MPC Glow Vader & Pair o' Protocols

ModelMan

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Aug 30, 2009
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These three models serve as testbeds for upcoming jupiter2 work. Most of Vader was done in December. He sat until this recent session with alclad paints and was finished off. The minor metal on his body wasn't enough practice for the J2, so I broke out both of my 3-PO's as well. One was bought pre-built, the other was partially built. With some exceptionally minor seam work, an LED in the head and testing 'the footpad technique', it's a 'slap-it-together-and-get-it-done' kind of build for all three.

I mentioned tests. The first is electrical. My idea for the J2 is to run the power lines through the legs and into the foot pads. The bottom of those and matching space on the base would be copper contact pads. Place the model down in one position and it lights up; offset slightly and it goes off. 'Lift-and-go' simplicity, no connectors to worry about or get caught and rip or any hassles like that.

The second test is of course getting familiar with Alclad. With Vader and my Chip Chart done, I'm feeling confident about what to expect. I figure I can get creative with the lesser of the two droids and paint the better of the two as threepio, or as closely as I care to come at this point. Any further work beyond what's done in these sessions now is for a long while down the road from now.

With Alclad, I'm shocked how quickly it dries and can be masked off. Minutes, even. It's molecule-thin and in some cases you'd think it was bare metal foil for the detail it can lift. Someday, I will have to do a side-by-side with common metal paints...

Here's Vader in 5 parts with UV eyes and lightsaber, red chest lights and red and green belt lights. His chest lights do not flash, but there is plenty of room to stuff the necessary chip work inside. I don't know that a board would fit though, it'd have to be a piecemeal layout, I'd think.

For paints, he has common black matte, black gloss and alclad's burnt iron, steel and a hint of jet exhaust (not in that order, nor in any given ratio). Was hoping to get close to ANH with the effect, but even steel on gloss black was not black enough, though it would look great for the 'steel parts' of his central shoulder plate. If Alclad ever specifically made a 'black steel', that might be perfect.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZvRQaBkymg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvazfOs8PMw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHdrbXo6M6c

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08V3FAfIWtY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEDzyMUmhDE


And for threepio, I'm still working on him. The kit is dead simple to do. Though, the old elastic band trick for the arms and head is a pain.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W079YSRzEgo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnJ_KTFaaGg


The one paint effect I would love to get for 3po is the tarnished and scratched look of ANH and ESB. I have no idea how that could be achieved. I don't think the alclad gold will do it. I don't know of any gold paint that really gets the effect. Is gold plating the only way to do that?
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4eHORCsulU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KH3gXop1Kdc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFgNYX02agw

These droids wrapped up last week and I've have been unexpectedly engaged in two, pseudo-secret projects since. I should be able to reveal all by the summer, can't hint as yet.

As to these two droids, I was given a base for them so now have that in hand. Part 6 would therefore be the base wiring and assembly and part 7 would be green screen shots. Those vids will not be coming soon as I am back to the Jupiter 2, pronto.

This kit was fun enough to build and the color options are limitless. A candy metal red would make a cool droid, to get away from 'natural' metals like silver and gold. Blue metal, nice...

The head lights do need proper fiber optic routing. I trimmed the fibers short to collect ambient light from the one 3mm led and light the outer rim of the eyes at the same time. Doing it properly requires two leds, one for the ambient and one for the fibers. Otherwise, I look forward to getting a totally new one of these and replacing lots of it with brass or aluminum! This kit could be made to be real nice with some attention.
 
Thanks for sharing, I have seen the kits on and off, and would love to have them.
 
Lot of work on those droids, Modelman. Mine was a cheap recast but I can't complain too much after seeing the work you have. Mine was only 9 or 10 pieces to glue together. The eyes are some work huh? Thanks for sharing all the details in the videos, I watch em all.

greetz, Barry
 

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