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Collecting => Customs => Star Wars Dioramas and Displays => Topic started by: Muftak on April 6, 2004, 06:01 AM

Title: Modular Cloud City Playset
Post by: Muftak on April 6, 2004, 06:01 AM
I've been hard at work on my next project, a "three-level + a gantry" modular Cloud City Playset.

Right now I'm in the middle of putting the bottom level together. It' the "civilized" part of Cloud City, represented by the Guest Apartment, Dining Room, and Grand Corridor.

I've uploaded some in-progress pics to my "making-of" site (http://groups.msn.com/MuftaksCloudCIty/shoebox.msnw?Page=1) for anyone who wants to take a peek and offer your comments.

Thanks!!
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City
Post by: Scott on April 6, 2004, 12:29 PM
Where's the Frozen Dairy Chef Galley???

Looks great though Bobb...as great as the Death Star turned out I am giddy with anticipation for how this will go.  I've thought about either doing an Echo Base or a Cloud City type of thing for a long time.  I just need some motivation...perhaps this will be it!
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City
Post by: jokabofe on April 6, 2004, 08:22 PM
looking good so far... what are the dimensions of the main base section? looks pretty big to me  ;D

can't wait to see some more "finished" versions. like scott said, thinking about how awesome your death star was done, i can't wait to see this.

do you know what rooms you are going to make on each level yet? i don't know why but i always thought the carbon freeze chamber was in the "basement" so to speak on cloud city...

great work  :)
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City
Post by: Muftak on April 7, 2004, 06:09 AM
It's close to 2 1/2 feet wide by 1 1/2 feet long. So, yeah, it's on the large side. Each level loses a bit of that "fin" look on the front, so that the third (top) level is a circle with a 1-foot diameter. Then, off the back of the structure, I'll add the gantry, which will be another two feet long or so.

The second level will hold the torture room, the cell, and the junk room/boiler room. Then the top, circular piece will be the Carbon Freezing Chamber. Off the back, Luke and Vader wil be able to duel through the control room with the big window, out onto the gantry.

I always thought of the CFC as the bowels of the city, too, but I put it on top since it's the most important thing in the playset, and as a level by itself was going to take up the least space.
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City
Post by: Jesse James on April 8, 2004, 02:16 AM
Great work again so far Muftak, especially the sculpture...  That's a NICE piece of work, and looks real accurate from what I can see.

The lighter colors of Bespin should lend themselves to a more photogenic project.  Death Star's hard to photograph and get all the finer detail.

Are you tinkering with the idea of lighting this set perhaps?  There's very vibrant lighting on Bespin, and very moody stuff at times too (Freeze Chamber for instance).
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City
Post by: jokabofe on April 9, 2004, 12:06 AM
I always thought of the CFC as the bowels of the city, too, but I put it on top since it's the most important thing in the playset, and as a level by itself was going to take up the least space.

yeah, that makes sense, especially with the vader/luke duel idea...

"planning is everything"  ;D

can't wait to see some more photos... get back to work!!  ;)
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City
Post by: CHEWIE on April 9, 2004, 04:48 PM
Very impressive and a treat to see!  Yeah get back to work, and while you're at it, make me one too! ;)

 :P
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City
Post by: jadesfire on April 10, 2004, 06:25 PM
The push light is a fantastic idea!!  When I set up my carbon freezing chamber I used those small orange lights (from Halloween) to give it a "glow".  I am anxious to see your next levels, especially the top.  As always, great work!!
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City
Post by: JediMAC on May 31, 2004, 04:43 AM
1)  Looks absolutely incredible, as expected.  The intricate details in things like the sculptures are absolutely to notch.

2)  Please hurry up with the next stage, so you can show me some more!   ;)

3)  Happy Birthday Bobb!  Welcome to the 30-something club.   8)

Title: Re: Modular Cloud City
Post by: Muftak on June 2, 2004, 10:44 AM
Thanks, Matt (that is you, right? :)). Cloud City has been on hold for about a month or so...I moved in May, and I've had to spend the time concentrating on real floorplans and furniture.

I hope to get back to Bespin soon...  
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City
Post by: JediMAC on June 2, 2004, 07:41 PM
Yep, still me.   ;)

Cloud City has been on hold for about a month or so...I moved in May, and I've had to spend the time concentrating on real floorplans and furniture.

You really need to work on your priorities Bob.   ::)  Work on the Star Wars diorama FIRST, so you can show 'em off to your buddies here in the forums who are anxiously awaiting your updates, and THEN mess around with all that "real world" crap once you've finished Cloud City.  Thanks.

Now go get to work...   :-*
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City
Post by: Snively Bandar on August 27, 2004, 06:46 PM
So, when are we due for some more updates here?  Don't leave us hanging like this Muftak!  Hopefully you're settled into your new place by now and you've delved back into your Cloud City project.  Your fans await!   :P
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City
Post by: Muftak on August 30, 2004, 10:51 PM
So, when are we due for some more updates here?  Don't leave us hanging like this Muftak!  Hopefully you're settled into your new place by now and you've delved back into your Cloud City project.  Your fans await!   :P

My fans... ::)

My toys are still not settled to satisfaction at the new place. Way less room than I had before (on account of the fiance moving in and all, but don't tell her I said that!) so I no longer have both a workroom and a display room. It took forever just to get the Death Star back out and situated.

And so much to do while there is still some summer in the air..! Cloud City hasn't even been unpacked yet, but I am hoping to get to some of that stuff in the next couple weeks. Plus I finally found a Cloud Car Pilot at the store, so my motivation is coming back to me.

In the meantime, here's a Cloud City Prequel (http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/bobbultc@sbcglobal.net/album?.dir=/d51c) to enjoy instead...my first diorama from two years ago, which I built to gear up for the Death Star.
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City
Post by: Muftak on October 26, 2004, 05:58 AM
(http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/421573638/0.jpg)

Check out my newest "making-of" pictures (http://groups.msn.com/MuftaksCloudCIty/shoebox.msnw?Page=1) for a look at what I've been up to this past week.
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City NEW PICS 10/27
Post by: Muftak on November 20, 2004, 12:26 PM
Completed Level I pics, starting with the plaza:

(http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/421580408/10.jpg)

(http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/421580408/9.jpg)

Here's one showing the push light on:

(http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/421580408/12.jpg)

That worked out better than I'd imagined as far as lighting the place from within. It really adds drama to what has to be my favorite shot of the bunch:

(http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/421580408/3.jpg)
Title: Re: !!LEVEL ONE COMPLETED!! Modular Cloud City
Post by: Muftak on November 20, 2004, 12:30 PM
(Don't just skip to the second page--there're more pictures at the bottom of page one!)

Now the apartment. I had some unfinished pictures up, but it really looks different with all the set dressing. Plus I completely redid the couch:

(http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/421580408/8.jpg)

(http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/421580408/28.jpg)

(http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/421580408/29.jpg)

(http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/421580408/30.jpg)
Title: Re: !!LEVEL ONE COMPLETED!! Modular Cloud City
Post by: Muftak on November 20, 2004, 12:36 PM
And the dining room.

(http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/421580408/7.jpg)

(http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/421580408/23.jpg)

(http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/421580408/24.jpg)

(http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/421580408/26.jpg)

I procrastinated on this room because for whatever reason that table really scared me. As it stands, I like it!
Title: Re: !!LEVEL ONE COMPLETED!! Modular Cloud City
Post by: Muftak on November 20, 2004, 12:44 PM
Finally, some shots of the whole thing as a "playset:"

(http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/421580408/0.jpg)

(http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/421580408/1.jpg)

That back wall is just a gratuitous bit of foam scuplting, in an attempt to llok like the exterior of a Cloud City building:

(http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/421580408/6.jpg)

And I made the "Beldon's Eye" sculpture removable, since it's battery-operated (and you really have to take those batteries out if you're not using it, because it will suck them dry in a day or so, even turned off!) I also wanted to leave the option of a more open plaza, or even building one of the other Cloud City sculptures to swap with it.

(http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/421580408/11.jpg)

So that's it for now. Level 2 is up next, but I can't really say when I'll get around to working on that, with the holidays and all...
Title: Re: !!LEVEL ONE COMPLETED!! Modular Cloud City
Post by: Famine on November 20, 2004, 01:10 PM
Very well done, Muftak. I think that light adds more to that diorama/playset than anythings I have seen, custom related. A very very nice job on your part. :)

Kevin
Title: Re: !!LEVEL ONE COMPLETED!! Modular Cloud City
Post by: CHEWIE on November 20, 2004, 01:33 PM
Well, I almost fainted when I saw this.  You did an unbelievable job of executing this project. 

 :P
Title: Re: !!LEVEL ONE COMPLETED!! Modular Cloud City
Post by: DSJ™ on November 20, 2004, 10:22 PM
Clunk! Sound of jaw hitting the floor. This is absolulty amazing Muftak. One heck of a project, well done.  8)
Title: Re: !!LEVEL ONE COMPLETED!! Modular Cloud City
Post by: JesseVader08 on November 20, 2004, 10:45 PM
Wow.  :o

I don't know what else to say...

The dining room is amazing.  And the detail in the sculpture in the room with Han & Leia - it really makes your display shine.  Those VOTC stormtroopers are really at home in a display like this!
Title: Re: !!LEVEL ONE COMPLETED!! Modular Cloud City
Post by: jokabofe on November 20, 2004, 10:49 PM
At the risk of sounding like I'm jumping on the bandwagon, that is just an amazing piece of work. Your dioramas/playsets continue to amaze me. Just absolutely incredible detail put into that. How long has it really taken you to complete this? I don't mean "I started on April 1st and finished it today", I mean roughly how many actual hours (if you even have any idea)??
Title: Re: !!LEVEL ONE COMPLETED!! Modular Cloud City
Post by: Hemish on November 21, 2004, 02:18 AM
Can you go work for hasbro and show them how to make a good payset????
That is a truly beautifull piece of work
Kudos to you.
Title: Re: !!LEVEL ONE COMPLETED!! Modular Cloud City
Post by: Jesse James on November 21, 2004, 03:34 AM
Very nice Muftak.

I like that the contours of the Bespin set aren't rigid and square.  You captured the way Cloud City sorta curves and circles in its architecture, while your Death Star was more squarish, as its architecture was.

Very cool.

I'm curious to see what you'll maybe try/do with the freeze chamber, and Hasbro's mini-fc they made some years ago.  I liked that set a lot, though it's small.  It worked though.  I thought it was only needing to be bigger itself, or be something they made additions for that snapped to it.
Title: Re: !!LEVEL ONE COMPLETED!! Modular Cloud City
Post by: Jesse James on November 21, 2004, 03:38 AM
PS:

The push light's an awesome touch btw.  I've wanted to try something along the lines of using those push lights.  They're relatively inexpensive and look useful, but I've yet to work on a project I really wanted to put big domed lights in.

I have considered something a light-up holo-table thing though, like in AOTC.  Not a film diorama though I don't think.  Just something from my own cranial cavity.
Title: Re: !!LEVEL ONE COMPLETED!! Modular Cloud City
Post by: Angry Ewok on November 21, 2004, 03:31 PM
Beautiful work. Really beautiful.

 :-*
Title: Re: !!LEVEL ONE COMPLETED!! Modular Cloud City
Post by: Muftak on November 23, 2004, 03:05 PM
Thanks to one and all. To pick up some stray comments...

--There's actually only one VOTC Stormtrooper in there. He's pretty obvious. The rest are commtechs.

--Total hours worked on this project,  I would estimate to be around 100 hours. Though that's not including laying out the floorplans. I doodle all the time at work, at home, wherever, just little ideas for how things ought to work. A lot of the issues I on this I worked out while in the midst of building the Death Star.

--I originally thought of using a push-light to build a Yavin War Room table. I'd still like to try it someday, if I ever get to building a Yavin War Room. I adapted the idea to this project as a test, and because I'd never seen anything like it done before.
Title: Re: !!LEVEL ONE COMPLETED!! Modular Cloud City
Post by: Muftak on November 23, 2004, 03:11 PM
I almost forgot--what would a new playset be without an exclusive pack-in figure?

I give you the Ice Cream Maker Guy:

(http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/421580408/20.jpg)

(http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/421580408/22.jpg)

(http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/421580408/14.jpg)
CCP: "Excuse me sir, do you have a license for that frozen dairy equipment?"
Title: Re: !!LEVEL ONE COMPLETED!! Modular Cloud City
Post by: Scott on November 23, 2004, 03:30 PM
Nice job Muftak!  That whole idea and your work are the greatest, and then you honor the funniest bit player of the saga with a spot in there, I'm touched. 
Title: Re: !!LEVEL ONE COMPLETED!! Modular Cloud City
Post by: CHEWIE on November 23, 2004, 04:42 PM
What head did you use for the Ice Cream Maker guy?  It looks great!!

 :P
Title: Re: !!LEVEL ONE COMPLETED!! Modular Cloud City
Post by: JediMAC on November 23, 2004, 07:12 PM
Breathtaking, as always Bobb.  All the small details that most customizers would probably overlook (or just wouldn't be able to do themselves) make it just outstanding.  God, I wish I could just buy your stuff at Toys R Us.  I'd pay top dollar for the kind of "playsets" you put together.  Someday I'm gonna win the lottery, and when I do, I'm gonna find a suitable enough commission to persuade you to to make a duplicate version of all your custom projects!   8)

It's close to 2 1/2 feet wide by 1 1/2 feet long. So, yeah, it's on the large side. Each level loses a bit of that "fin" look on the front, so that the third (top) level is a circle with a 1-foot diameter. Then, off the back of the structure, I'll add the gantry, which will be another two feet long or so.

The second level will hold the torture room, the cell, and the junk room/boiler room. Then the top, circular piece will be the Carbon Freezing Chamber. Off the back, Luke and Vader wil be able to duel through the control room with the big window, out onto the gantry.

Looking very much forward to seeing all the rest of this...  Now get to work Bobb!   :-*

P.S.  Nice ass kissing of Scott with the ICMG.   ;)
Title: Re: !!LEVEL ONE COMPLETED!! Modular Cloud City
Post by: DSJ™ on November 24, 2004, 11:43 AM
Hey, ICMG. Sweet.  8)
Title: Re: !!LEVEL ONE COMPLETED!! Modular Cloud City
Post by: The Collector on November 24, 2004, 01:53 PM
You're sick! That rawkes!
Title: Re: !!LEVEL ONE COMPLETED!! Modular Cloud City
Post by: Snively Bandar on November 24, 2004, 03:49 PM
What can possibly be said that hasn't been said by everyone else already?

Just amazing.  Excellent work Muftak.  Please send your resume and some sample photos into Hasbro, and tell them you can provide a LOT of references if they require!   ;)

I don't know if I can wait for the next level now.  What's your ETA on that one?
Title: Re: !!LEVEL ONE COMPLETED!! Modular Cloud City
Post by: Muftak on November 24, 2004, 09:58 PM
Once again, thanks to all. And wow--the fornt page? Thanks, Scott! (Job well done, ICMG. ;) )

Chewie, the ICMG head--and gloved hands-- are from one of those "Elite Forces" (I think) figures you can find at TRU, I added the burns and the stache.

Snively, it really depends on how things go around here--I'm getting married in May, so I'll have to try to fit it in to the chaos that I find coming to a head right now.

But I haven't stopped completely, and don't plan to. I'm currently building Han's torture rack, and things are looking good. Hopefully it won't be nine months till I'm done with level 2!
Title: Re: !!LEVEL ONE COMPLETED!! Modular Cloud City
Post by: Jesse James on November 25, 2004, 05:58 AM
Very cool news, and you deserved some publicity on it Bobb, so kudos.  I'm really REALLY curious to see what (if any) way you'll incorporate Hasbro's Freeze Chamber set.

I really enjoyed it, and still am figuring a way to make a bigger gantry thing that just snaps on over its current one.  The only thing that set lacked was it being able to hold more figures I thought.

Cool work, and the push light has me really scheming.  nothing I'lld o any time soon, but it's inspiring nonetheless man.  Good work and improvisation for a feature that really gives your set a nice look when displayed.  The light is very cool.

BTW I still think the neatest thing is the sculpture.  No matter how you made it, or were given the idea, that's funny, and really accurate.
Title: Re: !!LEVEL ONE COMPLETED!! Modular Cloud City
Post by: CHEWIE on November 26, 2004, 12:22 AM
Muftak, thanks for the reference on the ICMG - I plan on making my own very soon.

Like everyone else said, great job, and I think it's great that the staff posted it on the main page - another reason why this is in my opinion, the best bunch of guys at any Star Wars site on the web - staff and forum members included.

 :P
Title: Re: !!LEVEL ONE COMPLETED!! Modular Cloud City
Post by: Muftak on November 26, 2004, 06:35 PM
I'm really REALLY curious to see what (if any) way you'll incorporate Hasbro's Freeze Chamber set.

I really enjoyed it, and still am figuring a way to make a bigger gantry thing that just snaps on over its current one.  The only thing that set lacked was it being able to hold more figures I thought.

I first sketched an idea for a Bespin display back in 2000 (long before I'd ever even heard of NiubNiub, I think I'd seen StarConstrux by then but there was no clue given as to how to go about building something like that) but I dropped the idea once I heard the Hasbro Freeze Chamber was going to be made. It was great for what it was, and I've really enjoyed a nice little display on it.

That said, it is just too miniaturized to work in my playset, and I'm just going to have to scratch build my own. I did pick up two spares back when the fan club clearanced 'em,  but other than chopping out the steps from them for my walkways, I've never figured out how to use them.

On the Death Star I used the Detention Block pretty much as a whole, and on my upcoming Endor Playset I intend to use the POTF2 Bunker, but I don't think the Freeze Chamber is going to make the cut, except as fodder for set dressing.  :( Too bad, because I've always really liked it.
Title: Re: !!LEVEL ONE COMPLETED!! Modular Cloud City
Post by: jokabofe on November 26, 2004, 11:05 PM
That said, it is just too miniaturized to work in my playset, and I'm just going to have to scratch build my own. I did pick up two spares back when the fan club clearanced 'em,  but other than chopping out the steps from them for my walkways, I've never figured out how to use them.

Oooohhh, can't wait to see that done. Are you going to be adding lights and stuff too?
Title: Re: !!LEVEL ONE COMPLETED!! Modular Cloud City
Post by: DARKLORD on November 27, 2004, 12:22 AM
OH- MY-GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Muftak... I've seen a LOT of custom-built STAR WARS dioramas out there.

And I've even seen many that I considered to be above and beyond the ordinary.

But I must say, my friend, in this old city boy's opinion, THIS IS FAR AND AWAY THE BEST DIORAMA / PLAYSET that I have EVER SEEN... PERIOD!!!!!!!!!!!!

If Hasbro EVER even DREAMED of creating something like this, they'd make a FORTUNE!!!!

This is the "Death Star Space Station" playset of the custom world!!!!!

You ought to have your hands insured for a million bucks with the type of MAGIC they're capable of!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations, my friend. You should be VERY PROUD!!!!

Very Best Regards,

Roberto DARKLORD Williams
Title: Re: !!LEVEL ONE COMPLETED!! Modular Cloud City
Post by: Morgbug on November 29, 2004, 01:13 AM
(http://www.snowtroopers.ca/forum/YaBBImages/undecided.gif)





(http://www.snowtroopers.ca/forum/YaBBImages/sad.gif)

Title: Re: !!LEVEL ONE COMPLETED!! Modular Cloud City
Post by: CHEWIE on November 29, 2004, 02:22 PM
Went by TRU on lunch break and grabbed one of those black army figures for my very own ICMG custom.    :)

 :P
Title: Re: !!LEVEL ONE COMPLETED!! Modular Cloud City
Post by: jadesfire on November 29, 2004, 09:20 PM
WOW!!!!!!!!
I don't know which section impressed me the most.  The more I scrolled around the more I realized I couldn't pick a favorite part.  Fantastic work!!

Title: Re: Modular Cloud City
Post by: Muftak on December 28, 2004, 07:34 PM
A sneak peek at Level Two...

the torture rack...
(http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/421573638/13.jpg)


"You may take Captain Solo to Jabba the Hutt after I have Skywalker."
(http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/421573638/12.jpg)
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City
Post by: JediMAC on December 28, 2004, 07:59 PM
A sneak peek at Level Two...

the torture rack...
(http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/421573638/13.jpg)


"You may take Captain Solo to Jabba the Hutt after I have Skywalker."
(http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/421573638/12.jpg)

Oh dear...  I don't know how much more of your work I can possibly take, Bobb.  You're driving me veritably insane man!   :P

We really need to get a "drooling" graemlin here...
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City
Post by: DSJ™ on December 28, 2004, 08:13 PM
We really need to get a "drooling" graemlin here...

As you wish.   ;) 

(http://www.telusplanet.net/public/djustus/drool1.gif)

Very fine work, keep it up. (http://www.telusplanet.net/public/djustus/drool1.gif) (http://www.telusplanet.net/public/djustus/drool1.gif)

Love it when Matt goes  (http://www.cheesebuerger.net/images/smilie/konfus/a085.gif)   ;D
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City
Post by: CHEWIE on December 28, 2004, 09:00 PM
Just when I thought Muftak's work couldn't get any better, he updates... I almost passed out when I saw these pics. 

Please, please Hasbro make this and the Death Star!!! 

 :P
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City
Post by: Jesse James on December 28, 2004, 09:20 PM
A nice update indeed.  Nice detail with the color and everything too, very accurate.  I'm really anxious to see all the detail shots of the torture rack the most though.  That's something that will be scrutinized I believe. :)

Great work...

Man though, Lando looks like his arms are huge or something.  I see it's VOTC Land so I just assume it's the picture.  It just makes him look odd in the shot.  Boba looks sharp though, even if he's not the right colors for ESB.
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City
Post by: Muftak on December 29, 2004, 08:06 PM
Yeah, I was pretty much on top of Lando in that pciture, so it's a bit of forced perspective I think.

Here's a couple more of the rack for ya, JJ:

(http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/421573638/7.jpg)

(http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/421573638/9.jpg)

And another hallway shot. The door behind Lobot opens, and will lead to the detention cell where Chewie reassembles Threepio:

(http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/421573638/14.jpg)

Title: Re: Modular Cloud City
Post by: CHEWIE on December 29, 2004, 09:35 PM
The outstanding pics just keep on coming...   :o

How many levels are you planning on making it?

 :P
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City
Post by: Muftak on December 30, 2004, 09:09 AM
Cloud City is only going to be three levels tall--the Freezing Chamber will cap it off on top of the current level.

There will be room for Luke to knock Vader off the back of the Chamber at the top, and jump down to continue the duel along a separate gantry piece that I will build to fit on the back, a la the old Micro Bespin World sets. Consider that level 1 1/2.
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City
Post by: jadesfire on December 30, 2004, 09:34 PM
Incredible!!  What did you use to make the torture rack??  That is just one fantastic piece!!
Title: Re: !!LEVEL ONE COMPLETED!! Modular Cloud City
Post by: Morgbug on January 4, 2005, 12:19 AM
(http://www.snowtroopers.ca/forum/YaBBImages/undecided.gif)





(http://www.snowtroopers.ca/forum/YaBBImages/sad.gif)




This still fits.
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City
Post by: Muftak on January 4, 2005, 07:26 PM
Incredible!!  What did you use to make the torture rack??  That is just one fantastic piece!!

Thanks! The rack is made mostly of a Jurassic Park 3 catapult (for the base--I searched long and hard for something appropriate-looking that the figure could pivot on top of, and this worked beautifully) and a Voltron-figure (I believe) rocket launcher for the body. To that I added generous amounts of foam and black posterboard to flesh it out. A couple of sliced up force pikes (a skiff guard and a spare Xizor one) were used for the prongs that jab Han.

The backboard Han is strapped to is black foamcore with foam detailing, and the missile launcher from the crappy POTF2 Deluxe Boba Fett. His feet strap in via the footholder piece from the POTJ Carbon Freezing Chamber.
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City
Post by: Hemish on January 4, 2005, 07:40 PM
WOW!!
only need to add some lights to the torture rack and whammo!!
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City
Post by: Muftak on January 7, 2005, 05:08 PM
(http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/421589643/14.jpg)

The Jawa.com has been gracious enough to host some higher-res pictures of the first level. Clicky through here (http://www.thejawa.com/customs/bobb/bespin1.php) to see Cloud City closer than ever before...  :P
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City
Post by: CHEWIE on January 7, 2005, 06:54 PM
Holy shttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(http://www.thejawa.com/customs/bobb/cc12.JPG)

 :P
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City
Post by: Killer185 on January 8, 2005, 02:35 AM
Muftak!!!!!!! :oWOW! Great work man! That is just increditable work! :o
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City
Post by: Muftak on January 23, 2005, 10:14 PM
Building the holding cell...

(http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/421573638/21.jpg)
Always wear safety glasses when taking on a project of this size, even if you have to borrow them from a friend.

(http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/421573638/16.jpg)
Where I started this week...I set out to finish the walls

(http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/421573638/17.jpg)(http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/421573638/19.jpg)
I cut out "skins" of foam for the walls, and thin planks of foam to add the depth of the corrugated walls...

(http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/421573638/22.jpg)(http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/421573638/23.jpg)
I've found the droids help out a lot with these repetitive steps. I tried to hire some Union Labor, but they took too many breaks.

After lots of cutting and gluing, we get...
(http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/421573638/24.jpg)(http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/421573638/25.jpg)
Chewie looks pretty upset! I had hoped he would like it!!
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City
Post by: Scott on January 23, 2005, 10:19 PM
Is that design on the floor movie "accurate"?  I've never looked at the cell floor before so I'm just curious

Bobb, you seriously rule.  :)
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City
Post by: Muftak on January 23, 2005, 10:29 PM
It's close, but looking at it the other day (two weeks after putting it on there) I realized there's one more "ring" to the octagons so that the center is actually red.

In the movie it's more centered on the floor, but here I had to stretch some of the octagonal walls to fit the hallway outside so the center had to shift a bit.

Still, yeah, it's pretty accurate.
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City
Post by: Scott on January 26, 2005, 01:01 PM
I found a Cloud City Diorama that may be better than the one you are doing Bobb, sorry

http://www.starwars.com/kids/activity/crafts/f20050125/index.html
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City
Post by: Muftak on January 26, 2005, 06:02 PM
No doubt, that is one impressive diorama. Mine only includes nine rooms from the place, but that one has everything!!
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City
Post by: JediMAC on January 26, 2005, 07:05 PM
It's fun enough just gazing at your spectacular dioramas Bobb, but if you're gonna start interspersing the "Deanpaul-esque" figure comedy along the way now too...  Man, I don't think I can take that!

Awesome work as always.  The added humor is just icing on the cake now!  Keep it up!   8)

- M

P.S.  Nice to finally have a face to go with the name too...   ;)

P.S.S.  I still think your work beats the stuff Scott just pointed out.  But just barely, so you better turn it up a notch!
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City
Post by: Muftak on January 26, 2005, 07:42 PM
Muftak playing with his toys in the Cloud City Playset:

(http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/421573638/20.jpg)

Okay, so my avatar is a lie...
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City
Post by: Jesse James on January 27, 2005, 01:10 AM
[rebelscum] Very Nice!!!! :) [/rebelscum]

hehe  :)

Anyway, looking great Muftak...  I'm surprised you took the time out to do the Takkies in the midst of such a project. 

The cell's looking great and I think you picked colors that fit the bill all around.  Cloud City had such a distinct array of colors that maybe made it a little bland to look at in the films but you have to work to capture it in playset form...

I think you should consider extending it to be a larger playset though.  Not that what you've done isn't great, but just thinking you could even do more to wow us.

Will you include tupper wear bins for 3PO parts in the prison? :)   And do I detect a slide-out bed/bench too in the prison as well?

My only other suggestion, since Hasbro's CCP is so nice, is a small landing platform for the Cloud Car...  A vinty one would look nice.  If you really wanted to go ape**** with it you could make one for the Falcon instead...  :)  Eh, just a thought.
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City
Post by: CHEWIE on January 27, 2005, 03:24 PM
(http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/421573638/24.jpg)

Chewie may look upset, but that's only because I don't have this playset myself.  Outstanding job!

(http://www.treefort.org/~rgrogan/web/good_job.gif)

 :P
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City
Post by: Muftak on January 28, 2005, 06:21 PM
Thanks guys.

Jesse, you had better believe there's gonna be a bunk/bench for Han to recover on...good eyes spotting the slot!

As far as a landing pad, I'm leaving the option open...which is one of the fun things about designing the playset this way. I could definitely stick one on the front of the first floor with no problem...right now the snag is I have no vehicles for it whatsoever to make it a priority (No Slave I, no Falcon.) If they put out a Cloud Car, I might be sorely tempted to build the thing. As my plans stand now, I won't have anywhere to display the whole playset all put together--it's gonna be long and huge once the Luke and Vader duel gantry is attached.

Threepio crates are coming...I'm saving that work for the Junk Room. I've got a few neat ideas for some fun "playable" junk in there as well.  ;D

Chewie, thanks for the thumbs-up. Now we're gonna lock the door and turn on an annoying siren...just to piss you off.
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City
Post by: CorranHorn on January 29, 2005, 01:57 AM
Muftak playing with his toys in the Cloud City Playset:

(http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/421573638/20.jpg)

Okay, so my avatar is a lie...

hahah i don't know why, but i can't stop laughing at this pic  :D

muftak, the progress is coming along nicely, can't wait to see more.

happy customizing!
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City
Post by: Jesse James on January 29, 2005, 03:08 AM
Looks like he's throwing his infant around.
Title: Wanna see my junk?
Post by: Muftak on February 5, 2005, 07:13 PM
I've been working on some fun junk droid parts for the junk/smelting room:

(http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/421573638/27.jpg)

My favorite playset of all time was the Droid Factory from the vintage days, and I've been sitting on some spare old yellowed pieces for quite a while. This week I dusted 'em off (literally) and went to town. I also tossed in some other spare junk, most notably the burned-out IG wreck.

(http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/421573638/29.jpg) (http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/421573638/30.jpg)

(http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/421573638/31.jpg) (http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/421573638/32.jpg)

I painted them in two coats. The undercoat is a graphite grey, and on top of that I dry-brushed some metallic steel details. I think they look pretty nicely weathered.

Most important to me was keeping the fun of the Droid Factory alive with weirdo interchangable droid parts:

(http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/421573638/28.jpg)

(and let me tell ya, I got a raised eyebrow when I told my fiance' that I was going to go post pictures of my junk on the internet.)
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City
Post by: JediMAC on February 5, 2005, 07:18 PM
Far better than Watto's junk yard!  That's some nice junk you've got there Bobb.  Probably a bit too much for the Bespin junk room, so what are you gonna do with the rest?  Nice Battle Droid "thing" there too...   :P

But did you have to put that horrid roll up Destroyer Droid from the R2 carry case in there?  Yuck.  Hate that thing!   :-X
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City
Post by: Jesse James on February 6, 2005, 02:31 AM
I've, at times of my customizing career when I'm at 0 activity with anything, I will break apart a droid and add this or that for a "junk" piece to act as set dressing in a diorama.

May I suggest finding the most broke-ass looking 3PO or DSD from the vintage line, and working from there Muftak.  I like drilling a hole at the socket and using some Devcon Plastic Welder to glue REAL wiring into limbs, torsos, or heads.  Paint them up...  Even can retain the cool "metallic paintjob" if you take translucent paint and so long as you clean the figure's "plating" off down to the chrome base...  Paint it and you have a variety of colors for droids in the shiney paint schemes rather than gold, or silver...  Not that there aren't any flat colored protocol droids and things either of course.
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City
Post by: Muftak on February 7, 2005, 03:55 PM
A good suggestion there, JJ, thanks. Once I got it all painted up, I took a step back and thought "whoa, a lot of grey in there..." so I may have to add some more colorful pieces of junk like you said. Most important to me was the ability to be able to "play" with the stuff, but I may need some more "ripped up" droid parts too...

...And Matt, I think it should be just the right amount for the junkpiles I'll need, plus the junk on the conveyor, and the shelves Chewie pokes through. The "destroyer wheel" will probably end up on the botom of one of the piles, don't worry.  :P My original idea for the Droid Factory parts was to completely refurbish the old Kenner set, with a new "gritty" deco and lots of fun parts, but aside from gathering a set-and-some-spares of various DF pieces and a good clean base, I haven't. Maybe someday I'll get back to that idea and steal all these back home...or maybe as part of a "modular Sandcrawler interior" playset I've been thinking about...

The droid I threw together does sort of resemble a battle droid (It's the head, obviously) who lost his clothes and has to resort to wearing a barrel, now that I look at it. Oh my!
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City
Post by: CHEWIE on February 7, 2005, 05:27 PM
Can't wait to see more pics... are you going to make a dueling area for Luke/Vader?

 :P
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City
Post by: Muftak on February 7, 2005, 05:59 PM
You know it. I sort of consider it "Phase II" of the playset...think of it as if Hasbro released the first three levels one year, then came out with the duel area the next, to continue the playsets. I'll probably be taking a nice little break from Bespin between the two parts, to work on a couple smaller projects I want to get to.

There will be a drop-off on the back of the Carbon Freezing Chamber that will lead to the gantry, so that the duel can flow as it did in the movie. The gantry itself I'm basically going to copy off the Micro sets from the 80s, at least as close as I can get, with the small addition of the aforementioned drop-off area, and a little "slide" tunnel leading to the control room proper.
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City
Post by: CHEWIE on February 7, 2005, 07:50 PM
Dude, I would love to see a 3-3/4" scale Freeze Chamber/Gantry like the vintage micro version - that thing rocked.  Hasbro should do this - but I'm sure yours will be better.

 :P
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City
Post by: Jesse James on February 7, 2005, 09:44 PM
To me, the junk becomes an accessory...  Like a plate on a dinner table, or some such.  An unseable droid arm with wiring jutting out it is just something an Ugnaught can tote around like a Bespin Guard carries a gun or Chewie lugs the accessory 3PO...

I see the playability factor though.  Hasbro should've made an interchangeable "Droid Factory" type of playset ages ago but they've not really tried to capture anyone's attention that way it seems.  :-\
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City
Post by: Muftak on July 15, 2005, 08:08 AM
Hey guys, miss me?  ;D

This customizing section sure has blosssomed since my last visit around March or so. Lots of cool new work here, that's for sure, but that might be a topic for another time...

If I'm back, you know that means I have completed Cloud City level 2 pictures to show you all. Once again the project got put on the backburner as I got a new job this spring, then turned around and got married in May. As of June I went back to work on this monster, and here I am to show you the results.
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City
Post by: Muftak on July 15, 2005, 08:12 AM
Let's start with the torture room.

(http://www2.propichosting.com/Images/421618782/7.jpg)

(http://www2.propichosting.com/Images/421618782/27.jpg)

The biggest deal here is the torture rack I made and previewed back in December:

(http://www2.propichosting.com/Images/421618782/5.jpg)

(http://www2.propichosting.com/Images/421618782/6.jpg)
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City
Post by: Muftak on July 15, 2005, 08:16 AM
Next is the hallway, also previewed a few times earlier in the year:

(http://www2.propichosting.com/Images/421618782/8.jpg)

(http://www2.propichosting.com/Images/421618782/15.jpg)

(http://www2.propichosting.com/Images/421618782/16.jpg)

The problem I can see I'm going to have here is the rubbing off of the painted doors on their tracks in the walls...already the front door has needed a touch-up during photographing. I guess not everything works as planned.
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City
Post by: Muftak on July 15, 2005, 08:23 AM
Onto the holding cell. I gave a bit of a detailed "putting together" of this room as I built the walls, but here it is finished:

(http://www2.propichosting.com/Images/421618782/9.jpg)

(http://www2.propichosting.com/Images/421618782/10.jpg)

I included the shelf for Threepio, as well as the fan/grill on the ceiling that annoyed Chewie so. I also made a removable bench for Han to crash on:

(http://www2.propichosting.com/Images/421618782/11.jpg)

(http://www2.propichosting.com/Images/421618782/12.jpg)

I'm very pleased with this room, it's fun to "play" in.

(http://www2.propichosting.com/Images/421618782/18.jpg)

(http://www2.propichosting.com/Images/421618782/20.jpg)

(http://www2.propichosting.com/Images/421618782/21.jpg)
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City
Post by: Muftak on July 15, 2005, 08:32 AM
The last room for this level is Chewie's junk room. This is where I did the bulk of my work this summer.

(http://www2.propichosting.com/Images/421618782/13.jpg)

I mad a ton of junk for this room (as shown earlier) and a half of it is "dedicated" (ie glued in place) while the rest is stackable around the room or on the conveyor or whatever. The above pic is the room with its bare bones junk, including dead IG-88:

(http://www2.propichosting.com/Images/421618782/14.jpg)

No other real "play features" in here, but it's fun to have stuff for the ugnaughts to toss around:

(http://www2.propichosting.com/Images/421618782/24.jpg)

(http://www2.propichosting.com/Images/421618782/25.jpg)

(http://www2.propichosting.com/Images/421618782/26.jpg)

The crate for the Threepio parts is actually the tray to a pack of Gummi-Savers I happened to scavenge at Halloween, painted white. I'd like to make a few more but I haven't seen a single pack of the "fun size" ones since!
Title: Modular Cloud City NEW PICS 7/15
Post by: Muftak on July 15, 2005, 08:37 AM
And here are pictures of Cloud City, the playset, as it stands today:

(http://www2.propichosting.com/Images/421618782/0.jpg)

(http://www2.propichosting.com/Images/421618782/1.jpg)

(http://www2.propichosting.com/Images/421618782/3.jpg)

(http://www2.propichosting.com/Images/421618782/4.jpg)


Next up, as the top piece of the playset, is the Carbon-Freezing Chamber. To make it work, I had to install a little lift in the back of level 2 to allow for the figures to be lowered into the chamber. The circle on the roof will eventually be the center of the CFC:

(http://www2.propichosting.com/Images/421618782/2.jpg)
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City NEW PICS 7/15
Post by: sith_fire30 on July 15, 2005, 08:54 AM
I just joined this forum and am freaking out about this modular design your working on - it's just to good dude - I'm at a loss for words here - Good work! Can't wait to see more!!!
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City NEW PICS 7/15
Post by: Gregorbian on July 15, 2005, 10:54 AM
WOW!  This Cloud City set is incredible!  I can't believe how much detail you've been able to incorporate into it.  Every room looks great.  My favorite is the Ugnaught's junk room, your pics look like they're straight from the video. 
As sith_fire30 said, the modular design is very well done.  If only hasbro could make something like this.....
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City NEW PICS 7/15
Post by: CHEWIE on July 15, 2005, 11:13 AM
I would work in the salt mines in Libya for a week to have this.

This is unreal... it just keeps getting better.  I honestly can not believe your attention to detail... even Niub Niub would have hard time keeping up with you.

Don't forget to revive your Death Star thread for everyone who hasn't seen it yet.   ;)

 :P
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City NEW PICS 7/15
Post by: Glassman6 on July 15, 2005, 12:05 PM
Thats just incredible. It gets better and better as the pic go on.
Love the Junk room.
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City NEW PICS 7/15
Post by: jedipurge on July 15, 2005, 03:18 PM
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City NEW PICS 7/15
Post by: jedipurge on July 15, 2005, 03:29 PM
sorry my head just exploded and I had to clean off the keyboard and screen.  that is awesome.  love all the detail.  I am literally blown away be your talent, and at the same so jealous that I don't have something like that sitting on a shelf in my house.  keep up the good work.
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City NEW PICS 7/15
Post by: Muftak on July 16, 2005, 06:33 AM
Thanks for all the kind words, guys.

CHEWIE, I always feel like my details are so far off, simply because of the playset framework I chose to work in. I've seen so many other dioramas that look so much more "spot-on" since they can basically make mini movie sets, whereas my rooms stretch and bend in odd ways to accomodate each other. Still, I go for the best look I can get, and your praise is appreciated.
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City NEW PICS 7/15
Post by: ThePerennial on July 16, 2005, 12:03 PM
I have to clean my computer room carpet from all the drool.


 That thing is awesome!
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City NEW PICS 7/15
Post by: Scott on July 18, 2005, 01:50 PM
This thing is a piece of crap :P

amazing stuff as always Bobb, you work is beyond anything I have ever seen.   :) :) :)
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City NEW PICS 7/15
Post by: Sarge on July 19, 2005, 07:51 AM
Muftak,

May have heard this elsewehere but OMG! This is really a crisp dio. The style you work in is really unique to you. It makes your work amazing. The problem those of us that do "environmental themed scenes" is getting all those scenes into a nice compact area; you have definitely got that going on. I really admired the DS you did awhile back. I think my favorite thing in this addition is the folding torture apparatus.
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City NEW PICS 7/15
Post by: jadesfire on July 19, 2005, 07:21 PM
Absolutely incredible!!  Thanks for sharing. :D
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City NEW PICS 7/15
Post by: MetalJedi on August 4, 2005, 03:42 AM
I just stumbled onto this and all I have to say is I WANT ONE!!!! Holy crap this is a beautiful thing you have made Bobb. A certain toy company should definately take notice.
Title: Re: Modular Cloud City NEW PICS 7/15
Post by: TK-323 on July 23, 2006, 08:55 AM
ok so im a year late, but WOW THAT IS ABSOLUTLEY AMAZING!!!!!!!

7 pages of compliments lol

EDIT:

I removed all the exclamation points.  Please don't do that again, it completely screws up the way the page is viewed.

Also a bump without much to say isn't much of a bump to such an old thread...  Comment some.  Critique...  This thread sat dormant only to get "Amazing" for its bump.
Don't mean to sound harsh at all, just a head's up is all.