JediDefender.com Forums
Collecting => Customs => Star Wars Dioramas and Displays => Topic started by: CHEWIE on April 12, 2005, 02:44 PM
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In an effort to start something new here, I am going to start up a weekly or bi-monthly custom diorama spotlight in this thread, showing a diorama made by a fellow customizer that I would someday like to emulate.
This week's spotlight is a Hoth playset that a customizer named Christopher Rogers made. While this may not be film accurate, it's a great display piece of Echo Base, and reminds me of the vintage Micro Hoth World playset from the early 1980s.
Someday I would like to be able to make something similar to this. Maybe a bit more film accurate; but nonetheless, this is outstanding work and I really am impressed with it.
(http://www.yakface.com/toyguide/dioramas/guests/galleriemoreau/hoth-2.jpg)
:P
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(http://kevvo.250free.com/sailbarge2.jpg)
CHEWIE asked me to host this. He will discuss this.
I'm digging that playset, but I would have added some sort of pull out ramp so droids and people could get up and down. Muftaks modular playsets blow me away too.
Kevin
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CHEWIE asked me to host this. He will discuss this.
Yeah, we discussed this beauty here last year at some point, when it was up on eBay. South American customizer, if I recall correctly. Breathtaking work there. Anyone recall what the thing ended at?
I really love that Hoth set too. Film accurate or not, it's just fun to have some cool little mini settings to stash all your Hoth figures into. It'd be cool if the set had a snow base to it though. Perhaps it does, somewhere, but it's just not pictured. A small add on to the side witht he Wampa cave (ala the Micro Collection set) would be really cool too...
Justin, if you've got some links to the backstories on how these things were built, and what they were made out of, that would be cool as well. For example, on the Hoth set, is that the vintage Micro Collection Ion Cannon, or just a scaled up replica of it? Looks identical.
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I believe he sold several of these over a 12 month period... I seem to remember them fetching over $1000.00 each.
I still can't believe how awesome that thing is... it's freaking unreal... Famine, you should make one for me. :-*
:P
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Question: Did Kevin jump the gun by posting the Sail Barge already? We haven't even discussed the Hoth set yet. Or do we discuss multiple custom sets simulataneously...? Cool with me either way, just curious how you want this to go Justin.
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I dunno... I kind of wanted to do 1-2 a week... really the schedule of it doesn't matter to me.
I did ask him to post the Sail Barge sometime - I don't know if I specified when to post it, but it doesn't matter to me anyway. I'm glad that he did.
Personally I'd like to discuss these two for a bit (hopefully a few other Defenders will join in) and then myself or anyone else can post another pic.
Two Rules though -
(1) You can't post your own work
(2) You must credit the work to the creator (if you don't know, say you don't know whose it is, but tell where you found it)
I think those rules are fair enough. :-\
If you do post something of your own... it should be something that was inspired by one of the items shown here.
So, anyone can post whatever they want here... but hopefully people won't post something and just say "I chose this because it's cool" and that's all they say. I'd rather we be constructive with it, say why we chose it, and how we would like to re-create it if we could, etc.
Some more personal thoughts on these customs -
Echo Base
I am wondering how in the heck this guy made this...is it made out wood? Plastic? Both? ...I do think this was inspired by the vintage Micro Machine Hoth World playset.
This Sail Barge of the best customs I've ever seen made... I know it was actually done by a small independent company... I wonder why they quit making them? Wonder if Lucasfilm got on their case about it... I wouldn't have the first clue as how to make something like this.
:P
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CHEWIE asked me to host this. He will discuss this.
Justin, if you've got some links to the backstories on how these things were built, and what they were made out of, that would be cool as well. For example, on the Hoth set, is that the vintage Micro Collection Ion Cannon, or just a scaled up replica of it? Looks identical.
I have no backstory on this... but if I find one I'll definitely post it.
As for the Ion Cannon, I think he made a different one. Looks a bit differnent than the actual one -
(http://www.womprat.com/images/boxed/hothworld.JPG)
:P
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Man...that Hoth Echo Base makes me drool. I look at that and I say to myself, "Why can't Hasbro do this?" Their playsets suck. This one is actually functional for play (for the kids) and display (for the collectors.) Set this baby next to Hasbro's Mustafar playset, and it's no contest...the big "H" gets blown out of the water.
The Sail Barge is incredible. I can't look at it any more. It fills me with avarice, and I must look away lest I turn into a pillar of salt. ;)
-DD
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You're right - Hasbro is totally a flop when it comes to playsets. I can't believe how bad they miss the boat on them. How freaking sad.
If someone were to go about making that Hoth playset, how would one go about doing it?
:P
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Here's one that I found today... wow, I really like this! Very creative!
(http://www.suckadelic.com/images/page%20elements/SW%20elements/custom%20img/Torture1.jpg)
I don't know who this customizer is... but here is his site -
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.suckadelic.com/images/page%2520elements/SW%2520elements/custom%2520img/Torture1.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.suckadelic.com/StarwarCustom.html&h=431&w=488&sz=28&tbnid=fXIWNR1kf74J:&tbnh=112&tbnw=127&start=11&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dcustom%2Bsandcrawler%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D
Looks like a bit of a crazy guy owns this site! ;)
Anyways, I had this damn playset, and sold it to a friend a few months ago. Now I really do regret it. I might see if I can fine one cheap somewhere and try to replicate this.
:P
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Just wondering... anyone got one of these for sale cheap? Don't need any piece to it other than the main hook/lever thing.
:P
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That is pretty cool, someone smack me for asking this but where does that playset come from? I'm assuming it is vintage.
Just a though but we have a Photonovel child board, I think it'd be cool ifwe could get a Custom Diorama child board as well, if you fine mods get the chance. :)
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Yeah, it was a vintage playset. First released around 1978-79 as the interior of the Sandcrawler, then in 1984-85 as Jabba's dungeon.
(http://www.womprat.com/images/boxed/droidfactory.JPG)
:P
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This in my opinion is one of the best pieces of work I've ever seen... Owen D's Ewok Village!
(http://www.owenscustoms.com/AAvillage5.jpg)
Check out his site, www.owenscustoms.com for more great stuff.
See any other stuff there on his site that blows your socks off?
:P
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I'll have to agree with you there. The level of realism and detail is astonishing. Evey little stick looks like it was a full size log. I remember seeing this on his site awhile back and it still never ceases to amaze me.
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This is a great thread! All of the pieces are excellent, but that sail barge is just stunning.
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Thanks Darth Anton. I think it's so cool to look at other people's work...
Here's another that I found online. I don't know who made this one either. It's supposed to be Dagobah, but the think to me that stands out is this could be a good start for a diorama for the planet Felucia where Aayla Secura is seen in ROTS -
(http://www.tnthobbies.co.uk/MPC25mmDagobahDiorama.jpg)
I think you could buy a lot of this stuff at a hobby store like Michael's for pretty cheap?
:P
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I think you could buy a lot of this stuff at a hobby store like Michael's for pretty cheap?
This is true.
They have allllllll sorts of plants and such.
Kevin
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Here's a scene that has been on my to-do list for about 8-9 years now!!!
(http://www.niubniubsuniverse.com/visitors/006Syczylo/sarlac1.jpg)
This was made by a customizer named David Syczylo - awesome job.
I think this is something I could replicate, but where's the time, and space to put it? :-\
:P
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Shelf box Diorama, Justin.
You build the shelf like a box without the front side. Build the sailbarge against the back edge, and about 3/4 of the sarlac, so you can see inside of it from the side. It would be a neat take on it.
Kevin
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Very, very cool! :o :) I'd also love to do thios one but I need some space and a skiff or two frist. ::)
Speaking of Sarlac Pit what ever happened to him? I think his name was Toni Collucci or something like that. He did 12" and I think so 3 3/4" customs and dioramas.
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(http://www.niubniubsuniverse.com/visitors/081Delpozo/01DShangar.jpg)
I used to look at this one from time to time over at www.niubniubsuniverse.com. It was made by a customizer named Luis Del Pozo.
:P
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Hi all, I registered at Chewie's request. I too am a banned soul at Rebelscum. Not to toot my own dio horn or anything, but Chewie suggested I post pics of my 2 main custom dio projects, Kashyyk and the GRIATU (which is a GI Joe USS Flagg playset). This link is to my gallery and there are a plethora of pictures in it. Any thoughts or comments are welcome.
http://www.coreplanets.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=226
I named the Flagg the GRIATU, which stands for Grand Republic In Atmosphere Transport Unit, nickname "the 66". I still have to change the deck and tower decals from 99 to 66, and remove another GI JOE sticker or two, but I think it makes a nice crossover toy. Good to be here by the way.
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Fly07, I am a huge fan of your GRIATU, in fact that was on my list of things to add to this thread. :)
:P
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Thanks man. I like it as well, and am glad to have picked it up, but I have been wishy washy at the thought of really altering it, as I have some money in it when factoring the parts I bought to complete it and the figures I traded for it in the first place. It works pretty well as it is, but I can't quite decide what to alter and with what parts to make it more Star Wars-ish. There are some pretty nice dio's in this thread all around. That droid torture chamber is going to be copied in my room I think.
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Well.... I would suggest repainting the whole thing to make it more of an Imperial Gray color... as for the "66" on it; I think it would be very cool if you made some sort of fan-fic symbols on it to represent the English version of "66" - some sort of cool symbols on it would rock. Even the Imperial logo would be nice.
:P
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Here's another that I like, from Jamie Follis -
(http://www.niubniubsuniverse.com/visitors/074Follis/03LukeGarage.jpg)
It's much better than my lame attempt -
(http://www.thecustomalliance.com/cook/larsgarage.jpg)
:P
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Don't sell yourself short CHEWIE, Jamie's diorama is excellent, obviously, but I really like your version too. I would probably try to add some junk (literally) to fill up some of the space, but I like your version. All of my dioramas are just a foamcore base, a foamcore background and lots of random paint :P
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Thanks for the kind words... and I remember seeing this behemoth on ebay a few years back...
(http://www.scottsoapbox.com/pics/stories/stardestroyer.jpg)
:P
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What the hell? Jeez that must've taken some time. How much would that have sold for on eBay?
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I can't remember... but I think it was a guy in the UK, and he wouldn't ship, he would only deliver it in person in the UK. I seem to remember the top came off and revealed a custom playset.
:P
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$1,000 for a hoth set ?
holy crap !
but really cool ;D
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Here's another Destroyer on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5983942259
(http://i24.ebayimg.com/04/i/04/64/a5/0e_1_b.JPG)
(http://i5.ebayimg.com/04/i/04/64/62/25_1_b.JPG)
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Oh My Dear GOD. That is far and away the best custom vehicle/playset I've ever seen. My Lord. Could you imagine if Hasbro actually made that, as an exclusive to TRU or some place?
:P
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OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
MMMMMYYYYYYYYY
GOOOOOD
THAT IS KILLER !
CHECK OUT THIS SITE HE HAS MORE COOL STUFF (SAME PEOPLE WHO BUILT THE STAR DESTROYER) I THINK CAUSE THEY ADV THIS SITE ON THAT SAME EBAY SALE
http://www.customzero.cl/producto.php?sku=25
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Damn, I need to keep a closer eye on this thread. Some beautiful stuff in here!
(http://www.suckadelic.com/images/page%20elements/SW%20elements/custom%20img/Torture1.jpg) (http://www.owenscustoms.com/AAvillage5.jpg)
(http://www.niubniubsuniverse.com/visitors/006Syczylo/sarlac1.jpg)
This was made by a customizer named David Syczylo - awesome job.
We know David (Boba Binks) pretty well, as he used to be a staff member here during the first year and a half of this site... ;) Cool job here on the Sarlaac dio. Hadn't seen this one before, so I wonder if he just recently finished it...?
That Star Destroyer is a thing of beauty, though obviously far too big to put on display for most collectors, I'm sure. But I'd just be happy with getting the bridge portion to set up the Bounty Hunter scene. If Hasbro would just get their ass in gear and make something like that, it'd sell like hotcakes, since it's one of the most iconic moments of the entire Saga...
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OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
MMMMMYYYYYYYYY
GOOOOOD
THAT IS KILLER !
CHECK OUT THIS SITE HE HAS MORE COOL STUFF (SAME PEOPLE WHO BUILT THE STAR DESTROYER) I THINK CAUSE THEY ADV THIS SITE ON THAT SAME EBAY SALE
http://www.customzero.cl/producto.php?sku=25
Caps Lock key. Right below the Tab key, and just above the shift key.
Thanks.
Kevin
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OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
MMMMMYYYYYYYYY
GOOOOOD
THAT IS KILLER !
CHECK OUT THIS SITE HE HAS MORE COOL STUFF (SAME PEOPLE WHO BUILT THE STAR DESTROYER) I THINK CAUSE THEY ADV THIS SITE ON THAT SAME EBAY SALE
http://www.customzero.cl/producto.php?sku=25
Caps Lock key. Right below the Tab key, and just above the shift key.
Thanks.
Kevin
CAPS WHATS THAT . O ARE YOU ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE WHO CRY ABOUT A LETTER THAT AN 8TH OF AN INCH HIGH ? LOL GET OVER IT . IM GOING CAPS FROM NOW ON LOL
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Has anyone ever seen a death star thats almost that size ? Or atleast a really big one ?
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Please don't go CAPS all the time. It gets hard to read. :-\
I actually have seen somewhere where someone made a gigantic Death Star playset. It took up about half of a room. I'll see if I can find it.
JediMAC, I remember Boba Binks! I didn't know that Skiff scene was his work!
:P
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Please don't go CAPS all the time. It gets hard to read. :-\
I actually have seen somewhere where someone made a gigantic Death Star playset. It took up about half of a room. I'll see if I can find it.
JediMAC, I remember Boba Binks! I didn't know that Skiff scene was his work!
:P
Dont worry I wont do all caps. Im just flipping some dude crap back for makin an issue out of me doing it once ..... ;D LOL
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Yeah, that Famine guy is a real creep. ;)
Just kidding. He's a good guy. Once you get to know him and understand his obsession with proper grammar, you'll fall in love with him. :-*
:P
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Staying with the Star Destroyer theme, I just wanted to share the Lego SD bridge I built for my photonovel. I'm finally happy with it. :)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/DiddlySquat/SDBase005.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/DiddlySquat/SDBase006.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/DiddlySquat/SDBase007.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/DiddlySquat/SDBase008.jpg)
I may try and add a roof later, but not for a while.
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Here's another that I like, from Jamie Follis -
(http://www.niubniubsuniverse.com/visitors/074Follis/03LukeGarage.jpg)
It's much better than my lame attempt -
(http://www.thecustomalliance.com/cook/larsgarage.jpg)
:P
I actually like yours better. The Carpet is the only thing that pulls it down, but nonetheless, very nice.
I am in the works of a Mos Eisley, Tatooine Style Town. I can't wait to get it started though. I have been gathering a lot of parts to do it.
A Hoth Diorama is Likely too. But Will take a lot of time for me, more so than the tatooine stuff.
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Diddly, that looks about perfect for a Star Destroyer bridge. Great job and I can't wait to see it in the next one of your photonovels.
Dimetrodon, I agree I need to get rid of that carpet stuff. It's actually a placemat, but it looks stupid to me now. I'm flattered that you like my version, but I think I will give it an upgrade eventually, might even make this one into a home for a certain photonovel character someday.
Hoth dioramas are cool, but always a lot of work. Can't wait to see what you come up with.
:P
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Here's another cool one from the folks at Starconstrux -
(http://www.starconstrux.de/images1/arena/arena.jpg)
(http://www.starconstrux.de/images1/arena/SIMG0028.jpg)
More pics here - http://www.starconstrux.de/index11.html
I think this is something I will attempt someday...
:P
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Wow, that Geonosian Arena looks fantastic! Man, I want one!
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This thread has sat idle too long. Here's one. It's an oldy but a goody. It's one of Owen's Death Star Gun Gun Turrets. I believe this beauty is in CHEWIE's collection now. :)
(http://www.owenscustoms.com/towerfigs2.JPG)
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Ok, here's one that some of you may not have seen yet by Mr. Owen D. I am the happy owner of this one too now.
(http://www.owenscustoms.com/comtower2.JPG)
(http://www.owenscustoms.com/comtower14.JPG)
For pics click on the link - http://www.owenscustoms.com/communicationstower.html
:P
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Whoa, Owen D does some great work! That Comm. Tower is friggin' amazing! I love the weathering paint job that he did, it looks very realistic.
Those command consoles are great too!
Is this set made entirely out of foamcore or does Owen use something else in constructing these?
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They're actually made out of styrene, so they are very sturdy - even better quality than the plastic Hasbro seems to use.
I can't recommend Owen's work enough... if anyone ever needs a custom diorama, he's the guy to contact.
:P
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I've heard about styrene - are hobby shops the only place to get that? It sounds pretty good, but I've never seen it :-\
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It appears that the smaller hobby shops are the only brick and mortar places that carry it. Here's a link to buying it online -
http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=styrene&hl=en&lr=&sa=N&tab=wf
:P
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I bought some at a HobbyTown USA. Hobby Lobby and other huge chain stores don't sell it. It is only at small model/hobby shops. You can find a list of retailiers on either of these sites.
http://www.evergreenscalemodels.com/
http://www.plastruct.com/
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Thanks for the head's up on styrene guys, I'm definitely going to look into it when I get a chance 8)
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Yeah, I saw this on Owen's site and it's damn amazing!
I'm sure we'll be seeing it a lot in the upcoming adventures of Ryrof and company!
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Yeah, I saw this on Owen's site and it's damn amazing!
I'm sure we'll be seeing it a lot in the upcoming adventures of Ryrof and company!
Yep, it will have several "homes" in the photonovel series for sure. :)
:P
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This is LEGO... but my God, it's cool!
(http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/Xerxes-Fett/Star-Wars/Star-wars-diorama/000_3003.jpg)
:P
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Now that is the first lego diorama that I really like for Star Wars.
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WOW.
I am green with envy.
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(http://www.thecustomalliance.com/newman/outpost1.jpg)
Link to more pics - http://www.thecustomalliance.com/newman/default.asp
:P
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WOW :o
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Now that is something I'd love to have. It looks like it is made out of styrene, but I cant tell for sure. I think the thing could use a bit more weathering though, it looks too new. That guy has the perfect little rock garden to put it in too. :)
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holy shisnit that is so wicked awsoooommmeeee :o
owen D does it agin
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Actually that's not by Owen, click on the link and you can see more. I've had a few people actually email me/PM me thinking Owen made it. As crazy it may sound, I think Owen would even make it look more realistic. And that's not taking anything away from this, it's breathtaking.
:P
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That's actually one of the neater customs I've seen in a while. I see all sorts of things like "oh yeah, why didn't I think of that". Very well done and finished looking but at the same time there's all sorts of things that I'd do different but that's just my style more than anything. Very neat version of the cancelled post'85 playset.
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(http://www.thecustomalliance.com/newman/outpost1.jpg)
That's actually based on an unproduced Kenner item for what would have been the continuation of the original "Power Of The Force" line.
A small image of the Kenner art department drawing can be seen here:
http://www.toysrgus.com/index.php?action=disp_item&item_id=48982
I actually plan on incorporating elements of this design into my (eventual) MASSIVE Imperial Garrison.
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Holy Shite that is one awesome looking custom building the detail is fantastic I really love the AT-AT is parked next to it.
Ron
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Mr Gary Newman deserves to work for Hasbro with that as a centerpiece of his portfolio. Amazing!
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Mr Gary Newman deserves to work for Hasbro with that as a centerpiece of his portfolio. Amazing!
Wow, first a somewhat succesfull music career* and now this!! That looks awesome.
Those of you who are on the younger side may not know, but there was an artist named Gary Newman who gained some popularity in the early to mid 80's with a song called "Cars". I think it was actually spelled differently, but I couldn't resist making a smart ass comment.
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Yeah, I first remember seeing pics of the Kenner concept of this several years ago, I think back in 1998 or so www.yakface.com had it on their front page. Ever since then it's been engraved in my memory. Such a killer idea, just a shame they couldn't have made it back then (because we all know they'll never make anything like it now).
So, my hope lies with Owen D that someday I can have the room and budget to be able to add a custom made one into my collection.
:P
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Jokabofe...I thought the same thing about his name! "It's the only way to li-ive...In cars!" Cars is one of my favorite singles of all time. Perfect 80's techno pop.
This playset is amazing. While I agree that some weathering might be cool, the solid gray tones look more like something Kenner would do.
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This is very cool - something I bet our pal Dimetrodon would love as he's into the mini figures -
(http://www.hgwalls.com/Death_Star/control_room1280x557.jpg)
I don't know who made it, but I love it. Anyone have any clue whose work it is?
:P
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No idea, but it looks great.
If anybody has a Games Workshop Store nearby and you haven't checked it out yet, GO! They make incredible custom dioramas (and figures) and you can definitely pick up some great ideas for 1:18th scale dioramas.