Custom 1/60 MtF VF-1J Head Unit

[Kurisama]

Hey all - this one's been itching (in my head) to be made for ages - so this morning I put aside my 'real' work and started to make this kick-ass head sculpt by Tenjin-sama.

Still needs some angles to be tweaked and the back portion and internals to be made, but it will be done soon - but we'll have to wait for a while for a print to get to me to make sure it's all good. Unless people trust me enough to just make it available.

I will include a few laser options - as the concept art has them splayed at about 15 degree each side where as the current 1/60 are nearly parallel - they're also 2mm wide at the tip, just like the current one - but may be too fragile. Seeing if I can make the visor removable for separate painting too.

Anyways, progress as it happens, enjoy.

Feedback welcome.

[Kicker773]

What is this?

[Kurisama]

It's from Macross the First!

[CoreyD]

Nice!

[Kurisama]

Some minor tweaks but I think the chin and intakes look a lot better.

Second pic shows variant head lasers.

[chyll2]

imo, the intake in the line-art looks smaller

[Kurisama]

Yep, they are - but in order to have the openings like how I have them now, that's what the dimensions needs to be.

If I were to make the general shape the exactly the same as the concept art, I'd lose the cheek intake holes.

As they are now, to anyone that has the VF-4 custom; the intake lips are almost the same thickness, and they're super thin in person.

[CoreyD]

Is it worth mocking up with the proper intake shape but not the holes?

[Kelsain]

It's nice, but I think the proportions are off. I go the impression that the updated head was pretty much the same as the old version, just with a little more detail. (The added dimension to the visor & chin, intakes on the cheeks, more divots on the head lasers)

I think you've put too much weight toward the chin and reduced the back of the head too much.

I'd been toying with trying this too, for my Unassembled Yamato. I just haven't had the time lately.

[chyll2]

From those manga page, imo, I would say it is okay to lose the intake holes as long as it is close to line-art (which is the smaller cheek intake)

[jvmacross]

Was wondering were you were on this project...looking forward to your final version...

To me it looks like you are going for the "meaner" look illustrated by Tenjin

Edited November 22, 2014 by jvmacross

[sreichma]

I think the intake holes have to stay, that's what really sets it off. Without real holes it would be like those tools who drive around with a fake hoodscoop.

I like the way it looks so far. Separate visor is a must for those of us who are not to good with a brush.

[Xigfrid]

This is a nice add-on! There is a great MTF head I found on Pinterest, sorry I couldn't find who made this model, so I can't give credit:

This head is not very accurate to the MTF line art, but I think it got the most important design point: the visor is menacing!

Could you modify the form of your visor to make it more like a cone: larger inside, smaller on the visor side. (That wasn't clear, I just made a quick drawing of it if it can help )

[Kurisama]

Hey everyone - thank for all your inputs! It's clear everyone has a slightly different take and/or point of view!

I'm uploading it to shapeways to get an idea of price and if it'll actually pass the tolerance tests - lot of small details I think might just make it through.

Studying all the art i have available for this - it's also clear each pic differs slightly, so I made my own choices and added my own flavour. Head can look up and down in a range of 70 degrees. Will be including both laser options. Visor is separate for ease of paint. Decided to keep the size of the cheek intakes the same so I can keep the holes. Had to add some extra bits and detail for the head swivel.

[Kurisama]

Now up for sale;

https://www.shapeways.com/model/2897190/vf-1j-k-custom-head-unit.html?materialId=60

And I have made the head lasers available separately in WSF+Polished as I think the FUD lasers may be too fragile;

https://www.shapeways.com/model/2897327/vf-1j-k-custom-head-lasers-only.html?materialId=62

I will be ordering these over the next few days myself - as I want to revisit my VF-0D conversion kit and make it utilize 2mm/1mm brass rods and other tweaks here and there + finish the head unit I had for it.

[Kurisama]

How do peeps feel about a red strip/panel modeled in/raised?

...Hello, is this thing on?

*taps mic*

[Xigfrid]

Very nice Kurisama! Perhaps you can gather more love with additional/optional smaller chicks -just like you made 2 set of antennas-

I really love the paint scheme of Hikaru's MTF, but too much paint to do for my sake!

If it can be of any help, there is a $10 gift for Black Friday using "DESIGN20" code until this Sunday!

[CoreyD]

Gotta say, as much as I truly appreciate your work Kurisama, the jowls are a bit too big for me.

[Kurisama]

Yep, 20% of your own designs too - so that's why I'm edging with this!

I may just have to revisit the cheeks today - stay tuned!

PS. Should I panel line the red stripe/make the stripe slightly raised?

[Xigfrid]

I would say that panel lines would be less intrusive to the head lines

[Kelsain]

Honestly , I'd say skip the lines/raised. I always assumed it was just painted on.

[Kurisama]

Coolio, no worries

[Kelsain]

The adjustments are looking better. I think if you can make the jowel intakes about 2/3 as wide, it'll look more like the lineart in your 2nd post. At that point, I'd probably be satisfied enough to order yours, than trying it myself. I can't wait to see the printed result, though!

[coronadlux]

Will this be available in 1/72? I don't own any 1/60 scale figures.

[Chronocidal]

Curious, have you considered angling the laser mounts similar to the standard 1/60 head to get them to tilt when rotated up? Or does the art actually depict them angling out when facing forward?

Looking good either way! I almost wonder if those chin vents would work better molded solid, and then drilled out manually.

[CHAVAKAISER]

1/48 head! Pleace!!!!

[Kurisama]

The adjustments are looking better. I think if you can make the jowel intakes about 2/3 as wide, it'll look more like the lineart in your 2nd post. At that point, I'd probably be satisfied enough to order yours, than trying it myself. I can't wait to see the printed result, though!

I've ordered a set - so I won't be making any adjustments until I get them in hand, but the jowls will certainly be something that I'll revisit or make an alternative available like the lasers.

Will this be available in 1/72? I don't own any 1/60 scale figures.

Possibly? I'd have to find and dig out my hasegawa kits - that are in storage across town somewhere... So not in the immediate future - unless there is a massive want for it? A lot of the smaller details may have to go as well as fusing some parts together.

1/48 head! Pleace!!!!

I don't own any 1/48 valks, sorry! Or maybe I'd have to get you to measure some pieces for me/take photos.

Curious, have you considered angling the laser mounts similar to the standard 1/60 head to get them to tilt when rotated up? Or does the art actually depict them angling out when facing forward?

Looking good either way! I almost wonder if those chin vents would work better molded solid, and then drilled out manually.

Not sure the art does - and to be honest, I only ever thought the 1S did the angle/turret thing you mention.

I measured my 1J; the distance between the lasers facing forward and facing up - there is a difference of a few mm, I never noticed it before on the 1J, I only noticed it wasn't as splayed as the anime.

I'd say there is maybe a 1 to 2 degree (or less) angle at the base to allow this - it is possible to do this on my version - but i'll see how this printed one goes first. But that may have been a better way to go initially. Oh well, I'm only human.

[coronadlux]

Thanks for the update. What software do you use when modeling?

Even if detail is lost in the smaller scale, the more agressive look would stand out and have people asking "so

Etching is different, just can't put my finger on it."

Can't wait to see you prints when you get them. Keep us posted please.

[Kurisama]

Thanks for the update. What software do you use when modeling?

Even if detail is lost in the smaller scale, the more agressive look would stand out and have people asking "so

Etching is different, just can't put my finger on it."

Can't wait to see you prints when you get them. Keep us posted please.

I use Maya - and yes, waiting patiently here for them to arrive!

Also. just a reminder - there is currently only a few hours left to take advantage of 20% off your Shapeways order, right now! Get on it!

[Kurisama]

Just for sh#ts and giggles (plus I needed a new avatar) while I wait for shapeways and look at making a 1/72 version;

BTW - if anyone can help, I need the diameter and length of the pegs for both the head laser pegs and neck to torso plug for the 1/72 Hasegawa Battroid kit. Anyone?

Edited December 3, 2014 by Kurisama

[mickyg]

Love it!

Now, you just need to superimpose your face into it somehow...

[Kelsain]

Looks great in color!

[Mommar]

So now we need to track down additional Max 1J's because once seen an "The First" Max 1J can't be unseen.

[Kurisama]

I think it'd work on a TV Max 1A. Now to track one of those down...

[chyll2]

we need more assembly kit (prefereably the cheaper 1A) once this is finalized.