Koralon Hydra Diary

DAY 11

Today I finally finished the tail! I needed to blend the body of the tail in with the spiky ridge so that it didn't look like it was just stuck on. This also provided the ridge with some support, thickening it up so that it won't be too thin and weak when cast in resin. The tail now has a nice sweep to it and I can't wait to see it painted. The end of the tail keys in nicely to the main part, so now I am free to begin work on the upper torsos.

The first job was to give a final check to the positions of the bodies. I decided to simplify the poses rather than trying to be too clever. They will be almost symmetrical, but the different weapons and arm positions will prevent it from looking too 'stiff.' I then began the work of thickening up the bodies in preparation for the final layers. Even as I bulked up the torsos the balance of the model began to shift. Up until now they had looked very long and spindly, but as they bulk up they will balance the powerful main torso.

While waiting for the upper torsos to harden, I worked on the 'earth-like' texture on the base. Applying a thin layer of putty, I use a cut-down paintbrush to stipple the surface. This is a quick and easy technique for giving a rough earth finish. This process also helps the casting of the model as it begins to fill in the slight undercuts beneath the body.

Designers always need to bear in mind the casting requirements of the model, so you are constantly asking yourself..."Will that space trap air bubbles? Is that piece thick enough, or will it break off during transit? Will that undercut catch in the mould?"...and so on. If you are thinking of having a go at sculpting, some knowledge of the casting process will help, especially if you ever think of trying to get your models into production. If you are not a sculptor, then at least you have an insight into the way designers work.

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