The MLP Arena
Creativity => Arts & Crafts Corral => Topic started by: SoaringSentinel on December 14, 2014, 01:44:04 PM
-
Hey guys,
I'm somewhat of an Action figure enthusiast. Starting with Star wars figures back in the day and now i'm just a little bit pickier in what kind of figures i pick up.
I've been a big fan of Friendship is magic since 2011 and ever since then I've been bothered by the lack of screen accurate toys ( one of my biggest pet peeves when collecting toys)
It's not that I don't want to support the show by buying the toys it's just that I want toys that look like the show. And recently with the Funko figures we've kind of been getting that, but I don't like the heads on those. (the mouths look weird to me)
Another thing that bugs me is the inability to really pose the figures (save for the head). Now I realize that I am not the intended audience for these figures and that for most people, these figures that Hasbro produces are more than enough. (this forum is evidence of that) But I am looking for a figure that's a little more complex and screen accurate than the average MLP figure.
Now I am a modeler and animator for video games and I also do tabletop miniatures as an on the side freelance job. But I wanted to try my hand at something a little bigger and functional. So for my first big action figure project I decided to make a fully pose-able action figure of Princess Luna. And here is what I have so far:
This is the computer model of the figure
visitors can't see pics , please register or login
And here are some examples of the pose-ability which this figure should be capable of based on the joints I Designed.
visitors can't see pics , please register or login
Here is an alternate head which you can swap in and out of an angry Luna. There's going to be one more head with another expression (haven't decided which yet) and a pair of folded wings.
visitors can't see pics , please register or login
In total she consists of 68 individual parts Here is an exploded view of those :)
visitors can't see pics , please register or login
And here we have the 3d printed prototype. Sadly when I had it printed they lost 35 of the parts so I'm currently waiting for them to re-print the pieces and send them my way. which should be in a few days.
visitors can't see pics , please register or login
When I have the prototype in hand I am going to create a mold of the figure and cast it in poly urethane resin so it's stronger and lighter. And I'll also be able to cast some pieces in a flexible resin so they have less chance of breaking. and that also means i'm going to make a few copies that people can acquire. but more on that once i have the entire figure ready for casting.
So what do you think?
P.S. sorry if this is in the wrong forum but i think you guys mean modified when you talk about custom ponies rather than scratch built.
-
Dang!! She is beautifully created! Your work in the program is stunning (DH built a CNC in our garage, and uses a program that looks similar), I'm really impressed. Jaw-droppingly gorgeous!
-
That is awesome!
-
Oh that is SO cool!!! I love the poseability and the far that you can exchange her head. I can't wait to see her finished!!
-
This is, hooves down, one of the coolest Princess Luna figures I have ever seen! Those joints are excellent. I can't wait to see her completed.
-
This is amazing! I too have been wanting more show actuate toys and wishing for something I could pose and move (something I so enjoy with other toys!). I have worked at styling hair to help make my collection more enjoyable, but I never even imagined something this awesome!
-
:o That looks amazing :D Your precision on the pieces is insanely good :D Can't wait to see this when you have all the bits :D
-
She is gorgeous and looks to move beautifully! Great job, can't wait to see her finished.
-
I would pay a lot of money for one of those :| amazing work!! I cannot wait to see more of her
-
That's amazing, the computer model is art in itself! Great poses and I love the exchangeable heads. The print looks wonderful already, I can't wait to see the finished pony!
-
Thank you, I'm glad you guys like it :) From what i can gather i should have the remaining pieces next Wednesday. Assuming all goes well I'll only have to print 3 replacement parts because the neck is too weak. so i'm going to have to remove the bottom of the neck's lateral movement joint in order to strengthen in. then once those are in. I can start preparing the model for casting. which means a lot of long nights with a lot of primer and sandpaper.
I would pay a lot of money for one of those :| amazing work!! I cannot wait to see more of her
You might get a chance to :P although i'm not looking to get rich off this figure. My target price at the moment is 200 dollars.(don't hold me to it though things might go horribly wrong) and I'll only do one run. once the molds break that's it. With the mold silicone i'm using, assuming all goes according to plan, I might end up with anywhere between 10 to 40 Luna's closer to 10 being the more likely. And I want at least 2 for myself, one at home and one for my desk at the office :P
-
That is truly amazing work! *applauds* :shocked: :biggrin:
*drools*
Had no idea that could actually be done, atleast not "home-made".
Just curious - do you guys think Hasbro could have issues with the trademark being used? Or is it same as any other "fakie"?
-
Wow! She looks amazing! Cant wait to see her all finished.
-
That is truly amazing work! *applauds* :shocked: :biggrin:
*drools*
Had no idea that could actually be done, atleast not "home-made".
Just curious - do you guys think Hasbro could have issues with the trademark being used? Or is it same as any other "fakie"?
Thank you :)
Well i'm not mass producing the figure and i'm not going to put it in a storefront and i'm only doing a single run of this figure. I'm not trying to compete with their business i'm merely making the figure that Hasbro apparently doesn't want to. So basically it should mean it gets the same treatment as all the other fan produced stuff. If i don't overproduce or become a threat to their business they would probably leave me alone. So the thing they would most likely try to come after me for (if they do) is if it is far superior to what they are producing. and if I get the C&D because of that then I say: mission accomplished :)
-
Holy moly, that's amazing! Can't wait to see the final product!
-
That is truly amazing work! *applauds* :shocked: :biggrin:
*drools*
Had no idea that could actually be done, atleast not "home-made".
Just curious - do you guys think Hasbro could have issues with the trademark being used? Or is it same as any other "fakie"?
Thank you :)
Well i'm not mass producing the figure and i'm not going to put it in a storefront and i'm only doing a single run of this figure. I'm not trying to compete with their business i'm merely making the figure that Hasbro apparently doesn't want to. So basically it should mean it gets the same treatment as all the other fan produced stuff. If i don't overproduce or become a threat to their business they would probably leave me alone. So the thing they would most likely try to come after me for (if they do) is if it is far superior to what they are producing. and if I get the C&D because of that then I say: mission accomplished :)
Yeah, that sounds logical! Best of luck with the pony creations and sales! :)
-
That is going to be one amazing Princess Luna figure when it's all said and done! :thumb:
-
Haha Luna go splodey.
Seriously though, that is freaking amazing and I can't wait to see the finished prototype. Amazing detail in the joints and articulation!
-
::dies:: OMG, she looks PERFECT! O.o
-
Just got word that the additional parts I'm waiting for have been delayed... again. One of the drawbacks when using a service is this kind of stuff constantly gets messed up. but usually the parts do turn out nice.
I did go out and buy some sand able automotive primer today so at least I can start smoothing out the pieces that i already have. More pictures coming soon :)
-
Thats something really special you have there. Wonderful work and love to see it when its ready. :)
-
The missing parts arrived today and i was finaly able to assemble the figure for the first time!
There are still some issue's, some joints are too loose, and others are too weak. so some modification is required. but i managed to get her to stand on her own :)
visitors can't see pics , please register or login
visitors can't see pics , please register or login
visitors can't see pics , please register or login
The next few days/weeks are going to be spent sanding and thickening the joints with putty.
I'm really pleased with how it turned out. I original modeled the figure (non pose able) nearly a year ago to the day. To see it finally completed and in my hands is so satisfying :)
-
i just ordered the angry head and the neck joint replacement. they should be ready sometime between Christmas and new years. meanwhile it's back to sanding... this may take a while :P
-
Oh man I would love to have one of these! Will you post when pre-orders go up?
-
Oh man I would love to have one of these! Will you post when pre-orders go up?
Yep as soon as i am sure of all the production costs involved. then I'll start making a list of everyone who's interested. I wont accept anyone's money till i'm ready to ship since this is my first time making silicone molds and resin casting and things may go horribly wrong. (though lets hope that wont happan :P )
-
more production delays. I thought i could fix the feet joints by thickening them with a little putty. sadly it was not to be. so time for more re-prints :(
Oh well gives me an excuse to take a little break from the project and enjoy the holidays. and on that note.
Happy Holidays everyone!
-
WOW just WOW
-
OOOOoooh! She is sooo beautiful! :thumb:
:green:
-
I just yelled GUNDAM!
Buut, anyways... Nice Luna you have there. It's looking awesome. I would like to add something like this to my collection.
-
She is looking amazing!!!
Love pkw xxx
-
she's amazing! and the Gundams in the bg give me a better idea of size ;)
-
she's amazing! and the Gundams in the bg give me a better idea of size ;)
Thank you, do note that those gundams are Master grade 1/100 scale not the more common 1/144. (so adjust your size expectations acordingly :P)
I just received word that the replacement parts for the neck and the angry Luna head have been shipped and they should be arriving tomorrow. now i just need 1 more re-print and i'll be ready for casting. expect new pictures tomorrow :)
-
Wow, she is really stunning! Your skill is amazing, I love the way she looks and would love one of her even with her flaws!
Hasbro is actually letting Shapeways put up various 3D printed models from various artists. Not sure how much (if any) revenue it is generating for the artists, but I know that it is totally legit. I hope you can get your design up there at some point, she is by far the coolest 3d printed pony I've ever seen!
Maybe you could go with a strung (like a BJD) design for stability?
-
I am well aware of Shapeways super fan art feature with hasbro. However this luna is not fit for that program. since you would be no be able to order a painted version of her. Their full color sandstone would be far too weak to support her and if you managed to get the figure assembled, moving the joints around just a few times would completely grind them smooth and leave the figure with ragdoll joints and unable to stand.
Also she requires a ton of post production once the parts have been printed. and she has parts that are not 3d printed (such as a piece of elastic in the torso to make her torso pose able. I want to be able to make a super high quality figure that i'd be proud to put on my shelf and show of to even my non brony friends. and a raw 3d printed figure from shapeways would not fit those definitions. Also considering Luna's size and number of parts. having her up on shapeways would mean her raw form in their cheapest plastic she would be over 500 euro's not including Hasbro's or my mark up costs.
I will be putting up a smaller statue version of luna once i am done with the figure.
-
I am well aware of Shapeways super fan art feature with hasbro. However this luna is not fit for that program. since you would be no be able to order a painted version of her. Their full color sandstone would be far too weak to support her and if you managed to get the figure assembled, moving the joints around just a few times would completely grind them smooth and leave the figure with ragdoll joints and unable to stand.
Also she requires a ton of post production once the parts have been printed. and she has parts that are not 3d printed (such as a piece of elastic in the torso to make her torso pose able. I want to be able to make a super high quality figure that i'd be proud to put on my shelf and show of to even my non brony friends. and a raw 3d printed figure from shapeways would not fit those definitions. Also considering Luna's size and number of parts. having her up on shapeways would mean her raw form in their cheapest plastic she would be over 500 euro's not including Hasbro's or my mark up costs.
I will be putting up a smaller statue version of luna once i am done with the figure.
Aw, what a bummer- she is so cool! Looks like you have put a lot of thought into her, I LOVE how she is turning out. Please add me to your list if you ever figure out how to make a few of them and how much you'd like to charge ;)
And please whatever you do, keep up the amazing work!!!!
-
expect to see info on how to acquire Luna sometime early to mid January.
I'm almost done sanding the pieces i have now to prep for casting. the replacement parts for the neck will arrive tomorrow and next week I should have the lower leg replacements. then once all of those are sanded smooth and she is completely functional how i want her to be i'm going to put up the "order" info and price and then start casting copies until the molds break. (which means that if all goes according to plan I'd have between 10 and 40 Luna's (note this will be the first time i cast anything so thing may go horribly wrong and i might end up with less than i hoped :P though I have friends to help me with this part of the project)
-
the first set of replacement parts arrived today along with luna's angry head and i re-assembled her again for a new set of a pictures :) still got quite a bit of sanding left to do as you can see. the white parts are the replacement pieces and the dark grey pieces still need to be sanded. the tail the mane and the feet have all been finished as has the neutral head.
without further a due
visitors can't see pics , please register or login
visitors can't see pics , please register or login
visitors can't see pics , please register or login
and just for fun don't piss of luna!
visitors can't see pics , please register or login
I apologize for the poor quality of the photo's. Once the figure is ready i'll get a set of professional photo's made of her so you can see her in her full glory rather than in crappy phone camera quality
-
hahah that is awesome.
-
Oh yeah! I love that angry face! :lol:
She's just too cool, thanks for keeping us updated! I love seeing her progress. She's going to be even more amazing with color.
-
She's looking wickedly cool! You could definitely do some awesome stop-action with that figure!
-
This is amazing! I love the joint designs, I bought one of those BJD Ponies but find it annoying to pose. I love fully articulated action figures and have always wished MLP ones would be made. I definitely want to see how this progresses. ^.^
-
This is amazing! I love the joint designs, I bought one of those BJD Ponies but find it annoying to pose. I love fully articulated action figures and have always wished MLP ones would be made. I definitely want to see how this progresses. ^.^
Thank you :)
I've seen those figures but the way their joints are set up are not accurate to the show or to that of an actual horse skeleton. and from what i can tell they don't allow for a lot of movement. not to mention the fact that those figures use the source film maker ponies as a base. (i dont like those models :( they feel off to me)
but those figures did play a role on me deciding to start this project :)
-
Ok the last set of replacement parts are in and they work beautifully. that means i'm done with printing. all i need to do now is sand the remaining pieces smooth. thicken the joints so they have a bit more friction (in the photo's it was a miracle i got her to stand up on her own with how loose some of the joints are)
once she's completely smooth i'll order the mold silicon and resin and we should be good to go.
Expect to see the details and order info up at the end of this week :)
-
Looking forward to your casting results- I find resin casting so tricky :P
-
Looking absolutely gorgeous. I'll definitely be splashing out for one of these. :D
-
will you be selling these then? absolutely amazing!
-
will you be selling these then? absolutely amazing!
That's the Idea. I'll be doing a single production run. and I'll keep going until people stop ordering her or the molds break whichever comes first. I'll be posting order info on my deviantart later this week and i'll update this thread when i do, so everyone gets a chance to order one.
-
What an amazing project! She's very impressive! :)
-
Oh man, I want one soooo bad.
-
She's looking pretty spectacular! I can't wait to see her with proper colours. My friend and I will definitely be shelling out for a couple of these beauties <3
-
I've put up some preliminary order info on my DA page: http://sentinel373.deviantart.com/journal/All-the-part-are-in-Some-order-info-505521574
note I'm not accepting orders just yet so hold of on those e-mails :P
If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask.
-
Pre-orders for Luna are open now!
For all the information and available sets check out this link http://sentinel373.deviantart.com/journal/Princess-Luna-Action-figure-Pre-orders-Now-Open-505908916
The base figure will be 200 USD but there is a cheaper and a slightly more expensive version availible.
If you have any questions please dont hesitate to ask.
-
I don't know how I didn't see this until now... :shocked: She's simply amazing! :heart: :inlove: :heart:
:what: I want to get one for my hubby for his birthday but I would need to pay you in installments (I would gladly sacrifice my pony-money for a few weeks to get him this.) Is that something doable for you?
-
WOW.
-
OH cool! I sent you an email- I sure hope these work out, they look amazing!
-
I don't know how I didn't see this until now... :shocked: She's simply amazing! :heart: :inlove: :heart:
:what: I want to get one for my hubby for his birthday but I would need to pay you in installments (I would gladly sacrifice my pony-money for a few weeks to get him this.) Is that something doable for you?
You could save it up for a few weeks, I won't be able to ship till late January or early February anyway, and I won't ask you to pay a dime until I am ready to ship.
You can send in an order and get on the list and when I contact you in about 3 to 4 weeks weeks we can probably work something out if you don't have the money ready by then.
OH cool! I sent you an email- I sure hope these work out, they look amazing!
Thank you! :) I got your message and you're on the list.
-
Casting supplies are on their way. and should be here on thurseday or so in the meantime I'm doing some last minute sanding and sealing of the parts for when I can finally start the final leg of this journey :P My current mood is a strange mix of dread and anticipation.
Also this is more of a question for the mods but now that I've opened up for pre-orders for Luna should I open a new thread in the for sale forum or should i wait till it's finished and I actually have a finished product photo?
-
I wish I had the money for her, Awesome job on her, I'll keep an eye out, I'll try to save some cash in hopes I can pay for her and the shipping to the US.
-
Wow!! I love your model layout! Wonderful design too! Best of luck!!
-
Thank you :)
You know that moment when things are finally picking up speed after constant delays and something just throws a spanner in the works again. Well that's whats happening to me now. I ordered the mold silicone from the only supplier in the Netherlands that i could find. but the way their order system works is really weird.
so you place an order online. then you have to wait for them to physically check their inventory then they run you through a database to check if certain discounts apply to you etc. If they don't have something in stock they don't tell you they just make you wait. and only after this ritual is complete will they give you a means to pay for your stuff and then that payment has to go through another ritual before they actually ship the goods to you. Right now i am still waiting for them to give me the first payment option... This just keeps getting better and better :(
Meanwhile i'm stuck here unable to work on Luna cause everything is done and ready for molds :(
I believe it was Adam Savage who said, you know you're a maker when your current project is kicking your ass every way imaginable, and you still push through it. or something like that i don't remember the actual quote
-
That is super aggravating I'm sure- I hope they get their stuff to you asap! Have you done mold work before?
-
I have no mold making experience but i am getting a friend to help me who does it for a living. that and I've watching tons of tutorials on how to do it. So i'm pretty confident this will turn out fine
-
I have no mold making experience but i am getting a friend to help me who does it for a living. that and I've watching tons of tutorials on how to do it. So i'm pretty confident this will turn out fine
That is lucky to have such a friend! I wish I could send you my mold making supplies- lol- I love the idea of mold making and tried it once- but I think I might have forgotten the hardener or something because the results were not great- I definitely should have had a friend with experience help me out the first time :P
SO looking forward to the results of your pony project!
-
While i'm waiting for the casting supplies I went ahead to start on the assembly instructions for the kit version of the figure.
I'm still going to add dotted lines page numbers etc. These instructions will be printed and send along with the kit version of the figure and will also be posted online on my deviantart account for those who get the completed figure and want customize it or something :P
visitors can't see pics , please register or login
-
Looks pretty neat! Great design and concepts going! Looks like you've really thought it out.
This isn't any more complex than official Hasbro Transformers. In fact maybe even simpler, fewer parts, etc.
Can't wait to see more!
-
well this isn't Lunamus Prime so fewer parts would be logical :P It's still 68 parts though, not counting the torso rubber band
-
this is Masterpiece Luna! ;)
-
Imagine if all ponies were available like this :shocked:
There would be even more pony fans! I know some action figure guys that would jump in! They just need a little push like this :lol:
Awsome work! I bow to your talent but even more your determination!!
-
Imagine if all ponies were available like this :shocked:
There would be even more pony fans! I know some action figure guys that would jump in! They just need a little push like this :lol:
Awsome work! I bow to your talent but even more your determination!!
Thank you :)
I made this specifically because I don't like the toys hasbro produces. When I buy a princess Luna figure I want one that looks like character from the show that I love. Not an off color repaint of another non-show accurate brushable. (no offense to those who do like those, it's just not for me. Now the funko models are a step in the right direction but they're still not quite what I want (I also don't like the faces on those, they look like ducks to me)
And I'm a big believer in the idea that if you want something that doesn't exist, Make it yourself. So that's what I did.
And I know I'm not alone in this idea of wanting to have show accurate figures so that's why I'm doing a single run of this figure and so I can fund the next one (which will be Cadence and Celestia.)
-
Ooooh- I sure hope you can get a Celestia and Cadence figured out too! I'm super excited about your pony project :D
-
well cadence is going to be the easiest. since she is 90% Luna but with a different head, feet and regalia and tail. and a different paintjob. so once the Luna orders are shipped out i'll probably have cadence print ready in a week or 2. Celestia on the other hand is going to be a bigger undertaking since she would need a completely new sculpt. but that also gives me the opportunity to add in some extra enhancements to the design of the figure. That will make it easier to cast and assemble :) My plan is to have Celestia print ready by the time season 5 starts.
in more current news. Monday next week the casting supplies finally arrive and i hope to have the first figures out of the mold by the end of the week.
-
well cadence is going to be the easiest. since she is 90% Luna but with a different head, feet and regalia and tail. and a different paintjob. so once the Luna orders are shipped out i'll probably have cadence print ready in a week or 2. Celestia on the other hand is going to be a bigger undertaking since she would need a completely new sculpt. but that also gives me the opportunity to add in some extra enhancements to the design of the figure. That will make it easier to cast and assemble :) My plan is to have Celestia print ready by the time season 5 starts.
in more current news. Monday next week the casting supplies finally arrive and i hope to have the first figures out of the mold by the end of the week.
And these are going to be $200 you said, thereabouts? Will they be in colour when completed?
-
And these are going to be $200 you said, thereabouts? Will they be in colour when completed?
On deviant art the prices are explained, there is fully painted version . Or for a slightly lower price a "build your own" kit, you paint and assemble .
-
well cadence is going to be the easiest. since she is 90% Luna but with a different head, feet and regalia and tail. and a different paintjob. so once the Luna orders are shipped out i'll probably have cadence print ready in a week or 2. Celestia on the other hand is going to be a bigger undertaking since she would need a completely new sculpt. but that also gives me the opportunity to add in some extra enhancements to the design of the figure. That will make it easier to cast and assemble :) My plan is to have Celestia print ready by the time season 5 starts.
in more current news. Monday next week the casting supplies finally arrive and i hope to have the first figures out of the mold by the end of the week.
And these are going to be $200 you said, thereabouts? Will they be in colour when completed?
What heartlumi said. there is a basic figure for $200 and a complete set for $215 which includes the angry head. Bith of these options will be painted and assembled. and there is a Kit version which is basicly an unpainted version that comes straight out of the molds and needs a bit more work including painting and cleaninging the flashing off for $175.
All the details can be found here http://sentinel373.deviantart.com/journal/Princess-Luna-Action-figure-Pre-orders-Now-Open-505908916
-
Well after much delay i finally have the shipping confirmation that I'll have all of the supplies i need tomorrow...
I apologize to everyone eagerly awaiting the final result and your pre-ordered figure. Looks like i'm going to be making the molds this weekend (the clay I got for the two part molds didn't work so I had to get different clay which is coming along with the rest of the supplies)
and then hopefully i'll have something cool to show you by the end of next week. I'm going to try and finish the instruction booklet for the Kit version of Luna tonight so expect an update on that tomorrow.
Fast approaching the finish line now :)
-
Good luck with mold making! I'm excited to see your progress
-
Well after much delay i finally have the shipping confirmation that I'll have all of the supplies i need tomorrow...
I apologize to everyone eagerly awaiting the final result and your pre-ordered figure. Looks like i'm going to be making the molds this weekend (the clay I got for the two part molds didn't work so I had to get different clay which is coming along with the rest of the supplies)
and then hopefully i'll have something cool to show you by the end of next week. I'm going to try and finish the instruction booklet for the Kit version of Luna tonight so expect an update on that tomorrow.
Fast approaching the finish line now :)
*scrambles to scrape together money like crazy*
-
*scrambles to scrape together money like crazy*
Don't worry you've got two more weeks at least :P
-
All of the Casting supplies are in and i'm going to start with the molds tomorrow :)
Also yesterday I promised an update on the Instruction booklet. Sadly i only managed to finish the first page. in anycase here it is.
I'll try to finish the rest when the molds are curing.
visitors can't see pics , please register or login
-
Very cool
-
getting ready to pour the first test mold :)
visitors can't see pics , please register or login
-
O.o I need money for this. I must have her!
Good luck making molds!!
-
Super interesting, what materials are you using for the actual models again?
Oh and you might want to pick up a carbide scraper, they save tons of time in regards to seam and finish work. Rio Rondo is the one who carries em.
-
Super interesting, what materials are you using for the actual models again?
Oh and you might want to pick up a carbide scraper, they save tons of time in regards to seam and finish work. Rio Rondo is the one who carries em.
the final models will be cast in polyurethane resin. but the 3d printed master is made of a nylon 12 based plastic
i'm not exactly sure what use a carbide scraper would be used for in this context. then again I've never heard of this tool before today either. could you explain what you mean and how it would work here?
-
Super interesting, what materials are you using for the actual models again?
Oh and you might want to pick up a carbide scraper, they save tons of time in regards to seam and finish work. Rio Rondo is the one who carries em.
the final models will be cast in polyurethane resin. but the 3d printed master is made of a nylon 12 based plastic
i'm not exactly sure what use a carbide scraper would be used for in this context. then again I've never heard of this tool before today either. could you explain what you mean and how it would work here?
It would be used to used to get rid of the flash on the seams I'll link the page to you :
http://www.riorondo.com/
I hope this link uses the page with the carbide scraper, if it doesn't go to the tools and then it will list the tools they sell and check out the carbide scrapers. I hope this helps you, and good luck!
-
I'll take a look at that scraper
And now we wait and see if I mucked anything up :)
visitors can't see pics , please register or login
-
Also this is more of a question for the mods but now that I've opened up for pre-orders for Luna should I open a new thread in the for sale forum or should i wait till it's finished and I actually have a finished product photo?
I'm so sorry I totally managed to skip this question. Usually sales threads should be posted to the relevant forums which means art sales here in the A&C as we don't have a subforum for sales. You can edit the first post and modify the title if you like, or you may start a new thread for sales only and keep this one for more general discussion about your work and progress. :)
Good luck with the casting process!
-
Super interesting, what materials are you using for the actual models again?
Oh and you might want to pick up a carbide scraper, they save tons of time in regards to seam and finish work. Rio Rondo is the one who carries em.
the final models will be cast in polyurethane resin. but the 3d printed master is made of a nylon 12 based plastic
i'm not exactly sure what use a carbide scraper would be used for in this context. then again I've never heard of this tool before today either. could you explain what you mean and how it would work here?
It would be used to used to get rid of the flash on the seams I'll link the page to you :
http://www.riorondo.com/
I hope this link uses the page with the carbide scraper, if it doesn't go to the tools and then it will list the tools they sell and check out the carbide scrapers. I hope this helps you, and good luck!
Like Ponygirls said, they are used extensively in the model horse hobby to clean seams, crave and even smooth. And no that link will not take you to the exact page, for what ever reason but you can find it under tools. You can get the whole set but for what you are doing the basic would work. It cuts time tremendously and leave a nice clean surface that needs little or no sanding.
-
Ah, I love casting projects! Thanks for sharing your work in progress. I can't wait to see how things move along.
-
Super interesting, what materials are you using for the actual models again?
Oh and you might want to pick up a carbide scraper, they save tons of time in regards to seam and finish work. Rio Rondo is the one who carries em.
the final models will be cast in polyurethane resin. but the 3d printed master is made of a nylon 12 based plastic
i'm not exactly sure what use a carbide scraper would be used for in this context. then again I've never heard of this tool before today either. could you explain what you mean and how it would work here?
It would be used to used to get rid of the flash on the seams I'll link the page to you :
http://www.riorondo.com/
I hope this link uses the page with the carbide scraper, if it doesn't go to the tools and then it will list the tools they sell and check out the carbide scrapers. I hope this helps you, and good luck!
Like Ponygirls said, they are used extensively in the model horse hobby to clean seams, crave and even smooth. And no that link will not take you to the exact page, for what ever reason but you can find it under tools. You can get the whole set but for what you are doing the basic would work. It cuts time tremendously and leave a nice clean surface that needs little or no sanding.
Ah thanks, I hope I can get one of these in the Netherlands.
Ah, I love casting projects! Thanks for sharing your work in progress. I can't wait to see how things move along.
No problem! :)
Ok part one of the two part mold is done. i could probably have made the surface of the clay bed a little smoother but all in all in turned out pretty good for my first ever silicone mold :P
visitors can't see pics , please register or login
-
My first ever silicone mold is done :) and so far it looks like a success!
Next mold will be poured tomorrow. nearly have the clay bed ready. if all goes according to plan i'll be ready to start casting next weekend
visitors can't see pics , please register or login
-
Lookin' good!
-
Well sadly things are not going well. with this being my first attempt at casting anything there were bound to be problems.
And there have been. I've made some mistakes I didn't buy enough silicone to account for those mistakes. Air bubbles in the casts out the wazoo, if it could be a problem for an inexperienced caster then it happened to this project :P live and learn I suppose.
I had hopes to have a completed figure by now but both the mistakes in the molds and some personal stuff have prevented that from happening.
This is also exactly why I didn't want to take anyone's money for a figure upfront. delays are bound to happen and so they have. don't worry the list still stands and once I finally get this casting business down I'll be contacting you all in order.
-
No worries and keep your chin up! ;) You've already gone farther down that rabbit hole than many of us would for something that looks supremely awesome. She'll get done when she does. :hug:
-
In the meantime here's a quick update on the molds I have so far :)
This one is for the lower legs and torso.
visitors can't see pics , please register or login
These are the front legs, ball joints and a few others
visitors can't see pics , please register or login
And these are going to be poured tomorrow
visitors can't see pics , please register or login
-
This process is awesome. Loving this thread.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Wow, I hadn't seen this thread until today. This is so awesome! Luna isn't even close to my favorite pony, but I would love to have any pony figure this poseable. I'll definitely consider getting one if I can save up the money. Do you have plans for other characters in the future? I would buy a Rarity one in a heart beat. Definitely watching you on DA now!
-
Wow, I hadn't seen this thread until today. This is so awesome! Luna isn't even close to my favorite pony, but I would love to have any pony figure this poseable. I'll definitely consider getting one if I can save up the money. Do you have plans for other characters in the future? I would buy a Rarity one in a heart beat. Definitely watching you on DA now!
Once Luna is done i'm going to do the rest of the princesses first. with cadence being first in line, then celestia and then twilight. after that we'll see if people still want my figures and then i'll do the mane six :)
Btw i saw your plushies on DA, Nice work :) I really dig your 80's cheerily
-
A ball-joint Discord would be fun! So many limbs.
-
Wow, I hadn't seen this thread until today. This is so awesome! Luna isn't even close to my favorite pony, but I would love to have any pony figure this poseable. I'll definitely consider getting one if I can save up the money. Do you have plans for other characters in the future? I would buy a Rarity one in a heart beat. Definitely watching you on DA now!
Once Luna is done i'm going to do the rest of the princesses first. with cadence being first in line, then celestia and then twilight. after that we'll see if people still want my figures and then i'll do the mane six :)
Btw i saw your plushies on DA, Nice work :) I really dig your 80's cheerily
If you are for sure going to do Cadance, I might wait for her (also gives me time to save up money!) since she's my favorite princess. I do hope there is enough demand for them that you end up making the mane six though. I've wanted a really poseable Rarity figure for a long time!
-
OMG this is so cool I love Luna and this is so cool I would love one be trying to get my bf to print me my little pony stuff on his 3d printer XD
great work your doing a great job
-
Wow, I hadn't seen this thread until today. This is so awesome! Luna isn't even close to my favorite pony, but I would love to have any pony figure this poseable. I'll definitely consider getting one if I can save up the money. Do you have plans for other characters in the future? I would buy a Rarity one in a heart beat. Definitely watching you on DA now!
Once Luna is done i'm going to do the rest of the princesses first. with cadence being first in line, then celestia and then twilight. after that we'll see if people still want my figures and then i'll do the mane six :)
Btw i saw your plushies on DA, Nice work :) I really dig your 80's cheerily
If you are for sure going to do Cadance, I might wait for her (also gives me time to save up money!) since she's my favorite princess. I do hope there is enough demand for them that you end up making the mane six though. I've wanted a really poseable Rarity figure for a long time!
The only thing preventing me from saying i'll be doing cadence 100% for sure is how well Luna turns out. You see Cadence has almost the exact same body as Luna so basically I'd need to change a few parts around (head, tail, sash, feet and thighs) and she'd be cadence in all but color. But yes unless something horrible happens during the making of Luna which prevents me from finishing her I will be doing Cadence since it would take very little effort on my end to turn Luna into Cadence :)
-
No worries- I figured you'd run into some difficulty. Bubbles are the bane of casting- if you don't have a vacuum chamber to suck the bubbles out. I know there are different strategies for making your own (since the chambers are expensive) - but I think whatever the strategy- you might still need a pump which isn't too cheap. Heres a couple ideas:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Bubble-Free-Resin-Casts-with-Modified-Paint-Tank/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2jKcMpHK_M
Whatever you do, don't give up- once you perfect these (and you will) they are going to be stunning!
-
Wow, I hadn't seen this thread until today. This is so awesome! Luna isn't even close to my favorite pony, but I would love to have any pony figure this poseable. I'll definitely consider getting one if I can save up the money. Do you have plans for other characters in the future? I would buy a Rarity one in a heart beat. Definitely watching you on DA now!
Once Luna is done i'm going to do the rest of the princesses first. with cadence being first in line, then celestia and then twilight. after that we'll see if people still want my figures and then i'll do the mane six :)
Btw i saw your plushies on DA, Nice work :) I really dig your 80's cheerily
If you are for sure going to do Cadance, I might wait for her (also gives me time to save up money!) since she's my favorite princess. I do hope there is enough demand for them that you end up making the mane six though. I've wanted a really poseable Rarity figure for a long time!
The only thing preventing me from saying i'll be doing cadence 100% for sure is how well Luna turns out. You see Cadence has almost the exact same body as Luna so basically I'd need to change a few parts around (head, tail, sash, feet and thighs) and she'd be cadence in all but color. But yes unless something horrible happens during the making of Luna which prevents me from finishing her I will be doing Cadence since it would take very little effort on my end to turn Luna into Cadence :)
Well, I hope everything goes super well for you! This is such an exciting project. I wish Hasbro would produce articulated figures like this so I could afford to get lots of them, but it's great to have such talented people in the fandom who can make things that Hasbro probably never will!
-
ok second half of the Luna head mold has been poured and i ran out of silicone. I've still got 18 pieces left to mold and possible have to re-mold the feet (i am not getting clean casts from that mold :( ) so a second batch of silicone has been ordered and should hopefully arrive soon. in the meantime i'm going to try and cast enough pieces to fill the orders i have now. (plus two for myself :P )
-
so far i am getting no clean casts out of any of my molds. i think i may need to abandon the project :(
out of a potential 80 parts i've tried to cast i've gotten a total of 10 salvageable parts. nothing i can use straight up out of the mold.
The only way i know of to fix my current issues is a pressure chamber to do pressure casts. something which costs a whopping 700 euro's and that's something i cannot afford right now.
I'm still trying to pursue other avenue's but i have no one to help me with this stuff in person and i can only do so much with online help.
Just figured i'd give you guys a heads up. it's not looking good :(
-
Well I'll still be cheering for you! :thumb:
-
Oh no, that's so sad to hear! I was super excited to see a finished product. I hope you can figure something out. This is such a cool project and I'd hate to have to see you abandon it.
-
OtakuSquirrel on deviantart made their own castings for molded hair Have you looked in to see how they did it?
Sample links:
http://otakusquirrel.deviantart.com/gallery/35660380/Another-Day-Another-Dungeon
http://otakusquirrel.deviantart.com/art/My-workspace-260353031
Dunno if that helps. Maybe helpful or inspirational?
-
ok not gonna pull the plug but instead going to take a break for a week. need to clear my head and get rid of some of the negativity surrounding the project.
-
ok back to work :)
I reworked my process a little and i'm getting better results.
-
So glad to hear you are still at it! :) Best of luck!
-
Aww- I'm sorry to hear your challenges, but glad to see you haven't given up.
From what I have seen, unless you have some kind of vacuum chamber (home-made would be cheaper but still not that cheap) you are always going to struggle with bubbles, and really the best you can do is to minimize them (realizing they are still going to appear). Even super experienced people still have bubbles in their products. Some you can sand out, some not...
Even once you get your casting process right- keep in mind that your molds are probably only going to last you through 5 or 6 casts maybe, and you'll have to make new ones.
But your Luna is so incredible- I would want one even with bubbles and things!!!
-
Thank you for the encouragement! as for how many casts i can get out of my molds. the silicone i use and the process i use is good for 50 casts considering at the moment i only need to make less than 20 i think i´ll be fine once i get the molds set up properly :)
I just poured the mold for the inner part of the hair so that should be done soon. next up will be the inner part of the tail
-
What a process! :blink: She really is cool and I hope that this round of casting goes well for you!
-
This is utterly amazing. I hope you have better luck with the castings!
-
I'm still chugging along, still pouring molds. and I'm nearing completion of the molds. with a little luck I'll be able to show something soon :) but just know i haven't given up. but things are getting a bit busier so my time for this is somewhat decreasing. that said i'm aiming to have the first finished figure ready by the time season 5 starts.
-
I'm still chugging along, still pouring molds. and I'm nearing completion of the molds. with a little luck I'll be able to show something soon :) but just know i haven't given up. but things are getting a bit busier so my time for this is somewhat decreasing. that said i'm aiming to have the first finished figure ready by the time season 5 starts.
Looking forward to seeing more progress!
-
This . Is. Amazing. Keeping my eye on the thread!
-
I'm not dead!
I've finally managed to get good casts! the trick? Rotate the molds constantly while the resin is curing. (so borderline rotocast)
I'm getting a near 100% success rate with negligible air bubbles, even on the molds with tiny parts.
That said i am still missing 4 molds and i have to remake the molds for the feet. since that mold was just not salvageable.
I've got more silicone on the way (my third 10 lbs bucket) so the rest should be ready next week! Motivation is back with a vengeance
Here's a set of completed sprue's
visitors can't see pics , please register or login
-
I'm not dead!
I've finally managed to get good casts! the trick? Rotate the molds constantly while the resin is curing. (so borderline rotocast)
I'm getting a near 100% success rate with negligible air bubbles, even on the molds with tiny parts.
That said i am still missing 4 molds and i have to remake the molds for the feet. since that mold was just not salvageable.
I've got more silicone on the way (my third 10 lbs bucket) so the rest should be ready next week! Motivation is back with a vengeance
Here's a set of completed sprue's
visitors can't see pics , please register or login
WOW Congratulations your first casts look awesome!!!!
-
I've done some more work on the instructions. i'm also painting one of the new heads just to get an impression of what the final thing will look like :)
here are page 1 through 4 which will come with the kit version of the figure.
visitors can't see pics , please register or login
visitors can't see pics , please register or login
-
All of this is so cool!! :heart: :lovey: :heart:
Glad to hear things are going better. :hug:
-
So wonderful to hear you're finally having success! :biggrin:
The instruction pages look very clean & understandable, even to my cold medicine-addled brain. Grand job all around!
-
Hooray! I'm so glad to hear that things are working now :)
-
ive been stalking this thread just because i didnt know what to say, but this is AMAZING!! absolutely amazing work all around, i cant wait to see it all finished!!!
-
All of your encouragement and support is really touching. thank you, I needed it :)
During my downtime when i can't work on casting or making more molds I've started on cadence.
As I've mentioned earlier in the thread my Cadence figure will basically be the same figure as Luna but with a different paint job and new feet, new regalia, new head, new thighs (the cutie mark is molded into the thigh) and a new tail. Progress on cadence will be slow since i only work on her when i can't cast Luna parts and When Luna is done and ready to ship (a moment which is fortunately fast approaching) I'll make a new thread specifically for cadence. But until that time I'll be posting some previews in this thread. So I won't be managing two threads for incomplete projects.
In other news I've found out that Paint brushes and me don't mix very well. I managed to mutilate one of my successful Luna heads with paint. so i'm investing in an airbrush. My objective with this project is two fold. I want to learn new skills (in this case Silicone molding and resin casting) and i want to deliver a professional quality project. That I myself would be proud of. While i am already incredibly proud of what i've made so far, a lick of poorly applied paint can really destroy a project like this. so instead i'm going to do it properly.
Also one final thing. On the order page on my deviantart I said that the Figure would be cast in blue dyed resin. now the dye I'm using is reacting badly with my casts so instead I have to cast the figure in white. This will mostly affect the people who ordered the kit version, but I figured I'd let you guys know.
-
I can't wait to see work on Cadance! Assuming I can afford her when you start sales, I'll definitely buy one from you :) Still crossing my fingers that you'll want to do a Rarity at some point though ;)
-
All of your encouragement and support is really touching. thank you, I needed it :)
During my downtime when i can't work on casting or making more molds I've started on cadence.
As I've mentioned earlier in the thread my Cadence figure will basically be the same figure as Luna but with a different paint job and new feet, new regalia, new head, new thighs (the cutie mark is molded into the thigh) and a new tail. Progress on cadence will be slow since i only work on her when i can't cast Luna parts and When Luna is done and ready to ship (a moment which is fortunately fast approaching) I'll make a new thread specifically for cadence. But until that time I'll be posting some previews in this thread. So I won't be managing two threads for incomplete projects.
In other news I've found out that Paint brushes and me don't mix very well. I managed to mutilate one of my successful Luna heads with paint. so i'm investing in an airbrush. My objective with this project is two fold. I want to learn new skills (in this case Silicone molding and resin casting) and i want to deliver a professional quality project. That I myself would be proud of. While i am already incredibly proud of what i've made so far, a lick of poorly applied paint can really destroy a project like this. so instead i'm going to do it properly.
Also one final thing. On the order page on my deviantart I said that the Figure would be cast in blue dyed resin. now the dye I'm using is reacting badly with my casts so instead I have to cast the figure in white. This will mostly affect the people who ordered the kit version, but I figured I'd let you guys know.
Oh that makes sense somehow.
And yeah, having an airbrush is awesome, and painting goes SO FAST and looks really great- but the set-up is a real pain, the parts (especially compressor) is rather expensive, and clean-up is a pain too (one false move or lazy failure to clean out something- and you can ruin very expensive parts)
-
I'm getting a fairly modest compressor that was recommended to me by a friend and an Iwata Eclipse HP-CS airbrush. Since I'm investing I might as well get a good one. in this case the airbrush is more expensive than the compressor. But he's has his eclipse for nearly 10 years and still uses it so I figure it'll be a safe purchase :)
But it's really necessary I tried painting with a brush and there were ugly brush strokes everywhere. even after multiple coats. in many places the paint was on too thick, it just wasn't very pretty and I'd be embarrassed to put so much effort into making the figure itself only to have it ruined by my inability to use brushes.
-
I'm getting a fairly modest compressor that was recommended to me by a friend and an Iwata Eclipse HP-CS airbrush. Since I'm investing I might as well get a good one. in this case the airbrush is more expensive than the compressor. But he's has his eclipse for nearly 10 years and still uses it so I figure it'll be a safe purchase :)
But it's really necessary I tried painting with a brush and there were ugly brush strokes everywhere. even after multiple coats. in many places the paint was on too thick, it just wasn't very pretty and I'd be embarrassed to put so much effort into making the figure itself only to have it ruined by my inability to use brushes.
Yeah- I do know what you mean. Plust it takes SOOOO long and many coats to make a painted figure look nice- with an airbrush, just a few careful sweeps, and maybe an extra layer or two.
-
I love the change in the tone of your writing :biggrin: You can really hear the optimism come back, see that you're not quite as frustrated! You are very inspiring.
-
o___o if ponies looked like this id have to collect them again! This looks amazing so far! Cant wait to see her all put together!
eta: When I posted, I didnt realize this topic was 9 pages long, went back and looked through it all. SO COOL! Seeing the process for all this! This is beyond awesome xD
-
New skills FTW! Getting smooth, even coats with brushes takes a lot of patience, practice, & experimentation. Making white behave still stymies me most of the time!
On the blue dye: I wondered about that when I saw your pics of the cast blanks. Guess I better get my grumpy ol' airbrush fighting fit again...they can be a persnickety pain during setup but once you've everything just so painting with an airbrush is fantastic!
I can't wait to see Lunas come together for you as you put all these new pieces together, so to speak.
-
Phase one of my paint setup is complete :)
visitors can't see pics , please register or login
Also 3 molds are currently curing with the final 2 being poured hopefully tonight
-
After some minor setbacks this past week (Mostly IRL Troubles) The last molds are curing right now. so finally i can close this chapter of the project. went through almost exactly 30lbs of silicone for all 10 molds and 1 failed mold. the following week should finally see the first completed figure :). Can't wait!
-
Yay! The excitement! :frolic:
-
YAY!
-
This is just too beautiful! Your model work is so incredible! I can't wait to see it finished, great job! I hope you are able to release some of these to the public for sale. ;)
-
I will, just read this journal entry on my deviant art for all the info
http://sentinel373.deviantart.com/journal/Princess-Luna-Action-figure-Pre-orders-Now-Open-505908916
-
Oooh- I can't wait to see an end product!
-
Omigoshomigoshomigoshomigosh!
-
Ready for a day of casting :D
visitors can't see pics , please register or login
-
Nice!
I wonder who is first in line? I hope me! :D
-
you're number 2 :P
-
YAY!
-
Agh I would love to buy one of those lovely ladies :blush: Incredible work so far!
-
Getting the first batch ready for paint.
visitors can't see pics , please register or login
-
Getting the first batch ready for paint.
visitors can't see pics , please register or login
Oh awesome it worked! How exciting!
-
This is amazing work! I look forwards to seeing the final product!
-
How's it going with these? Anything close to being finished yet? :biggrin:
-
Hey sorry for going dark for a while.
The project is on hold for the moment. there are a few major things going on in my life right now and i hope to have it all sorted very soon.
but I have a partially finished first figure. the rest is going to take a while if the past two months have been any indication.
again sorry for the info blackout but i have been swamped with other work.
-
No worries! ^.^ Just glad to hear you're doing okay.
-
Hey sorry for going dark for a while.
The project is on hold for the moment. there are a few major things going on in my life right now and i hope to have it all sorted very soon.
but I have a partially finished first figure. the rest is going to take a while if the past two months have been any indication.
again sorry for the info blackout but i have been swamped with other work.
Aw, no problem. I know the project has been harder than anticipated, I hope you don't give up!
-
This is amazing. MIND. BLOWN.