"Hand of the Queen" - Prepwork II: The Doublet

The doublet is the"pedestal", the foundation if you will, for the portrait, hence I will begin by re- working the garment.

The garment as provided is superbly sculpted! It is a perforated and tooled leather shell with silver clasps, covering a patterned fabric lining, This will be reworked to represent black-dyed full-quill ostrich leather.

As I indicated yesterday, I had already removed the "Hand". But before I filled-in the sizeable divot, I began by filling-in the sculpted pattern of the doublet with glazing putty. After applying a medium coat of putty and curing it in the oven, I then proceeded to fill the divot with MS. The MS is now curing. . .

Finally, the "Hand" is over 85% cleaned-up. . . 

More to follow. . .

UPDATE 06.08.16. . . Phase I of the doublet is now done! It took three coats of glazing putty to effectively fill sculpted tooling and establish the foundation for the full-quill ostrich leather. 

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

"Hand of the Queen" - Prepwork I

The bust arrived today (thanks, Chuck!), and it meets--arguably exceeds!--the self-imposed pro- duction standard/s of NutsPlanet. In a word. . . EXCEPTIONAL!

And I was very gratified by the fact that my conclusion re: the apparent shortcomings of the like- ness was spot-on: this is a VG++ likeness of Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister. It could use some tweaking here and there depending on how demanding you might be, but it is more than acceptable straight OOB. As noted earlier and elsewhere, the challenge to realize a convincing likeness will be in the painting. 

The sprues have been removed, as has the "Hand" (to be relocated to the left upper breast). I have also removed the exposed edge of the neckwrap, as well as the visible portion between the edges of the mandarin collar.

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

Sign(s) of the Time. . .

I have been lamenting the decline of this hobby for over two decades, and yet here we are--and so is the sky. So why waste your time reading yet another rant from a "Chicken Little"?

Good question. And one that I am hard-pressed to counter. Nonetheless, the fact remains that the hobby has taken yet another step back on a ledge that grows ever narrower.

There are no new "twists" that are looming to be the proverbial straw. That is at once good--and bad! Bad in that while the patient appears to be resting comfortably on the whole, it is showing no signs of significant, even appreciable, improvement. And while many would take this as ac- ceptable, it is a 'glass half full' viewpoint ignoring the fact that the glass is more than half-empty! For example:

• Releases are down this year. I would normally welcome this as a long-overdue cor- rective measure; but it is being prompted by significantly diminishing returns. And it does not appear to be forcing the manufacturers, as a whole, to critically evaluate their release schedule. 
• The diversity of subject matter/selection appears to be contracting radically. This is quite understandable given the decline in revenue (go with the known from known names); however, it limits the accessibility of/to the hobby.  
• Attendance at shows is down. Fewer spectators, exhibitors, and vendors! Show at- tendance can be rationalized to death . . . and that is precisely what I am afraid of. 
• For the first time, I am hearing from vendors and manufacturers that there is very little "new blood" emerging to fill the vacancies in the ranks. Again nothing new; but the fact that this is being seen as a causative agent by the providers speaks volumes. 
• While the niche vendor population has been relatively stable for the last 10-15 years, it is, for whatever reason/s, declining of late. 
• A whole new competitive sub-industry has emerged in the last 3-5 years: supplies. It's as if the consumer base is being prompted to moult (i.e., replace their current arsenal) to reveal/facilitate a bigger, better self--at a greater cost!
• Other scale/historical craft hobbies are experiencing an unprecedented resurgence!

Personally, I don't see anything that can be done to reverse the trend within a familiar context. . .

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

"Hand of the Queen"

I indicated in my introduction to the Daenerys Stormborn/Khaleesi project that  "I was not parti- cularly taken with [NutsPlanet's third and fourth Game of Thrones offerings], considering them a significant decline in the excellence manifest in the first two." As with Dany, I have come to the conclusion that any deviation from the likeness is due primarily to the paint application/photo- graphy, and not the "canvas"; thus, I will shortly have a complete set of NutsPlanet's GoT busts!

"Hand the Imp" was the third 1/10th scale bust of a Game of Thrones' subject released by NutsPlanet--as with the first two, it is sculpted by Jun-Sik Ahn. The 3-piece kit (including the pedestal!) is based on Tyrion Lannister--"the Imp"--as acting Hand of the King in season 2. I intend to "convert" the bust to Tyrion at the conclusion of season 6, when he is appointed to the position of Hand of the Queen by Daenerys Targaryen.

This will be a relatively minor conversion, which is at once a relief, as well as no small source of trepidation. Details will be presented as the project unfolds.
 
Unless there is a significant departure from the standard set by NutsPlanet, there will be no hands-on review forthcoming.  

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

ICM's Swiss Papal Guard

ICM has released their second offering in their 1/16th scale World's Guards series: a Vatican Swiss Guard, and mine is on order!

In addition to making its availability known to the readership, I would like to take this opportunity to point out two noteworthy options in the kit:

• There are two heads provided. One wears the typical black beret; the other a [three-piece!] morion. The morion is usually worn for ceremonial duties. Both items of headwear are provided as separate items.  
• There are four "terrain" options provided.

Full review to follow upon receipt. . .

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

Looking forward to Fall. . .

It is disgustingly and prematurely hot with nary a rain shower to speak of: this alone would have me fast-forwarding through the rest of Summer for the moderation and color of Fall.

But come September, I can start counting down in earnest for the following two kits that are now on-order:

• Moebius Models' Death Dealer
• Diamond Select Toys' Deadpool (~1/9th?)

As a sidebar, it appears as if Diamond Select Toys has acquired Polar Lights' superhero figure line. I mention this because also scheduled for a Fall release is the Thor kit (inspired by Jack Kirby's cover art for The Mighty Thor #177) that was all-but-released by PL.    

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

Carol Peletier - Eaglemoss' TWD

Carol Peletier, played by Melissa McBride, is one of my favorite characters in AMC's TWD! And given the longevity--to say nothing of the evolution!--of her character, Eaglemoss could have gone any number ways in their design selection. They opted for her appearance in season 5's sixth episode, "Consumed"--and I applaud their decision!

So what about the figure itself? The figure is comprised of 3(!) total pieces (body, rifle/hands, and base), and the overall casting quality is some of the best yet seen, though admittedly a smidge on the 'soft' side overall. Where the consumer is let-down hard is the subtle detail and flow of the design being obscured by the layered, inordinately heavy paint application. On the plus side, the paint used is much more responsive to the "purple bath" with discernible results in less than an hour; nevertheless, given that these are sold as pre-painted collectibles, this is a serious "miss".
 

As to the TDL, this is what I anticipate being required to have the figure do the subject justice:

• Rework M16A4 as needed (nb: save for the sling, the rifle is remarkably well done!).
• Rework the Dr. Martens' Phina boots.
• Sharpen/restore/add detail where required--mostly, here and there.

Stay tuned!

FOLLOW-UP 25.06.16. . . In my sample, the rifle was primed white. The primer is very hard, and very solvent-resistant--and quite thick. It will come off, but patience is the key. You will probably need to help it along with some targeted scrubbing.

UPDATE 02.07.16. . . The rifle is now stripped clean. Much to my surprise, the rifle is cast in white metal! While this ensures survivability, the casting is relatively crude. I will try to find a suitable replacement weapon--in whole or in part; but if unsuccessful, I do not think it will be a "deal-breaker". 
 
“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003

Moebius' Death Dealer -- Available for Pre-order!

Steve Iverson at CultTVMan has just placed Moebius' Death Dealer on Pre-Order!

And in so-doing he has cleared some lingering questions. . . Scale: 1/10th. MSRP: $69.95. Steve is offering it at a little over 20% off. 

The only remaining question is the actual release date. Steve has a projected release date of "late 2016", which is fair.

UPDATE 16.10.16. . . MM's display at the SDCC 2016 indicated a revised release date of Q1, 2017.

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

Jon Snow - Painting: Priming

The bust is now primed! The head has yet to be attached, as the neck and undersides of the hair will be painted off-torso. Once these are painted, and the "collar" and neckband are painted on the torso, I will complete assembly of the main components. 

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

Jon Snow - Prepwork: DONE!

It has been a trying and difficult fortnight: today has been the first day since the 25th that the bench has seen my shadow! 

Jon Snow is now effectively done! The final hurdle was tackled today: the fitting of Longclaw's hilt. The fit of the grip was too random to suit my tastes, especially as the proximal cut-off end of the grip had to merge seamlessly with the underside of the bust. I actually entertained leaving the grip off! But it is such an iconic identifier, that I had to keep it--in spite of the fact that there is no way that it would ride that high on Snow's torso! 

There are still some minor points of finishing detail to address, but nothing that should take longer than an hour or two, give or take.

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

Moebius' Death Dealer -- First visual impressions

I was going to "critique" the assembled and finished model based on David Fisher's build-up, but I wanted to wait until the readership had had the opportunity to see the build-up and hopefully read Dave Dorman's incisive comments.

I am right there with Mr. Dorman re: the Hell-mount! There is a volumetric disconnect between the rider and the steed that very nearly ruins the synergy of the piece. Also, some of the "short-cuts" taken by the sculptor (e.g., the mail), and the disregard of the spatial composition and overall "mass"-cum-"presence" of the subject preclude this being a "must have" offering.

That being said, depending on how perceptive ("anal"?) you might be, all this might be much ado about nothing. I will admit that I am not quite as enthused as I was six months ago; but neither am I ready to turn my back on what will undoubtedly be a classic in the history of polystyrene kits! I fully intend to get this kit as soon as it is available, and my saws, cutters, and at least a pound of putty will be ready for the significant and rather intensive restorative surgery that lies ahead. . .

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

Moebius' rendition of a Frazetta CLASSIC! - UPDATE!

I am delighted to report that the journey's end appears to be fast upon us!

Those of you lucky enough to be attending WONDERFEST this weekend will get to see the incomparable David Fisher's build-up of the iconic Death Dealer at the Moebius booth.

Release date? No word yet, but I have to believe it will be sooner than later! 

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

Jon Snow - Prepwork: Conclusion. . . POTHOLE!

As I was finishing the underside of the bust (i.e., the finish line in sight!), I paused for a moment to finalize the fit of the head to the bust when something struck me as being . . . well. . . "off". Opening my reference folder, it was immediately obvious! I had overlooked the standing collar of Jon Snow's doublet/jerkin? for this iteration!!

Adding a mandarin collar is not difficult, but it will slow things down--especially as the head will have to be refitted. Completion is still slated for this coming weekend, but I don't know if the bust will be primed before month end. . . 

Stay tuned. . . 

PS - The absence of the standing collar confirms that the stock casting represents a pre- induction Jon Snow with the wolf-skin collared cape. 

UPDATE 25.05.16. . . The mandarin collar has been roughed-in and the head refitted. Almost back on track. . . !!! 

UPDATE 26.05.16. . . The mandarin collar 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