Citi-Def Trooper -- UPDATE (2)

The "stumps" have been modeled and preliminarily fitted. And the left arm has been permanently attached. . . 

LET THE FINAL FINISHING BEGIN!!!

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

Citi-Def Trooper -- UPDATE

Not much to tell, but some notable progress nonetheless. . .

Firstly, I have pegged the head and routed-out the neck--I am really not a fan of flat-on-flat joins! Within the week, I should have the neck and wrist (l & r) stumps modeled and fitted -- final fin- ishing can then begin in earnest!

Secondly, I've decided to portray a Citi-Def Trooper from the Marie Laveau Block. This block is mentioned in "Who Do the Voodoo that You Do?" (Judge Dredd Megazine #285). Though I do not believe there to be any specific references to the appearance of the CD from this block, this provides the freedom to have some fun!

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

DWC's 70mm Citi-Def Trooper TBR in late November!

Yes, you read right, Dredd-heads! Rin has kicked this project into overdrive, and this gem of a kit will be shipping by the end of November!

You may pre-order here. 

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

DWC's 70mm Citi-Def Trooper

A week ago, I posted a teasingly cryptic announcement of an as-yet-to-be-announced kit that had found its way to my workbench thanks to the bountiful generosity of an overseas manufac- turer. And today, I received the all-clear to not only identify the mysterious figure; but more importantly, recognize the purveyor of the same.

Before me is the latest creation from Aaron Ishmael (bka as Rin) and Dark World Creations: a 70mm Citi-Def Trooper from their 2000AD series, sculpted by Fabricio Torres (Judge Anderson). The Citi-Def's were the Mega-cities' Citizen's Defense units. . . think of Civil Defense and National Guard rolled into one at the "block" level--but with a minimalist's approach when it comes to professionalism and common sense. "The typical view of the Citi-Def soldier is of a man who barely knows one end of a spit gun from the other and, pumped up on action vids on the Tri-D, attempts to live out his fantasies by joining the only military option open to citizens." This less- than-stellar characterization places them a step removed from the gangs.

I will be the first to admit that a Citi-Def figure was not very high on my want list. Though an integral part of the Mega-Cities and their component blocks, they have rarely been at the prota- gonist level of any story or arc. . . more at background filler. This leads to the second 'problem'--depending on your pov: there is no colour-scheme per se! If you want to do the Citi-Def of a particular block, you can pretty much make-up your own colour scheme!!

As I understand it, this figure will not be a 2014 release. As of this writing, there are but 5 in existence: the other four went to some very lucky patrons at Euro. I have been cleared by Rin to treat this figure as if it were TBR'd, and he in turn has been given like clearance by 2000AD. So this is all above board. And as such, here is your first preview of this gem of a kit!

Please note that I have omitted the standard logo'd (2000AD) circular plinth, and the right arm has already been permanently attached. I have also modified the knife (NOTE: NOT included in the production kit!), filling in the clip-point to a make a spear-point; and pegged the left hand.

As I said, a gem of a kit--in all respects!!!--that begs to be painted! I will be doing mine as a Citi-Def trooper; that being said, it undoubtedly lends itself to any number of near-futuristic combatants. This figure is on the board to be completed for the Atlanta Show in February.

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

???????

Yes, the onslaught at work continues. And yes, any major strides at the bench have hit a brick wall. That being said, it does not mean that a significant amount of activity has not been under- way since the weekend. The question is. . . on what?!

And, regrettably, at this time I am not free to elaborate, much less reveal. Let me just say that a most generous bit of 'lagniappe' made it's way across the Pond after this year's Euro, and I have before me an OEM casting of a yet-to-be-announced release!

The casting is as perfect as I have seen this year! Every one of the 10 pieces comprising this kit (including the logo'd base) is virtually good to go. This does not mean there are no seam lines: they're there, but you HAVE to look for them.

This is as good as it gets! And the icing on the cake is that it's a very attractive figure to boot! Let me put this way. . . it's an experienced painter's dream, but it is a figure that I would not hesitate to recommend to a beginner--or use in a painting class!

As soon as I get the "all clear" from the manufacturer, I will post more; but for now, I hope I have piqued your interest!

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