter and I have torn it apart dozens of times already and it locks together as soundly as it did when first put together.

The next thing I was worried about from the pre-production grooves which were showing and I happy to report that they really are not noticeable and only enhance the true vintage feel in my opinion. The overall appearance is just iconic. My wife, who rarely delves into my AF Life, comments on it being the scene from the Death Star and she knows little about my beloved films. To compare it with an older Hasbro or Kenner playset the difference in production grooves and molds marks and things along those lines is striking.

I was also overly surprised at the amount of room this possesses. You can easily fit ten figures on it with both sections together (stay tuned for pics of my Driver Customs on it). About the only thing I think I would change about the floor pieces is the pegs as I am not sure they are really needed, but they already offer a peg-less floor base anyhow. I am also thinking that for iconic scenes like Vader vs. Ben one would probably just drill up through the floor if you wanted pegs in specific places. Speaking of altering this, one must note there is ample room for you to hollow out a few areas to light up the wall panels in certain places. I could really see lighting up the middle section and maybe adding a red light here or there.

To continue its praises I was also very surprised about its connectivity. It is like  Lego set in that regard. Everything is interchangeable and I can really see them being able to offer even more combinations like this in the future and being able to connect it all together for an even larger playset. I already can see me wanting to add to this in various floor and wall areas. The size of this is literally up to your area size or your imagination. Can you imagine an Episode 1 through 6 connection!

To wrap this up, I will be promoting this a good bit when they announce their new site when they are ready for new orders. They have given us everything we have wished for for years with Hasbro. I can also see them taking 3D Printing to the next level with dio accessories and even action figures should they put their mind to it. So, if you didn't see it from my daughter, I gave this four thumbs way up. I look forward to doing the review on their Space Cruiser set too and I can already say it will be more than favorable too.
Title: Re: Star Wars Figure Display and Diorama Project [LIVE]
Post by: Tamer on January 30, 2014, 03:41:57 AM
I noticed this on the Galactic Merchant's Facebook Page!
(http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f115/CTtamer/VALUEDCUSTOMER/1524436_777738005589245_536081882_o_zps83a5fa02.jpg)
Now that was a pretty cool thing to do!
Title: Re: Star Wars Figure Display and Diorama Project [LIVE]
Post by: Mr. Black on January 30, 2014, 01:02:04 PM
Aw, that's great! And well deserved!


Quote from: Tamer on December 09, 2013, 04:17:10 PM
....stay tuned for pics of my Driver Customs on it....

Still staying tuned here.... Don't know how much longer I can hold on....  ;)

Title: Re: Star Wars Figure Display and Diorama Project [LIVE]
Post by: Tamer on January 30, 2014, 01:26:30 PM
LOL Remco. I do need to get these set up and I do have my Driver Customs on my first set. They just look great. Me and my gal are gonna do a video review of the second set of these and I will get em all together and I promise to do pics.
Title: Re: Star Wars Figure Display and Diorama Project [LIVE]
Post by: Mr. Black on January 30, 2014, 02:08:53 PM
 ;D
Title: Re: Star Wars Figure Display and Diorama Project [LIVE]
Post by: Tamer on June 08, 2014, 07:06:03 AM
I misquoted yesterday, but here is where the update was from!

"Hey Guys

As promised another update on where i am at with your orders. I have successfully moved to my new premises and have started production of the remaining orders (including the manufacture process of new moulds.) I am making each component for your orders in bulk which ensures good quality and quicker turnaround for supply in the future.

By manufacturing each component in bulk, it means that all orders will be ready and shipped out at the same time rather than piece meal. My conservative estimation is end of August for manufacture process, with shipping first week of September.

Again, i stress this is conservative as we had problems in the past and i have allowed some additional time for this. Rest assured that i'm certain production is only going to be faster and more efficient in the future now i have looked at previous issues. I will keep you updated as i progress so you know i'm on track with your goods.

Thanks once again for your support."