Swampy X Wing and a film crew

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Thu Oct 22, 2015 11:32 pm

Coen wrote:I like your perspective on that... Building a modelling space with a house attached.
Hehe

That's a great sized work area, Pauls cave is 8x10 I believe and mine is 11x13 so yours will be freaking humongous!
Very nice... Envious.

Thanks, but it has to satisfy my addictions to modelling, woodworking and leather working as well as general tinkering about so space will be at a premium really quickly. Should be interesting.
Don't tell the wife, but my backup/extra modelling space plan is one of the spare rooms upstairs

I will start up a thread when things get closer to being built

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Sat Oct 24, 2015 3:29 am

I am calling this the Mikey tree...using his reference technique of bathroom tissue and glue as a base layer

Trying to get shapes close to those big protruding roots

Coen · Post by **Coen** » Sat Oct 24, 2015 4:25 am

That's clever.... That's probably going to work if the tissue is thick enough.
Nicely done Scott

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Sat Oct 24, 2015 6:22 am

Coen wrote:That's clever.... That's probably going to work if the tissue is thick enough.
Nicely done Scott

I am thinking this is like a base layer to hold brown/green spray and then on top will add glue-soaked cotton and some thread to give that stringy roots look. I have some lichen as well for the ground cover. Just need to find another tree trunk and hope my order comes soon from Chiner.

TheWeasel · Post by **TheWeasel** » Sat Oct 24, 2015 8:16 am

The toilet paper method looks promising!

A while ago I had the pleasant job of making little model-trees for a small company in my hometown.

There we used a glue-gun to create bark of different textures. Normal nozzle on the gun for smooth bark and a dremel-modified one with teeth cut out to carve structure into the bark as you apply it. With some practice you could create very fine details very quickly.

Nige201980 · Post by **Nige201980** » Sat Oct 24, 2015 10:23 am

This is brilliant work mate. Really loving the build and thread such a good read and seeing it all come together

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Sun Oct 25, 2015 1:14 am

Thanks guys for commenting

Trying hard to chisel out some modelling time when I can...gotta get this sucker done on time

wappynutter · Post by **wappynutter** » Sun Oct 25, 2015 2:44 pm

We are getting there Scott, gonna be epic when finished up i'm positive of it.

Once that chocolate milk coloured Water goes in shes all but finished, just a dress up, all swamp-like..

Fingers crossed for a deadline finish, like you, i too am a little worried i wont be done on time....
Hope you are finding somewhere to be modelling while all the construction is taking place at your house?..
I'm betting Christmas is gonna be a little strange for you this year?
Continued success.
All the best buddy..

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Sun Oct 25, 2015 6:09 pm

Trees are taking shape, think I will go with just these two trunks and then a ton of root things.
You get an idea of the background draping I am considering as well...that lonely scene where Luke has just stepped out of the cockpit and R2 hasn't flopped into the water yet

Andy, we have moved in August for a year to a rented house...it is ok, in a supposedly fancy area , but not to my liking.
Snooty people, smaller roads and more traffic. Even find the dog won't walk as much around here. Like the old neighbourhood better.
In winter, we usually go for a little ski trip in the interior of BC near where I grew up
So this year either Christmas or New Years up there so we won't miss the old home...then make new memories
Modelling now in a spare bedroom shared with wife for her office...bit cramped, but better than nothing
Finding that home is where your stuff and your family is, we can compensate quite easily, even suffer a bit for a year until get into a home designed just for our wants and needs
Off to dig up a japanese maple tree and wallow about in a big hole that will hopefully hold my home in a year or so

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Mon Oct 26, 2015 5:41 pm

Ok, so one tree pretty much done, save some stringy moss
The second tree is broken and leaning with its upper part broken on the ground...not totally accurate to the film, but looks better than just two dorky trees stumps.

I textured the ground and painted it a bit darker, kind of sandy soil meets muck. Trees are loose fit still, so I can move them around still and adjust positions.
I really like the backdrop images, hope I can pull those off. Don't want to go much browner in the water area, though it is a brown swamp in the film.
This is my interpretation, not an exact duplicate of the scene

Pic of some supplies used for the trees...to remind myself how I made the first one.

Both trees are broken branches found on dog walk and supported above the base with clear sprue. White glue and toilet paper applied over the stump then painted with colours shown above. The vines are a combination of threads, cotton and especially wood squished into its fibres by car traffic. I am liking the AK slimy green as a swampy effect colour.

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Mon Oct 26, 2015 7:55 pm

#2 tree painted and testing leaning position
Also testing new photo spot, gotta go get a lamp out of the messy garage still
I like that first backdrop pic better, portrays that sense of quiet lonely swamp

Coen · Post by **Coen** » Tue Oct 27, 2015 10:04 am

HOLY CHIN!!!!

That worked!!
Super well done, I love the look of that.

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Tue Oct 27, 2015 2:48 pm

Coen wrote:HOLY CHIN!!!!
That worked!!
Super well done, I love the look of that.

Thanks Mike, it is coming along

wappynutter · Post by **wappynutter** » Tue Oct 27, 2015 8:31 pm

Damn dude!!

That is awesome Scott.... Spot on in fact..

You have also mastered that isolated backdrop thing there with the swamp photo in the background... Superb..

I can see this and Don's Star Destroyer being a close run finish/winner here..

Keep doin what ya doin buddy, i'll just sit over here and watch a while...

Well done again, continued success mate..

"Just floating around munchin on some popcorn!".....

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Tue Oct 27, 2015 8:34 pm

Thanks Andy
I thought the background really makes the diorama pop, so it will be key getting them in there properly

DBMiller · Post by **DBMiller** » Tue Oct 27, 2015 9:34 pm

I can already smell the swamp gas! I think you've put more work into that one tree than I have in my whole build!

(Root Beer cheers, sorry)

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Tue Oct 27, 2015 10:37 pm

DBMiller wrote:I can already smell the swamp gas! I think you've put more work into that one tree than I have in my whole build! (Root Beer cheers, sorry)

Ha Ha thanks for looking in on me.
November is looming, hope my lights get here soon as much tinkering to get that part organized.

Your build is an enormous undertaking on its own right.
Root beer is one of my favourites so no worries there

DBMiller · Post by **DBMiller** » Tue Oct 27, 2015 11:38 pm

Did you see what wappynutter linked for me? Can you believe he used such an expensive kit for that?! Now I feel sad. Sigh.

I thought that DAS was what you used on your X-wing set. It looks the same consistency but I wasn't sure. At least with mine I only have sand color to worry about. You have all that swamp stuff to paint!

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Mon Nov 02, 2015 12:39 am

Trees are glued and detailed, Hugh and Lou are also glued into position

Hopefully my lights come this week and I can work on the scaffolding and background
Cya

kiwigav · Post by **kiwigav** » Mon Nov 02, 2015 3:37 am

Frikin Awesome mate

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Mon Nov 02, 2015 4:15 am

Thanks bud, this has been quite challenging but I am having fun with this sig

Some big tasks left.....swampy water and the background scaffolding with lights and scene backdrop
Also have to dress the dio's edging up a bit

kiwigav · Post by **kiwigav** » Mon Nov 02, 2015 4:26 am

Twokidsnosleep wrote:Thanks bud, this has been quite challenging but I am having fun with this sig
Some big tasks left.....swampy water and the background scaffolding with lights and scene backdrop
Also have to dress the dio's edging up a bit

Glad you are having fun with the SIG. Great for the Mojo. We need a SIG like this each year I reckon

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Mon Nov 02, 2015 4:59 am

kiwigav wrote:
Twokidsnosleep wrote:Thanks bud, this has been quite challenging but I am having fun with this sig
Some big tasks left.....swampy water and the background scaffolding with lights and scene backdrop
Also have to dress the dio's edging up a bit
Glad you are having fun with the SIG. Great for the Mojo. We need a SIG like this each year I reckon

Absolutely, it keeps my mind off the frustrating house build fiasco

This sig was the only build that really interested me. All the official 2015 projects were very narrow focused IMHO
I am hoping for a wider range of topics in 2016

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Fri Nov 06, 2015 9:41 pm

Testing the silicone swamp water by adding pigments to clear household silicone

Oil based paints worked the best and stirred in easiest, obviously, though the Ultimate water based left a cool dusty dirt effect....good for a dried out puddle maybe.

I think I like the umber/ green mix best......opinions???

wappynutter · Post by **wappynutter** » Fri Nov 06, 2015 11:49 pm

With you on the mix choice Scott...
Umber /green mix is spot on....

Continued success mate..

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Sat Nov 07, 2015 12:23 am

wappynutter wrote:With you on the mix choice Scott...
Umber /green mix is spot on....
Continued success mate..

Ok thanks for the opinion
I might vary it a bit, we shall see

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Sat Nov 07, 2015 2:16 am

Making mud

The brass things are piers to support the wooden deck, comme ca

rodrant · Post by **rodrant** » Sat Nov 07, 2015 12:24 pm

, this is Amazing ...a winner here buddy ! Great Work and fantastic diorama !

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Sat Nov 07, 2015 4:02 pm

Hey Antonio, good to hear from you and thanks

I don't think this is an official sig, so all just for fun
I have covered the entire base now, have to see how deep of silicone muck to make....and of course I ran out last night

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Sat Nov 07, 2015 11:59 pm

First layer done and dry

I want to make things a bit deeper and get the edges right on the next layers

wappynutter · Post by **wappynutter** » Sun Nov 08, 2015 9:52 pm

That is all!...
Keep up the excellent work, its looking the business now mate..
Well done...

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Mon Nov 09, 2015 12:34 am

Thanks mate
She is coming along, just some finishing touches, edging and then those lights and backdrop drapes
Getting a bit sick of it, which usually means I am almost done

DBMiller · Post by **DBMiller** » Mon Nov 09, 2015 1:10 pm

Holy smoke!

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Mon Nov 09, 2015 4:31 pm

DBMiller wrote:Holy smoke!

Thanks Don

, it is progressing.
Contemplating using Still Water by Vajello for my final layers to get depth. Just testing the waters so to speak as it does not take the oil stains, but takes Tamiya colours ok. Testing some out now.... it has a 24 hr dry time!!
May just stuff it up at the finish line if I am not careful

Time might be a issue as son has a hockey tournament in BC interior that kills a 4 day weekend for me

kiwigav · Post by **kiwigav** » Tue Nov 10, 2015 6:50 am

WOW

nice job

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Tue Nov 10, 2015 4:48 pm

kiwigav wrote: WOW nice job

Thanks mate
I chickened out on the Still Water last night...maybe on Remembrance Day or weekend
Still testing things out so I don't stuff it up near the finish line

Kingdan · Post by **Kingdan** » Tue Nov 10, 2015 7:25 pm

Belting mate wow that looks the dogs

Dan

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Tue Nov 10, 2015 7:47 pm

Kingdan wrote:Belting mate wow that looks the dogs

Dan

Thanks Dan,

felisbarcinonensis · Post by **felisbarcinonensis** » Wed Nov 11, 2015 9:40 pm

Wow!!! Pure art mate!!!

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Wed Nov 11, 2015 10:46 pm

felisbarcinonensis wrote:Wow!!! Pure art mate!!!

Thank you sir, just trying not to screw it up so close to the finish

Coen · Post by **Coen** » Wed Nov 11, 2015 11:06 pm

I just caught up on this... Oh wow!!!!
I know that it's all about the wate effects, but right now it looks amazing.
Super well done so far!!

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Wed Nov 11, 2015 11:07 pm

Coen wrote:I just caught up on this... Oh wow!!!!
I know that it's all about the wate effects, but right now it looks amazing.
Super well done so far!!

Thanks Mike

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Fri Nov 13, 2015 11:24 pm

Friday afternoon and my darn lights are not here yet...getting that sinking feeling about them

If they don't pan out I will be hooped as no time to order something else from E Bay
Might go to a local LED store and see if I can find some "gain of rice" LED's and connecters....see how my weekend goes for time

Trying to not show too many more of the same pictures at least until I get the background scaffolding done
I have framed the wooden camera platform so it looks more substantial, siliconed all the figures in place and I found a funny iconic figure to add to the mix.

We can play a little game and see who picks him out and identifies who it is...just a tease
Best of the weekend to everyone

Coen · Post by **Coen** » Sat Nov 14, 2015 3:39 am

All I see is tonnes of awesome.... And a dude that looks like a tall Danny devito.

Haha.
Hugely cool work bud. Completely cool stuff.

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Sat Nov 14, 2015 3:42 am

Coen wrote:All I see is tonnes of awesome.... And a dude that looks like a tall Danny devito.
Haha.
Hugely cool work bud. Completely cool stuff.

Nope... Little older, taller and more famous w.r.t. movies
But I can totally see Devito in the figure too

rcfanuk · Post by **rcfanuk** » Sat Nov 14, 2015 5:46 am

Great job, the new guy looks a bit like AH to me

Steve

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Sat Nov 14, 2015 6:02 am

rcfanuk wrote:Great job, the new guy looks a bit like AH to me

Steve

Ding ding, we have a winner, man you are good

Hitchcock was an impeccably dressed man

rcfanuk · Post by **rcfanuk** » Sat Nov 14, 2015 6:55 am

It was always fun to try and spot his cameo roles in his films

Mind you admitting that makes me feel old

Steve

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Sat Nov 14, 2015 9:38 pm

rcfanuk wrote:It was always fun to try and spot his cameo roles in his films

Mind you admitting that makes me feel old

Steve

I thought it would be funny tucking him in the corner for one of his cameos
I am sure he had nothing to do with Star Wars of this era

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Sun Nov 15, 2015 12:27 am

Today's project, making some brass supports for the scaffolding rigging
Some brass tube, L stock, brass pin, silver solder, flux and torch

Right after the heat applied you can see the brass changes colour as the copper content comes to the surface. This polishes away if you can get into all the nooks and crannies. Those round things are rare earth magnets to physically hold the part from sliding. I am flaming on a steel bracket and usually have a big tile underneath so I don't torch my bench

Meh, not bad. The pin will go into the wood base and it all supports the main rigging scaffold posts.
Four more to go.