Durham Red - Painting: The Base

Since the trusty Badger was up and running, I decided to go ahead and paint the base. Not the groundwork. . . the BASE. 

You might recall me mentioning that I wanted to add a little "hmmph" to a black textured base. The base in question had definitely seen better days. There wasn't anything wrong with it per se, but the finish was somewhat weathered, as is the nature of the beast over time. So, first things first. . .

Phase 1 was refinishing the black with Vallejo Air Black: quick; easy; virtually effortless. I put the base in the oven to set and cure the paint. 

Phase 2. After about 30 minutes, I applied an overtone of VAir Scarlet: opaquely in the upper third of the base, misting progressively more transparent towards the bottom. 

My initial impression is that it was quite successful; however given the nature of acrylics, I really won't know until the paint is thoroughly cured. One aspect that I do know was successful is the muted, almost faded, nature of the matte acrylics: Red will be quite bright and saturated--albeit largely achromatic, and a muted base will create a nice visual flow towards the subject of the work. 

Regardless of what I might think, ultimately, the success--or failure!--will be determined by the viewer. . . 

FOLLOW-UP. . . Just finished buffing the base, and I couldn't be happier! Remember that acry- lics are nothing more than liquid plastic: the matte additive can be buffed-out once the paint has completely cured, yielding a very pleasing, satiny sheen. I may revisit the base once the ground- work is painted and she is further along, but I have no reservations about the current finish. 

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

Durham Red - Painting: Priming

Red is now primed and is settling-in at her new "digs" on the painting bench.

I have yet to prime the arms--or finish them! As these will be attached once the body is done and "settled", there is no immediate urgency. That being said, they are a perfect 'after-work chore', so I hope to have them done by the end of the week.

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

Durham Red - Prepwork: FINE

Durham Red is D-O-N-E!

My plans are to prime her in the morning; and, if nothing comes up in the afternoon, I will begin undercoating once the primer is cured. 

I can't wait to start slinging some paint on this one!

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

Judge Fear returns. . . and he is not alone!

As the year draws to a close, it is time to start thinking about what I might want to do in 2016. As we all know, I am not one to stick to a "game plan" --when it comes to figure projects, that is--but we all have to start somewhere. . .

Aside from the Lawmaster project, I definitely want to tick-off [at least] one more Dark Judge off the list. While Mortis is just about ready to move from the workbench, I'm just not feeling him at the moment. Fear on the other hand. . .

During the 2000AD Painting Competition sponsored by DWC earlier this year, this was one of the winners, garnering Third Place for Eric Moore. I was very taken with the concept of the "vignette", and kudos to Mr. Moore for recognizing the interactive potential of two stand-alone stock pieces!

Dredd's whereabouts, as you might recall, are currently unknown as he is on his 'Long Walk' into the Cursed Earth (i.e., retired and OOP). But I managed to track him down, and he is currently resting on my workbench (thanks, Chuck!). Thus, with the missing half of the projected twosome in hand, I can begin to plan my first vignette in 35 years!

Fear is well underway, and I will soon resume work on the more involved half of the project. Dredd will be the simpler of the two, if scratchbuilding a Lawgiver MK2 can be considered "simple". Re- gardless, that is the extent of the modifications to "Old Stony Face" planned to date. UPDATE 16.12.15. . . I may reconsider the MK2: in the source story, Dredd and Anderson are equipped with MK1a's. The verdict is still out. . .

Really looking forward to this one. . . especially the refresher research to be done!   

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

Durham Red - Prepwork: Intermezzo

If I may, I'll just cut to the chase. . . prepping Durham Red is all-but-done!

Insofar as assembly is concerned, all that remains to be attached is the hilt/grip of her left boot- knife. [NOTE 12.12.2015: I decided to omit the left hilt, as I found the symmetry to be somewhat forced.] These long hilts are items that most miniaturists will leave off until the figure is mounted on its display base--and that is fine. But as I prefer as complete a canvas as possible prior to priming, I elected to go ahead and attach these pieces. The only two pieces that will remain to be attached once painting is underway are the arms.

I really hoped I would have an available red-dyed base upon which to display our mutant vamp; but, alas, the two remaining red bases I have are much too large. The base I've chosen is a textured black pedestal, but I may decide to add some "hmmph" to it before it is all said and done. If I can pull-off what I am considering, it will be quite unique!

Finally, the groundwork is about 70% done. I am modelling it off the base: once the work is com- pleted, I will permanently attach it to the base with 5-min. epoxy DONE! before proceeding with fitting of the figure and finalizing enhancements. DONE!!

That's about it for now. Getting ever closer to priming. . . if all works-out as envisioned, I am hoping to have her primed before the end of the weekend. . . 

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

Lawmaster Mk1 - Prepwork III: Headlamps

IMO, the weakest aspect of this otherwise gem of a kit are the crude headlamps. These reduce the overall quality to significantly less than it should be--and there is simply no way to paint around it! The easiest workaround would be to fill-in the perfunctory "cross-hatching", and then paint a "faux lens" (read: simulated glass) finish on the hopefully smooth and even domes.

I decided to attempt to "raise the bar" as best I could and acquired 4 lenses of the appropriate di- ameter by MV Products: 2 clear and 2 amber. MV Products are a staple AM enhancement with our military modelling and model railroading brethren--and once you have their product in your hands, it is easy to see why!

The most difficult aspect of this "enhancement" is fitting the lens: this requires grinding out the offending resin. I suggest going very slowly until finding your comfort level, and then continue only moderately faster and test-fitting often! The first lens took me about an hour, give or take; but the second lens took me about 20 minutes. Two to go. . . 

The difference is awesome!  I have yet to permanently attach the lens to the housing, as I do not want to be bothered with masking, etc. when it comes time to paint; but I might reconsider de- pending on how things progress. Regardless, this is time and money well spent!!!

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

Durham Red - Prepwork

I've just about completed the add-mods on the mutant vamp; however, I still want to see if I can minimize the obvious join line on the breechclout once it is attached. Other than that, all that re- mains to be done is sharpening the definition of her fangs: they are virtually indiscernible on my sample!

Stay tuned! 

FOLLOW-UP. . . Given the amount of work required and the small area to be worked, I decided to go ahead and permanently attach the breechclout, and make the modifications in situ. DONE! The only drawback to this approach is that I will have very little wiggle-room in certain areas when it comes time to painting. . . c'est la vie!

FOLLOW-UP 07.12.2015. . . As noted above, the modifications were executed and finished earlier today. I just wanted to point out that in situ is the only direct way to effect an accurate rendition. One could certainly redesign the breechclout to include a section of the lower abdominal panel of the nanosuit; but, as with any figure redesign, this is not only time-consuming and labour-inten- sive, but beyond the capabilities of most miniaturists.  

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

Lawmaster Mk1 - Prepwork: Intermezzo (2)

Before shifting our focus to the front fork assembly, I just want to point out that finishing of the central/rear subunit of the Lawmaster Mk1 included the application of road "grime" using MS. This weathering will in all probability be "punched-up" prior to the finishing application of paint; 
but for now, there is a seamless, textured join awaiting primer. . .

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

Lawmaster Mk1 - Prepwork IV: Finishing (1)

Yes, I've skipped a step--Prepwork III will deal with the enhancement of the headlights. 

But while I await the arrival of some aftermarket parts, I can begin the finishing work on the Law- master, which is now in a "stripped-down" stage.

I decided to start with the rear two-thirds of the bike. I first primed the seam area with a custom primer: G-S Mr. Surfacer 500 thinned down to where it could be shot through a Badger 200. Per- fect! It actually worked so well that I might use it for final priming!!

After curing the primer in the oven, I assessed those areas that would require additional attention. All in all, not too bad. . . I then applied 2-3 light coats of glazing putty to fill out any surface "irreg- ularities"/imperfections, and placed it in the oven to cure. Now comes the "fun" part: reduction of the putty, and finishing with fine/x-fine sandpaper. This is slow work: do not rush it! When you are done you should have an ultra-smooth, symmetrical, level surface.

I also addressed the seam running the length of the oil pan. . . 

While I am not done by any means, I am certainly more optimistic--and excited!--about the po- tential finish of this kit. NEXT: front fork assembly!

FOLLOW-UP. . . Assembly-wise, the port-side carb stacks are now permanently attached. In order to provide some visual interest, I am planning to replace one of the stacks on the right with brass tubing: an open stack without a wire screen. DONE!

UPDATE 02.12.15. . . With the permanent attachment of the starboard-side carb stacks, the rear two-thirds of the bike is DONE!

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

Lawmaster Mk1 - Prepwork: Intermezzo (1)

WHEW! A busy and productive weekend. All the more given the unforeseen "road conditions" that demanded extensive detours.

I would say that this experience has taught me some valuable lessons, but you can't teach an "old dog"new tricks. I love these kits. . . I love the subject matter--and the interpretation of the same. I love the production values. And I love the passion behind the process that eventually gets them to our benches.

That being said, I will try to be more careful in the future about kits that require above-average 'interaction', whether inter- or intra-. And I will ask more questions before dropping the hammer. But the bottom line is this: I can generally fix/tweak anything that is "wrong" with the overwhelm- ing majority of the kits I acquire. In fact, present manufacturer excluded, I find most kits obvi- ously sub-standard. Hence, one of the reasons I have been steadily distancing myself from this hobby.

As always, if there is a problem, let the manufacturer know! Hound them until they engage in a meaningful--and hopefully productive--exchange. And share your findings with the community-- BUT do so respectfully, objectively, and--above all--accurately. Be specific and be prepared to defend your assertion. And if all else fails, be prepared to walk away from the manufacturer in question without so much as a, "By your leave. . . "

But back to the matter at hand. . . in spite of a difficult 'infancy', the Lawmaster is growing up quite nicely. The remaining 5 weeks of the year will be spent on the engine, reworking the head- lights, starting to assemble Dredd, and general clean-up and pre-priming. If things continue on this timetable, I'm looking at Spring for completion. . . 

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

Lawmaster Mk1 - Prepwork II: Mold Release and Foot-pegs

Pre-prep is now a fait accompli! The only downside to DWC's castings is that their current pro- ducer is a bit heavy-handed with his mold release. This was the case with Mortis--and most certainly with the present project. 

While annoying to varying degrees, my concern lies with the unwitting miniaturist who knows no better. Every miniaturist/modeller knows to give his model a thorough washing with warm soapy water before letting the paints flow. With styrene kits, this will suffice as the most one has to be concerned with is skin oils from handling, and any production "residue". Resin, however, is signi- ficantly different; and sometimes a "thorough washing" is simply not enough. I suggest the follow- ing process: 1) "curing" the piece/s for 1-2 hrs. in the oven; 2) soaking 2-3 nights in an industrial-strength [purple] degreaser; and then 3) scrubbing down with a non-abrasive cleansing powder--I use Comet. PERFECT!

By the end of the weekend, I hope to have the rear third of the Lawmaster assembled and filled. Once that is done, I can began final assembly and detailing on the engine (carbs, wiring, etc.)... 

Stay tuned!

FOLLOW-UP. . . The rear third has been assembled and preliminarily filled and fitted. I should point out that the rear third was filled with MS before assembling: the mounting peg will be inserted in the rear tire. 

FOLLOW-UP (2) . . . The rear third has been permanently attached to the middle section--save for the front end, we have a 'bike'! This in turn led to checking the fit of the figure on the bike, and it immediately became apparent why we haven't seen more of these finished, featured in build- ups, etc.: the figure does not fit on the bike! Shame. . . While a severe disappointment, there are a number of work-arounds which will be assessed on their relative merits.

FOLLOW-UP (3) . . . After due consideration of the options before me, and an extensive review of the canon art, I decided that the most expedient course would be relocating the foot-pegs. To this end, I have already removed the 'pegs. . .  

UPDATE 29.11.15. . . Footpeg relocation and replacement have been completed! The unevenly cast 'pegs were replaced with brass tubing. The fit of the rider is now approximate -- <1mm off. This unfortunately cannot be finalized until the groundwork is done, and pre-paint staging completed.

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

Lawmaster Mk1 - Prepwork I: The Radiator

The main focus of these Prepwork entries will be on the work done in addition to the basics. I will start off with the radiator. The Notron (an obvious play on the classic British MC marque, Norton) 4000cc V8 is a water-cooled engine; however the rather prominent radiator has received some- what of a short shrift. In fact, if you were not familiar with the Lawmasters, you wouldn't know it was the radiator! 

To date, I have countersunk/recessed the face of the radiator. Next, I will add coils made from 0.8mm tin solder DONE!, and shield the coils with a PE honeycomb "armoured" grill DONE!!. 
I will then frame the grill with MS. DONE!!!

Not worth the additional effort? We shall soon see. . . 

FOLLOW-UP. . . I would try to photograph the completed(?) radiator, but given my limited set-up, it would definitely not be worth it. I am delighted with the outcome, as it undeniably raises the bar a few notches; however, truth be told, very little will be readily visible given the size of the tires and the radiator's relative proximity to the fender. Conclusion: a modeller's call; but given that it takes little more than a couple of hours of work, I would strongly urge that it be considered. . . 

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

The Return of Dredd: DWC’s Judge Dredd on his Mk1 Lawmaster

Hard to believe that it has been well over a year since I last fiddled with the subject kit!

After dealing with the ultimate alphabetical mek, I was in the mood to do more machinery. . . So out came Judge Dredd on his Mk1 Lawmaster. 

As per usual, I had forgotten how much I'd done before "packing" him up! Two-thirds of the Law- master is in the finishing stages, and I have but the rear third to assemble before I can start considering the integration of the three subassemblies.

So far, so good. To date, assembly has been fairly straightforward, though the fact that your assembly medium will be "superglue" will require a measured approach. Work slowly--and only apply the glue when you are absolutely ready to proceed--and commit!

My goal is to have the rear third of the bike assembled and filled within the fortnight. . . certainly by year end! Then I can start final finishing and begin to execute my detailing plans, which conti- nue to to grow!!

So much for the re-introduction. I will not be surprised if this one makes at least one more detour to the storage rack before priming is considered. But by then, the star of this piece, the bike, should be [all but] done!
 
“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003