The Imperial Shipyards

Imperial Creative Engineering => Dioramas => Topic started by: customjedi on May 11, 2014, 07:48:28 AM

Title: Slightly Modified Hasbro Jabba's Palace
Post by: customjedi on May 11, 2014, 07:48:28 AM
I've just scanned and added to Hasbro's paperboard dio to fill out a shelf in my display room.

(https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/1488644_666245273410970_2020407266_n.jpg)

(https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/t1.0-9/10264639_675076215861209_6557619301127703197_n.jpg)

(https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/10274033_675076169194547_4673113180109461375_n.jpg)

(https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/t1.0-9/10264616_677676485601182_6679008822196084322_n.jpg)

(https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/t1.0-9/10245400_684643341571163_258296738315167750_n.jpg)

(https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/q71/s720x720/10302107_686145944754236_2999316146302351136_n.jpg)



Title: Re: Slightly Modified Hasbro Jabba's Palace
Post by: Tamer on May 12, 2014, 03:49:37 AM
Wow, that looks great. You really spruced up the cardboard dio that Hasbro used to send in some of their sets. I am assuming thats what it was?

On the front page.
Title: Re: Slightly Modified Hasbro Jabba's Palace
Post by: Sjefke on May 12, 2014, 05:31:56 AM
Oh Custom Jedi!
A diorama like this is one of my long term collecting goals.   Yours is enviable.
You should show off your other accessories, like the BBQ in the same thread as your awesome Drumheller Harp.

I see you have Bossk in there.  Nice pick up on guys who didn't make it off the cutting room floor.
Can we see close-ups of your mixologist astromechs?  Other than R2-D2 of course, I was only aware of the white one with the off-center, vertical, burgundy stripe.

I'm old school though.  I prefer the original ILM puppets to the CGI characters.  Joh Yowza is not on my wish list, but I'm planning on customizing a vintage Sy Snootles and Max Rebo.  .... some day.



Amazing dio!!!!
I would love to see pictures of your lighting setup please. The lighting is absolutely perfect.

I agree on the lighting in your shots.  That's got to be real sunlight filtering through some sort of structure above with some sort of mist or dust effect.
Details please.
Title: Re: Slightly Modified Hasbro Jabba's Palace
Post by: Hand So Low on May 12, 2014, 01:57:13 PM
Amazing dio!!!!

I would love to see pictures of your lighting setup please. The lighting is absolutely perfect.
Title: Re: Slightly Modified Hasbro Jabba's Palace
Post by: mr.Jedi1977 on May 12, 2014, 04:36:47 PM
wow fantastic work !!!
Title: Re: Slightly Modified Hasbro Jabba's Palace
Post by: darthcrassus on May 13, 2014, 01:29:52 PM
I recently just got that old paper diorama out and set it up with all of my figures, but.... wow, the lighting on yours really makes it really come to life. Doesn't look like paper at all.
Title: Re: Slightly Modified Hasbro Jabba's Palace
Post by: customjedi on May 13, 2014, 07:23:34 PM
Thanks everyone!  I really wanted to experiment with the lighting when I set up the palace this year.  
I recently posted this info to my Customjedi Facebook page - now copied here...

In years past I installed lights in the book shelves in which I put my dioramas. I had experimented with rope lights and halogen puck lights.

(https://fbcdn-photos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/t1.0-0/10171046_673623799339784_4036732338432006585_a.jpg)

The puck lights were alright but they were a little too bright and they burn hot.
Though you can get heat resistant gels and other accessories, those things are pretty costly. The halogen bulbs can also be costly and don't seem to last very long.

I've been in the process of changing my lighting over to LED.

(https://fbcdn-photos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t1.0-0/1560573_673599392675558_6203268751370165191_a.jpg)

There are lots of different LED options at a variety of price points. Since LEDs burn cool, you can gel them or apply gobos.  
Before embarking on custom gobos, I experimented with masking an LED fixture with some kind of textured material.  
I used this packing material with the honeycomb like cuts.

(https://fbcdn-photos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t1.0-0/10153895_673625049339659_2490064676756389358_a.jpg)

When placed over the LED fixture,

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t1.0-9/q71/s720x720/1239036_673626276006203_7069122515360466032_n.jpg)

it creates the sort of dappled effect seen in the photos.

For some other areas of the palace, I used a cross-stich grid to create interesting shadows like so:

(https://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/10155822_674354362600061_5214607921549723895_n.jpg)

I'm still experimenting with other lighting options for different effects such as battery operated "rice" lights and small LED spot lights but nothing terribly complex.


Can we see close-ups of your mixologist astromechs?  Other than R2-D2 of course, I was only aware of the white one with the off-center, vertical, burgundy stripe.


I figured Jabba would have multiple bar droids, but I've just thrown the serving harness on whatever astros I have lying around.  I'm working on Jabba's actual serving droid now. He's still in progress though.

(https://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/p403x403/10362377_688181447884019_5030875184713923344_n.jpg)

Title: Re: Slightly Modified Hasbro Jabba's Palace
Post by: Tamer on May 14, 2014, 03:11:06 AM
Nice, that effect is turning out nice! Back to the front page.
Title: Re: Slightly Modified Hasbro Jabba's Palace
Post by: customjedi on May 14, 2014, 05:28:32 AM
Nice, that effect is turning out nice! Back to the front page.

Thanks, Tamer!
Title: Re: Slightly Modified Hasbro Jabba's Palace
Post by: Sjefke on May 14, 2014, 05:52:30 AM
Nice!  
You've obviously done your homework.  

(http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t414/sjefke59/R2-V8.jpg)  (http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t414/sjefke59/Astromechs/unnamed_r2_bartender.jpg)

I dont think I've ever seen this astromech done before.  I'll have to check the Astromech fansite.  What should we name him?  R2-V8, R2-S7 (Seagrams 7), or R2-K1 (Kettel 1)?

More please, and thanks for the lighting insight2
Title: Re: Slightly Modified Hasbro Jabba's Palace
Post by: CloneSniper78 on May 14, 2014, 04:47:12 PM
I'd like to see an astromech with custom lights. Hmmm, I just got an idea.
Title: Re: Slightly Modified Hasbro Jabba's Palace
Post by: jrnyfan on May 16, 2014, 06:16:40 PM
Looks awesome!
Title: Re: Slightly Modified Hasbro Jabba's Palace
Post by: hemble on May 16, 2014, 09:09:48 PM
Fantastic work.

Ron
Title: Re: Slightly Modified Hasbro Jabba's Palace
Post by: customjedi on May 17, 2014, 12:08:38 PM
Thanks everybody. I hope my little light notes are helpful. I'm eyeing some LED lighting strips at Lowes which I'm dying to try out in my displays. I'll let y'all know how that turns out if/when I proceed with those.

I thought I saw somewhere that Jabba's drink droid has a name. Can't remember where I saw it or what it was. I'm still working on him. It may actually be the first astromech I've painted. You sure need a steady hand for it! I'm spending half the time cleaning up after myself. I think Jabba, or whoever may have commissioned the droid for Jabba would have sprung for the gold accessory upgrade. Hopefully he still looks like Jabba's droid and not Iron Man's droid when I'm done.

I'd like to see an astromech with custom lights. Hmmm, I just got an idea.


I can't wait to see that light up astromech, CloneSniper78!
Title: Re: Slightly Modified Hasbro Jabba's Palace
Post by: Tamer on May 18, 2014, 07:28:28 AM
They sure are. My dream one day is to clear out where I have my vehicles stores and make a huge Battle of Hoth Dio and some of these lighting techniques would be great to use. Keep it coming please!
Title: Re: Slightly Modified Hasbro Jabba's Palace
Post by: customjedi on May 18, 2014, 09:35:55 AM
Had to go to Lowes for a new gas can and just happened to pick up a starter set of LED strip lights. Not sure when I'll get to installing them. I have another lighting concept to explore before taking down the palace at the end of May, but first a few more of my favorite shots...

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t1.0-9/1962737_666245193410978_872237182_n.jpg)

(https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/10173656_677892508912913_1245254215676384733_n.jpg)

(https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/10255612_678172892218208_6458088331801548536_n.jpg)

(https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/10371465_690026177699546_4662585801120126248_n.jpg)

Since I wasn't going to cut holes in my shelving, I took some liberties with the floor graphics to create an illusion of depth.

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t1.0-9/q72/s720x720/10152500_688373267864837_5864732456598338494_n.jpg)

(https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/q71/s720x720/10006975_689583674410463_2653700143379317061_n.jpg)

Title: Re: Slightly Modified Hasbro Jabba's Palace
Post by: Tamer on May 19, 2014, 02:49:09 AM
Looking forward to seeing your new lighting concepts.

This diorama looks fantastic.
Title: Re: Slightly Modified Hasbro Jabba's Palace
Post by: customjedi on May 23, 2014, 05:23:55 PM
Thanks again, Tamer!

Had to share this one because it amuses me.  I'd like to think that I'm "large and in charge" like Jabba the Hutt, but--truth be told--most days, I'm 3PO.

(https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/10314587_692128250822672_4784369265350518212_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Slightly Modified Hasbro Jabba's Palace
Post by: wraithnine on May 24, 2014, 03:52:21 AM
Superb job! mate ,very very impressed
Title: Re: Slightly Modified Hasbro Jabba's Palace
Post by: customjedi on May 27, 2014, 06:49:37 PM
Superb job! mate ,very very impressed

Thanks, wraithnine!

Now I'm experimenting with just lighting sections to get some "low light" effects.  This was accomplished with battery operated "rice lights" -- little LED's on wire -- mounted inside the alcove.

(https://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/t1.0-9/1907657_694146667287497_8621671024265163058_n.jpg)

Still working on a "low lighting scheme" for the rest of the dio...
Title: Re: Slightly Modified Hasbro Jabba's Palace
Post by: Tamer on May 28, 2014, 02:41:44 AM
Nice, time methinks for a new update on the front page and Facebook for this too.
Title: Re: Slightly Modified Hasbro Jabba's Palace
Post by: CloneSniper78 on May 29, 2014, 08:49:29 AM
Amazing work. Thanks for sharing this. I hope to build something at least half as good as this someday.
Title: Re: Slightly Modified Hasbro Jabba's Palace
Post by: hemble on May 30, 2014, 02:53:55 PM
Awesome work indeed and the lighting just adds so much realism to the dio.

Ron
Title: Re: Slightly Modified Hasbro Jabba's Palace
Post by: customjedi on June 02, 2014, 07:06:52 AM
Thanks!

The battery operated "rice lights" can be painted or you can mask off the ones you don't want illuminated.  I taped three or four behind the half thawed version of the Carbonite block to make it glow.

(https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/t1.0-9/10390573_696543900381107_4854210040158945944_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Slightly Modified Hasbro Jabba's Palace
Post by: DarthSinister on June 02, 2014, 11:18:20 AM
NICE! Your lighting effects are top shelf!
Title: Re: Slightly Modified Hasbro Jabba's Palace
Post by: jrnyfan on June 02, 2014, 03:56:20 PM
Love it! The lighting effects are so much fun.
Title: Re: Slightly Modified Hasbro Jabba's Palace
Post by: Tamer on June 03, 2014, 02:16:56 AM
Wow that looks great. Off to share.
Title: Re: Slightly Modified Hasbro Jabba's Palace
Post by: customjedi on June 16, 2014, 07:56:51 AM
I opened up a little area for Jabba's "secret" room.

(https://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/t1.0-9/10303472_698196643549166_8982010237912809140_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Slightly Modified Hasbro Jabba's Palace
Post by: Tamer on June 16, 2014, 02:41:57 PM
Looks like a movie still to me. Awesome. Back to share.

You are also getting some nice exposure on our ISY Facebook Page too. Folks really like OTC customs and displays.
Title: Re: Slightly Modified Hasbro Jabba's Palace
Post by: hemble on June 16, 2014, 10:47:33 PM
The secret room looks great.

Ron
Title: Re: Slightly Modified Hasbro Jabba's Palace
Post by: customjedi on June 17, 2014, 10:21:37 AM
Thanks, Ron and Tamer. Much appreciated!

I've packed away the ROTJ stuff for the time being but I'm already thinking about little expansions and improvements for next time.
Title: Re: Slightly Modified Hasbro Jabba's Palace
Post by: Buried Egg on June 17, 2014, 07:56:42 PM
HOLY CRAP!!! I've been working on one of these (Jabba's Complete Palace Diorama) for a while but haven't gotten it past the test set-up phase with just a few photos. Still haven't even fabricated the architecture or furniture. Now, after seeing this, I don't think I want to finish mine!

I just can't say enough about the superb lighting and use of materials and even Hasbro's prefab walls! Just genius! This is a big problem with me spending my evenings on this site. I will never get any sleep. I just want to look at these pics all night long and keep noticing little details and things. Just great! Sorry for 'gushing' but this is the kind of work that really gets my blood pumping!
Title: Re: Slightly Modified Hasbro Jabba's Palace
Post by: customjedi on June 19, 2014, 06:55:35 AM
HOLY CRAP!!! [cut] Sorry for 'gushing' but this is the kind of work that really gets my blood pumping!

Gosh, thanks so much! You're doing some stellar things yourself. I can't wait to see what you do in Jabba's Palace (or anywhere else in the SW universe).  ;D

(BTW) Removable walls so you can shoot reversals can be fun too!

(https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10354964_700187743350056_3037778043890917098_n.jpg?oh=07a1b5ede3b19d743af0af5637d3ee05&oe=54324C34)
(https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/t1.0-9/10463052_699788973389933_5537358194864365285_n.jpg)