Straxus, great question -- it's something I've been wondering about too, since I've done a number of Gand customs, and have attempted some without masks.  (And I would love to see yours, too. )

Whatever mask or helmet Zuckuss is wearing, it seems to (a) have many of the same organic looking creases, etc. as he does (which seems funny for a helmet) and/or (b) be the same color as he is.  I've always considered that the bit around his neck with the tubes and the black & silver bit of the mask over his mouth are certainly artificial, but it's never been clear how much else is natural and how much not.

Interestingly, the new bust by Gentle Giant almost seems to clarify this issue.  In this piece, it looks as though the mask goes over his eyes & includes goggles, too -- that are the same color as his chitin & with somewhat similar contours -- but doesn't cover the top of his head.  At least that I thought -- here's a photo:



So that curved sort of brown flap right left of his eye could be interpreted the edge of a mask that covers his eyes and mouth and matches his natural coloring.  Just a thought. 

Much of it has to do with the question: other than respiratory equipment, how much protetction do Gands really need in an oxygenous atmosphere?  Does the oxygen get in between their chitin plates and itch, for example?  Would it do so on the head?  There are several RPG stats, etc., on their heavy natural armor, even on the fact that their eyes are armored.  So it seems that even a partial mask could well be superfluous -- in which case maybe just the breathing mask and "collar" are the artificial bits.  Personally, I like having as much as possible be natural! 

Incidentally, just for fun, here's a neat sort of hypothetical "anatomical drawing" of a breathing Gand which my friend Beedo Sookcool made some years back when we were discussing these issues with regard to a fanfic of mine on Zuckuss's early years that is still in progress.  He calls it "The Visible Gand." (Either that, or "Zuck nekkid." )

... the Findswoman

I guess if it's a very, VERY small amount of Krazy Glue, just on the underside of each foot or so, it should be all right, and should be easy to pull the figures back off without doing much damage.  Perhaps another option is to use the Krazy Glue were used ONLY on the really difficult terrains (grass, etc.) and poster tack elsewhere?

Another risk of using super glue -- in the case of my own figures -- is that the stuff stains fabric REALLY BAD.  I can trust you to be REALLY REALLY careful, can't I? 

... the Findswoman

Great statue!  That 9" figure (or however big it is) is just right. A really neat touch!

... the Findswoman

Oh excellent!  Thanks so much, Phruby.  Will do! 

... the Findswoman

SHIP SHIP SHIP!!! 
Please ship your items if you havent already.

We thank everyone who has contributed to this enormous project.

Oh gawsh, having just gotten back from Germany last Monday, I seem to have missed the deadline!  Ack!    Will people be working on the diorama on-site at the convention?  If so, I would love even then to just show up and help out.  I can bring a few things then, if needed.

... the Findswoman

Thanks, Ennis!  Glad you enjoy!  Those Triad S1 bodies ARE nice -- and are very reasonable, too, at $12.99.

Yes, I know it's been a while since I have updated here.  It's because (a) I've been quite busy preparing to go to Germany next week and (b) I've recently been doing mostly 12" stuff, some of it non-SW (which doesn't mean that I've given up 3.75" stuff).

I'll do my best to post at least 1 or 2 more things before I leave for Germany, but part of it depends on (a) how quickly I receive some supplies I need and (b) how much time I have outside of preparations, etc. to work on it.  But I will do my best.

Thanks again!
... the Findswoman

Just a very small update -- I gave my 12" Padmé Amidala (arena outfit) a new (& hopefully better) body.  Check her out here:

http://www.findswoman.net/12inch/PadmePage.html

She had been on the slightly scrawny LOTR Arwen body, but I changed her to one of the new 12" female bodies from http://www.triadtoys.com, which not only had better proportions with the head, but also gave the clothes a more flattering fit. 

I'll post more photos soon, including of the scratches I painted on her back, as soon as I fix her head (it's been having trouble staying on the neckpost of the new body).  Meanwhile, enjoy! 

... the Findswoman