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This project was/is a submission to the “Hover Vehicle” Group Build in early 2020 at phoxim.de. a German science fiction modelling forum. It was a good opportunity and motivation to tackle a Star Wars 1:12 Speeder Bike & Biker Scout combo from Bandai, which I had recently acquired at a reasonable price directly from Japan (since these kits are, due to licensing, limited to the domestic market). In the meantime the price tags for this set have reached absurd heights: while I got it for USD 45, seller frequently demand USD 75 and more these days! Sick.
However, when I bought the set I was already certain that I would not build it OOB, according to Ep. VI (Endor) status. I had the idea of a desert camouflage, esp. for the Biker Scout.
When I started building for the GB, this idea still lingered. As a kind of preface: both models, the Scout and the Bike, are actually snap-fit kits. The parts are molded in appropriate colors and in different materials (even on a single sprue!), so that no painting is required. If you stick the parts together, you already get a nice and presentable set. Due to the zillion of small parts, however, I would not recommend the kit(s) for beginners.
The fit of both kits in the set is excellent, and there are only a few traps during building. However, both kits have potential for a lot more, and esp. with some paint they really “win”.
Work started with the Speeder Bike. I originally envisioned some extras like dust filters or a desert camouflage. But the more I worked on the hardware, the more I became convinced to stay close to the original design. After all, the 74-Z Speeder Bike would be a very common and “cheap” Imperial vehicle, so it would be mass-produced and standardized. There’s actually only little body mass to conceal, and with the original reddish-brown bodywork, I decided to stick with that, since it would match a desert setting. I also found that extra hardware would be difficult to add without making it look “intentional”. The bike is so beefy and spindly – anything added to it would look superficial. Therefore it remained basically OOB.
The only changes I made is that I opened the air intakes in the hull’s flanks (OOB, they end in flat plates that are well visible and not very pretty), and I did some PSR around the parts that come with the intakes, since they leave, despite the kit’s overall good fit, visible and exaggerated seams.
For a more life-like look, I gave the Bike some laser hit marks and dents on the hull – created/sculpted with a heated screwdriver and left pretty “raw”.
Another mod concerns the cargo behind the seat: OOB, the kit comes with a plastic tarpaulin. It does not look bad, but I found it a bit boring – also, because I wanted to make the Scout more interesting and give him a bigger weapon. So I scratched a different equipment package from 1:100 VF-1 (Macross) missiles and small circuit elements (from the DIY store), which are held in place by a flexible net - actually a piece of nylon pantyhose, fixed to additional attachment points.
The whole kit was re-painted with Revell acrylics, since I did not find the plastic’s color convincing. Th red-brown is IMHO too pale, and the engine parts’ grey too light, so that I used more saturated colors. The whole kit was also dry-painted with lighter basic shades, received a black ink washing and an overall matt acrylic varnish coat and was finally treated with mineral pigments.
Next came the Biker Scout. Here, a camouflage was easier to realize and also more plausible, since camouflaged Imperial Troopers actually exist. It took some time to figure out a concept for the uniform, though. I settled upon a three-tone desert scheme (in beige, a reddish clay tone and red brown, similar to the Speeder Bike’s hull) for the suit’s hard elements, and the soft suit underneath, which is originally black/dark grey, became dark brown, for good contrast. Some details like bags or the gaiters became khaki drill.
Some details on the figure were added or modified. For instance, I added two dust filters and antennae to the helmet, and I gave the figure a kind of “skirt” (also made from nylon stockings), inspired by the Snowtroopers from Ep. V on Hoth. Not much, but esp. the skirt makes the Scout look more beefy than the original.
Just like the Speeder Bike, the figure was dry-painted, received a black ink washing and an overall matt acrylic varnish coat and was finally treated with mineral pigments.
Just when I was about to finish the Scout, I eventually decided to add a display base for both models. This was not an easy decision, since a base will have to be stored somewhere when everything has been finished. Originally, I just wanted to build a small neutral, black base that would hold the Bike in hover with the Scout on top, riding it.
However, I eventually had the idea to make the Scout a veteran sniper, being on a single clandestine mission and watching out for a target in a desert setting. This scenic concept led to the base/diorama, which is pretty simple, though, and extra equipment for the Scout: a heavy rifle (taken from a Bandai 1:60 Brocken Labor and slightly modified) and scratched binoculars, which the figure can both hold well and in a natural posture.
At its core, the base is a 20x6” (50x15cm) piece of MDF wood, 1” (2.5 cm) thick, which I had found in the stash. It was just big enough to allow both models to be presented separately, but still small enough to be stored in one of my cabinets later…
The Bike was to be positioned at the right side, the Scout to the left, standing separately, as if watching out. In order to give the base some more structure, I added a piece of rock to the left, since the Scout would not demand much depth. In order to save time and effort, I used a (massive!) resin rock, actually a decoration piece for terrariums!
The base’s surface was created in old-school fashion. At first, I added a border with balsa wood around the MDF board, defining the landscape’s outline. Then the resin rock was positioned, as well as the two models.
The landscape itself was created with a plaster/tile grout mix, the surface was created with very fine quartz sand that was sprinkled onto the fresh/wet plaster. I also added some footprints, as if the Scout had just got off of his Bike. A thorough soaking with a mix of water and white glue fixed everything in place, making the surface stable to touch. Once dry, the landscape was painted with sand brown from the rattle can, and a second layer of lighter beige was later added, too. The diorama’s balsa flanks were painted black, and the whole thing sealed with acrylic matt varnish, also from a rattle can.
On purpose, no vegetation was added. A clear pylon that holds the Bike in place and in a virtual hover was added under the vehicle’s center of gravity, scratched from a piece of clear sprue. OOB, the kit comes with a similar piece, but it turned out to be too short for the use on my diorama.
As a final finish treatment, the whole landscape was dusted generously with the same mineral pigments as the models, and I was lucky to have pigments in store that had almost the same beige color as the final surface paint finish – creating a very consistent look.
Another small, final detail is a scratched critter that hides in one of the rock’s crevices…
A lot of work, the whole building process lasted several weeks, even with creative breaks in which I built other, normal small projects. But I think the extra effort with the desert display base were worthwhile, since the scenic diorama makes everything look more plausible and life-like.
Modified version of a photograph taken from a window of the ETN coach running between the city of Querétaro and Mexico City.
Topcon UV lenses
camera-wiki.org/wiki/Topcon_UV_lenses
Topcor lenses for Topcon lens shutter cameras at Topcon Club
Former droid command ship turned pirate radio station after the Clone Wars. Train track framing. Lit hanger bays. Rebels graffiti. Failed SHIPtember22
A quick complete re-design / rebuild of my Ideas set done in one afternoon and night.
Now incorportates working steering again.
Reduced total height of front by 1 plate, having to remove all the forward technic chassis to allow for this. Initially reduced all height by 2 plates, but looking at reference and plans again, as this is now 1 stud longer than my original, 1 plate lower seemed to be proportionate.
Adjusted ride height of front axle / steering.
Closed rear arches together as per original design.
Shaped and strengthend nose cone.
Corrected bonnet vents and side vents.
Closed gap between bonnet and nose cone.
Re-worked headlight assemblies
Re-worked seats to stop being all black cockpit, added harnesses.
Repositioned / strengthend dash - windshield, altered handbrake to not be so chunky, reduced size of mirrors to be more proportionate.
Strengthend internal floor, removed all floor studs, filed gaps.
Re-worked rear tonneau cover slightly, removing the offset steps under it, smoothed out the rollbar supports. (Will re-work this so they attach to the body, allowing them to stay in place when tonneau removed...when I get more time!)
Added decals!!!..ya know I love em! ;)
See if you can spot anything else that I've forgotten!
I must add, that I absolutely love the standard set considering the limitations that TLG have to work to and this in no way is trying to address what the model should have been....its just not possible within their constraints.
I, however, am able to take it back and put my mark on it, to get it closer to my original designs.
I've tried to keep it more in line with the standard set, rather than just completely re-building it to one of my original concept designs with a yellow colour change....if that makes any sense?
I had to do it first!....not that I've had much time recently ;)
See this, along with the standard set and real Caterham Seven 620R at the Brickish STEAM museum show www.greatwesternbrickshow.com/ THIS coming weekend (1st -2nd Oct)
The set goes live for sale this weekend and I'll be doing box signings throughout, if you should so happen to want one....or not! ;)
"Arr, I have many a fearsome tale from the seas to share with you young guns. Many a fearsome tale, indeed..."
Zydras has been building her shark faction on the discord channel, I had to try and brick a shark frame, too!
AKA: "Sniper".
This Strider is a cross between Soren's initial idea, my new Quad design and the legs from this AYates frame.
Stats: 2Ra+d8/1B/1G/2W
(((Modified Brickmania Kit)))
The T-90TK is an export variant of the Russian T-90 built for the Tarkhazian Land Forces. It features many of the modern systems of the original, with some capabilites limited or removed. having entered Tarkhazian Service in 2010, It has proven a cost-effective and highly reliable weapon in internal conflicts.
shushu...or is she!
I wish her eyes could be like this in real life... been contemplating trying to modify her and I've even bought the epoxy putty!
here's the original pic to show what I mean about the eyes! i5.photobucket.com/albums/y187/Icchaeyo/ch-realeyes.jpg
This custom fork has same height as Wound Up Zephyer. So, the geometry is same when swap the fork. The original crown was thin and made big space, but looks pretty good with custom crown. Not big, not too tight with 25mm tire.
I got the set in a bulk lot late last year. It's quite a nice build but was way too skinny in some areas, so I bulked it up a bit and took off the rider seat and ball launcher.
A quick complete re-design / rebuild of my Ideas set done in one afternoon and night.
Now incorportates working steering again.
Reduced total height of front by 1 plate, having to remove all the forward technic chassis to allow for this. Initially reduced all height by 2 plates, but looking at reference and plans again, as this is now 1 stud longer than my original, 1 plate lower seemed to be proportionate.
Adjusted ride height of front axle / steering.
Closed rear arches together as per original design.
Shaped and strengthend nose cone.
Corrected bonnet vents and side vents.
Closed gap between bonnet and nose cone.
Re-worked headlight assemblies
Re-worked seats to stop being all black cockpit, added harnesses.
Repositioned / strengthend dash - windshield, altered handbrake to not be so chunky, reduced size of mirrors to be more proportionate.
Strengthend internal floor, removed all floor studs, filed gaps.
Re-worked rear tonneau cover slightly, removing the offset steps under it, smoothed out the rollbar supports. (Will re-work this so they attach to the body, allowing them to stay in place when tonneau removed...when I get more time!)
Added decals!!!..ya know I love em! ;)
See if you can spot anything else that I've forgotten!
I must add, that I absolutely love the standard set considering the limitations that TLG have to work to and this in no way is trying to address what the model should have been....its just not possible within their constraints.
I, however, am able to take it back and put my mark on it, to get it closer to my original designs.
I've tried to keep it more in line with the standard set, rather than just completely re-building it to one of my original concept designs with a yellow colour change....if that makes any sense?
I had to do it first!....not that I've had much time recently ;)
See this, along with the standard set and real Caterham Seven 620R at the Brickish STEAM museum show www.greatwesternbrickshow.com/ THIS coming weekend (1st -2nd Oct)
The set goes live for sale this weekend and I'll be doing box signings throughout, if you should so happen to want one....or not! ;)
Amtrak 90225, a former F40, turned into a non-powered control unit, was further modified for the ABC Good Morning America live broadcast from the rails. The roof was modified to include two fiberglass domes that housed the network's sattelite uplink gear. Soon after the broadcast, the unit would be brought back to its usual configuration and return to regular service.
Photographed at the Amtrak Rensselaer shops in New York, with permission of course. Huge thanks to good friend Bob LaMay for the opportunity to join him at the shops for this.
Modified picture, cut a post off part way. link to original below.
www.flickr.com/photos/22490717@N02/2254960272/in/set-7215...
I hate sticking bulky 1x1 LEGO clips on the backs of armor, they never match and always look out of place. The Brickarms monopod almost works perfectly by itself, but comes out a little too much for my liking. So I snipped it down a bit and am very happy with the outcome.
Built for Mobile Frame Zero: Intercept Orbit.
Original design by Soren.
A Liberator Class Frigate that I upgraded to a Carrier Class by adding a launch catapult. I beefed up the launch catapult since it was looking a little thin.
The collection of "modified pueblo revival"-style buildings near the far southern tip of Chapin Mesa, Mesa Verde National Park, is exceptionally attractive and interesting. The buildings, most constructed from around 1920 to 1930, are still in use as originally conceived.
Headquarters and Museum (the building in this picture) :
"Mesa Verde Historic Administrative District
You are standing in the Mesa Verde Administrative District, developed between 1922 and 1938. The Modified Pueblo Revival style buildings blend into their environment and reflect the vision of Park Superintendent Jesse Nussbaum. Today the area is a National Historic Landmark. It was established in 1987 to recognize the unique place it holds in the development of architecture in this country. The Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum [closed for renovation], one of the historic structures in the district, is to your left, across the road [pictured here from across the canyon].
As you approach the Museum [which was closed for renovations so we did not visit the inside], notice the building’s architectural details. Windows and door frames are carved with geometric forms reminiscent of those found on Ancestral Pueblo pottery. Inside you will find hand-tooled tin light fixtures and carved furniture. These details display the talent of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) workers who also build the museum’s colorful dioramas in the 1930s."
And for even better details, see the Park Service's website for Mesa Verde National Park
www.nps.gov/gis/storymaps/mapjournal/v2/index.html?appid=...
"Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum
The rich diversity and abundance of artifacts found within the park boundaries led to early recognition of the need to be systematic in gathering and preserving the integrity of the scientific data associated with them. The desire to showcase them for the education of the public also grew. In 1915, park superintendent Thomas Rickner commented that, “it has been a matter of wonder to tourists, and a disappointment to them, that there was no collection for them to examine…”
In 1917, the park re-purposed a log cabin built as a ranger station to serve as what may have been the first museum in any national park. This cabin, today known as Fewke’s Cabin, had a broad veranda, where visitors could sit and enjoy the beauty of Spruce Tree Canyon and also displayed collections. Dr. Fewkes frequently gave lectures to the visiting public on the history of Mesa Verde and the archeological work going on in the park.
It was immediately clear that there was a need for a fire-proof museum. In 1921, a donation of $1000 by Mrs. Stella Leviston, led Mr. and Mrs. Nusbaum to draw up plans that provided for the building of a museum in several units that Mrs. Leviston approved. She would eventually contribute $5000 for the building of the museum. Other donations, some by prominent people like John J. Rockefeller, Jr and some by interested visitors enabled the park to acquire some of the furniture, fixtures and pictures.
The Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum was built from 1922-25 and followed the same style of architecture as the superintendent’s house. Like the other buildings in this loop, the museum was built using Cliffhouse Formation sandstone; the same rock used by the Ancestral Pueblo people to make their dwellings.
Construction was difficult; the stone was quarried by Navajo workers and the vigas (wooden beams) were brought from forests 20 miles north of Mancos. A drought in 1924 stopped construction until water could be spared to prepare the Puebloan-inspired red mortar for the walls. The stone was laid up with concrete and the earthen mortar was added over the concrete for aesthetics.
Administration Building
The administration building (1923) began as a small, three-room structure north of the superintendent's residence. Two additional offices were added five years after construction of the original building, and a major addition in 1939-40 resulted in the construction of more offices, a file room, furnace room, and employee restrooms.
Some of the stones in the masonry walls show peck marks, indicative of prehistoric use in a structure.
The main entrance to the structure is through a large entryway on the north side that features many of the characterizing stylistic elements. The posts supporting the roof structure are topped with zapatas (corbels) cut in zig-zag patterns of Indian design. The adz marks, readily visible on the shaped timbers of the portal, add texture and a hand-crafted, pioneer feeling to the building. The entryway's ceiling is made up of exposed vigas (beams) and latillas (lathe).
An additional entryway on the west side of the building at the basement level provides access to that lower level. The interior of the administration building retains some original elements characteristic of the style; kiva fireplaces, exposed vigas, adzed log lintels over windows and doors, and some original furnishings of Spanish-Colonial design.
Conclusion
Under the capable guidance of Jesse Nusbaum and his talented wife, Aileen, the park facilities began to take shape. Drawing from his years of archeological experience, Jesse chose what he felt was the only suitable architectural style for the area, that of the ancient pueblos. In requesting approval to build these structures, he wrote to the National Park Service Director that materials for constructing buildings of this type would be readily available and that the style would "help to preserve the Indian atmosphere which the ruins and environment create." He noted that modern buildings would be out of place amid the ancient ruins, that the pueblo-styled buildings he and Aileen designed would increase interest in the prehistoric structures, and ultimately serve as educational tools.
The Nusbaums based their architecture on cultural traditions rather than looking toward the park's natural resources for design ideas as other park managers had. The designs obviously harmonized with the surrounding landscape and showed a true concern for the "aesthetic values of park lands." His buildings were the first constructed by the new agency to solve the problem of an appropriate architecture for park lands set aside for their cultural resources rather than their natural resources.
The impact of Jesse and Aileen Nusbaum’ vision extends beyond Mesa Verde National Park. Their choice of using a style derived from local cultural ties rather than from mainstream architectural styles was a first for the National Park Service and one that would quickly be utilized in southwestern parks and monuments in the 1930s."