Oðindestroyer - Introduction

It has been a VERY good Summer at the local cinema for Superhero fans! I have not seen GL, but I have seen the three Marvel releases: all different--but all VG+, or better!

For myself, the biggest surprise was Thor. As I have told several friends, it is--IMHO--the best of the prequels that collectively set the stage for next year's release of The Avengers. Don't get me wrong. . . the Iron Man films are still my favourites, but there was a very different dynamic, pace, and purpose at work with these.

But I digress. . . One of the more memorable "characters" in Thor was the Destroyer, Oðin's own, personal armour automaton. Those who wish a more in-depth background of the character can check out the Wiki entry.

The Destroyer is essentially lifeless until animated by the life-force of a sentient being. To the best of my knowledge, the only time that the Destroyer armour has been "worn" was when Oðin donned it to deal with Thor in the one-shot, Thor: Man of War (2008). There is some very inspirational art in this issue, and given what I knew about the movie when it was released, I was hoping they might take a brief detour in this direction. Alas, no, but it was probably for the best.

As you can probably well-imagine, the hobby-and-collectibles biz immediately gravitated to the character of the Destroyer. Surprisingly, one of the companies was Knight Models, with their first--and only release to date--in their "Tales of Asgard" series.

This kit (#109/500) was recently presented to me as a gift. Was I excited to receive it? YOU BET! Excited and grateful. Do I feel the same after having spent a week or so with it? Obviously I am ever-grateful for the thoughtful generosity manifested; but the excitement has been tempered considerably.

Full review to follow in the days to come. . .

Red Skull #3--Prepwork, Phase 2: The Red Skull (II)

I had a bit of free time this afternoon, and after doing some putty-work and grinding on the groundwork of the White Ape, I decided to rough-in the dentition of the RS. That accomplished, I proceeded with working-out the left side of the facial structures, such that the left side of the face is now essentially done.

I might try to continue with the right side once the head comes out of the oven. . .

FOLLOW-UP. . . The head is now completely roughed-in. Now the "fun" begins, micro-detailing the dentition, etc. . . .

UPDATE - 27.09.2011. . . I now have a "rough" of the cigarette holder. For this version, I used a piece of copper wire of a suitable diameter. While it required a certain amount of care while shaping and grinding, it ultimately yielded superior results than its brass counterpart.

Red Skull (Bust)--Wrapping-up

It's been an incredibly productive day. . . just goes to show what a holiday, much-needed rain, and moderate temperatures can do for your productivity. . .

I might be a bit premature in declaring this piece ABD (all-but-done), but just. The head is now completed; the hand is a session or two from being done; as is the pesky RK. All that remains undone is final clean-up and the pre-prime once-over. In all likelihood this piece will be primed alongside the Great White Ape of Barsoom.

Until then. . .

FOLLOW-UP - 24.12.2011 . . . I treated myself to a "Me Day", and effectively wrapped-up the pre-prime work on this piece. Next step: PRIMING!

Red Skull #3--Prepwork, Phase 2: The Red Skull

I actually began work on the head a few weeks ago, first shimming the calvarium (with MS) to ensure a positive "lock" of the hat; and beefing up the frontal, sphenoid, and anterior temporal bones and supra-orbital processes to de facto recess the eyes. Last week, I ground off the soft tissue of the nose and lips, and began to work the lower half of the face into more angular, skeletal features. Today, I continued with the latter; and ground-off the ears and redefined the jawline.

So far, so good! More to follow. . .

White Ape of Barsoom--Wrap-up

The fairing, blending and detailing of the hair was indeed completed by early nightfall, which paved the way for initiating the finalization steps. I have just completed the first "glazing" of the sculpt, and if all goes as hoped, I should have it completed and ready for priming over the coming weekend.

This concludes the Modelling phase of the project. I have enjoyed it immensely. AFAIC, this has been a "classic" conversion project. . . and I will finally have a Great White Ape of Barsoom in my collection!

Images of the primed, completed figure will be posted in the introductory post of the Painting phase of the project.

Until then. . .

White Ape of Barsoom--Update (4)

By way of keeping everyone abreast of the progress. . .

• Fairing, blending and fine detailing of the dorsal half of the hair continues--and may be completed before calling it a day.
• Groundwork has been fitted to display base. Have yet to decide whether to build up the "integrating groundwork" as an integral part of the resin piece; or after the latter has been permanently attached.
• Club has been finished.
• Fine finishing and final detailing has begun.
  

At this point, I do not believe the piece will be primed this weekend. What's the rush? Having said that, I do believe it will be ready for priming in the next 7-10 days, with a priming date of no later than mid-October.

Stay tuned. . .

2011 Status Report -- Fall Update

1) Red Skull (bust, Jaguar Models 1/12th scale conversion)
2) Divio "Mad Dog" Juckal [SP vârcolac] (Smart Max 'Smog 1888')
3) Great White Ape of Barsoom (Smart Max Mr. Honk ['Smog 1888'] conversion)
4) Abraham Lincoln - Vampire Hunter (Andrea 54mm conversion)
5) Loki Laufeyson (Knight Models 70mm)

It is looking like this might very well be my Show line-up for 2012. That's not to say that changes and/or additions are not possible; but there are only so many hours in a day, and it looks like I will have my hands full at work at the very least through the Show.

If there are changes and/or additions to the above, they will most likely come from this "active reserve":

a) Gambit (Knight Models 75mm) -- on the painting bench.
b) Red Skull #2 (ff) (Smart Max 150mm conversion)
c) Red Skull #3 (ff) (Andrea Miniatures 90mm conversion)
d) Tars Tarkas (bust, Monster Caesar/Andrew Martin, "1/8"th scale)
e) Oðindestroyer (Knight Models 70mm conversion)
f) Baba Yaga (Smart Max Nibaba ['Smog 1888'] conversion)

Back to the bench!!

A~

Baba Yaga - UPDATE

• Mortar has been "scaled". Surface texturing of the mortar has begun, as has the hollowing. I'm about a third of the way done with the latter.
• The pose has been "locked" and the lower half of the figure is completely roughed-in. Finishing of the left leg has begun.
  
• Figure has been fitted to the rim of the mortar. Pegging to follow soon.
• "Fleshed-out" the torso somewhat: nothing dramatic, just a bit more youthful.
  

I am more and more taken with the idea of following Smart Max's lead and converting the oaken right forearm to a silver birch. This will necessitate extensive reworking of the right shoulder girdle, but it shouldn't be too bad.

Stay tuned. . .