Thraex - Prep 4: Final finishing

The TDL has been effectively completed. There is still some fine finishing to be done (e.g., overall 'texturing' of the fasciae extensions), but these will be addressed in the course of the final finishing of the figure.

I hope to have this figure primed by the end of July. . .

“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003

Thraex - Prep 3: The TDL

The base figure has been completely assembled [NOTE: the only filler used to-date has been in tweaking the fit of the left arm to the torso.], which means the time had come to peg the feet/lower legs and mount it onto its work base. This is one of a number of instances that one truly appreciates the engineering and design of the figure, as one is pegging the legs through solid pieces, not hollow-cast legs!

 

This is the TDL for this superb figure:

• Undercut overlapping layers throughout. No matter how well a polystyrene figure kit is de- signed, it will require undercutting to varying degrees. This piece requires relatively little undercutting.
  
• Resized the shield, the quad parmula, reducing its length. (see Prep 1)
  
• Removed, resocketed (MS), and repositioned the left hand.
• Extended fasciae to mid-thigh (MS). This in turn required a refitting--and modification--of the loincloth of the subligaculum to accommodate the added thigh rolls.
• The helmet had its crest left off. The kit provides a horsehair crest à la murmillo. Thraeces' helmets traditionally had [ostrich] plumage. As sculpting ostrich plumes is not on my list of favorite things to-do, I decided to leave the crista off altogether..

There are potentially a few more items that might still make their way onto the list; but, for now, this is what will command my attention for the next few weeks. . . 

“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003

Thraex - Prep 2

Save for the left arm, the 'base' figure--and the equipment subassemblies--are now assembled!

I don't mean to 'gush', but this is one of the best injection-molded plastic figure kits I have ever built! Fit, as I've mentioned, is exceptional and precise--to date, I have not used any filler whatsoever. I have had to tweak the attachment points to maximize the fit (read: contact) of the respective parts, but such is the nature of the beast. 

Before closing, I would just like to make a few comments/observations. What do miniaturists have against injection molded plastic figure kits? And what do they have against ICM and MiniArt (who pretty much have cornered the market with regard to 1/16th scale plastic figure kits)?? I have encountered none of the assembly and/or fit and/or finish problems experienced by reviewers in my example. I will concur that the more experience one brings to the table, the greater the likelihood of an overall enjoyable, positive undertaking. BUT. . . one can say that of any project! As a sidebar note, this figure is quite suitable for a beginner with basic modelling skills who is observant, patient--and passionate.

I have acquired 4 ICM figures since 2016. Each figure is a watershed of refinement, confidence, and evinced experience on the part of the manufacturer. BRAVO!!! I, for one, am definitely looking forward to next year's projected releases; and I can only hope there is a series of gladiators in the works from ICM. . . 

Back to the bench!

“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003

Thraex - Prep 1

I'm about halfway through assembly, and I can honestly say this is a truly magnificent plastic figure kit! The design/engineering is noteworthy, and the fit is overall VG+++. The only reason I do not give "fit" an excellent rating is simply because this is a plastic kit: any shortcomings are due to the me- dium, not the design or the production.

My only reservation revolves around the length of the shield. The quad parmula, the rectangular shield, is, IMO, a bit too long. I am not aware of any surviving examples of quad parmulae, so my objection is based on my perception of the size of the item, and esthetics. In others words, these are subjective reservations.

In closing, I will point out that two shields are provided: the quad parmula, in effect a short scutum; and a round parmula. Thraeces are usually depicted with quad parmulae, but there appears to be some evidence to suggest the use of a round shield. What I am hoping is that the inclusion of a round shield would indicate the release of a hoplomachus in the [near] future.

Back to the bench!

“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003

Thraex

Ukrainian firm, ICM, has released another 1/16th scale polystyrene kit of a gladiator--a Thraex--earlier this year. Based on the kit before me, it appears that ICM assiduously studied MiniArt's offering, and has released what appears to be a truly exceptional offering! 

While somewhat similar to its predecessor, this is a much more refined, finished kit. My only regret is that it does not scale favorably with MiniArt's Murmillo, thus precluding a somewhat dramatic vignette. Hopefully, ICM will develop a series of gladiators . . .

“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003

The Wacky Races, pt. 2 (cont.)- The Projects, pt. 2: The Creepy Coupe (#2)

While the post-apocalyptic Compact Pussycat (#5), and the Arkansas Chugga-Bug (#8), are still jockeying for a front-burner on the bench, the Creepy Coupe (#2) is currently the fave of the hour, prompted largely by the Round 2/MPC re-release of the late 60s kit.

As indicated in the original posting, my goal is to create a non-cartoon-ish version of the Creepy Coupe. The basis for this conversion was to have been George Barris's Munster Koach kit (AMT), but upon further consideration--and research!--I decided to replace the Munster Koach with the Advent/ Revell '26 T Sedan. . . a much better fit--literally and figuratively. 

I am currently working on the engine of the Coupe, scratchbuilding the scoops DONE for the quad Weber carbs of the Ford Cobra 289 engine. The frame and suspension are done and in final clean-up--painting of the chassis is next. The modification of the body is well underway: my current focus is the windshield; and I should begin work on the dashboard shortly.

 

More to follow. . .

“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003