2000 AD Online Forum

General Chat => Creative Common => Topic started by: Dark Jimbo on 18 January, 2016, 10:42:39 PM

Title: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 18 January, 2016, 10:42:39 PM
Does what it says on the tin!

A place to document my Millsverse customs and conversions, based around 3A's excellent figures - and I might as well kick things off with part one of my single most ambitious build!

Mek-Quake 1: Getting mouthy

Some time ago I took it upon myself to build a 1/12th Mek-Quake killdozer to go with the rest of the crew - it seemed unlikely that 3A were ever going to make something quite so insane. From the get-go I knew I wanted to make something as close as possible to the Kev Walker Hellbringer-era version, while liberally borrowing bits I liked from the Bisley-era killdozer and others. In terms of a blueprint or plans, these scrappy sketches were as much as I ever did - with the (very) rough design locked down, the rest was made up on the fly to suit the requirements/possibilities of whatever components I managed to scrounge together. (I was making it all up as I went along, basically.)

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/Blueprint_zpsc93c5db7.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/Blueprint_zpsc93c5db7.jpg.html)

I started with the chassis, tracks and backplate of a remote control tank kit (a WWII German Jagdpanther, for those who care). The 1/16th scale kit would be almost a perfect size for 1/12th Warriors.

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/Mek1_zps2a28952a.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/Mek1_zps2a28952a.jpg.html)
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/Mek2_zpsed58d6cd.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/Mek2_zpsed58d6cd.jpg.html)
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/Mek6_zps84f365f5.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/Mek6_zps84f365f5.jpg.html)
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/Mek4_zps3e696e9d.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/Mek4_zps3e696e9d.jpg.html)

First (because it would be easier than doing it after assembly) the tracks and gearwheels got an undercoat, paint and ink wash.

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/Mek7_zpsa423a1a4.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/Mek7_zpsa423a1a4.jpg.html)

Next I started work on the front end. With a bit of plasticard and a lot of epoxy putty I gave the front chassis a curve instead of a simple straight angle, as well as bringing it a few centimetres forward. Gaining this space was important so that later I would have room to angle Mek-Quake's 'mouth' panel backward – it'll sit just above this.

(That weird little sculpted hump you can see in the photos gave me a solid prop to glue a later section of bodywork against.)

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/DSC00778_zpsi6rrvtn8.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/DSC00778_zpsi6rrvtn8.jpg.html)
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/DSC00777_zps60c1eb38.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/DSC00777_zps60c1eb38.jpg.html)

When the tank kit was still a tank kit, the inside was never designed to be seen, but this was now where Mek-Quake's flatbed 'floor' would be (the bit where the other Warriors ride) so there was a lot of existing moulded plastic gubbins to take out of the chassis with a hacksaw – including the whole top of the moulded battery compartment. I was originally going to take out the entire thing, but at the last minute had an idea of how to work it into the build, as you'll see.

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/Mek8_zpsf0df4f35.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/Mek8_zpsf0df4f35.jpg.html)

The next bit I decided to tackle was Mek-Quake's 'mouth' – that daunting front grill through which many a Nerve Centre droid has disappeared, never to be seen again...

I always assumed that the mangled droids slide down a chute into the bowels of Mek-Quake, where they get crushed and mangled. As I wanted to make a mouth that could open and close, there needed to be something to look at inside, so I made a fairly truncated plasticard chute.

It's a bit of a funny shape, but it had to be – without the twin gear mechanisms the tank tracks wouldn't actually move, and where's the fun in that? So taking those out was not really an option, meaning space at the front end of the chassis was at a premium. The 'chute' had to be made to sit snugly between/on top of the drive gears, without getting in the way of any moving parts and in such a way so that you wouldn't see them when you look in through the mouth.

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/Mek-mek3_zpsabdkgioz.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/Mek-mek3_zpsabdkgioz.jpg.html)

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/DSC00787_zpsbb3a0511.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/DSC00787_zpsbb3a0511.jpg.html)
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/DSC01259_zps97cbc3f0.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/DSC01259_zps97cbc3f0.jpg.html)

I added some plasticard buzz-saws to add a bit of danger to the idea of being sent down the chute – Mek-Quake needs a way to grind those recalcitrant robots up, after all!

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/DSC00788_zps94381b41.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/DSC00788_zps94381b41.jpg.html)
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/DSC00789_zpsa2556145.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/DSC00789_zpsa2556145.jpg.html)

Next was the mouth itself. I cut a window through the middle of a sheet of plasticard (5) (fairly thick, as it would be part of the actual bodywork.) I cut a slightly thinner sheet into a square about 1cm wider all round than the window; then cut this in half with a scissored edge to form the top and bottom halves of the robot-mashing teeth (2 and 4).

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/Mek-mek_zpspyoqajql.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/Mek-mek_zpspyoqajql.jpg.html)

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/DSC00790_zps93417591.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/DSC00790_zps93417591.jpg.html)

The bottom half of the teeth (4) don't need to move and so were glued into place on the back of the mouth section (5). At the top corners I stuck small but thick squares of plasticard (3), making sure they were just slightly thicker than the teeth sections. These were the supports onto which I glued a plasticard guide (1), which the top tooth section slots neatly into. All of which essentially means that the teeth can be opened and closed as I want – the movement is really smooth, the two supports (3) mean the teeth can't move to either side, and they can't be opened so far that they fall out. The fit is also just snug enough that the teeth stay in place, wherever I put them.

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/Mek-mek2_zpsgpjdu77n.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/Mek-mek2_zpsgpjdu77n.jpg.html)
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/3272ee4b-72b2-4386-8735-a7fec8ee0ca5_zpsylehbbmi.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/3272ee4b-72b2-4386-8735-a7fec8ee0ca5_zpsylehbbmi.jpg.html)
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/DSC00792_zpsacefcc65.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/DSC00792_zpsacefcc65.jpg.html)
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/DSC00794_zps0078f0d2.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/DSC00794_zps0078f0d2.jpg.html)


And here's how the chute looked after a quick paint. It turned out that you can't really see any of these details once the frontplate goes on (you can barely even make out the buzzsaws) but hey ho – if a job's worth doing it's worth doing right!

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/DSC01264_zps05794242.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/DSC01264_zps05794242.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 18 January, 2016, 10:48:40 PM
Holy mother of God... the Millennium Falcon thread may have just lost its crown...

Cheers!

Jim
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 18 January, 2016, 10:52:18 PM
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 18 January, 2016, 10:48:40 PM
Holy mother of God... the Millennium Falcon thread may have just lost its crown...

I've been working on this on and off for two years - the Millenium Falcon thread was what spurred me to finally start a build thread!
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: judda fett on 18 January, 2016, 11:39:35 PM
Coming along nicely. Looking forward to seeing the progress!
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: I, Cosh on 18 January, 2016, 11:45:43 PM
Damn!
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Conceptulist on 19 January, 2016, 01:01:54 AM
Noah had an Ark. Dark Jimbo has a Mek-quake! Amazing!
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Mangamax on 19 January, 2016, 05:50:09 AM
COR!!!!!!  :o
Updates as and when please  :)
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Colin YNWA on 19 January, 2016, 06:04:18 AM
This is going to get a bit good.
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: shaolin_monkey on 19 January, 2016, 11:28:11 AM
Fucking WHAT!?!?!  This is astounding!!!  Amazing stuff!
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 19 January, 2016, 03:35:07 PM
Bloody lovely, Jimbo!
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Darren Stephens on 19 January, 2016, 05:16:56 PM
This? This is awesome.  ;)
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: SpongeJosh on 19 January, 2016, 05:37:17 PM
Thats ace fella! Hope this big job (Yeah i said it ;)) goes smooth for you.

:thumbsup:
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Dandontdare on 19 January, 2016, 05:54:34 PM
That looks fantastic -  I see gears and wires - are there going to be any moving bits?- a radio controlled mek-quake would be all kinds of awesome!
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 19 January, 2016, 07:12:22 PM
Thanks all! Wish I'd started this thread ages ago - at several difficult points I came close to abandoning the project, and I could have done with feedback like this to see me through!

Quote from: Dandontdare on 19 January, 2016, 05:54:34 PM
I see gears and wires - are there going to be any moving bits?- a radio controlled mek-quake would be all kinds of awesome!

The wires are remnants of the tank kit and have all long since been ripped out (the actual build is currently a lot further on than what you see here) - in retrospect I could maybe have tried to re-purpose them for Mek-Quake, but electronics is really outside my comfort zone and this bloody build has taken long enough as it is!

The gears mean that the wheels and tank tracks move, but only when you push him along. Besides the opening and closing mouth, I have tried to work various other moving bits in where I can (as you'll see eventually!) No remote control stuff though!
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: The Enigmatic Dr X on 19 January, 2016, 09:27:40 PM
Jovis wept! This is amazing.
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 20 January, 2016, 07:51:22 PM
Well, after a gratfying response I'm going to keep this ball rolling and plough straight into the next update.

Mek Quake 2: Larger, longer, stronger

Next thing I did was to start building up the inside of the chassis to the same level as the top of the (former) battery compartment, correcting the 45 degree level as I did. I started with a base of polystyrene blocks to add bulk without adding to Mek-Quake's overall weight, topped with milliput (epoxy putty) for solidity and strength, and finally plasticard for a level finish. You can also see a couple of steps that I started building into one side of the chassis (in a fairly ugly unfinished state here!)

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/9a1add14-f015-417b-80ba-5b856f91ada2_zpsvksgmls7.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/9a1add14-f015-417b-80ba-5b856f91ada2_zpsvksgmls7.jpg.html)

You can see that I built into this a small inner lip to give the lid I'd make something to rest on. The lid itself was simply made out of two layers of plasticard, cut to fit – and voila, the former battery compartment had become an under-floor weapons locker!

At one end I sculpted a little square bit recessed from the floor level – this is where you can stick a finger or thumb to easily lift the lid of the locker.

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/Mek10_zps93be0551.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/Mek10_zps93be0551.jpg.html)

Before I could finish the floor any further there was one more thing to do (and quite frankly, I should have done these two stages the other way around). I knew that the business end of Mek-Quake – the chompy-shooty front bit – would probably eat quite a bit into the available space within. He was approx. 35cm long at this point, and I estimated that the front 'torso' would steal about 10-15cm of that*. I wanted to extend the chassis by at least 10cm, so that I'd still have a decent amount of space for the other Warriors to fit in the back.

*In the event it actually measured 19cm deep!

I essentially extended the existing surfaces with plasticard additions and re-fitted the original backplate of the tank kit, re-jigged to sit vertically instead of at a slant (another space-gaining effort.) An elaborate jury-rig took place to gain maximum tension and make this DIY rear as sturdy as possible – I didn't want any risk of the whole back end breaking clean off if I ever dropped him.

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/Mek12_zpsbac3dd80.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/Mek12_zpsbac3dd80.jpg.html)
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/Mek13_zpsb74302f3.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/Mek13_zpsb74302f3.jpg.html)

You'll see that around this stage I started work on the inner floor – online I found some plasticard with pre-moulded industrial diamond pattern, perfect for the job!

When this was done I added a rear inner wall to the original Panther backplate, with a slanted top and two slots cunningly cut into the top...

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/Mek14_zps13e1259c.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/Mek14_zps13e1259c.jpg.html)

The tank kit was one of those with 'realistic smoke effect!', and the backplate had been designed so that two small rubber pipes could be run from the inside of the tank and into the two exhausts. It had seemed a shame to just fill these holes in and not make use of them somehow, and that's what the slots were for.

I bent two bendy drinking straws to fit through the slots – they passed through the backplate to fit into the Panther's exhaust ports. Filled with epoxy, these soon set rock hard – when they were set I sculpted some little extra details, and repaired the remaining holes left by the slots I'd had to cut to fit the straws in.

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/Mek-mek4_zpsurz59lnv.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/Mek-mek4_zpsurz59lnv.jpg.html)
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/fc3de718-ccb8-4351-b25a-6ba96631ac3f_zpszt12hkh5.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/fc3de718-ccb8-4351-b25a-6ba96631ac3f_zpszt12hkh5.jpg.html)

So here's how the former Jagdpanther was looking by this point in the build. What with having to learn so much as I went, progress had been pretty slow. After months of work he was still a bit of a raggedy Frankenstein's monster – but an awful lot of necessary groundwork had now been gotten out of the way...

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/0013a6d5-102c-42be-99ae-ab26e17abbce_zpstsphy3i6.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/0013a6d5-102c-42be-99ae-ab26e17abbce_zpstsphy3i6.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Colin YNWA on 20 January, 2016, 08:17:00 PM
This is getting scary good.It really is.
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 20 January, 2016, 09:30:05 PM
Har!  :D You ain't seen nothing yet!
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Judge Nutmeg on 20 January, 2016, 10:53:21 PM
Excellent stuff ,Mek-Quake is a 2000ad icon
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 21 January, 2016, 11:42:20 AM
This is looking to be the biggest of jobs and and by jove it looks zarjaz!
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: teckno viking on 28 January, 2016, 08:57:03 PM
Loving this project :D
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: gurnard on 04 February, 2016, 12:29:45 PM
That already looks fantastic, I am in awe of the skill, nice one.
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 07 February, 2016, 08:10:42 PM
Mek Quake 3: Floored Genius

Just a mini update this time out to keep momentum up.

Work on the floor needed to progress before I could go much further - I wouldn't normally start painting anything at this stage, but I wanted the fiddliest bits of the inner floor to be done while relatively easy to reach (i.e before I started building up the sides of the chassis). So after a few coats of grey spray-undercoat, I used a couple of doll's house hinges to fix the lid of the storage locker into place.

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/DSC01203_zps4fc3608d.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/DSC01203_zps4fc3608d.jpg.html)
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/DSC01260_zpsa61867e1.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/DSC01260_zpsa61867e1.jpg.html)

I painted the floor in a few successive coats of silver acrylic, gradually building up different dark/light variations by dabbing it on with bits of sponge for a random, mottled effect. Then weathered it a bit in places with black ink for that spilt-oil look.

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/DSC01271_zpsd793a7ee.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/DSC01271_zpsd793a7ee.jpg.html)

Used a lot of black ink to weather the inside of the underfloor locker...

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/DSC01277_zps0e14e637.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/DSC01277_zps0e14e637.jpg.html)

...and decorated the inside of the lid with a wee bit of graffiti (hard to get a decent picture of it, but that's what I get for not painting and photographing it before I screwed it in place! You live and learn).

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/DSC01293_zpsm82z5kgd.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/DSC01293_zpsm82z5kgd.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Colin YNWA on 07 February, 2016, 09:50:51 PM
Those timy hinges are glorious!
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 07 February, 2016, 10:00:19 PM
Aren't they just? Barely 1cm wide - the real challenge was trying to find a screwdriver small enough to fit the screws!
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 08 February, 2016, 06:25:50 PM
That graffitti is a superb touch!
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Colin YNWA on 08 February, 2016, 07:30:36 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 07 February, 2016, 10:00:19 PM
Aren't they just? Barely 1cm wide - the real challenge was trying to find a screwdriver small enough to fit the screws!

Ha that I could well imagine. But its that dediction that makes this so great, as Hawkmonger says the details like ther graffiti are just brilliant.
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Geoff on 08 February, 2016, 11:03:27 PM
This is just brilliant - can't wait to see more!
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Mikey on 16 February, 2016, 10:03:24 AM
 :o Shit The Bed! You, sir, are my favourite type of mad genius. That is just brilliant and I can't wait to see more!
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 17 February, 2016, 11:03:35 PM
Cheers Mikey - just wish I had more time to work on this!
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: TordelBack on 18 February, 2016, 06:06:18 AM
Yeah, get on with it you bloody slacker!
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 31 March, 2016, 03:18:24 PM
Time to take a look at the droid that started it all – that's right, it's Mongrol...

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/DSC00702_zpsxqybsqy3.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/DSC00702_zpsxqybsqy3.jpg.html)
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/DSC00704_zpsti6yc8ll.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/DSC00704_zpsti6yc8ll.jpg.html)

I won't pretend that I thought I could improve as such on what 3A did with Mongrol – he's a chuffing beautiful figure, no mistake – but from the moment I got him there were tweaks I wanted to make to get him closer to 'my' Mongrol. Primarily that revolved around the head – I wanted it in classic yellow, and I wanted that trademark Mongrol underbite!

There wasn't much to making the underbite, really – I just re-sculpted the lower jaw with epoxy putty (extremely lightweight when cured, so there was no increased chance of his jaw swinging open on its own).

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/DSC00705_zpsq0odqn5e.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/DSC00705_zpsq0odqn5e.jpg.html)

This was mainly an aesthetic choice, but it did have an added, unforeseen, benefit – the hook that holds Mongrol's chain to his jaw on the 1/12th figure always looked incredibly fragile, like it would be the first thing to snap off if he ever fell off a shelf (God forbid!) With the jaw bulked up around it I could breathe a bit easier!

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/DSC00706_zpsbsmgp8op.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/DSC00706_zpsbsmgp8op.jpg.html)

After that it was all cosmetic stuff. I masked off the relevant areas – most of the head and both arms. Not that the arms particularly needed repainting, but I wanted to make sue the yellow colours matched and didn't jar against each other. I laid down an ochre/brown acrylic base, then worked gradually back up through some lighter yellows – because Mongrol was built from metal that had presumably lain around a scrapyard for years, I didn't want any bright colours but rusted, tarnished variants; and it never seemed to me that yellow would be a particularly battlefield-friendly colour, especially given that he fights mainly on the dustbowl that is Mars. I re-painted his forehead star to make it really pop and re-painted the eyes in a bit more detail, trying to give them some depth and life – the eyes were probably the only bit of the original figure I actively disliked. Bit too cartoony.

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/DSC01609_zpsqirmxqtt.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/DSC01609_zpsqirmxqtt.jpg.html)
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/0aefc83b-c1ae-405e-a6df-2339d0738ff8_zpstqsioy2p.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/0aefc83b-c1ae-405e-a6df-2339d0738ff8_zpstqsioy2p.jpg.html)

I always liked how some ABC artists, mainly Kev Walker, would give Mongrol yellow-and-black chevron patternings on his arms, such as industrial machinery might have, which really suits Mongrol's heavy-duty feel, so I whacked on a few of those.

As I'm sure anyone reading this knows, Mongrol's creator Lara was a battlecomber who scavenged the battlefields for the robot detritus of both sides of the war, so I added a scattering of both US and Volgan markings to bits of Mongrol's bodywork – a hammer and sickle, Kev O Neill's variant of the US flag, some Cyrillic stuff and more stars. The original figure had always looked a bit uniform for what was meant to be a frankenstinian mish-mash, so I deliberately painted these in an asymmetrical way, with some differently-coloured plates to reinforce the ramshackle theme, like he's been cut to fit from larger scrap panels. You'll see I also sculpted a few little extra metal plates here and there – again, just to break things up a bit and stress that he's a bit of a junkyard dog.

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/DSC01612_zpsdciua3be.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/DSC01612_zpsdciua3be.jpg.html)
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/DSC01613_zps7xcguoor.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/DSC01613_zps7xcguoor.jpg.html)
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/DSC01614_zpsi9wwnahi.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/DSC01614_zpsi9wwnahi.jpg.html)

Let smushing commence!

Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Colin YNWA on 31 March, 2016, 08:49:53 PM
Its a very impressive thing to take a figure that good and make it better... so can we see him alongside Mek Quake in progress?
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 31 March, 2016, 10:37:24 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 31 March, 2016, 08:49:53 PM
... so can we see him alongside Mek Quake in progress?

Yes! Scale shots coming with the next Mek-Quake update, as the actual bodywork goes onto the chassis!
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: judda fett on 31 March, 2016, 11:17:29 PM
Really nice customising there Dark Jimbo!
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: SpongeJosh on 01 April, 2016, 12:37:10 PM
Love the eye detail! Its made the model look more Mongrol than mong-out.

Brilliant work Jimbo. Cant wait to see the finished Mek-Quake.
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 01 April, 2016, 01:49:33 PM
Always loved it when McMahon drew Mongrol with and under bite. It just makes his face POP that little bit more. Brilliant sculpt as ever, Jimbob. Brilliant stuff.
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Colin YNWA on 01 April, 2016, 04:29:50 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 31 March, 2016, 10:37:24 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 31 March, 2016, 08:49:53 PM
... so can we see him alongside Mek Quake in progress?

Yes! Scale shots coming with the next Mek-Quake update, as the actual bodywork goes onto the chassis!

That has me more excited than is reasonable.
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Steven Denton on 01 April, 2016, 06:47:33 PM
Really nice work on Mongral
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 01 April, 2016, 07:07:19 PM
Quote from: Hawkmumbler on 01 April, 2016, 01:49:33 PM
Always loved it when McMahon drew Mongrol with and under bite. It just makes his face POP that little bit more. Brilliant sculpt as ever, Jimbob. Brilliant stuff.

I like to think of this as Clint Langley stylings on a classic McMahon sculpt - all the best of old and new styles.
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: pineapplehead on 03 April, 2016, 07:07:26 PM
Very cool this
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: I, Cosh on 04 April, 2016, 09:18:30 AM
That repaint job on Mongrol is outstanding. I've just been dabbling in painting a couple of miniatures for the first time in many years and let's just say I've got a long way to go.
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 04 April, 2016, 02:17:56 PM
Quote from: The Cosh on 04 April, 2016, 09:18:30 AM
That repaint job on Mongrol is outstanding. I've just been dabbling in painting a couple of miniatures for the first time in many years and let's just say I've got a long way to go.

Thanks Cosh. I'm quite modest about, say, my own artwork, but I was really pleased with Mongrol. Some boarders may remember that I did more or less the same repaint some years ago on the big 1/6th Mongrol, whose sheer size made him very forgiving of tiny mistakes - having had the practice doing the paintjob once already, I think that's why this worked so well!
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Dandontdare on 04 April, 2016, 03:38:28 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 31 March, 2016, 03:18:24 PMthe hook that holds Mongrol's chain to his jaw on the 1/12th figure always looked incredibly fragile, like it would be the first thing to snap off if he ever fell off a shelf (God forbid!)

I can testify that this is indeed the case - it wasn't a fall off a shelf but just me being a bit clumsy handling him, but the ring snapped off within days of receiving it..
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: teckno viking on 04 April, 2016, 04:33:34 PM
Hot Diggity Dog what a Job. Said the Raggity man just before Mongrol squashed him hahaha

Beautiful and perfect improvement :D
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 23 April, 2016, 10:08:37 PM
Turns out I just could not stop tinkering! So here's Mongrol 2: Time for a stogie...

After all the work I'd done on the big lad's arms, I couldn't help but want to add a little something to his torso, too - so I masked off the chest plate and broke out the paint box.

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/DSC01658_zpsfakhrfko.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/DSC01658_zpsfakhrfko.jpg.html)

Since the Warriors returned to Mars, Mongrol hasn't really been Mongrol without a cigar clamped in his mouth, so this was the final little touch to rectify.

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/DSC01716_zpsg7hys7ey.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/DSC01716_zpsg7hys7ey.jpg.html)

And then he really was finished!

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/DSC01715_zpsmbj3zydt.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/DSC01715_zpsmbj3zydt.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: TordelBack on 23 April, 2016, 11:53:31 PM
I didn't think 3A Mongrol could be improved upon, but there you go: fantastic work.
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: teckno viking on 24 April, 2016, 10:27:28 AM
Beautiful Job indeed :D

Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Mardroid on 24 April, 2016, 02:16:38 PM
As the 3a Sam Slade has a spare stogie I was thinking of giving it to Mongrol....
....
....

Yeah, I know. I'll just leave that ridiculous mental image with you.


Lovely work Jimbo. What did you make the cigar from?

I don't plan on doing much in the way of customization, since

A) I pretty much like it as it is, although I sometimes think 3a overdo the weathering. Even if it wasn't 100% how I liked it, the fact that so much effort had gone into it would make me loathe to tinker with it, unless money were no object, and I could get another one.* So one the 3a original droid, and the second the Mardroid re-engineered, Dr, droid, if you like.

B) I wouldn't trust myself not to botch it up.

One thing I would like to have done, if I had the skill and patience: a mouth gun, which pops up and out when you open his mouth. I don't think that would be too difficult, although it would be extremely fiddly. I.e. a bit of tubing for the gun barrel, fixed to a spring mechanism.

I'd kind of want it detachable though so it would be an optional thing as you wouldn't always want to see it when his mouth is open.

*This is not a criticism of your efforts or work jimbo. It's really impressive.
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 24 April, 2016, 05:20:42 PM
Quote from: Mardroid on 24 April, 2016, 02:16:38 PM
Lovely work Jimbo. What did you make the cigar from?

Epoxy putty, same stuff I enlarged his jaw with - it's a bit like working with plasticence, except that it then dries rock-hard.

Quote from: Mardroid on 24 April, 2016, 02:16:38 PM
One thing I would like to have done, if I had the skill and patience: a mouth gun, which pops up and out when you open his mouth. I don't think that would be too difficult, although it would be extremely fiddly. I.e. a bit of tubing for the gun barrel, fixed to a spring mechanism.

D'you know I have thought about that! It's probably the one thing I would try and do if I ever went back to tinkering with him.
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 09 May, 2016, 09:56:13 PM
Mek-Quake's a long-term, ongoing build, and it's nice to have smaller projects in-between bouts on the killdozer to break things up a bit and keep my interest. There was little doubt in my mind who the first of these would be – the moral and emotional backbone of the ABC Warriors, that fan-favourite mainstay who kept you reading through the dark days of the 90s; the myth, the legend, I'm talking, of course, about... Spike!

I ask you, who could resist a bulldog with exhaust ports?! It's mad and ridiculous and oh-so-2000AD and I just had to try to bring him to life.

The bulk of Spike was simply modelled by hand from epoxy putty, based closely on Kev's brilliant design. Every time I worked on Mongrol or Mek-Quake and had some putty left over, it got moulded onto a ball rather than chucked away. This ball soon developed legs and a head, and that was what first sparked the idea to make Spike.

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/Spike0_zpspxwgntzr.jpg~original)

The hoops on his head and collar were small picture hooks half-buried in the putty; his tail was a paperclip, straightened and re-bent then over-sculpted; the shoulder gizmos were bits I found in my DIY odds-and-sods box.

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/Spike1_zpsz5mosvgj.jpg~original)
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/2f1fc811-2144-43b0-a013-57f98ebe0336_zpsixhabgcr.jpg~original)
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/Spike3_zpsfl5zqz7z.jpg~original)

Once he was sculpted, he was primed...

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/Spike4_zpsworo1tzg.jpg~original)

...then I started laying down some base coats. You might see I started tinkering again around this point and sculpting some more little details here and there!

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/Spike5_zpsyeccfbdl.jpg~original)

Then inks and details!

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/Spike6_zpsqquvcogt.jpg~original)
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/Spike7_zpsj6sbtmhg.jpg~original)
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/Spike8_zpsen2arzjv.jpg~original)
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/Spike9_zpsuldcps0n.jpg~original)

And he was done! Here he is with the big fella for a sense of scale.

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/Spike12_zpsetptc5yd.jpg~original)

I borrowed some links from Mongrol's chain to give Spike a wee lead. All he needs now is his master Blackblood, to take him for walkies. Are you listening, 3A...?

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/Spike13_zpsjmwot6ax.jpg~original)
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: teckno viking on 10 May, 2016, 12:19:45 PM
Jimbo the photos are not working mate
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 10 May, 2016, 10:19:52 PM
Working now...?

Photobucket's a mystery to me. Linked pictures seem to come and go at will, and this is one of the only boards I know where you can't modify posts to fiddle with links!
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: maryanddavid on 10 May, 2016, 11:29:54 PM
Jimbo, I know little of models apart from badly painting a few Citadel Mins in the eighties, but Spike is frankly incredible. Do you do this professionally?  Wow.
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: teckno viking on 11 May, 2016, 07:35:20 AM
Working now and DAMN Jimbo that is some serious sculpting :D

beautiful job my friend.
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 11 May, 2016, 12:04:25 PM
...!

Amazing.

Cheers

Jim
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Steve Green on 11 May, 2016, 01:11:57 PM
Fantastic job!
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: TordelBack on 11 May, 2016, 02:34:14 PM
Ay caramba! Send pics to Kev immediately!
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 11 May, 2016, 03:00:24 PM
Thanks as always, folks! Very much not a professional, MaryandDavid! Just an inspired dabbler.

I love how Spike turned out. My only regret is that he doesn't have any moving parts - he's more of a sculpture than a figure. Since finishing Spike some months ago I've started work on another three Millsverse characters (besides ongoing work on the killdozer) and they've got a bit more going on.

Now where's my Blackblood figure?! Spike needs walkies...
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Colin YNWA on 11 May, 2016, 09:07:06 PM
I have to be honest I didn't remember Spike (until you mentioned Blackblood then it all fell back into place) but by God when I see a figure/sculpt as cool as that I do wonder why the hell not. That's pretty bloody astonishing!
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 11 May, 2016, 09:26:30 PM
Haha, bloody fantastic Jimbo!
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 11 May, 2016, 09:34:53 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 11 May, 2016, 09:07:06 PM
I have to be honest I didn't remember Spike... but by God when I see a figure/sculpt as cool as that I do wonder why the hell not.

It's a fairly silly character and a ludicrous design - but to be honest, that was exactly the appeal in trying to bring him to life!
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Darren Stephens on 11 May, 2016, 09:52:57 PM
Well, I do remember him and you've captured him perfectly, you talented so n so!
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: CrazyFoxMachine on 12 May, 2016, 11:53:56 AM
Somebody needs to poach you to do this shit professionally, Jimb that's some masterful painting/sculpting!
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Judge Nutmeg on 12 May, 2016, 09:35:12 PM
excellent sculpt
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: SpongeJosh on 14 May, 2016, 12:14:12 PM
Great job Jimbo  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Mikey on 29 June, 2016, 08:05:12 PM
To my shame, I had forgotten about this - hells a poppin Jimbo, Spike is a work of beauty! Just brilliant work all round too - I'll not leave it so long this time.

Is that epoxy putty stuff easy enough to use? Just discovered I'm in need of something to finish a project.
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 29 June, 2016, 09:11:17 PM
Quote from: Mikey on 29 June, 2016, 08:05:12 PM
Is that epoxy putty stuff easy enough to use? Just discovered I'm in need of something to finish a project.

Well I think so - as you can see from Spike, it allows for some fairly intricate little bits of sculpting once you've gained a bit of mastery with it, and it's pretty darn durable stuff, too.

If there's a drawback it's that - unlike, say, super sculpey or any of those modelling clays where you bake the sculpt to cure it in one go - you tend to have to wait until one bit has dried and cured before you can attempt to sculpt something else on top. Sculpts can take what feels like an age because you're working on it in loads of little sessions. I don't personally mind this because I tend to have a few models on the go at once so there's always something else to work on while I wait.

If you're just thinking of something more in the line of filling gaps and making repairs, then I recommend it with very little reservation!
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: shaolin_monkey on 29 June, 2016, 09:31:11 PM
Cor blimey guvnor!! That's amazing! Totally inspirational!
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 29 June, 2016, 11:15:12 PM
Mek Quake 4: Like a Robot in the Headlights

So this is how things stood last time -

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/7ee0b2eb-5637-4913-b448-0f865a1d4afd_zpszzi3t0xi.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/7ee0b2eb-5637-4913-b448-0f865a1d4afd_zpszzi3t0xi.jpg.html)

With the fiddliest bits of the floor largely done, I could start building up the side panels. Fairly straightforward, this. A polystyrene base for bulk without weight, then some very thick card panelling – wanted this as a base for the plasticard on the sides because I could bend a single sheet of card into shape (not so easy with plasticard!) Constructing the flared sides out of separate plasticard panels alone would have left them too prone to break apart if put under any sort of stress (the card itself is reinforced with plenty of epoxy putty on the underside angle.)

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/Mek-mek5_zpsp2egtotf.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/Mek-mek5_zpsp2egtotf.jpg.html)

You'll see there's a recess in one side – this would be the top step of the wee stairs leading up from the flatbed. With the inner side walls on I could finally sculpt the remaining stair.

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/Mek17_zpsqa3ykvk0.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/Mek17_zpsqa3ykvk0.jpg.html)

Then it was a case of panelling all this with plasticard; fixing gaps and bits with epoxy putty; sanding smooth; filling again; sanding again. A very, very long stage of which I apparently took very few photos!

I sculpted various other industrial-looking gubbins onto the insides. On the opposite side to the steps, just to break the long side panel up a bit, I cut another recess and used wooden dowels to stand in for pipes of hydraulic fluid. Also added these metal rungs (found in my toolbox) to the bodywork, whereby a passenger would pull himself up.

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/Mek17-B_zpsgejkk3ng.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/Mek17-B_zpsgejkk3ng.jpg.html)

Next thing was to add some headlights – if you've read this far you know the drill by now; polystyrene, card, milliput.

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/Mek18_zpsxdk2ywhg.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/Mek18_zpsxdk2ywhg.jpg.html)
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/Mek19_zpsmtwcyb5t.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/Mek19_zpsmtwcyb5t.jpg.html)

It was also time to start thinking ahead to much later stages of the build...

The idea for the neck came to me early on and although I pondered other possibilities for constructing it nothing better really occured. A flexi-neck lamp would provide the skeleton and give me a way to move the head/neck into different positions that would hold their pose. A visit to a well-known Swedish DIY store ensued...

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/Mek19-B_zpsqhd58cro.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/Mek19-B_zpsqhd58cro.jpg.html)

I drilled two holes into the base of the chassis and screwed the light into place from underneath. This would give me a 'spine' of sorts to build the rest of the torso around later.

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/Mek-mek6_zpsonazuxio.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/Mek-mek6_zpsonazuxio.jpg.html)
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/Mek20_zpsxxmyzmcu.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/Mek20_zpsxxmyzmcu.jpg.html)

Which meant I could build the next storey of the torso – again, nothing much to it. Polystyrene, card, milliput – except that I used two halves of a plastic kinder egg toy (the blue bits) to help add a bit of extra detail besides the ones I sculpted from scratch myself.

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/Mek21_zpsa2p0feaa.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/Mek21_zpsa2p0feaa.jpg.html)
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/Mek22_zpsvegu8nsp.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/Mek22_zpsvegu8nsp.jpg.html)
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/Mek24_zps7s5fos2r.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/Mek24_zps7s5fos2r.jpg.html)

And it was all starting to look that bit more familiar...

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/Mek25_zpsi0j3nwut.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/Mek25_zpsi0j3nwut.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 29 June, 2016, 11:19:20 PM
And here's the long-awaited size comparison shot with Mongrol!

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/Mek28_zpspscxblnf.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/Mek28_zpspscxblnf.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Mikey on 30 June, 2016, 09:30:51 AM
That is pure class my man!

(and re the epoxy putty - at this stage it's for a bit of simply sculpted filling, so the lack of faff with curing sounds perfect.)
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Darren Stephens on 30 June, 2016, 08:14:39 PM
Good lord, this is brilliant.
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: TordelBack on 30 June, 2016, 08:27:55 PM
Damnit Jimbo I have the biggest crush on you right now. Paint me like one of your paratrooper robots...!
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 30 June, 2016, 09:55:55 PM
Just annoyed that I didn't really take any pictures of the basic bodywork coming together! Especially as it was a stage that took weeks to do...!
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 17 July, 2016, 06:19:12 PM
'Uugh! Foul is the fruit of the Warlock!'

So Torquemada exclaimed when first meeting Thoth, errant son of Nemesis. Far be it for me to argue with that, but with a certain black tyrannosaur suddenly looming on the horizon (if 3A is to be believed), the time seemed right for an appearance by this homicidal homunculus.

I'd been really happy with my last build – Blackblood's cyber-pooch Spike – but he'd felt a little static. I wanted Thoth to have some articulation. I'm no engineer, so the easy answer was to get somebody else to do the hard work and simply sculpt over an existing action figure.

I started with a Marvel Legends Iron Man, for no particular reason other than it was cheap (£3) and had all the articulation of a bigger figure but was only 4 inches tall – Thoth's a wee little thing, so this would make him just the right size compared to the standard 6 inches of the 1/12th figures.

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/582c44fd-56c8-455b-9850-dabe5b7f048a_zps7gg1y1ci.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/582c44fd-56c8-455b-9850-dabe5b7f048a_zps7gg1y1ci.jpg.html)

The first thing to do was to prep his antlers and spine – I bent some paperclips into the rough shape I wanted and glued these to his head (the tape is just to hold it while the glue dried).

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/Thoth2_zpspgw8llsb.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/Thoth2_zpspgw8llsb.jpg.html)

Thoth's generally depicted as a stumpy little fella, so I ended up chopping off the figure's hands and feet to get shorter limbs in proportion to his body. In fact I chopped off the whole lower half of his legs – and you'll see why!

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/Thoth3_zpsbix04ajo.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/Thoth3_zpsbix04ajo.jpg.html)

I screwed two small screws into the backs of the stumps at a sharp angle and used these to mount wooden dowels that would be the basis for his lower legs...

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/Thoth4_zpshe1ryqy5.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/Thoth4_zpshe1ryqy5.jpg.html)

Then it was simply a case of over-sculpting it all.

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/4b2008dd-4b62-493d-ba92-e68316c46f43_zps92wsmqag.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/4b2008dd-4b62-493d-ba92-e68316c46f43_zps92wsmqag.jpg.html) (http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/Thoth7_zpsyqramuxj.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/Thoth7_zpsyqramuxj.jpg.html)

Obviously it was Bryan Talbot I was riffing off here, the artist who drew Thoth most often. In many ways he's simply a smaller version of an adult warlock, but altogether dumpier, with a gloopy, semi-embryonic form.

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/Thoth8_zpszyrc57rw.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/Thoth8_zpszyrc57rw.jpg.html)
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/Thoth9_zps1twwgblp.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/Thoth9_zps1twwgblp.jpg.html)
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/Thoth10_zps6qdvwm7w.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/Thoth10_zps6qdvwm7w.jpg.html)
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/Thoth11_zps5xq5qlho.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/Thoth11_zps5xq5qlho.jpg.html)

Painting was fairly simple. A classic warlock green – but a slightly more neon colour than I imagined an adult would have - and some crazy red eyes. I added a few veins to hint at the fact he's still only half-developed, and finished with a wash of slightly diluted gloss varnish to make him look a bit liquid.

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/Thoth12_zpswtpliupd.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/Thoth12_zpswtpliupd.jpg.html)
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/Thoth14_zpsvo4htsjs.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/Thoth14_zpsvo4htsjs.jpg.html)
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/Thoth13_zpscsn5p7nb.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/Thoth13_zpscsn5p7nb.jpg.html)
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/Thoth15_zps45gq0ito.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/Thoth15_zps45gq0ito.jpg.html)

And he was ready to try to bring about the end of the world as we know it!
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Colin YNWA on 17 July, 2016, 06:23:07 PM
There is only WOW!
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 17 July, 2016, 06:24:30 PM
Obligatory group shot –

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/Darkjimbo2/Thoth16_zpsdca8n8ph.jpg~original) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Darkjimbo2/media/Thoth16_zpsdca8n8ph.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 17 July, 2016, 06:35:14 PM
This stuff is AMAZING. So, so good, Jimbo.
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Greg M. on 17 July, 2016, 06:41:47 PM
Bloody hell, that is just remarkable. The way you've captured the gleam in Thoth's eye - pure Talbot come to life!
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: I, Cosh on 17 July, 2016, 06:45:11 PM
Lovely stuff.
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 17 July, 2016, 06:55:48 PM
Quote from: Greg M. on 17 July, 2016, 06:41:47 PM
The way you've captured the gleam in Thoth's eye - pure Talbot come to life!

Talbot's designs are just a gift to work into three dimensions.

I've got a shortlist of 20 characters that I'm aiming to end up with at the end of this project - whether 3A give us one or I have to make them myself - and I'm so lucky in that O'Neill and Talbot did the bulk of the Millsverse design work (with a little help from Kev Walker). Great artists to sculpt from.
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 17 July, 2016, 08:06:32 PM
That Thoth is the best, Jimbob! Thanks for sharing these class pieces of art!
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Judge Nutmeg on 17 July, 2016, 09:45:27 PM
tremendous stuff
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Mikey on 18 July, 2016, 01:44:20 PM
I both love and hate you in equal measure Jimbo. I have so much want, so little talent!

Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: PlanetReplicas on 19 July, 2016, 09:41:09 AM
These are truly amazing !
Shard on my Facebook page ;-)
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: blackmocco on 27 July, 2016, 03:10:38 PM
Lovely, Jimbo! Holy shit!
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: COMMANDO FORCES on 27 July, 2016, 03:23:19 PM
Great work :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: judda fett on 28 July, 2016, 02:12:49 AM
Good work Jimbo, you make me wanna build stuff again.
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 28 July, 2016, 06:07:06 PM
Thanks lads! Your feedback keeps me at it when doubt and frustration sets in.

Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: sheridan on 03 September, 2016, 03:46:15 PM
Has Bryan seen this?  Someone should show him!
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: positronic on 04 May, 2017, 08:16:58 PM
These are absolutely fantastic! Dark Jim, you are truly a scratchbuilder of renown! If these haven't been featured in a magazine somewhere they certainly ought to have been. I take it 2000 AD doesn't have any sort of fan art pages, but they should definitely make an exception in your case.

It's funny, because about a month or two ago, I was just wistfully daydreaming that I'd wished there had been some A.B.C. Warrior well-sculpted action figures or kits -- or even statues, that would, I'm sure, be far to expensive for me to justify purchasing... *sigh*... and thinking, well fat chance of that happening. Seems like the only thing people want to license from 2000 AD is Dredd (and associated props, vehicles, and characters). Not that there's anything wrong with that! But where's the love for the other characters in plastic and resin?

Did you ever complete the final version of Mek-Quake? I'm dying to know. Mongrel and Thoth were absolutely great, as was Mongrel's dog (you are obviously a talented sculptor).

Any plans of doing a Ro-Jaws or a Hammerstein build?
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 05 May, 2017, 10:41:57 AM
How weird! I saw this thread had revived and thought, 'Ooh! Exciting! An update!' before realising I am the one who makes these models...!

Quote from: positronic on 04 May, 2017, 08:16:58 PM
Did you ever complete the final version of Mek-Quake? I'm dying to know. Mongrel and Thoth were absolutely great, as was Mongrel's dog (you are obviously a talented sculptor).

Mek-Quake is a bit further along than seen in this thread (I shall update accordingly soon) but the build did stall a bit last year. Must make some more time to push it along a bit. I also have another Millsverse character in the works - just needs painting now and then you'll see it in this thread!

Quote from: positronic on 04 May, 2017, 08:16:58 PM
Any plans of doing a Ro-Jaws or a Hammerstein build?

Well supposedly 3A will eventually bring us both Ro-Jaws and Hammerstein - I've not lost hope for that, although there will inevitably be a bit of modifying to those if they are eventually in my clutch
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: positronic on 05 May, 2017, 11:36:11 AM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 05 May, 2017, 10:41:57 AM

Quote from: positronic on 04 May, 2017, 08:16:58 PM
Any plans of doing a Ro-Jaws or a Hammerstein build?

Well supposedly 3A will eventually bring us both Ro-Jaws and Hammerstein - I've not lost hope for that, although there will inevitably be a bit of modifying to those if they are eventually in my clutch

After posting that last, I stopped and thought for a second... "or did they... ?", and did a quick image search, in which I did see some figures of Hammerstein (a few different variations) and Ro-Jaws, and I did note that 3A seemed to have secured an official license. I even saw people taking orders for these online; but you say they've still not as yet been produced?

Also saw a couple of others, including Mongrol and Morrigan. Don't know if these were 3A prototype sculps or just scratchbuilds. Did see one Blackblood, obviously a custom.
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: positronic on 05 May, 2017, 11:50:03 AM
(http://www.threeaonline.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/mongrol_web.jpg)
(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/62/5a/18/625a18216c00d7849fb1b73e6f1f839e.jpg)(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CGUoDpOBpUI/UAOIqr2Od1I/AAAAAAAACSI/BqX62hRzUVk/s777/Blackblood+1.jpg)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/8/7447/16332972708_89fd248203_b.jpg)
(https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8383/29117071762_3c4a6e5edb_z.jpg)(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/a1/b5/bd/a1b5bdc4862ecbca957da348a38d9e7d.jpg)
Title: Re: Jimbo's 1/12th ABC Warriors (and friends)
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 05 May, 2017, 12:10:59 PM
That first one is the 3A Mongrol, which I modified earlier in the thread; then 3A Ro-Jaws, which has so far only been released in 1/6th scale but is supposedly due in 1/12th at some point; t'others are all kits, I think.