23 replies to this topic

[jim010]

I am new here, but so very impressed with what peaple here have done.  I love the customs that fill playmates line of 4.5 figures.

I have wanted these for a long time, but have just now started to collect the playmates 4.5.  I would like the crew from each TV show/movie

Am I right in that I will need to make my own:

Geordi First Contact

Chekov TMP
Scotty TMP
Uhura red uniform
Sulu red uniform
Spock red uniform
McCoy red uniform

assorted DS9 (don't know which)

assorted Voyager (don't know which)

My big challenge is this:

Doing the crew of Star Trek: Enterprise in Playmates 4.5.  I'm willing to experiment, but need some advice on how to approach this.  Or is this something best left the big guys here to do?  If so, who can I approach?

Cheers

[TheHSBR]

Well the biggest issue is finding a good base body and a head with a good likeness. Sculpting new facial features to match a figure is much harder than doing a similar likeness with a head swap. Im also drawing a blank with what base body to use that wouldnt require a complete overhaul with sculpting.

I know that doesnt help much

[jim010]

Well the biggest issue is finding a good base body and a head with a good likeness. Sculpting new facial features to match a figure is much harder than doing a similar likeness with a head swap. Im also drawing a blank with what base body to use that wouldnt require a complete overhaul with sculpting.

I know that doesnt help much

It's a start.

I Thought the Generations uniform is a start. I could certainly try doing a body, but doing the face? Tough.

I see that you do customs on request. Willing to try?

Cheers

[Gothneo]

For ENT heads I would recommend getting a hold of some AA Enterprise figures and take the head, cast it and use hydro-shrink to get them to the 4.5 inch size.

It's allot of work though...

You can get Archer, Mayweather & Reed dirt cheap ($2.99 ea!) from www.williamshatner.com

http://shatner-store...t/fi7to9in.html

So, you wouldn't have to pay allot for heads with a good likeness!

[Tiberius]

I have seen figures using SeaQuest bodies, which are also from Playmates. As for the heads, just look for someone simular enough for your liking

[jim010]

I'll look at teh Seaquest figures.

As for the shrink method - do you have a link for a tutorial?

Cheers

[Tiberius]

try this http://www.megomuseu...shrinking.shtml

[jim010]

Interesting ... just read the tutorial. And this works on Art Asylum heads?

[jim010]

OK, here's what I got:

1) Take an Archer Art Asylum head and boil and pop it.

2) Make a mold of the head using Smooth-On Oomoo

3) Cast the head mold using Smooth-On Smooth Cast 300.

4) Shrink the cast (or shrink original) using acetone, or hydrospan 400.

5) Make a mold of the shrunken cast (or original)

6) Cast the second smaller mold.

This sound right? And if so, what mixture of water to Hydrospan (or acetone) do I need to go from a 7 inch scale to 4.5 inch scale?

I will try it, but wouldn't mind more info before I go buying all the materials I need.

Cheers

[Tiberius]

OK, here's what I got:

1) Take an Archer Art Asylum head and boil and pop it.

2) Make a mold of the head using Smooth-On Oomoo

3) Cast the head mold using Smooth-On Smooth Cast 300.

4) Shrink the cast (or shrink original) using acetone, or hydrospan 400.

5) Make a mold of the shrunken cast (or original)

6) Cast the second smaller mold.

This sound right? And if so, what mixture of water to Hydrospan (or acetone) do I need to go from a 7 inch scale to 4.5 inch scale?

I will try it, but wouldn't mind more info before I go buying all the materials I need.

Cheers

Step 3 is unneccesary, you just use your hydrospan 400
Step 4 acetone is not going to work for a solid head, it is for rotocast

The best way to find your ratio, and I am pretty sure there is only one ratio, is to experiment. Try casting after a week/x days if you are using a dehydrator or oven. I think it took a week for my Klingon head.

[jim010]

Step 3 is unneccesary, you just use your hydrospan 400
Step 4 acetone is not going to work for a solid head, it is for rotocast

The best way to find your ratio, and I am pretty sure there is only one ratio, is to experiment. Try casting after a week/x days if you are using a dehydrator or oven. I think it took a week for my Klingon head.

So all I need to do is wait until it shrinks to the size I want, and then make a mold before it shrinks any further? I see that I can get the materials I need from Gyptex in Calgary.

Tiberius - being in Calgary, I may need to get some one on one tutoring! Have you bought your materials from them?

Cheers

[Tiberius]

well we could certianly share some materials!! I could even lend you all my heads, and I have a few bodies from SeaQuest DSV that you could have.
how come this did not show up in my search, I found a place that did not even bother to call me back! Thanks

[jim010]

Tiberius,

Looks like there is a sci-fi convention at the BMO centre there in Calgary.. I plan on going, as Brent Spiner and Lenard Nimoy are attending. Perhaps we could arrange a meet?

Cheers

[jim010]

I picked up a Sea Quest figure. It is the Roy Schieder character, and is the right size. Uniform is comparable, and certainly has the right 'baggy' look. The turtle neck has to go, though. Pockets are in the wrong spots. To use without modifying wouldn't look right.

The head has the same hair as Archer, as is teh forehead. Repainting the eyebrows may work.

I think making a copy of the AA Archer head may still be the way to go.

I tinker with this, but I will get the stuff from Gyptex to make my own molds.

[jim010]

Well, I carved and sculpted the details of the Ent uniform onto the body of a Laforge figure with the collar. I tested modelmaster spray paint, but it didn't take very well. You goes use enamel or acrylic?

[Tiberius]

no, use acrylic, or at least a primer. I painted my TT Worf with enamel, and it never dried! I had to redo it and it is fine.
Lets see what you did...

[jim010]

no, use acrylic, or at least a primer. I painted my TT Worf with enamel, and it never dried! I had to redo it and it is fine.
Lets see what you did...

I'll post pics on Wednesday.

Cheers

[jim010]

OK, I have some pics of the uniform I scuplted - almost got all the details.

Now how do I post pics? I don't see a function for that like I have in other forums

Cheers

[Commodore Kor'Tar]

OK, I have some pics of the uniform I scuplted - almost got all the details.

Now how do I post pics? I don't see a function for that like I have in other forums

Cheers

If you look at the control bar aboveyou'll see a link to click that says "My Albums" click that , upload your photos then copy the bb code and paste it into your next comments.

[jim010]

Thanks.

Here's what I have done. I used Milliput, but I would like to make the details a little cleaner. I still need to do the pants pockets and zippers. I tested paintinf on the top half, but as stated, I used enemel, and it is still tacky.