captain america

Hey everyone. I was planning on gauging interest for a 1/72 Spartan kit... Anyone interested? My goal would be to have the detail be in line with all of my previous works, which means free-pose assembly, detailed cockpit and open/close option hatches to show off the armament. Projected kit price: $115.00 cdn Oh, also: I've been scouring my reference material as well as the internet, but I can't seem to find any technical front or side views of the Spartan. I'm guessing that since it was such a dissimilar design to the other three that they simply didn't bother, but if anyone knows where I can find some, just give me a heads-up; it'd be much appreciated As always, a show of interest or comments are welcome!

Nope. I have to take into account the flake-factor with any model I make, so "35" orders usually only means about 30 actual orders, and this, like any variable-geometry mecha, is a very complex and labor-intensive sculpt, so when I quote numbers, that's exactly what I mean, not less.

I think that 1/32 is very feasible for Southern Cross mecha, particularly that they're so small. Mind you, it's one thing for me to sculpt it, it's quite another for people to be willing to shell-out for them. I realise more than anyone that money doesn't grow on trees. That having been said, what say you all to a 1/32 Auroran? Let's say a fixed price of $350; buildable in any of the three modes, detailed cockpit, decals, and limited to just 30 examples?

The more I look at the design, the more I like this thing. Not wanting to throw oil on the fire or anything, but in 1/72, the robot would stand at just about 12cm, which is quite tiny. Even in 1/48 you'd only be looking at a full height of 18.6cm, and 28cm in 1/32; fairly compact for a mecha. If it were up to me, I'd go big... But that's just me.

Quite right. If you look back, you'll see that I never directly re-issued any of my models. While certain people have purchased some master-patterns and made their own castings, they likely use a different resin, gates, box art, and the models are not signed by me. With regards to the soldier, I plan to include a seated version with the eventual release of the Gnerl fighter pod, and probably also a full standing soldier (or partial bust) with the eventual Nousjadeul-Ger. If I do some sort of stand-alone re-issue, it'll likely be a slightly different pose and parts breakdown... If enough people ask for it.

If it ever gets to the green light stage, the project would receive the same photo build diary treatment as all my previous works; I figure it's a good way to share the fun

Assuming it ever gets to the production stage, the box will likely be a different color, so as to differentiate it from the Macross series models. Then again, I may change the box colors for future releases or special editions, who knows; I'll feel it out

I'll chime-in to offer some clarity onto this matter. Jorwar_b had approached me several times about offering an Auroran (AJACS) model, and my feeling in this matter is the same as it was previously, and applies to pretty much any other project: if it's a subject that I enjoy, that I can find suitable sculpting reference for, and if I can justify it financially, I'll do it. Thus far, the first criteria is settled, as I think it's a neat concept. With regards to building reference, that could be something of a challenge, as I've never seen any truly detailed schematics of it or its transformation sequence. The last and most difficult aspect is the financial one, and more so for a model that has variable geometry, so I it's difficult to put any price on the model, but I can tell you that it would very likely be over $100, even at 1/72, and even if I had over 50 orders. Basically, this project is all tentative & hypothetical for now; the potential price depending on how many solid takers come forth and are willing to split the development fees between themselves.

THe launch Vehicle: It would have been tremendously difficult to make the whole "LV" more squat, if not impossible; might as well resculpt one from scratch. That thickness issue was one I grappled with in the mocking-up stage, and I chose to go slightly "meatier" for 2 reasons. One, it has more visual presence (artistic license), and second, it has a lot of weight from the booster sitting on it, and a slimmer main section might potentially have sagged or developed a slight bow over time. Nice to see the build-up process though, we definitely need to see more of these

I use these guys for precious metals: http://www.kitco.com/ Their prices are infinitely more competitive than small shops. I know that I just pay them a visit, pay in cash, and I get coins or bars (a silver 5 dollar coin is about 18 bucks). Very easy. [Also, this is slightly off-topic, but aside from gold and silver, did you guys know that you don't need to depend on FRNs? Did you know that all you need to create your own lawful money is a good or service to offer, a pen and a piece of paper? There's an awesome book called " Money: Understanding and Creating Alternatives to Legal Tender" by Thomas H. Greco, Jr (ISBN 1-890132-37-3) that I recommend to everyone. Once you understand your own value, you'll never have to worry about recessions.] Anyway yeah, the Spartan is next... After I recuperate a little.

Thanks, I try my best. Withe regards to the next project, it'll be the Destoroido Spartan, and likely available around early/mid January. Also, please note that in light of the current rate of the US dollar, I will most likely be requesting payments in canadian dollars, or silver. If the latter is used, you'll be able to get a good discount.

This belongs in the "WANTED" section.

No worries, your order shipped last week, safe & sound

Wow, close call. Ok, will do!

Hi guys! Just wanted to give everyone a heads-up that I'm stopping production of the Scout; I got a whole whack of orders and I want to make sure I don't promise more than I can deliver. I have one tentative order for Vermillion One, 1 on hold for Neptunesurvey, and 2 for Cool8or. Beyond that, I shall deem the project closed, and a smashing success

Thanks Gabe, it means a lot Don't forget the fighter pod eh?

...As well as some semi-complete pics with all the greeblies attached; I'll be committing paint and decals to it as soon as I recuperate from my casting trauma...

Hey everyone! Just to let everyone know that virtually all paid orders have shipped, and some will likely be arriving this week. Also, as promised, please find herein the instructions for the kit. I'm in the final casting strech with the second set of molds, so if anyone wants a model, now's the time to let me know.

Thanks Tober. The whole design is just insane: like a big rig just exploded into a zillion pieces. Heck, I can barely even discern 15% of the truck parts... Kinda makes me wonder if it's even practical to attempt something like this in small-scale resin.

I have a bit of an oddball question, but hey, no harm in asking, right? What kind of reference, other than film stills are out there for the new Optimus Prime? Might there be anything along the lines of full 360 degree CG renders that could be put through a 3D printer by chance? Just in case someone out there might be interested in making a 1/24 scale model... Or something

You want some good advice? Measure twice, cut once! Hell, I should put that in a fortune cookie! Model building/making is similar to commercial illustration: it's 90% preparation, and 10% application. Further, I will echo the sentiments expressed above, whereby it's generally prudent to hone your skills and experiment on a kit of lesser value, as committing untried techniqes to an expensive model can increase your risk of high blood pressure, stroke and depression.

Crazy Lu wrote: "GIVE ME SPARTAN!!!!" -Give? I think not; you'll have to earn it, MUAHAHAHA!!! CrAZY lU WROTE: "oh yah, I do want one of those please ... regult scout... that is ..." For you my friend, a special price: 30% ABOVE retail... Because I care Update: production is going quite well, and I'm hoping to have a dozen parcels in the mail by tomorrow... If the decals arrive in time

Guncross said: Nice dude! Thanks! so Spartan next project? actually, yes! my b-day s around the corner My birthday's just a little further down the corner from yours, what's your point?

Hey everyone! The casting has begun in earnest, and the parts are looking fantastic! I'll be posting a few pics later so that you can see the casting quality; I already started cleaning parts on mine and it's gotta be my favorite model so far: the quasi-clear front dome gives the Scout a really eerie, alien feel. Anyway, onto the nasty stuff... Each kit price: $140.00 Shipping rates: all quotes are for airmail w/insurance. -1-2 kits, throughout North America: $16 -3-4 kits: $26.00 International, including South America, Europe, Hong Kong and Australia: -1-2 kits: $32.00 -3-4 kits: $49.00 Payment methods accepted: -International Postal Money-Order in US funds is my prefered method, and it can be sent to the usual coordinates. -Silver eagles, maples or bars sent by mail--just be sure to wrap them carefully! -Paypal, though this will incur an extra charge of $6 per model because the Paypal nazis feel entitled to take a whole $0.04 off every dollar I recieve. -Western Union money transfer: this is a fairly expensive method, and I'd advise it only if you're ordering 4 kits at a time, due to WU's massive service charge. Shipping should begin in roughly 1 week from now, decal situation permitting. Below are a few pics of some raw castings with the flash removed... Looking quite good. As usual, the floor is open to questions, either here or via PM

Kits will be ready starting next week; I'm already in the casting process, and decals should be in soon. More pics and info to come shortly.