Alejandra -- Assembly (I)

As anticipated, this was a relatively simple, straightforward assembly. As always, careful surface prep and repeated dry-fitting will optimize what is already a good fit, thus minimizing post-assembly filling.

As of this writing, all major sub-assemblies have been completed. I have assembled the body (body + boots) and have filled the same with PUR. So far, so good. . .

2011 Status Report -- Pre-Winter Update

There are now but five weeks left in the year, which means that the 35th Annual Atlanta Miniatures Show is but 12 weeks away . . . [YIKES!]

It also means that the time to bring down lofty, breezy dreams to a more grounded reality is upon me. And to this end, my display will most likely be comprised of the following pieces:

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

with only 2 of them definitely in competition--IF THAT!

Should time decide to make itself more abundant (with its yin-- work--ebbing at a near proportional level), at least one of the Marvel pieces might make an appearance:

A1) Red Skull (bust, Jaguar Models 1/12th scale conversion)
A2) Loki Laufeyson (Knight Models 70mm)

Hopefully, I will not have to pare-down the lineup any further. . .

BACK TO THE BENCH!!!

Loki -- GRAPHIC UPDATE

Save for the helmet "accessories, this is pretty much my "restored" canvas. . .


I would note that one of the things that prompted the replacement of the polearm was that whatever Loki might have been engaged with was left entirely to the imagination of the viewer--in short, conflicting perspectives. In my rendition, Loki is admiring and celebrating not only his acquisition of Mjolnir, but what it represents. . .

Loki -- UPDATE (3)

I'm probably getting a bit ahead of myself, but after nearly two weeks away from the bench (too much Work and car woes), I felt I had to do something. . .

To this end, Loki is now fully assembled save for the horns and the "panache" of the helmet. I glued the left arm in place, so now the god of Mischief is in all his glory. . . or nearly so.

Next step--final detailing and clean-up, and pre-prime prep.

Loki -- UPDATE (2)

I have made a decision re: the weaponry--the "spear" is history! I briefly considered leaving him sans weapon, but that was a bit too "strained". Having slept on it, I decided to add Mjolnir to the mix.

This is by no means an easy mod to carry out. It is not difficult, but the somewhat flattened hand and overly 'tight' grip dictates proceeding with caution. The worst is now behind me (fleshing-out the hand, adding an extended index finger, etc.), and Mjolnir's head (Plastruct and MS) is in the oven curing. . .

Moving right along. . .

FOLLOW-UP. . . Mjolnir is essentially done! All that remains are the bindings on the [wood] handle, and final assembly (which may wait until the figure is painted). 

FOLLOW-UP (2). . . Mjolnir--save for final assembly--is done!

I was in a bit of quandary re: the bindings, as I did not want to sculpt them, BUT. . . I did not have any suitable material with which to do it. That's when my lady came up with the brilliant/inspired notion of making my own using tin solder! I had Mjolnir's handle bound within 15 mins. or so - 10+ mins. worth of hammering and trimming; 3-5 minutes of binding. Great stuff!!!

Loki -- UPDATE

To give credit where credit is due, I am having a blast with this kit! Yes, there are annoying corrections to be made; but on the other hand, this affords me—and any miniaturist!—the opportunity to put his or her "mark" on the piece.

As of this writing, I believe the putty work on the throne to be done. There is still a load of finishing and texturing to be done, but the “hassles” (fitting, shimming, etc.) should be behind me.

The figure is now partially assembled: I attached the right arm the other night to allow me to bed the limb in its modified conformation. I am still undecided about the left arm (with Loki’s “spear”), as in this iteration, he appears to have eschewed any weaponry.

More to follow. . .

Moebius' Black Widow. . .

has finally arrived!!!

This figure kit was to have been released back in the Summer; but all good things come to those who wait.

This is a beautifully done 1/8 scale kit with some very pleasant surprises engineering-wise that will facilitate the work ahead. Comprised of 23 pieces (including base) cast in a "Sunny Flesh" PS, this kit should fall together OOB with a minimum of fuss and bother for those who elect to stick with the stock rendition.

While I may start gluing and filling sub-assemblies, this project is on the 2012 docket at the earliest.

Bring on the MK-VI and War Machine!!!

FOLLOW-UP. . . The kit. . .