The kit is now assembled in toto.
While the prepwork/construction is done, I do not intend to launch the finishing/painting phase of the project until after the New Year . . . probably not until after the Show.
Until then. . .
After 8 months on pre-order, I received X-Plus’s Maschinenmensch from Fritz Lang’s silent classic, Metropolis (1927), this week.
Maschinenmensch was one of the first, and perhaps most iconic fictional robots ever depicted in cinema, and went on to be one of the primary influences of robotic design in feature film.
The ⅛ scale model features the gynoid 'Maria' arguably in ‘her’ most iconic pose, posed before the chair/ ‘throne’ that 'she' recently occupied: the latter serves as an appropriately thematic base for the model.
Though it is marketed as a "glue-together" kit, the snap-together design of the core kit is plainly evi- dent. Interestingly, no mention or allusion to a no-glue finish is anywhere to be found in the instruc- tions, etc. This is a ‘hybrid’ kit, with some subassemblies glue-based, but with the figure itself being primarily a "snap-fit" assembly. Having said that, extensive dry-fitting and dry-assembly is a pre-requisite to the application of glue.
The kit is cast in injection-molded gold (figure) and light grey (display setting) polystyrene. The polystyrene is excellent: better-than-average heat resistance, though somewhat brittle and ‘layered’. Overall fit is G+ to VG+: the underlying 'mannequin sub-figure’ fit is not as precise as it might be; but that of the armour defining the kit is near-excellent! Overall, I would have to grade this kit as a solid "B+".
The instruction sheet, one sheet, 2 pages, is very good, and would be welcome--and appreciated!--by anyone with even moderate plastic figure experience.
Before closing, I have just found out that there will be a second Metropolis offering from X-Plus: a seated Maschinenmensch! It is scheduled for release in 2023, and I will be placing my pre-order as soon as it is announced!
“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003
By way of a quick Reference Note. . . The subject's character habitually wore three belts when fully armed: a heavier--and shorter--tunic belt; and two sword belts--I presume one of the latter was to suspend Davos' dagger; though I don't recall ever seeing him wear one without the other.
In any event, the kit provides only two belts: a somewhat thinner tunic belt; and the sword belt. I bring this to your attention in case you are so inclined to completely accurize the kit; I decided that the return on the time and effort that would be required was simply not worth it. If the arms had been provided as separate pieces, I would have perhaps given it further thought, but as it stands. . . no!
The amount of work planned and underway has decidedly elevated this kit beyond that of an OOB project. . .
To be continued. . .
The Game has begun. . . !
There are three major "revisions" on the TDL:
To date, work has commenced on the boots (Phase I completed) and the gorget. Once these items are done to my satisfaction, I can launch final finishing and start thinking about priming. . . The sword/scabbard will be finished while the figure is being painted.
Stay tuned!
“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003
The figure has now been stripped, pegged, and mounted on its work base. . .
To be continued. . .
My last two Eaglemoss GoT figurines are now in hand: Ser Davos Seaworth, "the Onion Knight" arrived this afternoon.
This is an "interesting" figure. The original promotional pictures (see below) of this release appear to be of a white metal figure; the figure I received is primarily bonded resin. Obviously, I am happier with the resin medium; BUT, the re-engineering has reduced the number of component pieces from 7 to 2! Casting quality is excellent, and pre-paint finishing is well above-average.
There are a few tweaks and upgrades that are on the TDL, but this will largely be--as of this writing--an OOB project.
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
I came across some rather shocking, though hardly surprising, news over the weekend: Eaglemoss, as we know it, is no more! This will not be an eulogistic epilogue, though I am saddened by the largely self-inflicted demise of major source for unique and very cost-effective products. Yet another source bites the dust. . .
As you can well imagine, this got me scrambling through the roster of GoT figurines to see if there were any must/should haves that were not already in the 'great grey army'. And sure enough, I found two at very reasonable prices: GoT Special Edition #1 - Mag the Mighty; and GoT #57 - Ser Davos Seaworth.
The latter is currently en route; but I received the former yesterday--and it is already stripped and on the work bench, with preliminary reductive grinding well-underway! By way of prologue, this will be a rather extensive "reworking" of the stock figure, and as such a long-term project. . .
There were three named Giants on GoT: Dongo, Mag, and Wun Wun. We met Dongo in Season 3, and was killed at the Battle of Castle Black. (S4E9). "Mag the Mighty", the subject of this first EM Special Edition, was also killed at the Battle of Castle Black. We would not meet Wun Wun until the Battle of Hardhome (S5E8): he not only survived the debacle at Hardhome; but he fought with the wildlings at the Battle of the Bastards (S6E9), where he ultimately was killed.
So much for the background. . . The figure is an exceptional one-piece bonded metal casting that measures 145mm in height (~1/32 to scale; not 1/14th, as promoted by Eaglemoss!). I don't know who sculpted/ designed the piece, but the quality is equally exceptional! Overall, this is the best GoT casting I have seen to date!! As a pre-painted collectible, this offering would be highly recommended.
My only reservation about this piece is the choice of subject: why "Mag the Mighty"? While I am not aware of the release schedule, which might have determined the selection, the optimal release for a Giant subject is Wun Weg Wun Dar Wun (bka Wun Wun). And he will be the subject of this project...
“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -There was but one item remaining to be painted: the dorsal support strap for the spaulders--that is now done!
As is the figure!! I have about a fortnight's worth, give or take, of minor touch-ups, tweaks, weathering, etc. to be done--and satisfy myself that nothing was overlooked; but other than the normal final 'fin- ishing' (aka, epilogue), the time has come to find a space in the display case amongst its brethren...
I greatly enjoyed this thematic, sidebar project! While I can hardly recommend it without reservations, a creative, open-minded miniaturist and/or fan of the show will breathe 'life' into this dead minion. . .
Valar morghulis. . .
“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003
The figure has been permanently transferred/mounted on its display base. . . but is it effectively "done"?
Yes. . . and no. The final finishing/integration can now begin in earnest; but, as always, the closer I get to the 'finish line', the slower the progress. . .
Much more to follow. . .
18.10.2022 -
19.10.2022 -
“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003
The snow cover is setting-up quite nicely and very effectively! It should be fully cured by tomorrow morning. . .
Now it's time to take care of the remaining painting. . .
More to follow!
FOLLOW-UP. . . The left iris/pupil is done! Assuming it is dry tomorrow, I can apply the blue chromatic overglaze to the left eye. . .
UPDATE - 18.10.2022. . . Phase 1 of the head /face--including the 'blue eye'--is now DONE! Save for the sword blade, and the wrap on the left wrist, the entire figure is now in the oils phase of the painting. I anticipate completion of the figure within the fortnight. . .
“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003
The groundwork is now done!
The Tamiya Diorama Texture Paints --Snow Effect and Powder Snow Effect -- were used to replicate the virtually pristine, unbroken snow cover. This is one of the best ground-cover materials on the market in ALL respects!
Save for the sword, the figure is now fully assembled! Which means that I have permanently mounted the plackart. . .
Work on the pivotal midsection of the figure will more than likely be put on the back-burner to allow the paint and glue to cure. This will afford me the opportunity to start final detailing/touch-ups, as well as work on the remaining items to be painted, most importantly the head/face.
Getting closer. . .
Though I personally think I am not quite on the home-stretch, I am damn close. . . !
I have just finished [dry-] fitting the plackart, and for the first time there is a chromatic totality about the figure before me. Which brings me to the subject of this posting. . .
The colour guide suggests a predominantly beige (cloth) and light grey (skin) colour scheme. Even if the beige is deepened and varied in tone throughout the garments, it is a rather uninspired scheme. The wights on the whole were largely blue-biased achromatic on screen, but unless we want to paint a blue-biased B&W figure, this is neither very appealing, nor will it work very well. SOOOOOO. . . it is time to do the research within the context of the source scene in the finale of Season 4 ("The Children"), cross-referencing Martin's description in A Dance with Dragons.
Given his overall state of decomposition, this is a "mid-decomp": it has been dead for about 6 months to 2 years. Which means he could have been originally one of two peoples: a 'wildling', or a Ranger of the Night's Watch. Since 'wildlings' are not wont to possess armour and prefer multi-layered furs for their garments, I settled on a Ranger. Which means that his garments--and equipment!--would have been "black".
Note that this will be anything but an achromatic figure, as you shall soon see! I will probably custom-mix my blacks to give myself a little more flexibility in my tonal shades, as well as provide a more vibrant appearance to the figure.
Stay tuned!!Just like ridin' a bike. . .
It has been close to 20 years since I have painted blackened, rust-distressed armour. BUT. . . by the time the armour was overcoated in black oils (via stippling), I was "at home"! Using mid-tone ochres and Mars colours, I built-up a surface layer of rust that will subsequently be enhanced chromatically and volumetrically with rust-coloured pigments.
The plate is now effectively done--and I am DELIGHTED! All that remains to be done is the final weathering that will integrate these accessory pieces with the overall presentation.
NEXT: the plackart. . .
FOLLOW-UP. . . Sculpting the plackart has been completed--and the plackart has been uc'd!
“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003
Rather than proceed with the fabrics and leather, I decided to get the armour out of the way--and cured, thus allowing me to use the black of the tunic to "cut-in" any stray metallics.
The armour was basecoated with G-S Mr. METAL COLOR Dark Iron lacquer. Rather than let the initial coat set for a few minuted, I started bringing-up the metallic finish immediately by 'buffing' the just-applied lacquer with a weathering brush. I would note that this was a fresh bottle of Dark Iron that would normally require 2-3 individual coats of lacquer.
As indicated, this was a metallic basecoat. Once it cures overnight, I will apply a worn overcoat of black (oils) and begin introducing the rusted elements--and the tonal flow--of the plate.
Please note that the plackart has yet to be attached, so these steps will be repeated once the plackart is in place. . .
Stay tuned!
The base figure, Phase II, is essentially done. While mottling, tonal contrasts, etc. will be evaluated as the painting progresses, the implied "texturing" will not be completed until the rusty metallics and the snow-white terrain are a fait accompli.
Tunic, tunic tails, and boots are next. . .
While an integral part of a fluid progression, final subassembly has begun, as noted in the updates and follow-ups of the previous posting. . .
I have just permanently attached--and uc'd!--the right spaulder. I have also prepped the display base, and fitted the figure to same. By the end of the weekend, the left spaulder will be permanently at- tached. DONE! Thereafter, there will be but two items remaining to be attached: the plackart and the sword blade. While the plackart will be mounted prior to attaching the figure to the display base, the sword blade will be attached once the figure is completed.
One might say that figure is now on the home-stretch. . . far from it! The figure is now on Phase II+ of the oils--and final chromatic finishing, arguably the most difficult--and challenging!--aspect of this pro- ject. Stay tuned!!The base figure was quickly undercoated with a light, blue-tinged grey. After allowing the uc to cure overnight, I applied a multi-layered stippled basecoat of pale grey oils with tonal contrasts of trans- parent earth reds, blue-greys, etc. Phase I was completed with a unifying stippled overcoat of Flake White.
The figure was then cured in the oven, and then lightly over-sprayed with Dullcote: the base figure was now ready for Phase II. Phase II is a more precise application of oils, paying heed to the dermal land- scaping and tonal flow.
Painting the base figure is still--and probably will be through completion of this project--very much a work-in-progress. . . more to follow. . .
UPDATE - 12.10.2022. . . The tunic/gorget subassembly has been permanently attached.
FOLLOW-UP. . . The head has been permanently attached.
The figure is now fully assembled and uc'd save for the pieces of distressed plate and the sword. Much as with the White Walker, the oils basecoat is but a secondary "undercoat" to establish tonal flow and depth. The painting in oils now begins in earnest. . .
FOLLOW-UP (2). . . The head has been basecoated in oils. . .
“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -The base figure is now primed!
How this project will progress going forward is uncharted territory for me. . . Once the base figure is painted, I will be going back-n-forth between 'prepping' and painting as I start adding the sub-assem- blies to the base figure. . .
Stay tuned. . .
“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003
The figure is now fully assembled.
The subassemblies have been assembled and fitted. There are currently six:
As I have alluded to in the earlier postings, the main challenge of this figure will be the 'final' assembly of the painted component subassemblies upon the painted base figure. This will afford me the opportunity to evaluate the tonality of the tunic, etc. to maximize the visual effects of the figure; however, it will also demand a certain degree of judgement as to 'when' and 'how'. . .
What follows is the final clean-up and once-over of the base figure. It will hopefully be primed within the fortnight. . .
More to follow. . .
The kit is now in-hand!
As I indicated in the last posting, this is the least impressive of the three
offerings. As with the first two releases in this sub-series, casting quality is VG+++: crisp and
uniform finish, flash-free, but with some annoying--but inconsequential!--seam lines throughout. There is no assembly guide as such: you
will be largely on your own insofar as assembly and painting are
concerned. That being said, assembly, at least, is very straightforward.
The kit has been "de-sprued", and inspected. While there are no casting problems whatsoever, pro- portional control between the component pieces appears to have proved a challenge in the design phase; however, these apparent variations may seamlessly interact to accommodate the layers of the figure.
The base figure, save for the right arm, has been glued together: fit is above-average. While the pro- portional variances are now plainly evident, there is a certain "charm/appeal" to what is now before us.
An early-draft of the TDL is as follows:
There will probably be additional items as the prepwork progresses. . .
More to follow. . .
“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
While I have yet to be “won-over”—to say nothing of convinced!—by the Game of Thrones’ prequel series, House of the Dragon, it certainly has inspired me to revisit its predecessor, and wallow-in some of the finest TV ever!
As those who follow this modest work-log know, I am currently immersed in the Nuts Planet bust of Tywin Lannister. He will soon be joined by my ongoing project of ICM’s 1/16th scale rendition of a White Walker (The Great Other). This polystyrene model kit was ICM’s second in its GoT series (the first was King of the Night, which was the base for my “Hardhome” project). They released a third figure, Wight, which completed their depictions of all ‘ranks’ of the Army of the Dead.
This is the least impressive of the three offerings! Skeletal warriors and a minimal number of parts (17) is never a good combination, and this kit is no different!! This one feels like it was not only scheduled for an immediate-future release, but that ICM felt compelled to conclude their sub-series. This one also feels as if HBO (or someone else) may have issued a ‘cease and desist’. . . The individual kits are no-longer available from ICM, and they have repackaged their GoT series into a single 3-pack (Army of Ice)—at one time a fairly common ploy to expedite the elimination of remaining stock.
This was also the only one of the three that does not appear to have been designed by the talented crew at ICM. The Wight was obviously designed by the brilliant sculpting team at Studio Dan Digital Sculpting, commissioned by Eaglemoss (#47 in the GoT Official Collector’s Models series), and under license from HBO. It would appear that ICM scaled-up the Eaglemoss offering (75mm to 120mm), making minor stylistic changes like the addition of a solleret to the left foot, and swapping the sword for an axe.
IF a C&D has been issued, depending on who issued it will make the stipulated figures highly desira- ble collectibles, especially given the relatively low-cost, relatively large scale, and the undeniably super-popular subject matter. As of now, the figures are reasonably available; but the earlier releases are beginning to be more difficult to find—and more expensive!
“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -