OT - From AM to Resin Kit

#35

I finally received more supplies (slow boat, I guess) and finished the molds for the armor plates, knee guard, and shoulder guard. The only parts left are the earrings which are close to being done - darn things are hard to work with (small parts, big fingers - lol)

Anyway, here's a couple of shots of the armor in place (once again, pretty much right out of the molds):

[img]http://img236.echo.cx/img236/6333/smhunterarmorfront9zw.jpg[/img]

and the back....

[img]http://img236.echo.cx/img236/8703/smhunterarmorback6wh.jpg[/img]

Anyway, that’s it for now. I have one kit in progress, but once again, I’m waiting on something (paint)… as well as time (going Beta on a game in June, and finaling another) - schweew!

JoeW
#36

Good gravy Joe. I always think that as fantastic as your work is it can’t possibly get any better… and then you give me a quick kick to the chops with work like this. Beeeyoooteeful!

#37

Thanks, Nicco - I’m always trying to learn new stuff… now, to start painting that bad-girl :slight_smile:

JoeW

#38

Joe,

Absolutely freaking cool! I haven’t had time to read through the whole thread, but the output is AMAZING!!!

Must start reading now. :applause:

Now, get to work on Tak for PSP AND DS!!! :smiley:

  • patrick j. clarke
#39

I know, I can’t believe how awesome this is looking!

#40

Are you going to many copies? sell it?

#41

Thanks, Guys - it’s been a lot of work, but it seems to be paying off. I hope (as I mentioned before) to have a book that goes through the entire process sometime.

Hi Patrick - unfortunately, I don’t think Avalanche will be doing anything with Tak beyond Tak3. We’ve been bought by Disney, and will probably be doing exclusively Disney titles once our current contracts are fulfilled.

As far as selling kits, yes, I intend to do so. At this time, I’m in negotiations with Bisley to see if he wants to “authorize” them (for a fee, of course), so I won’t be selling anything until all the issues are ironed out. I’m hoping that he will go for it, as I think it would be a win-win for both of us - only time will tell.

I have one kit in process right now - I’ll be posting more as the painting progresses.

JoeW

#42

Well, I finally got the problem with casting small parts whooped - and figured out how to mass produce “jump rings” for all the dangly bits - so the kit is ready to be produced - all I have to do is get one painted up and write the instructions for painting and assembly.

Here’s the last shot you’ll see of an unpainted kit - at least coming from me :slight_smile:

We (Avalanche) are shipping 3 games late this month and early next month - so as soon as all that’s over, I should be able to go at finishing this full-blast…

JoeW

#43

Only 3 games, what, are you guys taking it easy? :scream:

Hunter looks absolutely breathtaking Joe! Will you be doing the painting of this initial model yourself?

#44

Yeah - takin’ it easy :wink: I can assure you it’s not a schedule that we signed up for - it was handed down from on high - if you know what I mean…

Thanks for the compliments, Nicco - yes, I will be painting this kit. I’ve got a pretty good handle on skin tones - it’s the metallic surfaces (and the semi-worn look) that are going to be the challenge. The good news is that all of the parts (with the exception of the torso and legs) can be painted separately and assembled at the end - which is going to make things a bit easier. Once the instructions are finished, I’ll be ready to ship the limited number of kits I’m going to make :slight_smile:

JoeW

#45

I definately want one! Lemme know when you have a kit ready to go!

#46

Hey William - I will be sure to let you know as soon as I’ve got everything ready to go - I’m still experimenting with some different resins - trying to make the best quality kit I can - that, and I have to paint one of them (so I can make all the mistakes, and write instructions that keep you and others from doing the same :slight_smile:

JoeW

#47

Finally, (after 3 years of no vacation) - I got some time off last week - and took the opportunity to do a little painting on the kit. Hopefully, within the next week I’ll be finished and ready to start shipping the limited number of kits that will be available.

I’ll post some finished images when I am completely finished (soon, I hope) - but in the mean time, here are a few “in progress” shots. Keep in mind that most of these parts still have color work to be done - but it’s getting there…

The instructions are starting to look like a mini-novel - lol.

JoeW


[img]http://img323.imageshack.us/img323/7413/02finalprimer6jt.jpg[/img]
[img]http://img323.imageshack.us/img323/2537/03basecolor4ul.jpg[/img]
[img]http://img323.imageshack.us/img323/1171/04shadowsnhilights9ss.jpg[/img]
[img]http://img323.imageshack.us/img323/672/06afootdetail2ja.jpg[/img]
[img]http://img323.imageshack.us/img323/4209/07facechainmail6jl.jpg[/img]
[img]http://img323.imageshack.us/img323/8522/08wipdetails9th.jpg[/img]
[img]http://img323.imageshack.us/img323/8206/09wiparmorpieces0td.jpg[/img]
[img]http://img397.imageshack.us/img397/9484/pict2477resize4co.jpg[/img]
#48

Holy Cow, Joe! Incredible!

Can’t wait to see it all finished and together!

  • Ronnie
#49

Hot Damn! Finally finished painting the kit - and overall, I’m pretty happy with it. I think it’s pretty close to the original image (coloring-wise)… now, to finish writing the instructions and painting tips… The only thing these pics don’t show very well is the wide range of colors in the skin…

It’s been a long “journey” - but a great education, too. Kits should be available in the next couple of weeks for those interested…

JoeW

[img]http://img366.imageshack.us/img366/7236/finalfrontbacksm6ul.jpg[/img]

Outside - natural light - truer colors…

And, a Reader's Digest version of painting the skull.....

[img]http://img366.imageshack.us/img366/486/paintingtheheadress2lj.jpg[/img]
#50

See that was easy :wink: Seriously though, awesome display of artistic skill and perseverance

#51

Thanks Dagoos and Ronnie,

It’s been an education for sure - I’ve learned a ton. I hope to be able to share some of this knowledge when I get the book finished.

I think I could do a new character in a lot less time since I’ve already ironed out the techniques involved in the whole preparation/cleanup/sculpting/molding/casting process - but it will be a little while before I dive into it head first again - on to other things (and making kits, of course).

JoeW

#52

Joe…

That looks fantabulous. Really super job. Obviously a labour of love and I’m glad you’ve finished it as from here it definately looks like it was worth the effort!

Cheers

Shaun

#53

What a fabulouse pair of bookends they would make… I mean… if there was a pair of them… which there are of course… err… I mean… never mind.

Seriously, it is really nice to see that you have finished her off and she is looking really splendid. I am sure that you will get some buyers - I believe she has quite a following.

#54

wow. That is really cool. It is so close to your CG version. . . amazing work Joe. Its too bad it couldn’t be cast in a translucent flesh colored material as a whole. Which. . . would make it impossible to re-assemble and hide the seams. . . so never mind.