The Imperial Shipyards

Imperial Creative Engineering => Custom Figures => Topic started by: Darth More on December 04, 2016, 02:28:18 PM

Title: Darth More's Customs: Ugnaught Smith
Post by: Darth More on December 04, 2016, 02:28:18 PM: List of Contents:

Page 1:

- Darth Revan (kit-bash, leg articulation) - First entry (Reply #0)
- Clone Trooper Mod (327th Legion - red) - based on ROTS Commander Deviss - Reply #8

Page 2:

- This is what I work with: Colors and Brushes - Reply #15
- How I clean my brushes (with acetone)
- Super Battle Droid #1 (minor paint apps) - Reply #16
- BB-8 (Repaint and Washed) - Reply #20

Page 3:

- Destroyer Droid #1 TPM (Ultimate Version/Mod & Repaint) - Reply #32
- Destroyer Droid #2 TAC (Ultimate Version/Mod & Repaint) - Reply #42

- Super Battle Droid #2 (Minor paint apps, dry-brush and weathering) - Reply #43

Page 4:

- Nikto Gunner (Repaint) - Reply #48

- B1 Battle Droid Study: Various Repaints - Red Tan Versions #1-4 Reply #57

Page 5:

- Preview: B1 Battle Droid "Black Series" Beige/Tan Versions - Reply #62
- Battle on Geonosis - scenery - Reply #64
- B1 Battle Droid: Red Tan - Versions #5 & 6 - Reply #68

- OOM-series Pilot & Security Battle Droid - Reply #71

- 1,000 Post Special: BB-R, BB-B and BB-? - Reply #87

Page 9:

- JEDI: Fallen Order - Imperial Purge Trooper - Reply #92
- Easter Egg 2020: Blue Snaggletooth - modern Vintage custom - maybe Kenner's biggest misunderstanding for a 3.75" figure... - Reply #134

Page 11:
- UPDATE: Clone Commander (Phase II, red) - custom concept for Revenge of the Sith Reply #152 (http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=10186.msg219612#msg219612)

- Moff Gideon (custom figure based on a TIE Fighter Pilot - Reply #163 (http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=10186.msg220930#msg220930)

Page 12:

- Darth Sion - Lord of Pain - Knights of the Old Republic II - Reply #168 (http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=10186.msg221266#msg221266)

Page 13:

- Kit-bashing version 2 of Darth Sion, Atris & Darth Traya - Reply #188 (http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=10186.msg221857#msg221857)

Page 14:

- Darth Vader (Concept) some thoughts about this Comic Pack release - Reply #197 (http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=10186.msg226919#msg226919)

- Darth Nihl (Darth Krayt's Galactic Empire) Custom by Kosmouhu2000 - Reply #203 (http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=10186.msg227002#msg227002)

Upcoming Projects in 2020:

- OOM-series Security Droid (TVC Repaint)
- OOM-series Pilot Droid (TVC Repaint)

- Custom Lightsabers
- Custom Weapons

STAR WARS Battlefront Project:

- Clone Assassin - ROTS Video Game
- Clone Sharpshooter - ROTS Video Game

Please also take a look at my other project based on the Star Wars Battlefront video games started in September 2018:

http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=10513.msg207918#msg207918

Darth Revan
(with leg articulation)

(https://i.imgur.com/aOY5R2S.jpg)
I do not own this image. Source: Pinterest
URL: https://www.pinterest.de/pin/478155685420386697/

"Savior, conqueror, hero, villain. You are all things, Revan… and yet you are nothing. In the end, you belong to neither the light nor the darkness. You will forever stand alone."
?Darth Malak

"Revan—renowned as the Revanchist, honored as the Revan, reviled as Revan the Butcher, dreaded as the Dark Lord of the Sith Darth Revan, and praised as the Prodigal Knight—was a Force-sensitive Human male who played pivotal roles as both Jedi and Sith in the Mandalorian Wars, Jedi Civil War, and Great Galactic War. Believed to have been born in the Outer Rim Territories around the year 3994 BBY, the man later known as Revan was found by the Jedi Order at an early age and became apprenticed to Jedi Master Kreia. The Padawan had an insatiable hunger for knowledge and learned everything she knew, then studied under a number of other Masters, quickly becoming the Jedi's most promising pupil. Alongside his friend Alek, he became a Jedi Knight and a vocal, charismatic critic of the Order's inactivity in the ongoing war between the Galactic Republic and the Mandalorian Neo-Crusaders. In defiance of the Jedi High Council, the Knight assumed the name "Revan" and started the Revanchist movement to combat the Mandalorian threat as the Republic Military's Supreme Commander."
Source: Wookiepedia
Read the full article about Revan by following this link: http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Revan

Hi guys,

I would like to share a little modification of the TAC 3 3/4" Darth Revan with you. About half a year ago I got a modified version of Darth Revan from eBay. I talked to the guy who sold this to me and he said he had kit-bashed his Revan because the original has got no articulation in his legs...he told me that he took the legs of Luke Skywalker (TLC Comic Pack - Empire II) for this project. Two weeks ago I got the original version of Revan, too. So now I can show you a direct comparison.

And since the new 6" Darth Revan starts hitting shelves at the moment I thought it was a good time to share this one. Will we ever see a re-release of the 3 3/4" Revan?

If you are brave enough to modify your Revan, too, here is the result of this recipe:

What you need:

- TAC 30-34 Darth Revan
- TLC Luke Skywalker (Comic Pack: Clone Emperor Palpatine - Empire II)
- Soft goods in black

(http://i.imgur.com/1aL5SeX.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/xuycD0z.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/ATA7mzN.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/EFDGzds.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/SkjaDfR.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/aPlNFZQ.jpg)

Please, let me know what you think!
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: Darth Revan - 12/04/2016
Post by: Tamer on December 05, 2016, 03:57:14 AM: Looks good to me. Always great to see more arty in a figure. Man, those 3.75" Revans are pretty rare. I enjoyed the TAC Waves. Off to share this update.
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: Darth Revan - 12/04/2016
Post by: Darth More on December 05, 2016, 12:12:18 PM: @Tamer: Thanks Shawn. Yeah, I know. And I didn't post these pics of my two Revans to show off or something...it's a real shame that Hasbro doesn't supply the demand of many figures of the past years...and I don't even have to mention the development of the prices for these figures on the secondary market because everyone here knows...even tunghori has gone nuts with his prices by now...
I don't know what is so difficult about a simple repack...

I got these two guys fairly "cheap" compared to current offers on eBay:

- The modified/kit-bashed Revan was a "Buy-it-Now" offer on eBay along with Darth Malak for 49€/~$51 (free shipping) - that was in April 2016 and I couldn't believe it. There are much less offers on the German eBay that usually go much higher that on eBay U.S.
- I had to bid on the second Revan about 3 weeks ago and my winning bid was 51€/~$54
- I actually got the Luke Skywalker figure just yesterday on the German ComicCon in Dortmund for 9€/~$9.50

Conclusion: I don't want to spend $150 for a carded figure that once cost $6.99...AND:

Patience ALWAYS pays off in our beloved hobby!

By the way I probably wouldn't have the guts to take Revan apart, even though I (only) paid $25 for him...I know there is a way to take the figures apart, but I haven't tried, yet...I just thought it was nice to share with you! I will definitely post some custom figures of my own as well! So stay tuned fot them ;)

May the force be with you!
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: Darth Revan - 12/04/2016
Post by: Tamer on December 06, 2016, 03:30:05 AM: Sounds good to me!
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: Darth Revan - 12/04/2016
Post by: hemble on December 06, 2016, 06:00:10 PM: Great job mate.

Ron
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: Darth Revan - 12/04/2016
Post by: Foxtrot Delta on December 06, 2016, 07:38:36 PM: Very nice conversion with the switched legs
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: Darth Revan - 12/04/2016
Post by: FialaFernbrugg on December 10, 2016, 06:42:46 AM: The conversion looks very good.
I wouldn't be brave enough to take a 3 3/4 Revan apart.
I hope we see a re-release of the figure in the near future.
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: Darth Revan - 04/12/2016
Post by: Darth More on December 19, 2016, 02:45:14 PM: Thank you guys! Yes, we've been hoping for a re-release for alomost 10 years by now! At least we see a 6" version now...hope Disney and Hasbro keep paying attetnion to the Fan's Choice Polls!
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: Darth Revan - 12/04/2016
Post by: Darth More on December 20, 2016, 02:53:34 PM: 1 figure - 2 cuts - 4 versions
327th Legion Clone Trooper (red) - Modification based on ROTS III-33 Commander Deviss

If you are a fan of Clone Troopers and have two figures of Clone Commander Deviss, you might want to check this out!

Deviss' debut was officially as III-33 Clone Commander (red) in Hasbro's Revenge of the Sith Collection in 2005:
http://www.rebelscum.com/rots0533clonecmdr.asp

We saw him re-released/repacked in 2009's Legacy Collection in which he was correctly named "Clone Commander Deviss":
http://www.rebelscum.com/TLCBD37Deviss.asp

About Clone Commander Deviss:

CT-65/91-6210, called Deviss, was Officer of the Grand Army of the Republic, who was generally celebrated as hero.
At the beginning of the Clone Wars Deviss served the Hawkbat Battalion in which he commanded a company of Clone Troopers who called themselves "K-Company".

Later he was assigned to the 327th Star Corps:
First, he led the 327th Star Corps as Captain, later as Commander.
The 327th Star Corps was part of the 2nd Sector Army of the System-Army Alpha.
36,864 soldiers belonged to the 327th Star Corps and were led by Clone Commander Bly and General Aayla Secura.
Source: Jedipedia: http://jedipedia.wikia.com/wiki/327._Sternenkorps (translated by me) ;)

Also make sure to read this interesting article:

http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Deviss

For this mod you need:

- Hasbro (ROTS): III-33 Clone Commander (Battle Gear!)
- The belt/harness of the TAC Clone Commander Neyo
http://www.rebelscum.com/TLC20saleucami.asp

You just need to cut off the pins of the helmet's visor i.e. with a cutter knife.

And here is the result:

(http://i.imgur.com/oRx47pQ.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/oQy0xFj.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/Zd6aXNa.jpg)

You can also just swap the helmets and take off the figure's Shoulder Pauldron and Kama:

(http://i.imgur.com/YH4pSGe.jpg)

327th Star Corps/Red: Clone Trooper (Sergeant); Clone Sharpshooter

(http://i.imgur.com/oO74aFQ.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/Aj3wsDf.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/YdagoyL.jpg)

Some of you might have already known this mod.
I just wanted to share this project with you before these three troopers start yellowing, too...which is a serious pain in the neck...I will mail Hasbro and address this issue in the next weeks. I will ask them if they have fixed the problem and use a different material in their 6" line now.
I hope the new figures of TVC and TBS don't have this issue with the sunlight...

I am always excited to see new Clone Troopers!! For Hasbro it would just be a simple repaint for a hot seller! As often: Money on the table! What do you think?

Please also take a look at my other project based on the Star Wars Battlefront video games started in September 2018:

http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=10513.msg207918#msg207918[/size]
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: Clone Commander Deviss Mod - 12/20/2016
Post by: Tamer on December 21, 2016, 01:54:58 AM: Nice looking Clone. Off to share.
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: Clone Commander Deviss Mod - 12/20/2016
Post by: FialaFernbrugg on December 25, 2016, 02:38:20 AM: That is a great Clone Trooper custom.
Nice and simple.
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: Clone Commander Deviss Mod - 12/20/2016
Post by: Darth More on January 15, 2017, 06:43:19 AM: Thank you Shawn and Christoph,

I am back with more time now! Stay tuned for more custom projects soon!
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: Clone Commander Deviss Mod - 12/20/2016
Post by: Darth More on January 15, 2017, 08:08:07 AM: During Christmas time I took some pictures I wanted to take since Hasbro's Black Series 6" line was released. I don't know where to post them, though. Wasn't there a topic for posts other than Star Wars? Well, this is not custom made and only semi-Star Wars...

Back in 2001-2005 ToyBiz and NECA produced these awesome 6" figures of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. I loved collecting them! They were really affordable back then: I think they retailed for only $5.99 in the U.S. and for 12,99€ here in Germany. I got all of them loose and used, though! I paid 4-25€ for each of them.

When Hasbro announced their TBS6 line I was really surprised and happy to see Star Wars figures in this Action Figure format! Although I decided to stay by the 3 3/4" line and not collect the 6" line, I got a few 6" figures loose as comparison and for these pics:

For all of you who are a fan of Star Wars and Lord of the Rings!
Imagine these guys would meet each other! Who you think would win the fight?

(http://i.imgur.com/tlsgh8T.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/NQUQVS6.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/2csCiau.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/EaO1a3F.jpg)
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: Clone Commander Deviss Mod - 12/20/2016
Post by: Tamer on January 16, 2017, 07:37:45 AM: That would sure be an epic battle. Man those LOTR Figures look great. I sure wish I had gotten into them at the time. It was really the glory years for AFs.
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: Clone Commander Deviss Mod - 12/20/2016
Post by: Foxtrot Delta on January 16, 2017, 03:52:47 PM: Nice job on the clones, its the simple things that make a big difference
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: Clone Commander Deviss Mod - 12/20/2016
Post by: Darth More on January 20, 2017, 03:11:42 PM: @ Tamer: Thank you Shawn! Yes, I agree with you ToyBiz did a fantastic job on their Lord of the Rings 6" series! I hope Hasbro will catch up and improve their TBS6 line, too! I mean those LotR figures were developed and produced over 16 years ago! And I got good news for you! If you want to collect them you will get most of them VERY cheap on eBay.com!

@Foxtrot Delta: Thank you Foxtrot! I am happy you like it! I am a big fan of Clone Troopers and there are endless variations and versions in all kinds of colors and with different equipment...can't wait to show you guys more!

This is what I work with: Colors and Brushes

Colors:

So before I go into the real customizing/painting I would like to show you what I work with, first.

For painting figures and vehicles I mostly use acrylic colors by Citadel produced by Games Workshop or colors by Revell, humbrol, Army Painter and some more.

(http://i.imgur.com/z6SaAQ0.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/wtvZsNY.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/hR0rK8J.jpg)(http://i.imgur.com/hR0rK8J.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/jhjdMa6.jpg)

Brushes:

I work with all kinds of brushes ranging from brushes from a dollar store to high quality hair brushes depending on what I need them for...

(https://i.imgur.com/8NTjvRL.jpg)

...and how I clean them...

Brushes are useless once their hairs are full of dried color. Acetone is a nice solvent of all kinds of paints. I bought this bottle in a drug store for about $5. You can get acetone even cheaper in a hardware store.

(https://i.imgur.com/94Xo3wl.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/JnW0vlq.jpg)
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: This is what I work with... - 01/21/2017
Post by: Darth More on January 20, 2017, 11:41:02 PM: B-2 Super Battle Droid - Version #1
(with minor paint application)

While I was working on the NR-N99 Tank Droid with my new favorite metal color I also added some minor paint apps to a TLC SL-10 Super Battle Droid!

You can follow the progress on the NR-N99 here:

http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=10165.0

Only one color is needed for this little modification: Humbrol "Polished Steel" No. 27003

The mold and the paint job of the TLC SL-10 Super Battle Droid are great! Unfortunately Hasbro did not paint the torso, though. This leads me to the assumption that the rest of the body parts were painted prior assembly in the factory.
See a full review on rebelscum.com by following the link:

http://www.rebelscum.com/TLCSL10SBD.asp

Some versions were found compleely "weathered", but some units are missing some paint...like this one here:

On first sight the difference might be hard to see, but I painted some metal color on the visor, the torso, the twin-blaster and the joints.

(http://i.imgur.com/nwoRgy2.jpg)

Left: Orgiginal Hasbro SW Super Battle Droid; Right: Modded Version

(http://i.imgur.com/OtFb42L.jpg)

I might add some lighter metal tone scratches to the blaster to highlight the details more.

(http://i.imgur.com/sjMy5jf.jpg)

Left: Orgiginal Hasbro SW Super Battle Droid; Right: Modded Version

(http://i.imgur.com/e2k4yIt.jpg)

Left: Orgiginal Hasbro SW Super Battle Droid; Right: Modded Version

(http://i.imgur.com/0n3VL1l.jpg)

Finished Super Battle Droid with painted visor, torso, twin-blaster and joints:

(http://i.imgur.com/Iz2MQtd.jpg)

I found some B2 units which were pretty well done by Hasbro. It's significant that all of these Super Battle Droids were included in packs with a higher price point. There are either from Comic Packs or a Geonosis Arena Conflict 2-Pack. These sets were exclusives and sold for over $12 each. This higher price (or higher quantitiy of figures per purchase) seems to make an important difference . Hasbro put much detail on these here:

(http://i.imgur.com/WrDoUc4.jpg)

The ROTS Super Battle Droid has a painted torso and came with two accessories, but less articulation...

(http://i.imgur.com/NKtJZg8.jpg)

Hope you like this mod. Let me know in the comments below!
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: This is what I work with... - 01/21/2017
Post by: Tamer on January 21, 2017, 07:07:08 AM: I like all the references in here.
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: This is what I work with... - 01/21/2017
Post by: Starchaser on February 23, 2017, 01:23:56 PM: legion078 - Nice job on these customs. I really think that your Revan articulation is excellent and I agree with you about the unfortunate situation of Hasbro not supplying demand for figures with such high aftermarket prices.
For the record - Witchking totally obliterates Kylo and Vader decapitates the troll:)
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: This is what I work with... - 01/21/2017
Post by: Darth More on February 28, 2017, 01:32:11 PM: Quote from: Starchaser on February 23, 2017, 01:23:56 PM
legion078 - Nice job on these customs. I really think that your Revan articulation is excellent and I agree with you about the unfortunate situation of Hasbro not supplying demand for figures with such high aftermarket prices.
For the record - Witchking totally obliterates Kylo and Vader decapitates the troll:)

Thanks a lot for your comment! I had a great time reading your record about the outcome of the epic fight between the 6" figures! I agree! I am not a fan of the character Kylo Ren nor of Adam Driver in the role of the son of Han and Leia...I just bought the figure to use it as Sith Warrior of The Old Republic...so the Emperor will fight Sauron next... ;)
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: Repaint of BB-8 - 02/28/2017
Post by: Darth More on February 28, 2017, 01:42:12 PM: BB-8 (Repaint)

"BB-8, sometimes spelled Beebee-Ate, was a BB unit astromech droid who operated approximately thirty years after the Battle of Endor. It had a dome head, similar to that of R2 series astromech droids, with the bulk of its body made up of a ball on which the droid's head rolled. BB-8 was mostly white, with some silver and orange on its body, as well as a black photoreceptor. The droid belonged to Resistance pilot Poe Dameron, whom he accompanied during his flights on his T-70 X-wing fighter."
Source: Wookiepedia

Read the full article by following this link: http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/BB-8

Over the past weekend I finished the repaint of BB-8. I have watched J.J.'s masterpiece* (read my comment below) only 5 times so far and please correct me if I am wrong, but I remember BB-8 had a different, more intense shade of orange. And as you can see in the image below the entire toy industry doesn't seem to be sure which orange to use for BB-8:

(http://i.imgur.com/QmT0ZYa.jpg)
I do not own this image. All rights reserved to James Bruton and YouTube.
Source: https://i.ytimg.com/vi/zUXDinEY1LA/maxresdefault.jpg

Check out his great video reviews on YouTube by following the link below:

Make sure to like, comment and subscribe to his channel if you like his videos!

First, I wasn't sure which of the two colors to use, but then I chose Citadel's Layer "Troll Slayer Orange".

I recall that Jakks Pacific used a similar orange for their BB-8...

(http://i.imgur.com/jp4FVqb.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/rShH4Zf.jpg)

This is what I used to paint BB-8:

- thin brush
- cotton buds (which I dipped into desinfectant after I'd painted over edges to remove the color again)
- needle (saved my life to remove color and clean very thin edges)
- scalpel (used as the needle and to remove the surplus plastic at the antenna)
- paper tissue (in case you cut yourself ;) )

(http://i.imgur.com/9w1ZLWs.jpg)

And here's the result:

(http://i.imgur.com/HHXKI2f.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/Ez9nmtN.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/anc4438.jpg)

What do you think?

I might brush it with a shade to highlight all of BB's details and make him (or her?) look more screen accurate. Hasbro did a decent paint-job and weathering on their 6" version:

(http://i.imgur.com/d3PESj8.jpg)

* J.J.'s masterpiece:

As said before I have only watched "The Force Awakens" five times so far. I went to the theater three times. After I had seen it for the first time with my brother we left the cinema with mixed feelings. I thought: "Is it possible that I've seen this before...somwhere?!"
So I watched it again with firends to give it a try. After seeing it for two more times I wasn't that disappointent by it anymore...so I bought it on DVD...but now I don't need to watch it, again...it has some good parts. But it is obvious that there are major similarities to "A New Hope".
My only expectation was that Episode VII would begin in space. Spoiler alert!! That expectation was delivered.
I know J.J. had to meet high expectations...expectations of fans he actually couldn't satisfy. He had to continue George Lucas' legacy. Going back in time is probably an easier job to do...
But this should not become a review on TFA.

Now, my question is: Should this be the continuation of Return of the Jedi?! Seriously Disney?
I mean no offense to Adam Driver, but HE is supposed to be the son of Leia & Han? When he took off his helmet I thought: Please, put it back on!"
If you hate Jar Jar Binks...you got to LOVE Kylo Ren! Thanks J.J. - Thanks Disney!
Copy & Paste...with yet another even bigger Death St...Starkiller Base - AWESOME!

In fact BB-8 is my favorite of all new characters in The Force Awakens.

- Cheers!

By the way Rogue One was great! And I won't watch Episode VIII in the theater since I already waisted so much money on TFA...
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: Repaint of BB-8 - 02/28/2017
Post by: Tamer on March 01, 2017, 03:30:07 AM: I like the color and see it is applied well. Off to share the latest.
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: Repaint of BB-8 - 02/28/2017
Post by: Blizzard Force on March 01, 2017, 01:36:23 PM: Really nice work! I'd definitely use a shade as the next step, though - brings out the details and makes him look a bit more dirty... :)
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: Repaint of BB-8 - 02/28/2017
Post by: Darth More on March 06, 2017, 02:02:04 PM: @ Tamer: Thank you Shawn! I am glad you like the color, too! It's not screen accurate I know, but I still like it much more than the orange Hasbro used on their 3 3/4" version. The 6" one is another story (with yet another orange...).
So the right shade of orange to make it screen accurate is probably somewhere between these two...But I have to admit that the 6" BB-8 is probably painted in the best of all three different colors to match BB-8's color in the movie...thanks for sharing!

@ Blizzard Force: Thank you, Sebastian! It's great to know you like it because I really look up to you and your work! And I definitely agree with you - I will weather BB...I actually did already as of this post.
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: Repaint of BB-8 - 02/28/2017
Post by: Darth More on March 06, 2017, 02:10:05 PM: So tonight I realized what Blizzard Force had recommended to me: I put some weathering on BB-8 using a shade by Citadel and pigments from Revell.

And here is what I used and how I used it:

I got this Revell Weathering Set from Christoph best known as FialaFernbrugg.

Check out his amazing customs and model kits by following this link:

http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=1624.0

He gave this set to me and tonight I used it for the very first time to weather BB-8.

(http://i.imgur.com/93cvBo0.jpg)

With this set you get 6 different pigments for pretty much everything you want to put texture and weathering on and very cool instructions. It includes:

Mud Green, Dark Brown, Rust Red, Sand Yellow, Deep Black and Snow White

(http://i.imgur.com/tMvqMdA.jpg)

For BB-8 I chose three of the six pigments: Deep Black, Dark Brown and Sand Yellow:

To apply the shade and the pigments I used a thick hair bruch, a cotton bud and a piece of paper tissue:

(http://i.imgur.com/JgWOcDw.jpg)

I started by using the Shade "Nuln Oil" from Citadel. This shade is a nice and very thin one and it gives your figure/miniature an oily kind of look.
I used this shade for the first repaint of my NR-N99 Tank Droid. You can find it by following this link:

http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=10165.0

Soon I found that pigments look much better on BB-8 than the shade! I wanted to give BB the likeness of "The Force Awakens" after he had crossed the desert of Jakku.

(http://i.imgur.com/9Tfj17k.png)
I do not own this image. All rights reserved to Lucasfilm Ltd. and businessinsider.
Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/star-wars-force-awakens-neil-degrasse-tyson-review-2015-12?IR=T

In order to achieve this sandy/desert effect the "Sand Yellow" pigments work best.

First, I applied the shade mixed with black pigments completely randomly on the figure. Then, I wiped off most of it, again with the cotton bud and/or the paper tissue. I used all three different pigments until I was content with the result.

(http://i.imgur.com/WdsztcO.jpg)

Comparison: Weathered/Clean

(http://i.imgur.com/2xbO4Iq.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/8aCftEg.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/UVp6ZlB.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/Yulgq2z.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/gdgafdw.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/Ubkladp.jpg)

So this was the first time a weathered a Star Wars figure by Hasbro. It's not perfect, but I had to start somewhere I guess...I like to start small before taking the next step and go bigger.
I will use the pigments a lot for future projects! One of them will be the new Star Destroyer Model Kit from Revell! So stay tuned for that!

Again, much thanks and thumps up go to FialaFernbrugg who made this project happen!

(http://i.imgur.com/oLy1aVl.png)
I do not own this image. All rights reserved to Lucasfilm Ltd. and Wookiepedia.
Source: http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/BB-8?file=BB-8thumbsup.png

Please, let me know whether you like it or not! And make sure to check out the entire page. I added more images before finishing this entry.

Looking back at it I might add some more black pigments...

My next Action Figure Custom will be my favorite Battle Droid, which is absolutely deadly...
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: Repaint of BB-8 - 03/06/2017
Post by: Tamer on March 07, 2017, 03:33:32 AM: Well that turned out nice. Let me go share it.
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: Repaint of BB-8 - 03/06/2017
Post by: Darth More on March 07, 2017, 01:53:37 PM: Thanks Tamer! Everyone seems to love BB-8 - even some airlines:

(http://i.imgur.com/q8EqpN4.jpg)
I do not own this image. All rights reserved to Disney Corp., ANA Co., Ltd. and Nerdist.com
Source: http://nerdist.com/tag/bb-8/
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: Repaint of BB-8 - 03/06/2017
Post by: Darth More on March 10, 2017, 05:30:24 PM: Today I revisited BB-8 once again. This time I used Citadel's Shade "Nuln Oil" to highlight all the details especially the depth of BB's mold! I think I have to correct my previous statement:

This shade gives your custom the last touch after you already applied pigments to weather it.
Using this shade as very last step does make a difference...

(http://i.imgur.com/LneRjte.jpg)
This time I used a very thin brush to spread the shade within the surface's gaps.

(http://i.imgur.com/6Fs6p98.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/DPdj5Gv.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/P9B12nV.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/eSaUD9A.jpg)

So since BB-8 is now finally done he joined the 212th Attack Battalion as Tactical Support Droid!
I think he looks just perfect next to Clone Troopers of the 212th! The Force Awakens is just...not canon to me anyway - so I leave it like that!

(http://i.imgur.com/thSJaS6.jpg)

Looks like I have to do some custom weapons, soon...

Have a great weekend guys!

- Philipp
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: Repaint of BB-8 - 03/06/2017
Post by: Tamer on March 11, 2017, 06:17:24 AM: Looks good to me. Off to share.
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: Repaint of BB-8 - 03/06/2017
Post by: FialaFernbrugg on March 12, 2017, 10:54:14 AM: Excellent work my friend.
The paint job and the weathering looks very good.
I'm glad that the weathering set is usefull.
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: Repaint of BB-8 - 03/06/2017
Post by: Blizzard Force on March 12, 2017, 12:50:22 PM: Excellent work! The BB-8 looks so much better now, especially since you now see so many more details thanks to the shades/weathering...

Also, I have to say I'm a bit jealous of your ultimate paint set... ;) Awesome to see this...man, I need a way to organize my paints in the future again as well... ;)
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: Repaint of BB-8 - 03/06/2017
Post by: Darth More on April 05, 2017, 01:56:45 PM: @Blizzard Force:Thank you, mate! Yes, shades and pigments are perfect to highlight all hidden details of a mold!

I am looking forward to talking to you about paints and colors on the next convention in May!
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: Destroyer Droid (Ultimate Version/Mod & Repaint)
Post by: Darth More on April 05, 2017, 02:12:59 PM: Destroyer Droid (Mod & Repaint)

"They're no match for droidekas."
- Rune Haako, regarding a pair of Jedi Knights

"Droidekas, also known as destroyer droids, were a type of droid used by the Trade Federation during the Invasion of Naboo and, later, by the Confederacy of Independent Systems during the Clone Wars. Manufactured by the Colicoids[1] on Colla IV,[2] droidekas were dangerous and deadly, designed to exterminate their adversaries with extreme prejudice. They could transform their shape by curling into a ball and moving up to 75 kilometers per hour[2] across a surface, or stand on three legs and utilize a shield generator while firing at a target. Before the Invasion of Naboo, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn had to face droidekas on a Droid Control Ship."
Source: Wookiepedia

Read the full article by following this link: http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Droideka

Over the last weeks I didn't have much time to make huge progress...but what I have done so far on my Destroyer Droids is this:

- modification in detail of the twin blasters and back shields/panels
- spray-painting them with primer "Chaos Black" from Citadel

In the picture you can see the TAC Destroyer Droid from 2007 on the left and the TPM Destroyer Droid from 1999 on the right. The TPM one was actually the very first Destroyer Droid I got when I started collecting in 2005. I was bothered by the way Hasbro painted it since I got it. Some day I decided to repaint the head with a copper color by Revell. I was 12 back then. Later I realized that copper wasn't the right color to make it look accurate. So I removed the color with desinfectant to give it a second try.

See what I use to remove paint by following the link below:

http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=10178.0

The joints of the twin blasters were also worn out since I played with it a lot 12 years ago. A nice side effect of repainting the figure is that the joints are fixed and able to hold the twin blasters in position again so that they don't hang down anymore!
(http://i.imgur.com/enG9MNb.jpg)

The TAC version was quite damaged when I got it from the rummage sale for 50 cents!
I fixed the front visor which was bent with boiling water. I also drilled holes in the Destroyer's twin blasters to give it more detail:
(http://i.imgur.com/VYTa6Bo.jpg)

As you can see the Droideka on the right was quite damaged when I got it. And I got just one purpose for such figures: Customizing! So I also drilled holes into the panels on the back:
(http://i.imgur.com/Myl8iPf.jpg)

Here's a comparison of the TPM Destroyer Droid before and after I spray-painted it with the primer "Chaos Black" from Citadel:
(http://i.imgur.com/Goef0Y1.jpg)

Here's a picture of all three Droidekas I am going to repaint modified and painted with primer:
They continue my custom line of "Black Series" figures, vehicles and creatures...
(http://i.imgur.com/NNw1JgT.jpg)

I always wanted to see a Destroyer Droid in 3 3/4" which is able to fold up. But I assume it's not possible for Hasbro to do something like that in the price range of 3 3/4" Action Figures...Technically it should work I suppose - I am thinking of the engineers of Bakugan toys...

I will start with the TPM version because I messed it up before and I have more of them than I own of the TAC one (2).
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: Destroyer Droid (Ultimate Version/Mod & Repaint)
Post by: Tamer on April 06, 2017, 02:16:29 AM: Nice work so far. Off to share.
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: Destroyer Droid (Ultimate Version/Mod & Repaint)
Post by: Sjefke on April 06, 2017, 11:23:26 AM: Quote from: legion078 on April 05, 2017, 02:12:59 PM

I always wanted to see a Destroyer Droid in 3 3/4" which is able to fold up. But I assume it's not possible for Hasbro to do something like that in the price range of 3 3/4" Action Figures...Technically it should work I suppose - I am thinking of the engineers of Bakugan toys

I've always thought the same about the Bakugan figures.

Nice job repairing and scoring fodder.
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: Destroyer Droid (Ultimate Version/Mod & Repaint)
Post by: talonreap on April 06, 2017, 01:59:59 PM: Excellent work so far, Phillip. Your work on BB-8 was fantastic, and really got me to consider Nuln Oil (I've worked mostly with Citadel Badab Black wash in the past). I've also always wanted to recycle some old Droideka parts of mine to make the Sniper Droideka variant seen in the Clone Wars Season Two. Anyway, always a pleasure checking your progress on all your great projects!
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: Destroyer Droid (Ultimate Version/Mod & Repaint)
Post by: Darth More on April 07, 2017, 03:57:21 AM: @ Sjefke: Thanks mate, yeah the design of Bakugan is amazing. There are so many mechanical and magnetic functions packed in just one tiny toy.

Hasbro did an attempt on a Droideka that folds up. It was released in the POTJ line in 2000 and retailed for a mere of $9.99! They designed 3 figures for their "Mega Action" Series:
Obi-Wan Kenobi, Darth Maul and the Destroyer Droid:

http://www.rebelscum.com/potjmegaddroid.asp

Unfortunately I do not own this toy and it's extremely hard to find here in Germany by now.
A friend of mine got one MISB a couple weeks ago. Lucky him! So we'll probably never see anything better than the TAC Destroyer Droid from Hasbro. If the Star Wars Action Figure line lasts for the next 10 years I am optimistic due to technical progress. We might be able to print figures at home with 3D-printers some day...who knows?
Have you been aware that Hasbro bought some rights and patents to colaborate with a company that is specialized on 3D-printing?

@ talonreap: Thank you for the compliments! I am glad I could help you with your descision on Citadel's washes/shades. "Badab Black" is one I haven't known, yet. I should go to Games Workshop, soon, and check their new stuff. They keep releasing more and more colors of which some might be a useful add to my set of colours...
I really enjoyed working on BB-8!

The Sniper Destroyer Droid is one interesting thing...LEGO released a Destroyer Droid along with a set of The Clone Wars some years ago. And I just couldn't figure out why it looks so different from a Destroyer Droid. I have to admit I've only watched a few episodes of the Clone Wars Series.
Now, I know that there really is a difference between both destroyers. Thanks a lot for the hint!
Because of you I know them, now! I am looking forward to seeing your custom Sniper Droideka!

Photobucket seems a have serious issues at the moment (since April 6)! People cannot access to their accounts anymore. Otherwise I would share new pictures with you (including an update on the Naboo Flash Speeder). I hope they'll fix the problem, soon!
Then I'll post a picture of the Sniper Destroyer Droid here, too.
Until then - let's get them painted!

Best regards from Germany guys!

- Philipp
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: Destroyer Droid (Ultimate Version/Mod & Repaint)
Post by: Darth More on April 11, 2017, 03:36:53 AM: Destroyer Droid #1 (TPM)

Yesterday I had time to paint the first of my three "Black Series" Destroyer Droids. Since I had been wanting to do this since 2006, I couldn't wait to continue with this project!! But 11 years ago I just didn't have the painting skills to achieve the result I wanted (see pictures above).
And today I finally have time to upload pictures of the finished Droideka:

So after spray-painting the three Destroyers with Citadel's primer "Chaos Black" (see above post),
I grabbed my Star Wars books and looked for suitable reference material (once again):

One of the best books to find references for custom figures are the Visual Dictionaries by DK!
I used to go through these books page by page for hours...

(http://i.imgur.com/7YB4KtG.jpg)

There you can not only find interesting information on characters, vehicles and technology, but also very detailed images and illustrations:

(http://i.imgur.com/wnFEH3z.jpg)

Here are all colors I used:

(http://i.imgur.com/jSXrbQN.jpg)
Citadel: Leadbelcher (Base), Runefang Steel (Layer), Mephiston Red (Base)

(http://i.imgur.com/7UOpQ81.jpg)
Humbrol: 27003 - Polished Steel (Metal Code), 54 - Brass Metallic (Enamel), 55 - Bronze Metallic (Enamel)
Revell: 95 - Bronze Metallic (Enamel)

I painted the figure in this order:

1. Dry-brush with Leadbelcher (Citadel)
2. Painting the Droideka's "spinal column" with Polished Titan (humbrol)
3. Dry-brush the "head, shoulders, shields and twin-blasters" with Brass Metallic (humbrol)
4. Dry-brush the "head, shoulders and shields" with Bronze Metallic (humbrol)
5. Dry-brush the "head, shoulders and shields" with Bronze Metallic (Revell)
6. Painting the Droideka's visors with Mephiston Red (Citadel)

7. Correcting all edges with Leadbelcher (Citadel)
8. Highlighting all edges (you want) and some details (e.g. scratches) with Runefang Steel (Citadel)

(9.) Applying a shade (for example Nuln Oil (Citadel))

You might wonder why I used a Bronze Metallic paint twice (step 4 & 5). I bought the same color "Bronze Metallic" from two different companies: humbrol and Revell. My presumtion, that both paints differ a little bit, was confirmed.

To step 1.: I was amazed by the result of the dry-brush with Leadbelcher. So I dry-brushed ALL parts of the destroyer just to see it in a complete steel look:

(http://i.imgur.com/s8oC0hz.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/CcvN860.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/NVSzcXB.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/tTUwugk.jpg)

I took pictures of this step to show you how a Destryoer Droid could look like if it was not hardened with an alloy.
You actually have to dry-brush the legs, "spine column"/torso, arms and twin-blasters with Leadbelcher (or any other metal colour). I think Citadel's Leadbelcher leads to the best results for the Droideka because it's Citadel's darkest metal colour.

I then followed step 2 to 8. And here's the result:

(http://i.imgur.com/Oq8YWeR.jpg)

Here's my custom next the Hasbro's original version from 1999:

(http://i.imgur.com/YjjWTtx.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/11VNJBj.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/XNlbtrn.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/MPtZOBE.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/Q93p2nv.jpg)

Now, my custom Destroyer Droid has more detail than my camera can catch in one shot. This is due to the great effect of dry-brushing and has nothing to do with my painting skills...

(http://i.imgur.com/smPpuqt.jpg)

So we went from this...

(http://i.imgur.com/3RGVzCE.jpg)

...to this!

(http://i.imgur.com/XVxCYBz.jpg)
Hasbro has already done some excellent improvement on the B1 Battle Droid. Since The Legacy Collection we've seen some awesome and super-articulated Battle Droids! They even came in 2-Packs in the SOTDS - Saga Legends line...
My favourite mold of the Battle Droid is the VC78 one from The Vintage Collection:

http://www.rebelscum.com/TVC78BD.asp

Hasbro had planned a second release of the B1 as "red tan" version in their Legacy Collection (2), which was unfortunately cancelled in 2012. I still hope to see this mold as 2-Pack some day (despite the fact that Basic Figures become more and more expensive even in the U.S.!).
Remind me to copy & paste this later in my post for the Pilot & Security Droid customs...

It's sad that the Destroyer Droid hasn't seen an update/re-tooling since the 30th Anniversary version, which is great nevertheless!

Conclusion:

So this was my first (complete) repaint of Hasbro's TPM 1999 Destroyer Droid with some minor but appropriate modifications! I think it's a nice destiny for my very first Droideka from Hasbro.
The repaint made it even more special and unique to me.

I never understood why in the world Hasbro decided to paint the Droideka in this blue-goldish metal colours.* As far as I know Droidekas always appear with a bronze alloy in the movies.**
But I have to admit it's not easy to immitate this Bronze effect. That's why I used four metal colours for all parts in Bronze.

*: During my investigationon Destroyer Droids I did find a picture that tells me I was wrong with my assumption! Now, I understand WHY Hasbro painted the Droideka's "head" in a blue-golden metal cote:

Seems like I haven't paid attention to Episode I that much...
(http://i.imgur.com/eqxRsgI.jpg)
I found this picture in Issue 44 (Vulture Droid) on page 8 of DeAgostini's Vehicles & Starships Series.

**: That's a lie!! lol ;D My impression was wrong. In Episodes II & III Droideka's appear in bronze though (see image of the Droideka in AOTC above the reference)...but look at this picture below! Which color do you see on the Destroyers?
Quite controversal this is, don't you think?

(http://i.imgur.com/ChfP45W.png)
Source: Wookiepedia; All rights reserved to Wookiepedia and Lucasfilm Ltd.
http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/P-series_destroyer_droid

Destroyer Droids have always been my favourite (and totally lethal) droids of Star Wars!
And for my first attempt of a complete Droideka custom I am quite satisfied!

Before I move on to the next (TAC) Destroyer I will apply a shade to the TPM one (step 9).

Now, I realized step 9 and applied Citadel's shade "Nuln Oil". I tried to catch more detail with my camera:

(http://i.imgur.com/cW4YMGK.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/skSMeI3.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/CzOliCj.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/Kyu5NSI.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/pY26YLW.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/sIWxd5T.jpg)

I hope I could give you some inspiration for your own creations with my tutorial.

Best regards from Germany!

- Philipp
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: Destroyer Droid (Mod & Repaint) 11/04/2017
Post by: JDeck on April 11, 2017, 02:46:09 PM: Awesome job on the Destroyer droid! I really like the wear pattern, top notch.
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: Destroyer Droid (Mod & Repaint) 11/04/2017
Post by: Darth More on April 12, 2017, 12:25:29 AM: Thanks JDeck! I added some pictures of my latest progress to my last post. The shade is applied and the details are highlighted even better, now!

Yesterday, I also finished my Naboo Flash Speeder project. I already added pictures of each step, too:

http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=10165.msg200422#msg200422

And today I'm going to work on the other Droidekas...
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: Destroyer Droid (Mod & Repaint) 12/04/2017
Post by: Tamer on April 12, 2017, 02:19:13 AM: Now that looks fantastic. Man, what a great reference source too. off to share.
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: Destroyer Droid (Mod & Repaint) 12/04/2017
Post by: Darth More on April 12, 2017, 04:35:36 AM: Thanks a lot Shawn! I hoped you consider it useful! :) Also thanks for sharing!
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: Destroyer Droid (Mod & Repaint) 12/04/2017
Post by: Darth More on April 13, 2017, 11:39:39 AM: Destroyer Droid #2 (AOTC/ROTS)

Yesterday, I had time to paint the second of my Custom Destroyer Droids. And today I got time to take and upload pictures.

It took me about 4 hours to spray-paint (without time for the primer to dry) and paint the Droideka.
And it'll probably take another 4 hours to take and modify the pictures, import them to Photobucket (which takes hours alone! Do yourself a favor and use imgur!), write the texts and post everything on here.

So let's get started with the TAC 30.59 Destroyer Droid (Droideka):

Here are all colors I used:

(http://i.imgur.com/jSXrbQN.jpg)
Citadel: Leadbelcher (Base), Runefang Steel (Layer), Mephiston Red (Base)

(http://i.imgur.com/7UOpQ81.jpg)
Humbrol: 27003 - Polished Steel (Metal Code), 54 - Brass Metallic (Enamel), 55 - Bronze Metallic (Enamel)
Revell: 95 - Bronze Metallic (Enamel)

Here's how they look once they're dry:

(http://i.imgur.com/WL1S9Bw.jpg)

I painted the figure in this order:

1. Dry-brush with Leadbelcher (Citadel)
2. Painting the Droideka's "spinal column" with Polished Titan (humbrol)
3. Dry-brush the "head, shoulders, shields and twin-blasters" with Brass Metallic (humbrol)
4. Dry-brush the "head, shoulders and shields" with Bronze Metallic (humbrol)
5. Dry-brush the "head, shoulders and shields" with Bronze Metallic (Revell)
6. Painting the Droideka's visors with Mephiston Red (Citadel)

7. Correcting all edges with Leadbelcher (Citadel)
8. Highlighting all edges (you want) and some details (e.g. scratches) with Runefang Steel (Citadel)

9. Applying a shade (for example Nuln Oil (Citadel))

You might wonder why I used a Bronze Metallic paint twice (step 4 & 5). I bought the same color "Bronze Metallic" from two different companies: humbrol and Revell. My presumtion, that both paints differ a little bit, was confirmed.

Here you can take a closer look at the progress of step 1:
(http://i.imgur.com/u1IRe3j.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/Cr8V8Xn.jpg)

Although this is not screenaccurate I painted both sides of the twin blasters with humbrol's 54 - Brass Metallic. I applied the Brass paint before I dry-brushed the rest of the arm with Citadel's Leadbelcher. You can hardly avoid painting over the small edges with the technique of dry-brushing:
(http://i.imgur.com/GhM36m2.jpg)

But that doesn't matter. You can easily correct the edges in case there's Brass paint where it's not supposed to be...
(http://i.imgur.com/kmsMuER.jpg)

I then followed step 2 to 8. And here's the result:

(http://i.imgur.com/S57eUbb.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/qqsi62W.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/p0b2RL5.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/39AVTdj.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/s7YN5OA.jpg)

Dry-brush of the head before and after:

(http://i.imgur.com/GI4pmBS.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/yZGeCui.jpg)

Final layer of Bronze:

(http://i.imgur.com/obEAowd.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/6jLbS4B.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/zep40cG.jpg)

Inner side:

(http://i.imgur.com/fWShbql.jpg)

After that I realized step 9 by applying Citadel's shade "Nuln Oil":

(http://i.imgur.com/9aV5K4O.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/vuJuzOZ.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/LktAPZ5.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/i1wFq5M.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/w0n7KZ1.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/urc0CBV.jpg)

Here's my custom next to Hasbro's original version from 2007:

(http://i.imgur.com/dQjSDRk.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/MWhPHRU.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/zxmFQhb.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/gbKCAu0.jpg)

So I made this...

(http://i.imgur.com/6ouV5FJ.jpg)

...to this! And you can do it, too!

(http://i.imgur.com/oCGnIAP.jpg)

Conclusion:

Wow, this was fun! In my opinion Hasbro's TAC 30-59 Destroyer Droid is the best version available so far! Having said that I still hope to see it re-released or modified once again.

I paid 50 cents for this Droideka, spent 4 1/2 hours working on it (including fixing it) and now it's priceless for me!!
It turned out great and the more I look at it and all the details of its mold I celebrate it more.
This is the favourite of my customs so far and let me tell you:

It has become my favourite figure of my entire collection! Try it yourself! It's awesome!

And here are some pictures of them on display:

Enjoy!

(http://i.imgur.com/ovgbaGh.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/jUXPdya.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/QPTLMPz.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/zw5i6uT.jpg)

Cheers from Germany!

- Philipp
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: Destroyer Droid (Mod & Repaint) 12/04/2017
Post by: Darth More on April 13, 2017, 02:06:45 PM: While the paint was drying on the second Destroyer Droid I painted another B2 Super Battle Droid.

You can see the custom figure on the right next to Hasbro's original TLC SL-10 Super Battle Droid:

(http://i.imgur.com/kGIyKNQ.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/MALt1sX.jpg)

This is how I painted the Super Battle Droid:

1. Painting the torso, the visor and the joints with 27003 - Polished Titan (humbrol)
2. Dry-brush of the entire figure accross all edges with Leadbelcher (Citadel)
3. Applying the shade Nuln Oil (Citadel)
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: Destroyer Droid (Mod & Repaint) 12/04/2017
Post by: Tamer on April 14, 2017, 05:02:10 AM: It looks good on the front pages!
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: Destroyer Droid (Mod & Repaint) 12/04/2017
Post by: Blizzard Force on April 15, 2017, 04:15:44 AM: Great work...on the Destroyer Droids as well as the Super Battle Droid! :) They're looking a lot less plastic and way more "realistic" now...
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: Destroyer Droid (Mod & Repaint) 12/04/2017
Post by: Darth More on April 16, 2017, 07:03:43 AM: @ Tamer: Thank you Shawn! The Super Battle Droid was actually only a by-product! ;)

@ Blizzard Force: Thank you very much! I am glad you like it! An extra thumbs up for scrolling up and paying attention to my second Droideka! As I said above the Super Battle Droid was just a by-product of the Destroyer, but I am very satisfied with both! I hope I can share more, soon!
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: Destroyer Droid (Mod & Repaint) 12/04/2017
Post by: FialaFernbrugg on April 19, 2017, 09:29:42 AM: wow
that's the most realistic paint job I've seen on a Destroyer Droid so far.
Thank you for the detailed step by step tutorial. It is interesting to see how much effort it takes to get a realistic paint job.
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: Destroyer Droid (Mod & Repaint) 12/04/2017
Post by: Darth More on May 28, 2017, 03:08:07 PM: Thank you, Christoph! I am glad you like it and proud of your feedback!

Nikto Gunner (Repaint)

Before I move on with my next custom figure, I'd like to share this figure with you:

I got this Nikto Gunner on the flea market for 10€/$11. After some time-consuming research on the internet I am now sure:

This is a really nice repaint of 2009's TLC BD23 Nikto Gunner (Nysad):

(http://i.imgur.com/eTVAJdy.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/QXzWOol.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/fW8oLfj.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/9trVY3N.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/bpHbVLN.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/A7Dbrmb.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/lRaMqCZ.jpg)

See the full review of the original figure here:

http://www.rebelscum.com/TLCBD23Nikto.asp

This figure gave me some serious homework to do! I had no idea whether the Nikto Gunner was re-released after 2009 or not...please correct me if I am wrong, but I think it's repainted by a very talented customizer! Since I got this figure loose I cannot tell you which colors were used.

Your thoughts?

- Philipp
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: Nikto Gunner - Repaint - 05/28/2017
Post by: Tamer on May 29, 2017, 05:42:52 AM: It definitely has been weathered up a bit. I like the look too.
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: Nikto Gunner - Repaint - 05/28/2017
Post by: FialaFernbrugg on June 03, 2017, 01:13:18 AM: The weathering and the skin colour looks a lot better than the original version.
The only minor flaw I can find: the belt buckles on his harness should have been painted silver like on the original figure.
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: Nikto Gunner - Repaint - 05/28/2017
Post by: Darth More on June 05, 2017, 07:44:11 AM: @Tamer: Thank you for the confirmation, Tamer! I'll customize one of Jabba's crew members myself some day...

@FialaFernBrugg: Thanks, Christoph! I like both and agree with you! The belt buckles will be painted and I will add some pictures, soon!
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: Nikto Gunner - Repaint - 05/28/2017
Post by: Darth More on September 12, 2017, 01:48:06 PM: Alright, here is just a small update of my Nikto Gunner before I move on to my next project...so today I got 5 minutes to also paint the buckles as FialaFernbrugg recommended. And here's the result:

(https://i.imgur.com/17SzqZz.jpg)

I just used Citadel's Base "Leadbelcher" and applied it with a needle. I always use a needle to apply paint to very thin surfaces.

(https://i.imgur.com/7MNv64L.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/bVNq14I.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/CFZoqMF.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/56c51GJ.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/frpex8w.jpg)

Hasbro gave us so many great updates of Jabba's scoundrels over the last decade and I can't wait to see more in TVC next year!
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: Nikto Gunner - Repaint - 09/12/2017
Post by: Tamer on September 13, 2017, 02:23:55 AM: Wow, that does make a nice noticeable difference. Off to share. Folks will find this informative.
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: Nikto Gunner - Repaint - 09/12/2017
Post by: mr.Jedi1977 on September 15, 2017, 02:21:53 PM: Nicely done ! It makes all the difference.
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: Nikto Gunner - Repaint - 09/12/2017
Post by: JDeck on September 15, 2017, 07:43:52 PM: Looks great. I know TVC is going to be great. From what I've seen so far....yeah.
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: B1 Battle Droid - Repaint - 09/18/2017
Post by: Darth More on September 19, 2017, 02:25:03 AM: @Tamer: Thank you for adding it to the frontpage, again! Using a needle for adding fine details is probably nothing new for most of the readers, but it might be new for some! The first post of this custom showed pictures of the figure just as I got it. I hadn't even paid attention to the unpainted buckles. So now I contributed a little to this Nikto Gunner myself and I am glad you like it!

@mr.Jedi1977: Thanks mate! I think the result could easily compete with the way Hasbro adds details to their figures...;)

@JDeck: I am actually thankful that Hasbro reduced their super-articulated, collector focused line! I bought much less since TFA was announced and the Black Series became a Walmart Exclusive. Instead I spent quite a lot of money for older stuff mainly on eBay. I think we're all excited to see TVC return! Is there actually a topic about what we possibly see in TVC(2)? I have some ideas/bets to share...
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: B1 Battle Droid - Repaint - 09/18/2017
Post by: Darth More on September 19, 2017, 03:08:14 AM: B1 Battle Droid

"Roger, roger."
- Typical response of a B1 battle droid

"The B1 battle droid, sometimes referred to as the standard battle droid, was the most widely-used model of battle droid manufactured by Baktoid Combat Automata and Baktoid Armor Workshop. The B1 battle droid saw extensive service as the mainline soldier of the Trade Federation's mechanized armies during the Clone Wars, where it served the Separatist Droid Army of the Confederacy of Independent Systems. Following the defeat of the Confederacy, B1 battle droids along with the Separatist Droid Army were deactivated by the Galactic Empire, although they continued to see use on the black market."

Source: Wookieepeida
Read the full article by following this link: http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/B1_battle_droid

(https://i.imgur.com/L3XyEX5.png)

FialaFernbrugg and I talked about our next plans for future customs the other day. He told me it would be nice to see a well painted Battle Droid next! Commander Vaks was actually next on my list! Luckily I got enough time to work on both over the last couple days! This is going to be a bigger post so I will try to arrange everything as clear as possible.

I've been planning on repainting Hasbro's latest super-articulated version of the Battle Droid, which was first released in The Vintage Collection 2012. As I said before: This is the best version of the B1 in 1/18 scale we got so far for me! But before I dare to paint the few figures I have of this Droid, I rather start with a cheaper/more common one.
And luckily I found some on eBay some weeks ago. Since they ship directly from Asia it took 1-3 weeks for them to arrive here in Germany. These droids are supposed to be origonal Hasbro figures, I even asked one of the sellers, who confirmed it. But since they do not have Hasbro's print beneath theit feet and not even a peg hole, I doubt they are authentic. Anyway I got them around $3 each and they use the same mold as the TVC release with less articulation. In fact they seem to be a copy of the Battle Droid which was released in the Mission Series 2-Pack in 2013:

(https://i.imgur.com/PQk7Zf5.jpg)
I do not own this image. All rights reserved to rebelscum.com
Source: http://www.rebelscum.com/Hasbro-Star-Wars/mission-series/Figures/Battle-Droid-212th-Battalion-Clone.asp

It's significant that the packaging shows a red tan Battle Droid, although a beige Droid is included. Maybe all these loose red tan Battle Droids on eBay are leftovers of a running change? Correct me if I am wrong, but this red tan version hasn't been released, yet, was it?

The second Droid that is sold on eBay in quite big amounts is the Pilot Droid. Here I am sure they're copies of the Pilot Droid that was released in this set of the Movie Heroes line:

(https://i.imgur.com/7jmF37N.jpg)
I do not own this image. All rights reserved to rebelscum.com
Source: http://www.rebelscum.com/MTT-Droid-Fighter-A0920-A0918-Movie-Heroes-Hasbro.asp

So I got 12 of each version so far. Half of them are still on delivery. They're currently (September 2017) sold in 3-Packs on eBay:

(https://i.imgur.com/zJVSnlr.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/cQuDkuj.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/X4D4hnK.jpg)

Follow this link to see where I got them from:
Just look for "Star Wars (Droid)" entering via ebay.com!

etoyshop: http://stores.ebay.com/EToyshop?_trksid=p2047675.l2563

cutesource: http://stores.ebay.com/cutesource/?_dmd=1&_nkw=star+wars

moresource: http://stores.ebay.com/moresource?_trksid=p2047675.l2563

So based on these two different Battle Droids I am going to make a series of customs. And here is a list of them:

Red Tan:

(https://i.imgur.com/f1JkxyY.jpg)
I do not own this image. All rights reserved to jeditemplearchives.com
Source: http://www.jeditemplearchives.com/content/modules.php?name=JReviews&rop=showcontent&id=2013

Versions:

#1 (Basic): Battle Droid Figure without any paint applications (for comparison)

#2 (Wheathered): Basic Battle Droid with weathering and more detail (e.g. scratches)

#3c (Repaint 1): Clean Infantry Battle Droid completely repainted with Citadel's Layer: Tuskgor Fur (Pre-Version of #3)

#3 (Repaint 2): Infantry Battle Droid completely repainted with Citadel's Layer: Tuskgor Fur & weathered

#3p (Repaint 7): OOM-series Pilot Droid completely repainted with Citadel's Layer: Tuskor Fur

#3s (Repaint 8 ): OOM-series Security Droid completely repainted with Citadel's Layer: Tuskor Fur

#3o (Repaint 9): OOM-9 Command Officer Droid completely repainted with Citadel's Layer: Tuskor Fur

#4c (Repaint 3): Clean Infantry Battle Droid completely repainted with Citadel's Base: Bugman's Glow (Pre-Version #4)

#4 (Repaint 4): Infantry Battle Droid completely repainted with Citadel's Base: Bugman's Glow & weathered

#5c (Repaint 5): Clean Infantry Battle Droid completely repainted with Citadel's Layer: Skrag Brown (Pre-Version #5)

#5 (Repaint 6): Infatry Battle Droid completely repainted with Citadel's Layer: Skrag Brown & weathered

#6c (Repaint 10): Clean Infantry Battle Droid completely repainted with Citadel's Base: Doombull Brown (Pre-Version of #6)

#6 (Repaint 11):Infantry Battle Droid completely repainted with Citadel's Base: Doombull Brown & weathered

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(https://i.imgur.com/sCCytKt.png)
I do not own this image. All rights reserved to pinterest.com
Source: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/c6/1f/d3/c61fd3cbf4cf4534012d5af3348ef1c4.png

So here we go with the red tan versions...

First of all I gathered some reference material:

(https://i.imgur.com/95Yfc7u.jpg)
DeAgostini's chess figures, Wizards of the Coast's Battle Droid, both of LEGO's red tan Battle Droids

#1: Basic Battle Droid:

So there's not much more to say about this figure. It has 5 points of articulation:
ball-jointed head, swivel shoulders and hips.

Here's is the Battle Droid next to the TVC and the (cancelled/Amazon exclusive) LC versions:
(https://i.imgur.com/SwaapmW.jpg)

Before I started to customize them, I gave them a boiling-water cure to straighten all bent parts like the antenna, neck, arms or legs.
(https://i.imgur.com/LDsx284.jpg)

#2:Weathered Basic Battle Droid:

(https://i.imgur.com/NWBfUYe.jpg)
For the weathering I used two pigements of Revell's weathering set: Deep Black and Rust Red.
The scratches are dry-brushed Citadel's Base Leadbelcher.

(https://i.imgur.com/93cvBo0.jpg)
Revell's Weathering Set - Thank you Christoph!

(https://i.imgur.com/PhLhGSK.jpg)
Left: Version #1 - Basic Battle Droid / Right: Version #2 - weathered Battle Droid

(https://i.imgur.com/acI8r9a.jpg)
Left: Version #1 - Basic Battle Droid / Right: Version #2 - weathered Battle Droid - front / back

(https://i.imgur.com/JvSjdqe.jpg)
Left: Version #1 - Basic Battle Droid / Right: Version #2 - weathered Battle Droid - left / right

(https://i.imgur.com/fXsaMO6.jpg)
Version #2 - weathered Battle Droid - detailed view

Repaints:

The first coat of primer is brush-painted. I used Citadel's Imperial Primer.
So like at the beginning of every repaint of mine here is "The Black Series" Battle Droid:

(https://i.imgur.com/tnWl05m.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/mlRCHw6.jpg)

B1 Battle Droid - Gamut of Colours
(https://i.imgur.com/apYVMPJ.jpg)
I tried many different colours of Citadel's assortment in order to find the most suitable shades.
Because most colours look slightly different once they're dry...I messed it up a little. It was a little late that night and I wasn't so awake than I thought I would be :D

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HELP! - HELP! - HELP! - HELP! - HELP! - HELP! - HELP! - HELP! - HELP! - HELP! - HELP! - HELP!

Here I need your Help!!

Please, help me decide which of these two colours I should use for the next red tan droids!
Shall I use Citadel's Tuskgor Fur (left) or Bugman's Glow (right)?
Which of the two looks more screen accurate? Please, help me choose the best shade of brown and let me know in the comments below!

(https://i.imgur.com/gTDJr4o.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/xx0Goda.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/GR5QNqN.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/nK0JH9R.jpg)

LEGO's red tan droids are of very similar colours, too...
(https://i.imgur.com/DIS1RVb.jpg)
Left: 2013 Release / Right: 2003 Release

(https://i.imgur.com/YHWg6uD.jpg)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

#3c (Repaint 1): Clean Infantry Battle Droid:

(https://i.imgur.com/6JK5pot.jpg)

I painted the figure in this order:

1. Applying the Primer Imperial Primer (Citadel) with a soft hair-brush (see pic. No. 3)
2. Painting all parts with Tuskgor Fur (Layer) by Citadel
3. Correcting the torso with Citadel's Ironbreaker (Layer) and the antennas with Runefang Steel (Layer)
4. Dry-brush of all edges with Citadel's Leadbelcher (Base) to highlight them

(5.) Applying a shade (for example Nuln Oil (Citadel) - I haven't done that, yet.

(https://i.imgur.com/E0cELyo.jpg)

#3 (Repaint 1): Infantry Battle Droid:

(https://i.imgur.com/Z77IQJf.jpg)

I painted the figure in this order:

1. Applying the Primer Imperial Primer (Citadel) with a soft hair-brush
2. Painting all parts with Tuskgor Fur (Layer) by Citadel
3. Correcting the torso with Citadel's Ironbreaker (Layer) and the antennas with Runefang Steel (Layer)
4. Complete dry-brush with Revell's pigments
5. Dry-brush of all edges with Citadel's Leadbelcher (Base) to highlight them

(6.) Applying a shade (for example Nuln Oil (Citadel) - I haven't done that, yet.

(https://i.imgur.com/sjgyp4R.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/dzEz8uw.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/w9f1Fa9.jpg)

#4 (Repaint 2): Infantry Battle Droid:

I painted the figure in this order:

1. Applying the Primer Imperial Primer (Citadel) with a soft hair-brush
2. Painting all parts with Bugman's Glow (Base) by Citadel
3. Correcting the torso with Citadel's Ironbreaker (Layer) and the antennas with Runefang Steel (Layer)
4. Complete dry-brush with Revell's pigments
5. Dry-brush of all edges with Citadel's Leadbelcher (Base) to highlight them

(6.) Applying a shade (for example Nuln Oil (Citadel) - I haven't done that, yet.

Here are all versions next to each other:

(https://i.imgur.com/dCc8zsA.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/DcsceZc.jpg)

So before I paint the next droid I'm waiting for your feedback. I will paint all other red tan droids with one of the two colours...that was it for today. Thank you for your support!

- Philipp

Pictures are taken with a Canon eos 600D, edited with Microsoft PowerPoint and Paint and added with imgur.com.
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: B1 Battle Droid - Repaint - 09/19/2017
Post by: talonreap on September 19, 2017, 05:33:07 PM: These battle droids are amazing, Phillip! Can't wait to see what you do next! And I may have to try some of those Revell weathering powders for future projects of mine...
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: B1 Battle Droid - Repaint - 09/19/2017
Post by: Tamer on September 20, 2017, 02:06:29 AM: Wow, what a resource! From the custom project to creating this reference thread I can't imagine the time it took. Thank you for sharing it with us. Off to share this.
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: B1 Battle Droid - Repaint - 09/19/2017
Post by: FialaFernbrugg on September 24, 2017, 02:14:18 AM: Very impressive my friend.
It is astonishing how you can bring out even the smallest detail of the figure with the right paint colour and some weathering.
The weathering looks excellent by the way and I'm glad that the Revell weathering set is also useful for figure customs.
If you ask me I would say Tuskgor Fur fits better for Geonosis droids.
The black droid looks also very cool and I'm looking forward to see a standard (Naboo) colour repaint.

Excellent work!
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: B1 Battle Droid - Repaint - 09/19/2017
Post by: Darth More on September 24, 2017, 03:18:25 AM: Thank you for your feedback, Christoph! I am happy you like the first series of my repainted Battle Droids! Your weathering set does definitely all the magic to them!
And I agree with you! Tuskgor Fur seems to be more screen accurate although I also like Bugman's Glow a lot! Still need to add pictures of V. #4.
And the next series of the skull white/tan verisons is just in the works...so stay tuned for a soon update ;) I got some plans with the black B1, too!

- Philipp
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: B1 Battle Droid - Repaint - 09/19/2017
Post by: Darth More on September 28, 2017, 03:47:56 AM: So here are some pics I shot just for fun after I painted the next bunch of droids with Citadel's "Imperial Primer". And since I also plan on doing some more customs based on Star Wars Battlefront II, this is a little preview ;) If you know the Saga of the 607th Legion Mod you will know what's coming. Commander Vaks will be part of this series...

I thought I'd be nice to see all these black painted B1 units next to Omega Squad.

And if I could create graphic novels at least half as good as our forum members sharing their Graphic Fiction such as hangarbay94, Kualan, Jodo, CloneCrazy, CHEWIE and many more.
Follow this link to check them out! http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?board=115.0
I would definitely make a series out of "Missions of Omega Squad". But first I need to know more about how to make them...

Omega Squad storms into the secret laboratory and research facility under the surface of Geonosis.
The four Republic Commandos Niner (RC-1309), Atin (RC-3222), Darman (RC-1136) and Fi (RC-8015) don't know, yet, what's expecting them down there...

(https://i.imgur.com/FxIb00P.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/klufxFe.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/hgmOHvt.jpg)

Looking back at the pictures I should've moved the head of the Geonosian engineer as he doesn't show any reaction to the attack of the Republic Commandos...

Read the full article about Omega Squad on Wookiepedia:
http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Omega_Squad

- Philipp
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: B1 Battle Droid - Repaint - 09/19/2017
Post by: Kualan on September 28, 2017, 06:41:52 AM: Wow, those battle droids turned out really good. Nice job preserving so much detail.
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: B1 Battle Droid - Repaint - 09/19/2017
Post by: Darth More on September 28, 2017, 02:48:03 PM: @ Kualan: Thank you mate! It is a lot of fun working on them! I apply the colors very thin and evenly to maintain as much detail as possible.

Here are some more pictures:

Comparison of all red tan Infantry Battle Droids:

(https://i.imgur.com/DcsceZc.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/1lUt93n.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/UKeqpq1.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/kGo48ZK.jpg)

Battle on Geonosis:

(https://i.imgur.com/lSHJDzT.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/IaDBaBN.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/MRAyPij.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/qKeK2c3.jpg)

Read the full article about the Separatist Droid Army on Wookiepedia.
Just follow this link: http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Separatist_Droid_Army

Also please make sure to re-check Page 4 for a detailed look at the making-of these B1 Infantry Battle Droids! I added some new pictures as well!
http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=10186.45

Coming next are the red tan B1 Security and Pilot Droids...

Cheers!

- Philipp
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: B1 Battle Droid - Repaint - 09/29/2017
Post by: Tamer on September 29, 2017, 02:01:03 AM: Wow, another great update. Off to share this one too.
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: B1 Battle Droid - Repaint - 09/29/2017
Post by: talonreap on October 02, 2017, 08:13:20 AM: Wow, those mini dioramas are amazing! Fantastic work again, Phillip. I love all the work you've done!
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: B1 Battle Droid - Repaint - 09/29/2017
Post by: Darth More on November 16, 2017, 11:59:12 AM: Sorry for the late reply guys! Time keeps flying by...

@Kualan: Thank you Kualan. Preserving the detail is very important to me. With my latest progress I dry-brushed the Battle Droids completely and the result is great! The colors look very different compared to brush-painting them. Stay tuned for more details, soon!

@Tamer: Thanks again Tamer!

@talonreap: Thanks heaps buddy! I am glad you like them! Do you have a favourite one? I can't really decide which color to choose for the rest of the red tan B1 units...I am thankful for any suggestions! And do you have a favourite cusrtom figure or mini diorama?

Best regards from Germany!

- Philipp
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: B1 Battle Droid - Repaint - 11/19/2017
Post by: Darth More on November 19, 2017, 03:57:45 AM: More consideration...or just more confusion...

When I was going through the Star Wars Fact File I found this image of C-3PO during the Battle of Geonosis.

(https://i.imgur.com/Ij6K9V2.jpg)

This picture of 3PO's head attached to a B1 unit made me re-consider the painting, once again...
There are two colors which I had taken into consideration at the beginning, but hadn't used them, yet.

So here we are with two more versions of the red tan B1 Battle Droid:

This time I dry-brushed the droids completely instead of painting them with a soft brush. I think the result is a progress. That's why I started with these figures and not with the TVC Battle Droid right away. I can use my new experience of this project for my final TVC SA versions.

#5c (Repaint 5): Infantry Battle Droid:

I painted the figure in this order:

1. Applying the Primer Imperial Primer (Citadel) with a soft hair-brush
2. Dry-brush all parts with Skrag Brown (Layer) by Citadel
3. Correcting the torso with Citadel's Ironbreaker (Layer) and the antennas with Runefang Steel (Layer)
4. Dry-brush of all edges with Citadel's Leadbelcher (Base) to highlight them

(5.) Applying a shade (for example Nuln Oil (Citadel) - I haven't done that, yet.

#6c (Repaint 10): Infantry Battle Droid:

I painted the figure in this order:

1. Applying the Primer Imperial Primer (Citadel) with a soft hair-brush
2. Dry-brush all parts with Doombull Brown (Base) by Citadel
3. Correcting the torso with Citadel's Ironbreaker (Layer) and the antennas with Runefang Steel (Layer)
4. Dry-brush of all edges with Citadel's Leadbelcher (Base) to highlight them

(5.) Applying a shade (for example Nuln Oil (Citadel) - I haven't done that, yet.

Comparison:

(https://i.imgur.com/X4w8ADh.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/xJPH2Q1.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/7HUINlB.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/RSCZdGX.jpg)

Again, I am thankful for your feedback because I'm still not sure which color to choose for the red tan Security and Pilot Droids...which of the four colors do you think is most screenaccurate?

Best regards from Germany and have a good sunday!

- Philipp

(on edit)
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: B1 Battle Droid - Repaint - 11/19/2017
Post by: Tamer on November 19, 2017, 06:29:06 AM: You are taking this color thing to an entirely different level. Talk about level of accuracy. Awesome work.
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: B1 Battle Droid - Repaint - 11/19/2017
Post by: Starchaser on November 22, 2017, 05:37:11 PM: These look great! I'm not sure how to answer you're question though. So much is dependent on the lighting in the pictures taken of the different droids (in the reference material) and I haven't looked that closely at them in a while.
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: B1 Battle Droid - Repaint - 12/01/2017
Post by: Darth More on December 01, 2017, 11:00:20 AM: @ Tamer: Yes, it's crazy, but it's fun, too! ;)

@ Starchaser: Thank you very much for your feedback! I think I am there, now - please, check out the pictures below...

OOM-series Battle Droid

The OOM-series battle droid was the predecessor of the B1 battle droid. Several variants were used during the Invasion of Naboo and throughout the Clone Wars, each one with different programming and with markings of a different colour:

- OOM command battle droids had yellow markings, and acted as commanders for the battle droid forces.

- OOM pilot battle droids had blue markings and were used to crew various kinds of vehicles.

- Security Battle Droids had red markings, and were used for security purposes.

Source: Wookieepeida
Read the full article by following this link:http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/OOM-series_battle_droid/Canon

(https://i.imgur.com/hkwp70l.jpg)
I do not own this image. All rights reserved to starwars.com
Source: http://www.starwars.com/databank/battle-droid

Dry-brushing can make a huge difference!

Two weeks ago I talked to FialaFernbrugg on Skype. Once again we talked about colors for the red tan Battle Droids. Christoph's first choice out of Citadel's colors was still Tuskgor Fur, which I had already used for Version #3c. And after painting Versions #5 and #6 with the dry-brush technique a second try on #3 seemed to be promising.

After our conversation I was so eager to see how Tuskgor Fur looked dry-brushed on a Battle Droid so I started right away...and here is the result:

(https://i.imgur.com/uQuKoWO.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/lT6XaNY.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/74mm10Y.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/aD5tEwP.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/3QkRfxq.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Bn2UKJj.jpg)

I am glad how the base color turned out and also the blue of the Pilot Droid comes very close to the original...I just haven't found the right red for the Security unit, yet...any suggestions?
Army Painter might help me out...otherwise I will have to mix colors.

And while painting the Pilot Droid I watched some great videos of TheBudgetJedi! His videos are just so great and his projects even more inspiring - what a fun evening...be sure to visit and subscribe to his channel on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/user/TheBudgetJedi

#3p (Repaint 7): OOM-series Pilot Battle Droid:

I painted the figure in this order:

1. Apply Citadel's "Imperial Primer" with a soft hair-brush.
2. Applying Abaddon Black (Base) to the droid's visors (to maintain the shiny effect)
3. Dry-brush the entire figure with Citadel's Tuskgor Fur (Layer)
4. Dry-brush the shoulder parts with Citadel's Alaitoc Blue (Layer)
5. Applying Citadel's Leadbealcher (Layer) to all joints and Runefang Steel (Layer)
to the antennas.
6. Dry-brush of all edges with Citadel's Runefang Steel (Layer) to highlight them
7. Seal the paint with a clear varnish (e.g. Citadel's spray paint "Munitorum Varnish")

Have a nice weekend and a good 1st Advent guys!

Cheers!

- Philipp
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: B1 Battle Droid - Repaint - 12/01/2017
Post by: (SID) on December 01, 2017, 12:21:14 PM: Wow. These look really nice. Makes me wanna dig out the giant toys r us bag I have... Just full of droids (all types, parts too)... That I filled over time from eBay lot binge's... And copy repaint a bunch of the battle droids.

Your work is inspiring. Cannot wait to check back and see more.
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: B1 Battle Droid - Repaint - 12/01/2017
Post by: Darth More on December 01, 2017, 12:42:02 PM: @ (SID): Thank you very much for your feedback! Please go ahead and do so! This was exactly my intention - that's why I take pictures of every step and describe how I do things in that detail ;)
I am happy that you find my projects inspiring! That makes the time I spend to share it on here worth the effort even more. And checking back on here is also worth it - I am actually taking more pics right now!
Please, feel free to share your Battle Droids on here once they're repainted! As I said in the post above, I recommend a complete dry-brush for Battle Droids! The tan versions are my next project...and you're right - Star Wars owns me, too...haha
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: B1 Battle Droid - Repaint - 12/01/2017
Post by: FialaFernbrugg on December 03, 2017, 07:33:30 AM: Very impressive.
I think you have created the ultimate B1 Battledroid in 3 3/4 scale.
The weathering looks perfect even compared to the movie pictures.
The blue and red for the pilot and the security droid looks very accurate.
I can't wait to see a Commander.

Excellent work!
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: OOM-series Battle Droid - Repaint - 12/08/2017
Post by: Darth More on December 08, 2017, 04:39:45 AM: Thank you very much Christoph! I could only achieve this result with YOUR help! So thank YOU very much for your prescious advice! Tuskgor Fur turned out to be the best choice...if applied correctly with a nice dry-brush!
Cheers!

- Philipp

Stay tuned for more yellow action on the battle droids, soon! ;)
Title: Re: legion078's custom figures: OOM-series Battle Droid - Repaint - 12/08/2017
Post by: Darth More on February 12, 2019, 02:57:25 PM: So to wrap up this Battle Droid project for now and continue, here is a quick update with some detailed shots of the paint apps on the red tan Security & Pilot droid:

(https://i.imgur.com/D1Bvjp1.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/9Amljzn.jpg)

And once again I need your help! I still try to find the perfect color this time around for the tan version:

(https://i.imgur.com/2r25pJQ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/0cUkVSp.jpg)

I even got two paints from vallejo and Revell and started to mix the acrylic paints in beige/sand/tan - still no satisfiying result...

(https://i.imgur.com/D8AWplH.jpg)

Well, BANDAI nailed the color for their two Battle Droids. Another reason why I got them - for reference:

(https://i.imgur.com/Qg8DBEu.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/7g2oIa7.jpg)

So your support would help me a ton! Thank you guys!

Please also take a look at my new project: STAR WARS: Battlefront - custom figures:

http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=10513.msg207918#msg207918

- Philipp
Title: Re: Darth More's custom figures: OOM-series Battle Droid - Repaint - 11/02/2019
Post by: Darth More on February 23, 2019, 12:30:26 AM: Jayson over at YakFace has posted his ideas for variations of the new 6“ Battle Droid:

http://yakfaceforums.com/main/2019/02/22/6-battle-droid-variants-lets-get-it-done/

And I also wanted to share this picture, which I found on rebelscum. Much respect to AgentClaret for these repaints. This is actually what I aimed for from the beginning of this project:

https://forum.rebelscum.com/showthread.php?t=1078245
Title: Re: Darth More's custom figures: OOM-series Battle Droid - Repaint - 11/02/2019
Post by: Tamer on February 23, 2019, 04:34:36 AM: I don't know how I didn't get this update, but I have it on the front page now.

Once again you have every avenue of this figure covered.

Are you going to get the six inch version that I see is releasing now?
Title: Re: Darth More's custom figures: OOM-series Battle Droid - Repaint - 11/02/2019
Post by: Darth More on February 23, 2019, 08:48:54 AM: No worries Tamer! I know you’re busy. And I thought you were tired of Battle Droids by now! lol
Thank you for putting it on the front page today! I hope to find a solution, soon. The next projects are already done and waiting in the pipeline to be shared.

My second version of the Destroyer Droid on page 3 wasn’t posted, either. Instead, you posted the Super Battle Droid back then, which was only a “side dish”. That was a little letdown, but definitely my bad because I posted two customs at once and two of the same kind in a row. That would’ve been awesome to see the second Droideka on the pages. It’s my favorite figure of all. But it’s okay, I’m gonna make a third one ;)

- Philipp
Title: Re: Darth More's OOM-series Battle Droid - Repaint - 11/02/2019
Post by: Tamer on February 24, 2019, 05:51:55 AM: Sorry, I do try to get em all featured, but drop the ball every so often.
Title: Re: Darth More's OOM-series Battle Droid - Repaint - 11/02/2019
Post by: Darth More on February 24, 2019, 09:41:27 AM: It’s all good Tamer - it’s just a hobby. I’m glad and thankful that you run this entire website AND Facebook for us at all even on a daily basis!
Title: Re: Darth More's OOM-series Pilot & Security Droid - Repaint - 11/02/2019
Post by: Tamer on February 25, 2019, 03:12:55 AM: Droideka on the front page. That was some awesome paint work there.
Title: Re: Darth More's OOM-series Pilot & Security Droid - Repaint - 11/02/2019
Post by: Starchaser on February 25, 2019, 11:52:48 PM: Great work on the paint matching, and thanks for sharing your discoveries.
Title: Re: Darth More's OOM-series Pilot & Security Droid - Repaint - 11/02/2019
Post by: Darth More on February 26, 2019, 12:00:41 AM: Tamer: Thank you very much! I hope you’ll like my next project, too.

Starchaser: Thank you for your feedback! I’m pretty pleased with the Pilot Droid.
I also got two new colors from Apple Barrel an can’t wait to work with them when I get home next week.
Also the new TBS6 Battle Droid screams for a 4-Pack. Great news for all 6” fans there.
I really hope we’ll see a similar (maybe a 3-Pack) dedication for the B1 in The Vintage Collection. Once I’m done with my Battle Droid Repaints, I’ll post them here and show you how the perfect Packs of Separatist Forces to me would look like. It looks like Hasbro makes more use of these Special Action Figure Sets...

- Philipp
Title: Re: Darth More's OOM-series Pilot & Security Droid - Repaint - 11/02/2019
Post by: FialaFernbrugg on March 02, 2019, 02:51:46 AM: To find the correct colour is always a complex subject especially when there is no standard or specification.
I wish I could help you more but you tried pretty much all the colours from the manufacturers I know.
The Geonosis droids look brilliant. I really like the blue on the pilot droid in contrast to the dark brown colour.
I hope you find the perfect colour for the tan version.
Title: Re: Darth More's OOM-series Pilot & Security Droid - Repaint - 11/02/2019
Post by: Darth More on March 13, 2019, 07:34:33 AM: FialaFernbrugg: Thank you very much for your feedback my friend. It'd be great to see an official template from Lucasfilm/Disney, but that will probably never happen. They could even sell their official colors as acrylic/email paints...

I keep looking for the perfect match and try my best to find it.

Talking about the right colors: It's important to note that Lucas and his team worked with color schemes available in North America. Colors may vary outside the U.S. - so some shades might not be available in the rest of the world.
My dad brought me these red colors from Apple Barrel - Made in U.S.A.

I'm going to use these in hope to find the perfect shade of red for the Security Battle Droid.
Thanks to Nihilus000911 for making me aware of these acrylic paints from WalMart!

Make sure to check out his YouTube channel:

http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=10560.0

(https://i.imgur.com/fGY5n0M.jpg)
Title: Re: Darth More's 1,000 Posts Special: BB-R, BB-B and BB-? 15/03/2019
Post by: Darth More on March 15, 2019, 01:03:52 AM: 1,000th Post Special

So for my 1,000th post on Imperial Shipyards I move on to a new project I did in February. This idea came to my mind quite spontaneously.

I found these 5 fellows here on eBay for 20 bucks shipped and gave two of them a repaint!
Please, read on because you can make a choice on one of them!

(https://i.imgur.com/cHPVd9f.jpg)

As you might remember I already repainted & weathered my very first BB-8 figure:

Check it out on Page 2, Reply #20.

http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=10186.15

Now, may I intorduce to you BB-R and BB-B!

How they were made...

First, I covered BB-8's orange applications with a white primer from Citadel.

(https://i.imgur.com/OQP7Rk2.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/TvF6fHs.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/VdhhcFu.jpg)

Tools used for "high prescision" painting:

(https://i.imgur.com/9w1ZLWs.jpg)

BB-R

- Figure: BB-8 from TFA 3-Pack
- Paint: Humbrol's Enamel No. 60 Mat Red

(https://i.imgur.com/4zrAEyF.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Jshrw9t.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/fBUlG4B.jpg)

BB-B (Triple B)

- Figure: BB-8 from TFA 3-Pack
- Paint: Humbrol's Enamel No. 52 Metallic Blue

(https://i.imgur.com/Kkba3L6.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/gdrOchN.jpg)

Eiffel 65 - Blue

(https://i.imgur.com/p1MA8tu.jpg)

Now, they can have a RACE!

(https://i.imgur.com/yi2FMD8.jpg)

Now, please help me make the choice for the next colour!

(https://i.imgur.com/Z2y9Ngi.jpg)

There are so many possibilities! And I'm sure Disney know that, too, to make more $$$.
Would you like to see a BB-Y, a BB-G, a BB-P or a BB in Black and Red? Let me know and if you like to, share your BB-Repaints here, too!

Votes: 16/03/2019

Purple: 1
Green: 1

Comment:

This was another fun project! To me BB-8 is the only good thing, that is NEW, about the Sequels.
Easter is right around the corner and maybe this inspired you to give some eggs a BB-Costume!
Thanks for taking a look at my work, feel free to comment, share pictures of your projects and let me know what you think!

I chose these colours because I like red and fell in love with this metallic blue!
But in retroperspective it's funny that I chose red and blue out of all - actually this doesn't have to do anything with my previous work on the Security & Pilot Battle Droids. And after I posted this on here I was reminded of the U.S. flag! That's actually quite nice to see both droids in Stars & Stripes! (Stars are presented by the metallic blue.) ;)
Humbrol's enamel paints are much thinner than Revell's - I'm used to work with somewhat thicker paints. That's why I messed up some spots...maybe I'll add some weathering to them, too.

I joined the Yards ten years ago. I haven't been the most active member because live is keeping all of us busy, I'm not the most talented or creative member by far, but I am very thankful for this awesome community on here! Thank you all for commenting, giving feedback with tips and suggestions, sharing your creativity and imagination here and most of all: being nice and respectful to each other! This might sound trivial or even childish, but it's definitely not a matter of natural course anymore. Special thanks to Tamer for your great support EVERY SINGLE DAY!

Have a great weekend everyone & best regards from Germany!

- Philipp
Title: Re: Darth More's 1,000 Posts Special: BB-R, BB-B and BB-? 15/03/2019
Post by: Tamer on March 15, 2019, 03:29:46 AM: First off congrats on 1,000 posts. I like the way you are celebrating. I like the idea of a purple BB-P. Off to share this great post.
Title: Re: Darth More's 1,000 Posts Special: BB-R, BB-B and BB-? 15/03/2019
Post by: JDeck on March 15, 2019, 04:57:01 PM: Congrats on the 1,000th post. Very nice BBs, your paint aps are always of high quality.
Title: Re: Darth More's 1,000 Posts Special: BB-R, BB-B and BB-? 15/03/2019
Post by: Starchaser on March 15, 2019, 11:37:19 PM: Nice way to commemorate a mile stone:) I like the BB "family." Personally, I would vote for green as the next addition to the line.
Title: Re: Darth More's 1,000 Posts Special: BB-R, BB-B and BB-? 15/03/2019
Post by: Darth More on April 14, 2019, 12:14:41 AM: Tamer, JDeck & Starchaser: Thank you so much for the congrats! Purple & green would look great! I think I'll just do both once I get another BB-8 figure.

Do you think I should add some weathering to BB-R and Triple B, too?
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: JEDI: Fallen Order - Imperial Purge Trooper 13/04/2019
Post by: Darth More on April 14, 2019, 12:26:26 AM: JEDI: Fallen Order - Imperial Purge Trooper

I saw the first trailer to JEDI: Fallen Order, yesterday - who else is excited?!
Actually, I watched it over and over again! I couldn't care less for Epsiode IX, but THIS looks promising!
If the gameplay will be as good as the graphic engine, this game will be awesome!

The trailer shows some interesting locations and characters. I'm most excited about these Dark Airborne Troopers, to which is referred to as Imperial Purge Troopers.
I'm not sure though if this is their final name. Have you heard anything specific about them, yet?

I couldn't resist and took some screenshots for reference:

(https://i.imgur.com/e6OP8kW.jpg)
I do not own this image. Source: reddit

And here is the official trailer from RESPAWN Entertainment owned by Electronic Arts.

I do not own the following images. Source: STAR WARS JEDI: Fallen Order Trailer 13/04/2019
(https://i.imgur.com/aPsPJqL.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/kVyceeK.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/98EZYFT.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/L6k7ugy.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/aVyKxym.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/oBpnCin.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/PnFPjRf.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/bzEuxIY.jpg)

And it also looks like we're getting some more new Clone and Imperial Trooper variants in this game...

(https://i.imgur.com/uFfNykC.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/sgEMQVU.jpg)

So I grabbed a couple TAC Airborne Troopers from my fodder bag and I cannot wait to make them into a custom 3 3/4" figure! I'm sure there already are some 6" versions in the works accross the planet, too! I actually had a Shadow Airborne Trooper on my to-do list already, but it's different than the Purge Trooper - so I don't mind and take this occasion to work on this concept, now!

(https://i.imgur.com/76WWkAU.jpg)

I'm going to work with humbrol's 27003 and 27004:

(https://i.imgur.com/0szNUPV.jpg)

But before I can start I need to make some new molds and resin parts, which will be kit-bashed. And I need some emblems of the Imperial emblem...

(https://i.imgur.com/ggWQEMn.jpg)

I'm also working on some more Clone Trooper customs featured in my other thread:

http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=10513.30

- Philipp
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: JEDI: Fallen Order - Imperial Purge Trooper 13/04/2019
Post by: Tamer on April 14, 2019, 05:30:13 AM: Awesome characters. Great start. Off to share this and that youtube video.
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: JEDI: Fallen Order - Imperial Purge Trooper 13/04/2019
Post by: hemble on April 14, 2019, 04:36:08 PM: Great use of parts mate and they will look awesome once painted.

Ron
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: JEDI: Fallen Order - Imperial Purge Trooper 13/04/2019
Post by: Starchaser on April 14, 2019, 10:27:38 PM: That trooper caught my eye as well. This will be a great build, I was thinking about doing one as well. I think you will beat me to it by a long shot though.
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: JEDI: Fallen Order - Imperial Purge Trooper 13/04/2019
Post by: Darth More on April 15, 2019, 12:40:57 AM: Tamer: Thank you! Yes, I'm really looking forward to this game! EA have to compesate the mess of the last six years...

hemble: Thank you, Ron! Yes, I have to pour the helmet and pauldrons first - and they cannot hold anything without hands - so back to the lab, again! I cannot wait to paint them!

Starchaser: The Purge Trooper is an awesome concept, indeed! Please, make one as well! Yours will look excellent! I don't think my skills are that good even if this was a competition. The more fun I have with the project, the better are my results - especially the repaints of the two Destroyer Droids were a ton of fun! Can't wait for the third one and to see your Purge Trooper(s)! Gotta step by at Games Workshop before. I really hope they'll survive the Brexit...I want GW to stay in in the rest of Europe...

Thanks for your comments & support guys! They are always appreciated!

- Philipp
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: JEDI: Fallen Order - Imperial Purge Trooper 13/04/2019
Post by: L-Jarvis customs on April 15, 2019, 07:23:15 PM: Outstanding work as always!
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: JEDI: Fallen Order - Imperial Purge Trooper 13/04/2019
Post by: krztfr on April 15, 2019, 07:36:17 PM: Can't wait to see these painted up
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: JEDI: Fallen Order - Imperial Purge Trooper 13/04/2019
Post by: Darth More on April 17, 2019, 05:15:22 AM: L-Jarvis customs: Thank you very much for your feedback!

krztfr: Same here! I made some more progress, but it wasn't as easy as I expected it to be:

- Philipp
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: JEDI: Fallen Order - Imperial Purge Trooper 13/04/2019
Post by: Darth More on April 17, 2019, 05:24:40 AM: So on Monday after work I continued working on the Purge Troopers:

(https://i.imgur.com/o4RVOUq.jpg)

I tried to take the figures apart with hot water - and I dramatically failed! When I tried to remove the shoulder, I found out that both shoulders seem to be connected with each other with a piece in the torso* (*ADD: This does not make any sense. At all. But the disks for each joint are incredibly strong.) The only parts that I could remove were the leg(s) and othe forearms. There was no way for me to seperate the torso from the hip just by pulling (even with a pair of tongs!).
So if I did manage to take them apart, I could also use another regular Clone Trooper bases on ROTS #41. Now, I have to use the rare Airborne Troopers and even have to drag the left shoulder armour. Interesting to note here is that the glued belt of Commander Keller just fell off in the hot water. So it seems the heat solved the glue, which is very surprising to me!

(https://i.imgur.com/Br9TVBy.jpg)

I cut the straps with a precision knife. Talking about precise paint jobs of the original factory:

(https://i.imgur.com/yg4lkxk.jpg)

And then I painted the first parts to find the definite color:

(https://i.imgur.com/L6k7ugy.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/rtFdvKK.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/0VbOAOe.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/kJPguae.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/0szNUPV.jpg)

Personally, I think the 27003 Polished Steel looks more authentic compared to the reference. ~~On the other hand, the 27004 Gunmetalmight look accurate when I apply a shiny clear cote...~~it dries mat, although the suggested color on the tin is glossy and looks WAY different! One thing that has been bothering me a lot lately with email colors...
ADD: I forgot that this paint is a sort of technical color! By actually "polishing" it with a paper towel/tissue I achieved the perfect look! Now, it's nice and shiny - so I made a decision - pictures of the result will follow!

What do you think? Please let me know in the comments below!

- Philipp
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: JEDI: Fallen Order - Imperial Purge Trooper 13/04/2019
Post by: ImperialOfficer on April 17, 2019, 10:11:26 AM: Hey Darth More, nice progress. I like the polished steel better. As for the torsos, clone trooper torsos are made of hard plastic similar to the joint disks and do not flex under heat. When separating torsos like that I either take an exact knife and try to cut the torso open at the seams, or I use a vice to push the joint disks in to poo the torso open. I can post a more detailed tutorial if you want.
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: JEDI: Fallen Order - Imperial Purge Trooper 17/04/2019
Post by: Darth More on April 17, 2019, 02:06:29 PM: ImperialOfficer thank you so much for your support! After thinking about it twice I have to take back my thought of the previous post. It actually makes no sense that both shoulder joints were ~~connected~~ inside the torso. BUT a solid disk for each joint inside the torso makes way more sense. However I would like to see how such a Clone Trooper torso looks inside. If you can provide any insight, I would be most thankful! Your comment already helped a lot, though! Yes, the plastic they use for the torso is much more robust...and is not resistant to light - an issue I hope they will eventually solve...

In my figure fodder I found some evidence of how stable Hasbro actually designs their products and which immense forces these joints can resist:

(https://i.imgur.com/3cok0eI.jpg)

One thing is for sure: I will never take apart a Clone Trooper based on ROTS #41 ever, again.
With six times of heating up the hips and by using this instrument from my job (a LeCron), I could finally attach the right leg to the torso, again...this figure definitely had to take the most impact of semi-professional work of me...the left leg is pretty flimsy now and the right joint is deformed. And I think this was so not necessary...but I learned a lot from it today...

(https://i.imgur.com/P1KZ1SV.jpg)

- Philipp
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: JEDI: Fallen Order - Imperial Purge Trooper 17/04/2019
Post by: Darth More on April 17, 2019, 02:44:56 PM: So today I worked on the left shoulder armor. I cut the puches with a precision knife, removed all pressure lines and sanded all the edges:

(https://i.imgur.com/3xdW7hO.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/b9z5Zuk.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/1oireij.jpg)

It turned out better than expected. So that's my progress so far. More pics will come soon once the body is painted. Casted helmet and hands will follow. Off to paint, again!

- Philipp
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: JEDI: Fallen Order - Imperial Purge Trooper 17/04/2019
Post by: Tamer on April 18, 2019, 02:25:55 AM: Nice updates. Off to share the latest.
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: JEDI: Fallen Order - Imperial Purge Trooper 17/04/2019
Post by: hemble on April 18, 2019, 03:00:33 AM: Looking forward to seeing how this turns out and so far your doing a good job.

Ron
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: JEDI: Fallen Order - Imperial Purge Trooper 17/04/2019
Post by: FialaFernbrugg on April 20, 2019, 12:59:51 AM: The Purge Trooper is one of the coolest trooper designs I've seen so far.
Really a great custom project and you have done a great job so far.
Do you have any plans how you will make the imperial cockade on the shoulder plate?
I'm really looking foraward to see more of this awesome project.
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: JEDI: Fallen Order - Imperial Purge Trooper 17/04/2019
Post by: Darth More on April 21, 2019, 01:57:54 AM: hemble It's always a pleasure to read your feedback, Ron! I'm very excited about this project, too! Casting the missing parts will take some time for me though. But I'm going to share the latest update right now!

FialaFernbrugg Thank you for all of your feedback, Christoph! I was going to repaint one of my (many) Airborne Troopers from the fodder as a Shadow Airborne Trooper. I got a specific stealth design in my mind before the Fallen Order trailer was revealed. Well, both designs look awesome and pretty similar. So I take the occasion to make some new molds of the missing parts and to make this new Purge Trooper in 1/18 scale. It looks like we're going to see a 6 inch Purge Trooper from Hasbro in November, too!
Working on the Purge Troopers is great fun! And I think I found a good way to make the Imperial emblems and found an accurate red paint for the details. So stay tuned for that! ;)

- Philipp
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: About Special Effects & Easter Eggs 21/04/2019
Post by: Darth More on April 21, 2019, 02:03:22 AM: About Special Effects & Easter Eggs

Here's my update on the Imperial Purge Trooper from Jedi: Fallen Order.

Yesterday, I painted the first Airborne Trooper with humbrol 27004 Gunmetal and Citadel Abaddon Black.
Today, I polished the Gunmetal paint with a paper towel and here's the result:

(https://i.imgur.com/ZPjE0Zj.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/T0UzEDg.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/DKDbzUz.jpg)

The paint needs to dry for 6 hours. After that I polished the paint with a paper towel. The effect is well visible.
As metioned in my last update I had forgotten about this special effect of humbrol's 27004 Gunmetal. Still, the paint doesn't look as the sample on top of the tin. I chose to use this paint instead of 27003 Polished Steel because 27004 is more consistant and doesn't leave streaks.

Special thanks to ImperialOfficer for his support and suggestion on which paint to choose! 27003 & 27004 look extremely similar once dried and polished. And I think we now got the perfect colors for the Purge Trooper!

Although it doesn't need much pressure to polish the paint, some of the Metal Cote was accidently removed along the edges. I will repaint these areas before finishing the custom.

(https://i.imgur.com/ucyxDfq.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/bJTDrDc.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/YWNg5Pt.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/m0M29EZ.jpg)

This is my little Easter Egg* for you guys!

* egg used is organic, no animals were harmed for this test paint. Make a choice for more protection and welfare of animals. Thank you!

(https://i.imgur.com/mbV7lpu.jpg)

This is my latest custom, which was finished last Monday. I was on fire that night and worked until late at night with good music. I got this incomplete ARC Trooper for 2 bucks on ebay (4,39€ shipped). I couldn't wait to add some details. As mentioned before I'm a big fan of the Clone Heavy Trooper from Pandemic's Battlefront II. I used my very first resin cast of the Heavy Trooper helmet, which was made by my girlfriend. It came out flawless! The helmet's visor and the antenna were also painted with humbrol's Gunmetal, but haven't been polished, yet. I might repaint the visor with humbrol's 50 metallic green though, which I need to buy first. Details will follow soon! It'll take some time to make the molds for the missing parts of the Purge Trooper. I hope you like the result! Please, let me know!

(https://i.imgur.com/RcOhazc.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/mGEJ02D.jpg)

Have a nice & peaceful Easter with your family & friends!

- Philipp
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: About Special Effects & Easter Eggs 21/04/2019
Post by: Tamer on April 21, 2019, 05:10:41 AM: Oh yeah, looks like the right color to me. You are bringing this project along nicely. I like your egg and the custom with it. Nice way to celebrate Easter! Off to share your update.
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: About Special Effects & Easter Eggs 21/04/2019
Post by: Darth More on April 21, 2019, 10:43:13 AM: Thank you Tamer! I'm glad you saw may post today! Thanks for sharing it! Yes, the color looks accurate right away. Seeing how well the color turned out makes me very happy. Also the Clone Commander Concept / red Clone Heavy Trooper / Clone Trooper Specialist turned out nicely. I'll share the full story about him, soon!

- Philipp
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: About Special Effects & Easter Eggs 21/04/2019
Post by: Darth More on April 21, 2019, 10:47:24 AM: Jayson over @YakFace.com shares some presumptions about his pre-order of JEDI: Fallen Order at GamesStop. His order details might give a hint at what you get with the game itself.

Find out after the jump:

https://yakfaceforums.com/main/2019/04/19/jedi-fallen-order-preorder-reveals-clue-to-black-series-figure-identity/

So what do you think? Which could be the new (exclusive?) TBS6 action figure? Are we going to see the Purge Trooper in 1/12 scale from Hasbro in November?

- Philipp
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: About Special Effects & Easter Eggs 21/04/2019
Post by: Darth More on April 21, 2019, 11:05:08 AM: So as mentioned before, making molds for hands and pauldrons will need some time and cause some delay. Back in January I made a series of new molds. The helmet of the Airborne Trooper was one of them. Now, I only need to cast a few in resin. I won't use rare original parts for my customs.

Update: Check out my topic on molding & casting parts & accessories:

http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=10633.0
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: About Special Effects & Easter Eggs 21/04/2019
Post by: Darth More on April 21, 2019, 11:18:11 AM: FialaFernbrugg asked how I was going to make the Imperial emblems for the Purge Trooper. Well, from the beginning I knew I will use decals for it - either from a model kit or print them out myself.
You can find loads of videos by searching "making decals" on YouTube.
I decided to share a video from restoration expert of Vintage toys Toy Polloi on here once, again.

He does a fantastic job explaining how he makes vinyl decals for his Kenner AT-AT and AT-ST Drivers!
He even shares his template of insignias as PDF file! You can find them in the description below the video on YouTube:

Double-click for full screen view.

And here is another video from Doctor Faust's Painting Clinic which is about general making of miniature decals and provides all the information you need!

So now I need to get some suitable vinyl sheets for my laser printer from ebay...

- Philipp
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: About Special Effects & Easter Eggs 21/04/2019
Post by: Tamer on April 22, 2019, 11:27:40 AM: Looks like you are well prepared. Enjoyed your updates. Off to share this to the front pages.
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: About Special Effects & Easter Eggs 21/04/2019
Post by: Darth More on April 22, 2019, 02:50:30 PM: Yes, it should be doable. Glad to hear that! I know many people are interested in molding & casting. I’ll share how I make parts with resin as far as I can.

I told the guy who sold the red ARC Trooper to me, that I was going to make a custom of it. He asked me to send him a picture of it, so I did today. He replied and told me he was now charing 20€ for it if he still owned it. Well, I take that as compliment. lol

- Philipp
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: About Special Effects & Easter Eggs 21/04/2019
Post by: Starchaser on April 25, 2019, 01:15:25 PM: Thanks for sharing!
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: About Special Effects & Easter Eggs 21/04/2019
Post by: FialaFernbrugg on April 26, 2019, 09:42:02 AM: Now these are some Easter eggs I would like to find during the next Easter egg hunt. Really cool idea my friend.
The polished paint looks very good. I think you found a very good colour for your Purge Trooper custom. I think this colour could also work on a Super Battle Droid but I'm not a droid expert.
The concept art Clone Commander looks phenomenal. The paintjob on the helmet is amazing.
Thank you very much for the very interesting decal tutorials. Definitely useful for future custom projects.
Excellent work as always.
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: About Special Effects & Easter Eggs 21/04/2019
Post by: Darth More on April 27, 2019, 05:16:16 AM: Starchaser You're very welcome! I ordered five sheets of vinyl foil on ebay. Can't wait to print some decals!

FialaFernbrugg Thank you for your feedback! Yes, I'm quite happy how the paint & polish turned out! Using it for a Super Battle Droid is a brilliant idea, Mr Understatement! I'll definitely try that!
I'll share full details on the Clone Commander, soon! I knew I was going to do something with it, but the final idea came to my mind very sponatnously while I was working on the Desert Recon Specialist.

Thanks for your feedback guys! I'm always thrilled to read it!

- Philipp
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: About Special Effects & Easter Eggs 21/04/2019
Post by: Darth More on April 27, 2019, 05:22:38 AM: While I was searching ebay for customs this morning, I came across this custom from seller rundown70 here:

It's an Imperial Purge Trooper! So this talented customizer here seems to be in serious business because he already finished a 3.75" Purge Trooper! I really like his interpretation of the Purge Trooper, although it doesn't quite look like the design of the trailer. And I'm pretty sure, this custom also uses a resin cast helmet.
Oh well, and I thought I was the first one to finish the Purge Trooper in 1/18 scale...

This auction ends tomorrow (Sunday), April 28, 2019:

https://www.ebay.de/itm/Star-Wars-Custom-Imperial-Airborne-Trooper-Fallen-Order-Jedi-Assassin-Rundown/223491567036?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20170511121231%26meid%3D9cba74be0b4b4ab5b20e9b92def13e2c%26pid%3D100675%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D15%26sd%3D223491567036%26itm%3D223491567036&_trksid=p2481888.c100675.m4236&_trkparms=pageci%3A9c2e8f59-68e4-11e9-bad8-74dbd18000bc%7Cparentrq%3A5eaeb5de16a0aa485f655854fffabf3e%7Ciid%3A1 (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5575055288&toolid=10001&campid=5337373868&customid=&mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.de%2Fitm%2FStar-Wars-Custom-Imperial-Airborne-Trooper-Fallen-Order-Jedi-Assassin-Rundown%2F223491567036%3F_trkparms%3Daid%253D111001%2526algo%253DREC.SEED%2526ao%253D1%2526asc%253D20170511121231%2526meid%253D9cba74be0b4b4ab5b20e9b92def13e2c%2526pid%253D100675%2526rk%253D1%2526rkt%253D15%2526sd%253D223491567036%2526itm%253D223491567036%26_trksid%3Dp2481888.c100675.m4236%26_trkparms%3Dpageci%253A9c2e8f59-68e4-11e9-bad8-74dbd18000bc%257Cparentrq%253A5eaeb5de16a0aa485f655854fffabf3e%257Ciid%253A1)

If you're interested I wish you good luck. I won't bid because he ships within the U.S. only.

- Philipp
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: About Special Effects & Easter Eggs 21/04/2019
Post by: Tamer on April 27, 2019, 07:31:50 AM: Well thats awesome. I remember having a member here called Rundown years ago. Wonder if its the same person. Off to share this auction.
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: About Special Effects & Easter Eggs 21/04/2019
Post by: Darth More on April 27, 2019, 09:41:22 AM: Tamer, I read your comment, sent him a message on ebay and got an INSTANT reply! And you are right. It's him! He used to be active on here. Let's hope he'll return. I might had been on my "graduation break" when he shared his customs on here. But I think I remember seeing pictures of his brilliant customs with the grey background.
Thanks a lot for taking his auction to the front page! I hope this masterpiece will find a nice new home.

- Philipp
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: JEDI: Fallen Order: Imperial Purge Trooper 21/04/2019
Post by: Tamer on April 28, 2019, 05:07:18 AM: I thought it might be the same customizer.
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: JEDI: Fallen Order: Imperial Purge Trooper 21/04/2019
Post by: customjedi on April 28, 2019, 04:04:01 PM: The polished gun metal is impressive. It looks really great!
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: JEDI: Fallen Order: Imperial Purge Trooper 21/04/2019
Post by: Stan on April 30, 2019, 07:30:51 PM: Excellent customers my friend , the metal looks excellent! Applause
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: JEDI: Fallen Order: Imperial Purge Trooper 21/04/2019
Post by: Darth More on May 13, 2019, 12:40:15 AM: Tamer You were exactly right! Man, do I hope rundown70 will return to the yards...

customjedi Thank you so much! I'm glad you like it! I think it turned out quite well, too!

Stan Thank you, Stan! I really appreciate your feedback! You got my fullst respect for your incredible skills especially on painting headsculpts! I read your comment to your latest custom figure. I'll comment on that later and wish you all the best for a quick recovery.'

Thank you for your feedback, gnetlemen! I appreciate it a lot!

- Philipp
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: JEDI: Fallen Order: Imperial Purge Trooper 13/05/2019
Post by: Darth More on May 13, 2019, 12:47:36 AM: This is just a drill!!

FialaFernbrugg gave me precious advice and a hint at GIMP, which I already had forgotten about. GIMP is a complex and excellent freeware with incredible functions. I even forgot that I already had it installed on my PC since I only worked with Paint and Microsoft Office Power Point for my last projects.

So a big shoutout and thumbs up to FialaFernbrugg! Thank you so much for your support!

Check out his latest project here: http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=1624.msg211398#msg211398

So I played around with some images I found online and modified the Imperial Emblem for my Purge Troopers.

So here they are! I'll add a full turorial on how I edited them very soon.

(https://i.imgur.com/R8MrBQQ.png)

(https://i.imgur.com/j9NqQ7h.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/LbJQurV.png)

(https://i.imgur.com/oDe9l3a.png)

- Philipp
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: JEDI: Fallen Order: Imperial Purge Trooper 13/05/2019
Post by: Darth More on May 13, 2019, 12:55:39 AM: So I posted these four images to see if my modifications worked. The first image has got a fine screen of squares in the background. This screen is supposed to be invisible/left out.
The other three emplems have a black or white backgroud. Since a printer cannot print white, only the black and red areas will be printed. I will do some test prints on regular paper to test out the dimensions. Once they fit, I will print some emblems on decal foil. I'm thrilled!

- Philipp
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: JEDI: Fallen Order: Imperial Purge Trooper 13/05/2019
Post by: Tamer on May 13, 2019, 02:26:25 AM: I might have to check out this freeware for myself. Is it kind of like adobe photoshop and editing in layers? Nice graphic work. Off to share.
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: JEDI: Fallen Order: Imperial Purge Trooper 13/05/2019
Post by: FialaFernbrugg on May 25, 2019, 01:06:54 AM: The emblems look great.
I can't wait to see the decals for your Purge Troopers.
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: JEDI: Fallen Order: Imperial Purge Trooper 13/05/2019
Post by: Starchaser on May 28, 2019, 12:06:13 AM: Those look cool. It'll be great to see them on the Troopers.
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: JEDI: Fallen Order: Imperial Purge Trooper 13/05/2019
Post by: Stan on May 31, 2019, 09:08:22 PM: Woah! Great work on the imperial insignia! Perfection !
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: JEDI: Fallen Order: Imperial Purge Trooper 13/05/2019
Post by: Darth More on April 11, 2020, 03:17:23 PM: Thanks for your comments guys! I really hoped to get the Purge Troopers done before Fallen Order was released, but well...working on the Imperial Emblems was a little tricky first, but it worked well with Microsoft Power Point. Now, the first sheet with different decals is ready to be printed. Unfortunately the copy shop is closed due to the Corona thing. So I will skip a post and finally move on here...
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: JEDI: Fallen Order: Imperial Purge Trooper 13/05/2019
Post by: Darth More on April 11, 2020, 03:17:54 PM: placeholder
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Easter Egg - Blue Snaggletooth - 12/04/2020
Post by: Darth More on April 11, 2020, 03:29:30 PM: Blue Snaggletooth (Modern Version - complete repaint)

(https://i.imgur.com/BfdbHMB.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/ZaLs1D2.jpg)

With yesterday's reveal of the Cardback for the TVC Power Droid I thought I'd make a surprise for you guys here. I have no idea about original Kenner figures, but recently I came across Snaggletooth from the Vintage Collection 3-Pack for quite cheap! I got my first one from tunghori for $16.99. Found the second one on ebay last week for 4,25€.

If you haven't already, make sure to check out the threads of Aude & Chuckles. Their customs are outstanding!

Aude: http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=10654.msg213583#msg213583

Chuckles: http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=10656.msg213759#msg213759

Making of:

My latest additions to the "black series", which I spray painted with Citadel's black primer yesterday. I was sunny and dry outside.

(https://i.imgur.com/zrXvYN3.jpg)

RC-1136: If you like Republic Commandos, I can highly recommend to you to check out the customs of RC-1136 as well: http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=10603.msg212671#msg212671

(https://i.imgur.com/3TcajwF.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/oEfiiUW.jpg)

What do you think about black Snaggletooth?

Reference Material:

(https://i.imgur.com/gUvo3gb.jpg)
I do not own this image. Source: Star Wars Cantina
URL: http://starwarscantina.blogspot.com/2006/09/blue-snaggletooth.html

(https://i.imgur.com/Rle9YiL.jpg)

I tried to capture the retro feeling by the choice of colors. That's why I painted all parts with a semi dry-brush to make the black base coat shine through a little. I'm actually quite happy with the blue of Citadel's assortment. I wanted to avoid that the boots look like solid steel. So I gave them a base coat in white first.

Eshin Grey: Painted the V-neck in grey. Thought that's a nice touch.
Thunderhawk Blue: I actually chose this shade of blue by comparison to the reference pictures. Later, when I got the 90's Snaggle out of his baggy I was happily surprised to see both colors match perfectly!
Abaddon Black:Only used this black to correct the spots of the belt where I accidently painted with blue.
Ceramite White: is a really solid base coat - I used it to coer the black primer on the gloves and boots so that the silver and the green don't look darker than they actually are.
Runefang Steel: The white base coat did its job! The silver doesn't look like metal or steel with the white underneath and applied with a base semi dry-brush. Ran out of Revell's aluminum paint and think I found a good alternative in Citadel's set.
Nurgling Green: Inspired by the original Kenner figure, I think this is the perfect green (almost Pistachio) to recreate the original gloves.

Comment: Well, I'm currently working on the four Republic Commandos from Battlefront II as well. And Citadel's colors are either all or nothing. That's why I haven't made that much Progress on them, yet. But in the case of Mr. Snaggle, I think their assortment provides the perfect shades!

(https://i.imgur.com/gTci2Ta.jpg)

Made the belt buckle with a piece of cardboard. This pair of silouette scissors was one of my all time best investments. It was 13€ in a local craft store.

(https://i.imgur.com/zQu5RfR.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/clyQ0Ou.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/lkhEJxp.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/mSx7edJ.jpg)

I know the belt itself is not accurate, but I haven't cut it in case I want/have to remove all the paint, again. Saw the TVC Snaggletooth quite a few times in the bay, they were all "used", but hardly played with. So for 4 bucks I thought I'd give it a go and it was a lot of fun. It took about an hour to paint him. Another hour to take pctures, copy, edit, upload and post them.

Actually, the entire costume is npt accurate to the original Kenner release. But as admitted at the beginning of this post, I hardly know anyhing About this mysterious blue Snaggletooth. As far as I know it was included with a cardboard Cantina playset. And it's rare and therefore highly sought after - About $280 on the secondary markets…
This was a fun & easy custom to do. Had played with the thought about making him for half a year now. And he actually turned out nicer than I expected!

(https://i.imgur.com/BV0B7RZ.jpg)

StarAlien70: For more modern Vintage customs, check out StarAlien's custom figures:
http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=9737.msg184578#msg184578

Happy Easter everyone! I wish you all the best and a peaceful time with your family in these crazy times…

Update:

A year later I got acrylic varnishes to seal this one. I don't touch the figures a lot, but wanted to make the blue paint look a little less glossy. The boots on the other hand are extra glossy now:

(https://i.imgur.com/xNcFClE.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/JyMSD4Q.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/r15wT8k.jpg)

You can take a look at the custom Neimoidian Commander (http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=10179.msg224825#msg224825) in full detail here (http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=10179.msg224825#msg224825).

- Philipp
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: JEDI: Fallen Order: Imperial Purge Trooper 13/05/2019
Post by: Aude on April 11, 2020, 07:04:29 PM: Hello there! Looks like there has been a little monkey business going on lately. Your Blue Snag is an excellent modern update. I always thought the Hasbro (re)release pack-in Blue Snag was uninspired, and you've proven that beyond a doubt with this figure. The colors look great, and I love the little belt buckle and the swapped blaster. When will you be releasing the toe dent variant? ;)

I'm proud that you thought of me and glad that I've been able to inspire! I always look forward to your feedback. None of my recent customs have been OT (and in fact, planned upcoming customs seem to be moving even farther afield), but I'd like to get back to knocking some more out eventually. There are so many fantastic designs in the SW universe that it's often difficult to choose!

Could it be that the Power Droid is the best looking carded SW figure of 2020?
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: JEDI: Fallen Order: Imperial Purge Trooper 13/05/2019
Post by: Starchaser on April 11, 2020, 11:59:42 PM: Happy Resurrection to you, too! Nice shout out to Aude and Chuckles. I like the blue version, the paint job is really, really well done, so kudos on this. I always wished that Hasbro had done a true "blue" snaggletooth - taller and and better sculpt. Anyway, have a great day!
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Easter Egg - Blue Snaggletooth - 12/04/2020
Post by: Clonehead on April 12, 2020, 03:04:00 AM: Philipp; you are setting the world on fire here.......it’s hard to keep up
Happy Easter, buddy.
Blue snag is great and your clonetrooper egg is the schnizzle
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Easter Egg - Blue Snaggletooth - 12/04/2020
Post by: Tamer on April 12, 2020, 06:53:34 AM: Wow, great Snaggletooth. Happy Easter.

Off to the front pages.
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Easter Egg - Blue Snaggletooth - 12/04/2020
Post by: Darth More on April 12, 2020, 07:19:50 AM: (https://i.imgur.com/QyLLmrE.jpg)

Aude: Thank you! You're exactly right! This custom was quite spontanous! I'm currently working on 7 projects and Snaggle just sneaked in! Finished two Projects yestderday. Will share the other one tomorrow. I'm glad you like the colors I chose for him! As said above I got no clue About the Kenner figures and all the trillions of variants, tri-logos and Special treasures to hunt. But a toe dent sounds exciting!

Indeed, the Power Droid was very refreshing to be revealed! Also like the blue and the pink in the cardback design. Fresh like pink lemonade. Your custom projects are incredible - one more than another. You let my jaw drop big time recently again with your latest Mando Wave! And that's what's so great about the Sta Wars universe: There's endless good stuff to discover! So I'm looking forward to what you come up with next!

Starchaser: Yeah, let's see what they come up with! Maybe they'll honor him in the next Retro Collection Special Pack/game with a cardboard Cantina Display?
I used the semi dry-brush technique to give Snaggle a retro kinda look. Glad you like how he turned out!

Clonehead: Thank you! Happy Easter to you, too, Clint! I'm glad you took a look back at the pevious pages. I can't believe that it's been almost a full year since I posted the last Project. Still need to finish the Purge Troopers...the egg and the Clone were two spontanous projects as well - and as much fun, too! Yeah, I'm on fire, indeed! It's been way too long since I had that much time for the hobby. University and stuff were keeping me from it. But now, I'm back at full force!

Tamer: Hey, thanks for the fp! I was Looking Forward to this and am glad you came by this morning! Happy Easter, Shawn!

Stay tuned for more projects to be finished the coming days!

- Philipp
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Easter Egg - Blue Snaggletooth - 12/04/2020
Post by: JDeck on April 12, 2020, 09:16:22 AM: Blue snaggs looks great. You did a great job on the paint it looks fantastic. Also I like the ALF figure.
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Easter Egg - Blue Snaggletooth - 12/04/2020
Post by: Darth More on April 12, 2020, 09:27:05 AM: JD, thanks for coming by! Yeah, I actually planned to feature ALF in the Cantina section Diorama as a little "Easter egg" in the background. But since I haven't gotten to cast more resin parts for way too long, it just felt right to invite him now. This particular ALF figure is from BULLYLAND and sold for around 5€ (or less) here in Germany. I got him for 3 bucks along with three other figurines. Couldn't find him on eBay.com, but I'm sure you have similar figures of him from different brands. And if you want I can buy and send one to you when I'm in the U.S. the next time (planned to go this August, but...Corona).

Since I read the (German) article I shared the link of below the reference picture, I now know more about Kenner's & SEARS exclusive blue Snaggle. Seems to have been one big misunderstanding there...

Thanks for your comment & let me know if you want that ALF!

- Philipp
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Easter Egg - Blue Snaggletooth - 12/04/2020
Post by: LUCHUK666 on April 12, 2020, 09:34:47 AM: This is so freaking awesome ;D Snivvians being one of my top favorite alien species
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Easter Egg - Blue Snaggletooth - 12/04/2020
Post by: Darth More on April 12, 2020, 09:46:29 AM: Haha nice profile pic & thanks for your comment! Happy Easter LUCHUK! Man, you know all the species...feels like I know nothing 'bout Star Wars really. lol
It was much fun to work on this one - took an hour to paint and was quite spontanous. I think I got another TVC Snaggle to complete in my custom box...they were sold exclusively at Toys "R" Us here in Germany back in the days and some kids wanted them obviosuly - because their parents sell them now in big lots on eBay so that I could snag a couple for 4 bucks so far...
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Easter Egg - Blue Snaggletooth - 12/04/2020
Post by: LUCHUK666 on April 12, 2020, 11:19:46 AM: Quote from: Darth More on April 12, 2020, 09:46:29 AM
Haha nice profile pic & thanks for your comment! Happy Easter LUCHUK! Man, you know all the species...feels like I know nothing 'bout Star Wars really. lol
It was much fun to work on this one - took an hour to paint and was quite spontanous. I think I got another TVC Snaggle to complete in my custom box...they were sold exclusively at Toys "R" Us here in Germany back in the days and some kids wanted them obviosuly - because their parents sell them now in big lots on eBay so that I could snag a couple for 4 bucks so far...

Ooh nice jajaja ;D yeah a couple of years a go i got a lot of 4 of those really cheap on ebay... Have you ever made a custom of the Snivvian that appears in Jabba's palace?
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Easter Egg - Blue Snaggletooth - 12/04/2020
Post by: Darth More on April 12, 2020, 12:25:48 PM: Hey, that's awesome! 4 in one auction? That's great luck! No, I haven't yet - I'll take a look at some reference shots ;)
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Easter Egg - Blue Snaggletooth - 12/04/2020
Post by: FialaFernbrugg on April 17, 2020, 09:43:32 AM: What a great repaint. The weathering looks awesome.
Excellent work.
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Easter Egg - Blue Snaggletooth - 12/04/2020
Post by: Darth More on May 21, 2020, 02:28:51 AM: Should probably post this on June 21, but it's Father's Day here in Germany today so...

(https://i.imgur.com/Gwgsky8.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/cDfTAAC.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/L3svzEn.jpg)

- Philipp
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Easter Egg - Blue Snaggletooth - 12/04/2020
Post by: Tamer on May 21, 2020, 06:53:01 AM: Very nice. I will have to remember this when Father's Day hits.
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Easter Egg - Blue Snaggletooth - 12/04/2020
Post by: Starchaser on May 22, 2020, 10:23:48 PM: That works. Though I'm not sure I want to be associated with Sheev Palpatine :P
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Easter Egg - Blue Snaggletooth - 12/04/2020
Post by: Tamer on May 23, 2020, 06:59:47 AM: Quote from: Starchaser on May 22, 2020, 10:23:48 PM
That works. Though I'm not sure I want to be associated with Sheev Palpatine :P

I am sure the Love in the background will make up for that!
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Easter Egg - Blue Snaggletooth - 12/04/2020
Post by: Darth More on June 07, 2020, 02:50:43 AM: Starchaser, you know I don't miss a chance to make fun of the Sequels ;D
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Clone Commander red - UPDATE 06/06/2020
Post by: Darth More on June 07, 2020, 03:02:27 AM: Small update on the Clone Commander concept. I had to fix the antenna because it broke off. I'm glad I listened to the advice from FialaFernbrugg (http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=1624.msg34743#msg34743)!

Yesterday, I went back to some w.i.p. projects and worked on some Troopers of the Empire and the Republic. I decided to refine the Clone Trooper Commander, which I spontanously made on Easter 2019. The antenna broke and I couldn't find it, so I fixed it with wire. Shouldn't happen again and a big thanks goes to FialaFernbrugg for the great advice.

I also recognized that I hadn't shared all the pictures yet, which I took a year ago! So here they finally are:

(https://i.imgur.com/tfOBRbP.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/yAeHzKh.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/1OOPh8A.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/YqCdPTd.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/kfL28y7.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/7e94a13.jpg)

UPDATE:

(https://i.imgur.com/X5zVdyK.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Vr4Z9jQ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/hdvYnbY.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/R3ISBJa.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/hkSJrqi.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/0DQM6k9.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/00Zvund.jpg)

As a result of this color scheme I came up with the idea of a Tactical Rescue Commando (http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=10513.msg218114#msg218114)

If you have any questions, feel free to ask!

- Philipp
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Clone Commander red - UPDATE 06/06/2020
Post by: Tamer on June 07, 2020, 06:29:44 AM: Oh yeah, nice Trooper. off to the front pages.
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Clone Commander red - UPDATE 06/06/2020
Post by: Mos-Eisley-Customz on June 07, 2020, 11:20:24 AM: Quote from: Darth More on June 07, 2020, 03:02:27 AM
Small update on the Clone Commander concept. I had to fix the antenna because it broke off. I'm glad I listened to the advice from FialaFernbrugg (http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=1624.msg34743#msg34743)!

Yesterday, I went back to some w.i.p. projects and worked on some Troopers of the Empire and the Republic. I decided to refine the Clone Trooper Commander, which I spontanously made on Easter 2019. The antenna broke and I couldn't find it, so I fixed it with wire. Shouldn't happen again and a big thanks goes to FialaFernbrugg for the great advice.

I also recognized that I hadn't shared all the pictures yet, which I took a year ago! So here they finally are:

(https://i.imgur.com/tfOBRbP.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/yAeHzKh.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/1OOPh8A.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/YqCdPTd.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/kfL28y7.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/7e94a13.jpg)

UPDATE:

(https://i.imgur.com/X5zVdyK.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Vr4Z9jQ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/hdvYnbY.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/R3ISBJa.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/hkSJrqi.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/0DQM6k9.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/00Zvund.jpg)

As a result of this color scheme I came up with the idea of a Tactical Rescue Commando (http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=10513.msg218114#msg218114)

If you have any questions, feel free to ask!

- Philipp

These look great, nice job ..i also found your youtube page, them lids you make are awesome!! 8)
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Clone Commander red - UPDATE 06/06/2020
Post by: hemble on June 07, 2020, 11:34:08 PM: Really nice work mate and the wire makes it look way better.

Ron
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Clone Commander red - UPDATE 06/06/2020
Post by: Stan on June 08, 2020, 06:54:25 PM: 0//Bring back to day of the Sith , really nice custom and love your presentation
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Clone Commander red - UPDATE 06/06/2020
Post by: nickeltcd on June 09, 2020, 07:47:59 AM: I love the boot bandings you accentuated, that just adds the right flair to be a tactical trooper!
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Clone Commander red - UPDATE 06/06/2020
Post by: Starchaser on June 15, 2020, 09:37:41 PM: Hey Philipp, I really like how this commander turned out. Good job on the antenna fix. I always thought that Bacara helmet was a cool design. Great job!
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Clone Commander red - UPDATE 06/06/2020
Post by: RC-1136 on June 16, 2020, 03:54:15 AM: The Commander Bacara style helmet is a really underused and underappreciated design. Great work fixing that God awful antenna.
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Clone Commander red - UPDATE 06/06/2020
Post by: Darth More on June 17, 2020, 03:51:35 AM: Wow, thank you for all the feedback gentlemen!

Tamer: Thanks so much, Tamer! I posted the update the day I modified the helmet. That was when I also realized that I hadn't shared this Trooper concept properly before. It was about time! Still so many projects to finish...

Mos-Eisley-Customz: Thank you so much! Could you share a link to the channel you found? Because I don't think it's mine when it has uploads. I do have 42 subs on YouTube even though I haven't got any videos (yet).

hemble: Ron, it's always great to read your comments! Thank you so much! I'm happy as hell that I listened to FialaFernbrugg right away! It was his suggestion to use wire. I wanted to go with a resin rod (it was actually a casting rest) first. But I'm sure it would've broken off, again.

Stan: It's an honor to hear that from you, man! I give my best to present the stuff as well as I can. The camera, the light and the bright background help a lot. It's all about the lighting most of the time. Thank you for leaving a comment!

nicketcd: Hey, it's an event reading your comment! Thank you very muh for coming by to check them out! I often see your name here, but you haven't posted much if I know correctly. This makes it even more precious now. I thought why not highlight the details that are already there? Hasbro really did a good job on the Clone Troopers back in the day.

Starchaser: I agree! The blue Clone Commander that came with the Coruscant Troopers Battle Pack really fascinated me! Clone Troopers put a strong magic on me when I was 12 anyway. The helmet design truly is a great one. Thanks for coming by buddy!

RC-1136: Hey, it's good to see your comment here! Thanks for coming back to my thread! I agree 100%! The helmet design is awesome! Lucasfilm and Hasbro could so much more with it. Yeah, the antenna can look kinda weird. I wouldn't have modified this one if it hadn't broken off. I'm working on another one using this helmet, so stay tuned for more of this design and tell me if you need some of it as resin casts, too! ;) Thanks again and best wishes to you in these crazy times!

- Philipp
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Clone Commander red - UPDATE 06/06/2020
Post by: jkno on June 23, 2020, 04:27:08 AM: I like the red/white boot contrast! Very cool
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Clone Commander red - UPDATE 06/06/2020
Post by: Darth More on August 26, 2020, 02:27:59 PM: Thanks so much jkno! I always appreciate reading your comments!
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Clone Commander red - UPDATE 06/06/2020
Post by: Darth More on August 26, 2020, 02:43:29 PM: Got no time to make customs myself at the moment. But I found this custom figure of Moff Gideon on ebay and for 10€ I couldn't pass. The customizers name is Jens and if you like the TV show as much as I do, you might want to check out this custom figure from The Mandalorian:

Recipe:

Head: TAC/TLC TIE Pilot (modified with dremel and painted)
Torso and arms: TIE Pilot (fingers painted on gloves)
Skirt, legs and boots: Grand Moff Trachta (http://rebelscum.com/TLCcomicpacks10.asp) (TLC Comic Pack)
Rest: Darth Vader (shoulder armor)
Darksaber: modified and painted lightsaber

(https://i.imgur.com/9Aohh9l.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/7ira8Cw.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Y7RAJCP.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/PkxwdFb.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/5CCdSeL.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/w6Yi8u7.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/KJ3R7im.jpg)

I'm just blown away by the likeness of Giancarlo Esposito. My respect goes to the maker of this custom.

(https://i.imgur.com/uB0nzqL.png)

If you want to see more 3 3/4" customs of The Mandalorian TV show , make sure to check out Aude's custom figures (http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=10654.msg217795#msg217795)!

INTERSTELLAR - No Time For Caution (original soundtrack by Hans Zimmer)

Who else is excited for Season 2 of The Mandalorian?
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Clone Commander red - UPDATE 06/06/2020
Post by: RC-1136 on August 26, 2020, 02:48:23 PM: Great snag on that custom. Would have cost a loooooooooot more here. I'm excited for season 2. I hope it does not disappoint! I'm also excited to see how Bad Batch goes.
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Clone Commander red - UPDATE 06/06/2020
Post by: Darth More on August 26, 2020, 02:56:07 PM: Thank you, RC-1136! It cost 12,90€ shipped (approx. $14.96). To me such customs are priceless, but some go for $30 to over a hundred dollars on ebay. Always love to look at all the custom masterpieces by Stronox's customs (http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=7617.msg131214#msg131214) for hours, too...

Yeah, Bad Batch was a surprising announcement! It's like when the penguins from Madagascar got their own show. Lots of good stuff to come. Hopefully.
Thanks for your comment buddy!
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Clone Commander red - UPDATE 06/06/2020
Post by: Tamer on August 27, 2020, 03:09:27 AM: Wow, great custom. Had to get this one on the front pages.

If you can pm me or post en eBay link to your auction I can try to feature this customizer. Nice, very nice.
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Clone Commander red - UPDATE 06/06/2020
Post by: Darth More on September 12, 2020, 03:13:10 AM: Thank you, Tamer! We're currently chatting a bit and he has already sold most of his customs and the rest of the collection. So I was late to the party already, but he also showed me some pics of his other projects. He moved away from Star Wars and now builds dioramas of vinyl covers such as Metallica and Iron Maiden. Never heard of this idea, but it definitely rocks!
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Darth Sion WIP - Knights of the Old Republic II
Post by: Darth More on September 12, 2020, 05:23:14 AM: Darth Sion - Lord of Pain

"Yes… of pain he has learned much. Of knowledge, of teaching, he knows nothing."
-- Kreia

"Darth Sion, the Lord of Pain, was a Sith Lord who lived in the time of the Old Sith Wars. As a Sith Marauder in the Great Sith War, Sion fought for Exar Kun's Sith Empire until the day he was struck down. Rather than die, though, Sion found that by calling on his pain, anger, and hatred, he could rise from certain death and achieve immortality, at the cost of all-consuming agony. With a body fractured and decomposing, but held together by the dark side of the Force, Sion survived the Great Sith War."
Source: Wookiepedia
Read the full article here (https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Darth_Sion).

(https://i.imgur.com/PZbC889.png)
I do not own this image. All rights and artwork belong to NexusMods and AlexPo21.
URL: https://www.nexusmods.com/starwarsjedifallenorder/mods/135

This one was on my list for a long time. And now I finally gave myself a try at sculpting.
With the latest reveal of Darth Nihilus (https://www.facebook.com/imperialshipyards.net/posts/3265794720124071) for the Black Series 6 inch line, this fits even better in context. So I ordered a few materials, which were recommended to me and I like trying new materials and techniques in order to imrove my skills and gain more experience in customizing.
For my very first attempt at sculpting a male body, I'm quite happy with the progress so far:

(https://i.imgur.com/hTveaab.jpg)

Before & After:
(https://i.imgur.com/nQIDiuF.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/FLhS62N.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/W5D84qZ.jpg)

List of Materials I used:

- Ugha Warrior (http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=7112.msg221177#msg221177) (Hasbro 2007, Indiana Jones: Kingdom if the Crystal Skull, which I found on ebay (http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=7112.msg221177#msg221177).

- milliput Standard yellow/grey self-hardening epoxy sculpting putty
Buy this on ebay (https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_from%3DR40%26_nkw%3Dmilliput%2Bepoxy%2Bputty%26_sacat%3D0%26_sop%3D15&campid=5337377665&toolid=10001&customid=) or Amazon (https://amzn.to/3hvOCHL) using the forums' affiliate links (embedded)!

- Vallejo Grey Primer Acrylic Polyurethane
You can buy this on ebay (https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_from%3DR40%26_nkw%3DVallejo%2BGrey%2BPrimer%2BAcrylic%2BPolyurethane%26_sacat%3D0%26_sop%3D15&campid=5337377665&toolid=10001&customid=) or Amazon (https://amzn.to/2ZzQKIt).

- Sculpting Tools
You can buy these on ebay (https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_from%3DR40%26_nkw%3Dsculpting%2Btools%26_sacat%3D0%26_sop%3D1&campid=5337377665&toolid=10001&customid=) or Amazon (https://amzn.to/3bSfKzy).

- Acrylic Paints by Citadel in grey and black (list of exact paints will be added soon)

You can see which other materials I use for my projects and how much I paid for them here (http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=10416.msg221276#msg221276).

(https://i.imgur.com/GFKW7ig.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/MAyyq15.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/WOqqksD.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ub2uF2J.jpg)

Reference material: (https://www.google.de/search?hl=de&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1366&bih=654&ei=Kb1cX86oJ46-aJjHiugF&q=darth+sion&oq=darth+sion&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQAzICCAAyAggAMgIIADICCAAyAggAMgQIABAeMgQIABAeMgQIABAeMgQIABAeMgQIABAeOgUIABCxAzoICAAQsQMQgwFQzQNYpA9g7RBoAHAAeACAAVOIAZwFkgECMTCYAQCgAQGqAQtnd3Mtd2l6LWltZw&sclient=img&ved=0ahUKEwiO4ZKrzePrAhUOHxoKHZijAl0Q4dUDCAY&uact=5)

(https://i.imgur.com/ACojzor.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/rACBMZf.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/FT12ESI.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/RwAGyZS.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/WOmSnWY.jpg)

It also comes quite handy to also take a look at some anatomical illustrations or even pictures when you sculpt a bare body:

(https://i.imgur.com/Wah8pdw.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/SWYFIVC.jpg)

About this custom:

I never thought I was going to be good at sculpting in 1/18 scale, but it also brings some advantages to sculpt in smaller scales. Less detail is necessary to achieve a satisfying result.
Darth Sion has been one of my favorite Sith Lords since I've played Knights of the Old Republic II on PC.
It's also a nice way to finally get along with my broken relationship. My girlfriend broke up 3 years ago and it still gives me a hard time. So far, I'm quite happy with the results. Never thought milliput was that great to sculpt fine details. It actually has two phases with different properties:

Phase I: right after kneading the two components, the epoxy-clay is nice and sticky. Make sure to wear fine gloves all along. The sticky clay attaches perfectly even to smoother, less rough, surfaces. But sanding the surface is always recommended.
You can form the clay perfectly since it is warm & soft here. It gains temperature because the reaction of the two components is a exothermic one.

Phase II: After about 50 minutes the clay becomes significantly harder. You can incorporate some bigger, less fine, details now. For example the collar bones were added in this phase.
Only sculpt as much as you can within an hour. I did too much and should've focused on the torso alone. But I was quite euphoric about the quality of the clay (plus I mixed too much together) that I also went for the right arm. I used some different tools like a tooth pick and the ones linked above.

I started sculpting the torso and the neck to get a feeling for the general proportions of this muscular dude. I wanted to avoid that the head looks too small or too big. I'm only getting started with sculpting, but I already appreciate Hasbro and their designers so much more. It's quite a challenge and needs much practice.
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Darth Sion WIP - Knights of the Old Republic II
Post by: Tamer on September 12, 2020, 07:01:32 AM: You are already off to a great start. I think you are gonna be a natural with this sculpting thing. Thanks for putting in links to all the products you are using so folks can go give this a try themselves!

Off to the front pages.
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Darth Sion WIP - Knights of the Old Republic II
Post by: JDeck on September 12, 2020, 07:28:27 AM: The sculpting is coming along really great!
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Darth Sion WIP - Knights of the Old Republic II
Post by: Starchaser on September 12, 2020, 08:55:15 PM: Nice job trying your hand at sculpting. It can be tedious, but take your time, the results are much better. Its fun to watch the progress you are making. Keep up the good work. I think Sion will look great when you are finished.
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Darth Sion WIP - Knights of the Old Republic II
Post by: RC-1136 on September 13, 2020, 01:59:09 AM: Looking great thus far! Keep it up.
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Darth Sion WIP - Knights of the Old Republic II
Post by: Moronarama on September 14, 2020, 02:11:58 PM: I'm excited to see how it progresses. I really appreciate the detail you are giving on the process. I've had a kit bash Sion I've been piddling with for months, trying to carve the cracks in the skin rather than sculpt over. My results have been spotty at best. I think you have a much more solid plan.
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Darth Sion WIP - Knights of the Old Republic II
Post by: Don on September 16, 2020, 07:56:44 PM: Damn! I can't wait to see this one complete!
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Darth Sion - Knights of the Old Republic II
Post by: Darth More on September 18, 2020, 03:43:23 PM: Tamer: Thanks for your faith in me! Yeah, I always give my best to give a detailed description of how I make my stuff. If it's helpful for some other customizer, then it was already worth the effort.

JDeck: Thanks JD! milliput is surprisingly good to work with. It's sticky enough to stay on the figure, but at the same time soft to be shaped to even small details. I wonder how fine their white sculpting clay is when the standard one is this good already.

Starchaser: Thank you so much! I did take my time and spent 9 hours on 4 evenings on this project. Tonight, I finished painting him. I'll share pics of him tomorrow, but I can already tell it was well worth to take the time.

RC-1136: Thanks, mate!

Moronarama: Thanks a lot for coming by! If only one member can find something helpful here, it was already worth the effort. You'll see tomorrow which parts I sculpted and which I carved. Would love to see your version of Sion! Feel free to share pics down below.

Don: Thanks so much for your comment, Don! All the comments of you guys pushed me even more to finish this dude. Tonight I did and will share all the w.i.p. pics tomorrow - so stay tuned ;)

Thank you all for your support by leaving a comment! It really made me even more ambitious working on this project DH
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Darth Sion - Knights of the Old Republic II
Post by: Darth More on September 19, 2020, 02:23:02 AM: Making of (continued):

I added more pictures to the reference material and the beginning of this post under Reply #168 (http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=10186.msg221266#msg221266).

When the first part of sculpting was done, I decided to further sand down the rest of the body for two reasons: better retention between PVC and putty and to not let Sion's body appear disproportionately large.

(https://i.imgur.com/xzLVXFJ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/6crOKOM.jpg)

Sculpting:

(https://i.imgur.com/s8fjsLA.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/hyCyn4v.jpg)
I think the second arm was sculpted better in terms of accuracy. But who knows how many fractures Sion got and what else he did to his body, so I let some parts look disfigured on purpose.

Before I went into detail I formed the rough shape of each muscle:

(https://i.imgur.com/3gvVjJR.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/F66CT26.jpg)

If you dip your tool in water it won't stick to the putty and you can sculpt nice details and also smooth out areas. The head was carved, not sculpted. And after about 7 hours on 3 evenings, I was done sculpting. I worked on my black version of General Grievous (http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=10513.msg221347#msg221347) while the putty was curing.

(https://i.imgur.com/CZ7ayHk.jpg)

I also made a paper stencil for his skirt. Each square is 5x5 mm. The design is inspired by him being member of the Sith Triumvirate (https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Sith_Triumvirate). So each side stands for one member. This came quite handy because I had three sides to cover. I also wanted to vary the only clothing he wears from the Ugha Warrior I used as base. The design is slightly changed by my own ideas. I wanted to show as much flesh of his destructed body as possible and also to practice sculpting to start with.

(https://i.imgur.com/fubOIlG.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/Ko2pvZK.jpg)

The stencil was then translated to some artificial and very thin leather with a pen. You can look for similar cloths and other materials at your local tailor's (http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=10179.msg207332#msg207332). I also painted the entire body with vallejo's grey primer (see list of materials in list of Reply #168).

(https://i.imgur.com/XwG95K7.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/gHhGsKs.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/dRmqyHf.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/i7gtne4.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/U2UdtGk.jpg)

Painting:

(https://i.imgur.com/mHZYJcD.jpg)

Primer: Vallejo's 74.601 Acrylic Polyurethane Grey
Citadel:
1st Layer: Administratum Grey (dry-brush)
2nd Layer: Ulthuan Grey (dry-brush)
Wash: Mechanicus Standard Grey
Black parts (glove, skirt, band): Base: Abaddon Black
Wounds & Scars: Base: Mephiston Red, Base: Khorne Red (edges)
Eyes: Layer: Evil Sunz Scarlet, Layer: White Scar
Bone detail (optional): Layer: Screaming Skull, Dry: Tyrant Skull

(https://i.imgur.com/qhY7lfh.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/PUXSmNi.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/4z3kYMs.jpg)
I really think he looks great with two pale eyes, too. But I applied the pupil to his left eye to make it accurate to the reefence material. And here's how he looks finished:

Darth Sion - Lord of Pain

Darth Sion's Theme by Mr Game Sounds

(https://i.imgur.com/rY3HW9Q.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/EoEwEf9.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/9uVuo5r.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/lzbD4Ti.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/jVRX2aR.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/in5sry6.jpg)

I fixed the soft goods with superglue at the line where they were bent. I also bent the left one down and a little behind, so that his scar on the side of his thigh is revealed.

(https://i.imgur.com/YHEd7I6.jpg)
I do not own this image. All rights reserved for owner of embedded properties.
Source: https://hipwallpaper.com/darth-sion-wallpapers/

Comment:

I wondered how Sion looked on his back. Luckily I found this image above online.
I really enjoyed playing the KotOR games even though they're very time consuming. But they inspired me even more. More customs of Darth Traya to complete the Sith Trivagium and Atris will follow. I might even make my own version of Darth Nihilus after so many fans of the 6" line cried out in rage that Hasbro re-used Darth Maul. I'm just glad they give us more characters of the Expanded Universe. They wear black robes - that's what Sith do, but what do I know.

Working on my first Sion was fun. I went from dark to light and corrected a few spots here and there. Overall I'm quite happy with my very first attempt of sculpting a 1/18 scale figure. The colors look quite accurate, dry-brushing does almost always guarantee solid results. I took my time and tried to deliver his story. His body should look completely destructed with several crushed bones. That's why I left that bone tied to his right ankle. I though that might be the first rip he ripped out by hand. It's supposed to look like he bent it so tightly to his leg that it cuts into his flesh.

See also:

More customs of Darth Sion:

by Stronox Customs (http://stronoxcustoms.blogspot.com/2014/01/star-wars-darth-sion.html)

by Strocos28 (http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=10228.msg202869#msg202869)

by jon_k (http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=9994.msg190819#msg190819)

by jeffrey8322 (http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=10033.msg192111#msg192111)

by Rancor Scat (http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=8729.msg163613#msg163613)

by TakeshiInhaba (http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=8421.msg174371#msg174371)

by Rustyscustoms (http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=6416.msg92783#msg92783)

by AjuntaPall (http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=9642.msg185928#msg185928)

It always helps me to stay focused when I listen to music for example:[/size]

Grey Daze - In Time

- Philipp
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Darth Sion - Knights of the Old Republic II
Post by: RC-1136 on September 19, 2020, 06:38:44 AM: Looking really good, brother. Keep it up! That cracked skin detailing is incredibly well done!
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Darth Sion - Knights of the Old Republic II
Post by: Tamer on September 19, 2020, 07:16:49 AM: Like I thought you are just a natural as this sculpting thing. He looks just awesome.

Hats off to you too for taking the time to show us the products, links, tools, and entire process of this from start to finish. This is just great reference material for folks trying sculpting for the first time. Hats off to you Philipp!

Of course off to the front pages.
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Darth Sion - Knights of the Old Republic II
Post by: Mos-Eisley-Customz on September 19, 2020, 02:20:32 PM: Looks amazing 8) ..that green stuff putty needs some major skill from my experience so props to you ;)
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Darth Sion - Knights of the Old Republic II
Post by: Starchaser on September 19, 2020, 05:51:10 PM: Splendid! Sion looks outstanding, your patience and care paid off. Thank you for the detailed walkthrough, this is a great resource for other customizers. Your passion for the hobby and dedication to the community is an inspiration. :)
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Darth Sion - Knights of the Old Republic II
Post by: Darth More on September 24, 2020, 03:05:52 AM: RC-1136: Thank you so much. I'm really happy to read your comment! I'm quite happy how the sculpting turned out. I might add a little here and there on the paintwork though. The black on the skirt turned out too shiny. I'll repaint it with another layer of mat black. Maybe I didn't wait long enough (8 hours instead of 12) to let the grey polyurethane primer cure.

Tamer: Thank you, Tamer. I really appreciate your faith in me. Sometimes I get good results by just doing things and trying new stuff. I mean I always prepare my projects in advance by watching tutorials and talk to people about their experience with different materials.
I'm quite satisfied with the texture of his body. But it's interesting that a friend of mine and you both thought that he's not quite done yet. I think my first Sion looks better on the pictures this time. I might add another wash and correct his eye.

Yeah, the editing of the pictures, adding them to imgur and writing the text is quite some work. But I think the effort is worth the time when other (new) customizers can profit from my descriptions.

Mos-Eisley-Customz: Thank you! Yeah, I know that some people only use Green Stuff and milliput to fix stuff. But both also work well for sculpting. I'm happy how it turned out, but it takes time and patience. I needed 9 hours to finish my first Darth Sion. At least two more will follow.

Starchaser: Thanks for the flowers, buddy! I do hope that other customizers can profit from my descriptions. Then, it would be worth the effort. For me it already paid off by reading your comments! Thank you for your feedback! I'm glad to inspire.
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Darth Sion - Knights of the Old Republic II
Post by: Don on September 24, 2020, 06:51:37 AM: Your custom figures always kick ass. But I also love how you tell the story. I enjoy all the detail when you walk us through the steps, and even link other people's customs of the same character.
Nice work.
Thanks.
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Darth Sion - Knights of the Old Republic II
Post by: Darth More on September 24, 2020, 06:58:12 AM: Don: Thank you so much, Don! I hope all the images don't take forever to load when you enter the thread. Yes, I took the time and always try to include as much info as necessary.
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Darth Sion - Knights of the Old Republic II
Post by: Lance Quazar on September 24, 2020, 04:37:11 PM: Damn, that's a hellluva custom. Super creepy. Amazing job with the sculpting, so cool to see the stages. Terrific!
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Darth Sion - Knights of the Old Republic II
Post by: FialaFernbrugg on September 27, 2020, 09:55:01 AM: wow
Darth Sion is another masterpiece.
You have reached the next level of custom making. Your sculpting skills are phenomenal my friend.
Thank you for the detailed step by step tutorial.

Excellent work as always.
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Darth Sion - Knights of the Old Republic II
Post by: JDeck on September 27, 2020, 03:04:35 PM: You did an excellent job here. Sorry for the late reply. I saw it, meant to comment, but sometimes I'm in a rush. Anyways, the paintwork really makes the sculpting pop.
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Darth Sion - Knights of the Old Republic II
Post by: Darth More on October 02, 2020, 01:00:07 PM: Lanze Quazar: Thank you so much for the kind words! Yeah, I thought Halloween is just a month away so why not tackle this one? Darth Sion was on my list since the beginning of my customizing back in 2007. That was the time when I played KotOR II and TAC Darth Revan & Malak were released...
By now I doubt that Hasbro will ever make Sion in TVC. Even a Black Series release is unlikely even though they're on fire with the Gaming Greats sub-line at the moment. So I'm glad to finally have done him and am happily surprised with how the sculpting turned out. Again, I might do some corrections on the paint and weathering here and there.
The second version is in the making, too!

FialaFernbrugg: It was about time to see you return! Thanks so much for your comment! Yes, I'm glad to finally have re-sculpted a figure in 1/18 scale. So far I've only sculpted teeth in 1/1 scale. ;D
I hope you find some time for customs as well in the near future!

JDeck: Thank you for your feedback, JD! No problem, I haven't gotten to join the discussion on PulseCon neither, yet. It's been a crazy week with lot of driving across the country. So reading your lines really means a lot to me! I'm really happy with Vallejo's thin but effective primer for this particular project!
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Darth Sion - Knights of the Old Republic II
Post by: Darth More on October 10, 2020, 03:08:32 AM: I need your help, please & ask for your opinion...

I started working on my second version of Darth Sion. This one shall be closer to the reference material. So I took two Indiana Jones figures for a kit-bash. Now, the second version is 0.5 cm (.2 inch) taller than the first one. I couldn't find any reference about the size of Darth Sion online.

Version 1: size in 1/18 scale: 9.7 cm = 3.8 inch - size in 1/1 scale: 174.6 cm = 68.7 inch
Version 2: size in 1/18 scale: 10.25 cm = 4.04 inch - size in 1/1 scale: 184.5 cm = 72.64 inch

I'm 185 cm / 72.83 inch tall. I'd rather say version 1 might be too small then. I could well see Darth Sion be at least as tall as I am if not taller compared to the gameplay. Well, version 2 wears boots which makes him taller already, but his legs might be a little too long. The legs would be about 4 inches longer than mine. What do you think?

(https://i.imgur.com/pIhCA5P.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/imMGUDE.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/SBSRr19.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/0WStgSL.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/GUHchJ4.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/FT12ESI.jpg)

I also started working on Atris and Darth Sion - two more characters of STAR WARS: Knights of the Old Republic II:

(https://i.imgur.com/gsXX9WM.jpg)
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Darth Sion - Knights of the Old Republic II
Post by: Starchaser on October 10, 2020, 12:47:41 PM: I think your version 2 is on track. Your reference material has him wearing boots. So I would totally use the legs from the giant Thugee and the torso head from Mola Rahm, like you have it. Just my opinion.

PS - I found somewhere that said Sion was 1.98 meters tall - for what it's worth.
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Darth Sion - Knights of the Old Republic II
Post by: Tamer on October 11, 2020, 08:11:52 AM: Yeah, I like that second version. Being a bit taller makes him more menacing anyhow.

Off to share your update on the front pages.
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Darth Sion - Knights of the Old Republic II
Post by: CloneTroopr on October 11, 2020, 11:15:59 AM: Looking good!
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Darth Sion - Knights of the Old Republic II
Post by: Lenny Quinn on October 15, 2020, 03:25:55 PM: I like 2 too! Great choice of figure!
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Darth Sion - Knights of the Old Republic II
Post by: Darth More on October 16, 2020, 11:01:02 PM: Starchaser: I really appreciate your effort for me. And I feel bad at the same time that my research wasn't good. I only checked wookieepedia and jedipedia (the German eqivalent). After another minute of research I found this info page including the size:
https://star-wars-canon-extended.fandom.com/wiki/Darth_Sion
In order to make this one accurately sized, I'll add some sculpting clay at the abdomen even though it will hinder the swivel-hip articulation. Also, thank you for the names of the Indy figures, which I didn't know either. I really like the parts, this might be the base for all my future versions of Darth Sion.

Tamer: So true with the height. I'm really eager to work on this one.

CloneTroopr: It always puts a smile on my face when I read a new comment of yours! Thanks for your feedback! I think I found some good parts to use and with the texture being there already, this one will be more scratched than sculpted.

LennyQuinn: Thank you so much! I'm really thankful that these Indiana Jones figures are still available that cheap loose on ebay. I got the first set for custom fodder years ago. Not knowing their true potential until I took a close look at them and got a second set immediately.
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Darth Sion - Knights of the Old Republic II
Post by: Aude on October 17, 2020, 01:05:20 PM: You Scion V1 looks great! Excited for V2, Atris, and Traya. Many fond memories playing the KOTOR games... Did you ever make the super 1-hit saber in Kotor II? haha
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Darth Sion - Knights of the Old Republic II
Post by: FialaFernbrugg on November 14, 2020, 01:33:59 AM: I think Mola Ram is a very good figure for the second version of Darth Sion.
The hight difference should not be a problem because of the boots.
I'm really looking forward to see more work in progress pics and of course the finished figure.
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Darth Sion - Knights of the Old Republic II
Post by: Darth More on November 12, 2021, 03:10:12 AM: Aude: Thank you so much, Aude! I usually reply to comments a decade later. I somehow lost track when I played KotOR II for the first time. So unfortunately I didn't find/achieve the 1-hit lightsaber...as soon as I find some time, I'll give it another try. Yesterday, I finally found time to paint some figures. That happens about once a year. Thanks for tuning in! I'll finish my second version of Sion, soon!

FialaFernbrugg: Thank you, Christoph! I don't even know the names of the Indy characters. I'm glad that the second kit-bashed figure is taller. Darth Sion appears to be tall in the game as well. The upcoming projects will feature some Sith, Republic Commandos, Mandos and CIS units. Thanks for your continued support, mate!
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Darth Vader (Concept)
Post by: Darth More on November 12, 2021, 03:19:02 AM: Got this ~~custom figure~~ Darth Vader from another customizer on eBay. I asked him twice, but he doesn't want to get in touch with other collectors or be mentioned for his work. Instead, he wants to make a cut with the hobby and move on and I respect that.

So this ~~custom~~ figure in particular reminds me of Darth Vader and when I took a silent minute to look at him, the question came up: What if George Lucas left out the burning part?
I think the headsculpt used is an image of Vader eaten up by pain and suffering. If he didn't burn alive on Mustafar, that's how he could've looked like. What do you think?

Star Wars: Order 66 Sad Music Mix | I'm So Sorry & Anakin's Betrayal
Love the artwork for this one. Music provided by Samuel Kim Music (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuoKuTCQ9dmPIgOgyLm9HgQ) on YouTube.

(https://i.imgur.com/ueRe3s8.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/imW8UiF.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ltl9cal.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/TVvzfMZ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/DWwNHdD.jpg)

"You were my brother, Anakin. I loved you."
-- Obi-Wan Kenobi

We all make mistakes. Don't we all deserve a second chance?

Update: So thankfully Ghostskull18 gave me the right hint that this figure is NOT a custom, but a regular Comic Pack release from 2007. And I really thought I'd know all modern Star Wars figures. Well, double the pride, twice the fall. The paint stains on his hair and cape made me suppose it's a custom. The cape on this figure in particular reminds me of Batman. Sometimes he's the hero, sometimes the villain.

This figure was part of a lot of 5, which I found on ebay for less than 27€. It also included a Magna Guard, which I repainted and shared here (http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=10513.msg226986#msg226986).
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Darth Vader (Concept)
Post by: Tamer on November 12, 2021, 03:44:23 AM: Doesn't want it to be shared? Dude, not even to drum up some more business for him? We would be glad to share word, but will respect his wishes.

So I take it he is still missing his appendages, just didn't burn? I like the idea. Definitely how I would envision him if this happened.

I also take it he wouldn't have a helmet? Or need a rebreather? Wonder if he would about half look like some of the takes we have seen of Cyborg Maul.
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Darth Vader (Concept)
Post by: ghostskull18 on November 12, 2021, 11:13:48 PM: Awesome customs, but on the vader do you know what was customized? It looks like its the comic pack version missing the helmet
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Darth Vader (Concept)
Post by: Darth More on November 13, 2021, 04:38:19 AM: Tamer: Yes, he seems to be done with the hobby. If I understood correctly, he collected since the POTF line and sold lots of figures and fodder on eBay for almost 2 years straight. So he must've had a couple thousand figures, many of which were customized.
But you can still share the custom figure, which I'm going to share next.

He doesn't do commissions and didn't want to spend any more time chatting about Star Wars.
Don't know what happened. However he did offer me to talk on phone after I kept asking where he came from regarding his collecting and customizing history.

ghostskull18: Wow, thanks for asking! You saved me from putting myself to shame on Instagram! I didn't know this figure before, so I supposed it was a custom. Thought the head and legs were from a different line. Guess I should've checked the archive of JediBusiness before...guess he was part of the TSC/TAC Comic Packs? If he didn't have ball-jointed ellbows, I'd guess he was released in the POTF line...

Man, I thought I had seen all figures of the Star Wars line already. I'm sure you'll like the next figure of him, which is definitely a custom.

Again, thank you so much for making me aware of this. That was embarrassing, but this Vader is still worth sharing. I really like the alternate design of our favorite villain!

Here's the link to the review of this Comic Pack figure on rebelscum:
http://rebelscum.com/TACcomicpacks09.asp

(https://i.imgur.com/ISAsM8p.jpg)
Picture by Dan Curto

- Philipp
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Darth Nihl (Darth Nihl's Galactic Empire)
Post by: ghostskull18 on November 13, 2021, 09:11:11 AM: No problem! Glad i could help!
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Darth Nihl (Darth Nihl's Galactic Empire)
Post by: Tamer on November 14, 2021, 04:59:01 AM: Well I will respect his privacy and not share his stuff. I can understand wanting to just be left alone sometimes.
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Darth Nihl (Darth Krayt's Galactic Empire)
Post by: Darth More on November 20, 2021, 08:32:04 AM: Darth Nihl
Darth Krayt's Galactic Empire

"We will disperse into the galaxy in small numbers, masking ourselves, hiding amidst the enemy. We will infiltrate governments on every planet. All must be brought down for something new to be created. Together or alone, we will slip onto worlds and strike from the shadows. We will be invisible. We will be patient. All that exists will be torn apart from within. Darth Krayt's vision of the galaxy remade will be realized. He lives in us. The Sith will prevail."
-- Darth Nihl

(https://i.imgur.com/KV59bog.jpg)
I do not own this image. Source: AminoApps (https://aminoapps.com/c/star-wars/page/item/darth-nihl/7NFN_I3wmp8GbVqdqkYLxbd18aWM1K)

Darth Nihl was a Nagai male Sith Lord serving in Darth Krayt's Galactic Empire during the Sith–Imperial War and the Second Imperial Civil War. A former Nagai warlord, Nihl had been recruited into the One Sith by Darth Krayt, and was initially made into his Fist, or military leader. However, this changed when Krayt's Hand, or enforcer, died, and Nihl was promoted to the position in 130 ABY as a result. One of Nihl's first missions was leading the assault on the Jedi Praxeum at Ossus, in which he killed Jedi Master Kol Skywalker and mortally wounded the Zabrak Master Wolf Sazen. Nihl returned to Coruscant and participated in Krayt's ascension to Galactic Emperor, in which the former Emperor of the Fel Empire, Roan Fel, was thought to be slain, although he actually survived.
Source: Wookieepedia (https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Darth_Nihl)

(https://i.imgur.com/A33Z0QG.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/EPjNV9h.jpg)

Details:

(https://i.imgur.com/VY1ptsQ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/o2qGl1w.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/vbaabFs.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/NcB3dtC.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/2DxOGI5.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/laUQ9W8.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/BWNUCzj.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/RcEvGK5.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/5kdqpgW.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/tZzIDow.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/oGR0d6x.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/ClDUzuc.jpg)

Story:

After I had bought some custom fodder from this seller on ebay, I kept an eye on his following auctions. I estimate he sold about 1,500 figures in the bay and this custom figure was one of them. It came with 4 other figures and a couple accessories. The winning bid was at 43€ so I paid less than 9 bucks for this amazing custom. My maximum bid was more than double of that because I really wanted to have this incredible figure in my collection. Luckily for me, people don't want to spend so much on customs here in Germany. Bids reach much higher amounts in the U.S. - and that's good for all creative fans out there! Hasbro's release of Darth Nihl goes for well over 100€ here in Germany by now. And I wish I had bought the 4 Comic Packs back then when they were on sale at Entertainment Earth for $69.99 (see image below)...these Comic Packs are some of the rarest & most expensive today with Jarael, Deliah Blue and the two Mandos...anyhew what I absolutely admire about this custom is the thin fabrics used for the costume. Also the details on his skin are applied very professionally. I suppose it's a PU or pleather material - very thin with a nice texture to it. I'm happy and proud to have a very special version of Darth Nihl in my collection, now. Thank you, Thomas. Your talent is very impressive and inspiring!

(https://i.imgur.com/BNfaATm.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/W9wpsAN.jpg)
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Darth Nihl (Darth Krayt's Galactic Empire)
Post by: hemble on November 20, 2021, 06:46:12 PM: Great figures mate and I especially like the concept Vader.

Ron
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Darth Nihl (Darth Krayt's Galactic Empire)
Post by: Tamer on November 21, 2021, 07:38:28 AM: That Nihl is great. I have got to go share that.
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Darth Nihl (Darth Krayt's Galactic Empire)
Post by: RC-1136 on November 21, 2021, 01:59:30 PM: Those figure comic packs were some or the best. SO REGRET not getting Montross and Mereel. Those are going for over $500 now. Love the custom work and your various repaints (especially of vehicles) you have done lately.
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Darth Nihl (Darth Krayt's Galactic Empire)
Post by: Starchaser on December 27, 2021, 04:40:30 PM: Thanks for sharing these figures Philipp. I loved the comic packs as a way to concept figures and more obscure (but really cool) figures made. I'm glad I was able to purchase them at the time:) I guess I've been around this hobby a long time. The custom Nihl is well executed.
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Darth Nihl (Darth Krayt's Galactic Empire)
Post by: Darth More on January 07, 2022, 04:41:04 AM: hemble: Thank you so much for your comment, Ron! The concept Vader is one nice figure, I hadn't known about before. So glad to have him in my collection now even though he's not complete. Maybe I find some time to draw some concepts. I could also cast a few things, again. If only...

Tamer: Thank you so much for sharing it! I also really enjoy the recent customs of the LEGACY comics by CloneTroopr (http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=7528.msg227128#msg227128)!

RC-1136: OH YESSS!! Prices for those figures are beyond abysmal. I so hope Hasbro will eventually give us some of those Comic Pack figures in The Vintage Collection. Some would still stand up to today's standards like Montross and Mereel, but others like Darth Talon deserve an update. Thanks for the thumbs-up on my vehicles! 0/

Starchaser: Yeah, these were crazy times back in 2006-2010 - I mean sky was the limit for Hasbro even when it came to the most obscure characters. I so hope that we'll see more EU/LEGENDS characters in 3.75" format again.
Thank you for the nice words! I'll add some pics of his lightsaber, soon.

And I'm sure you'll love the custom Darth Nihl that CloneTroopr just shared:

http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=7528.msg227707#msg227707
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Ugnaught Smith
Post by: Darth More on September 10, 2022, 01:24:50 PM: Ugnaught Smith

It's been raining here for the past couple days and I'm thankful for every raindrop. Perfect weather for some customizing! And while the paint is drying on my latest projects, I thought I'd share some pictures of a custom I made a while ago.

This is just a simple repaint of the Ugnaught from The Legacy Collection (http://www.rebelscum.com/TLC43ugnaught1.asp).

(https://i.imgur.com/ANGjprg.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/KiVDTkF.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/NQEdozg.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/YGpaby9.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/NoanSGi.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/zeDrFDs.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/qQwG6rx.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Fsye1tm.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/ZmHGOJO.jpg)
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Ugnaught Smith
Post by: Starchaser on September 10, 2022, 04:17:46 PM: Looks really good Phillip. The paint job is excellent and the coloring/wear pattern on the apron is really brilliant. I love the idea of an Ugnaught smith, that totally makes sense. He looks good with the hammer :) Glad you are enjoying the rain, I wouldn't mind some (odd to say in Western Washington) there a wildfire that starting this morning about 30 miles (about 48km) away from our house and it has grown from 20 acres to over 2,000 in about 5 hours (that's a bit over 8 hectares to about 810 hectares). The sun is glowing red through the smoke, the sky is covered with a light gray haze and ash is falling. Its a little apocalyptic. Anyway, great job!
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Ugnaught Smith
Post by: Darth More on September 11, 2022, 02:49:25 AM: I'm sorry to hear that. It's devastating how much forest has been destroyed around the globe this year. A friend of mine is on his honeymoon in Northern California at the moment. I prefer having control oer my fire when it's in the oven. As a dental technician I sometimes feel like a smith myself. lol
Thank you for your feedback & fingers crossed for some massive rainfall asap!
Title: Re: Darth More's Customs: Ugnaught Smith
Post by: Tamer on September 11, 2022, 06:30:53 AM: That Ugnaught is great! Off to share on the front pages.

Man, I could see about a dozen of these guys around an Armourer Led Foundry!

And Starchaser I sure hope it all goes well with that forest fire!