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Collecting => Customs => Customs Community and Group Projects => Topic started by: CHEWIE on December 27, 2005, 12:32 PM

Title: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: CHEWIE on December 27, 2005, 12:32 PM
Hi Gang - wondering what your ideas are for this?  I'd like to suggest something different to kick of the new year for January - custom playsets/dioramas!  Not that I expect anyone to come up with something like DeanPaul just did, but you never know.   ;)

My thoughts are you can make any environment you please out of foamcore this month - whether it be a Cantina, a Coruscant alleyway, some fan fic area, etc.  Whatever you want.

I can take some pics tonight as an example of a foamcore diorama I recently made, it might give people some ideas.

 :P
Title: Re: January Customizing Challenge?
Post by: Smartypants1635 on December 27, 2005, 01:13 PM
chewie pertaning to this ive pmed u an idea
Title: Re: January Customizing Challenge?
Post by: Joe on December 27, 2005, 10:57 PM
Sounds neat.....but I don't think i'll be done with my RE diorama this month.Also who ehre thinks wood beats foamcore?I just don't want my foamcore dio. falling apart in a few years.
Title: Re: January Customizing Challenge?
Post by: Ryan on December 27, 2005, 11:46 PM
You know I'm game. :)

I still think the dual month idea we had would be a good one. We have 2 months but we have to make a dio as well as a figure for it.
Title: Re: January Customizing Challenge?
Post by: Joe on December 28, 2005, 10:50 AM
Yea that sounds pretty cool too.Can we make multiple figures for it?
Title: Re: January Customizing Challenge?
Post by: CHEWIE on December 28, 2005, 11:40 AM
There is no limit to how many figures you make for it!   ;)

I'll have pics of one that I made recently that might help give a few ideas for anyone who hasn't used foamcore before (it's used in the latest photonovel that I just posted).

 :P
Title: Re: January Customizing Challenge?
Post by: Kit Fisto on December 28, 2005, 03:12 PM
I've been inspired by work of guys like The Spectre. Can we do (in the months to come) customs of cross overs. Difirent universes crossed? SW with GI Joe, or Star Wars with Superheros maybe? Something like the Amalgam age of comics, where DC and Marvel heroes merged into a new hero or villian? Maybe we can do that with Star Wars as well.
Title: Re: January Customizing Challenge?
Post by: Vator on December 28, 2005, 03:32 PM
I'm game for this, supposing my work load for the begining of the new semester is light.
Title: Re: January Customizing Challenge?
Post by: Commander_Miseria on December 28, 2005, 10:04 PM
Hows about we do after ROTS Rebels and Imperials???

Like Ben aged a bit, the corellian troops like chewie's, stormies and clones with different modification, young luke skywalker??

anyone game for this??  8)
Title: Re: January Customizing Challenge?
Post by: Famine on December 28, 2005, 10:20 PM
I'm game for a playset, but does it have to be foamcore?

Kevin
Title: Re: January Customizing Challenge?
Post by: CHEWIE on December 28, 2005, 11:56 PM
Sounds good to me on whatever troops/figures anyone wants to add.  I think that the more variety, the better - which is why I love the freedom in these Customizing Challenges.  So much fun. 

I am updating now to reflect my example of how to make a foamcore diorama - and it doesn't have to be foamcore, whatever materials you want to use are fine.

FOAMCORE MODULAR DIORAMA

Base Piece -

(http://chewie34.250free.com/122805BasePiece.jpg)

First of all, I used a large piece of foamcore and painted it, burned it some, and cut other shapes for debris and hot glued them on.



Wall #1 -

(http://chewie34.250free.com/122805WallOne.jpg)

Then for the primary wall, I made two sides to it, making it a 3-dimensional piece for durability and realism, glued the pieces together and painted/weathered/added greeblies to it.



Wall # 2 -

(http://chewie34.250free.com/122805WallTwo.jpg)

Used the same technique as Wall #1, but wanted to keep the same length but different heights, adding variety but making them stackable to create more possible looks to them.  Both sides painted again for more possibilities.



Wall Bellies -

(http://chewie34.250free.com/122805WallBellies.jpg)

Then here is an underside shot to show that they have a built in support system for durability.  Remember to use a glue gun heavy here where you can't see the glue.



Warehouse -

(http://chewie34.250free.com/122805Warehouse.jpg)

Just a small building added for effect.



Modular Shot -

(http://chewie34.250free.com/122805Modular.jpg)

And a random setup with the pieces.  Could be used in many different ways.


Hope this helps give some ideas!

 :P

Title: Re: January Customizing Challenge - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: CHEWIE on January 1, 2006, 04:59 PM
Ok, new month, new year - and new Challenge!

We discussed this in a couple other threads too, and I got a few PM's and emails about this, so we're going with the diorama/playset theme for January.

The suggestion has been brought up too that this should be a 2-month challenge to give more time.  So, if that's the case, then I'll challenge myself and everyone else for this - if it's two months, make two things - try and show one at the end of January if you can - I'll for sure do that.

In additon to this, if you want to make a custom figure or two for your diorama, by all means do that too!

So, any ideas on this guys?  I'm planning on making something for my photonovel series for the January portion, for February I am either going to remake my entire Cantina from scratch, or create a Mustafar playset that I hope will be a lot better than Hasbro's version.

 :P
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: Nirvana on January 1, 2006, 05:24 PM
I got started on this already- I'm working on an Interrogation Room for my photonovel. I have the wall, chain and prisoner done, I just need to find a properly scaled chair, and make a Foamcore floor and walls.
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: BrentS on January 1, 2006, 05:42 PM
Since I'm new to this site.  I've just started looking around.  How long do these monthly customizing challenges run.  I've never made a diorama but this may inspire me to start one.
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: CHEWIE on January 1, 2006, 06:01 PM
Brent, what we usually do is start on the first day of the month, then you have 30 days - we have a lot of freedom to make whatever we want, however we want, and can show in-progress pictures if we choose.

This one will run until the end of February, and a new catergory will start in March.

Hope you join in on the fun, and here's some past months that we did for reference -

http://www.jedidefender.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=9091.0

 :P
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: CHEWIE on January 3, 2006, 09:46 PM
Here's a quick WIP update on my project for this month.

(http://chewie34.250free.com/010306foamcoredioramatop.jpg)

(http://chewie34.250free.com/010306foamcoredioramabelly.jpg)

The top piece has Vader in it to show the size of the base piece.  There will be modular walls added to it.

The bottom pic shows the belly of the diorama, there are several supports given to it and a frame too, to keep the diorama from warping.

More to come soon hopefully!

 :P
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: Ryan on January 6, 2006, 02:45 AM
I just made up a very rough sketch of my Strip Club/Cantina tonight.

(http://sithlordchaos.250free.com/strip.jpg)

I'm going to throw up a few holoscreens behind the main bar so that the patrons can catch up on the podracing and stuff. I think I'l try and make another stripper or two and a barender, and 2 bouncers. It will be about 21" wide by 11" deep by 11" tall.

CHEWIE you are off to a really good start, any clue to what it will be? I think you told me but I forgot already. I love that other modular dio, the weathering is great. It is pefrect for multiple CW settings.
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: CHEWIE on January 6, 2006, 10:47 AM
Ryan, that is outstanding looking!  What a cool design and idea.  As for mine, I'm going to be making it into a base for the Badoo Corba for the next Rykrof Enloe photonovel.

 :P
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: Jeff on January 6, 2006, 11:00 AM
A couple things -

1.  Between being sick and the holiday schedule, I didn't have a chance to pimp out the Rebel Troopers challenge ending until today.  Sorry about that.   :-[  Back on track I hope this month...

2.  OK, I'd really like to participate this time, but I have NEVER attempted anything like this before, so be prepared for lots of newbie dio-building questions...  :P

3.  Ryan, I like where your set is headed...  ;)
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: CHEWIE on January 6, 2006, 11:06 AM
Jeff, thanks for the front page mention, I always hope that will attract a new member or two to try out customizing with us.

On the foamcore, it's pretty easy to work with, at least shaping it is.  I would say make sure you have a nice workspace to make some cuts on it with some exacto knifes (maybe an old junk table) and a hot glue gun for starters.  And of course a ruler to make measurements. 

 :P
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: Darth_Ennis on January 6, 2006, 05:52 PM
Im not entirely sure Im ready for this yet, but with 2 months to do it I may end up participating. The strip club idea sounds great I cant wait to see it when its done. And yes I am ashamed of myself because of it. ;D
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: bocrebjedi on January 6, 2006, 11:47 PM
Not sure if I'll have time to participate in this one, but I might at least start on some diorama ideas I have and show my wip.

My idea is to use wood bases which would be able to connect to one another.
                        (peg)  _ ___l    (peg)
                                     l     l
                                     l__ l_   (peg)   
                         (peg)   l 

That's a general diagram of the base and peg layout.  The wood would be 2'x2' squares.
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: Ryan on January 7, 2006, 06:47 AM
I got most of the foam core cut tonight, including two of those curvy stage pieces, they were pretty tough to get them right. I had to print out the arcs on 4 seperate pices of paper and tape them together then onto the foamcore. Then I cut around that line with a really sharp blade. With a little sanding I was able to get it really close to the right shape. My early size estimate turned out to be reall far off. It is going to be quite a bit bigger. It now measures 34" wide by 20" deep and is 12" tall. Tomorrow should be a good day, I can just sit back watch some football while I build a strip club, everyguy's dream. ;)

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone else's entries. Remember these don't have to be huge, mini-dioramas work just as well. :)

We need a group vote. Do we make this a 2 Month challenge, or just a single month? All in favor 2 months vote Yay, all against vote nay.
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: CHEWIE on January 7, 2006, 06:54 PM
Darth_Ennis - Take your time buddy, whatever you do is fine, but I hope you can add something to it.  I always enjoy your work.

bocrebjedi - Hopefully you can contribute too, I'm really looking forward to hopefully seeing you come up with something.

Ryan - Wow, your strip club is going to be cool.  Are you going to make any strippers for it I hope?  Dumb question probably.   ;)

As for a 1 vs. 2 month project, I get the feeling most people want to make it a 2-month deal.  That's fine with me, but I will most likely make two projects then, one for each month. 

How about this - make it a 2 month project, with an intermission at the middle - you should show at the end of January what you have done.  If you are complete by then and you are up for it, make something else for February and you can be twice as cool.   8)

 :P
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: Ryan on January 7, 2006, 07:03 PM

As for a 1 vs. 2 month project, I get the feeling most people want to make it a 2-month deal.  That's fine with me, but I will most likely make two projects then, one for each month. 

How about this - make it a 2 month project, with an intermission at the middle - you should show at the end of January what you have done.  If you are complete by then and you are up for it, make something else for February and you can be twice as cool.   8)

 :P

Works for me. :)

I've still got my Stripper from the first month of the CCC, and I'll try and make another couple, esspecially since this is a double month. I'm going to try and make a Bartender, and a bouncer or two as well if I have time. :)
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: Ryan on January 8, 2006, 05:13 PM
I've only been working on this dio for 3 days now, and I've already spent $60 on it. :-X

I decided that I could spend a little more than I should on it, so I bought a big sheet of red velvet today to use as carpet. I also bought some Chrome paint for the stage, as well as some brass tubing to use for the poles.

I've almost got the prefab done, I just have to finish assembling the stage and glue on the back wall and one side wall, Then I can begin painting and building the bar stools, booths, "TVs," and all the stuff behind the bar.

Does anyone know the best way to attatch the velvet to foamcore without the glue showing through?
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: Smartypants1635 on January 8, 2006, 10:07 PM
hmmm well u could apply a small amount of hot glue to the surfaces your attaching anf the you could shave it off wiht an exacto when it cools.

 or you could use a small amount of hot glue and connect them at a seam where itll never see the light of day
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: BrentS on January 8, 2006, 10:56 PM
I'm thinking about building a small backdrop diorama set-up using form core.  However, I don't already own a glue gun and I'm not sure I want to invest.  Do you guys have any luck with regular superglue or elmers glue?  What else would you recommend?
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: Ryan on January 8, 2006, 11:20 PM
I'm thinking about building a small backdrop diorama set-up using form core.  However, I don't already own a glue gun and I'm not sure I want to invest.  Do you guys have any luck with regular superglue or elmers glue?  What else would you recommend?

You can actually get a decent glue gun fro $10 or less, it is a handy thing to have.
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: Joe on January 9, 2006, 04:25 PM
yeah,I got my glue gun hobby knife and extra blades all together for less than 20$.
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: CHEWIE on January 10, 2006, 12:13 AM
I would go with the glue gun - it's well worth the investment.  And it will save you hours of workl.  Many, many hours and will make your life easier. 

Anyways, I finished mine tonight.  I would have waited, but since this is a two month thing, and some people are new at these, I felt it best to post something right away.  I'll probably make 1-2 more before the end of February.

It's modular and I might make a few more changes to it.  Here is is with some figures populating it.  Remember it's modular so it can be arranged in many different ways, kind of like modulal movie sets as essentially it's for a photonovel.

(http://chewie34.250free.com/011006foamcorediorama.jpg)

 :P
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: Ryan on January 10, 2006, 12:46 AM
Wow that turned out great! The weathering is excellent. The greeblies on the tower look very nice as well. So what else do you have planned for your other dios?
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: CHEWIE on January 10, 2006, 10:34 AM
Thanks Ryan.  Since it's modular, and essentially a "temporary" diorama, there may be some changes to it.  The back sides of the walls still need to be designed and painted so they can be switched around.  Think of it more as a cheap movie set.   ;)

For my next one, I won't start it for a few weeks probably.  I'm not sure if I want to redo my cantina, or possibly Jabba's Palace, or maybe instead Mos Eisely.  I want to do a movie scene though.

 :P
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: Nirvana on January 10, 2006, 03:50 PM
Well, I just finsished spraypainting my foamcore 194th bunker. Not really sure what it's use is, it's more of a practice one on account of it's the first. It's drying, and I still have to add accesories/weathering, etc.

EDIT**- Here it is:

Here's a diorama and my entry for the Custom Challenge. It's my first ever, built out of Fome-cor.


The bunker is called the Portable Armored Command Center (PACC) and can be brought into battle by an LAAT, the ones used to carry the AT-TE's in combat.
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a137/masterchief66/DB1.jpg)
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a137/masterchief66/DB2.jpg)
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a137/masterchief66/DB3.jpg)


Well, I hope you like it. LMK what you think, all comments are appreciated. Thanks for looking.
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: BrentS on January 12, 2006, 09:22 PM
Okay, you've convinced me that I need to invest in a glue gun.  I went to Michael's and there were several models.  What is recommended - "Full Size" or "Mini"  (both gun size and glue size) also Cordless or Corded.  What do you think???  Thanks
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: Ryan on January 12, 2006, 09:26 PM
I use a full size, corded. That's what I prefer, the glue sticks are bigger and last longer, it doesn't need batteries. Mine is also a dual heat so Ican set it for high or low, I like that a lot as well, because I can change the heat dependeing on the material.
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: Ryan on January 12, 2006, 09:36 PM
Nirvana, I love the little bunker. I like the accessories you got out front but perhaps you can replace them with something less "earthy"?  The weathering looks pretty good, perhaps you could add some carbon scoring with a lighter?

This will definitely look great in some of your stories. :)
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: Joe on January 14, 2006, 02:10 PM
My little mustafu playset using foam core and the ahsbro play set it finished and needs to be painted....I should have pics up in a day or 2.
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: Ryan on January 19, 2006, 04:57 PM
So is anyone else working on anything?

I've got most of the base coats of paint done. I've got the little outside portion all done. I put on some spray texture, knocked it down, primed it, and gave it a base coat of taupe (tanish concrete-like color.) Then I gave it a black wash to help highlight the texture. I've got the interior walls painted, they might need another coat though. I also got my stage all chromed out, I didn't quite dust the surface good enough before I painted so there are some speckels, which kinda sucks. I'm going to try and get my carpeting cut and glue in the next few days. I've been working on the Tables and the booths, for the privacy booths, the tables are made out of styrene and the booths have a foamcore frame and sculpey cushions. I can't decide what to do for the barstools. i have some wooden dowels that would work well for the post, I just need to find something for seat. I don't know if I want to make 18 individually or make about 3 and cast them...
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: Famine on January 19, 2006, 07:40 PM
Film canister lids! Go to your local school or photo-lab, and see about obtaining them from a class or just as garbage.

Kevin
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: Jayson on January 19, 2006, 09:29 PM
I am taking a stab at this challenge…

The trade federation scene when Qui-Gon & Obi-Wan confront the droidekas and attempt to burn through the door… WIP pictures soon.

 ;)
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: BrentS on January 19, 2006, 11:26 PM
If I can find the time, I make try something small.  I'm really just looking for a backdrop that I can use to take pictures of my customs against.  I'd love to take a crack at the Jedi Council Chamber, but seeing how I've never worked with foam core (or any other diorama material) I'm not ready to dive into a project quite that large  :)
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: CHEWIE on January 26, 2006, 12:09 PM
You know, this was on my "to do" list eventually.  But it seems like Pride Displays is doing something good here that Hasbro's missed the boat on.  I hope those "rock" pieces are removable on the sides, it looks like they are, as is the front Mustafar piece.

(http://www.action-figure.com/events/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=10100&g2_serialNumber=1)

 :P
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: Ruprecht on January 26, 2006, 12:40 PM
Quote
I can't decide what to do for the barstools. i have some wooden dowels that would work well for the post, I just need to find something for seat. I don't know if I want to make 18 individually or make about 3 and cast them..

Some craft stores have hole punchers strong enough and large enough to punch a hole in styrene up to .040" thick.  That way you'd get a nice, clean circle or square shaped seat.  You usually find the hole punchers in the scrapbooking section.
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: Mister Skeezler on January 27, 2006, 01:44 PM
When is the deadline for this project?
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: Ryan on January 27, 2006, 04:37 PM
When is the deadline for this project?

The end of February, but you are supposed to post any progress shots or any finished shots you have by then end of January. :)
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: Mister Skeezler on January 28, 2006, 05:52 PM
Here's a teaser/in-progress shot of my diorama. I have lighting to install, and paint details to do....and a little more plaster work.

(http://www.politisdesign.com/Images/LandotheScoundrel.jpg)
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: Ryan on January 28, 2006, 06:14 PM
 :o

That is looking GREAT so far Lando! The grating looks very cool. I'm really excited to see the final results of this one. :)
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: BrentS on January 28, 2006, 06:45 PM
Holy crap, that looks awesome.  You are being a tease by only putting such a small picture up! :)
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: CHEWIE on January 29, 2006, 05:46 PM
Lando, that looks awesome... is it the same one you've been talking about for a while (coffee table)?

 :P
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: Mister Skeezler on January 29, 2006, 08:08 PM
Lando, that looks awesome... is it the same one you've been talking about for a while (coffee table)?

 :P

Yes! Unfortunately, I hadn't had time to work on it for a long time. I figured this was the perfect motivation for me.
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: CHEWIE on January 30, 2006, 10:53 AM
Damn right it is!  I've been looking forward to seeing this from you for... oh, about two years I think!   ;)

 :P
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: CHEWIE on February 7, 2006, 02:45 PM
Hopefully tonight I can post something on this... not something I made, but a really cool Mygeeto bridge made from foamcore that I bought.  Might help inspire a few people.

 :P
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: Jayson on February 8, 2006, 08:50 PM
I am taking a stab at this challenge…

The trade federation scene when Qui-Gon & Obi-Wan confront the droidekas and attempt to burn through the door… WIP pictures soon.

 ;)

Here is the WIP shot…

(http://www.yakface.com/jayson/customs/e1diorama.jpg)

Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: BrentS on February 8, 2006, 11:27 PM
Wow that is looking very good.  What did you use for the force shields around the droideka?
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: Jayson on February 9, 2006, 06:10 AM
I picked them up from a craft store, they are irridescent spheres that split in two so you can fill them with candy or something. There is also a little tab on them so you could hang it like an Xmas ornament. The store I bought them from had different diameters, too. (this was the largest).

They also have one's without the irridescent coating, so I'm using the next size smaller  to make custom "gunner pods" for the Republic Gunships.  ;D



Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: CHEWIE on February 9, 2006, 10:40 AM
Wow, wow, wow,!  Now this is looking spectacular.  What a great looking Federation bridge hallway section.  This is something I really am envious of.  Outstanding and it's very real looking already.

 :P
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: CHEWIE on February 10, 2006, 01:24 AM
Ok, the goal is on Sunday for me to get my next diorama done...

 :P
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: Ryan on February 13, 2006, 12:24 AM
Jay you are off to an excellent start. I can't wait to see the finished product. I really like the molten steel effect. And the sheilding is genuis for the DD.

I finally took some quiick WIP shots of the strip club. I've got most of the painting done, I do still have a few little touchups here and there I have to do. Most of the blue you see on the walls is going to be covered soon anyways. I still have to attach the second level stage, put the poles in and attach the side and back walls. Then all I have to do is furnish it. Here are a few quick shots:

(http://sithlordchaos.250free.com/PICT0047.JPG)

(http://sithlordchaos.250free.com/PICT0048.JPG)

(http://sithlordchaos.250free.com/PICT0049.JPG)

(http://sithlordchaos.250free.com/PICT0050.JPG)

(http://sithlordchaos.250free.com/PICT0051.JPG)

Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: CHEWIE on February 13, 2006, 01:01 PM
This is really, really cool Ryan.  I can tell a lot of work has gone into this!  I really love the patio section/entrance.  That really gives it a realistic feel to it, and the painting of the exterior is fantastic.

As for the interior, I like it a lot.  The design is wonderful and reminds me of a bar setting totally.  The color might be a bit more vibrant than I'd expect, maybe instead of red, some sort of darker maroon or even a purple would look more like a shady stripper establishment.  But either way I love this.  I can't wait to see it completed and populated with figures!  Especially that cool little stripper stage.

My next project for this will begin this week... I am going to have my work cut out for me.

 :P
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: Ryan on February 13, 2006, 02:31 PM
This is really, really cool Ryan.  I can tell a lot of work has gone into this!  I really love the patio section/entrance.  That really gives it a realistic feel to it, and the painting of the exterior is fantastic.

As for the interior, I like it a lot.  The design is wonderful and reminds me of a bar setting totally.  The color might be a bit more vibrant than I'd expect, maybe instead of red, some sort of darker maroon or even a purple would look more like a shady stripper establishment.  But either way I love this.  I can't wait to see it completed and populated with figures!  Especially that cool little stripper stage.

My next project for this will begin this week... I am going to have my work cut out for me.

 :P

Thanks Chewie. That's kind of what I was going for, but the paint decieved me, and wasn't as dark as the cap showed it was. :-\ I may give it a darker coat, cause I agree that would probably look better. I did  light it kind of funny, it actually isn't quite that brite and vibrant, but it is still a little brighter than it probably should be.
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: P-Siddy on February 15, 2006, 10:18 PM
Jay, thanks for the heads-up on your progress of your Trade Fed. diarama! That is awesome what you've done with the Droideka. Can't wait to see the finished product!
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: CHEWIE on February 20, 2006, 11:19 AM
Wow, I really need to get in gear to get my next one done.  Crap.

 :P
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: Ryan on February 20, 2006, 04:21 PM
So does anyone else have any progress shots? :)
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: Jayson on February 20, 2006, 04:24 PM
a little tease...  ;)

(http://www.yakface.com/jayson/customs/dioramatease.jpg)

(http://www.yakface.com/jayson/customs/dioramatease2.jpg)
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: BrentS on February 20, 2006, 04:30 PM
JediJayBird - that looks great!  How much more is there to actually finish?!?!  BTW, I love the effects of the Testors spray paint in the background  ;D
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: Jayson on February 20, 2006, 04:33 PM
BTW, I love the effects of the Testors spray paint in the background  ;D
It was added in the Special Edition  ;D

There's quite a bit left actually... the floor, ceiling and paint/weathering deco on the "set" even if I don't finish it by the end of the month, I'll finish it eventually.
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: CHEWIE on February 20, 2006, 06:12 PM
Oh My God!  You've really, really outdone anything I was hoping I could do on this.  Wow, I feel like I'm looking at a movie set here.  This is fantastic.  Can't wait to see it done...

 :P
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: Jayson on February 20, 2006, 06:16 PM
Thanks, I am printing my floor panel right now.

I have a poster printer at work, perfect for projects like this - floor dimensions: 22" x 28"  :o
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: Jayson on February 20, 2006, 08:04 PM
Update: Now with floor & more carnage!

(http://www.yakface.com/jayson/customs/diorama1.jpg)

(http://www.yakface.com/jayson/customs/diorama2.jpg)

(http://www.yakface.com/jayson/customs/diorama3.jpg)

(http://www.yakface.com/jayson/customs/diorama6.jpg)

 :)
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: Jeff on February 21, 2006, 11:05 AM
(Jeff makes a mental note of what to steal the first, and most likely last, time he is invited over to Jayson's house to see his new Star Wars Shelf set-up)

Wow, Jayson, this is sooo cool.  You know you are going to have to have us all over to show this thing off once it's done.  ;)


 
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: Jayson on February 21, 2006, 11:32 AM
Thanks, it's turning out quite well  :)

I'll have the "clan" over for sure sometime to check out some of the goodies.
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: Darth_Ennis on February 21, 2006, 11:37 AM
You know it figures. Here we have had 2 whole months to work on this. We get to the final week when I havent a hope in hell of completing it on time....and  NOW I get an Idea for dio. Man, I suck!!  >:(  ???
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: Jayson on February 21, 2006, 11:39 AM
What's the idea?
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: Dan on February 21, 2006, 11:51 AM
Wow, first time I have ventured into this thread, and... wow. These are some great looking set-ups, and Jay you are a damn action-figure artist. Very impressive...
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: Jayson on February 21, 2006, 11:52 AM
Wow, first time I have ventured into this thread, and... wow. These are some great looking set-ups, and Jay you are a damn action-figure artist. Very impressive...

Thanks, the best part was hacking up those ****** EI Battle Droids and painting them to look as if sliced by lightsabers! Fun stuff  ;D
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: Dhivael on February 21, 2006, 01:55 PM
amazing & Very Cool! i love the amount or detail you paid attention to.
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: Jeff on February 23, 2006, 09:52 AM
2.  OK, I'd really like to participate this time, but I have NEVER attempted anything like this before, so be prepared for lots of newbie dio-building questions...  :P

Wow, did I not even try this time.  My life has been so hectic the last few months, my little Diorama Plan is just sitting there pretty much in the same shape it was 6 weeks weeks ago.   :-\

Ah well, I guess I'll press on and hopefully have it done by the next time we get back to this topic.   :P
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: CHEWIE on February 26, 2006, 01:15 AM
I know how you feel Jeff... I better make some serious progress tomorrow.

 :P
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: Ryan on February 26, 2006, 01:41 AM
I've made some good progress today. I got the poles installed as well as the walls. And it has been repainted so it isn't so bright.

All that is left is to furnish it. :)
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: Ryan on February 26, 2006, 05:38 AM
We've only got 3 days left, I kne it was getting towards the end of the month but damn. February flew by quick. I better get working these next few days.
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: CHEWIE on February 27, 2006, 01:01 AM
Well I worked on this ALL DAY.  It was a pain in the ass but now I'm glad it's done.  I wouldn't think something like this would take so long but it did.  For some upcoming photonovels I need more sets made so I worked on this one, a room that could be used for just about anything inside a Coruscant building.

(http://chewie34.250free.com/022706modularone.jpg)

parts used -

frame - wood (a mail file box to be exact)
foamcore - for support walls
basel wood - for the lower parts of the walls to make them appear thicker
textured posterboard - for the floor and the red walls
tacky glue and hot glue - to hold things together

After it was done, I was more happy with it that I feared I would be as I was expecting a disaster, with damn phone ringing all day, my dogs running around like crazy, and one of my friends wanting to have a drink.  Grrrr.  But I got it done. 

Here's an example or two of what it could be used for -

(http://chewie34.250free.com/022706modulartwo.jpg)

(http://chewie34.250free.com/022706modularthree.jpg)

I hope tomorrow now to be able to work on another figure for the Clone Wars Group Project.

 :P
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: Ryan on February 27, 2006, 05:11 AM
For something rather simple looking that turned out really good. It really looks like it would fit in on Coruscant. I think you should be able to get lots of mileage out of it too. Just by changing the furniture around a bit you can make it look like a completely different room. Nice work Justin. :)
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: CHEWIE on February 27, 2006, 11:37 AM
Thanks Ryan.  Yeah it looks really simple but for some reason was a lot more difficult and time consuming that the other little sets, since those don't need to try and have a clean look to them or nice dimensions.  With places like Coruscant, Kamino and Bespin it seems as though eveything needs to look perfect or it looks sloppy!  You're right, I can move different pieces of furniture around in it to give it a fresh look and with the "lip" wall border, I can even make removable wall fixtures.

 :P
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: Ryan on February 28, 2006, 03:09 AM
Well crap. I'm going to be a few days late for sure. I had a basketball game tonight, then I was dead tired and I didn't get any work done. I also have a take home essy test due Thursday so I've got to do that tomorrow night.  Hopefully by the end of the weekend I should be done. :-\
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: CHEWIE on February 28, 2006, 03:17 AM
We can forgive you for slacking I suppose.   ::)

Just kidding of course.  Take your time, this one was two months but heck these things, especially dioramas take longer than expected usually.  Personal stuff comes first and foremost.   :)

 :P
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: tykrazen on February 28, 2006, 10:14 AM
I actually get to particpate on a project with everyone here -- I've finished this in January, but my life has gotten so crazy, I never had a chance to post it, until now!  It's more of a display than a playset but I needed a single shelf design for my Clone Wars figures.  I had been trying to keep them all carded, but since Hasbro decided to include "new" sculpts in 3 packs, it ruined my display plans.

(http://www.thejawa.com/customs/tykrazen/cwdisplay1.JPG)
(http://www.thejawa.com/customs/tykrazen/cwdisplay2.JPG)
(http://www.thejawa.com/customs/tykrazen/cwdisplay3.JPG)
(http://www.thejawa.com/customs/tykrazen/cwdisplay4.JPG)

I wanted something that conveyed unique locations from the Clone Wars cartoon, but still created a unified look across the set.  This is one of my few projects using foamcore (I typically prefer wood) but given the printed images, it seemed like the best material.
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: BrentS on February 28, 2006, 02:31 PM
tykrazen - I love the CW display.  I may steal this idea for my son's room.  We painted his room with Toon style SW characters.  I've also recently dug out all my animated figures and decided to open them to display in his room.  My wife won't let me have a SW room for me, but his room is fair game!


I never got to trying my hand at a Diorama.  I really need to break into this.  I've got some simple backdrops that I would need for the photonovel I'm mulling around.  Ah, so many ideas, so little time....

I'm looking forward to seeing everyones finished products!!
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: CHEWIE on February 28, 2006, 08:10 PM
Tykrazen, as simple as that might look, it's awesome... I really can't think of a much better way to display the Animated figures.  You need to try and convince Glassman to cast an animated Roron Cobb and Padme for you.   ;)

I like the overall look of this a lot, it really captures the feel of the cartoon.  Makes me wonder why they didn't make a cartoon version of Palpatine, a Battle Droid and Padme.

 :P
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: tykrazen on March 1, 2006, 09:40 AM
Thanks for the compliments.  When I do finally get back to having free time again and can return to the site, I intend to post the plans and necessary image files for this display at theJawa for others to use.

As for Glassman's Roron I've already been talking with him :).  Pitty this is the first one he didn't create molds for his head sculpt.

As for the skipped characters, I think it was a risky line for Hasbro to create and given their desire to keep it a contained line, it's hard to find room to add those other figures.  Although I really wanted some battledroids.
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: Darth_Anton on March 3, 2006, 09:37 AM
Chewie, first let me start by saying that I'm so glad you came over here. You've done wonders to the custom community.

As for the Diaromas, there's some fantasitc stuff. Jaybird, your set peice is amazing. It's like the movie set to figures. Chewie, blue foam core? That's cool. Ty, that's just a cool set.
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: CHEWIE on March 3, 2006, 09:57 AM
Thanks Anton, that's very nice of you.  I have worked hard to try and get more members in this section and it's a lot of other people too (including the staff) that have helped a lot, like Darth Delicious, Sith Lord Chaos, Phruby, Gregorbian, Hemble, Darth Nirvana, and many others.  I'm just happy to be part of it.   :)

 :P
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: Nirvana on March 3, 2006, 10:28 PM
I was suprised to see that there were only 4 entries in this month. I thought more people were doing it. Anyways, that was a good challenge, and everyone that made one did an awesome job on them. I commend you.
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Months 9-10 - DIORAMAS/PLAYSETS
Post by: Ryan on March 4, 2006, 12:13 AM
Well only 4 our complete so far. I hopefully should be done by the end of the weekend. And I think Jay was almost done with his. It'll be updated here shortly. ;)