The Imperial Shipyards
Imperial Creative Engineering => Custom Figures => Topic started by: Tamer on January 15, 2010, 05:02:58 AM
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I am starting this thread for Stitch Fett after looking at an ebay link yesterday and having heard from him last night. This guy has talent we can all appreciate and I hope I can get him on here showing us more!
(http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f115/CTtamer/stitchfett.jpg)
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Awesome custom Stitch. Is that a micro man body under there?
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Thanks to Tamer for the thread, yes Sprywalker it's a microman under the armor. The process as I like to say it's "simple but not easy", basicaly you clean the armor and insert the micro inside, I will come back during the weekend to answer question and post a special tutorial exclusively for you guys, while you wait here are some pics that shows the guy before paint.
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Stitchfett, welcome to the shipyards! I have been following your work for a while now and love your microman customs! Can't wait to see more.
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Tnks Clonehead, I started building this guys 3 years ago when I found some pics in the internet so I can't take the credit for the idea but as I read somewhere; "it's not plagiarism it's collective research" (lol). The following pics shows how I took the idea from the ones I found in the web and did my first Microclone (sorry it was an RC) , enjoy!
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I've been aquainted with your work before as well. I've always thought it was phenomenal. This is extreme kitbashing!
I've always wondered exactly how you placed the armor on much of the figure, the micromen figs usually have areas directly in the middle of the thigh, and arms that swivel, when you cover those up with the armor are those joints inoperable?
I've always wondered how you manage to sell these at the prices you do.... but that was before I tried buying some micromen for my own projects. They are hellishly expensive and extremely rare now. Do you have a hoard of micro men collected up and saved for your projects?
can't wait to see the tutorial and see more of these figures. If you browse around a bit you'll find that I'm a stickler for articulation in my figures, and you sir, with your micromen soldiers, surpass the articulation of any of my figures! I might just have to use a micro-man in my next mando project to try and stay on par! :P
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I've seen your figures on the Bay and thought about buying one, but being a family guy, I couldn't muster the cash and get away with it.
Looking forward to your tutorial as I'm really excited about learning how you do the figures.
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I too have been following stitch on eBay and wish some day to be as good as he is with his microclones. Welcome to the Shipyards and welcome to the best custom toy corner in the world.
You're one of the best at your craft and I can't wait to see how you do what you do. =)
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Nice work so far! Welcome to the 'Yards!
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Welcome to the Yard, not a fan of clones - yeah there always has to be one, lol.
But I am interested in seeing other custom work from you using the Micro Man method. And to be honest Spuddafett is being modest.
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nice customs
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Welcome to the yards! I have been drooling over your work on ebay for ages, never have enough spare cash though otherwise I think I would probably buy them all lol. Looking forward to seeing more of your work.
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Thanks for the warm welcome people, just so you know this is the first time most of this WIP pictures are available, I hope you like them, now to answer a few Q's;
if you trim the armor in the right spot there is no loss of articulation, they are expensive, I don't have an army but I do keep 4 with me at all times then when an order is made I check to see if there is a lot for auction or buy them individually, that way I always have figures available (the same goes for the clones). Family comes first and spending $70-100 in a figure is asking for a divorce, I am always happy to show others how to do it because it's not that complicated, the micro cost an average of $20, the clone $10, you can build one for less than $40 (+ s/h) . My price gets you a nice custom Microclone with all the joints tested before I ship them (yes I play with them just to check if I can brake it, lol) if I brake a part I replace it and I take the loss and that's one of the reasons of the tag but don't worry I am working in a video tutorial where you will actualy see me at work.
Each one of YOU are as good or better than me (you just don't know it yet), I learn by trial and error, because I experiment with different techniques to do one thing and by luck discover another one. I wasn't a fan of clones until I had a microman in my hands, I have a bussiness partner and we are currently working in Jedi, Sith, Mandalorians and Scouts. I have to leave, I'm in the middle of moving my workshop, here's more pics, enjoy!
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Well it's cool to see some of your WIP shots, Stitch. I hear you on the trial and error part of this whole customs game. I have learned so many techniques just by accident while I was working on solving other problems that it isn't funny.
How many figures do you think that you have sold total and when did you start doing custom figures?
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Wow, sweet looking figures. Thanks for sharing your images with us as well as your techniques.
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fantastic customs mate!!! a big big welcome to the shipyards Stitch fett!! im going to have to Google what a micro man is i think, i don't think i have ever seen these in Australia..
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Those clones look crazy awesome!
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GOD AM I EVER HAPPY YOU CAME TO THE YARDS!!! I have always found your work really amassing! Well, Stitch, WELCOME TO THE YARDS!!! ;D
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Just for the record: the amassed customizing and painting talent we have here at the Shipyards surpasses everything I've seen before and elsewhere. The nice bit is: nobody sits on his secrets, but shares his knowledge for the benefit of the other members. No attitude.
I love this place.
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I agree Volker, I have never seen a better customizing core than I have seen here. It amazes me what folks come up with and how open they are to sharing said secrets.
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Thanks guys you know how to make one welcome and your right there is no more fullfilling experience than sharing with other people your knowledge, yes you must be proud of your talent but not by stepping on someone else. I started customizing when I was a kid, I used a Buck Rogers head/torso & an A-team Face's legs to make a Zartan.
I don't keep secrets, the only way I have sold so many is because they see the work involved and they choose to pay me (it's like changing your car's oil, you can do it yourself but why bother?), the only thing I keep under tabs is the cloth like material I use to make the Kama (skirt) of the ARC, why?... I been selling on eBay for 5 years and some customizers have no respect for the recipe's or techniques of others, they insult the attributes of the other guys and make it look like they are the best; granted business is war but let's be honest you are making money on a property that's not yours. I will gladly share that with you with one condition; you must build your own ARC, post the pic here and I will PM you with the name of the material and belive me when I tell you what it is you will be like "what?, I have that right here!". I lost the count of how many I have sold but I have a client that have 14 RC so far.
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that looks awesome stitch! my favorites are still the commandos but these new ones look sick!
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stich, are you using any resin molding/casting techniques to duplicate the armor pieces? if not you should look into it. Once you file down/dremel out a clone for the armor you should make cast resin copies of your work so that you don't have to waste more clones.
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That is AMAZING!!!
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No Spuda; I only hunt down original clones for my micros, my business partner have tried to convince me but I still not like the idea, sure you get unlimited armor & you save some money but nothing else, you still have to do the same work plus wait for the cast to cure, get rid of the mold excess, sand it so no lines are visible, and because of the size the mold have to be at least of 10 armors to make worth your while. The only part I sand from the Micro is the chest, the armor fall in place with the muscles because it's one of soft plastic properties; the resin can be flexible too but it doesn't return to it's original molded position. One of the biggest reasons (if not the biggest) is that Lucas, Hasbro, Toybiz, etc, have made clear that they don't have any issues against customs for private collections or one of a kind for sale, but if you start making molds to sell them for profit they will take you action. Since I modify and alter the original they can't touch me, eBay have strict rules about recast, copying and bootlegs.
I have seen great recast and independent sculpts that make me drool on the web but they have try on eBay and been kick out or failled and leave. I do believe that for fun and personal use it's a great idea, All of you look like good people and I want do do something to thank you for the welcome you have gave me, if you want to make a mold to have unlimited armors for your PERSONAL CUSTOMS, I will ask Tamer to choose one of you, I will send the list of figures needed for the different ARCs & RC I make, you ship them to me, I will clean them and send it back to you.
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very impressive customs. I'm a big fan of that RC that you made
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these look great dude, are these guys 3 and 3/4 inch?
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Wow, that top photoed RC is awesome and now on our front page. That is an interesting offer you have made us Stich Fett. We thank you. I also loved hearing your opinion on molds and recasts.
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first i'd like to thank a friend of minw for introducing me to the sport of customizing his name is geraldo and if it were not for him i wouldn't have started customizing these toys, i customize hot wheels and in that realm it is a dog eat dog scenerio soyou learn as you go, what i like about this group is you don't really have that here. stich fett your work is amazing, i do agree with you that with practice we can achieve your level of success, and hopefully many will continue with what you have shown us. i have a pretty good collection of stock troopers and now due to your work they seem inadequate. but prehaps i'll get some micromans and up date them to operational status, it is also too bad that hasbro wont up the quality of the figures (we'll take care of the paint) great job ;D
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Those RC's are top notch really cool. :)
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I am liking it, and it is very kind of you to make an offer like you did, and your right people can and will help on here, this is nothing like any other Website or Forum - we are part of a big family here, just in different parts of the country and world.
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stitch, I understand your reservations about making molds and casts, but I know of at least 4 people on the forum here who have had very good luck with making duplicate parts, me included.
Your right about the stock figure's material being different and more flexible and durable for the kind of applications you use... but you could always do a few parts like helmets or accessories that aren't necessarilly always available in stores. Not to mention eventually the figures that you use will be discontinued and replaced by the next wave of figures in stores, so I think it'd be a nice back up to be able to duplicate your own stuff.
Clint sells resin casts online without a hitch.... Have you had any problems with copyrights on e-bay clonehead?
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Clint sells resin casts online without a hitch.... Have you had any problems with copyrights on e-bay clonehead?
No, Devin, I haven't heard anything from them about it. I'm sure that the modified parts that I sell would be exempt from this but that leads to another question. A copyright to a picture or piece of artwork turns void on a reproduction of that picture or piece of artwork once the image is inverted or one of the colors within is changed. Would that work the same way with my parts since they are no longer the same color as the original?
Love that green RC, Stitch. I understand what you mean about needing the more flexible material for the chest armor and it's ability to shape to your microman torso. The resin that i use isn't very flexible after it sets up but can be made temporarly so with heat. As you suggested, after being heated and reshaped, some help would be required to take it back to it's original shape.
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Stitch -
I gotta take this opportunity to say WOW. Your customs are sweet, right on the mark. Professionally done. I sell on Ebay as well and have viewed your RC's more times than I can count. Welcome to the pinnacle of the custom world, from what I have seen so far.
Sean aka Customs Dept (here) aka ric.sea.jedi (ebay).
Keep up the good work !
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I am starting this thread for Stitch Fett after looking at an ebay link yesterday and having heard from him last night. This guy has talent we can all appreciate and I hope I can get him on here showing us more!
(http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f115/CTtamer/stitchfett.jpg)
I really love this fig, with all the each hands. It's Freakin Sweet mate. I need to change my star wars under roos!!!!!
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They are a little taller (around 4) clonemedic96 and Spuda I'm just making excuses not to make the molds (lol), it's a lot easier for me to cut an original than make castings since due to it's price I only sell 30- 40 pieces a year. Clonehead your right about that, by altering something in the patterns you get a pass on the copyright but that's only because there are sooooo many customizers that it will take to much time to shut down but eBay does have strict rules about names and keyword spamming and all it takes is one envious p$%^& to report you, remember I'm not the only one doing Micros. I had a metting yesterday with some customizer and we did talk about the possibility of casting some parts (helmet, upper & lower torso) so maybe in the next month I will have a surprise for you! ;D , if we do it it will be exclusively sold on forums (sorry I'm to narrow minded when it comes to selling on eBay).
Sorry for the few pics at the time but most of them are over the limit allowed and I have to re-size them, Since the micro is quite expensive the following pics are from an alternative body, it a Punisher from the old 4" Marvel line, lmk what you think.
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wow the next great custom. This shoulder plating with republic symbol looks fantastic
great job
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Wow, that republic symbol on the shoulder is fantastic. On our front page again!
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Very nice figure, Stitch. That base figure that you used worked out great! Did that shoulder plate come from the original Shocktrooper fig?
I researched a little more on the copyright thing and according to ebay's policy, a copy or bootleg is defined as an article made to appear exactly like the original manufacturer's item that contains the original manufacturer's logo or trademark. My parts contain neither a logo or a trademark or number of any kind so, I should be clear there. Some sellers make fake proto figures which would contain the trademark on the foot or leg, if they didn't alter the master part prior to molding them. If by names, you mean that Lucas or Hasbro owns the name "republic gunship", I am sure you are quite correct. As far as keyword spamming, that's not a practice that i make but one must consider ebay's main concern, the money that they make from the auctions that they host and all of the traffic that those auctions draw to their site. Foremost, they are all about their fees.
Not alot of people know that when ebay first started, it was a free service and there were no fees. Someone must have gotten greedy along the way.
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clonehead I imagine that e-bay started free just to get a population interested in using it, with a mindset that fees would eventually be put in action... and I assume that fees are an insurance policy as well, you won't get people putting fake listings and bogus material on there if they are required to pay for it!
stitch, I realy like the marvel figure's use. It looks great. very different, but still great. For a stand alone figure I think its realy well done, but compareing it to your other figures and stock trooper figs I think it is lacking. To me it doesn't have enough of the original armor....
have you looked through my thread yet? If not please do so. I've been using gi-joe parts and figures for a long time now since they are readilly available and offer a few added points of articulation... nothing like the micro-men parts but it's still a big increase over regular star wars figures. Check it out, you might get some ideas for your clones.
I havn't had a ton of luck with trying to super articulate clone troopers with joe parts but I have had excellent results with storm troopers and the CW cartoon figures. In particular the legacy scout troopers/kashyyyk troopers are easilly spliced with joe parts. You might get some ideas for your own projects from those. I also have a video tutorial on youtube under the same screen name as here on how to do the scout trooper fix.
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Your right Clonehead the pad is from the original shocktrooper and you may also want to check out eBay's VERO program for more info on the whole copyright thing, for example check the pic of the custom blister package for this RC, I didn't print or reproduced it, I just cut it from the original and glued the pieces. The real crime is making a product that pass as the original and not clarify that it's a custom one of one item.
Spuda your was the first thread i check but for some reason I can only see a few pics (it may be my browser) but they look awesome, basically I'm just kitbashing pieces, you on the other hand are adding articulation to a figure so from that point of view you are in another league. I hate most of the changes they are doing but when you look at it from the business side they are cleaning the house, yes it's a little drastic but you can stay and comply or leave, one of this day I may have my own place to sell my pieces but for now I will have to comply and adapt to the changes.
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that looks cool stitch, what is the packaging from?
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Great customs and the packaging looks cool.
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Stitch you have made RCs and ARCs as they always should of been. Hasbro is way to stingy with articulation. Every few weeks or so for the last few years I have checked out your stuff on ebay and rattled my piggy bank, then cried myself to sleep. LOL. I'm so blown away by what you do it is just awesome.
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Brillant work the use of different bodies is amazing well done indeed.
Ron
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stitch, all my figures I've ever posted on here (plus some) are also on deviant art in my gallery there. I'm not sure why some of them don't show up in the thread anymore, i think it's an issue with hosting on deviantart... here is a link to my stuff there: http://spudafett.deviantart.com/gallery/ there's over 1200 pictures on there of customs I think at my last count, so I don't expect you to rumage through them all. But the best stuff is on the first 10 pages or so.
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clonemedic96 - the blister is from the Microman Military force, 110clones - Thanks it was actually luck (again),
I bought a Military force fig thinking that was the same mold as the rest of the line but it wasn't :'( .
pedro1138 - stop looking at the piggy, your making me cry :'( , i understand when Hasbro and Kenner where 2 different companies but know there is no reason. hemble - I have seen your work forthe past years in SSF and it's amazing, specialy the dios :o !!!, thank you for sharing your talent with us. Spudafett - I just find out why I couldn't see the pics and is sooo dumb that I won't even mention it :-[ .
I know that this figures are expensive, I made the offer to clean one out for you guys to make copies but that may take too long so here's what I can do; if you send the parts needed to make one figure and a extra RC for me, I will clean them and ship it back, you will have first hand look at how it's done and how it works, if you don't have the Microman I will only clean the armor. Only one (1) ARC or RC per member and this offer is good until FEB 28, 2010.
Those interested must pm me for my address, I will open a thread with your names and updates will be posted on Sundays, please keep this between forum members.
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Cool custom and card. On the front page again Stitch.
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Wow, I just posted on the custom carded RC and now I see this. I like that ARC too. Wow, Stitch you are showing us some great work. Thanks so much for you kind molding offer.
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I too, really liked that custom card, Stich. I used to do custom SW cards to go with my custom figures but haven't done it in a long time.
Buddy, that latest arc that you posted is fabulous! He has just the right look to him. I like that you use that droid backpack with your customs as it works very well. Is that one of your home made kamas?
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So... I just heard a rumor that hasbro is picking up the micronaught line of toys and going to be producing those next year. Has anyone else heard this? Do you think they will be doing the crazy acroyear figures from the micronaught line or do more modernized military force and material force micro-men?
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So... I just heard a rumor that hasbro is picking up the micronaught line of toys and going to be producing those next year. Has anyone else heard this? Do you think they will be doing the crazy acroyear figures from the micronaught line or do more modernized military force and material force micro-men?
Where did you hear that rumor, Spud. It is news to me but I love the idea! You are too young to remember the cool Micronaut figures that I used to collect in the late 70s and early 80s. Back then, for me, it was either them or Star Wars as far as what toys I got.
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new one looks awesome stitch, the poses you can get these guys in are incredible
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So... I just heard a rumor that hasbro is picking up the micronaught line of toys and going to be producing those next year. Has anyone else heard this? Do you think they will be doing the crazy acroyear figures from the micronaught line or do more modernized military force and material force micro-men?
Where did you hear that rumor, Spud. It is news to me but I love the idea! You are too young to remember the cool Micronaut figures that I used to collect in the late 70s and early 80s. Back then, for me, it was either them or Star Wars as far as what toys I got.
a friend of mine in town who is a toy dealer and has connections strait from hasbro told me. IDK if he heard it through the grapevine from his own rumor mill or heard it from a hasbro source though... either way it's a hopefull deal :)
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Stitch, that is a fantastic offer! I'll need to see if I can find an RC for you, as I have an ARC all ready to go!
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That arc trooper looks really cool.
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ok, the list of material for each figure is this; the RC will need an RC figure and a head with neck included, if no head is included I will just use the oval head, Please be clear if you intend to use the micro hands Because I need to cut the wrist armor higher. The ARC list is a little more complex; you will need Snowtrooper boots, an ARC from the original line or a new ARC and a Sandtrooper pouldron, wrist gauntlets from Jango or Boba and a backpack.
The ones you see in my picks are different combinations, check the pics in the first page & below carefuly and choose what you would like in yours because those are the pieces you have to send.
Looks like I'm smart enough to make a delicate figure like the Microclone but don't know how to reply your PM's, here's my address;
Yovitt Planadeball
P.O. box 1735
Ciales, P.R. 00638
I won't be opening another thread so as soon as you ship the parts let me know thru this one, please use delivery confirmation to track it (we are all honest people but better safe than sorry)
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Stitch you are amazing at your work.
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sensational work SF!! i would love to hold one of creations in my hand, just beautiful!!!
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I'll ship you a Scorch and the other parts next week.
Let me know your Paypal address so I can drop you a fiver to cover the shipping cost to Germany. Thanks for the offer!
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I'll also see if I can't drum up the required parts around the house to send to you stitch. It's a very awesome offer you've made to all the yarders here!
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Ok guys I was checking eBay and found this seller that have lots of Micros for sale and most of them with FREE s/h!, if your going to buy any the Batman & Superman are the best choice, here's the link;
http://shop.ebay.com/smalljoes/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p4340
Please remember to post when you ship the pieces and to use delivery confirmation, CC I will contact you when I'm about to ship it so you make the transfer.
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Wow, and RC squad we wish we would have gotten from EE. Looks great. Hmmm...time to get some micromen.
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Man that is awesome.I really cant say anything else.
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Holy!! Wow, Their awesome mate. I love what you've done with the microman their just great.
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excellent job on the Commandos. The paintjob looks perfect
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The Hangarbay Strikes Again!
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2705/4297505016_23acc11d45_o.jpg)
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Oh yeah, looks great Jules.
Stitch Fett you have just been given the Hangarbay Seal of Approval.
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that one looks sick jules, and the new customs look sick stitch!
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WOW Jules that one looks amazing.
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So i just send you a commando and a micro man and you will do your thing? :-\
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Oh wow! That is one of the best images yet!
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Ok guys I was checking eBay and found this seller that have lots of Micros for sale and most of them with FREE s/h!, if your going to buy any the Batman & Superman are the best choice, here's the link;
http://shop.ebay.com/smalljoes/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p4340
There's a lot more variety and a little cheaper deals at their website:
smalljoes.com
No free shipping, but the s/h price is very fair, and they'll ship a lot for pretty good rates!
Great service, I highly recommend.
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Great image, Jules! Stitch, you should be proud of that one.
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W :oW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, thank you very much Jules that's impresive, most impresive, it's so awesome that if you don't mind I will use it as my banner/signature/ avatar/ etc.... I just want to take the time to thank you guys for the welcome, I'm taking the time little by little to check your works and learn from you too.
To answer your question clones are awesome; you send me the parts and I will "clean" the armor and sanddown the Micro so you can ensamble it, the reason my offer is that way is because I want you to see excactly how it's done and how much you have to cut or sand, there is nothing like an prototype to show you the way.
I'm still working with the tutorial the delay is caused because I have modified several times the way the figure is done, for example there is some RC that the bicep/shoulder armor is separated and the same goes for the sheen/knee armor.
If you look closely to the torso of the RC pics you will note that some of them shows the muscles while others have the armor, why I change it ?... since I'm selling this I must be sure that the figure won't prake apart when handled and with so many small parts It was neccesary to be sure and not simply guess that it won't happen.
The following pics are from something it happen to me one night, I left the figure under a light to speed the process of driying the paint, when I was going to check the figure I noticed something extra; a little lizard we call "salamandra" here in Puerto rico but to me it was more like a Yasalamir!!!!!, enjoy.
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Love the camo job on that RC. Cool additon too. I take it you probably didn't ship that custom with it though?
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He had him a little buddy, didn't he? Nice figure, Stitch Fett! The camo job looks good.
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I noticed something extra; a little lizard we call "salamandra" here in Puerto rico but to me it was more like a Yasalamir!!!!!, enjoy.
thats too cool. he crawled up in the perfect little spot. Interesting that you call it a salamandra, in english salamander's are amphibians. That little lizard looks like a baby gecko or possibly a species of anole. cute little guy. did he mess up the paint while it was drying?
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:o :o :o :o :o :o WOW THATS AWSOME how do u put the armour on the microman
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wow those figures are awome looking great job on them i would like to know how you did those .
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THAT IS INCREDIBLE!!!
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OK so just to clarify i send you one commando and one micro man right. :-\
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thanks to all again, I been working like a dog in my new workshop and I'm soooooooooooo happy but don't worry I have not forgot bout you ;D. A quick recap of the details of my offer; you send the pieces to make the ARC or RC + 1 RC for me to keep, I will "clean" the armor and sand down the micro chest so you can build it, that you you can have first hand data of how to do it. I will ship it back to you at my expense, for international once I finish the work you can transfer the money thru Paypal. Please remember to post when you ship it to me & to use delivery confirmation. I'll get back to you in the weekend with the first part of the tutorial.
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Sorry for not posting the tutorial last week but I had a custom clone to make and time was running short, I opened a page in webs.com and it's under construction, it's my first site so be gentle with the comments :-[.
htpp://stitchfett.webs.com
Here's some pics of the Microclone, it was made with a microman, 1st release cody and nemodian guard.
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That is awesome.
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Nice custom!!
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oh man that looks wicked!!! even for a AOTC clone, bravo!!
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Looks pretty daggone tough to me. On the front page.
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Another awesome clone!
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He looks ready to take down an entire platoon of droids . Awesome , this is really :o !
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:o
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Love it!
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Love the added articualtion, and how well-blended the two styles of action figure are in your finished pieces. Great work on the paint application too.
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now that is super articulation.
Spuda, you got competition, :)
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very nice.
Are you useing the chest from the microman figure or is that the original clone's chest?
Alot more work goes into the microman based figures than I'd care to mess with... using the joe parts is enough trouble!
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thats one badass trooper brother your the man dam thats nice!!!!
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That's insanely nice.....
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Thank you guys, spuda I sand down the micro chest and used the upper half of the clone, the client wanted a jet trooper but I needed to do something more special, it's not in the pics but I included 2 more weapons with the finished figure + stand. Get ready as the tutorial is in the corner, here's the list of bits you'll need, from left to right; cutting disc (mine is made of some metal aloy), sanding barel, oval grinding stone, cone grinding stone, engraving bit and regular drilling bit. I may incorrectly named one or two so here's a picture, you can find them anywhere dremels are sold.
I just realized that I have people from all over the world looking at this, if any of you have problems finding any of the materials just PM and I'll do what I can so you get them, I really appreciate your words and you have been an inspiration to rise the bar.
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awesome! I love the look at the sanded down clone pieces.
Inspired by you, I'm going to attempt a similar project using some gi-joe parts and an RC... it won't be anywhere as good, or as articulated as your micro-clones though....
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Sweet, I appreciate you showing us how to do this!
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Thanks for those pics. It gives a better idea of the complexity of the process.
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so i wonder how long it takes to get the armor ready?
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I've been wanting to try my hand at doing a rep com this way.
Now that I have someone I know who does them, I at least have some one to go to for help.
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thanks for this i will be starting on one real soon
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hi everybody!!!, this week I finally will start the tutorial but regretably my lack of knowledge in computers has backfired on me... I took the pics and didn't remember about the maximum attachment size allowed so I had compress them and then I had to crop them and write the dialog and.....(goes on an on an on an on an on).
Spuda 2 suggestions; try to use a snake eyes vII since it basically "naked" & how about using an Snake eyes vI and a biker scout.
Bobby it takes around 10 to 12 hours, and it depends of the RC your using because all rc use different plastic, my personal fav is the single carded Scorch.
Now I will start with a few pics an during the next couple of days I will post more, enjoy!!!
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>:D
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;D I love it. Can't wait to see the rest of the tutorial, useing boba as a mediator to show the technique is genious!
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this is great .... can't wait for more. it inspired me to get a microman and build the custom clone trooper i've always wanted. was curious what size was the drill bit? thanks!
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(http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=2619.0;attach=14805;image)
Could you please tell me what head this is that you used??? Thanks!
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Great tutorial
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Love the tutorial. Did we get his up on the fp? If not, it will be.
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(http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=2619.0;attach=14805;image)
Could you please tell me what head this is that you used??? Thanks!
oh man where's stitchfett? hope he didn't decide to stop...i'm in the middle of a trade for an extra microman figure i would like to send him for free just for sharing with us here. anyway, i recognize the head sculpt its a microman head that has been painted (its originally chrome). the figure is from the Microman "Master Force" line, its called Grounmaster Alan
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He was on a few days ago so I am sure he will be popping back in.
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oh man where's stitchfett? hope he didn't decide to stop...i'm in the middle of a trade for an extra microman figure i would like to send him for free just for sharing with us here. anyway, i recognize the head sculpt its a microman head that has been painted (its originally chrome). the figure is from the Microman "Master Force" line, its called Grounmaster Alan
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!! Youre awesome!!!! Now to find one, lol!
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welcome to the yards headshot
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Thanks for the Welcome Darth Neo!!!!
I found a site having a sale on these microman figures and bought 3 of those Alan figures for $25 shipped, so I am assuming thats good since they said avg retail is $19.99 a figure.
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I'M ALIVEEEEE!, sorry for the leave but long story short; Toy Fair, Ebay new sellers announcements, a Convention here in PR & a crashing PC, plus a few commissions keep me busy,Thanks to dax415 for answering headshot question (btw - Welcome) much appreciated ;D. with the crashing of my PC the pics or the tutorial when down the drain but don't worry I took new ones and I will be posting them during the next 3 days, including how to paint them.
So you must be curious about what I had commissioned right?, well here's something you might like.... bbfet
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now that's just plain cool!! Great figure.
Sorry to hear about the computer troubles,
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Tnx Reconsgt, fortunately a good friend let me use her's while mine I is in the shop. I learn a lot from reading but also from just comparing photos, in my early days I used to buy a magazine called Hobby Japan and as you may inferred it's in Japanese :o, they used a special way of depicting the how to's; by showing you the normal piece and the customized one side by side. OOH DID I LEARN FROM THEM!!!!, but also made me to judgmental of my own work :-[.
I will try that approach so I don't have to write to much I will answer all the question on Friday,one more thing; this tutorial is for the Microclone that uses the hands and feet of the Microman or as i call it the "basic type", so... should we begin?
1) the bits pic just to make sure everyone have the tools, 2) the trooper in pieces, 3) the different heads & 4) the Microman
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Lets start with the drilling, a word of caution; if you set the dremel at a high speed YOU WILL MELT THE PLASTIC, start with the lowest speed, first do a straight hole (1). Move it a little so you can expand it but be careful the purpose is to take out as much plastic as you can not to hollow it completely.
Now with the small/slim grinding stone you can start sanding it down from the inside (2), remember SLOW SPEED!!!, the bigges secret to NOT damage the armor at this point is TACTILE SENSITIVITY, the stone friction is making the plastic rise it's temperature right?, that's your signal to know that you are using to much speed; also it helps you know when you are about to breach the exterior of the armor.
How much are you supposed to hollow the armor?, use the arm to know how much sanding is needed, The piece should look like this (3) and this (4).
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now let's cut the wrist so we can attach the Microman hands...
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now the bicep armor; after you drilled the hole and expanded you will use the bigger/conic grinding stone first (1), use this stone to make a cavity where the shoulder will sit nicely and then use the small/slim stone to clean the rest (2,3).
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with a NEW hobby knife cut the excess plastic
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for the legs is the same procedure, use the forearm procedure in the shin & the bicep in the tights.
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great job on the tutorial so far! so far it's exactly the process I expected, a long, slow, and arduous task of dremeling out the clone armor to make it slip over the microman parts...
I realy like the pics of the parts side by side, one finished one stock, that helps beat home the process alot!
also, that micro-evo trooper is just pure awesome. I love it. very well done.
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Tnx Spuda, this chapter is dedicated to you... let's clean some RC chest!!!!, after you have divided in 2 half use the bigger/conic stone to get rid of the plastic.
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our next step is the helmet & head, using the big/conic bit start sanding the inside of the helmet in a circular clockwise motion in a SLOW SPEED (I know I said that before but it doesn't hurt to remind you of it), be careful of the helmet "cheeks". Try to take out from the back/top and side first (again how much plastic you take out will depend of the head that you will be using), now with the same bit do a hole where the Microman neck will sit and with the drill bit do a hole for the post.
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This super detailed tutorial is great, Stitchfett! Looks like you are a master with a dremel, from here. Yes, I also really liked that evo trooper.
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Dremel work is super hard to do well and you sir must be the master. Thats the best work I have seen on custom figures. I tried dremeling out a helmet once and it melted straight away, right through the side. Great tutorial and I wish I had the money to buy one of your creations from EBAY!
Jon
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Great tutorial and yes, you are the master of the dremel. I have never seen such precise work. I have been useing a slow spped but it still tends to melt the plastic. It has never occured to me to go slower on the speed. I guess I rush things too much. Thanks so much for all the info. Even if I don't make one of these I have learned a lot looking over and reading this thread. I am forever greatful and plan to apply some of this knowledge to future customs. The side by side pics of stock piece and finished piece works very well. Oh yea that EVO Trooper is BAD ASS!
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Stitch, buddy, thank you so much for doing this! You're on the front page with this!
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Awesome guy! Thanks so much for showing us how to do this!
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Fantastic tutorial, I would like to try this at some time, I am pretty good with a dremel, I just need to find a microman and I am set to take a stab at one.
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my biggest problem is that I screwed up and bought a dremel years ago that didn't have variable speeds! doh! If you've got one that won't go slow enough I find that the secret is to do it in small subtle spurts, cut a little, let it cool, cut some more, and go back and forth until your finished. Don't try and do it all at once because the friction WILL melt the piece.
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Thank You for the welcome stitch fett!!! I am definately inspired by thius whole process Id really love to try my own. I just picked up 3 of the grounmaster alans to try and work with. I did send you a message on ebay about a price for aa possible commission figure, Im not sure if you got it or not. My ebay s/n is LigerZ28
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yeah, I'm hoping we'll see spuda casting these cuz the skill with the dremel looks immense, :)
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Awesome tutroial!!!
I've wanted to make a microman clone for a long time, and now I know how too do it.
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Cool!! He's alive! (thanks for the welcome) I messaged you on your page so I can get an address to send the microman to you..... I"ve wanted to do a custom articulated RC forever!
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Stich is the man!!!! Thanks to him....I came up with my own twist on all my clones. THANK YOU MY MASTER.
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Holy cow thats a cool mace windu custom brother gotta love the microman customisers.
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took you ages to get here man!, folks let me introduce you the talented Mr. Jango Bones!, he is the reason I keep working hard, the way he accessorize his figures is something out of this world, WELCOME JB!!!
Now let's continue with the tutorial, by now you armor parts should look like this;
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the moment you all have been waiting for (yeah right)... the Microman sanding process!!!!!, I'm going to make a suggestion here; take the figure and dissemble it VERY Carefully!, get to know the inside, how much space is inside the figure before you start sanding it. Now take the sanding barrel tip and start sanding it by sections, first the biceps, then the ribs, back and lower abdomen...
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Now comes the assembly of the figure, first the dry fitting of the chest armor, from all the steps this is the most critical and longest because you have to sanddown the armor and the figure until it fits, the secret is to use the line between the to halves of the chest as a guide line, you will need a blower or hair dryer to soften the arms & legs armor.
The last thing is the head, using the large/conic bit do a "hole" that will run around the base of the neck...
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use the drill bit to do a hole in the neck where the post of the figure will be inserted, there are plenty of head styles to use, my favorite head so far was of the clone that came with the speeder bike in the original "Clone wars" series but I saw one of Spudafett customs with this one (pic 4) and it's actually the best choice since it's in the right proportion with the figure & the helmet, is not that hard or expensive and it's a trooper!!!
this is the last batch of pics for the "basic" Microman / Microclone figure, I will do another later with the "medium" & "advance" figure, hope you enjoyed so far and remember it's all about practice. Thank you all.
att, Stitchfett
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Sweet tutorial SF. I am gonna have to get JangoBones and you up on the fp!
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Thanks, JB is a great guy and he has created some awesome Microclones, the first time I saw his custom work my jaw droped to the floor :o, well Tamer you came looking for one Microman customizer and ended with two; rule of the Sith?!
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LOL. Good point guy. Two there always are!
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Hello guy it's been a while, thank to all that took the time to write and a big I'M SORRY for those who I didn't reply :-[ but that didn't stop me from sending everyone that ask me for a cool site where to learn how to customize ;D. Here's some new pics... enjoy!
(http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm167/Stitchfett/Custom%20Microman/RepubliccommandoBossMicromanMicroclone9.jpg)
(http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm167/Stitchfett/Custom%20Microman/fitofigs017.jpg)
(http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm167/Stitchfett/Custom%20Microman/Microclone22.jpg)
(http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm167/Stitchfett/Custom%20Microman/Microclone26.jpg)
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and some more
(http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm167/Stitchfett/Custom%20Microman/DSCI0100.jpg)
(http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm167/Stitchfett/Custom%20Microman/Microclone6.jpg)
(http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm167/Stitchfett/Custom%20Microman/DSCI0002.jpg)
(http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm167/Stitchfett/Custom%20Microman/DSCI0009.jpg)
(http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm167/Stitchfett/Custom%20Microman/DSCI0008.jpg)
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stich fett! It's always a pleasure to see your work. Glad to see you here again, buddy.
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awesome work mate ,simply awesome
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Awesome doesn't do it, Jay.
This is...wow.
If I had the money to afford one of these, I'd treat me to one without thinking twice.
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(http://www.allfreevectors.com/images/Free%20Vector%20Homer%20Simpson%2001%20The%20Simpsons486.jpg)
^That's how I feel about these customs.
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Glad to see you back, and I LOVE those ARCs! More amazing work Stitch!
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Your customs are amazing. I really love the poseability of the figures.
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Wow, what a great update. Look for it on front page soon. That one White ARC just looks awesome to me.
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nice comandos
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Mother of Pearl, those are some awesome work. Excellent cloner you are!
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Awesome work on those ARC's!
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Glad to see you back Stitch
excellent work on those ARCs
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Well another year comes close to an end and I will be taking a few days off to spend some quality time with my kid (he's coming from Texas yeahhhhh) but first wanted to share some new pics of my new models with you; they are upgrades or V.2 from the ones I have made in the past since next year I will start making completely new model that will be one of a kind for my eBay store.
Also I like to invite you to visit my Facebook page "Stitchfett Custom figures" this page will not only serve as a portfolio of my pictures but it will also give a more "step by step" approach for my clients to know where the order is standing and at the same time it will be like having many different tutorials since the pictures will be public, it will allow for comments & questions about the "how to" topics.
Hope you enjoy this new models and see you next year with a brand new batch of pics and let's start with the 501st Republic commando!!
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Jango Fett V.2
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Arc Commander V.2
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Wow.
Good to see you back Stitch. Sounds like you are gonna have a fun holiday. Your update is on the front page.
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Amazing work as always! Really like that 501st rc.
Have fun with your kid.
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thats a awesome arc,you have a great style,and those are some really cool articulated customs.
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super cool looking arc!!
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Really cool figures! You have a great talent to transform these plain figures into amazing Star Wars customs. You ever think about doing a classic Robo Cop custom? Just sayin. ;D
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good paint job DH
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Thanks for the words guys, Yakface I have though about a "MicroCop" but havent found the time to even start dry fitting parts (lol).
Here's some pics from my latest private commission he wanted a Resident evil cross with the ARC so here it is for your viewing pleasure ARC RE-01 aka "Wesker"
the helmet is removable not sweepable and this is the new look my ARCs will have from now on.
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Microclones look good standing but they look awesome in poses so here's some action pics, enjoy.
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super cool work - real dope :) love the action posing.
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Stunning! I still refuse to believe that there is a microman under all that gear...lol. Great figure and your posing of the figures really shows off the articulation. Great work!
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Yes, Stunning work for sure! The action poses are awesome!
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Great figure. I love the hose leading to the blaster.
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This one looks like he could stand on his head he poses so well. I am in awe of how good some of your Clones look.
Back on the front page.
We have got to get you on an episode of CAFN.
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Nice work indeed.
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Awesome!
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man that awesome on how you use microman for star wars I would like to learn how you did it, would like to do a Captain Rex , or clone pilot hawk . outstanding job
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My mind is BEYOND blown. Those are AMAZING!
EDIT: I just went and looked up Micromen figures online... they seem to be very hard to track down. Where do you buy yours from? I would buy one and then make casts of the various parts, myself.
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The secret is love because I do love this little guys!! lol
Tamer - anytime you want to do the interview just let me know
trooperfelks - I know the tutorial I posted here is not very detailed but I will be posting a brand new version in my Facebook page, in fact is so detailed that there should be no reason not to expect an "Microclone" invasion in the 'yards!! lol. I will even tell my most guarded secret.... how I do the ARC's kamas, the proper attachment and the placement in order to allow the articulation to work.
I have said (wrote) this before; I'm not the first to make this guy but I do put a loooot of work hours on them and I'm always happy to share my experience.
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your customs really are supurb.always cool to see what you'll come out with next.
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woooooaa really really awesome :o :o :o :o
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Fantastic model...WOW!! :o
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()rr Nice Clone!
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Wow! Looks like they have beast articulation
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My mind is BEYOND blown. Those are AMAZING!
EDIT: I just went and looked up Micromen figures online... they seem to be very hard to track down. Where do you buy yours from? I would buy one and then make casts of the various parts, myself.
It'd be incredibly difficult to cast the parts... otherwise I think someone would be doing that. There are TONS of articulation points, and they would be very difficult to replicate with a built at home molding/casting system.
I have bought micromen on e-bay before. There are versions that have mounting points for accessories, you can get them and then just dremel the parts all down smooth... which is what Stitchfett does.
but your right, they are rather hard to track down, and when you do they are usually expensive.
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My mind is BEYOND blown. Those are AMAZING!
EDIT: I just went and looked up Micromen figures online... they seem to be very hard to track down. Where do you buy yours from? I would buy one and then make casts of the various parts, myself.
It'd be incredibly difficult to cast the parts... otherwise I think someone would be doing that. There are TONS of articulation points, and they would be very difficult to replicate with a built at home molding/casting system.
I have bought micromen on e-bay before. There are versions that have mounting points for accessories, you can get them and then just dremel the parts all down smooth... which is what Stitchfett does.
but your right, they are rather hard to track down, and when you do they are usually expensive.
Yeah, that was the other thing I wasn't particularly jazzed on... they pack I found (the plain Micromen) were over $300. ::)
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The worst part of the Microman is that after the 5-6 series they changed the material used to make the body and if you are not careful you will end up with a broken figure straight from the factory, that's one of the reasons (if not THE reason) why I have the $90-100 price tag on them; when you buy it from me you will have a brand new, NO cracks and playable figure. DH
You are right Smeagol92055; The idea of casting them as been suggested before but it will be a nightmare + this figures will need drilling on the knees and elbows in order to keep the articulation so in the long run there will be no savings and double the work.
if you want to learn how to do them check out my extensive & picture heavy tutorial on Facebook ("Stitchfett custom figures").
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Hey guys here are some pics of my newest Microclone; Commander Gree and before you ask yes I did hollow the chest of the Vinatge collection Gree, split it in two and attached to the sanded down Microman chest.
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here some wip's pics and something different... enjoy!
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and some more from the Veteran RC.
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That last Commando is AMAZING!
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Thanks smeagol92055 I decided that since I can't lower the price on the figure I will step up the quality and details; check the Gree elbow pads they are NOT glued so you can move it around depending of the pose!!
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WOW! Amazing stuff!! :)
What Microman do you use?
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Great update. On the frront page.
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Wow, AWESOME!
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Simply outstanding :o
Having tried recently to make some super-articulated trooper style figures of my own only served to increase my awe at your work. (nnedless to say mine were far from your standard!!!!)
Amazing work as always stitch, I love the artistic lines of your work. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Thank you guys!, I must be honest and say that I found a new love for the Microclones with this Gree since it the only (so far) that I been able to use the complete upper armor for the Micro, botwt you can use any "naked" microman but try to buy from the first 5-6 series since they used the best material for their bodies, here's a pic of an unpainted Microclone custom and a Microman figure.
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Amazing work as usual man! Love your style!
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Thanks Stitch_Fett for the Microman info! :)
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Awesome!
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Cool deal. Information gleaned is now on the front page. I would love to see more pics of how you transform a micro-man into the custom goodness you show in your final pics.
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Where did you get that orange blank figure at?? I'd like to attempt something like your customs using a similar figure, but have no clue where to even start looking for the blanks at.
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Thanks Tamer right now I have a commission for a Cody so I will try to take more detailed pics to post.
CheesyKNAC: that Orange one is from the Microman series of "Blank" figures called "Material force" they are extremely expensive ($30-40 each figure) but you don't need one of those you can search for "Microman" on ebay and you will find plenty of the other less expensive series.
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As promised here's the latest Microclone; Commander Cody!
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Cody in action
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Dude.
That is literally all I can say.
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That is awesome!! :)
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always amazed at your work. I wish I had the patience for doing it.
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Awesome! I absolutely love your microclones!
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Cody turned out well.
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that looks superb! that articulation makes all the difference :o
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Hey SF, Cody looks so awesome I had to put him on the frontpage.
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As I commented when you put this on our FB Page Chad,
This looks so superarty it could stand on its head. So daggone cool.
Stitch Fett, we will be contacting you about a podcast date here real soon. We have got to talk with you about all your great MM Customs.
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As usual very nice., have you thought about using the marvel heroes?
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Looking awesome as usual. Great work and presentation.
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That is one nice Cody figure.
AMAZING.
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SF - as ever your work is an inspiration :)
Fantastic!!
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Thank you guys ;D bobby-brazil the Marvel figures would be to big for the clones frame but maybe the skinny ones like nightcrawler or the black spiderman might work.
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(http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f115/CTtamer/Tamer%20continued/sfcustomgallery.gif) (http://www.imperialshipyards.net/Galleries/cafn-features-stitch-fetts-customs)
That banner is a link to his new Custom Image Gallery. We are getting ready to interview him on CAFN this coming Thursday!
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Man those clones can flex!!!! Love all that articulation!!!
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Nice! 8)
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I just want to take a moment and say Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. And, if you will allow me to share (via my faith and worldview) this is one of the most special times of the year, at least to me. I am truly thankful to God above for His grace, mercy and salvation. He has richly blessed my life. I have the blessing of an amazing wife, beautiful children, and a loving family. I am also thankful that I live in this great nation. I hope you have a chance to take a moment today and look at your life and reflect on how fortunate you are. I also want to make a statement to the ISYs in general that even though we don't all know each other personally and face-to-face, I am thankful that in our hobby we have a common place to share our creations with one another. Happy Thanksgiving enjoy some turkey!!!
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You made it on to rebelscum.com front page! I don't know if you knew that but thought you'd like to. Surprisingly, some of the comments aren't very good but I dont know what world theyre from cause your figures are sweet!
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Amen Rex Smoke. We consider Stitch Fett one of the best.
Here is his ebay store link I think:
http://stores.ebay.com/The-Custom-Toy-box?_trksid=p2047675.l2563
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Ya I've seen his ebay stuff but there's some haters over at rebel scum forum, obviously they're a little crazy.
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Just saw the Cody. Wow. Awesome!
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Have you ever talked to the guy? Wow!
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Have you ever talked to the guy? Wow!
We interview him on CAFN. It was horrible to read those comments about him. Lets just say he must be doing something right to make folks that envious.