The MLP Arena
Creativity => Customs => Topic started by: Diamond on February 25, 2012, 08:50:25 PM
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Okay asked a few weeks ago and a few of you seem interested in how I take a Breyer model horse and turn it into one of my Carousel Replicas. So I am going to post some photos of two I have in the works. Be forewarned I am slow so it might be a bit between updates. Any questions about what you see please ask.
I either start with finding a body, and then seeing what style of carver I think it fits. Or sometimes find a horse I like and then find a body to use. In both these cases it was body first and then references. I usually combine several horses trappings as well as design my own in the style of the carver I am working on. I do not for the most part mix carvers or styles of carvers.
First up we have a Illionis who is a Coney Island style carver. He happens to be a commission one of the few I have taken since getting back in my studio.
He started life as this - this is a small traditional size model sadly I seem to have misplaced the before photo - so shall see if I can find it, in the meantime you can check him out here (http://www.identifyyourbreyer.com/identify/Flash.htm).
Refs for this guys, his pose is based off this fella -
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Mane and neck is inspired by this guy
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Next step is to cut and burn -
cutting
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then the burning
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Then we get to visit from the dermel
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Next we start to fill -
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and fill some more this is the stage he is at right now expect I have started sanding him - all my critters get all there body work done first, then sanded, then trappings.
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Number two is a classic size model, who is promised to someone, though if she passes he shall then come up for sale.
This time we are going country fair with an Allan Herschall. Now AH are not built so well so I do give them a tweak or two.
Basic Ref for this guy - need to find one or two more I know I have someplace
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Sadly I seem to have misplaced the photo of what he looked like before I started playing him but you can see the model here (http://www.identifyyourbreyer.com/identify/Classic/MustMare.htm). I do have the first shot after being cut and burned -
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Missed the dermel shot on this one so we shall jump to a fill shot -
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Hmm got a little carried away with filling - happens -
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So took it all down a bit with the dermel and worked on the lower legs, which gave me fits and if you have a good eye you shall see they are a touch longer then when I started.
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So there you go, my process so far. More to come as I find time to sneak into my studio.
Thanks for looking.
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whoa, looking good!
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whoa, looking good!
Ah thanks I am getting back into shape slowly but surely.
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:dropjaw: Holy cow, Diamond! Your reposes are amazing! I can't wait to see them when you add the details.
Elf
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That is awesome Diamond!!! I can't wait to see them finished! That looks seriously complicated.
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Holy cow, Diamond! Your reposes are amazing! I can't wait to see them when you add the details.
Elf
Me too Elf, that is the fun part. The first guy I would call a moderate custom, the second one is a dramatic.
That is awesome Diamond!!! I can't wait to see them finished! That looks seriously complicated.
Thanks Kaos, I love doing them so I do not mind the challenge.
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Wow, thanks for posting these! I love seeing WIP shots for Breyer customs, can't wait to see them all finished up.
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Awesome diamond!!! Way to go! Love seeing work from you!
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This is soo awesome! Just one thing:
HURRY UP!!!!!
:P
Don't you have all the time in the world to work on your models?!!!
*bends over for a deserved spanking
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wow! they look awesome so far! I can't wait to see all the wonderful details :heart:
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Ooo it's like seeing "A Day in the Life" with Diamond. Keep the pics coming. :)
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As always, they are coming out awesome so far!
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They are so awesome, Its so great to see the different stages! Cant wait to see more!
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How cool is that?! I love that you get to burn them, teehee. Your understanding of musculature and anatomy of the horse is awesome! I cannot wait to see these done!
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Lookin' awesome so far! I need to get over my fear of carving up a breyer so I can get on with my customs :P I have quite a few bodies, just too scared to touch em!
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Neat, I didnt know one could do such a thing with Breyers
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that's amazing!!!1 though when their jaws are open to their ears... well.... it's kinda alot creepy!
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So great so far, I cant wait to see the final results!
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WOW! :faint: I had no idea how much reposing was involved! I can't wait to see the next step. :)
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Wow, that's awesome! I'd never dare cutting and burning up a custom, but if you know what you are doing the results can be amazing for sure. As you're showing us one step at a time :-)
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This is fascinating. I look forward to watching the process continue!
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So cool ;)
bigmlpfan xx
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Oh, wow. I'm amazed by what you can do with the Breyer bodies!
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Ah you guys are so awesome, it is a wonderful feeling to come back to my thread and see such interest.
Wow, thanks for posting these! I love seeing WIP shots for Breyer customs, can't wait to see them all finished up.
Thanks so much and neither can I, sometimes I wish I worked faster. I may have to share some regular horses since you guys are enjoying these guys so much.
Awesome diamond!!! Way to go! Love seeing work from you!
Aw thanks sd. It is nice having work to show.
This is soo awesome! Just one thing:
HURRY UP!!!!!
:P
Don't you have all the time in the world to work on your models?!!!
*bends over for a deserved spanking
LOL you nut, and I think I just got a new wand too. I wish I had more time. What was I thinking to take on leading 65+ Girl Scout Troops?
wow! they look awesome so far! I can't wait to see all the wonderful details :heart:
I really enjoy that part of it, sometimes I want to jump ahead but I have found that does not pay. So slowly I go. Thanks.
Ooo it's like seeing "A Day in the Life" with Diamond. Keep the pics coming. :)
Thanks though it is more like a month at a time then a day. I shall be sure to keep taking step by steps. Maybe I shall on the next one do more of a tutorial style to them.
As always, they are coming out awesome so far!
So do you Imp, we need to get some WIP of what you are playing with right now to share. It is nice to have my work buddy though.
They are so awesome, Its so great to see the different stages! Cant wait to see more!
Ah thanks, I do have a few other critters planned too. Need to get some more shots of my Breyer "Sea Horse".
How cool is that?! I love that you get to burn them, teehee. Your understanding of musculature and anatomy of the horse is awesome! I cannot wait to see these done!
Thanks, I do use a lot of reference. Though sadly I do not get to ride like when I was younger. As to burn many of today's customizers actually use a cut and glue method which sadly this old timer has never mastered.
Lookin' awesome so far! I need to get over my fear of carving up a breyer so I can get on with my customs :P I have quite a few bodies, just too scared to touch em!
Ah come on IP you so need to give it a shot, PM me if you want and we can chat about it.
Neat, I didnt know one could do such a thing with Breyers
Oh this is the least of what you can do to one. I have done much worse. LOL Like making one into a Bunny.
that's amazing!!!1 though when their jaws are open to their ears... well.... it's kinda alot creepy!
Actually there is a reason why they are done that way, while carvers often just made what is called a broken jaw today's model horse folks prefer to see a more realistically opened mouth. Since a horses jaw is hinged all the way back you need to open it from far back to make it look more realistic. I do have one that looks creepier though.
So great so far, I cant wait to see the final results!
Thank you, the owner of the Illinios gets to give me feedback so it shall be interesting to see which way she wants to go with trappings and colors when I get there.
WOW! :faint: I had no idea how much reposing was involved! I can't wait to see the next step. :)
Thanks poppers, I do love a challenge and find it hard to do simple customs. So to me it does not seem like I do much. Next up for the first guy is sanding a bit, and a pole hole drilled. The second one need some feet and a pole hole then some sanding. Then both need head detailing.
Wow, that's awesome! I'd never dare cutting and burning up a custom, but if you know what you are doing the results can be amazing for sure. As you're showing us one step at a time :-)
It is not as bad or as hard as it looks, many folks do simple customs, I just like to do more. I must be into torture. LOL
This is fascinating. I look forward to watching the process continue!
Thank you, it is fun to see.
So cool ;)
bigmlpfan xx
Thanks
Oh, wow. I'm amazed by what you can do with the Breyer bodies!
Thanks Kanthaka, have you seen my bunny carousel critter? That was a Breyer once too. So you can do lots with them. They react to heat way better then ponies, which do not react to heat as I had hopped. LOL
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I know I know it has been ages but man who knew becoming a Girl Scout Service Unit Coordinator would take over my life! LOL But I do have some very small updates on one of these too critters!
I did sneak some sanding in here and there on him and today actually worked on giving him some teeth. I can only hold things for so long before the troublesome elbow I bashed lets me know it does not wish to do more.
First the refs for Illions style teeth, as you can see he varied how he did his teeth quite a bit, but I do love his style of nostrils.
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Next - close ups!
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and romance side -
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and lastly just a new full shot -
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Man he is lookin' so awesome!!!!
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:faint:
WOW!
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:shocked: :dropjaw: :faint:
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Man he is lookin' so awesome!!!!
Ah thanks panda!
:faint:
WOW!
Wait till he done then you can faint.
:shocked: :dropjaw: :faint:
Is that a good faint or a bad faint?
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:shocked: :dropjaw: :faint:
Is that a good faint or a bad faint?
definitely a good one, that pose is so epic it left me speechless
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:shocked: :dropjaw: :faint:
Is that a good faint or a bad faint?
definitely a good one, that pose is so epic it left me speechless
Cool have you ever seen my old finished stuff? Here - https://picasaweb.google.com/CrocusCottage/Carousel
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:shocked: :dropjaw: :faint:
Is that a good faint or a bad faint?
definitely a good one, that pose is so epic it left me speechless
Cool have you ever seen my old finished stuff? Here - https://picasaweb.google.com/CrocusCottage/Carousel
I haven't those are all totally amazing!, that's gotta take a lot of work and patience :3
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Looks like quite the involved process! Thanks for sharing - I look forward to seeing more WIP pics from you - seeing how others works is always fascinating to me. ^__^
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:shocked: :dropjaw: :faint:
Is that a good faint or a bad faint?
definitely a good one, that pose is so epic it left me speechless
Cool have you ever seen my old finished stuff? Here - https://picasaweb.google.com/CrocusCottage/Carousel
I haven't those are all totally amazing!, that's gotta take a lot of work and patience :3
Yeah I would say easily 200 to 300 hours or more between all the sanding and sculpting and painting. Thank you for the compliment.
Looks like quite the involved process! Thanks for sharing - I look forward to seeing more WIP pics from you - seeing how others works is always fascinating to me. ^__^
No problem I always feel artist should share and sometimes seeing how another works get you thinking how to tackle something new or different.
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You must have the patience of a saint. :worshippy:
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Wow! It's interesting seeing him go through that process!
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Wow, lot of work and patience. It was a bit scary to see his face cut LOL but now can't wait to see finished job pics!
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wow that i sooo cool xD
xoxo
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You must have the patience of a saint. :worshippy:
No I do not but I like to play with apoxie.
Wow! It's interesting seeing him go through that process!
It is always fun to see work in progress stuff, it also allows me to show his owner what he is up to.
Wow, lot of work and patience. It was a bit scary to see his face cut LOL but now can't wait to see finished job pics!
Some come out scary then others. Most of my fellow model horse customizers actually cut the head fully in half to make it easier to do the teeth and such, I am lazy and leave it attached.
wow that i sooo cool xD
xoxo
Thanks!
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Such amazing work! Very inspiring, I love how the head's coming along and those reposes are impressive. I could never have told from the finished pics just how much work was involved, you make it look so effortless yet I know in truth it's exactly the opposite, something like that must take ages. :O
Looking forward to seeing more pics! :lovey:
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Thank you Griffin, it does take practice. I have been a model horse customizer since 1973 to give you an idea of how long I have been at this. I have had periods of time I could not do work, but I always come back to it.
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Very neat. Breyer customs I can say is one thing I've always wished I could do. I'm coming over Diamond for you to teach me! :P
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He looks so awesome so far, although the WIP did scare me a bit :blush:
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Very neat. Breyer customs I can say is one thing I've always wished I could do. I'm coming over Diamond for you to teach me! :P
My studio is always open.
He looks so awesome so far, although the WIP did scare me a bit :blush:
Ah he is not so bad, I had scarier. LOL
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I don't think I want to see scarier ;) lol
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I'm still amazed by his teeth! they are so well done!
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I....must.....have
You have no idea how special carousel horses are to me and im certain these will be simply STUNNING when finished.
You are a true master artisan Diamond and I applaud you!!
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diamond, your carousel horses are simply amazing! :)
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I don't think I want to see scarier ;) lol
Okay then no showing your the bunny made from a Breyer horse. LOL
I'm still amazed by his teeth! they are so well done!
Ah thanks, I am not sure I love then but can tweak once I get a tongue and the top teeth in there.
I....must.....have
You have no idea how special carousel horses are to me and im certain these will be simply STUNNING when finished.
You are a true master artisan Diamond and I applaud you!!
Ah you are gonna make me blush. I do have some sale pieces in the works, send me a PM so I know you are interested and down the road I can let you know when I get one done.
diamond, your carousel horses are simply amazing! :)
Thanks One, now to find time to do more work!
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Okay been ages but am finally getting back into my studio and working, it feels awesome. This fellow got top teeth, they need some tweaking and today I played with Magic Sculpt which I am loving more then aves apoxie! So with out anymore preamble updated head shots -
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Oh and ref I am working off for his head -
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As always, they are coming along great!
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You are so good at that!!!! I love to see your work :)
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Very neat process!
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Oh wow. I never realized how much work was envolved with your carousel horses, Diamond! Thanks for the break down. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your thread :)
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Awesome-looking teeth! :D
Why... is there a hole in his head? I know it's not for the pole... Is the model hollow there? *head tilt*
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Awesome-looking teeth! :D
Why... is there a hole in his head? I know it's not for the pole... Is the model hollow there? *head tilt*
she's remodelling, it just happened to be there probably as she reattached, and she porbably won't fill it in until she adds teh mane and ears maybe?
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Awesome-looking teeth! :D
Why... is there a hole in his head? I know it's not for the pole... Is the model hollow there? *head tilt*
she's remodelling, it just happened to be there probably as she reattached, and she porbably won't fill it in until she adds teh mane and ears maybe?
Give that girl a girl scout cookie, actually is where his mane was. Yes it will be filled when I get to that point.
Glad you guys are enjoying seeing the process. I hope to spend sometime this weekend on this fellow and a few others.
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Awesome-looking teeth! :D
Why... is there a hole in his head? I know it's not for the pole... Is the model hollow there? *head tilt*
she's remodelling, it just happened to be there probably as she reattached, and she porbably won't fill it in until she adds teh mane and ears maybe?
Give that girl a girl scout cookie, actually is where his mane was. Yes it will be filled when I get to that point.
Glad you guys are enjoying seeing the process. I hope to spend sometime this weekend on this fellow and a few others.
We all can't wait to see the finished product!
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Awesome-looking teeth! :D
Why... is there a hole in his head? I know it's not for the pole... Is the model hollow there? *head tilt*
she's remodelling, it just happened to be there probably as she reattached, and she porbably won't fill it in until she adds teh mane and ears maybe?
Give that girl a girl scout cookie, actually is where his mane was. Yes it will be filled when I get to that point.
Glad you guys are enjoying seeing the process. I hope to spend sometime this weekend on this fellow and a few others.
We all can't wait to see the finished product!
Me too, this is the slow boring stage, still need to fill some bumps and a little more sanding. His pole hole is after that, then mane shall go on once I have that so I know how it shall wrap around the pole, since he is to be a flame mane. Then the ears, and trappings. Eyes are usually last if they are glass eyes which this fella is getting. So a long way to go yet.
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Can't wait to see him done!
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NICE!...I have been wanting to do this but haven't taken the time
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That's so cool. I'm still working on how to paint a Breyer to look realistic. I've been using Blue Box knockoffs. Do you leave a hole in the nostril for air circulation?
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That's so cool. I'm still working on how to paint a Breyer to look realistic. I've been using Blue Box knockoffs. Do you leave a hole in the nostril for air circulation?
No, I close those up and then redrill a air hole under the head and between the legs. Less noticeable in those places.
Not much of an update but he got drilled today!
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Awesome!
... Air circulation? :blink:
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MAN! That is lookin' so awesome!!!!!
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... Air circulation?
Breyers are hollow like ponies and made of cellulose acetate which is derived from an organic compound. They suffer breakdown problems like ponies do. Some think a small hole in the plastic keeps moisture from building up in them and keeps them from breaking down faster. Breyers typically have a small hole in a nostril.
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... Air circulation?
Breyers are hollow like ponies and made of cellulose acetate which is derived from an organic compound. They suffer breakdown problems like ponies do. Some think a small hole in the plastic keeps moisture from building up in them and keeps them from breaking down faster. Breyers typically have a small hole in a nostril.
This. I've also seen models that bloat and warp without that hole. so sad.
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This is so cool!
Interesting how a creative process evolves :biggrin:
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This is so cool!
Interesting how a creative process evolves :biggrin:
Thank you. It is a at time rewarding process and at others frustrating beyond belief.
... Air circulation?
Breyers are hollow like ponies and made of cellulose acetate which is derived from an organic compound. They suffer breakdown problems like ponies do. Some think a small hole in the plastic keeps moisture from building up in them and keeps them from breaking down faster. Breyers typically have a small hole in a nostril.
This. I've also seen models that bloat and warp without that hole. so sad.
Actaully for the most part they are much hardier then ponies, yes there are certain ones who end up as bloaties or shrinkies but way less issues then ponies.
You do need air holes especially with customs since you are putting on materials that do not "breath" at the same rate.