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| Revision Log | |
| 20 October 2000 | page first published |
1,843 hits since 20 Oct 2000
©1994-2024 Bill Armintrout
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Today I finished work on the carapaces, apart from a small edging trim that I will apply after I have cut the arms off (oh, the pain!).
Having shaved down the carapaces, I could add the distinctive crest that runs down the back. This is a satisfying piece to do, because it finished off the carapace like the plume on a helmet. To do this, I carefully cut a groove down the carapace with a sharp knife. I then cut three pieces of hard milliput into rough crescent shapes that matched the curve of the carapace for which they were intended. Once the curve of the crest matches that of the groove in the carapace, I can reduce it down to a finer arc.
When the crest is shaved down to a satisfactory sickle-like arc, I can add the jagged detail. To do this, I used the same technique that I have used for the weapons and the crest on the tail. Basically, I draw out a rough design on the milliput and cut into it with a fine saw. I make a cut wherever there is a deep notch in the crest, then I use a piece of folded abrasive paper to widen the cut and round it off. This gives you a great deal of control over the groove, which is essential when working on such fragile pieces of milliput. Even so, I managed to break the crests a couple of times - doh!
I pressed the crests into place using a line of putty to cement them in place. Once secure, I smoothed up the seam and added some fine detail. Now the upper torsos really look the part.
