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Hello!
I’ve been intrigued by custom figure creations for quite a while, but have never felt that I wanted a figure strongly enough to give customizing a shot myself. A little over a month ago, something finally convinced me to act: the TVC Tatooine Skiff. When I received a pair as companion pieces to the Khetanna, I was reminded that, despite collecting every Jabba guard/goon Hasbro has released, my skiffs were still lacking. This would not do. During the past month, I have been customizing the missing five figures in my free time so that the spectacular skiffs may be properly populated. These are my efforts.
Gailid
(https://i.imgur.com/RIOrDWl.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/0o0v77B.jpg)
Composition: TVC AT-ST Driver head, torso, pelvis, legs, TBS Ponda Baba upper arms, TBS Luke Yavin Ceremony lower arms & hands. Aviator helmet and hair, torso, belt, and leg pouch sculpted with Aves Epoxy Sculpt. Soft goods helmet straps.
Process: This guy was the first one I began and one of the last ones I completed. I started on a Rose Tico body, which I realized would be far too small after sculpting the chest. I attempted again with a Brock Starsher torso, but had compatibility issues with the other pieces I intended to use (I bought the cheapest rotary tool I could find and received exactly what I paid for) and abandoned that. Third time was the charm, it seems.
Yotts Orren
(https://i.imgur.com/PjyRpFo.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/zCp78M6.jpg)
Composition: TVC Wooof head, hands & belt, TVC Rebel Commando (Endor) body. Cowl, chest, bandoliers, fanny pack, kneepad, pouch, and boot wraps sculpted with epoxy clay.
Process: Yotts was the first custom to reach near-completion. At this point I was still deathly afraid of boil and pop after a lackluster first attempt to separate limbs from trunk (I tested on the Rose, naturally), I built him without swapping parts. I had intended to use the rebel commando bandoliers, but they ultimately felt too bulky.
Shirtless Human Skiff Guard (aka Fozec’s wardrobe twin)
(https://i.imgur.com/b97bXK1.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/TURXHmg.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/fcFqc5E.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/H71p7kR.jpg)
Composition: TBS Luke Yavin Ceremony head, Vitruvian H.A.C.K.S. champagne beige blank torso, arms, hands, TVC Vedain legs, TVC Lando Skiff boots, Saga Lando Barge helmet & loincloth. Armor, harness & straps, helmet details, and kneepads sculpted in epoxy clay. Soft goods cowl & mask.
Process: After finding an image of a custom of this character created by a user named Jaeger45 (a fantastic effort that also encouraged me to experiment with soft goods- If you read this, thank you!), I ordered a Bossfight blank and got to work assembling this guy. Joining the Bossfight body to the Vedain pelvis proved to be more difficult than initially anticipated, since unlike the TVC Weequay, Vedain’s body has no waist swivel on account of the ball abdomen. I cut away the Vedain abdomen and connected the blank’s torso to a fabricated socket built on the pelvis using epoxy clay. Disclaimer: I know this guard doesn’t have a visible holster or belt on film, but he does brandish a palace blaster. I felt sympathetic toward him since he dies out of sequence and was never even given a name, so I allowed him a gun belt & holster for his pistol.
Mercenary Pilot
(https://i.imgur.com/purnDnS.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/xLFF874.jpg)
Composition: TVC Rebel Trooper (Hoth) head, TLC Imperial Scanning Screw torso & arms, TVC Rebel Commando (Endor) gloves, TVC Brock Starsher legs & boots, G.I. Joe Retaliation Cobra Trooper helmet. Bandoliers, shoulderpads, pouches, and helmet detailing sculpted with epoxy clay.
Process: This fellow came together relatively painlessly until it came time for the helmet, which I intended to be removable. I tried a few different heads and sculpts but nothing seemed to work out quite the way I hoped it would. Discovering the Cobra Trooper helmet as an excellent base for the ‘80s hockey helmet was a godsend, although I’m not sure it will come off…
Velken Tezeri // Nizuc Bek
(https://i.imgur.com/xcZ8DPf.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/iNR4y7v.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/uVY4MBN.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/GoFYiuk.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/621ESD2.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/XKytdOH.jpg)
Composition: TVC Rebel Commando (Endor) head, TVC Wooof torso, TLC Malakili arms & hands, TLC Giran skirt, TVC Naboo Pilot pelvis & thighs, TVC Rebel Commando (Endor) shins, TVC Lando Skiff boots, TSC Naboo Soldier helmet, TVC Sandstorm Leia goggles. Beard, puff vest, belt, flask, quilting pattern on legs, kneepads, helmet detailing sculpted in epoxy clay. Soft goods cowl & mask/wrap.
Process: At this point, I was no longer terrified of boil and pop and was swapping out parts freely (even though I ended up sculpting or sanding down most of the pieces beyond recognition– lol). I also wanted to make the figure versatile, so I included a pair of goggles and attached the mask flap on one side so that it could be folded down to reproduce Bek’s look. I resculpted the puff vest over the previous iteration, so the figure ended up looking slightly more portly than initially intended (chalk it up to a windy day or too much partying on the Khetanna, I suppose). The figure went through various phases, but ultimately resulted in a piece than I am content with (for now).
The goon squad, assembled:
(https://i.imgur.com/zVI8WIY.jpg)
Now that I’ve gotten a taste of this, I am tempted to continue. There are still barge guards & passengers, cantina patrons, and a cornucopia of other secondary characters that would be a blast to make. Before I do though, I have some questions for those of you who have been at this for a while. What have you found to be the most effective way of preventing paint rub at the joints? I have sanded them down and applied a thin layer of superglue, but are there any other techniques that you use that have worked well for you? Also, are there clays that you would recommend for sculpting that have some give to them that also accept and retain fine detail? I tried using a polyclay for skirt detail but abandoned it because it didn’t seem to hold the sculpt. Maybe it was just old. Finally, is there a superglue or cement that you would recommend for joining plastic to plastic for the best possible bond?
Thanks for reading- I welcome your advice, feedback, and suggestions!
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Damn fine job! The painting and sculpting work is world class. Are these your first customs you've ever done?
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First off welcome! These look fantastic. I agree you look like you have been customizing for years.
Time to get these to the front pages. Thank you for sharing them.
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Sweet!! Especially if this is your first offerings because these are very good
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Fantastic looking figures mate.
Ron
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Thank you all for the kind words. These are indeed the first customs I've made, or at least what I would consider "real" custom figures, having only performed a handful of head swaps and repaints previously. The task seemed a bit daunting, but turned out to be a great deal of fun!
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What a great introduction to the 'shipyards. Those are excellent figures, you certainly have some great skill. Looking forward to seeing what else you have to share.
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The only thing that might be more impressive than these figures is that you were able to crank them out in a month. Awesome work!
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Simple Amazing , rare owner here! Keep them coming... please check Jaeger45 thread to find out how we do the fabric. Welco
E to the boards !
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Wow—so much talent! These look great! Your sculpting and paint apps are superb, and you just plowed through these. Consider me impressed!
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These are your FIRST customs? That's astounding. Very nice work. Can't wait to see what's next.
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Really great set. I especially like the way you did the shirtless guard. You did a great job with the armor on that one.
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New month, new customs! My sophomore offering takes to the decks of the sail barge Khetanna for five more of Jabba's associates without official release. There are some fan favorite characters here, and I had a blast improving elements I first experimented with in wave one. So, without further ado... wave two!
Geezum
(https://i.imgur.com/Y8692uC.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/DgqazeN.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/wzhIN69.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/KOg950D.jpg)
Background: A Snivvian scout in Jabba's employ. He is seen in the palace and on the Khetanna at Carkoon, where he is chatting with Fozec & Yoxgit when C-3PO runs into R2. Although he is never shown with any weaponry, he seemed like the ranging sort, so I gave him a rifle that hooks into his bandolier.
Composition: TVC Snaggletooth head, shins & boots, OTC M'iiyoom Onith torso, TVC Bom Vimdin arms, TVC Rebel Commando gloves, TVC Lando Skiff pelvis & thighs. Epoxy clay outfit quilting and bandolier. Soft goods sash.
Yoxgit
(https://i.imgur.com/DQdtinp.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/QVOVYj0.jpg)
Background: An Ugnaught charged with maintaining Jabba's security systems. Seen on the Khetanna socializing with Geezum and Fozec. This guy has eerie, bulbous eyes that I wanted to replicate. I first tried epoxy clay, then glue, and finally glass shards. If I find beads of the proper size, I will switch out the shards. I also gave him a little comm/remote (thanks, Rose) that can attach to his belt so that he can monitor and maintain Jabba's security systems on the go.
Composition: TLC Ugnaught #2 head, torso, pelvis, arms & boots, TLC AT-ST driver gloves, TLC Arvel Crynyd (lol) thighs. Belt, pockets, and facial details sculpted in epoxy clay. Glass shard eyes.
Taym Dren-garen
(https://i.imgur.com/UhOZGFY.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/26dRFnS.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/BEa7dB7.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/2ACxHLE.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/fHiBjIn.jpg)
Background: One of Jabba's henchmen charged with inciting violence between Tusken Raiders and settlers to distract local authorities from Jabba's dealings. Taym is most notably the only character other than the emperor to deal any real damage to Luke Skywalker in RotJ, shooting his hand on the upper deck of the Khetanna. Over the years, he has repeatedly placed (and perhaps even won?) in multiple fan polls, but has yet to see official release.
Composition: TVC Ric Olie head, pelvis & thighs, TVC Vizam torso, TVC Rebel Commando upper arms, TVC Vedain forearms, TLC Imperial Scanning Crew hands, TLC Major Panno shins & boots, TVC Lando Skiff helmet. Epoxy clay vest, belt, and helmet detail. Soft goods cowl and skirt.
Shasa Tiel
(https://i.imgur.com/JckNkh1.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/BG9GVIc.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/H3WDLtM.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/M0itptA.jpg)
Background: An Ishi Tib in charge of Jabba's fortune. Seen in the palace and on the barge jeering at the prisoners along with Ree-Yees and Tessek. While "researching" (watching the first 30 min of Jedi on replay) her outfit, I noticed something hilarious: after the rancor's demise, Shasa can be seen gesticulating wildly near Jabba's dais, incredulous that anyone could defeat Pateesa. The actor is really going for broke, and it's a hoot. Anyway, since she's Jabba's accountant, I made her a little data pad so that she can keep a keen eye on those riches.
Composition: PotF2 Ishi Tib head & hands, TBS Ponda Baba torso, TVC Snaggletooth upper arms, KotCS Indiana Jones forearms, TLC Major Panno pelvis, TLC AT-AT driver legs & boots.
Fozec
(https://i.imgur.com/ThpA3RR.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ljOfcbj.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/rAD4kir.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/hHZOY1D.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/mtS5hwy.jpg)
Background: In Legends, a Galactic Empire plant working as a human guard at Jabba's palace. Fozec seems to fill many roles, acting even as part-time gaoler to an unfrozen Han Solo, but also knows how to kick back and enjoy the music with workmates Geezum and Yoxgit on the Khetanna. Rather unintentionally, Fozec turned into something of a deluxe figure when I realized just how many elements of his outfit I could elevate. The helmet, goggles, and gun belt and holster can all be removed, and I included a set of cuffs and his signature barge party chalice. His staff is also unique, as I noticed the one he wields has a middle portion that fans out and a set of prongs at the top. He was a blast to make.
Composition: Vitruvian H.A.C.K.S. coffee blank head and upper body, TVC Lando Skiff pelvis, thighs & boots, TVC Vedain shins, TVC Lando Skiff belt & helmet, TLC Luke Sandstorm goggles. Armor, straps, kneepads, helmet details, and facial hair sculpted in epoxy clay. Soft goods cowl & loincloth.
"Dillon, you son of a..."
(https://i.imgur.com/Dzhl4EU.jpg)
And the group in a festive mood (well, maybe not Taym):
(https://i.imgur.com/ZWunQX2.jpg)
And upon hearing that their chances at Hasbro are rather slim:
(https://i.imgur.com/56RAz75.jpg)
But seriously Hasbro, make these already.
Again, thank you all for the encouragement, and a special thank you to Jaeger45 for the crafting advice and product recommendations. I'm always working to improve, and I've really been enjoying this! I was assembling a couple of these figures concurrently with the first set, so the wave came together quickly. Although I haven't begun any new customs yet, more Khetanna revelers and guards seem likely.
As always, I welcome your advice, feedback, and suggestions!
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Wow, another great group. I like them all. Let me take these to the front pages and try to leave better comments later. Wow!
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Stunning. Your use of parts and especially your sculpting are on point! Top notch customs! Got me thinking I need to do more sculpting.
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Impressive ! Most Impessive !
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These are really masterful. I appreciate how you work in the soft goods.
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I wish I could leave better comments. The sculpt and paint work are just phenemenal. Folks would give their eye teeth to see these in a vintage package on the pegs. They could sell cases and cases of these if they would make em. It is hard for me to believe this is just your second run of customs. Are you an artist by trade?
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Really great set. I especially like the way you did the shirtless guard. You did a great job with the armor on that one.
Thanks Moronarama! I was happy with the way that armor turned out, so I decided I would sculpt Fozec's armor in the second wave the same way I had with that guy and do my best to improve it. In studying Fozec, I realized that the armor had more of a whitish color along with some patina, and I think the second effort captures that more accurately than the wave one shirtless guard. Not sure how distinct the difference is in the photos, but I'm happy with it. I've been enjoying your customs as well, and you and Chuckles have got me thinking it might be fun to put together an EU/Fanfic character sometime soon.
Stunning. Your use of parts and especially your sculpting are on point! Top notch customs! Got me thinking I need to do more sculpting.
Thank you Chuckles! And you should- the sculpting is a lot of fun. The kit bashing aspect of custom figures has been half of the battle for me (and may have grown worse now that I'm more comfortable with boil & pop and torso splitting). This second batch provided a new challenge as I did my best to capture the characters' heights and proportions as accurately as possible. Yoxgit appears to be taller than a typical Ugnaught, so swapping out the thighs seemed to make up some needed height; Geezum wears his belt higher than normal, so I went with elongated legs and a shorter torso; Shasa went through a handful of leg and boot combinations, even to the point of a pair of sculpted boots, before I realized that the actor's legs were fairly trim and the AT-AT driver boots were the best fit. Once I'm happy with the base bodies, the sculpting just happens.
Impressive ! Most Impessive !
Thanks Stan! You and your collaborative group are a steady source of inspiration for my Jabba goons.
These are really masterful. I appreciate how you work in the soft goods.
Thanks Starchaser! The soft goods applications were born of my desire for the freest poseability possible coupled with my inability to find a flexible sculpting medium and my lack of molding/casting tools (+ a healthy dose of inspiration for Jaeger45's customs). For the second wave of figures, I wanted to incorporate more soft goods than I had the first time around. The helmet soft goods were a given (Taym's is hilariously complicated- I think I ended up using 15 or so individual pieces + clay) but I realized I also wanted the lower regions to use soft goods after working in Geezum's sash. After completing Taym's undercloth skirt, I knew I had to also give Fozec the same treatment, at which point I realized that I had to carve out and salvage the gun belt and holster from the plastic Lando loincloth. I even added some bits of string for Geezum's wild hair. :P
I wish I could leave better comments. The sculpt and paint work are just phenemenal. Folks would give their eye teeth to see these in a vintage package on the pegs. They could sell cases and cases of these if they would make em. It is hard for me to believe this is just your second run of customs. Are you an artist by trade?
Thanks Tamer, I really appreciate that! I am not an artist by trade, but as I am always seeking creative outlets, working on these has brought me a great deal of pleasure. I too believe that side characters such as these would perform well at retail, although I fear that rodent mandates and licensing fees may be a deterrent. There are rumors that more Carkoon figures are coming down the pipeline, so only time will tell. Until then, I plan to continue creating the figures I'd want to display. :)
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First off: I'm glad you joined the crew here! Welcome to the Shipyards!
Secondly, your customs look amazing! But that's only the short story...
I had some serious fun with the new Skiff today and decided to review it. Having done that I know exactly what you mean! I had to invite some Cantina aliens for the first ride on the skiff to see how many it holds. It took me a while, but I managed to put 29 regular action figures/aliens on deck! Can you fit more? ;)
Looking at your customs is very inspiring! They all look so authentic and remind me of how many characters of ROTJ Hasbro still have to make. Your attention to detail and accuracy is impressive. So are your painting and weathering skills.
Thank you so much for sharing your batch of Jabba's goons!
You can check out my review of the Tatooine Skiff here. Feel free to add pictures and thoughts of it there, too!
http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=10665.msg214052#msg214052
- Philipp
Add: I can only agree with previous comments: Those being your first customs really kicked me off the chair! Sorry for my late reply...
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Thank you so much for sharing your batch of Jabba's goons!
You can check out my review of the Tatooine Skiff here. Feel free to add pictures and thoughts of it there, too!
Thanks for the kind words, Philipp! I will also check out the skiff review.
I've recently completed another barge reveler and though I would share him now rather than wait since the other companion pieces are languishing in development limbo. He uses plenty of mixed media and was quite a thrill to assemble once I got everything properly fitted. I toyed with the idea of an entirely soft goods outfit, but the fabric I was using simply didn't have the give to allow for full articulation. I drew a lot of inspiration for this one from a Gauron Echo_Six completed previously, and also want to credit Jaeger45 for info on fabric printing, which I employed for the lining of the figure's leather jacket.
Gauron Nas Tal(https://i.imgur.com/ldJrkoN.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/N4AzMM9.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/gtRF2Dq.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/NMulmdR.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/06Dbuj6.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/7upShc3.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/FaeY9QB.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/JZPooUr.jpg)
Background: Gauron is a Saurin combat trainer employed by Jabba to train his Gamorreans. He can be seen lurking in the shadows near the top of the stairs of Jabba's throne room, peering intently down through the grating when Luke and Jubnuk face the rancor, and of course jeering at the prisoners from the barge at Carkoon. Since he is a combat trainer, I thought it would be fun to add some accessories in the form of a nasty looking pole weapon and a pair of dirks along with the tumbler.
Composition: VTSC Bossk head, shins (chopped) & feet, TVC Rebel Commando (Endor) chest and forearms (chopped), TVC Woof upper arms, TVC Naboo Pilot gloves and glove pegs, TLC Major Panno pelvis, thighs, & shins (chopped). Soft goods turtleneck, leather coat, sash, lower shirt; thread/metal chain necklace with ceramic and glass shards, metal chain coat collar; epoxy clay wrist device & pant hem.
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Wow! Again with the pro-level custom! Love that Gauron Nas Tal!
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The cape/jacket is beautiful. I especially love the inner edging with the "winding" gold strips. That medallion is great, too!
Definitely makes me want to re-work the gloves on mine and give his skin a dry-brushing.
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I can only agree with Chuckles and Echo_Six: It cannot get any better than this! Your customs look like Hot Toys' premium collectibles in 1/18 scale.
That's a thrilling background story of Gauron Nas Tal and I really appreciate your credits to Echo_Six and Jaeger 45! Every single part to build up this figure looks plain excellent! I'm especially impressed by the coat's texture and the efficient use of soft goods!
The fourth picture strongly reminds me of Warhammer Fantasy. He reminds me of a miniature I played in a tournament once. Thanks for sharing so many high qualitiy pictures and even the recipe of him, too!
You never fail to make our jaws drop, Aude. Fantastic project!
Thanks for leaving a comment in my skiff review!
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I ran out of internet time this morning and I will make sure I get this posted tomorrow.
My work internet filter is not letting me see the images, but I can't wait to get home to see your new custom Gauron.
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Well I sure did put on my to do lis this morning to get back in here and see this great new update. I am glad I did, wow what a great custom. Love the soft goods work, the weapon work, the painting, the parts its all good. Needless to say this is on our front pages this morning.
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Looking good on the frontpages on a Friday morning! Much deserved this masterpiece has! I would've reminded you if you had forgotten to post this, Shawn! lol
What a brilliant custom this is in every way!
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Wow! Again with the pro-level custom! Love that Gauron Nas Tal!
Thanks! Ironically there was very little sculpting involved with this one, but I plan to get back to it going forward. The Hasbro pieces worked out well enough with some mid-limb chopping. vadsab
The cape/jacket is beautiful. I especially love the inner edging with the "winding" gold strips. That medallion is great, too!
Definitely makes me want to re-work the gloves on mine and give his skin a dry-brushing.
Thanks Echo! At first the trim of the leather jacket was printed, but I decided that it needed to feel a bit more rakish. The chain and winding gold strips accomplished that. Figuring out the glove situation for this guy did take a minute, as did the feet. The closest images I could find to corroborate evidence of bare feet were the early palace shots of him standing in the shadows on the stair landing and at the rancor pit grate since. I know I've said this before, but I really do love your Gauron. A glove switch and dry brushing should be easy!
I can only agree with Chuckles and Echo_Six: It cannot get any better than this! Your customs look like Hot Toys' premium collectibles in 1/18 scale.
That's a thrilling background story of Gauron Nas Tal and I really appreciate your credits to Echo_Six and Jaeger 45! Every single part to build up this figure looks plain excellent! I'm especially impressed by the coat's texture and the efficient use of soft goods!
The fourth picture strongly reminds me of Warhammer Fantasy. He reminds me of a miniature I played in a tournament once. Thanks for sharing so many high qualitiy pictures and even the recipe of him, too!
You never fail to make our jaws drop, Aude. Fantastic project!
Thanks for leaving a comment in my skiff review!
Thanks! That is quite a compliment. 0/ It has been great fun to see what fantastic custom pieces others have created, and to continue to learn and implement some of these techniques to improve my own work. I've always found the background info on these obscure characters to be fun to consider, whether a full story or brief job description. I remember reading the Tales From... compilations when I was younger and delighting in the variety of cultures, customs, and professions. The SW universe is such a terrific sandbox to play in!
Well I sure did put on my to do lis this morning to get back in here and see this great new update. I am glad I did, wow what a great custom. Love the soft goods work, the weapon work, the painting, the parts its all good. Needless to say this is one our front pages this morning.
Thank you, Tamer! I am delighted to share my work with all of you, and feedback from you and others encourages me to continue to push myself to improve. :)
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Well now, that is an amazing figure. Lots of attention to the small details that really make this figure special. Your fabric work is great as well and I like how you finished the edge of his robe/cloak. Great job all the way around.
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Wow, you really nailed it. The chain/winding cording on the collar of the jacket really makes it pop. Is that sisal for the winding cord? Leather?
I think you’ve set the bar for this one.
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Well now, that is an amazing figure. Lots of attention to the small details that really make this figure special. Your fabric work is great as well and I like how you finished the edge of his robe/cloak. Great job all the way around.
Thanks Starchaser! These figures make me think that a watchmaker loupe or other type of magnifying glass might be a useful investment going forward.
Wow, you really nailed it. The chain/winding cording on the collar of the jacket really makes it pop. Is that sisal for the winding cord? Leather?
I think you’ve set the bar for this one.
Thanks! :) I ended up using the same faux leather material as the jacket to make the cording, cut into fine strips and painted. You could use sisal or other thread for it as well.
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Wow knock this one out the park, great composition of different media,
How in the world did you do the wrap around the upper park
Of jacket with the chain. Is that soft
Good belt around the waist. Love your use of color. On the stripes on the arm did you raise it a little to give it volume. Love you use of parts their really fit together well. Applaud! My friend
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I could see a watchmaker or jewelers loupe being a good investment.
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So, like everyone else said, the figure is amazing. All of its good, but like others, the jacket is my favorite part. I like how the texture has that scaly, goes well with his lizard skin. And the detail on the trim, holy cow! really fantastic work.
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So, like everyone else said, the figure is amazing. All of its good, but like others, the jacket is my favorite part. I like how the texture has that scaly, goes well with his lizard skin. And the detail on the trim, holy cow! really fantastic work.
We definitely need a like button here! Where's the like button, Tamer? =D
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This figure is getting a lot of positive attention on our Facebook page too.
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Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanks again for all of the feedback- I really appreciate it! I've had some time this week to whip up another custom figure that I am excited to share with you, and she's not a barge reveler. As many of you surely know, The Mandalorian series on Disney+ is a massive amount of fun. If for some reason you haven't seen it yet, check it out! Sadly, 3.75" collectors have zero individually-carded characters currently available from the new series. So, while we are still waiting for main characters and perhaps indefinitely for any and all of the others, I put together one of my favorites from the show thus far.
The Armorer
(https://i.imgur.com/LtYqT3I.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/WtMpBD7.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/HO0s9Y0.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/gyLkdZ8.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/v1y1PrT.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/CB3E48o.jpg)
Composition: Force Link 2.0 Boba Fett head, TVC Enfys Nest body, TVC Death Star Gunner hands, TVC Bom Vimdin shins & boots. Epoxy clay sculpts with leather kilt & linings and various other bits and bobs. Cameo by TLC Willrow Hood camtono (or is it an ice cream maker? ;))
"This is the way."
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Wow, Aude this is genius! I wonder if Hasbro will ever give us this character in 1/18 scale. I bet they will in their beloved 6" line...
She's looking gorgeous! The helmet and the skirt are my favorite details. Most respect on the sculpting and choice of materials and colors!
10/10
Where did you get the tools from? They're brilliant!
Honestly her design gives some GoT vibes...coincidence?
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Wow, Aude this is genius! I wonder if Hasbro will ever give us this character in 1/18 scale. I bet they will in their beloved 6" line...
She's looking gorgeous! The helmet and the skirt are my favorite details. Most respect on the sculpting and choice of materials and colors!
10/10
Where did you get the tools from? They're brilliant!
Honestly her design gives some GoT vibes...coincidence?
Thanks! :) There are a couple aspects that I think I can improve, but I'm pleased with the way she turned out. The hammer was made from pieces of a skiff guard vibro-axe which was cut, sanded, and glued; the tongs were formerly a paperclip. The outfit feels like a mixture or Greek and Norse designs, but I can see the fur giving off a bit of the GoT aesthetic also.
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I just got done rewatching episode three again. So cool. Off to the front pages.
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She looks awesome mate, well done indeed.
Ron
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She looks DAMN good! Excellent work, my friend. I've seen a few customs of her, but yours is a knock out!
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I had to get this gal on the top of the main page today. Still speechless how great she looks from the show. Just spot on. She is getting a lot of love on our Facebook Page too.
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Wow. Love that Mando armorer!
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I think I've decided on a cool fan name for her.
"Forgemother."
I know fans have taken to calling the baby Yoda "Yiddle."
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She looks awesome mate, well done indeed.
Ron
Thanks Ron! She was a lot of fun to put together.
She looks DAMN good! Excellent work, my friend. I've seen a few customs of her, but yours is a knock out!
Thanks RC! We had side & rear shots of her kilt in Ep3 so there was enough to work with after that. I could never find a clear image of the boots, so I exercised a bit of creative license there. If/when I make her again, I want to add some fur to the boots. It is unclear whether Dyn will seek out the relocated covert this season, so we may not see her again. Also, you might have something in that fan name.
I had to get this gal on the top of the main page today. Still speechless how great she looks from the show. Just spot on. She is getting a lot of love on our Facebook Page too.
Thanks Tamer! Favreau & co have done great work with the show, and it has been a blast to once again have lively discussions about current Star Wars content that a majority seem to be enjoying.
Wow. Love that Mando armorer!
Thanks Chuckles! I thought about your Mando fur trader while working on her!
Thanks again to all of you for the encouragement! I decided to list her for auction this evening with the hope that her sale will fund future customs. This is not something I plan to do regularly, but I am curious to see what demand might be like. If interested, you can check her out here! (https://www.ebay.com/itm/Star-Wars-1-18-Custom-The-Mandalorian-Armorer-Blacksmith-for-Hasbro-VC-Disney/293357255005)
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The armorer turned out really, really well. Great execution on her design. This was a brilliant build.
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Fantastic. That is top notch work.
In other news, I was cruising the Hasbro site and it looks like we will at least get a 3.75 Mandolorean and Cara Dune in the Vintage Collection.
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Thanks! :) There are a couple aspects that I think I can improve, but I'm pleased with the way she turned out. The hammer was made from pieces of a skiff guard vibro-axe which was cut, sanded, and glued; the tongs were formerly a paperclip. The outfit feels like a mixture or Greek and Norse designs, but I can see the fur giving off a bit of the GoT aesthetic also.
Sorry for my late reply. Thank you for the recipe for the tools! That's defintely canon if you even used Hasbro parts ;) I'm very curious to see where the winning bid for her ends...And I totally agree on the Greek design. And I didn't know the word "Norse" before - looked it up. In German it's "nordisch" - lesson learned for today! Thanks a lot!
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The armorer turned out really, really well. Great execution on her design. This was a brilliant build.
Thank you, Starchaser! She is such a great character on the show and has such a neat design, I knew I wanted to make her after Ep. 3. The Enfys body was a perfect base for the build!
Fantastic. That is top notch work.
In other news, I was cruising the Hasbro site and it looks like we will at least get a 3.75 Mandolorean and Cara Dune in the Vintage Collection.
Thanks Mo! I know that Hasbro have announced a few single-carded figures for VC, but the offering is paltry (Mando, Cara, repainted Stormtrooper) and will not be available until Spring '20. They also recently opened preorders for "The Child" in various sizes, none of which are 3.75" scale.....
Sorry for my late reply. Thank you for the recipe for the tools! That's defintely canon if you even used Hasbro parts ;) I'm very curious to see where the winning bid for her ends...And I totally agree on the Greek design. And I didn't know the word "Norse" before - looked it up. In German it's "nordisch" - lesson learned for today! Thanks a lot!
You're welcome, and no worries! I love that you referred to the accessories/components as canon. ;)
hmm, double post imminent.
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Well, I'm back with another fresh custom for December. I had hoped to complete the last few Barge folks, but the base bodies are still bagged and in pieces without any significant progress, so they'll likely be coming sometime next year. Today's custom is the first character you'll find in the thread that hasn't been seen onscreen. Instead, he is from a Star Wars board game: Fantasy Flight Games' Imperial Assault. IA is a tactical combat strategy game with both progression missions and a one-off skirmish mode, and it's a ton of fun. If you enjoy Star Wars and gaming with friends, I highly recommend it!
This build has a few firsts for me. The head is entirely sculpted rather than built around an existing portrait, and I used a pair of cabochons to give the eyes the semi-transparent look. Since the body I decided on had a ball torso and swivel waist, I opted for a full soft-goods clothing upper. The jacket, along with the straps, belt, and holsters are all cut from a .4mm ultra-thin leather, and the jacket's edges are wired for posability. The metal details are cut and bent from a thin aluminum sheeting and crafting studs. I want to thank all of you who churn out fanfic & EU customs for the constant reminder that there are so many possibilities for customs (and Chuckles x2, whose recent backdrop idea I have shamelessly applied to my flash-diorama 8)). Anyway, here he is!
Vinto Hreeda
Reckless Vigilante
(https://i.imgur.com/YnTbBum.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/yGZN4jN.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Ic6iAjK.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/jxa1bdn.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/zzOV8H5.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/Y8kgNin.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/eSJScdt.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/2vwRSgT.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/MiCQgqo.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/FO0ga5P.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/96gHlhP.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/UkbFs4k.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/beYcZXE.jpg)
Composition: Vitruvian H.A.C.K.S. Female Orc Blank torso, arms, & hands, VC Death Star Gunner pelvis, legs, & feet. Epoxy clay sculpted head, fingers, and boots. Fabric shirt with dyed pattern, leather jacket, straps, belt, & holsters. Aluminum sheet pauldrons and accents. Cabochon eyes.
"Just keep shooting. Eventually, one of you stops shooting back." -VH
Addendum: Taking photos for the project made me realize how ill-equipped I was to set up a proper diorama. I whipped up the base fairly quickly, but am lacking accessories (crates, barrels, etc) and proper backdrop wall paneling. This is something I would love to improve as I've seen some excellent examples here. Perhaps a basic corridor set and then a proper sarlacc once the rest of the Khetanna crew are finished...
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I love that you referred to the accessories/components as canon.
As if I was in the position to judge about that xD But I really like what you do! It was also good to watch how much your custom went for on ebay! Much deserved amount for this masterpiece!
So when I checked by this morning and saw your latest project, I almost dropped my cereal. I don't remember signing in here any quicker.
Vinto Hreeda is such a fresh custom I can't even tell! I must admit I'm most impressed by the head. I just read it's even sculpted with epoxy?! I love the fact that he's missing the left ear and this scar looks amazing in his face. Don't get me wrong, but those details just look incredible! The eyes are stunning, too! I suppose they are made with applications from the craft store? Or did you also make them with epoxy resin/clear glue?
Aluminum plates, fine fabric that looks like 1/18 scale leather, all the belts and straps, the coat, excellent choice of shiny colors - I'm speechless!
This is easily one of the three best action figures I've ever seen in 1/18 scale. And with its story it's just become one of my absolute favorite Star Wars characters.
To me this shows how much we need more Rodians! Eric told me that The Black Series will get much more aliens in the near future. I hope TVC does, too!
So this character does exsist officially? Is Imperial Assault a table top game and does it have to do anything with SW Legion?
Man, what a start into this Friday! I'm hyped and spend the rest of the day looking at all the pictures you provide here. Thank you so much for sharing this absolute stunning masterpiece on here! Most respect for this jewel of a custom!
- Philipp
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Holy shit! That rodian is amazing! Love the scar and missing forehead ear thing! Very nice work and a very cool design!
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Chuckles is right, HOLY SHIT, Indeed. So much beautiful detail. I am blown away by the soft goods and the meta details. A real work of art. Just amazing.
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Yep, jaw unhinged. Wow. So awesome. I don't even know how to comment on all the coolness.
Love the head sculpt and that soft goods work is fantastic. Love the metal bits on it and it looks like you can pose it anyway you want too. Awesome custom. Off to the front pages.
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Awesome body of work! I'd love to do a feature of you on our blog.
customsforthekid.blogspot.com
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Philipp: Thank you as always for the in-depth feedback! My earlier response was only meant to indicate that the component parts being referred to as 'canon' was amusing and made me smile. And yes, the armorer did well! I was glad to see that she did, and the sale gave me a good feel for what the current market is like while helping to finance some future projects. 3.75" is starved for content lately with few reassurances that much of anything new is coming anytime soon.
While the head is epoxy clay, the eyes are actually cabochons, or polished gems that are not faceted. I ordered a few of them in different colors, and plan to make more use of them going forward. I agree that the character has a fantastic design- quirks and imperfections always add interest! There are some other heroes also from IA on a shortlist that I would like to make at some point as companions to Vinto, so we will see if/when that happens.
Yes, IA is sort of a board game precursor to Legion. Both are made by FFG, who also make the other SW tabletop games Star Wars: X-Wing (micro-scale w/ a squad of a few ships) and Armada (macro w/ fleets), both of which are also great. As to the question of canon, I haven't the foggiest idea. I have to be honest: canon has always been for me whatever I want it to be; whatever I enjoy most. I love a lot of the old EU, which was relegated to 'Legends' after the sale, so this outlook has been beneficial.
Chuckles: Thank you! You always seem to be working on something, and that inspires me to do the same. In a way, this almost feels like an apology figure for poor Chussido (or her lookalike) being publicly disintegrated a few weeks ago.
Moronarama: Thank you! I was excited to have found the ultra-thin leather and even more pleased to see it work out so well. It has the perfect amount of give to it and it's so supple! I would totally wear his 3/4 length jacket if it fit.
Tamer: Thanks! Vinto is definitely super poseable. I am not a huge fan of the ball hip hinge Hasbro uses on the more recent 3.75" SA figures (TBS 6" has a much better ball hinged hip- it's simpler and requires less rotating/bending), but it worked out fine on my two most recent customs. The range of motion is definitely a plus, so I imagine I'll be using the ball hips more frequently going forward.
darthdaddy: Thank you! I've admired custom projects for years and have certainly been enjoying making them myself more recently. Creating these figures still seems a bit like a nascent hobby if I'm honest, but I would be open to it.
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That's fantastic! You make some remarkable figures, for sure. I gotta step my game up.
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Dude, Vinto looks really awesome! I was looking at him as a character less than a month ago and thought, "he would be a great character for someone to build." You really knocked this out of the park. The head sculpt is remarkable and the soft goods (plus aluminium) look really stunning.
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Thanks for your reply Aude! Thank you for providing all the interesting info! I think I will spend some time on doing research on Legion.
I actually looked up "cabochons" since I hadn't known the word, but I knew what they are. Brilliant idea with the wire incorporated in the leather coat! As Tamer said, this makes so many cool poses look even cooler!
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Late replies. :(
That's fantastic! You make some remarkable figures, for sure. I gotta step my game up.
Thanks! I look forward to seeing what else you come up with.
Dude, Vinto looks really awesome! I was looking at him as a character less than a month ago and thought, "he would be a great character for someone to build." You really knocked this out of the park. The head sculpt is remarkable and the soft goods (plus aluminium) look really stunning.
Thanks Starchaser! Some of the FF characters really have that toyetic design.
Thanks for your reply Aude! Thank you for providing all the interesting info! I think I will spend some time on doing research on Legion.
I actually looked up "cabochons" since I hadn't known the word, but I knew what they are. Brilliant idea with the wire incorporated in the leather coat! As Tamer said, this makes so many cool poses look even cooler!
Thanks again. :) I've been experimenting with different fodder body builds for poseability lately, and there are some impressive 1:18 scale lines out there.
New build incoming.
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As January draws to a close, I haven’t accomplished nearly as much as I’d like to have done as far as new customs are concerned. Travel in the new year has cut down customizing time. Small international parcels with pieces I was planning to use are MIA in the mail (some for over a month). I can’t convince W’s Scrapyard to scale down 3D prints for purchase (the reason for this remains a mystery to me as others seem to have had no issue ordering 1/18 prints from him)...
All is not lost, of course, and I have managed to turn out one completed piece since last posting. The usual goodies are all here along with a new addition: magnets! Having seen customizers employ them in the past, a golden opportunity for experimentation presented itself when the single plastic jetpack stock peg failed to hold. I picked up some tiny tiny 1.5x1mm magnets from this guy (https://www.ebay.com/usr/microgeocaches?_trksid=p2047675.l2559) (fast & cheap) that worked great! Cue the electric guitars.
Death Watch Commando (Three Stripes) /// Din’s Protector
The Mandalorian
(https://i.imgur.com/StHNjDi.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/lt9iXkV.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/OSycfA0.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/HJDzokw.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/OYUbMYa.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/7zXLaP7.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/6xm2XvN.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/Br6hjJD.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ZeVrZZN.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/gqXHLrY.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/c0dP4IG.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/2LdgfMT.jpg)
Composition: FL 2-Pack Boba Fett helmet, gauntlets (chopped) & modified jet pack (chopped & screwed), JoyToy Caucasus Mercenary “Veit” torso, pelvis, & legs, VC Boba Fett upper arms & forearms (chopped), VC Death Trooper hands. Epoxy clay sculpted armor plates and boots. Genuine leather pouches, linings, armor undervest, holster & straps. Stainless steel belt buckle, range finder stem, vibroknife, and rifle accents with aluminum chest piece & belt accessories. Plastic tube flamethrower hose. Neodymium magnet jetpack attachment & belt attachment/extension.
Process: The JoyToy figure responsible for most of the base body was originally intended to be used for an entirely different character, but the seller sent me the wrong figure. The flexible body warranted a combatant of some kind (rocker ankles in 3.75” practically demand it), so I decided between a few Mandalorian builds on a shortlist: Mythos Boba, 1313 Boba, or Death Watch Commando. After some discussion and input, the DWC felt like the freshest choice. Thanks to FunkoPOP, I had a decent full body reference image to work from. I intended to leave the stock rangefinder alone until one of the surgical razors snapped while working; the broken blade became the figure’s rangefinder stem, belt buckle(s), rifle casing, and vibro knife blade. With ball jointed hinges counting as two points, this figure has the most articulation of any that I have made with a whopping 38 POA.
I also created a mini display dio for the figure that was a little more involved this time. Unfortunately, the character didn’t read as well as I had hoped due to some darker elements in the display, so I had to scrap most of those shots (whoops!). Anyway, I’ve also included a photo of the display sans Three Stripes. The walls and flooring were made of some foam board with added texture, and the various objects/accessories were scavenged unmercifully from a clearance TBS Enfys Nest speeder.
(https://i.imgur.com/Ry8hi1N.jpg)
I’ve been considering expanding the ‘process’ section and including progress pictures of builds in the future to show how all of the elements wind up coming together. Please let me know if this is something that would interest you.
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I am just speechless. So awesome. I know what will be at the top of the front pages today.
And I know I for one would love to see and hear more about your process.
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I’m with Shawn on this one. I would love to see how you do it.
Fantastic figure and I’m grooving on the diorama.
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Fantastic! Again your soft goods and the sculpted armor are just breathtaking. Your craftsmanship is masterful.
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Excellent idea, excellent diorama, excellent paintjob, excellent articulation, but 38 points-of-articulation…??
:o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o
(https://i.imgur.com/mriFhv5.gif)
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Awesome figure mate and the leather work is excellent.
Ron
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I am just speechless. So awesome. I know what will be at the top of the front pages today.
And I know I for one would love to see and hear more about your process.
Thanks Tamer! I'll plan to do it.
I’m with Shawn on this one. I would love to see how you do it.
Fantastic figure and I’m grooving on the diorama.
Thanks! This latest figure left my work space in total disarray haha.
Excellent idea, excellent diorama, excellent paintjob, excellent articulation, but 38 points-of-articulation…??
:o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o
(https://i.imgur.com/mriFhv5.gif)
Madness? This is where the fun begins. ;) With the rule that ball joints count as two, here is the breakdown: ball head (2), ball neck (2), ball mid-torso (2), ball waist (2), ball shoulder 2x (4), ball elbow 2x (4), ball wrist 2x (4), ball hip 2x (4), swivel thigh 2x (2), double-jointed knee 2x (4), ankle swivel 2x (2), rocker ankle 2x (4), and toe swivel 2x (2). If I had articulated the gauntlets to swivel, we could have reached 40... Since I can't top this articulation, my next trick will be to produce one of those lovely articulation-free figures that seem to have flooded discount chains.
In all seriousness though, thank you. I was checking out the dios tonight and admiring the way you set up the Utapau rock base. That one really looks fantastic! I also realized when setting this one up that I only had one SBD (by a stroke of serendipity, the one that pops apart). Prequel figures are a minority in my collection, but Three Stripes will definitely need more droids to fight so I've ordered a couple more. He's currently posed ready for a vibro knife fight in my work area.
Awesome figure mate and the leather work is excellent.
Ron
Thanks Ron! The leather has been a treat to work with, and since the figures are so small, I know I'm going to get a lot of mileage out of it. While the front pouches aren't strictly accurate the the show and more an homage to Boba's Empire kit, I liked the look of them and went with that style anyway. In retrospect, I would have made them functional if I had gotten the magnets in sooner. Next time...
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Madness? This is where the fun begins. ;)
True, that would be the better movie quote! It's just that your Mando knocked me off the Chair when I saw him! I can only agree with previous comments - your sculpting work on his armour is amazing! Can you please send Hasbro an application? Man, am I happy that they finally discontinued the 5 POA line - "Thank the maker!"
So muh articulation is just awesome. Back in 2008 a friend of mine had a Spider Man figure that was about 50 cm tall, quite heavy - and LOADED with arti! I mean even the fingers had 3!! (three) joints each!! It must've been from Hasbro, too! I find it extremely disturbing that they seem to lost interest in making many super-articulated figures in 1/18 scale since 2012...at least the stuff we get in 3.75"/TVC is quite decent! But as Long as The Black Series lasts, TVC will always stay their new step child.
Man, you got talent! Let Hasbro know! Miss the times of DePriest and Steve. Cheers.
- Philipp
P.S.: By the way, have you seen how prices of Mando and Clone Wars stuff skyrocket, now?
http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=10579.msg216352#msg216352
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Aude - this is a magnificent build. You are working with so many different mediums which, in itself, is impressive. Your attention to detail is excellent and the aluminium work and leather work really make this figure stand-out. I like how the diorama turned out as well - disassembling the Nest speeder was a great idea for parts. Keep up the inspiring work.
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Glad I scrolled through your pages. Great stuff, inspiring!
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Damn! That Death Watch commando is crazy-good work!
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Looks like it has been a month since I posted in this thread, so replies are long overdue (and also an inquiry/request).
Aude - this is a magnificent build. You are working with so many different mediums which, in itself, is impressive. Your attention to detail is excellent and the aluminium work and leather work really make this figure stand-out. I like how the diorama turned out as well - disassembling the Nest speeder was a great idea for parts. Keep up the inspiring work.
Thanks Starchaser! The leather details are super fun and quite easy to make with the right material, so you'll be seeing quite a few more of them. The same goes for the stainless steel details, actually. I use a surgical scalpel with interchangeable/disposable blades that dull and snap with some frequency, so I also have plenty of steel bits to use. Thankfully I still have all fingers and both eyes... at least for now. I bought the Nest speeder to use for dio parts but also to possibly put together a 6" figure since the body is a great base in both scales. When/if that happens remains to be seen.
Glad I scrolled through your pages. Great stuff, inspiring!
Thanks Lenny! I really do enjoy sharing them with a passionate community. :)
Damn! That Death Watch commando is crazy-good work!
Thanks Chuckles! The JoyToy figures have the best articulation I have found at 1:18 scale, especially through the trunk and legs, and I plan to work with more in the future. If I'm completely honest though, I missed the mark on the colors. The Death Watch armor on the show is a lighter blue, almost a teal or cyan. I tried a Citadel glaze that I wasn't familiar with and should have just mixed the color I wanted with existing paints. He was a much darker blue throughout the assembly process, and needed to be lightened up more than he was. If I revisit him, or make another one for any reason, I will hit the color more accurately.
~//~
As stated earlier, I also have a question: would any of you be interested in molding & casting a 1:18 scale blurrg? I have a nice raw segmented PLA print that is ~4x3.5x8" that it would be wonderful to have 2-3 of in a more durable/flexible material. If interested, send me a PM! Renders of the model:
(https://i.imgur.com/fnitTW5.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/cMpNV65.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/PlIyZWM.jpg)
PS- Keep an eye out for a fresh custom or two in the coming week. ;)
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Well first of all, how cool is that. A 3D Print File for a blurrg! Let me go share this on our pages.
Looking forward to what you share next.
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Tamer, thanks for sharing this. To clarify, I am in possession of a physical copy of this model and hoping to find someone interested in molding the pieces. Happy to cover shipping, cost of materials, etc. Plus, you’ll have a 3.75” blurrg!
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Got you. So, I am assuming this came from a 3D Printing probably?
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That's right! Hasbro are supposedly revealing some toys today. Maybe they'll show us a 3.75" blurrg so that I can just paint this one up and forget about casting more. :)
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The Mandalorian Wave 3/20
I haven’t posted any customs since the beginning of the year for various reasons, some of which were health related. Thankfully everything is fine now. Before we begin I just want to say this: whether you’re voluntarily self-isolating, on lockdown, or still going in to work regularly, I hope that you and your loved ones are staying safe and healthy.
That said, this is shaping up to be a rancor of a post, and there will likely be plenty of reading material for those with some extra time. If you’ve been following these latest customs, you surely know that I love The Mandalorian. Not an unpopular opinion, of course. You may also know that I have been interested in employing 3D printed parts for quality portraiture at reasonable cost. Well, good news, everyone! This post is a marriage of both. I want to thank Shawn Fear of Watto’s Scrapyard (http://www.facebook.com/Wattos.Scrapyard) for making these figures possible through some truly exceptional designs, and encourage you to browse his work and give him your business if you are so inclined. His prints are available on eBay (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5575055288&toolid=10001&campid=5337373868&customid=&mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fwattos_scrapyard%2Fm.html%3F_nkw%3D%26_armrs%3D1%26_ipg%3D%26_from%3D) at 1/12 scale, but you can request custom sizing through FBM (http://www.facebook.com/Wattos.Scrapyard) (I created a FB account solely for this reason). If more people request and purchase 1/18 scale prints from him, it will likely encourage him to scale down more of his designs for the 3.75” customizers among us. His prices are very reasonable considering the quality of the work ($12.50/ea + $4.50 shipping), and it’s always great to support fellow creators!
Disclaimer: I am uniquely, acutely aware that this post is outrageously lengthy. If you're into reading about the builds and anything I've done here benefits your future customs, that's fantastic. If not, no worries- I hope you enjoy the photos. ;D Without further ado, let’s get on to the customs! I’ve been looking forward to this.
Covert Mandalorian (aka Miss Funko POP!)
Predator and Prey
(https://i.imgur.com/fUA1gJo.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/00QjGHp.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/bjdwPaO.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Q75EZ7i.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/zeQmafL.jpg)
“This is the way.”
Composition: Bo Katan 1.5cm resin print from Watto’s Scrapyard (dremeled/sanded like mad)*, TVC Dr Aphra torso & legs, TVC Island Journey Rey upper arms, TVC Rey forearms, TBS Deathtrooper hands, TLC Han Solo Hoth boots. TVC The Mandalorian chest armor & pauldrons, TVC Boba Fett gauntlets. Chopped credit card rangefinder stem. Leather neck wrap, armor vest, kama, belt, pouches and boots. TVC Luke Skywalker Jedi Knight cape (distressed).
Process: I stumbled upon this character while searching the Funko products for basic design elements of the costumes from the show since they were one of the few companies early on actually revealing and releasing content from The Mandalorian (looking at you, Hasbro). It seemed like a fun design and pose with definite CW/Rebels/Boba homage, and I saved a photo of it at the time for later. When I revisited it this past week and decided to actually make the custom, I scoured episodes 1 & 3 for any sign of the actual character on screen... but only ever found a frame of a seated mandalorian with similar boots in ep 3. Is the character ever truly visible on screen? I couldn’t tell you. If you find her, let me know! What I can say is that she has arrived in 3.75” SA action figure form.
I began with the basic pieces listed, disassembling and fitting, sanding joints, etc to make sure everything fit together well. The full TVC Island Journey Rey arms would have worked just fine, but I blew out the upper arm sockets experimenting with a different forearm (DSG I believe) and decided I’d prefer to find another forearm that fit rather than attempt to fix them. Enter TVC TFA Rey, or some pieces of the figure I hadn’t yet used. Her forearms have a larger peg that worked great. Once I had everything sanded and fitted with base paint down, I realized that the covert mando’s helmet used Sabine’s design rather than Bo’s. I could have left it as it was… but I couldn’t, so I dremeled out the cheeks and basically completely reshaped it. *Shawn’s CW Bo Katan helmet is a beauty, but it wasn’t right for this character.
Since pauldrons are almost always articulation restricting, I tried something new with this pair and attached them to the trunk’s shoulders with small pieces of leather. This way, covert mando can move her arms freely without issue! I love the way this turned out, and I’ll likely be doing the same with future customs. I’ve also considered additional magnetization to the upper arms, although the pauldrons seem to stay in place well enough with the leather piece at the moment. Something else I tried for the first time here, as you can see in the earlier progress pics, was to sculpt some folds onto the shins with epoxy clay before applying the leather sheets that would become the boots to give the actual leather a nice creasing effect.
The kama initially looked very graphic/cartoony, almost like something out of Tartakovsky’s Clone Wars (great show, some of my favorite prequel-era content). The Funko POP!’s had more texture, so I attempted to simulate that with globules of glue spread separately over the four cords lining the kama. I had never tried that one before, and I’m pleased with the texture the glue achieved! From there on out it was left to paint weathering and her cape, a generous donation from Jedi Luke that I cut up and distressed.
Oh! And of course, the EE3. I’ve always wished Hasbro would release a proper SA RotJ Boba with the correct rifle (how they have failed to do this remains a mystery to me…). The Funko design seemed to have one, so I took the opportunity to splice one together using Force Link 2-pack Boba’s stock and sight, a fodder 6” D H-17 barrel, and some various other small pieces. I think it turned out great, but I could have really nailed it with two 6” D H-17s. Next time.
Process Photo Gallery
(https://i.imgur.com/J4GtCTi.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/E6YpGuy.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/fPMavK7.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/uVSLur4.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/tZ9oNJk.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/mRsVz9b.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/YPLTaex.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/9TiK5a9.jpg?1)
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Incinerator Trooper
Pyrotechnic Professional
(https://i.imgur.com/bucMwbG.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/HGRn5jm.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/zUtXxx5.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/OThWerF.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/F09VNtF.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/QLUlkai.jpg)
“Burn them out.”
Composition: TVC RO Stormtrooper, TLJ Flametrooper tank pack (chopped). Rubber tube flame hoses, leather rank pauldron, harness and clasps. Chopped fodder, sculpted epoxy, and leather flamethrower and magnetized backpack. Magnetized flame from FL 2-pack Boba Fett; raging flame cameo by ? Burning Flame Effect. Imperial Crest waterslide decal from Bad Mother Tattoos & Customs (https://www.ebay.com/str/badmothercustoms).
Process: First, a considerable thank you to JDeck for the flametrooper pack idea. I was debating how to tackle this character, and he did an excellent job with it previously. Painting up the flametrooper was simple enough- the challenge came from the additional gear. I decided to make the rank pauldron from scratch, using a TVC Shadow Stormtrooper’s gear for reference.
The TLJ Flametrooper pack is awesome, but I realized that I would need to chop it up to more closely reflect the equipment seen on screen. I also added a backing to the flame pack, and sculpted the valves and circular attachments at the bottom that hold the harness. I magnetized the pack, but after attaching the straps it was basically held in place regardless. The harness straps actually have a semi-functional shoulder padding on both sides, but the smaller adjustment clasps are just for show.
The flamethrower itself was a beast to put together. The stock is from an earlier DLT-19; a thinner version, perhaps from the later PotF2 stormtrooper? Some of the barrel is from a weapon that came with Ishi Tib (?) while the front bit is from Vizam’s cannon. The rest is either sculpted or composed of fodder parts so tiny I cannot place them. Two of the flame nozzles are magnetized to accept the fireball effect from FL Boba. I’m happy with the way it turned out!
Process Photo Gallery
Edit: Added!
(https://i.imgur.com/8QFTdQK.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/e7WPVle.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/0iipuQ8.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/MCAhee4.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/0kuSGX8.jpg?1)
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IG-11 Assassin Droid/Nurse Droid with “The Child”
Unlikely Ally
(https://i.imgur.com/aeopZxe.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/FYzrkO7.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/EEzcYLe.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/gTpw9Xv.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/nNjDQtb.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/sM4rnS5.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/0DyNtVU.jpg)
“Subparagraph sixteen of the bondsman guild protocol waiver compels you to immediately produce said asset.”
Composition: VTSC IG-88, Baby Yoda reaching out resin print by Watto’s Scrapyard. Epoxy clay sculpted shoulder and chest plates. Leather satchel and bandoliers. Removable magnetized torso, detonator, and bacta nozzle.
Process: It’s just a repainted IG-88, right? Well yes, but also no. The VTSC IG-88 is the best version of an IG droid Hasbro has ever created, so I had to go with him. When I began to work on the figure, I realized that there were many subtle differences. Colors, wiring, chestplate, etc. One thing I knew I wanted to do right away was to improve the sensor array on his head: the base version is woefully underserved in this area. So I added tiny fodder bits to more closely reflect the sensor array, painted him up, strapped on the bandoliers, and thought, “yeah, he’s pretty much done.”
He wasn’t. I looked at him again and realized that the wiring in his legs was basically opposite that of IG-88: he had two wires running down the right leg and one on the left. He also had some additional greeblies on both thighs and two prominent casings positioned laterally on his shins. His chestplate was also entirely different. All of this would need to be fixed if I was to truly have created IG-11. And so it was.
But something small was still missing. Something tiny. Why only have IG-11 Assassin Droid when you could also have IG-11 Nurse Droid? I acquired the asset, and repositioned his arm with some epoxy clay so that he could fit into the scout satchel. In order for the child and satchel to sit flush against IG, I cut out the droid’s midsection greeblies and magnetized them so that they could be removed to accommodate the bag and baby. I couldn’t stop there. I also drilled out a hole in his chest, dropped a magnet into it, covered it with a tiny epoxy plate, and magnetized a detonator to sit on top. Additionally, I magnetized a bacta nozzle to attach to his left hand for those times a friend might get his bell rung. Was he “pretty much done” now? From a certain point of view.
My one regret is not making his shoulders ball-jointed, which I may still attempt to do with the CW IG-86.
Edit: Not exactly progress pics, but IG-11 disassembled:
(https://i.imgur.com/nwHkv6w.jpg?1)
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“The Client”
Imperial Remnant
(https://i.imgur.com/FBWqL9G.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/GT10Ass.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/7tJ2B7M.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/0H5Ktez.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/iFm5JLu.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/a7AHa0I.jpg)
“Greef Karga said you were coming.”
Composition: The Client 1.4cm resin print by Watto’s Scrapyard, TBS Han Solo w/ Carbonite Block torso, upper arms, legs & boots, TVC Lando Skiff forearms, TVC Luke Skywalker Jedi Knight hands. Epoxy clay sculpted shirt, belt buckle & medallion. Leather jacket & belt with faux fur lining; fabric & thread medallion cord. Returning cameo by TLC Willrow Hood's camtono. *sigh*
Process: It’s funny to think about looking back on this custom, but this build came together like a dream. No issues, no problems. The base TVC Han Carbonite body worked out perfectly, and I would have used the forearms as well if they hadn’t had rolled sleeves. Thankfully, I had a few TVC Lando Skiff arms in the fodder bin that fit the Solo upper arms just fine. I sanded down both to account for the added thickness of the coat, sculpted and textured the chest, and moved on to paint. This was the first portrait I painted up, and I think it turned out great with the print. The details are super sharp in resin!
The jacket I cut from the same .4mm leather I’ve been using after plotting a pattern on some lesser material. I had recently picked up a few bottles of Angelus brand acrylic paint for leather, and mixed a flat black and navy for a sort of midnight blue color. The sleeve details were added with some smaller bits of leather and thread, and the collar shearling was made from a small faux fur fabric. The medallion was actually pressed into epoxy using the top of Willrow Hood’s camtono (there’s also a rebel alliance symbol on the bottom!). His tracking fob and beskar ingot are sculpted epoxy clay.
My one regret sharing this figure is that he’s not quite as complete as I would have liked. In January, I placed an order for a 1:18 scale printed camtono with removable lid, doors, and beskar ingots. Nine weeks later I do not have it. I will not mention the seller’s name, but I would like to see it soon...
Process Photo Gallery
(https://i.imgur.com/RzD08dC.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/U5CxiWY.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/zsDNcdk.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/mSMdIBc.jpg?1)
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The Armorer 2.0
"Forgemother"
(https://i.imgur.com/EzYhAOa.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/LtFX22A.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/EetDxZe.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/TGnCSoG.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/hQuOJ4g.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/fnGpntw.jpg)
“This is the way.” 2.0
Composition: The Armorer 1.5cm resin print from Watto’s Scrapyard, TVC Enfys Nest body, TVC Luke Skywalker X-Wing gloves. Epoxy clay sculpted breastplate, shin wraps & hammer pieces. Stainless steel belt equipment. Leather gloves, skirt, boots & trim with faux fur cape.
Process: As you may remember, I built this character once previously, hence the 2.0 designation. I ended up selling that one (the only custom that I’ve sold to date), and I love this character so damn much that I wanted another crack at it. One thing you always learn as a creator is how to improve something you’ve made. After a build is completed, I always assess the finished project and consider what I could have done differently to improve it. We’re all working at that; we’re passionate about our hobby, and I think that’s one of the greatest drivers, at least for me, when creating something new.
For Armorer 2.0, I began with what worked great the last time. The Enfys Nest body is amazing for this character, so I began there again, sanding down the shin pad and chopping off the extraneous pieces on the shins. From there, I built her up much like the first version, only with improved materials. This time I went with more leather, reversing and cutting a pattern into the gloves and adding a lip to each fold of the skirt. Thanks to the Funko and standee, her boots were clearly revealed and I went with a leather wrap there as well.
I really wanted to clean up the chest plate this time, so after sculpting it in a few layers I sketched on the contour lines and got to shaping the facets through sanding after the last epoxy layer had hardened. After sanding up with various grits to smooth out her armor, I dropped in a sternum plate from FL Boba fodder and finished the edge trim with wire. You may also catch some concurrent projects and experimental sculpts in her progress images.
Any decent Armorer must have her tools, which I created through both epoxy sculpts and various SW weapon fodder (also a paper clip). I am glad to report that her hammers and tongs are absolutely canon once again ;), and ready for both beskar forging and stormtrooper annihilation. I love this character so much, and cannot wait to see her again whenever S2 arrives.
Process Photo Gallery
(https://i.imgur.com/MR7k0cW.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/S1QznAr.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/IIt5o7d.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/x4NnEQV.jpg?2)
(https://i.imgur.com/1qNWdns.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/qDF9IgC.jpg?1)
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Moff Gideon
Defiler of Mandalore
(https://i.imgur.com/Ysr5weW.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/6vqPObm.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/JO5Sscl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/MHunL56.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/yVRTRao.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/56Tvnsl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/23M34z8.jpg)
“You have something I want.”
Composition: Moff Gideon 1.4cm resin print from Watto’s Scrapyard, TVC Luke Skywalker X-Wing gloves, TLC Bespin Security boots. Epoxy clay sculpted chestplate, pauldrons, gloves, belt & darksaber. Leather skirt, holster, chestplate fasteners and cape trim; wired cloth cape. Magnetized darksaber hilt.
Process: If there was ever a post about how NOT to make an action figure, this would be it! Why I opted to build this figure on an X-Wing Luke body, I cannot tell you. But I did. Actually, I do know why: for the height and articulation. However, if he ever gets into a serious scuffle, his true orange colors will be revealed as a rebel alliance/new republic pilot! I originally intended to use the Luke torso for my Greef custom, so I had begun to sculpt the midsection as you will see in progress pics. When I abandoned this base in favor of the JoyToy body for Greef, the torso, along with the legs and joints, required sanding down for Gideon.
There is considerably more sculpting on this figure than some of the others because his belt and gloves have intricate line patterns which I could not accomplish with the leather. Both belt and gloves had a once-over that I was not satisfied with, and were cracked off and stripped in favor of a second attempt. The chestplate and shoulders were sculpted and then sanded down in a similar fashion to the Armorer’s breastplate. I attached the pauldrons with bits of leather to allow for freer articulation; this implementation was the precursor to the covert mandalorian’s pauldron attachment. Gideon’s boots, from what I could tell (there is not a Funko or standee of him that I am currently aware of) had straps running horizontally with a vertical split down the middle, so I did my best to emulate that design through epoxy sculpts and leather strips.
For some unknown reason, the cape here also gave me trouble. In theory, the construction is simple: black cloth backing, wire skeleton, red cloth lining, leather/thread trim. In practice, it just was not happening. The first cape was not the right shape; the red of the second cape was too bright; the third cape didn’t drape properly. The cape you see on the finished figure is iteration #5 I believe, which is absurd. Thankfully, fabric is ~75 cents for ? yard…
Of course, you cannot make Moff Gideon without his darksaber. I picked up a hilt print from a Shapeways vendor, then replicated it in epoxy clay. The blade I then cut from epoxy clay, shaped, and sanded down. If I’m completely honest, I think it’s a bit too long. I may remake it. For the unlit hilt, I carved out a hole in one of the epoxy clay hilt duplicates and magnetized it so that it can hang from his belt on the left side. I also put together a pair of death troopers for him with updated paint and leather rifle straps and holsters.
Process Photo Gallery
(https://i.imgur.com/4DIpayJ.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/Q7Q4dwK.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/xvn3ViL.jpg?2)
(https://i.imgur.com/r6pNYrs.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/DPg5SxF.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/y8HHXEZ.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/SuAnThy.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/nsmtwJU.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/P8CD9DM.jpg?1)
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Greef Karga
Disgraced Magistrate
(https://i.imgur.com/sYM4t1E.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/8MJ4bNU.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/WLBn7rc.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/un6CX2J.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/SpZyFvu.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/yHOVAvn.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/iq7ldc4.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/3eFYHjE.jpg)
“It's over.”
Composition: Greef Karga 1.4cm resin print by Watto’s Scrapyard, JoyToy mold color army soldier (blank) body & legs, TVC Vizam arms. Epoxy clay sculpted body portions (torso, knees). Leather outfit basically, belt, holsters, boot wraps, etc. Wire & metal casing belt details, stainless steel chest strap clasp.
Process: I think I had the most fun making this figure; he was just a ton of fun to continue adding to. I began with a Luke X-Wing torso but soon abandoned that build because the body was too small. When the JoyToy base arrived, I knew that it would become Greef. In addition to some excellent articulation (the figures can be a bit finicky at times, but overall I find them to be fantastic to work with), I found that the JoyToy also had a much closer build and height to Carl. There were a few Vizam arms in the bin, and they looked to be just the thing (the base color and shape were close) after sanding down and rounding out the delts, forearms, and joints.
With the base body ready, I began sculpting. As you can see in progression pictures, I ended up going with a second layer of epoxy through the abdomen. Although I didn’t realize it at the time, the JoyToy had a thin neck that I revisited a couple times later on in the process with epoxy. He also has some piping that runs along each pant leg which I tackled with thread glued directly to the plastic. With the forearms sanded down to account for the added bulk of leather gloves and all base elements of the trunk complete, it was time to build the rest of the getup.
Next was the leather, which in a few cases I decided to adhere directly to the base figure as well. His entire outfit on the show is leather basically, and I think the blend of leather with sculpt and color matching on the figure from leather paint to regular acrylic turned out well. Thanks to a couple reference images and mainly the Funko (I love that the POP!s simplify the characters’ outfits down to their basic elements), the design elements of Greef’s belt were clearly legible. I constructed the belt and hardware from leather strips and some copper wire with a 3mm porcelain rhinestone in the center. I love how the holsters of his outfit wrap around the protruding metal bars to hang from the belt.
His dual pistols are chopped from a pair of DDC Defenders from the fodder cache (Leia’s sporting blaster, although these came from Yavin Ceremony Lukes I believe). I used pairs of various small bits and wire and a couple strips of leather to complete the look of his weapons. His makeshift bandage was cut from a Tusken(?) garment and magnetized to snap together on the right forearm, and his Calamari Flan currency was cut in thin slices from a lightsaber blade.
If I have one complaint about this figure, it's that the cape/half coat doesn’t have the nap I had planned it to have. The only way around this would be to find an ultra-thin leather with an exact color match to eliminate the need to paint.
Process Photo Gallery
(https://i.imgur.com/tcWg0mz.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/RGeCTpN.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/FpYskGl.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/Pz2H2qY.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/6eWPtN6.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/vb5iSEh.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/DHScU5y.jpg?1)
Group Glam Shot
(https://i.imgur.com/SsULf5l.jpg)
And that is all for now. I still plan to update two versions of the Mandalorian and definitely want to make a Kuiil, so those customs will likely be coming later this year. I would love to find a high quality print of beskar chest plate and pauldrons in 1:18 scale to save time with the mando build. If anyone is able to do that, let me know! Also, if I could find a brave soul willing to mold and cast the blurrg print I’ve got (I’d absolutely love to have a trio- see details in previous post), that’d be fantastic. As always, thanks for checking out my customs! This post spiraled out of control, so if you actually read it, any amount of it, you are a champion.
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HOLY SHITBALLS!
:o
Pardon my french, but this is immaculate work! I love how you detail everything you did and how well these turned out. I am flabbergasted for words here. And here I am excited to get my TVC mando here soon.
Lol
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I am not one for profanity myself, but dropped one when I saw how awesome this was. I am speechless! Just speechless!
All I will say now, till I can recompose myself to leave some better comments, is that this is going at the top of our pages today and I will give a shout out to your eBay person.
Wow!
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Mate you have absolutely put Hasbro to shame with these figures, they are brilliant.
Ron
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Wowzas, great job!
Love the detail on Greef’s right arm!
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This is truly inspirational work! I love the many pictures and the explanations of how you built these figures. I've been watching Watto's scrapyard, I just never messaged him about scaling things down, so that was a good tip. I'm amazed at the detail you managed to get into each of these figures. The different mediums were an excellent approach and look really good.
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WOW, just WOW!!!!!
Just started watching the series and these are absolutely awesome!
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These are really fantastic! Glad I could inspire your Flame trooper, you put way more detail into it than I did. Great job on all of them! I'd buy any of them up in a second if they were produced. I was browsing the eBay seller you referenced, geez he's got a lot of stuff.
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Dude @$#=/$,
These are the bomb.
What can I say. Just a wonderful and creative project you have provided us. Top notch work.
I love all the process steps you shared.
Like Hembel said, u put Hasbro to shame. They need to get your figures on line asap.
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Okay, the work you've put into sharing this on here alone makes it worth to hold on for a minute. I'm reading through all the lines as I'm writing this comment as it is time to fire back and drop some words of appreciation.
First off: Thanks for the good wishes. I'm glad you're doing well, again, and back aboard!
The short story? Ron is right.
Here's the long version: I've enjoyed every second of this series. FINALLY we got some good content from Disney since 2016, again. But more on that on the other thread.
Mandalorian Wave 3/20: It's a shame alone that Hasbro discontinued the 3 3/4" line completely. How nice would it have been if they dedicated an own toy line to The Mandalorian with articulation "where it makes sense" like we saw between 2002 and 2005.
I think we all agree here and take this as a result of the last trilogy, which was just an insult to the franchise. (...)
Thanks for including the link to Watto's Scrapyard! Since I'm not on facebook that often, I would've probably never found him! The links look nice embedded in your post! Wish I knew how to do this.
I think I'm Ready for this rancor of a post, just grabbed my morning coffee and am Ready to rumble. I think I owe you this comment and hope you enjoy reading it. No warranty for any misspellings.
Thanks for the disclaimer by the way! I still have no clue what I'm doing here, but hey, I got time, now! And a drink! So cheers!
Covert Mandalorian: Didn't know this character/Design before. I'm not that much of a fan of those POP! figures. Therefore I'm not following what they got on shelves. To me they all look the s(l)ame. But no offense here. I know how popular they are among fans, so I keep quiet.
It's even smarter that you look at their figures for ideas and parts. And Looking at your figure now, I can say, it really paid off to get some inspiration there! Helmet, pouches, belt, choice of Colors - everything Looks stunning on this custom! And thanks for the detailed info on the blaster! Something I didn't know before. The recipe alone blows my mind! One thing is for sure: It's not easy for copycats to re-make your customs. Awesome work on scultping - you'll read that a few more times down below…
The skirt and boots look fantastic, too! So much to appreciate on this Mando alone!
Your skills of kit-bashing and tooling look for equal exceptions.
Incinerator Trooper: Well, what else is there left to say? You burnt it! Like most of us on here, I'm a big fan of troopers as well. Perfect shade of red, brilliant paint apps and man, his equipment is on point! The design of the belt alone is magnificent and the flamethrower looks just...WOW!
IG-11 & The Child: Saw The Child in Watto's Scrapyard. Sculpt looks great! Neat paintjob, mate! Love the belts for the Assas...I mean nursing droid *sigh* - and I abolutely LOVE the fne work you did on the lil' bag! SO tiny! And even the buckles - blow my mind!
The magnetic detonator is a nice touch, too!
The Client: I'm not even reading the process anymore. I give up! There's no way I can reach this level of epicness!
The client is one of my favorite designs! Love all the accessories you gave him. Speaking of which: You made this "Wave" of figures one of absolute perfection! No doubt, Hasbro are put to shame here, but even Boss Fight Studios or Bandai would've trouble to compete with you here.
Again, brilliant work on sculpting! Love all the leather straps, the collar and medal you gave him! His coat in general looks priceless!
Nice w.i.p. pics, too! You did an outstanding paintjob on his head, based on another incredible sculpt from Mr. 3D Watto.
The Armorer: As Clonehead said already while I'm writing this: when you think it cannot get any better, well, there comes Aude! Sure, do I hold your beer! Man, your skills are beyond limits! Skirt, straps, tools, paintjob - you nailed them all! I think the work on leather/softgoods is most impressive on his one of the wave. Her chest plate Looks so brilliant the way you sculpted and painted it! She looks abolutely stunning! Much much respect on your sculpting and tooling all the details! If I was Hasbro I'd stop reading here and give you a call ask "what can we give you to work for us? - A Star Destroyer? That's it? We expected you asked for more...but thanks. You'll get the Death Star as annual bonus on top."
Moff Gideon: He is probably one of the most mysterious characters of the first season - they all are...but I can imagine that it's quite a challenge to find detailed reference material to his character/costume. His sculpted chest plate looks phenomenal! Again, your skills…good greef!
I like all the red details on his costume. His bi-colored robe looks amazing with two different fabrics! Much respect on this one - paint on head - this makes a custom figure a character really. Jaw unhinged!
And you even sculpted the darksaber? I'm outta here...nice feature with the invisibe blade! Is this a photo edit or is the blade really removable? And even more magnetic features. You just killed me! Imagine how mad all the collectors would be after this figure!?
Greef Carga: Okay, one more Paragraph before I finally faint. Greef probably received my favorite voice actor in the German Translation s of Season 1. My favorite detail? That you even included his belly! Once again, belt, buckley, straps, headsculpt, accessories - you've taken them all beyond this universe!
LOVE the beskar bars so damn much! You got such an eye to detail, man!
MUCH RESPECT FROM GERMANY! I now fall off my Chair and take a long nap. This is too much to comprehend at once.
This is over the top!
Thank you SO MUCH for sharing this MASSIVE udate with all the recipes and work in progress pictures! We all appreciate that you put so much effort into your projects and posts! Again, it's a Blessing to haveyou here!
- Philipp *passes out*
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Good god, Aude! That post was a head spinner.
It’s so great seeing all the pics and reading thru the trials and tribulations of a custom builder.
There is too much here to really approach at once so I’ll comment on the 2.0 Armorer. A vast improvement on an already impressive build. In the past, I have done that and just made a straight copy for myself. Your rebuild took it to a whole new level.
Just this one figure is quite bow worthy.
The whole gargantuan post, just blows me away
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I just can't decide on a favorite yet, but man that Armourer is just tops. When Hasbro makes her she will never be that good or look as tough.
I just don't know what comments to give that express how fantastic I think these are. You really epitomize what customizing is all about. You are creating works of art here. Thank you so much for sharing these with us!
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Thanks all for the kind words. :) These customs were a riot, and it has been great to have a community to share with! Specific comments & replies to follow.
RC-1136: Haha Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed the build section, but I realized with posting that some critical steps or details were missing. Sometimes I made a ton of progress, other times hardly any; sometimes I didn't take any photos of the process at all. The TVC Mando is a nice figure for sure, definitely worth picking up. Imagine though if they had a more complete lineup of characters from the show available.
Tamer: Thanks! You know I absolutely love the Armorer: her stoicism, forging ability, armor, the whole deal. I had to do her full justice if I was remaking her, and I think I managed to do that. And even though I've made her, I would still buy an official 3.75" release as well. If only there was one available or even announced.
Ron: I really feel that Hasbro have done that themselves with a lack of focus and available product. :( Seriously though, thank you. I've been loving testing myself to see just how far these customs can go.
Mauldalorian: Thanks! I think with the Greef figure I'm most proud of how the belt hardware came together. His little accessories were fun to make as well, and of course the bandage had to be detachable. ;)
Starchaser: Thank you. :) Favreau and Filoni seem to love and respect the universe that they're creating in, and it shows. Definitely contact Shawn to ask about head prints if you've been considering it. Sometimes it takes some persistence and may not happen right away (he told me recently that he had a hd failure and was just getting back up and running), but if he sees that there is more demand for 3.75" it can never hurt.
RCW: Thanks! You will love the series. Definitely content there for everyone to enjoy.
JDeck: Thanks, and yep- the flametrooper pack was great! Yeah, how none of them have been produced or even announced (with the exception of a possible incinerator trooper coming at the end of the year?) is absurd, if expected. It seems like Shawn is always working on something. Definitely contact him if you want a custom size.
Nickel: Thanks! I hope to continue building more figures from the show in the coming months. And yes, I absolutely wish they would make these, any number of them, but here we are.
Clonehead: Thanks! haha I'm glad you enjoyed the expanded process section and photos. Armorer 2.0 is definitely a favorite not only because of how much I love the character but also because of how I was able to refine the build. You can see about halfway through the construction process that I stripped both the gloves and boot wraps when I realized that they had more of a suede texture with visible nap. Another thing I've grown to appreciate is that epoxy clay surfaces can be smoothed and contoured through sanding. That coupled with the leather apps and steel solidified this one as definitive for me.
Philipp: Hope you had a good nap and have another coffee on deck. ;) I'm glad to be up and about again, even if that means up and about in lockdown.
As I'm sure you know, I must agree with you about articulation and more broadly on the state of 3.75". Without getting too much into it here, I think the line is in much worse shape today than it was even a year ago. Instead of producing more content for a legacy line that has existed for 40+ years, they're experimenting with 2.5", 5", 8", 9" figures; 7.5" or 11" will be next when those fail. From what I've heard, at least a Gideon and Armorer from The Mandalorian will be coming to 6" later this year (and yet another Fett variant, while the best Fett sculpt in 3.75" is in a 5 PoA 2-Pack); for TVC... maybe a trooper?
Anyway, let's move on from that. I don't collect the Funkos either, but I guess they're pretty popular. My favorite thing about them is the simplified design language! I've searched them multiple times to have a look at some area of a character that isn't necessarily clear to get a feel for what's actually going on; the Greef Funko was where I first realized what was up with the metal holster belt attachments. Their Covert Mandalorian definitely had a striking color block design. I would still like to know if someone there just thought, "ok, we have some extra Sabine helmets- someone create a design!" or if they were actually provided a reference photo of this character by LFL.
Putting together the flamethrower and harness was a process, but I think worth it in the end. I'm still waiting for matte and satin varnishes for pieces of the harness that were coming out of NYC and were held and diverted a few times. No idea when they'll arrive. The Child print was awesome, if delicate. I dropped the poor little guy a couple times and paid for it each time, having to replace both a finger and ear tip. That child is scaled down by Shawn from a design by Geoff Wicks of Hex3D (https://www.patreon.com/Geoffro). From what I've seen, he does awesome work and I'd totally subscribe if I had/knew how to operate a 3D printer. And yeah, the satchel turned out great! The one you see in the photos is actually version 2; the physical satchel worn by the scout trooper at the start of Ep. 8 has a slightly different design than the cg satchel worn by IG-11. :o
I agree with you about the client. He's not a super dynamic character, but Werner is excellent in the show and the character design has a decent amount of interest with the shearling collar and medal. He did turn out great (I'm tickled by the liver spot paint apps), but I'm still a bit let down that the camtono hasn't arrived yet haha. Same with the armorer, and I'm happy to see everyone enjoying her in v2. I was enjoying visiting the fabric store with some frequency before everything got shut down and her cape is trimmed from a buffalo print fleece fabric I found there at the end of last year.
Gideon's darksaber is actually two darksabers: one with the ignited blade, the other the magnetized hilt that attaches to the belt (I guess I failed to photograph that, didn't I). No industrial light and magic in those photos. ;) I briefly considered fabricating a detachable blade, but took a hint from Hasbro's more recent offerings with both ignited/unlit lightsabers and also remembered the times I wished my Saga AotC figures' saber blade "tangs" hadn't cracked off in the hilts. :'( And yes, collectors would love him. Instead, Hasbro are repacking TBS General Lando. Makes sense. Greef is one of my favorites in this wave, if that can even be possible. His belt hardware just makes me so happy. And of course I modeled him after Carl as seen in the show as closely as I could!
Again, thank you all for the feedback! I'm excited to get started on the next customs- have them planned conceptually, just waiting on bodies to arrive.
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I think you need to tackle the Jawa Chieftan!
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You're right, RC. I definitely want to make him, just debating which parts to use (repaint vs soft robes). If repainting, the small TBS Jawa seems the closest match; if soft robes, just small SA body. TPM Anakin is the one that comes to mind unless I look at other toy lines. Are there other small SA SW figures?
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You're right, RC. I definitely want to make him, just debating which parts to use (repaint vs soft robes). If repainting, the small TBS Jawa seems the closest match; if soft robes, just small SA body. TPM Anakin is the one that comes to mind unless I look at other toy lines. Are there other small SA SW figures?
And you'll need the kukri knife and mud horn egg! I can't wait to see you make him.
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Your Mandalorian figures are phenomenal.
Every single one is a materpiece.
I've always wanted to make a realistic 3 3/4" Incinerator Trooper. The version in the TFU pack was just a repainted Stormtrooper without the flamethrower.
I'll try it with yours as my inspiration.
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RC: Yes of course, he will have all of the accessories. ;) I think the egg in particular could be a lot of fun to make.
Fiala: Thanks! :) The RO Stormtrooper sculpt makes every trooper version look great, and I'm glad that you found the build useful! Hasbro will never be able to fill the demand for this original figure, but the repaints they release will always look good. The chestplate had already begun to yellow slightly when I made this figure though, so I wonder if this is something they were able to remedy with the more recently released wave.
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Hey Aude, thanks so much for your detailed reply! Awesome sculpting & casting work on the saber's hilts!
Yeah, I lost some super glue on those broken belts...it was painful at the time, but I almost forgot About it. Could also replace some lightsabers with custom fodders from the bay!
Glad to hear about the Fukno POPs! Money saved here. Dude, your attention to detail is amazing. Epic skills all over the place here!
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As January draws to a close, I haven’t accomplished nearly as much as I’d like to have done as far as new customs are concerned. Travel in the new year has cut down customizing time. Small international parcels with pieces I was planning to use are MIA in the mail (some for over a month). I can’t convince W’s Scrapyard to scale down 3D prints for purchase (the reason for this remains a mystery to me as others seem to have had no issue ordering 1/18 prints from him)...
All is not lost, of course, and I have managed to turn out one completed piece since last posting. The usual goodies are all here along with a new addition: magnets! Having seen customizers employ them in the past, a golden opportunity for experimentation presented itself when the single plastic jetpack stock peg failed to hold. I picked up some tiny tiny 1.5x1mm magnets from this guy (https://www.ebay.com/usr/microgeocaches?_trksid=p2047675.l2559) (fast & cheap) that worked great! Cue the electric guitars.
Death Watch Commando (Three Stripes) /// Din’s Protector
The Mandalorian
(https://i.imgur.com/StHNjDi.jpg)
I cant believe I missed this!
Wow! Simply amazing! The dio is remarkable and totally completes the set! Please make a young Din Djarin!
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Thanks Maul.:) The dio was fun but could have benefited from a bit more depth. I did almost make a young Din companion for the DW Mando. Then I almost made a foundling for the FunkoPOP! Mando. Din/Foundling ultimately didn't happen either time, but it is simmering on the back burner. The most likely forthcoming Din will be in something shiny instead of a poncho, but I'm still waiting on some bodies to arrive.
There seems to be some debate about rocker ankles in 3.75" going on lately, and all I have to say to that is that they're amazing. They make many action poses look truly accurate, and the lack of rockers (along with the mess that is the 3.75" ball hip *sigh*) in Hasbro's current TVC line is disappointing. Along with JoyToy, I'm looking forward to tinkering with some other 1/18 SA figure bodies from other Chinese companies on future figure builds.
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I love Ithorians.
Murne Rin
Master of Intelligence
(https://i.imgur.com/puBhYV4.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/KIkL1wy.jpg?2)
(https://i.imgur.com/s9XxFbJ.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/VVx9jAr.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/T5gnVg8.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/g6LbniT.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/Rz3Ukq1.jpg?2)
(https://i.imgur.com/Fwkpket.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/NIo1M6P.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/9XDkM9P.jpg?1)
And now Vinto has his first comrade in arms!
(https://i.imgur.com/YLquvFp.jpg?1)
"All assets are in play!"
Composition: Epoxy clay sculpted head, feet, vocoder & staff head. Modified TBS Maz Kanata body. Velvet robes with leather lining. Cabochon eyes.
Process: A rebel spy from Fantasy Flight Games' Imperial Assault expansion 'The Bespin Gambit', Murne is a fantastic support character with a lot of utility. She grants boons and free attacks to heroes and allies, and can even order enemy units to attack each other. She's a ton of fun to play!
Since I hadn't sculpted a head in a while, I thought it only fair that a companion to Vinto should receive the same treatment. I began by building a wire armature around the Maz head. From there, I laid down a base of epoxy clay to work from, adding a few layers to finish out the details. After finishing the sculpt I could tell that the Maz neck was going to be a bit long, so I lopped it off, shortened it, and reattached with a combination of epoxy clay and Loctite. I also dremeled out some of the plastic mass so that Murne's head would have greater range of motion. After sanding down joints and then painting up the base body and attaching the skirt, it was time for her robes and accessories.
I purchased the velvet scrap used for her robes a few months ago expressly for this character, but after it arrived I had some reservations about it. After an internal debate and some test fittings of other fabrics, however, I finally settled back on the velvet. I think it turned out alright; the way it conducts light definitely sets it apart. I also wired the folds of her robes so that they could hold their shape and be able to be posed, but I haven't experimented too much with them yet.
My favorite aspects of Murne's character design are her accessories. I've enjoyed seeing the vocoders throughout various SW media, although I don't recall ever seeing them in live action. I built Murne's out of epoxy clay and paper clips with a few translucent red light bits from the fodder bag. It clips on and off easily and didn't require any sort of fastening. I also love her headdress! This I made out of some tiny metal chain links, epoxy clay, a couple fodder tubes, and gold thread. Finally, her staff was made with two lightsaber blades wrapped in leather with an epoxy sculpted head.
Process Photo Gallery
(https://i.imgur.com/1WzjJrB.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/zzi3VwI.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/MCCXXzn.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/wO5GMAb.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/0IH02bp.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/cMwW4pw.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/G0uKJKz.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/UZswRkI.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/1lEyRB7.jpg?1)
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Yep, jaw unhinged again. What a great custom. Man I wish I could leave comments that adequately describe the awe with which I hold them. As I do this one. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Off to the front pages.
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HOLY SH!T!!! There are not words to describe how awesome that Ilthoriain is. The sculpting is fantastic and the soft goods as always are perfect.
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Holy shit is exactly right!
The imagination and craftsmanship on this is NEXT LEVEL! Very fine work man!
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A MASTERPIECE! :o <3
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That is absolutely brilliant! You've got skills for sure!!
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OMG!!!!!!!!
She is absolutely stunning mate, truly a work of figure genius!
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Woah! That’s some pretty work, man!
Love that breathing device
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Thanks guys. :) I was a bit apprehensive about the velvet, but it seems to have worked out just fine. Poor Murne took a 5ft tumble the day after I posted but thankfully remains intact.
Oh! And the device on her head is a translating vocoder (https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Ithorian_translator) which converts Ithorese to Galactic Basic. I'm not aware of one in live action, but you can see one worn by an Ithorian bartender in early season Rebels.
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Tumbles for customs tend to be a heart stopping event. Glad that turned out ok.
If it was early rebels, I must have seen it. Great fab work there, I’ll have to look for that episode.
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If you're still interested, you can see the translator in action in Rebels S1E8 Empire Day around 4:20. It's pretty cool to hear both languages as the translator does its thing.
Unrelated to the Ithorian, I recently picked up a 3D printer and have been having a blast with it. Expect a new custom or two coming soon (I hope). ;)
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Unrelated to the Ithorian, I recently picked up a 3D printer and have been having a blast with it. Expect a new custom or two coming soon (I hope). ;)
Oh, awesome! Please let us know what you think. I would love to see someone document the entire process. Sounds like you are having a good experience.
One question, do the printer lines bug you?
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Sure, I could do that in the future. So far it has been a largely positive experience! The nice thing about using an SLA machine is that print lines are virtually nonexistent. The build plate is raised out of a vat of photosensitive resin that is cured by laser in layer heights of ~.05mm (+/- depending on your settings). Finished prints are smooth and precise. There are certainly some downsides to using the liquid resin, but print quality isn’t one of them.
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Wow, see I don't know enough about em to even know there was a liquid type that deosn't leave print lines.
Thanks for being willing to share what you experience.
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Apparently "soon" is a month for me these days.
The Mandalorian (Beskar) with The Child
(https://i.imgur.com/DzNf7pr.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/If5Z71S.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/EoAWvz7.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/7eqMo3T.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/pPh7M4w.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/FsUsJ1a.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/XNx93Qx.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/DtsS8lv.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/CfjbofC.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/A5AB2dR.jpg)
Composition: VC Mando torso, legs, and boots, JoyToy blank arms, Planet Green Valley hands and rocker ankles. Resin printed armor edited primarily from full sized designs by this incredible digital artist (https://www.artstation.com/dazp). Leather and stainless steel belt/bandolier/holster with magnetized rifle strap. Resin printed child designed by this incredible digital artist (https://www.instagram.com/marianoreyesculturas/?hl=en).
Process: Arduous. More info later, perhaps.
Edit: I see I took no photos of the jetpack, because of course I didn't. *sigh*
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Now, this is some fine art here, Aude! The arms added some important range of motion and all the different poses you put him into proof that! The 3D-printed armor fits nice & tight! This is a spot on custom! Excellent composition.
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Well, gonna have to pick up my jaw. its on the floor! Wow.
Off to share.
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All in 3.75 scale!!!!
Amazing paint job.
Air brush or Molotow pen?
Wowzers!
👏🏻
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Now, this is some fine art here, Aude! The arms added some important range of motion and all the different poses you put him into proof that! The 3D-printed armor fits nice & tight! This is a spot on custom! Excellent composition.
Thanks Phillip. :) I had a few sets of spare JoyToy arms after having bought some of their blanks for the rocker ankle joints and found the VC Mando elbow rotors to be a bit ratchety and stiff. The PGV rocker ankles really improve posability, and I ended up using those hands as well because I wanted Mando to be able to carry the child and the left wrist of the VC figure is not engineered to swivel inward. It was refreshing to see Hasbro employ rockers for Chirrut, and I hope we can expect to see them more frequently again. These other companies have Hasbro beat in that department, and I will continue to use their joints until rockers return to the 3.75" SW line.
For months, I searched for, requested, practically begged many people who were offering larger scale sets to produce a beskar set for 3.75". Many said they could or would do it; none did. I finally decided to do it myself. This armor is the result of many hours of editing files and fitting prints. In the time it took to get this set right, I probably could have sculpted it all myself. However, the exciting thing is that I now have a set that I can produce at will by clicking a few buttons. I am excited to finally be able to offer to 3.75" customizers something I think many of us have wished existed for months: a complete beskar set (https://www.ebay.com/itm/Star-Wars-The-Mandalorian-3-75-Resin-Printed-Beskar-Armor-Set-for-Hasbro-TVC/293635929592).
Well, gonna have to pick up my jaw. its on the floor! Wow.
Off to share.
haha Thank you Tamer. I try! :D
All in 3.75 scale!!!!
Amazing paint job.
Air brush or Molotow pen?
Wowzers!
👏🏻
Thanks Sjefke! This was my first experience using the Molotow Chrome Pen. It is an impressive ink, to be sure. I tested a few other chrome finishes, but none seemed to rival the shine of the Molotow. I was disappointed to discover that I could not apply any sort of wash to bring out the details without blighting the mirror finish, but the shine seems to make that compromise a worthy one.
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Excellent job on that Mando! I would easily purchase your figure off the pegs. Too bad Hasbro won't give us a figure even half this good.
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Excellent job on that Mando! I would easily purchase your figure off the pegs. Too bad Hasbro won't give us a figure even half this good.
Thanks Flash! I'm sure the Hasbro figure will be alright once they get around to releasing it, but the promo photos of their 6" offering don't exactly inspire confidence that the 3.75" figure will be screen accurate. If they can't even be bothered to remove the left knee pad and tool a proper flak vest instead of just repainting the parts from the previous Mando release, what will we get in TVC?
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Wow - the beskar armor turned out magnificent. Thanks for the tip on the product you used as well. This whole build is spectacular...again. You do such a fantastic job executing this figures.
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Wow - the beskar armor turned out magnificent. Thanks for the tip on the product you used as well. This whole build is spectacular...again. You do such a fantastic job executing this figures.
Thanks Starchaser! I wanted to hit the Beskar right the first time especially since I'd be reproducing it for folks to build their own. Just didn't have the energy for the usual detailed build info when I posted that figure, but I'll have another custom up soon. ;)
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"Never! No outsider will ever rule Mandalore!"
Bo-Katan Kryze
The Clone Wars
(https://i.imgur.com/lT2RvFL.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/gBfNpwL.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/J7FPO20.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/C79IJNR.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Qt4Xk8e.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/JTGiZpF.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/IcCiRtQ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/2VGjCY6.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/iKewDMG.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/VmUfJf4.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/tDxfz2c.jpg)
This build marks a few more firsts for me. Bo's armor and accessories are once again composed almost entirely of 3D resin printed pieces. While most have been scaled down from full-sized armor files and edited extensively to fit, this time I built some of the designs entirely on my own! The 3D printer has really been a blast so far, and I'm excited to continue using resin prints going forward. Someday I'll share my thoughts on and experiences with operating a printer for a couple months in a separate thread.
Bo is the first character from an animated series that I have adapted into action figure form. For her unmasked portrait, I used a likeness of Katee Sackhoff, the actress who, as you probably know, voiced the character during both Clone Wars and Rebels and will be reprising her role in live action when Mando Season 2 hits. I know that realistic portraits of animated characters don't always hit as many prefer to see the characters as stylized as they appear, but in this case it made sense to me to combine features of the actress and her animated character.
Finally, this character is the first custom commission that I have taken. I fielded a few requests after sharing the Mandalorian wave earlier this year, but had not planned to go ahead with any of them as I generally prefer to keep what I make. However, Bo has been on my shortlist for a while now, and when the client requested her, I accepted. This build presented a great opportunity, alongside the Beskar set, to learn how to best to use the new printer and to familiarize myself with some of the editing software. While I do not expect to regularly take commissions, it is exciting to think that this custom will become a part of a passionate fan's collection!
Composition: VC Doctor Aphra torso, arms & thighs, CWCollection Cad Bane shins, JoyToy 1/24 Mech Pilot rocker ankles & boots. Resin printed armor plates, weapons, jetpack, helmet, and alternate hands. Unmasked portrait from Watto's Scrapyard. Leather belt & pouches.
Process: This build was fraught with quality control issues and complete failures, almost comically so. Prints I ordered arrived undersized and/or damaged (twice); figure sets I bought with the intent to use solely for their joints came, naturally, with broken joints; some items shipped within the country took over a month to arrive while others never even shipped; at one point I was mailed a 10" saw blade in place of the product I had purchased. All of these setbacks ultimately ended up working to the benefit of the build (except for the saw blade- that one was just nuts) as they gave me more time to think about what I could improve and forced me to fabricate more of the parts myself.
At the outset, I had a few female figure bodies that I had hoped might work for the build: Planet Green Valley, JoyToy, Hiya Toys, even a couple Marvel Ultimates 3.75". After considering proportions and height, I ended up ordering some Aphras. I still do not love the Hasbro 3.75" ball hip, but the Aphra body was the best proportioned SA I could find for this figure. After sanding down all the joints, I tried out some Cad Bane shins from the fodder box that ended up a good fit and modified them to accept the JoyToy rocker peg.
Bo's armor set came together concurrently with the Beskar. Both sets presented a perfect opportunity to familiarize myself with Meshmixer and Tinkercad, maker software programs that allow you to build and edit 3D files. The sets took a fair amount of trial and error fitting, and I found myself working in fractions of millimeters to get everything just right. The hip plate holsters and Westar 35 pistols were some of the first pieces I edited and printed, and to say that it was exciting to see digital designs materialize out of viscous liquid into solid action figure accessories would be an understatement. With all parts printed, I magnetized the jetpack and drilled a small hole in Bo's helm to articulate the rangefinder.
One thing I've always disliked about Hasbro's 3.75" SA line is the fact that most female figures do not have ball wrist articulation. It makes sense, of course, because the wrists are simply too small to support it in many cases, but this does not prevent me from wanting it. While waiting and waiting on ordered parts, a workaround option presented itself: interchangeable hands. With the printer, I now had the ability to produce, at will, any sort of object I'd like. I found some hand gesture files and joined them with wrist pegs I'd designed to fit. This also allowed me to attach options for a bracer shield and knife for Bo, two accessories I had been hoping to include.
Process Photo Gallery
(https://i.imgur.com/XTiF9oo.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/9bEqwwU.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/FMapToq.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/1mMb6Nw.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/jb7HYpV.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/w889rh1.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/EZ7p15z.jpg)
...And of course...
(https://i.imgur.com/w1h5dSX.jpg)
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And this is your first foray into 3D Printing?! I am just stupified here this morning trying to describe how gorgeous I think this is. She is perfect! And the accessories you made for her are just fantastic!
Off to the front pages while I try to come up with some better comments. Just Bravo!
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Commented on YF, but that Mando figure is absolutely aces. Extraordinary job!
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Absolutely off the hook! I love the work that you are doing. Bo turned out beautifully and its cool to see all the images of the 3D printing that you are doing. I'm really blown away by the quality of work you are doing.
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I've gone through these pics a few times now, and I'm just floored by the work you've put into this figure as well as the end product. I would purchase this rendition of the character if it were available on the pegs.
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And this is your first foray into 3D Printing?! I am just stupified here this morning trying to describe how gorgeous I think this is. She is perfect! And the accessories you made for her are just fantastic!
Off to the front pages while I try to come up with some better comments. Just Bravo!
Thank you! The printer has been quite an adventure. I will post about it sometime soon.
Commented on YF, but that Mando figure is absolutely aces. Extraordinary job!
Thanks Lance! I do my best haha.
Absolutely off the hook! I love the work that you are doing. Bo turned out beautifully and its cool to see all the images of the 3D printing that you are doing. I'm really blown away by the quality of work you are doing.
Thank you! I dove into this a couple months ago without any real knowledge about how to operate a resin printer or build/edit 3D files. I have had quite a few learning experiences with the whole operation since then and don't feel as clueless anymore. There is no doubt that the printer is an incredible maker tool, and I'm looking forward to using it for more customs!
I've gone through these pics a few times now, and I'm just floored by the work you've put into this figure as well as the end product. I would purchase this rendition of the character if it were available on the pegs.
Thanks Flash! I'm glad that you're enjoying the work. It is difficult to believe that this character has never been offered by Hasbro in any form.
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I look forward to hearing your three D printing journey.
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Oh, you will! In the meantime, and on a related note, here's a little +1. It's no ko Amanaman, but it does have the same amount of articulation. ;)
Salacious B. Crumb
Jabba's Court Jester
(https://i.imgur.com/hOALrjr.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/UhRluU2.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/CP93xmL.jpg)
Composition: He's resin with some little fabric bits.
Process: This began a month or two ago. I found a few .stl files of the character but wasn't satisfied with any of them. This crumb is the product of four designs spliced together with a few additional touches. There are a couple other heads as well, but I only had the energy to paint this one tonight. His arms, head(s), and tail are articulated using hot glue, although I am also trialing a ProCreate socket. I also finally picked up a new set of paintbrushes (~$20, nothing too fancy) since the ones I've been using were becoming awfully ratty. They are performing their duty so far.
Process Photo Gallery
Completed Edit:
(https://i.imgur.com/IwSOo39.png)
Fresh Prints
(https://i.imgur.com/sWpv5yU.jpg)
Primed
(https://i.imgur.com/Ex7i46j.jpg)
Assembled w/ Size Comparision
(https://i.imgur.com/egoWxvF.jpg)
Kowakian Ancestry
(https://i.imgur.com/GHsf3ub.jpg)
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I swear you are not real. I mean this just seems like magic. The level of detail you got from this (and 3D printed too) is just flabbergasting. It looks like a supermodel next to the other retail iterations of this. So cool. Thanks so much for sharing this!
Off to the front pages. Wow!
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He turned out great!
What 3D printer are you using?
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So uh...when can you 3D print all items I need to construct a 1/18 helicopter? Kidding. Well, mostly. Your 3D prints are CRISP! The level of detail is astound. How much did you have to clean up from the original print to make it look as nice?
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Saw at YF, too. This is INCREDIBLE work!
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This is nothing short of spectacular! I need on like this in 1:12th!
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I swear you are not real. I mean this just seems like magic. The level of detail you got from this (and 3D printed too) is just flabbergasting. It looks like a supermodel next to the other retail iterations of this. So cool. Thanks so much for sharing this!
Off to the front pages. Wow!
Thank you! Although I've become accustomed to it, the printer does sometimes still feel a bit like magic to me as well. I put Crumb on Jabba's dais when finished and realized that, while the barge Jabba's paint apps are actually quite good, I'll probably have to repaint the pillows and stone for all of it to make sense.
He turned out great!
What 3D printer are you using?
Thanks! Printed on an Elegoo Mars.
So uh...when can you 3D print all items I need to construct a 1/18 helicopter? Kidding. Well, mostly. Your 3D prints are CRISP! The level of detail is astound. How much did you have to clean up from the original print to make it look as nice?
Probably, but it would take a while and a lot of slicing. The Mars is great, but better suited to smaller print jobs. And thanks! The orientation of objects on the build plate and support placement/settings have a huge impact on how the prints come out. I'm still learning how to optimize this, but this print required little to no additional cleaning outside of the normal routine.
Saw at YF, too. This is INCREDIBLE work!
Thanks Lance! It's fun to have a community to share with. :)
This is nothing short of spectacular! I need on like this in 1:12th!
Thank you! The 1:12 Crumb is sized fairly accurately, isn't he? I don't imagine it would be too difficult to scale this up and print you one. Send me a PM if you'd like.
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Brilliant!!! amazing level of detail in your paint apps. The 3D print is amazing. You are blowing me away.
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Sorry, I’m late to Mr Crumb’s 3D party...but it’s never too late to break my jaw in excitement! As said before and I think nobody will get tired of saying this: the level of detail you put into this 1/18 model of our favorite Crumb is from another galaxy! The hair looks bloody awesome, so does the paint job. This is sick stuff here! And I don’t mean Corona.
Cheers & thanks for sharing! I’m off to hospital, my jaw really hurts.
Add: Thanks for the size reference of all the Crumbs and for the hint by the way! I don’t think Mighty Jabba’s Collection intended to fake/produce a knock-off of Anamanan.
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Autumn Limbo
Thanks for the kind words about Crumb. 2020 has been something else, and I have not posted for quite a while. If you came here expecting a new custom, I’m afraid the wait continues. Even though I have no completed figures to share with you, I did feel like sharing something, so here’s a recent photo of my work area. I have been keeping busy. You may spot some "things that were... things that are... and some things... that have not yet come to pass." This place used to be clean(ish)!
It is difficult for me to believe that I posted my first figure builds here just over a year ago now. The customizing community has been so welcoming and encouraging, and I’ve truly had a fantastic time sharing my work and enjoying yours. Regardless of what Hasbro does or does not do for us, you have all taught me that we can do it ourselves, even if creating everything we want does require “the skill of [our] hands and the labor of three human lifetimes.”
What a wonderful, passionate group you’ve all been and continue to be.
Thank you!
(https://i.imgur.com/aLOuNND.jpg)
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Those look like awesome projects! Happy anniversary :)
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Great to see you back. And happy one year! Its hard to believe it has been that long.
Loved the Galadriel quotes. Just perfect.
Off to the front pages.
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I love seeing these kind of workbench photos! Looks like a lot of fun work ahead!
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I see you're making the Bad Batch. Nice! Can't wait to see that.
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I see you're making the Bad Batch. Nice! Can't wait to see that.
I noticed that too when we featured his eBay shop. Nice designs!
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Wow, the texture and detail of your parts look razor-sharp! I agree with Don - love such pictures! You got an awesome selection of hot parts there! Have you already completed a Bad Batch, yet?
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Those look like awesome projects! Happy anniversary :)
Thanks! I think they will be, eventually. ;)
Great to see you back. And happy one year! Its hard to believe it has been that long.
Loved the Galadriel quotes. Just perfect.
Off to the front pages.
Thank you! It definitely is. Although this year has been generally unpleasant, feedback from the shop offerings has been a delight.
I love seeing these kind of workbench photos! Looks like a lot of fun work ahead!
Thanks Don! More fun not pictured. haha
I see you're making the Bad Batch. Nice! Can't wait to see that.
Eventually, perhaps. They are patiently waiting in queue behind a few other projects.
Wow, the texture and detail of your parts look razor-sharp! I agree with Don - love such pictures! You got an awesome selection of hot parts there! Have you already completed a Bad Batch, yet?
Thanks Philipp! I do my best. No finished BB yet... maybe in 2021. :D
~//~
Speaking of projects, if any of you have experience with mag lev or tiny lights (or know someone who does), would you please message me? I'd like to explore using one or both on a piece I'm working on and would value your expertise.
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Bump for green text exposure with an emphasis on lighting.
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Cant wait for the Bad Batch!
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Thanks for your reply, Aude! I agree with Mauldalorian!
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I can't wait to see what he does with these tiny lights he is figuring out.
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Happy anniversary Aude.
I'm really looking forward to see more amazing figures from you.
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Happy New Year! It has certainly been a while since I shared anything new. The truth is that I’ve probably started too many projects during the past few months. Printing has eaten up a fair chunk of my free time, and I’m still working on the balancing act. Anyway, here's one done!
“A relic of a bygone era…”
Mandalorian Sarcophagus
The Clone Wars: Season 7, Episode 11 “Shattered”
(https://i.imgur.com/3E6UnYb.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Iobb3Wd.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/DV9f57e.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/lwdy314.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/L1XMjDz.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/lYvw6cA.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/pg2b3jJ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/TdnWlz1.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/hT16K3v.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/vq3Qiax.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/X9OEw30.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/bQ6fTgG.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/SzqWrYe.jpg)
Composition: Resin, acrylic, leather, magnets, LEDs. All seven pieces (main bed, front lid, rear lid, muzzle, right and left binders, and base) are attached using N52 magnets. The base 6” file that I built upon to create this piece is offered by Nic Audino (IG: @thizzolas).
Process: This project has been in and out of development for quite a while. I adjusted, rescaled, added detail to the figure bed of the file this past August for a fellow customizer, then suffered a complete hdd loss shortly thereafter. I have rebuilt many of those files since then and decided to give the vault another go.
The original 6” version has cutouts and is intended to be backlit. They are tiny, and mostly filled in when I first printed the vault at 3.75” scale. This time when I resized it, I decided to fill those spaces completely with raised light veins that could be painted and added meshes for the light piping that runs along the bed. I added more detail to the front lid, reshaped the bed, and designed a rear lid. While waiting ages on certain supplies, I also decided to create binders, muzzle, and base since the vault hovers. The muzzle was originally designed in two pieces as it appears in the episode, but they were tiny and difficult to fit properly so I decided to combine them. The effect is the same when closed.
I had no intention of lighting the sarcophagus after printing the first three pieces, but decided to give it a shot after a conversation with a friend. I had never incorporated lighting into a custom before, and still consider myself a complete novice here. Searching for what I needed was becoming frustrating, and, were it not for the advice of JDeck and Clonehead here, I may not have lighted this project at all. JDeck’s excellent suggestion paid off, and I picked up and (I hope) successfully wired the vault using product from Evan Designs (https://evandesigns.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAlsv_BRDtARIsAHMGVSYF2O32SatPt2-CJ4nMFxwTNyk8lPAxUmPmxpQVe4zsIF_TuhKqQ1EaApKyEALw_wcB). I was able to fit their LEDs, on/off switches, and tiny coin batteries/holders all into the reverse cavity of the vault. I’m pleased I gave the LEDs a chance! The temple lighting for figures inside the vault is a striking effect.
Painting was mostly quite enjoyable, aside from the light veins in the walls of the bed; those were a headache. I decided to add one more level of complexity after Chris shared an awesome glowing Dagobah fusion furnace that he had cast. I ordered glow powders and paints from three different vendors in the hope that I would be able to create a similar effect for the vault’s light piping. In some places I applied 5-10+ layers of the stuff. The effect seems to work, especially with a blacklight, but attaining an even, bright glow may have eluded me on this project.
The lighting effects were difficult to capture properly, and I do feel I could have taken better photos. Overall, this one was a journey that I am pleased to have taken.
Edit: Process Photo Gallery
File Edits
(https://i.imgur.com/oLqrh5q.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/oht6GSb.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/HtU5JXT.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/ua18aJG.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/iq2xQpo.png)
Fresh Prints
(https://i.imgur.com/2s8JTGZ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/OdbVYy7.jpg)
Wiring Circus
(https://i.imgur.com/WuIYQlq.jpg)
Test Fitting a Captive
(https://i.imgur.com/m5o0iQz.jpg)
...and testing muzzle size & fit.
Endcap
(https://i.imgur.com/4JuVkBF.jpg)
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Amazing! Wow!
I don't know how to comment on how great I think this is. I sure wish you worked for Hasbro. Just fantastic!
Off to get this on the front page and try to think of some better comments. Wow!
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Simply amazing!
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It’s all in the presentation, eh, aude?
I was blown away by the prospect of this project when you told me about it. Your tedious work has paid off, big time.
I love it all but since I seen it last, the lights, the paintwork around that interior veining, fabulous!
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This is fantastic, I so need a 3D printer now!
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That is simply brilliant! You show such great attention to detail and the lighting effects are outstanding. You are certainly making excellent use of 3D printing, and you have an amazing talent for design. What else is there to say? Nuthin'
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Thank you all! I had intended to reply sooner, but here we are. And here I am with another finished project.
"The order will be restored."
General Kalani
The Clone Wars
(https://i.imgur.com/C4sHcYA.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/IlLInZF.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/mVCDb1o.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Uqmpmgn.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/RsKJAZY.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/gPPVWvI.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/V7mFhNW.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/JlxKx2z.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/qYbfvTq.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/RVORNeI.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/XxYAVww.jpg)
Composition: Resin, acrylic, magnets, fishing line.
Process: I began this project last August, lost a ton of progress in September, took some time away from it, and finished engineering it in February. I finally had time this past week to sit down and paint and assemble the print. This is the first fully articulated figure that I have designed, printed, and painted; it uses zero parts from any action figure line. The fact that this is possible is incredible to me, and I'm energized thinking about the future possibilities for customizers!
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A true masterpiece! It certainly shows the potential of printing, but it also showcases your exceptional talent! I'm gobsmacked.
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Intricate on so many levels. Bravo sir!
Beautiful paint job and design. It has got to feel good knowing this is you throughout the whole process. I mean after this, is there really anything you don't feel you could design, print, and build?
Off to the front pages.
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That’s just amazing!!!
I’m with you Aude. 3D printing is the next level for customizers.
I just can’t sculpt anything that small anymore. Forger for iPad let’s me design heads so much more easily. If the ball gets rolling, I’ll get Z-brush.
My Phrozen printer is another matter. Either the default print settings are off or my FEP is just too sticky. I’ve gotten only 2/12 prints and they weren’t pretty.
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Your paint work is amazing! This looks like you straight up purchased this. I've always wanted a super tactical Droid. What scale is this?!
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Starchaser: Thank you! This is an exciting time to be customising. :)
Tamer: Thanks! It does feel great to have finished it, absolutely. I was acutely aware while working on him that I would have no one to blame if anything went amiss. haha The resilience of the material could still improve a bit (it has some flex, but not as much as PVC), and any more complex articulation would require many more pieces and more adhesive, but the process has certainly been an eye opener.
Sjefke: Thank you! 3D printing/design has definitely been an exciting avenue to explore. Once you work out the kinks with your printer, I know you're really going to love using it.
RC-1136: Thank you! I wish I could have straight up purchased one haha, would have saved me many hours. He is 3.75" scale, of course!
"Gentle[droids], we can...build him. We have the technology. We have the capability..." ;)
Pre-paint and full assembly with his predecessors:
(https://i.imgur.com/zCcnRDd.jpg)
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Nice. I realy do believe this is the future of our hobby.
Back to the front pages.
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I love that group shot! I might have missed it somewhere in the thread (or its just 'old brain syndrome') but what kind of printer do you have? My son just got one some he could print 28mm miniatures.
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I'm sure I'd you sold these as unpainted kits many would buy them.
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I'm sure I'd you sold these as unpainted kits many would buy them.
No doubt about that!
I would look for them here in his eBay Shop:
Aude's Workshop Link on eBay (https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Faudes_workshop%2Fm.html%3F_nkw%3D%26_armrs%3D1%26_ipg%3D%26_from%3D&campid=5337371392&toolid=10001&customid=)
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I love that group shot! I might have missed it somewhere in the thread (or its just 'old brain syndrome') but what kind of printer do you have? My son just got one some he could print 28mm miniatures.
I'm not sure I've ever written about it despite promising to do so. I started with an Elegoo Mars but have phased that one out since it does not have a monochrome screen. I'm currently running two Phrozen printers and would highly recommend them.
I'm sure I'd you sold these as unpainted kits many would buy them.
Perhaps. I haven't printed any more yet. Maybe sometime this week.
I'm sure I'd you sold these as unpainted kits many would buy them.
No doubt about that!
I would look for them here in his eBay Shop:
Aude's Workshop Link on eBay (https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Faudes_workshop%2Fm.html%3F_nkw%3D%26_armrs%3D1%26_ipg%3D%26_from%3D&campid=5337371392&toolid=10001&customid=)
I have found eBay's lack of seller support disturbing, and my listings there have grown sparse as a result. The exposure is nice, but when a platform provides zero assistance with basic issues, selling directly is more appealing.
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Sad to hear eBay is treating you awful, but I really felt a few years ago it was really a buyers market there. Sellers just have an awful time, but it is such a widely known and used platform that eBay gets away with treating sellers awful.
I definitely can see the appeal of just selling the items yourself on your own dedicated platform. Heck, I would be glad to set you up a forums sections here just to do that yourself.
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Sorry to hear about eBay, aude. It’s more automated now and getting an actual person to deal with issues is less of a possibility than before. I think most of their employees constitute some server farm babysitters/code de buggers, and a few suits to decide where next to get extra monies from the sellers and buyers that particular year.
It is a buyers market and for eBay, the buyer is usually considered right. You could sell here and possibly build a decent following after some time
I didn’t push sales here and instead, focused on ebays broad audience and have seen their change over the years. I used to sell internationally there but haven’t in years.
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You are both correct. With a few exceptions, buyers haven't been much of an issue. It is discouraging when, after multiple calls, the best answers as to why my shipping rates will not combine for potential buyers are: "the system is bugged," and, "sorry, we cannot do anything about it." Yes, I can issue partial refunds every single time, but I've just begun sending extra items instead. They are happy to debit my account each month, but resolving the most basic issues for sellers is beyond the scope of their capabilities. ::)
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It kind of reminds me of how wal-mart got big and took out the smaller stores and now you can't find what you need at wal-mart anymore.
I know amazon is a fairly well used platform too, but I know it has its own issues too. Anyhow we are getting away from the point here, which is your awesome work.
I cannot wait to see what your spring on us next.
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Stealth post. 8)
"Tell Anakin..."
Ahsoka Tano
Siege of Mandalore
The Clone Wars
(https://i.imgur.com/mC2tlCR.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/1X6a56Z.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/59g1jYl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/cU5kx70.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/eH4nIMl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/4JO4YhH.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/KAlSOLd.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/UyPRfSV.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/UGw1Wod.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/5JMGIB3.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Kux6Ys6.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/KaNpgUp.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/JQW7liI.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/VI6hbS6.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/OhoxJpE.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/xU0itxT.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/dE7UmvW.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/2Ra9GIm.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/GxHrmmf.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Z5W3VrH.jpg)
Images now; words later.
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Okay okay, my jaw already dropped at the first picture and I was immediately wondering: Is she 3.75"? The detail on her face looks absolutely stunning. Then the Astromechs were a hint.
But I completely freaked out at the last pic! WOW! Did you cast all these different hands for her?
Besides, it's good to see you back around!
"Tell Anakin..." goosebumps hitting.
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Yep, jaw unhinged. Wow, wow, wow!
I can't even imagine the hoopla that would happen if Hasbro made this. You sir are a genius.
Off to share on the front pages.
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Holy cow
That head is amazing but your paint job is masterful.
DEFINITIVE
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Absolutely fantastic!
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Very nice man!
That cloak makes it even better!
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Thank you, guys! Here is the rest of it.
Chapter II: The Words
...and bunch of photos also
(https://i.imgur.com/uhoypNh.jpg)
Composition: TVC Zorii Bliss torso, pelvis & thighs, TBS Ahsoka Tano arms, shins & feet, resin head, hands, armor plates & lightsabers, some epoxy clay sculpts, leather skirt, wired cloak, magnets.
Process: I began this figure last May and was working on her concurrently with Beskar Mando and Bo-Katan. Where those two figures were completed in quick succession, this one stalled a few times for various reasons. Here is a breakdown of how she came to be.
Body & Articulation
I decided early on to go with the combination of VC Zorii body and TBS Ahsoka limbs. The VC Zorii body had a soft collar that I cut off as well as fabric ripples and piping, holster straps, and an under bust detail that needed to be sanded down. The TBS Ahsoka arms and shins also had details that were sanded down to achieve the correct look and accommodate armor pieces. I shortened the limbs slightly by removing some material from the bottoms of the TBS figure’s forearms and Zorii’s thighs, dremeling further into them, and filling the deeper sockets with a small bit of clay. Although further adjustments were made over time, mainly to thin the limbs to achieve a slimmer look, the base combination remained the same. As you do, I also sanded the joint rotors to prevent paint rub. Many small sandpaper sheets lost their lives to make this action figure possible.
For some reason, preserving the TBS figure’s forearm rotors during heat and pop separation was a nightmare for this custom. I know at least two exploded on me during removal, and it’s possible that I sacrificed a third TBS Ahsoka to acquire a single pair of undamaged forearms for the custom.
When I began this custom, I did not have a printer (yes, that’s how long ago this was). My first attempt at articulating hands for this figure began with fashioning a ball wrist from an ABS rotor & peg that I slipped over a metal pin in the center of a VC Doctor Aphra hand (Hasbro+ style). The second attempt saw Zorii’s soft PVC hands dremeled out and slipped over a protruding wrist ball (cf, HiyaToys style hands). Ultimately, I was not satisfied with either and ended up taking a different route through printing. These early attempts at small articulated hands gave way to the pegged swap-outs that have since become the norm and were first seen on the Bo-Katan I made last year.
It was imperative to me that the custom be able to move like Ahsoka. Her wide, crouched stances while deflecting blaster bolts and dueling necessitated ball hips and rocker ankles. Unfortunately, there were zero Hasbro female figures with rocker ankles when I began working on the custom (now there is... one (?), The Armorer, with one more, Ahsoka herself, on the way). To accomplish the rocker here, I went once again with JoyToy joints. They are huge, and required quite a bit of material be removed before they fit the aesthetic or figure’s sockets properly, but they did their job well once installed.
Armor & Accessories
Once the body was assembled, I began sculpting the armor plates in epoxy clay. Removing the Zorii collar piece revealed a large rectangular cavity to hold the collar insert, so I sculpted a thin layer over the shoulders and upper bust terminating in the shape of the design on her top. The figure sat unfinished for so long that I eventually had replaced most epoxy clay with resin printed pieces; the only sculpted areas that remain on the completed figure are that shoulder & upper bust layer and her belt & faulds.
For her skirts and armor plate straps (wrists, shins, knees), I used some pieces of ultra thin .4mm leather which I attached with some dabs of Krazy Glue. I affixed the hip plates to the body with leather strips and superglue also, making sure to leave a small area between body and plate free of glue so that the plates could move upward while the figure was crouched. In hindsight, thin leather strips could have worked well for the faulds and would have been simpler, too. Her cloak was made using a stretchy, thin fabric of mostly modal with a wire running the edges and hood. It did not dye evenly as I intended it to, but the look grew on me.
I printed her two pairs of lightsaber hilts: one pair to attach to the hip plates, and another to hold the blades. The first pair I modified with a cavity on each side to hold the tiny neodymium magnets that would snap to those installed inside her hip plates. I sanded the tips of the lightsaber blades into points for accuracy. After a fellow customizer printed Hot Toys style swinging blades in 3.75” scale to great effect, I decided to make a third pair of swinging sabers for Ahsoka. After four prints using three different resins and three different dye combinations, I finally arrived at a color that matched the blue Hasbro blades that I had placed in the second pair of lightsaber hilts.
"You have made time an ally of the Rebellion!"
The first delay was caused by a printed head that I bought being incorrectly sized. Progress halted once more when I realized that I wasn’t satisfied with that design even when a replacement arrived in the size requested. Developing a new head that I could adjust and print myself to nail down sizing and fit delayed the custom further. I then lost the desire to work on the figure for a while after attempts to order a cardback for her broke down due to the seller’s communication failure. Then work with another project cast any significant progress on her aside once again. I thought Hasbro’s announcement of an official figure might be the nail in the coffin for this figure, but thanks to some wonderful encouragement, I developed a fifth or sixth wind. Every setback I have experienced with this custom has led us to this moment, and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Progress Image Gallery
1.0 & Familiar Faces
(https://i.imgur.com/xwGgIGO.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/KxhscLq.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/e1yYg8C.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/fV7hyb6.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/PKwNrtx.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/RyLDMMM.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/XTSC6bH.jpg)
Hands & Feet
(https://i.imgur.com/SwqgugZ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/64NIMuX.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/jN30jmu.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/GBOMtja.jpg)
Evolution
(https://i.imgur.com/nYptYd2.jpg)
2.0
(https://i.imgur.com/e30pDUS.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/PyvfWVj.jpg)
Fabrics
(https://i.imgur.com/fqhtzzU.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/5d4lkNE.jpg)
Final Fit Test
(https://i.imgur.com/HzgB09C.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ptbPFBE.jpg)
Pre Paint
(https://i.imgur.com/gmduVO0.jpg)
Body Painting
(https://i.imgur.com/Fq5J8G0.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/QvzjHfO.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ygYBmRI.jpg)
Magnets ("How do they work?")
(https://i.imgur.com/dRRarFL.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/6nuB0w7.jpg)
Lightsabers HT
(https://i.imgur.com/cqxyNKj.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/JsjXiHj.jpg)
Clear Coat
(https://i.imgur.com/nz9RWdd.jpg)
Puzzle pieces, organized
(https://i.imgur.com/opXJozb.jpg)
Is this 6 inch?! ;)
(https://i.imgur.com/1ly0kd7.jpg)
Group photo
(https://i.imgur.com/CSflibI.jpg)
*Rotta the Huttlet went missing sometime between me taking these out for the photo and photo time.
I have no idea where he is...
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It is just fantastic. I don't think I have seen such a finely detailed 3.75" Custom.
Truly a masterpiece. Like a Sideshow Figure or something high end along those lines. This is getting a lot of love on our FB Page too.
Thanks for sharing it with us!
Off to the front pages with this latest update.
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Well, I waited for a week now before commenting on your latest custom. So everyone reading this, don't say I said too much, here are my thoughts:
Never have I seen an Ahsoka with this level of detail and accuracy in 1/18 scale EVER before. Hence I plead for keeping your Ahsoka on the front page for a year - also because you worked on her for that long. Taking a Zorii Bliss figure to start with was a brilliant choice in my opinion! The sculpting work is phenomenal and the printed parts really impress me! Telling by the quality of the surafce you got to have a resin printer right?
She looks absolutely stunning! I've said this before, but the level of accuracy especially on her face is beyond limits, Aude! Eyes are so hard to paint and I struggle every time so I got most respect for your skills, man! Your Ahsoka is brutally brilliant starting from the costume design, to the choice of colors to the fine application of paints.
That's why I enjoy the last picture of your second post so much! Your Ahsoka makes ALL versions released by Hasbro so far look pale next to her.
The lightsabers are a masterpiece for themselves! I really like the tipped blades. And having some experience with casting, I know how much effort (and money) the mixing of epoxy resin can take. Glad you found the exact shade of blue rather quickly! The blade-in-motion effects are a brilliant addition to your perfect custom figure!
The soft goods cloak you made for her looks amazing! I know that I've always been amazed by the work and soft good costumes by StarAlien70 (http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=9737.msg184578#msg184578). Your cloak doesn't need to be printed to fit perfectly. Probably another reason why Hasbro should consider to send you a job offer as designer.
Man, we got so many talented nerds on her - makes me quite proud.
Her chest armor and skirt, details on hips and pelvis look most impressive as well! I don't even know where to end here. As Sjefke said before, your custom is perfection!
To me this is the best Ahsoka I've ever seen! Makes me curious of how Hasbro's upcoming realisitic style TVC version will perform and look next to yours. I think you could win any custom contest with this one. And as if the female custom of Elias (http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=7989.msg224694#msg224694) wasn't the hottest 3.75" action figure I've ever seen already, I'm confident to say that your Ahsoka will defend the rank of one of the best female custom 3.75" figures of all time period.
I'm blown to space with this one! This would be a prototype maybe if Boss Fight Studios had the license - I mean look at all these hands alone!! Not in my wildest dreams (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8HLESmCfxk) would I trust Hasbro to release such an incredible figure. As previous commentators also on Instagram said: This is the quality one expects from companies like HotToys - only in 1/6 scale not in 1/18. Being able to create such a figure and to achieve such a level of fine detail in this scale makes it most impressive to me.
Thank you for sharing this epic piece of custom art with us! I truly admire your skills, Aude. This is the definition of customizing.
That's all the words I could find for now.
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Well...after Philipp's very accurate rant I'm not sure there is much to add:) Your work on Ahsoka is a brilliant testimony to both your passion as a customizer and your skill. I think Sjefke said it well: DEFINITIVE. Thanks for sharing the process and the product, you make us proud!
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That Ahsoka has got to be one of the all-time best customs I've ever seen. If not the best.
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Exactly what Tamer said, "Truly a Masterpiece"
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Just wanted to say that these heads from your eBay store worked beautifully!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe0FS3Mcsz1DskWewxWRXnbSy2aXFRNflQAl5qm4SP7LyGWTXGfq6clA9jaHFSZ_EYPo5HW7cTXeChILDwdApHnUcFW8NGM0_2LqJFbvhRQAGzquV1MbIRlOrAyETpRXyXiA9vhU02dMRg_rg1UR-EN_AhB6JHrL1kxXJ0cHm0aAFrXqMj2rcFplaJ/w480-h640/AEEBEE1F-F31C-498A-BFC5-05C2A967C3FD.jpeg)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5T5WRjaCfxr6CeC2GZ5fLfZb9YBgNNdtz1te_0oxIyDC_lqaw_lJDnP62hyfMalYIVBEgEKUCE7u9z2Lcyl61Y4zx2NGZJrJf2qIkAtKvohokCx9zXc7DSkMPJykBs2fHiMdXXmHBhyWAGgBEMZk2e2Bq-w_lIwPLcyHW9qWo762o7wYG83q8mezz/w480-h640/FCCF68BC-6E39-422E-BDDA-E432028D5F0F.jpeg)
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Aude does awesome work.