The Imperial Shipyards

Imperial Creative Engineering => Custom Figures => Topic started by: darthdaddy on December 29, 2011, 11:27:22 PM

Title: Customs for the Kid: Smuggler Team & Vehicle [COMPLETED!!]
Post by: darthdaddy on December 29, 2011, 11:27:22 PM
When Elias and I set out to create our smuggler teams that included the smuggler with their mate, we decided to make half of each others team.  I made an Ewok smuggler and he made me a monkey lizard for my mate.  On the other smuggler team, Elias created an Arkanian and I created her Twi'lek mate.  It was a great way to put a crew together for the new ship I made and stay within the rules of the contest.

At the moment we're calling the Ewok "Pop".  He pilots this muscled version of a K-37 Starstreak racing ship with his monkey lizard mechanic/mate who is often found tinkering around in the engine room of the vessel.  They are currently being kept company by an Arkanian and Twi'lek smuggler team who recently had their spaceship stolen and are earning some fast cash traveling with Pops providing security on the riskier ventures he has been involved with recently.  The four make one great team.  Pop is hoping they will get a lead on the stolen spaceship so he can help his friends get their ship back.



(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4152.jpg)
Secret storage located behind a fake engine is where Pop likes to hide his smuggled goods.  Pop fronts as a transporter of spaceship parts.

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4117.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4125.jpg)
I still have to grime up the engine room.  A big thanks to L.E. Spry for the engine room idea and Jules for the original vehicle design.  This vehicle was heavily inspired by the work of those two.

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4127.jpg)
I also have to paint the circles to look like computer monitors.  I want it to display the faces of the crew members on the screen.

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4122.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4140.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4139.jpg)



(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4116.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4146.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4145.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4144.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4119.jpg)
I still have to finish painting the gun mount.

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4118.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4141.jpg)



(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4160.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4161.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4137.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4159.jpg)
I still have to finish weathering the rear of the ship and add a gloss coat over the vehicle.

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4156.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4155.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4133.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4150.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4149.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4132.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4134.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4135.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4136.jpg)
The booster still needs to be painted also.

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4148.jpg)
An armory/prison cell/sleeping quarters.

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4147.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4142.jpg)
I still need to finish the paint job on the speeder bike I created.

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4130.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4124.jpg)
I still have to do all the detail work on the control panels.

After I finish all the work on the spaceship, we have to finish painting all of the action figures.  Hopefully we will meet the deadline.






Title: Re: Customs for the Kid: Smuggler Team & Vehicle WIP pics
Post by: CloneSniper78 on December 30, 2011, 08:53:35 AM
The ship is looking good DD! To me it looks more like a pirate ship than a smuggler, but I'm definitely not complaining. ;) I never imagined an Ewok as a smuggler, but you pulled it off perfectly. He even looks kinda tough for a little guy. And the two female smugglers are as beautiful as they are dangerous I'm sure. I would like to see these creations put into a web-comic or photo-novel. The adventures that these guys could have are endless. Thanks for sharing these great customs with us.
Title: Re: Customs for the Kid: Smuggler Team & Vehicle WIP pics
Post by: hangarbay94 on December 30, 2011, 01:31:51 PM
now that is really superb!

I absolutely love the detailing on the ship, you and Eli have done a wonderful job transforming the ship into a fully blown custom Smuggler! The little Ewok speeder bike is just amazing.

The custom figures are equally stunning, and like Clone Sniper I think you've created a very tough looking Ewok, he completes the set superbly.

A really creative piece, and one of my favourites for 2011! I now have some serious "Ship Envy"
Title: Re: Customs for the Kid: Smuggler Team & Vehicle WIP pics
Post by: Art deWhill on December 30, 2011, 02:00:18 PM
wow *no words*  THAT is just amazing work!!
Title: Re: Customs for the Kid: Smuggler Team & Vehicle WIP pics
Post by: spudafett on December 30, 2011, 03:19:07 PM
as impressive as the main vehicle is.... for me the tiny little speeder takes the cake.  I love the ewok too, and he looks superb on that little speeder.  I can't wait to see it painted.

What body is that of the twilek?  is it one of the comic pack figures? 
Title: Re: Customs for the Kid: Smuggler Team & Vehicle WIP pics
Post by: darthdaddy on December 30, 2011, 03:31:25 PM
as impressive as the main vehicle is.... for me the tiny little speeder takes the cake.  I love the ewok too, and he looks superb on that little speeder.  I can't wait to see it painted.

What body is that of the twilek?  is it one of the comic pack figures?  

It's the body of Jarael from the exclusive Comic Pack put out by Entertainment Earth.  I found one in a boutique toy store on clearance.  Thanks for the kind words.

Tom and Art, thanks for the complimentary feedback, too.  I'm glad I pulled off the Ewok Smuggler and that you all thought he looked tough rather than cute.  

Jules your feedback means so much.  Not only because you are a true veteran when it comes to creating the most amazing custom vehicles, but mostly because you were the one I saw who first put out a version of this vehicle.  It was my own envy of your version that even got me started on this project in the first place.  Between your version and the one L.E. made, I wanted to have one too.  Both of you had a huge influence over how this turned out.  Anyone who hasn't seen their versions of this ship should definitely check them out in the vehicle thread. 

This is my first custom of a full size vehicle and possibly my last.  The only other vehicle I ever put together was the Pirate Swoop Bike from Jules' Mini Rig Contest.  Looks like you know how to get me working outside my comfort zone.
Title: Re: Customs for the Kid: Smuggler Team & Vehicle WIP pics
Post by: hangarbay94 on December 30, 2011, 04:22:59 PM
Dude, your version is definitely the definitive one and you should really consider doing more vehicle customs as you have put so much effort into the detail, I for one would love to see more.
Title: Re: Customs for the Kid: Smuggler Team & Vehicle WIP pics
Post by: ActionFigEmpire on December 30, 2011, 05:57:16 PM
Absolutely fabulous work to the two of you! I love this project so much! Wish Hasbro would do a line of totally original characters for the star wars universe like this!
Title: Re: Customs for the Kid: Smuggler Team & Vehicle WIP pics
Post by: JediMerc on December 31, 2011, 06:41:25 AM
Love that smuggler Ewok!  The shabby beard turned out nicely...and who doesn't prefer an Ewok with a pistol in his hand?
Their ship is looking good as well; very unique vehicle for this tandem!

Nice work!
Title: Re: Customs for the Kid: Smuggler Team & Vehicle WIP pics
Post by: Luke Sprywalker on December 31, 2011, 07:57:24 AM
Brian, your version of this vehicle is amazing! I like the additional parts and the way you used them. It looks like all of them are from the Storm Hawks air bike as I have every part in my fodder bin. I never thought to use them but they fit in perfectly. I am most impressed with your ability to hide the handle under the cockpit, so well done. I  am glad you decided to create the cargo hold it adds so much to the vehicle and heck, it is already there you just have to gut it of the moving parts that are useless. As far as the advice you asked for, once everything is painted I would simply give it a series of dark washes then sprinkle the thing with cinnamon. when the wash dries blow away the cinnamon where you don't want it and leave some in all the edges and crevices. That will make it look like it has actually rusted. Then hit it with 2 coats of flat sealer and the cinnamon is there forever. Great vehicle and crew you have here!
Title: Re: Customs for the Kid: Smuggler Team & Vehicle WIP pics
Post by: botwt on December 31, 2011, 01:25:39 PM
WOW!!  :o
That is some really impressive work!!
Title: Re: Customs for the Kid: Smuggler Team & Vehicle WIP pics
Post by: darthdaddy on December 31, 2011, 06:51:29 PM
Thanks everyone!  Here are a bunch of pics of the update I made on the project today. O0  When I have the chance I'll give it a proper photo session and put those pictures in the contest thread.  These are just super raw pics without even taking the time to adjust the brightness at all.  

@ L.E. - All that I have left is the cinnamon.  The ship is done otherwise.  So are all the figures.  Elias keeps saying if I put in on he's going to lick it off, but I don't think he'll want to with a wash on it.  I have to wait until my car is out of the shop to get the cinnamon though.  Bachelor pads rarely have cinnamon laying around.

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4167.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4166.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4165.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4164.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4163.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4178.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4177.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4176.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4174.jpg)
The gun on the speeder bike is removable.

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4175.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4173.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4172.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4171.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4170.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4169.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4168.jpg)

Title: Re: Customs for the Kid: Smuggler Team & Vehicle WIP pics
Post by: Tamer on December 31, 2011, 06:54:53 PM
Wow, looks good to me.
Title: Re: Customs for the Kid: Smuggler Team & Vehicle WIP [NOW UPDATED]
Post by: hangarbay94 on January 01, 2012, 04:58:14 AM
Those images of the interior show an extra dimension to the custom, I absolutely love all of the detailing and it's far better then anything I've ever done as I just tend to re-paint. They are wonderful pieces of creative artwork.

Title: Re: Customs for the Kid: Smuggler Team & Vehicle WIP [NOW UPDATED]
Post by: darthdaddy on January 01, 2012, 07:18:21 AM
Those images of the interior show an extra dimension to the custom, I absolutely love all of the detailing and it's far better then anything I've ever done as I just tend to re-paint. They are wonderful pieces of creative artwork.



Thanks so much for the feedback!  Your opinion means so much.  I'd still take a vehicle made by you any day. 

I'd love to make more vehicles, but space is a big factor.  Our apartment is getting smaller and smaller with all of Elias' toys.  I'm going to have to start selling off future customs if his collection gets any bigger.   Either that or buy a condo at some point. 

I wasn't crazy about the stickers, but Elias loved the playability it added to the vehicle.  It would have been nice to make it geared more toward the adult collector and make the outside match the inside, but I could always update it down the road.

I'll try and take some more pics later today.  I wish I had one of your hangar diorama's for the photo shoot.  The printer I have is terrible.  9 times out of 10, it has a paper jam every time i hit print.  I may try to get the printing of the sticker labels done at a Staples or something and then apply it to the foam board when we get home.  I'll just put all the images on a flash drive and have them printed off of there.  I wish my car wasn't in the shop or I would go today.
Title: Re: Customs for the Kid: Smuggler Team & Vehicle WIP [NOW UPDATED]
Post by: Luke Sprywalker on January 01, 2012, 08:02:40 AM
Brian this is quickly becoming a masterpiece! All the details look great and I love the speeder bike you made from that spare part! The guns for steering veins is genius!
Title: Re: Customs for the Kid: Smuggler Team & Vehicle WIP [NOW UPDATED]
Post by: darthdaddy on January 01, 2012, 08:42:26 AM
Thanks L.E.! It was definitely a fun project.  Just realized I have to grease up the monkey lizard.
Title: Re: Customs for the Kid: Smuggler Team & Vehicle WIP [NOW UPDATED]
Post by: Luke Sprywalker on January 01, 2012, 10:39:42 AM
Sounds good Brian, I wondered if you were going to weather him up.
Title: Re: Customs for the Kid: Smuggler Team & Vehicle WIP [NOW UPDATED]
Post by: Tamer on January 01, 2012, 03:22:14 PM
Wow, and its not finished?! Sure looks nice to me.
Title: Re: Customs for the Kid: Smuggler Team & Vehicle WIP [NOW UPDATED]
Post by: darthdaddy on January 01, 2012, 05:39:26 PM
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4230.jpg)

Just finished!! Here's a video of the completed entry courtesy of Darth Daddy & Elias of "Customs for the Kid":

http://animoto.com/play/62tseJY8zvUEJI6n7HzWyQ (http://animoto.com/play/62tseJY8zvUEJI6n7HzWyQ)


When Elias and I set out to create our smuggler teams that included the smuggler with their mate, we decided to make half of each others team.  I made an Ewok smuggler and he made me a monkey lizard for my mate.  On the other smuggler team, Elias created an Arkanian Offshoot and I created her Twi'lek mate.  It was a great way to put a crew together for the new ship I made and stay within the rules of the contest.

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4204.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4193.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4200.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4203.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4202.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4181.jpg)


Pop the Ewok grew up a slave on Coruscant.  He was kidnapped as a baby and was kept as a pet until he got older and the family lost interest.  Old enough to set out on his own, Pop hit the streets and never looked back.  He befriended a monkey lizard with a robotic eye named Tiet Pescow and together they worked at a space ship repair shop until one day a golden opportunity presented itself.  A customer came to have his  K-37 Starstreak racing ship serviced but was struck dead by an out of control speeder.  Pop and Tiet got the vessel home while their employer was at lunch and quit their jobs later that afternoon.  They saw the ship as their ticket to riches and that night decided to become smugglers.  Pop flew the craft and his monkey lizard mechanic/mate Tiet was often found tinkering around in the engine room of the vessel.  The ship is so rare that very few spacers know the punch the spacecraft packs, but these two knew they had something special and they quickly rose to prominence in smuggling circles and throughout the crime underworld.

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4214.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4206.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4188.jpg)

Pop and Tiet are currently being kept company by an Arkanian Offshoot smuggler named Daala and her Twi'lek mate, Maari  former slaves under what was left of the remnants of The Crucible.  Both had risen through the ranks of the organization and bore the tattoos of the order.  The Flames of the Crucible were a runic language usually tattooed on the members of The Crucible, an organization of slavers. The tattoos held different meanings and could be found on the arms, chest, and even face of anyone within the ranks of the Crucible.  The Flames tattooed on the face of Daala were specific to the minders and internal security forces who had, through talent or deed, become a permanent part of the Crucible. They were unique to them, whereas the general populace didn't have them, nor did the minions in specialized roles. Tattoos on the arms of members of the Crucible like the ones found on Maari  were usually a reference to military insignia, representing rank and the particular group of trainees a minder is assigned to.  Some members, such as Daala, were known to bear the Flames of the Crucible on their faces. In Daala's case the tattoos actually meant "Protector," the name that was given to her by the slaves of the Crucible. These two escaped The Crucible and made a very successful living as smugglers.  That was until recently when they had their spaceship stolen. Now they are earning some fast credits traveling with Pops providing security on the riskier ventures he has been involved with recently.  They are hoping they can earn enough to get another ship.  The four have found that they make one great team working together and serious thought is being given to keeping this team together by all.

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/BrianFulton/smuggler%20teams/IMGP4215.jpg)

Pop is hoping they will get a lead on the stolen spaceship so he can help his friends get their ship back.

Title: Re: Customs for the Kid: Smuggler Team & Vehicle [COMPLETED!!]
Post by: botwt on January 07, 2012, 03:30:16 PM
Oh my... :o
They are awesome...the Ewok is my favorite and I hate Ewoks! :)
Title: Re: Customs for the Kid: Smuggler Team & Vehicle [COMPLETED!!]
Post by: BugSkirt on January 10, 2012, 10:46:26 AM
That is a very fun and creative team.  There all good with lots of little details to view.  I especially like the ewok and monkey lizard.