"My New Project" Topic

Ok, so I really don't know where to post this. So I apologize for any annoying crossposts.

A few days ago, I posted TMP link about my discoragement with suddenly failing eyesight and medication-induced shakiness that is preventing me from completing my 28mm projects. And I briefly discussed my decision to move on to action figure scale, 1:18 or 100mm scale.

So I have been refurbishing some old toys, buying cheapies at the dollar store for replacement guns, and generally staring at the far side of my childhood and feeling that warm glow of unchannelled creativity well up inside my head. But staring at toys doesn't really scratch that itch to build or paint, so I decided to start work on a project I had first intended for 15mm, later for 28mm, and is now finally being realized with my toys.

For anyone who has paid attention to me over the years (I am not surprised if the total is less than one) I have a bit of an obsession with the Fithp, the alien invaders from the Niven-Pournelle novel "Footfall." So, I have repurposed a toy elephant that was going to be my orc war machine, chopped it up a bit, and am resculpting significant portions of the head. And, because this is part of my action figure collecton, I am adding some points of articulation; the head will move from side to side, the trunks will spin to either hold the gun I will build or look relaxed, and it will have some removeable gear.

One of the nice things about working with modelling putty at this scale is that I can largely just use my fingers dipped in water to shape and smooth it, and fingernails for a lot of detail work.

I hope to be posting some WIP pics soon.

Thank you all for reading. And special thanks to those of you who have been extra supportive :-)

Great to read you are soldiering on despite medical challenges. I shifted to 40mm for similar reason and found plenty still to occupy me..maybe too much.Its the grey matter that's important! Your project sounds great. Big things often impress at conventions and you will probably end up adding detail anyway…i look forward to photos.

I too am looking forward to seeing your work.I admire anyone who can sculpt – it's a skill I don't have. Be sure to keep us up to date!

Here's what it is looking like so far… not much to look at right now, but you can see where the front of the body has been extended to fit inside the enlarged back of the head, and the base for on trunk is finished. Waiting for this stuff to dry is the hardest part!

link

Good luck. You might need one of those with a leg raised--trying to "accept" the surrender of a human.

Rob

will be interesting to see how they come out

I think this is great. It proves that you can't keep a good gamer down!

Hopefully more pictures tonight, I am going to be drilling later to test the head articulation. I am still stuck on what I want to do for the ears… like deer? Cats? Wolves?

why not Rabbit ears it would be rather apt! I think we all take it for granted until something stop's us doing what we love, I know when I cut my thumb down to the bone it put me out of action for a while, I did what I could but it was very limited, blocking colours in and such but no detail work. I am sure what ever you turn your hand to you will succeed at, I enjoy seeing your posts. So here's to a speedy recovery and the fortitude to over come any and all obstacles placed in your way.
all the best cheers Russ

Great that you're soldering on, and I see no reason that you can't play enjoyable skirmish games at thus scale – let's face it, we all did as kids!
My eyesight has also suffered badly from medication and illness, and I got the shakes pretty bad too (it's a bit better now, but still irritating compared to my previous steady hand). I've found an optivisor to be a great help, and regular practice can calm the shakes somewhat – lifedrawing helped me.
There are lots of great figures at your new scale to be cut up, converted and repurposed. I think it'll bve an exciting venture and please do keep us updated – all power to you, man!