Link to photo album. Here is an image of a 5e D&D Black Dragon, mostly unchanged since 1e AD&D.
I may try to add a comb atop this Dragon's head to truly sell it as an AD&D Black Dragon. That is really the only thing that detracts from it being a decent representation of a Black Chromatic Dragon.
I snipped off the horns from both sides of the toy Dragon's head, using a wire cutter tool -- neat, clean, fast, accurate and efficient. I also used a Pin Vise (a Welder's small hand drill) to make very small holes into the plastic head, as well as the cut off horns; I inserted a small, stiff brass wire into the drilled holes, mating them together, which allows me to turn the horns as desired. In the case of an AD&D Black Dragon, I needed the horns to be parallel to the head and jaws, as this is the characteristic position on a Black Dragon.
In the photos, the horns are dry fitted, as I have not yet applied glue to hold them permanently in position. That will be done very soon. I will be using E6000 Premium Industrial Strength Contact Adhesive to both re-attach them in their new position, but I will also use this glue to fill in any gaps, before painting. The E6000 Premium has a reputation for working with HDPE/LDPE plastics, which are notorious for not allowing any glue/epoxy to adhere to them with any genuine strength. It takes up to 72 hours to gain full strength, so I will have to wait three days before I paint the model in its primary color, Black. After that is accomplished, I will begin painting the bits and bobs which are not black in color. I will then mount the painted figure on a base and add it to my gaming collection.
I discovered that these toy Dragon figures are, in fact, hollow! I noticed that each one had a tag inserted into a hole in their tail area. Upon removing one, I saw that the tail was hollow.
When I drilled the holes into the sides of the Dragon's head, my drill penetrated into hollow space within the head itself. This makes sense as the more plastic used to make the figures, the more they would cost to produce, and the heavier they would be. Just an FYI in case you are interested in buying these for yourself.
The hollow Dragon models are quire sturdy and strong, even though their interiors are hollow. It is not an issue with using them for RPG gaming, or miniature gaming. I plan to use mine for both hobbies. They will withstand plenty of handling, even rough handling, without damage. These are intended to be played with, by children, after all.
More updates will follow as progress is made. Cheers!
