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Collecting => Customs => Star Wars Dioramas and Displays => Topic started by: The Professor on August 19, 2005, 09:02 PM

Title: The Professor's Dioramas updated 3.8.06
Post by: The Professor on August 19, 2005, 09:02 PM
Hello!

I'm new to these forums but decided to join upon invitation by CHEWIE and my growing dissapointment with another site's Diorama section. 

Anyway, I have been a Star Wars custom diorama maker practically all my life.  Even when I was as young as three, I saw the possibility of using packaging styrofoam as playsets for my action figures.  Needless to say, my talent has grown and matured, and I've been churning out decent dioramas since Episode I came out. 

My method is quite dissimilar to most people's.  I don't make dioramas for display.  Rather, I design them like playsets that can be deconstructed into pieces.  In other words, I approach each diorama as if it were a real movie set.  That way, there is some logic between the rooms and pathways that matches the movie the diorama is based on.  One of my goals has always been to design dioramas as if I were a Vintage Kenner playset designer.  That way, they work as toys, (miniature) movie sets, and, to an extent, displays. 

As for materials, I keep things rather light, inexpensive, and easy.  I use sheets  blue packaging styrofoam.  The kind I use is often used for house insulation and comes in sheets of 0.5", 0.75", and 1" widths.  It's quite light but sturdy and works well for making floors and bases for dioramas. 

I also use foam core (one of the best materials for dioramas made famous by Niub Niub), foamies (thin sheets of flexible colored foam that can be bought at most arts and crafts stores), styrofoam balls (for Tatooine buildling roofs) and poster board.  I've also found that packaging styrofoam can come in quite handy for things from Hoth hallways to Mos Eisley buildings because of the random shapes that can be found.  I also collect random pieces of plastic such as caps, straws, and the like that are often helpful in creating props and detail.

Finally, I use acrylic paint and hot glue although my earliest dioramas used tacky glue.  Many of my pictures have been somewhat edited (ie. change of tint, cropping, addition of lightsabers, etc.), and I've become quite profficient at using Microsoft Picture It (used effectively by CHEWIE in his photonovels).

Over the years, I've made probably thirty dioramas.  I've made several from each movie.  Some are quite old now and need some work.  I've photographed most, but many have not yet been seen publicly.  Anyway, here are two links to pictures of my dioramas where you can enjoy scenes from all six movies:

The Professor's Gallery at The Jawa (http://www.thejawa.com/customs/chrish/chrish.php )

The Professor's Village Photos Gallery (http://www.villagephotos.com/pubbrowse.asp?folder_id=1350807)

I hope you enjoy them, and I hope to add to this community at Jedi Defender.


Title: Re: The Professor's Dioramas
Post by: CHEWIE on August 19, 2005, 09:19 PM
Professor!  I'm so glad that you joined us!   :)

I am sure that there are many people here who have seen your work before and are already big fans of what you have done.  As for myself, I've been intrigued by your unique designs and amazing talents for quite some time.

From what I've seen you're more into "custom dioramas" than "custom figures" - or at least that's what I think.  And your dioramas are some of the best on the web.  I'm looking forward to seeing some of those ones that you haven't made public yet.

So, how do you display your dioramas if you don't mind my asking?  I've seen several of them set up (and really love the new Mustafar one) but I'm not sure if you keep them on display at your home, keep just certain ones out, etc.

Anyways, I'm very glad to see that the Professor has landed here at JD, this a fun community and the customizing section has really taken off the past year or so; and you will only add to the excitement.  I'm sure there are going to be a few people that are just now getting exposed to your work that are going to be totally blown away.  You're one of the best, and always seem to be one of the nicest around too!  Welcome!  :)

 :P

Title: Re: The Professor's Dioramas
Post by: The Professor on August 19, 2005, 09:34 PM
Well, CHEWIE, sadly my dioramas when fully set-up are quite huge.  So, most stay in storage either in my attic or closet.  I usually have 5-10 in my bedroom, not really set-up but in pieces for easy storage.  The ones I usually keep on display are my custom ships.  They're not the best,  but I usually have my sail barge and a few others "on display."  The others in my room are on the floor, collapsed for easy storage, and really not on display but easy to view just the same.  The biggest problem is I love making them but don't really have the room to display them adequately because of the way they are designed.  I hope that helps. 

Also, you're quite right.  I don't really make custom figures mostly because of the cost involved in buying multiple figures.  I've occassionally improved figures or fixed damaged ones but none of that is what I would classify as customized.  For example, my sister's dog mauled an Admiral Ackbar of mine, so I made a head set and turned it into a Mon Calamari officer.  I've also done some touch-up painting on other figures that have worn down over the years.

Anyway, thanks for the heads-up about this site. 
Title: Re: The Professor's Dioramas
Post by: Ryan on August 20, 2005, 04:02 AM
Professor, another guy from RS. I glad those boards are down, some good people have beening their way over here lately. I remember seeing a lot of those form the old days. I really like the Mustafar dio. You did a real nice job incorporating all the maajor areas into a decent sized dio. It doesn't look cramped. And the Padme birthing scene looks really cool. I really haven't seen any ROTS dios, so it is great to see your stuff here again. You should ditch RS all togehter and stay here. I did, and I haven't looked back once. It is so much better here. :)
Title: Re: The Professor's Dioramas
Post by: Gregorbian on August 20, 2005, 11:44 AM
Hey Professor, I hadn't seen that Padme birthing room dio before - great work!  You always pay a great attention to detail  8)

Still digging that Mustafar set....  ;)
Title: Re: The Professor's Dioramas
Post by: Diddly on August 20, 2005, 11:58 AM
Wow, this is good stuff! I'm digging Mustafar, that's some great stuff. Same with the Polis Massa birth room. Can't wait to see more!
Title: Re: The Professor's Dioramas
Post by: The Professor on August 21, 2005, 02:39 AM
Thanks everyone.  I'm glad your were able to view some of my newest dioramas.  I'll have a few more pictures of Mustafar up later this week.  Fortunately, I took pictures on Wednesday because my sister's dog decided Mustafar was really a bathroom.  Needless to say, it was a bit messy, but there's no major harm done.  It was quite a bit aggravating, though.

On an unrelated note, I don't plan on leaving that other site's forums, but I really wanted to share my dioramas with a more serious crowd.  Because of the popularity of the films right now, people are joining the Rebel Scum forums by the dozen.  Most can't type but have digital cameras and aren't afraid to post pictures and expect replies after putting little to no work into their dioramas.  I was terribly bewildered by the popularity of a thread about freezing a Bail Organa figure in a block of ice.  Not to say that it wasn't funny; I'm just not sure why it became so very popular.

Anyway, that's just a small rant, but I'm glad to be hear.  The tone is much more serious.  Thanks for the heads-up, CHEWIE.
Title: Re: The Professor's Dioramas
Post by: CHEWIE on August 22, 2005, 12:06 AM
Professor, I'm very sorry to hear about the Mustafar incident with the dog... hopefully everything will be fixable or cleanable... whatever the correct term is.   :-\

Anyways, yeah I've all but decided to pack up and leave Scum for good.  The immaturity around there has left a sour taste in my mouth, not to mention all of the bannings that went around there earlier this year.

I remember that Bail Organa thread... good Lord.  All it takes is for one idiot to post something stupid, and then all the other idiots join in and have an orgasm over it.  Then some people put hours and hours on end of dedication into a custom project, only to get comments like "Nice" and "Cool" and very little else.

So, I'm very glad to see you here - please keep showing us your work, and hopefully we'll get your feedback on our work as well.

As for which site I'll be at, here is where I'll be about 99% of the time.

 :P
Title: Re: The Professor's Dioramas
Post by: Gregorbian on August 22, 2005, 07:50 AM
Fortunately, I took pictures on Wednesday because my sister's dog decided Mustafar was really a bathroom.  Needless to say, it was a bit messy, but there's no major harm done.  It was quite a bit aggravating, though.

[Vader]NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO![/Vader]
Ouch!  That sucks!  I'm sorry to hear that Professor  :-\
Title: Re: The Professor's Dioramas
Post by: Famine on August 22, 2005, 11:19 AM
So, I'm very glad to see you here - please keep showing us your work, and hopefully we'll get your feedback on our work as well.


Yeah. And we won't poop on your dioramas, either. :)

Kevin
Title: Re: The Professor's Dioramas
Post by: Ryan on August 22, 2005, 02:14 PM
So, I'm very glad to see you here - please keep showing us your work, and hopefully we'll get your feedback on our work as well.


Yeah. And we won't poop on your dioramas, either. :)

Kevin

Speak for yourself... I'm inclined to pee on anything I like to mark my territory. And if I have to go, I have to go, it doesn't matter where I am. :P ;)
Title: Re: The Professor's Dioramas
Post by: The Professor on August 23, 2005, 03:24 AM
Sith Lord Chaos, you capture Frito's (my sister's dog) myset perfectly.  I went back to college the day after the incident.  Maybe he was upset I was leaving. ;)

Anyway, the damage wasn't that bad because it was #1 if you get my drift.  There was a little flood of sorts in the conference room which is a rare occurrence on a volcanic world.  The holo displays got a little damaged because the are partly made with poster board.  However, I think I was able to salvage them in okay shape.  That was really the worst damage.  I was mostly worried about any lingering stench, but everything turned out all right (I hope!) because I found it early.  My sister and I washed off everything carefully and then covered the floor with salt to absorb the smell.  I'm pretty sure it worked. 

Luckily, I took pictures before the incident.  I just haven't posted them yet, but look for them by Friday. 

Finally, CHEWIE, I 'm glad I'm not the only who noticed the direction RS has taken lately.  It's sad.
Title: Re: The Professor's Dioramas
Post by: Ryan on August 23, 2005, 03:31 AM
You two put up with it a lot longer than I could. In the final month or tow of last year I noticed the rush of newbies for RTS, it just kept getting worse, until I got banned in March, partilaly for yelling at some scalpers/newbs and partly calling Philip and Dustin names after the whole "Get a life" thing. It actually turned out great. It is soo much better over here. :)
Title: Re: The Professor's Dioramas
Post by: JediMAC on August 23, 2005, 03:49 AM
That's some real nice work there Professor (Chris?).  Glad to see you're finally showcasing your wares over here at JD now too!  8)

Finally, CHEWIE, I 'm glad I'm not the only who noticed the direction RS has taken lately.  It's sad.

Get in line.  This entire forum has, why do you think we're all over here...?  ;)

Some of us noticed it long ago though, so it's about time some of you slowpokes caught up!  And yes, it is very sad.  But considering those forums were never even Phillip's to begin with, it's not terribly surprising that he's run them into the ground, and doesn't care about them or it's members in the slightest bit.  ::)

Now let's see some more customs!

- Matt
Title: Re: The Professor's Dioramas
Post by: The Professor on August 23, 2005, 04:38 PM
I've uploaded some new pictures of the Mustafar diorama that should cover pretty much everything that happens on the planet in the movie! 

(http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-6/1022739/MustafarConferenceRoomDuel2.jpg)
(http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-6/1022739/MustafarCommunicationsCenter2.jpg)

I've also put some pictures of Palpatine's Office back on the site as well as two sneak previews.   ;)

My Village Photos Gallery (http://www.villagephotos.com/pubbrowse.asp?folder_id=1350807) 

Finally, look forward to some new pictures from Utapau and the Invisible Hand some time after Labor Day!
Title: Re: The Professor's Dioramas updated 8.23.05
Post by: Ryan on August 23, 2005, 06:50 PM
Very nice Professor!!! How did you make the tiled floors? And how long did it take you to make this work of art?


Quote
Finally, look forward to some new pictures from Utapau and the Invisible Hand some time after Labor Day!


Oh, believe me. I most certainly am. ;D
Title: Re: The Professor's Dioramas updated 8.23.05
Post by: The Professor on August 23, 2005, 08:11 PM
Very nice Professor!!! How did you make the tiled floors? And how long did it take you to make this work of art?

Thanks, Sith Lord Chaos.  I hand painted the floors the two shades of gray and then used my sharpie and ruler to create the detail to appear like tiles.  I then went back and weathered it using deluded black acrylic paint and a paper towel.  I also used some silver and gold scorch marks.
Title: Re: The Professor's Dioramas updated 8.23.05
Post by: Ryan on August 23, 2005, 08:30 PM
Much simpler than I thought. It almost looked like they were individual tiles and you tiled them together. They are very well done. :)
Title: Re: The Professor's Dioramas updated 8.23.05 with NEW pictures!
Post by: Tijuanajedi on September 28, 2005, 06:06 AM
Just have to say, no matter how many time I see these I really love them.
Title: Re: The Professor's Dioramas updated 8.23.05 with NEW pictures!
Post by: Ruprecht on September 28, 2005, 10:12 AM
Holy crap those are beautiful!  Yes, that's right, I used 'crap' and 'beautiful' in the same sentence in a positive way. 

bjardkerr = wordsmith

How long does it take you to do something that detailed?
Title: Re: The Professor's Dioramas updated 8.23.05 with NEW pictures!
Post by: The Professor on March 8, 2006, 08:27 PM
I know it's been a while since I posted anything, especially on these boards, but I wanted to give an update on the sets that I've made in the past.  Most of the following are old, some dating to 1999.  So, join me for a journey into the past with some ideas about the future of my dioramas!


STAR WARS Episode I: The Phantom Menace

Watto's Shop and the Skywalker Hovel

Watto's shop is long since finished, but the hovel has been on my list of things to build since 1999.  This summer, expect that to be crossed off my list.


Jedi Temple

I first made a version of the Temple a few weeks before Episode I premiered using a picture from the Insider.  This is a completely new version, and includes a lower level.  Again, these are just previews.  More pictures in the future...

 (http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-6/1022739/JediTemple5.jpg)



Theed City Playset

This was also a very early project.  I've made some revisions to it, but it's basically the same design I came up with back in the eighth grade.  I hope to do some more updating soon...

 (http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-6/1022739/Naboo6.jpg)

 (http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-6/1022739/NabooPalace3.jpg)


Pod Race Arena

Dating to soon after Episode I premiered is the Pod Race arena which has been repainted since its first creation back in 9/99.

 (http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-6/1022739/PodArena2.jpg)

Coruscant Skyline

No pics of this yet, but as early as March '99 I was designing buildings for Coruscant that resembled their movie counterparts not only inside but also outside.  To date there are two landing platform, the Jedi Temple, the Senate Office Building, Padmé's apartment, and more!
Title: Re: The Professor's Dioramas updated 8.23.05 with NEW pictures!
Post by: The Professor on March 8, 2006, 08:28 PM
STAR WARS Episode II Attack of the Clones

Dexter's Diner

Unfortunately, I'm at college and have no pictures of this set.  It's very small and honestly not my best work, but it makes good use of a sad, tired piece of packaging styrofoam.  It like the following dioramas date to the summer of 2002 although some have gone through minor revisions.


Naboo Retreat

Previously seen several years ago, this set includes not only the balcony but the dining room and fireplace along with a photoshopped background using movie screenshots.  Not my best work but also not among my favorite locations.

 (http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-6/1022739/NabooRetreat4.jpg)


Padmé's Apartment

Also originally dating to 2002 is Padmé's Apartment including living room, elevator, balconies, and bed room.  No verandah...yet.

 (http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-6/1022739/ForaSenator,ThatIs.jpg)
Title: Re: The Professor's Dioramas updated 8.23.05 with NEW pictures!
Post by: The Professor on March 8, 2006, 08:30 PM
STAR WARS Episode III Revenge of the Sith

Tantive IV

Dating to the summer of 2003 is this Tantive IV diorama.  Because it first appears in Episode III (if you watch the movies chronologically in terms of story), the pictures appear here.  I've seen much better versions, but this is my take.

 (http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-6/1022739/TantiveIV.jpg)

 (http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-6/1022739/T411.jpg)


Vader's Birthplace

A simple diorama featuring my own operating table and background plus some special effects in this picture at least (generated later by a computer...much like most of the movie itself).

 (http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-6/1022739/TheBirthofVader2.jpg)


Utapau

Simple set consisting of landing platform that be interchanged as the docking bay of the Trade Federation ship.  Expect more shots when I get the Commander Cody figure, and yes, that is the wrong starfighter, but it's the best I have.  And that is a custom MTT that has been revised based on a 1999 version (thus not entirely movie accurate but fitting my eighth grade sensibilities). 

 (http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-6/1022739/GreetingsYoungJedi.jpg)

 (http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-6/1022739/Hellothere!.jpg)


Invisible Hand

I haven't had a chance to take detailed pictures of this set yet, but it's one of my largest.  It includes the hallway, hangar bay (which doubles from the Utapau diorama), bridge, and General's Quarters.  You can see distant shots of each of these in the following pictures.  Expect more detailed shots when Lushros Dofine arrives...

 (http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-6/1022739/Yes,LordSidious.jpg)

 (http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-6/1022739/InvisibleHandBridgeandGeneralsQuarters.jpg)

 (http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-6/1022739/InvisibleHandHangarandHall.jpg)


Senate Holding Office

Here's a set I completed this past summer to feature the duel between the most powerful Jedi and the most powerful Sith.

 (http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-6/1022739/MyLittleGreenFriend.jpg)


 The Galactic Senate

This is the same set featured at www.thejawa.com/nuke (http://www.thejawa.com/nuke) but now features a sturdy base, new paint on the walls, and a larger podium for the chancellor...err...emperor.

 (http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-6/1022739/SenateRevoked.jpg)
Title: Re: The Professor's Dioramas updated 8.23.05 with NEW pictures!
Post by: The Professor on March 8, 2006, 08:31 PM
STAR WARS Episode IV A New Hope

Mos Eisley Spaceport

This wretched hive has been on the backburner for a while.  I have no shots, but I made several buildings back in 2003 and am in the midst of working on a Docking Bay 94 diorama.  So, expect a finished work and set by this summer.
Title: Re: The Professor's Dioramas updated 8.23.05 with NEW pictures!
Post by: The Professor on March 8, 2006, 08:32 PM
STAR WARS Episode VI The Empire Strikes Back

Echo Base

This set like many has been on the backburners for years.  I've had the design and made a fair start at the hangar.  Look for a change this summer.


Executor

As much as I like my Star Destroyer diorama, it is in great need of an update as the bridge (but not the other half) is five years old.  Seeing some of the recent great work inspires me to make a change...

 (http://www.thejawa.com/customs/chrish/sd1th.JPG)

 (http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-6/1022739/TheLoomingFuture.jpg)


Medical Frigate

Simple set duplicating the end of the movie.  It is built using styrofoam that stores test tubes as a base.  Also, it has a surprise when conveniently flipped around (see ROTJ!).

 (http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-6/1022739/HomeOne10.jpg)
Title: Re: The Professor's Dioramas updated 8.23.05 with NEW pictures!
Post by: The Professor on March 8, 2006, 08:37 PM
STAR WARS Episode VI Return of the Jedi

Sail Barge

I have made both the sail barge and a skiff but have photographed neither.  This summer though...


Home One

One of the projects that had been on my list for years was the Rebel Briefing Room.  It was finally completed in 2004.  I would post more pictures, but I need to take new photographs with the new Madine and Calrissian.  Also, that surprise from the Medical Frigate was the bridge of this vehicle!

 (http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-6/1022739/HomeOne5.jpg)

 (http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-6/1022739/HomeOne8.jpg)


Emperor's Throne Room

Made in 2000 and revised several times since, this diorama, featured at www.thejawa.com/nuke (http://www.thejawa.com/nuke) is in need of some changes that might take shape soon...

 (http://www.thejawa.com/customs/chrish/etr2th.JPG)
Title: Re: The Professor's Dioramas updated 8.23.05 with NEW pictures!
Post by: Jediknight760071 on March 8, 2006, 08:39 PM
Wow....That looks like a ton of work! :o
Title: Re: The Professor's Dioramas updated 3.8.06
Post by: CHEWIE on March 8, 2006, 09:26 PM
Wow Professor, I don't even know where to start with these.  Some of them I remember seeing before.  I love how you expand the Star Wars scenes with these awesome mini playset dioramas.  You really have a knack for these.

Too much for me to absorb at once, so I'll pick out a couple that really stand out to me.

Senate Holding Office - Wow, that looks like it's right out of the movie.  I wish I was so detailed in my backgrounds when I make them.  Got any more pics of this?  It's so cool!

Jedi Council - Really looks about perfect.  I like the ariel view of it a lot.  This had to take a lot of work.

Invisible Hand - This is a location that seems to get overlooked in ROTS.  It's a great area and you truly did it justice.  I would really like to see more pics of it if you have time.  Simple amazing.

 :P

Title: Re: The Professor's Dioramas updated 3.8.06
Post by: In Rem on March 8, 2006, 11:19 PM
I have to echo CHEWIE here. All of these... just WOW. You've posted so much, I don't even know where to begin!

I wish I had just a few of these... I'm thinking of ways I could stage scenes for a PN left and right :)
Title: Re: The Professor's Dioramas updated 3.8.06
Post by: BrentS on March 8, 2006, 11:25 PM
Um.... wow.... um nope... um  Holy Freakin' Cow!  Waaaaay to much to comment on at once.  First, my favorites:

Rebel Briefing room (too bad you can't get some of the background guys to sit with bended legs!)
The Medical Frigate
Tantive IV (ROTS)
and the Senate Holding Office.

Wow Wow Wow.   I can't imagine the time and effort that you put into these!
Title: Re: The Professor's Dioramas updated 3.8.06
Post by: hemble on March 9, 2006, 02:26 AM
Mate they are some serious looking dios you have a great talent that is for sure just by looking at your work really look forward to seeing more.

Ron
Title: Re: The Professor's Dioramas updated 3.8.06
Post by: The Professor on March 9, 2006, 02:45 AM
Thanks, Jediknight760071, CHEWIE!, In Rem, BrentS, and hemble.  I really wanted to finally show off some of my "unseen" dioramas.  Because I have so many and am away from home at college most of the year, I haven't photographed a lot of them.  I also want to revise some of my earliest before I take serious time out to photograph them.  They're not always the most accurate but I go for a playset approach that makes sense in terms of the movies and captures the feel of the sets. 

As always, I'm thoroughly impressed by the comments on this site.  I would spend far more time on these boards if there were a custom dioramas forum.  As much as I love custom figures and quality photonovels, I haven't ventured into either arena, so it's easy for me to get lost over here.  However, the elite (or at least the best quality) Star Wars fans can be found here.  Thanks for your comments, and I'll try to post more on the excellent customizing work I find over here. 
Title: Re: The Professor's Dioramas updated 3.8.06
Post by: Darth Delicious on March 9, 2006, 02:52 AM
Welcome professor,

These diroamas are unbelievable! I can't imagine having the creativity to do these. Well done, my friend!

My favorite shot was of Yoda lying on the floor with Palpatine above him...great camera work. But my favorite dio would have to be the Mustafar Control Room where the Seps get slaughtered. A little mood lighting and it would be perfect!

-DD
Title: Re: The Professor's Dioramas updated 3.8.06
Post by: BrentS on March 9, 2006, 09:36 AM


As always, I'm thoroughly impressed by the comments on this site.  I would spend far more time on these boards if there were a custom dioramas forum.  As much as I love custom figures and quality photonovels, I haven't ventured into either arena, so it's easy for me to get lost over here.  However, the elite (or at least the best quality) Star Wars fans can be found here.  Thanks for your comments, and I'll try to post more on the excellent customizing work I find over here. 

I'm a relative newbie here at this site but I have to think that Threads on Custom Dioramas would be quite welcome.  I think Dioramas, Custom Figures, and Photonovels all blend together anyway.  Just different versions of the same hobby.
Title: Re: The Professor's Dioramas updated 3.8.06
Post by: Glassman6 on March 9, 2006, 10:18 AM
Wow professor, alot of these are great.
I would love to make a dio or two, i just dont have the storage space.
Title: Re: The Professor's Dioramas updated 3.8.06
Post by: Smartypants1635 on March 9, 2006, 05:39 PM
Holy **** Man I don't have time to comment on all of these. I have maybe 10 mins before I have to walk out the door and I still have like 8 more threads to check out. I'll leave a decent post sometime this weekend or tommorow.