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Collecting => Customs => Star Wars Dioramas and Displays => Topic started by: Daigo-Bah on March 16, 2007, 05:00 PM

Title: ROTJ rebel meeting diorama (5/28)
Post by: Daigo-Bah on March 16, 2007, 05:00 PM
Hey everyone!  Just finished my latest dio (it was complicated as hell).  I'm still working on a few custom figures for it, but here are the completed pics.  If you're interested in the WIP, I have a thread at RS (sorry :P) with several pics.  Hope you enjoy!

(http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p700d82d84c3d00794f76d8d474963770/ea4ad7cb.jpg)

(http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p0e369d328a224cb75657af892b4ee5e7/ea4ad788.jpg)

Here are various angles of the dio; you might notice a couple of minor customs, and I'm working on a few more.  I'm also greatly anticipating the VTAC Leia to replace the POTJ one, and the A-Wing pilot later in the year.  We need more pilots!!   

(http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pb5afabf77d307ed6b6adeeaac5c83531/ea4ad72f.jpg)

(http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pb40318f78e4d0513aa75b577faa626c1/ea4ad6b9.jpg)

(http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p0b0b7a3c810485378307a2fd5d8e5f18/ea4ad655.jpg)

(http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p1e8aa0bdc922d20cd99b99a5c960f619/ea4ad5dc.jpg)

(http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p6ccda56430d7d68cdc1c217bb484b670/ea4ad564.jpg)
Title: Re: ROTJ rebel meeting diorama
Post by: Jayson on March 16, 2007, 05:08 PM
totally ******* awesome.  :o
Title: Re: ROTJ rebel meeting diorama
Post by: Dressel Rebel on March 16, 2007, 06:29 PM
Holy ****.  Mind blowingly awesome as usual.

I wonder if Hasbro could force that on us for $40-50?
Title: Re: ROTJ rebel meeting diorama
Post by: PenDragon on March 16, 2007, 06:33 PM
Oh my.....


Um, I just got my tax return, I'll give it to you in return for that dio.


Well, ok, maybe not, but man it's tempting! This is something I've ALWAYs wanted to make and you have nailed it friggin' perfectly my friend! The details are astounding!

I'm going over to RS & stealing your ideas right the hell now.  ;D
Title: Re: ROTJ rebel meeting diorama
Post by: BrentS on March 16, 2007, 06:55 PM
That is so sweet!  I haven't been to RS in a long while, looks like I missed some amazing work.  I'm speechless.
Title: Re: ROTJ rebel meeting diorama
Post by: Deanna Rash on March 16, 2007, 10:19 PM
 ;D I saw this at RS.It was totally amazing!
Title: Re: ROTJ rebel meeting diorama
Post by: Jesse James on March 17, 2007, 02:47 AM
Pretty slick diorama as usual DB.  I've watched some of the production photos and wondered when you gonna actually post something here. :)

Is it styrene, foam core, or a mixture of that and some wood and things?  Either way, it's incredibly realistic.  An outstanding job as usual.
Title: Re: ROTJ rebel meeting diorama
Post by: Daigo-Bah on March 17, 2007, 09:02 AM
Thanks guys!  JJ, I always consider posting the WIP here, but I thought it might get to be too bulky of a thread for one diorama as opposed to just posting the completed pics.  I'd be happy to do the WIP thread here though  ;D.  The entire dio is foamcore with some foamie and posterboard where needed.  The holo table is a combination of plumbing pieces and a circular ceiling vent.  I have yet to use styrene in anything I've done, but I am interested in checking it out!
Title: Re: ROTJ rebel meeting diorama
Post by: P-Siddy on March 17, 2007, 10:37 AM
That is some awesome work. Great eye for detail there, Daigo-bah!
Title: Re: ROTJ rebel meeting diorama
Post by: hemble on March 17, 2007, 06:11 PM
Man that is one hell of a dio the detail is amazing terriffic work mate.
Title: Re: ROTJ rebel meeting diorama
Post by: Dressel Rebel on March 17, 2007, 06:24 PM
I find your lack of Dresselians disturbing.

 :)

(I think there were 3)
Title: Re: ROTJ rebel meeting diorama
Post by: Daigo-Bah on March 18, 2007, 12:20 AM
Lol, Dressel, wait a couple days because I have already customized a seated one from the POTF2 version and the recent Endor trooper.  I just have to paint him!
Title: Re: ROTJ rebel meeting diorama
Post by: Nicklab on March 18, 2007, 12:36 AM
Amazing work!  I've seen a couple of Rebel briefing dioramas over the years, but this one really shines in comparison.  I agree with you that we need some more Rebel Pilots, though.  There are at least a couple that might fit your diorama well.  Namely, Nien Numb, Arvel Crynyd & Ten Nunb (POTF2 Rebel Pilots cinema scene - uncustomized :) ) and the pilot from the SAGA A-Wing.  But I can see just as much value in not cluttering up such an awesome diorama so that you can take in some of the details.

I don't know if this idea would fit with your overall concept, but one thing I've been doing in my Rebel briefing diorama is the use of a couple of old accessories.  The big one being the planet Endor itself, from the POTF2 Complete Galaxy series.  And the other being the holographic Death Star 2 which was packed in with the POTJ R2-Q5.  Those might totally take this piece over the top, although the opaque Endor might be a distraction since it's meant to be a transparent hologram.
Title: Re: ROTJ rebel meeting diorama
Post by: David on March 18, 2007, 12:02 PM
That looks great, you always make kick*** dios. Maybe some brighter pics would be cool!
Title: Re: ROTJ rebel meeting diorama
Post by: JediMAC on March 18, 2007, 04:30 PM
I hate to sound repetitive, but WOW.  Brilliant work, as always Greg.  I hate it when you and a couple other talented fellas show off your wares, 'cause it makes my collection feel completely worthless since I can't make cool scenes like you guys!  Very jealous, I am.  :P

That's an interesting suggestion there by Nick too, on the CG Endor planet and holo Death Star piece.  I'd be quite interested to see how those look together (Nick, got any pix?).

Looking forward to seeing the Briefing after your polishing touches with the last few figures you add in Greg.  Keep 'em coming.  I always love (and hate) admiring your work...

- Matt
Title: Re: ROTJ rebel meeting diorama
Post by: Darth_Anton on March 19, 2007, 10:13 AM
I know I've already give kudos of at RS, but seriously, I can't give enough compliments. It's truly a great work of art.
Title: Re: ROTJ rebel meeting diorama
Post by: Phrubruh on March 19, 2007, 03:27 PM
Very very cool! All it needs is a holographic Endor in the middle and your set!
Title: Re: ROTJ rebel meeting diorama
Post by: Nicklab on March 19, 2007, 05:14 PM

That's an interesting suggestion there by Nick too, on the CG Endor planet and holo Death Star piece.  I'd be quite interested to see how those look together (Nick, got any pix?).


I would be ashamed to post them after seeing pics of this!  It's just a bunch of Rebels huddled around the two pieces on an Ultarama display piece with some background pieces that look like something found on Home 1.
Title: Re: ROTJ rebel meeting diorama
Post by: Diddly on March 19, 2007, 10:20 PM
Totally awesome. I'm sure you nailed everything down to the littlest detail. Great work!
Title: Re: ROTJ rebel meeting diorama
Post by: evenflow on March 20, 2007, 01:55 PM
Very incredible work!  :o
Title: Re: ROTJ rebel meeting diorama
Post by: Darth Depressis on March 20, 2007, 07:04 PM
awesome, it's really amazing how much you put into this.

i don't know if anyones already asked this but do any of the screens have hidden messages?
Title: Re: ROTJ rebel meeting diorama
Post by: Jesse James on March 20, 2007, 08:23 PM
Hey DB,

Did you ever consider buying a clear ABS ball from Michaels (or whevever they can be found) and painting it up to sorta be a holographic Endor?  Might make a cool little addition to the display if you could do it right, but man painting that would be a pain in the ass I'd think.

I was just thinking about your dio today and how the planet could be added.
Title: Re: ROTJ rebel meeting diorama
Post by: Daigo-Bah on March 21, 2007, 12:54 PM
Thanks everyone, for the great comments!  Yeah, I remember seeing at NiubNiub's site that someone had made the holo table and used a clear globe tinted green like JJ suggested.  It looked great, but I just didn't want to cover-up too much of the scene with it.  Maybe I'll make one and use it in some pics and remove it in others!
Title: Re: ROTJ rebel meeting diorama
Post by: Daigo-Bah on March 22, 2007, 12:46 AM
By the way, sorry about the dark pics; here are a couple earlier shots in better light without any figures:

(http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid224/p6a077bea7e2d4b588e494b5a85117c59/ea8d8a78.jpg)

(http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid224/pef225e2b4f714a070a0fb5001d0d4053/ea8d8b21.jpg)
Title: Re: ROTJ rebel meeting diorama
Post by: Famine on March 22, 2007, 12:56 AM
Damn dude, how long does this whole process take?

Kevin
Title: Re: ROTJ rebel meeting diorama
Post by: Daigo-Bah on March 23, 2007, 06:24 PM
Famine, that was about 2 months of 1 day per week work.  It's hard to estimate since I jump around with a few projects and have some days with 5 hours of work and others with 1 or 2.  Here is that Dresselian I promised Dressel Rebel; he's made from the Saga 2 Endor Trooper and POTF2 head and cloak.  I drilled out the head to fit on the neck post.

(http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p20581dd415c5ac6cb7ad1b16df4a1774/ea3674b5.jpg)

(http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pf7542001f2f8e4d9b2f975f3349fb0c2/ea367492.jpg)

Edit: here he is in the dio, as well as a couple Endor troop variations:

(http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p32259ea9eaa1128b5bbce1dd57879e6b/ea32b93f.jpg)

(http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p54763eca10b4c349206fb03de24620b7/ea32b8ef.jpg)

And another painted variation:

(http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pb2d1820a764beffd9a60ebdb4e04e2f6/ea32b898.jpg)
Title: Re: ROTJ rebel meeting diorama
Post by: hemble on April 1, 2007, 06:04 AM
Even without the figures in the dio it is still very very impressive you my friend are a master at making dios.

Ron
Title: Re: ROTJ rebel meeting diorama
Post by: Daigo-Bah on April 6, 2007, 12:16 AM
Just finished a couple techs for my ROTJ meeting dio.  These are Jerjerrod bodies with white Endor trooper heads and Jerjerrod caps.  I sculpied some details and repainted everything.  Hope you guys like them!

(http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pf5fccf57abcfc3e15ae5396ff4d2f99f/ea0b1cdd.jpg)

(http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pfccf453580d642ba9c52fed2f741d68b/ea0b1c52.jpg)

(http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/padfdc411507602831c31dbbe03aa6e9d/ea0b1be9.jpg)

(http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p3571fc721b18990c5d45f76b751b652a/ea0b1ba2.jpg)

(http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pe6b17478538d54826d856d64a9ec70da/ea0b1b55.jpg)

(http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p600883911536b1433fb382831432b0f0/ea0b1ae9.jpg)
Title: Re: ROTJ rebel meeting diorama
Post by: Famine on April 6, 2007, 12:48 AM
Damn Greg! You're the best!

Kevin
Title: Re: ROTJ rebel meeting diorama
Post by: David on April 6, 2007, 04:47 PM


(http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pf7542001f2f8e4d9b2f975f3349fb0c2/ea367492.jpg)


Thats awesome. I want to see Hasbro do that.  8)
Title: Re: ROTJ rebel meeting diorama
Post by: Daigo-Bah on May 14, 2007, 03:31 PM
In the ever continuing effort to populate my fleet meeting diorama, I made the 2 astromech droids that can be seen to the left when the generals enter the room (there's also an FX-7 behind them).  The R3 is an Ep2 sneak preview spray-painted white and the yellow/green was removed from the dome with nail polish remover.  The R5 is a Saga2 R5-D4 repainted and with spray-painted label paper shapes applied.

(http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pcfef7176259a7857e004149c04611c91/e983bc64.jpg)

(http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pcac0e3eabfab1d7e91929d17c35eb476/e983bc1f.jpg)

Here is a partial reference pic:

(http://www.astromech.net/Lists/Galleries/astromechs/unknown/images/endorbattle.jpg)

(http://www.astromech.net/Lists/Galleries/astromechs/unknown/images/R5-ROJ.jpg)
Title: Re: ROTJ rebel meeting diorama
Post by: Daigo-Bah on May 14, 2007, 03:36 PM
Yet another update to the fleet meeting: there are in actuality 4 separate Ishi Tib rebels on the upper floor to the left.  They all wear the exact same outfit but in different colors.  There is the tan version Hasbro made, a blue, red, and what appears to be a dark brown.  I didn't need to make all of them, so I gave a repaint to the belt and face of both, then painted the one blue version.

(http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pfed380f4f3577995eb818b3c2f536d6e/e983beab.jpg)

(http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p7abee4364aa99c2b82e1b86125c47927/e983bdfd.jpg)

(http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pe1ec0aea84a6b0e54adb59e507b9f310/e983bd27.jpg)

Thanks to Jedistyle for the suggestions on drybrushing  ;D
Title: Re: ROTJ rebel meeting diorama
Post by: jedistyle on May 14, 2007, 04:40 PM
looks great diagobah. the astromechs are very well done. i really like the red nd white one. the label paper seems to be working very well.

your ishtibes looks really good, the belts definetley look better than hasbro's. i really like the head your repainted onthe blue one. it looks great, alot of depth and variation. great work!
Title: Re: ROTJ rebel meeting diorama
Post by: David on May 14, 2007, 10:20 PM
Great customs for an AWESOME dio.  8)
Title: Re: ROTJ rebel meeting diorama
Post by: PenDragon on May 15, 2007, 08:53 AM
...The R5 is a Saga2 R5-D4 repainted and with spray-painted label paper shapes applied.

Nice work (as always), Daigo-Bah! I was wondering if you could comment on this technique you've mentioned here. If I understand correctly, you spraypainted some label stickers, and cut the shapes out (or cut & then painted). And then, what, glued them to the R5? It sounds like a great idea - way easier than trying to paint straight lines ;)

(Also, I really dig the belts on your Ishi!)
Title: Re: ROTJ rebel meeting diorama
Post by: Daigo-Bah on May 15, 2007, 09:51 AM
Thanks guys!  Pen, what I did was take a sheet of label paper (I have full-sheet label paper, but for this project individual labels would work fine too) and spraypaint it the color I wanted, then I used an x-acto blade to cut out a desired shape.  Peel the backing off and apply!  It's an easy and clean way to do it, better than trying to paint the shapes on.
Title: Re: ROTJ rebel meeting diorama
Post by: Siths Herald on May 15, 2007, 03:32 PM
That's a great idea.  That R5 is incredible!
Title: Re: ROTJ rebel meeting diorama
Post by: no-wan on May 15, 2007, 07:49 PM
Great Job Greg !!  8)

I wish I had your talent for custom figures.

Dioramas and Custom figures... Your skills are complete  !!  ;)
Title: Re: ROTJ rebel meeting diorama
Post by: Jesse James on May 15, 2007, 09:04 PM
Slick droids Daigo...

The R5, you should consider shaving off the middle eye though.  I noticed in one ref photo that the center silver eye thing on that Rebel R5 is missing (dunno if you noticed or not).  It'd be easy to actually just carefully slice it off with an X-Acto for a bit more accuracy (if you wanted).

The R3 looks great too...  Good painting and you seemed to go the extra mile to make sure to cover up any tell-tale signs of the original droid.  Always good to get those astro's in and I like seeing the R5 especially because you got the intricacy of his "deco" down right with the labels.  Did you spray paint the actual paper?  I was a little confused by your wording was all...  Looks great regardless.

The Tibrians rock as well.

It seems a lot of people actually thought Ishi Tib from the POTF2 line was from Jabba's Palace when in actuality he's a Tibrian Militia Liason, as is his blue brother.  Their uniforms are quite funky and added a lot to the "scene" IMO of giving the impression of the Rebellion being a single military force, but made up of OTHER militaries contributing as well...  He, the Dresellian Militia that went on the Endor Raid, etc...

The painting seems simple, but effective on your Tibrians.  It highlights what a fantastic sculpt that original figure was actually.  If he were more articulated he'd be perfect.  But your stand-ins for the Tibs at the briefing are fantastic as always DB.  I like that you seemed to make the blue one darker for some variation between the two as well.  Nice touch.

I'm hopeful that Hasbro redoes the Prune Face someday (with removable eyepatch so you can have either/or).  That's a figure I keep hoping for something more poseable at some point, and less "specific" (with the eyepatch thing).

Great update man, thanks for sharing.  I always enjoy your projects because they're big and strive for accuracy above all else.
Title: Re: ROTJ rebel meeting diorama
Post by: jedi_master_sal on May 17, 2007, 05:56 PM
Awesome awesome awesome. The only thing I'd work on is the lighting. But the diorama itself is TOP NOTCH!

Excellent Dressellian (sp?) custom! I might just have to make a few of those now myself. Thanks for the tip on those.
Title: Re: ROTJ rebel meeting diorama
Post by: Daigo-Bah on May 17, 2007, 09:44 PM
Thanks again guys!  JJ, I'm not sure I see the missing eye?  Do you mean in that second pic I posted, or somewhere else?  And yes, I spraypainted right onto the label paper, and when dry was a perfect consistency.  I have another update:  I made a seated Y-Wing pilot by using the torso and head of the POTF2 version and the legs and arms of a Vander/Biggs body.  I'm happy with the quality of the paintjob, but I'm not sure he should be quite that "dirty".  Let me know what you all think!

(http://www.rebelscum.com/toys/potfarvelfront.jpg)

(http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pccb139ce91fd3de9f4fc6eb82e4e7735/e978f164.jpg)

(http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p7bfb1e7167752b5f3b4a0fafae160f1a/e978f12f.jpg)

(http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p18cb37c925e2f549fac9a32de2017d48/e978f0f4.jpg)
Title: Re: ROTJ rebel meeting diorama (5/17)
Post by: Jesse James on May 18, 2007, 01:04 AM
(http://www.astromech.net/Lists/Galleries/astromechs/unknown/images/R5-ROJ.jpg)

It's this photo here DB,

Check the "eye".  R5-D4 has 3, while this R5 has just two of the silver eye port things... 

On the Y-Winger I don't think he looks dirty, that just looks like "shadow" to me, so I think you're good with that look on him.  Cool figure man...  Nice parts mix in general to get a seated and PROPERLY COLORED Y-Winger.
Title: Re: ROTJ rebel meeting diorama (5/17)
Post by: Daigo-Bah on May 18, 2007, 01:07 AM
That's the pic I thought you meant, but there is a third eye there (the head is turned a bit I guess).  Maybe the non-uniform decoration of the droid's head makes it difficult to spot, but check to the right of the 2 eyes you see.
Title: Re: ROTJ rebel meeting diorama (5/17)
Post by: Jesse James on May 18, 2007, 01:12 AM
oh oh oh, ok I see that now...  I thought that was part of that red patch there to the right.  OK, gotcha.
Title: Re: ROTJ rebel meeting diorama (5/17)
Post by: jedi_master_sal on May 18, 2007, 01:22 PM
Excellent job on the Y-wing pilot. Can you give us a tutorial? I don't often split figures in half at the waist, so I'd like some pointers on how to do that safely, or as safe as possible anyways...
Title: Re: ROTJ rebel meeting diorama (5/17)
Post by: jedipurge on May 18, 2007, 04:37 PM
WOW dumbfounded and in awe.  This is just great stuff.  Do you do comisisons?  The Y-winger is great and the only thing I'd change on him would be the chest hose.  I'd say just replace it with a ribbed, for her pleasure, one just so it has a little more detail.  Also what kind of paints do you use, and hows that Y-winger on the knee art. paint chipping.  Or is he just meant to permanately sit? 
Title: Re: ROTJ rebel meeting diorama (5/17)
Post by: Daigo-Bah on May 18, 2007, 08:55 PM
Thanks again guys!  JM Sal- I actually didn't split the waist at all; I simply removed the arms and legs from both figures and attached the X-Wing pilot's arms and legs to the body of the Y-Wing pilot.  Once painted uniformly, it blended pretty seamless.  Jedipurge- yes, there is definitely some paint rubbing when straightening the legs, but I did indeed intend for him to simply sit in the dio.  For now I'm sorta just doing stuff to fill my collection, but I'll definitely let you know if I commission anything!
Title: Re: ROTJ rebel meeting diorama (5/17)
Post by: Daigo-Bah on May 28, 2007, 06:41 PM
Just a couple new pics with the droids and pilot customs I did, as well as a better view of the Endor troop variants and the VTAC Leia in place:

(http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pa99517c501f607355f3644998ac9723d/e94e77d7.jpg)

(http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pa6430c3765436ffcca2d54a3b9f84e37/e94e7706.jpg)

(http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pd4a4a51b9618ab382b5e5e253cd8bcb8/e94e78c2.jpg)

Needless to say, I need more X-Wing pilots and the upcoming A-Wing pilots, as well as to customize a couple B-Wingers...
Title: Re: ROTJ rebel meeting diorama (5/28)
Post by: David on May 29, 2007, 07:19 PM
Keep up the great work, this is an awesome set-up you've got!!!