The Imperial Shipyards

Imperial Creative Engineering => Custom Figures => Topic started by: customcloner on December 24, 2008, 02:37:39 PM

Title: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: customcloner on December 24, 2008, 02:37:39 PM
I havent made a customs thread since the yard has been modified. Still have to upload my pics. of new customs, but not sure if I ever posted these customs I made after seeing my avatar pic.
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: Phatty on December 24, 2008, 02:48:40 PM
I like that one at the top.  Did you cast those helmets on your own?  You and Clint do some awesome sculpts of helmets!
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: customcloner on December 24, 2008, 02:50:50 PM
Here is a bacura I did with re-sculpted shoulder armor and pack to look like Cody
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: customcloner on December 24, 2008, 02:52:28 PM
Yeh, I have a cuple different casts of the top figs. helmets.
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: customcloner on December 24, 2008, 03:08:29 PM
There for a wile Clint and me where trying all kinds of variations of helmets. If he came up with a good look with combining two different helmets that I didnt think of or try he would send me castings and I would do the same when I came up with new concepts.
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: Tamer on December 25, 2008, 08:54:26 AM
Wow I love that blue helmeted Clone too, That Cody looking Bacura is over the top too. I am gonna use these pics as a front pager this week!
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: Clonehead on December 26, 2008, 04:38:34 PM
John, I remember the green one and the orange Bacura. Dude that bacura is so cool but the yellow one and the blue just rock! The blue one is my favorite one for sure. Super good job on those!
  What setting are you using on your camera? I went to zoom in on that group shot and things turned kind of fuzzy.
Very impressive. You have been busy, haven't you?
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: Tamer on December 29, 2008, 12:53:11 PM
hey John, any chance you could post us some larger images of the first few pics (lot of clones and the helmet mods) ? I sure would like to see a few of em bigger like your last image post with the Cody Bacura!
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: customcloner on January 02, 2009, 11:45:19 AM
Sorry just getting back, been busy around the house!  Iv been having alot of problems posting pics. Every time I try through PB or my personal files this is the  largest I can seem to be able to post. Have some new customs not posted because I wanted  to post good pics not as small as the last. Have 3-4 new figs. recently finished.
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: customcloner on January 02, 2009, 12:48:58 PM
Here is a recently done custom.
(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd99/customcloner/HPIM0608-1-1.jpg)
(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd99/customcloner/049-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: customcloner on January 02, 2009, 12:56:24 PM
Here you go Tamer,
 (http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd99/customcloner/HPIM0133-2.jpg)
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: customcloner on January 02, 2009, 01:08:30 PM
Here are some more.  The arc trooper I resculpted his armor, I never liked the articulation of the arc's from the Grievous BP. Not happy with the green paint though! The elite troop needs a little more work still yet.
(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd99/customcloner/HPIM0619-1-1.jpg)
(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd99/customcloner/HPIM0604-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: customcloner on January 02, 2009, 01:13:29 PM
This next pic. of course is a custom 501, this one was a plain fig. and all the blue was hand painted. The second pic. of the pilots Im going to make this gunship a custom as well for the 501's.
(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd99/customcloner/HPIM0613.jpg)
(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd99/customcloner/HPIM0612.jpg)
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: Clonehead on January 02, 2009, 04:15:32 PM
Holy cow!! What a magnificent picture update!! Outstanding  job there, John!!
  I really like the 501st trooper and pilots paint apps. The lines look nice and tight. the red one looks cool also. Is that a resculpted helmet or just repainted?
  I like the Arc and the Elite guy looks just fine. If you are worried about shades of color not matching exactally, always remember that typically paint dries a shade darker than it looks when it is wet. So, if you were trying to match a certain color on the stock Elite Corps figure's camo , mix your paint to be slightly lighter than the color that you are trying to match. Then as your paint dries, hopefully, it will darken to match the shade that you were shooting for.
  Great  job there, buddy!

  John, how many clones have you done using those super articulated microman bodies?
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: customcloner on January 03, 2009, 09:22:57 AM
The stormie is a re-sculpted helmet. I gave it the visor look of a clone and a center ridge and vents on the sides. I have four different sculps of the stormtroops helmets now. The paint I was talking about was the arc troop the green paint was suppose to be flat but dried gloss. The elite troop is another addition to my set first started with the bacura I got from you, I have five different ones with that style. The micro's I have the two but, in the works of a third. Those ones take alot of work!! This one Im working on has more articulation than the others so Im trying to make him special. Thanks for the props!!
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: Tamer on January 03, 2009, 01:04:21 PM
Wow what great pics! Thanks John. Man do I love that RC trooper. I don't think that green on that arc is bad either! Man I like em all!
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: Clonehead on January 03, 2009, 01:46:35 PM
Oh, my bad. You can get a dullcoat to apply to a paint that is too glossey. I believe that testors makes a dullcoat for both acrylic and enamel paints.
  Comon, show us some more pics. Lets see your elite corps trooper collection.
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: customcloner on January 03, 2009, 08:27:55 PM
Thanks for all the complements!! I have some of the dull coat from testors. Also Seen some of my work on the home page there Tamer...Thanks!!
I feel special now.lol Also will gather the elites for a group photo, same with the 501's
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: Clonehead on January 03, 2009, 08:33:24 PM
Cool buddy! I'm looking forward to that.
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: customcloner on January 04, 2009, 11:02:56 AM
Alright, Here are the custom elite squad, also have to show the gilli cape  made by Clint.
(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd99/customcloner/HPIM0666.jpg)
(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd99/customcloner/HPIM0665-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: customcloner on January 04, 2009, 11:04:33 AM
Here are the specialist 501 squad
(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd99/customcloner/HPIM0667.jpg)
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: customcloner on January 04, 2009, 11:07:49 AM
The first fig. pics (tan) clone is one of my favorite helmet mods! The next is a assassin clone,
(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd99/customcloner/HPIM0670-1.jpg)
(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd99/customcloner/HPIM0671-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: customcloner on January 04, 2009, 11:09:21 AM
Here is the assassin clone,
(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd99/customcloner/HPIM0668-1.jpg)
(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd99/customcloner/HPIM0669-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: customcloner on January 04, 2009, 11:10:49 AM
Now here are some customs I was lucky to aquire from Clint!
(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd99/customcloner/HPIM0672.jpg)
(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd99/customcloner/HPIM0673-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: customcloner on January 04, 2009, 11:14:22 AM
These two some of you seen but havent posted since the first site.
(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd99/customcloner/green002.jpg)
(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd99/customcloner/grayrc.jpg)
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: customcloner on January 04, 2009, 11:22:35 AM
Here are some more of the micro-clones, The last pic. he didnt have his chest armor finished but posted this one to show the articulation they have!
(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd99/customcloner/rcebay004.jpg)
(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd99/customcloner/HPIM0012.jpg)
(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd99/customcloner/HPIM0014-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: Clonehead on January 04, 2009, 11:26:42 AM
Totally awsome, John!! I love the tan one with the cloth on it. I like his helmet also. The 501st squad looks great and I love your elite troopers. Any chance of getting a  close up shot of the one with the cody helmet and the green and white one with the airborne helmet? On that sniper clone, what did you use for the additions on his arms? Is that sculpy?
  Also, thanks for the current pics of the ones that you got from me. They look good posed next to that gunship. Looks like you have been taking good care of them.
  Man, your bigger pics look great. Oh and I do so love those two RC microman figures. The paint really looks good on those guys!
I really like the paint on the grey ones helmet. Is that one a mix or straight airborne? Is that rc helmet hollow?
What another incredible pic update!!
  What are you working on now, buddy?
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: Tamer on January 04, 2009, 12:26:23 PM
Wow! Even more great stuff. Glad you like some of the stuff we are working on for the future! You and Clint sure are giving me some great material to keep me motivated! Like Clint I sure do like the looks of the Cody in that squad. I love that blue squad too. Man, just great work.
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: customcloner on January 04, 2009, 02:10:16 PM
Thanks guys!! Clint, the question about the sniper clone which one where you talking about?? Mabe the blue and white assassin, the blades on his upper and lower arm is mostly sculpys except for the one on the lower arm the blade was leftover resin shaped to a blade edge. The figs. I got from you are behind glass so they stay just as pretty as the day you mailed them. As a matter of  fact all my figs. are behind glass. Im going to post some pics. of the collection so you can see, Ill first have to start a thread so keep a watch out! For the micro figs. the gray one is strait airborne helmet and the rc is hollow (was not fun). As for what Iv got on the work desk... trying to finish up some that have been started that I never got back to, for example the rc elite troop & the cody elite, still have to finish the waist capes and little extras oh! and the new micro fig. Will add the close-ups you asked for. Also For this next micro-fig. Ill do a step by step photos to show you all that gos into them in-case anyone likes them and would like to try one of there own.
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: Clonehead on January 04, 2009, 05:56:25 PM
Cool buddy! Sounds like you have plenty to keep you busy. yeah, I'll bet hollowing out that RC head was a chore.....
  I am juiced to see a step by step on that microman custom.
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: customcloner on January 13, 2009, 12:11:36 PM
Here are some shots of my next micro. fig. The first shot is the first processes of  cutting the scorch fig, the next two are of the pieces finished cut and drilled out and dry fitted. After this the next processes is to cast the remainder of the armor, the chest ,back, butt, and crotch. Unfortunately Im out of the resin for the next processes so I have to put on hold for a little bit. This one Im keeping the stock scorch hands instead of replacing with the micro. hands like I have on prior ones.
(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd99/customcloner/HPIM0748.jpg)
(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd99/customcloner/HPIM0681.jpg)
(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd99/customcloner/HPIM0683.jpg)
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: Clonehead on January 13, 2009, 04:40:06 PM
Dude, that is very cool. do you cast the other armor pieces and cut or hollow to fit, or what? Thanks for all the pics so far of this process.  I'm sure that he is gonna turn out cool.
  You needin some more resin buddy?
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: customcloner on January 14, 2009, 08:40:28 AM
For the first fig. I tried using the original armor and shaped it to fit but it wouldnt fit tight so I took them and made a mold of them for casting. Right before the cast hardens all the way I remove it give it a quick trim them using my fingers to help hold the form tight to the fig wile it hardens full, giving it a tight fit then super glue it in place. Also gluing the shoulder armor during this proses. Once that is done I use sculpey to fill in the space between the armor pieces and sand smooth, for a one piece look. Usually I use a all black micro fig. but are much more expensive so during the painting I paint the micro fig. also, I like painting it because the basic black figs. are shinny and the dull black looks better. My resin turned gummy... the hardener is ok but the resin base isn't. Must of left it setting too long?
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: Tamer on January 14, 2009, 10:00:00 AM
When you say mirco fig just what size is this RC if I may ask?
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: StenHunter on January 15, 2009, 03:21:16 PM
Great work customcloner! If I may ask, where do you get your micro-figs? I have an entire squad of RC's that need to be able to kneel down!
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: Clonehead on January 15, 2009, 03:51:20 PM
For the first fig. I tried using the original armor and shaped it to fit but it wouldnt fit tight so I took them and made a mold of them for casting. Right before the cast hardens all the way I remove it give it a quick trim them using my fingers to help hold the form tight to the fig wile it hardens full, giving it a tight fit then super glue it in place. Also gluing the shoulder armor during this proses. Once that is done I use sculpey to fill in the space between the armor pieces and sand smooth, for a one piece look. Usually I use a all black micro fig. but are much more expensive so during the painting I paint the micro fig. also, I like painting it because the basic black figs. are shinny and the dull black looks better. My resin turned gummy... the hardener is ok but the resin base isn't. Must of left it setting too long?
  yep, it seems that our favorite resin has a bit of a shelf life to it. Any more time in my possesion than 6 months and the dark bottle starts to gel up on me.
 I just started a new resin casting thread here,resin casting thread (http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=476.0) I was wondering if you had any tips, techneques, or even pics that you wanted to add there.
Oh, and how much of a chore is it to drill out those scorch limbs?
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: Clonehead on January 29, 2009, 09:18:25 PM
When you say mirco fig just what size is this RC if I may ask?
By microfig, he means microman which is a modern version of the Micronauts line of toys and figures that were produced by the Mego corporation in the latter 70s and early 80s. The line was re-introduced not too many years ago by a different company. They are about the same size as a 3 3/4 inch SW figure.  The superior articulation of these figs is what John is giving to his RC fig by combining them in this way.
  Am I right John?
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: customcloner on February 12, 2009, 09:03:14 PM
Sorry Iv been gone for so long!! Thanks for filling in for me there Clint!! Couldnt of explained it better my self! The RC figs. dont have much articulation from the waist down and wanted to try something different. I find the Micro figures on ebay but can be costly at times so try to get them when I find them reasonable. The solid color ones are the most expensive and hardest to find but, I find using any of the male bodys are just as good,  just need painting after the rc parts are fitted. I say male because they also make female ones as well. Most of them have 30 point articulation but the new one Im doing has 32 which has extra joints in the feet to bend the toes. The hollowing out processes isnt too bad just have to be careful not to over do it in certain areas being it has to be thin to fit over the existing micro body. Honestly the helmet is probably the most difficult to hollow.
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: Tamer on February 13, 2009, 05:54:58 AM
Thanks for the explanation, I get it now! Man, wouldn't we like to see our SW figs with that many moving points.
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: Clonehead on February 20, 2009, 02:08:17 PM
John, the next time you get a chance, I am needing some more of those great resin ammo pouches and especially the Clone Commander pistol holsters from you. I havn't gotten around to molding those yet.
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: customcloner on February 21, 2009, 05:47:37 PM
No problem! I might even have some casted Iv not used yet...I know of the ammo pouches Ill have to check on the holsters and pistols. Once my ebay items close Im going to need more resin, so next coupon you see if your not needing I will!
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: Clonehead on February 21, 2009, 06:10:39 PM
No problem! I might even have some casted Iv not used yet...I know of the ammo pouches Ill have to check on the holsters and pistols. Once my ebay items close Im going to need more resin, so next coupon you see if your not needing I will!
  The wife will bring home a sunday paper tomorrow. I will check for the coupon for you. I thought you quit the ebay thing.
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: Clonehead on February 23, 2009, 06:12:25 PM
No coupon this week, buddy. I will check again on Sunday.
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: customcloner on February 24, 2009, 04:18:03 PM
Ok, Let me know next time you get one. I havent been doing any customs on ebay but have been selling alot I brought back from up north!
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: Clonehead on February 24, 2009, 05:19:53 PM
I need to crank up interest in my store again as I have alot of inventory still sitting around from when I was really into it that I need to get rid of.
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: customcloner on February 26, 2009, 09:52:06 AM
I was wondering if you still had your store going. You havent even been selling any more helmet or castings of other parts?
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: Clonehead on February 26, 2009, 04:49:16 PM
I was wondering if you still had your store going. You havent even been selling any more helmet or castings of other parts?
Yes, the store is still there barely chugging along. I kind of lost interest in it and haven't been feeding it any.
  Like I told Tamer the other day, to make any internet venture grow, you have to keep feeding it with cool and interesting stuff. I sell the odd store listing item every once and a while and haven't sold any resin parts sets in a couple of months.
 I haven't listed anything new in a long time and haven't even made an auction for my latest round of new parts yet. I am tired of the ever changing rules and policys of ebay and the only reason I haven't cancelled my subscription to the store is because I have so much inventory still, that needs to be somewhere else other than in my basement.
  On Ebay, with a store, the more new, cool, and interesting stuff that you list, the more traffic your store gets, and the more sales that you have.
  There was a time when I got as many page views within the various pages of my store that we get here at the Shipyards. And with that much traffic, I would sell something every day or so.
  I told you once that as an experiment to build store traffic, I made and listed my first custom clone and the response was so great that I kept doing it and fell into love with the hobby. That's how I got into making customs.
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: customcloner on August 06, 2009, 05:27:35 PM
Ok! Been gone awile...And havent done any custome in that time.
So Being Im rusty Iv been trying to knock one out to get back in the swing of things. Here is onw Iv been working on the last three days off and on!
WARNING!! IM RUSTY!! lol
(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd99/customcloner/HPIM2330.jpg)
(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd99/customcloner/HPIM2331.jpg)
(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd99/customcloner/HPIM2329.jpg)
(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd99/customcloner/HPIM2328.jpg)
(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd99/customcloner/HPIM2326.jpg)
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: spudafett on August 06, 2009, 05:40:07 PM
looks good to me!  it might just me but I think he could use a splash of red on his midsection... it just looks like it's lacking there. i know that you probably want to keep it to the original color scheme but some originality never hurt nuthin. 

Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: Clonehead on August 06, 2009, 07:02:42 PM
Look at you, John, you are making customs again! Looks good to me, buddy! I love legacy versions of clone wars clones!
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: Tamer on August 06, 2009, 07:35:30 PM
Where's the rust? Looks awesome to me John. Man, don't we all wish hasbro would make us some Legacy Clones like this.
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: DocOutlands on August 07, 2009, 08:54:04 AM
Ok, *I* want the recipie for the helmet.  That looks REALLY close to something I was trying to firgure out how to pull off.
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: B.R. Steel on August 07, 2009, 11:59:54 AM
Are you using Tester's enamel coating for these paint jobs?
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: customcloner on August 07, 2009, 12:34:44 PM
Still need some paint touch-ups and on the belt I still have to put some black in the grooves where I cut with a exacto. I used Clints idea for the belt on his Fox figure. As for the helmet visor I used the white build a droid plastic and cut and super glued it, another trick borrowed from Clints Fox..I just wanted to get some picks up of what Im working on. The paint Im using testers flat. The red has a bit of gloss look from the blue I used to mix with it was, I only had that blue in gloss. When Im done I usually do put a clear coat of testers flat clear. That clear is good for getting rid of the gloss and keeps dust from sticking to it if not behind glass. Will post finished pics. soon. Im happy with the way it came out but the face on the helmet could of been closer..."just didnt get it close enough" I think. :-\
Thanks for the input and complements, guys!! Its Good to be back!!!
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: Clonehead on August 07, 2009, 02:49:48 PM
Buddy, that visor turned out great. It looked so factory to me that I didn't even notice it at first. That seemed like kind of a pain when I did it on my Fox. Was it a pain for you?
  now that I have a cw Cody mold, I will just cut that from a casting if I need that visor again.
It's good to have you back buddy. Feel free to borrow any ideas that you like of mine. That's what I'm here for.
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: customcloner on August 07, 2009, 03:09:56 PM
The visor only gave me a problem with holding the small pieces to glue! Actually the front of the belt gave me more problem, I was cutting the grooves too deep that I had to make the front piece twice. I will have to say that idea for he belt was genius. First I tried making the belt all out of the white plastic, but yours just looked better so had to go with it instead! I always casted and cut the original Cody visor off for other customs, this one gives a different look.
 
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: customcloner on August 07, 2009, 03:15:28 PM
Oh!, DocOutland if you want step by step on the visor... Go to Cloneheads custom thread and I think on the 18 - 20 page he shows how it is done!
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: Clonehead on August 07, 2009, 03:21:59 PM
Ty, buddy! For the belt, I haven't tried it yet but I have bought some styrene strips that are the right width to do clone belts from in the future. Yep just a shallow score with the exacto is all you need.
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: DocOutlands on August 07, 2009, 03:57:43 PM
Thankee, I'll give it a look when I'm ready to tackle that project, for sure!
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: B.R. Steel on August 12, 2009, 07:17:44 PM
The paint Im using testers flat. The red has a bit of gloss look from the blue I used to mix with it was, I only had that blue in gloss. When Im done I usually do put a clear coat of testers flat clear. That clear is good for getting rid of the gloss and keeps dust from sticking to it if not behind glass.

I've heard some customizers say that enamel never fully sets when used on the type of plastic used for Star Wars figures.  But in your experience, you've never had the enamel remain sticky?
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: spudafett on August 12, 2009, 07:59:27 PM
I know that the enamels I started with never cured, I have a figure that I did when I first started doing customs that is still sticky.  Acrylics are dry to the touch in almost 10 minutes and cured over night!  I love it!  never going to use enamels again....

man I need to get some more styrene in smaller sizes.  I have a big sheet of 1/4" styrine that I used almost all the rest of it for my garage dio.  It's great stuff, super glue bonds almost instantly to it!  I just wish local hardware stores caried it so that I didn't have to find a plastic suply company or order it online....
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: Clonehead on August 12, 2009, 08:02:27 PM
Got any hobby shops nearby, Devon? I can always find it at hobby heaven or hobbytown usa.
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: spudafett on August 12, 2009, 08:22:06 PM
about an hours drive there is a hobby-lobby and a michaels craft store in paducha.... but I don't think either one carries it.  Michaels doesn't even cary acrilic model paints :(
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: r1bb1t on August 12, 2009, 08:56:19 PM
Very cool work on these customs. I just keep getting amazed at the level of quality I keep finding on this site.
Excellent!
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: DocOutlands on August 12, 2009, 09:50:27 PM
Spud, one of my R&D projects is to try having a go at a "For Sale" sign to use as sheet-plastic instead of foam-core for everything. 

Barry, gotta love ISY, man!  We're committed to teaching each other as much as we know and sharing anything we figure out that works well (or fails spectacularly!) so that we can better have fun in our hobby.  I think everyone here has something they are particularly skilled at - Jules' photoshopping, Clint's casting, Spud's Joe-splicing, Wraith's razor-straight paint apps, and so on.  (I'm just learning everything from everybody and trying to make really fun stuff to look at!  So I guess I'm really good at asking questions.  ;D )  And everyone is willing to help each other learn, because of something like this train of thought: "Y'know, Dingle's last custom was another example of how his X technique blows everyone out of the water, even tho I ace him with Y.  If I can get him up to my level with Y and he can explain his approach to X to me, then we'll be friggin UNSTOPPABLE!!!"

Or something like that.   8)
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: r1bb1t on August 13, 2009, 07:26:35 PM
Doc, you're absolutely right. I love this site. It feels more like a community than any other one I've seen.
Fanatastic!
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: spudafett on August 13, 2009, 09:53:47 PM
lots of frequent posters and active members too.  and no trolls.... I hope.  lol  I've been on too many forums where people are there just to ruffle feathers and stir up a crock pot of crap....   Here it's all very positive, and constructive.  gotta love it.

Doc,  I've seen other people use the for sale sign plastic for things like vacuforming so I know it'll do just as good as the foamcore sheet styrene!
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: B.R. Steel on August 14, 2009, 11:31:33 AM
I know that the enamels I started with never cured, I have a figure that I did when I first started doing customs that is still sticky.  Acrylics are dry to the touch in almost 10 minutes and cured over night!  I love it!  never going to use enamels again....


Can anybody tell me what enamels ARE good for?  Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: spudafett on August 14, 2009, 01:35:29 PM
I've had success painting action fleet ships with enamels.  It's something to do with the plastic you are painting on.  it might work well if you put a base coat of acrylic primer, and then paint over that and then seal it with some clear coat acrylic spray paint.

Plastic models and harder plastic figures seem to do ok,  It's the rubbery new plastic that gives you the worst trouble.
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: wraithnine on August 14, 2009, 01:48:45 PM
i use my GW paints on A/F's and they are fine
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: Clonehead on August 14, 2009, 02:15:26 PM
Yep, the enamels seem to work ok on the harder plastic on a model kit. I used to use them on my model car kits all the time.
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: B.R. Steel on August 14, 2009, 07:05:17 PM
Thanks for the replies guys.  I'll be doing some experimenting.   :)
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: customcloner on August 17, 2009, 06:06:57 AM
I have found that on the customs I add sculpting to the paint some times dosnt dry all the way and remains tacky, I also notice that when Im painting over a fig. completely white to have a base to start from. After every coat I have to let cure, if not from handling the fig. as Im painting finger prints will be left behind. Having said that I only use testers if I cant find the colors Im looking for in others. Sometimes I cant help but use it being I only have one hobby shop close 45min. drive others are 2-3 hour drive one way... too far for paint!
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: Clonehead on August 17, 2009, 06:45:12 AM
I know about the not having a hobbie shop close delimma, John. It so sucks that Walmart doesn't carry paint for models anymore.
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: StenHunter on August 17, 2009, 01:12:17 PM
Spud, one of my R&D projects is to try having a go at a "For Sale" sign to use as sheet-plastic instead of foam-core for everything. 

This is what I use for all my customs if I have to do custom parts/building. The price for a "for sale" sign is about $4 while sheet styrile of the same size is double or triple that. I normally buy the large sign over the smaller signs as they are a little more ridged and a better cost per sq foot.
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: customclone on August 26, 2009, 02:34:47 PM
hey man i noticed you use testors paint i have a Q how do you make the paint on thee fig not sticky cause when i use it it always sticky
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: Tamer on August 26, 2009, 03:50:29 PM
Welcome to the Yards customclone.
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: Reconsgt on August 26, 2009, 05:23:38 PM
hey man i noticed you use testors paint i have a Q how do you make the paint on thee fig not sticky cause when i use it it always sticky

Don't use Testors enamils on action figures, use the acryilics or acryl. Enamil doesn't sure properly on the type of plastic that the figures are made off
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: spudafett on August 26, 2009, 05:41:51 PM
yep, something about the soft rubbery plastic the figures are made of doesn't play well with enamel paint.  Always, always use acrylic paints on figures.  Save your enamels for hard plastic ships and vehicles, and resin model kits.  They will bond ok with them, although I've had a few stay tacky there too. 

Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: bly272 on November 26, 2009, 05:21:49 PM
cool   fett
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: Clonehead on November 26, 2009, 05:45:53 PM
Hey Bly, welcome to the shipyards!
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: FialaFernbrugg on December 02, 2009, 10:21:27 AM
very very cool customs

your Clone Assassin looks much better than mine
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: 110clones on December 02, 2009, 08:00:54 PM
That group of 501st clones are cool.
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: clones are awesome on December 05, 2009, 11:46:33 PM
The 41 elet legion lives on! ()rr
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: night force cynic on December 06, 2009, 07:22:08 AM
daaaaamn, I somehow missed your thread her until just now   :-[   I'm certainly glad I've finally seen them now though, beautiful work.



These two some of you seen but havent posted since the first site.
(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd99/customcloner/green002.jpg)(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd99/customcloner/grayrc.jpg)
Those are 2 of the BEST, coolest custom Republic Commandos I've ever seen!


Alright, Here are the custom elite squad, also have to show the gilli cape  made by Clint.
(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd99/customcloner/HPIM0666.jpg)
HOLY CRAP!!!   Those are seriously bad ass and sweet looking additions to the 41st,  great work!

Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: Clonehead on December 06, 2009, 07:30:20 AM
That third one from the left is alot like one that I did years ago, NFC. I had ended up making a ghillie cape and sending it to him which he ended up putting on that figure although it's hard to see from that shot.  I guess it inspired John to make that whole squad. When the site was still young, he and I used to trade ideas back and forth.
  Man, John is sure missing all the custom goodness that is flowing around here now.
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: FialaFernbrugg on December 06, 2009, 11:02:49 AM
omg, one of the best customs I've ever seen

the paintjob is the best

absolutly awesome
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: EliteVideoCore on January 26, 2010, 03:17:08 PM
I can't wait to see the completed Scorch!
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: clonemedic96 on January 26, 2010, 04:51:04 PM
dude, i just found these and they are AWESOME! i feel like it takes a lot of skill to do what you and stitch do with those micro-men
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: jediwolf69 on January 28, 2010, 12:31:44 AM
All your Customs look great mate, Good job on the camo. I like it .
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: Ultimate Durge on January 28, 2010, 12:58:05 AM
Here are the specialist 501 squad
(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd99/customcloner/HPIM0667.jpg)
lambonspit would love this it would go great with his 501st customs
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: Tamer on January 29, 2010, 11:08:04 AM
Clint, have you heard from John in awhile? He was cranking out some nice ones!
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: clonecommanderjay on January 29, 2010, 11:18:20 AM
what republic gunship is that called with the lady clone on the side/
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: Tamer on January 29, 2010, 01:25:55 PM
what republic gunship is that called with the lady clone on the side/

That was the walmart exclusive gunship from last year called the Lucky Leecu or something along those lines.
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: Clonehead on January 29, 2010, 01:40:03 PM
That is an interesting Signature, Jay.

No, Shawn, I have not heard from John. It was almost a year ago, when I met him and had him posting again, as I recall.
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: clonecommanderjay on January 29, 2010, 02:00:15 PM
cheers clin ti made it tearly today my 1st attempt lol what you think
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: Irish Ninja 97 on February 13, 2010, 09:12:09 AM
The Airborne/Sniper trooper is BADASS! Great Job!
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: lambonspit on February 13, 2010, 04:45:54 PM
Here are the specialist 501 squad
(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd99/customcloner/HPIM0667.jpg)
lambonspit would love this it would go great with his 501st customs

Ha, yeah i would. Those custom 501st are amazing!! So weird i missed this thread. That Saleucami repaint looks superb and might just try that Cody repaint!! Love it!!
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: poucher on February 26, 2010, 02:38:34 PM
clint how do the camo colours
its hard to evan do a simple custom paint up
and mabe you could orders
so when people want some parts they can have there own helmet are mabe gun
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: DroidDestroyer on February 26, 2010, 04:24:35 PM
yeah i would like to now how to paint the cmao color too because i want to paint some of my figures with the camo color but i dont know how or even kno what colors to start with to try and make the camo look as nice and cool as some of hte camo sutff that i see hear
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: DroidDestroyer on February 26, 2010, 04:25:51 PM
how much would it cost to do an order and get some stuffs painted in different camo colors and if i did that how would i pay for it and if i did that could you send extra paint colors so that if i painted the rest of the figure that ih ad hear at home when i go to my firneds house so that it could mathc the same colors
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: B.R. Steel on February 26, 2010, 06:45:31 PM
These look fabulous.  It took me a moment to even recognize they weren't run of the mill Hasbro releases.
Title: Re: Custom figs.- customcloner
Post by: CaptainLux on March 24, 2010, 08:39:51 PM
cool customs! :)