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NECA Predators, Iron Man, and more

Re: Predators

Postby Spack » Wed Dec 10, 2014 6:35 pm

Using a small blob of blue tac I stuck the parts together to see how they like in the hands of one of the Predators. They need some light sanding to remove the ridges that even at 0.25mm layer thickness are visible, and a coat of car body primer will help with that too. I'm very happy with the results :)


Next job is to paint them to look like bone and then wash heavily in red, probably using a dip if I can one that looks suitably bloody.

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Re: Predators

Postby Angelwing » Thu Dec 11, 2014 1:22 pm

I've now got Predator quotes going round my head. I might have to watch the film later. *get to the choppa!*
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Re: Predators

Postby Spack » Fri Dec 12, 2014 5:55 pm

Starting working on the 3D model for the bio mask. Started with a low poly mask that might be close enough from a 3D model found online, but will need a lot of work to add polys to smooth it out.

In order to make sure the open mouthed face would fit, I used Autodesk 123D Catch on my phone to take 60 photos of the head and turn them into a 3D model. This I then edited in the 123D catch software, deleting a lot of the mesh that was outside of the head. I then exported it OBJ format, checked it would load ok using Netfabb (quicker to load 3D models than Sketchup), then imported into Sketchup to use it as a basis for sculpting the inside of the mask.

Predator-open-mouth-in-123d-catch.jpg
123D model in Autodesk editor
Predator open mouth nettfab part.png
Exported mesh in Netfabb
open mouth.png
Mesh loaded into Sketchup


Will post more pics when I get the mesh simplified.

I'm also looking at using 123D Catch to turn Big Red's head into a model too, as the mask is almost identical to the one from the original movie, however I've had two goes at it so far and for some reason the models keep turning out with massive holes in them and most of the top of the mask missing. I'll try again tomorrow in natural light as I think the Autodesk software is having trouble determining the edges for matching up the photos.

EDIT: Low poly simplified head mesh with the low poly mask to check that the fit is about right.

simplify head mesh with low poly mask.png
Simplified mesh in Sketchup with low poly bio mask
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Re: Predators

Postby berger15 » Fri Dec 12, 2014 11:43 pm

Spack - I knew you had talent, but bloody hell!
D&D quote of the decade:"Wait, doesn't anyone have a Rod of Resurrection? If you've got one, I need it bad. Get in here with your rod and give it to me!"
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Re: Predators

Postby Talus » Fri Dec 12, 2014 11:46 pm

he also needs to let me at that printer!
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Re: Predators

Postby BDA » Sat Dec 13, 2014 1:17 am

not only do i love predators i also love 3D printers............. and i have neither lol you are a lucky man Spack. some amazing stuff. what do you do for a job by the way?
keep trying to see if i can get work to get a 3D printer but i really don't think it is ever going to happen lol.
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Re: Predators

Postby Spack » Sat Dec 13, 2014 8:50 am

I work for a company that provides industrial automation solutions. I'm a software developer, and every week I get to tinker with cool stuff - like this week I've developed the framework for a testing tool for the HD screens to be fitted on the back of the seats in a luxury car model next year. The company not only provide software systems to OEM and tier 1 automotive companies, but also electrical test rigs with embedded PC touchscreens and also build control systems. The 3D printer is used to prototype custom parts for the year rigs, and to create small parts where it's more cost effective and needs short lead times. The printer wasn't cheap, I think it was around £15k, but it's paying for itself as we can print parts for about 1/4 the price of getting them professionally done.
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Re: Predators

Postby timewizard » Sat Dec 13, 2014 7:50 pm

Would you like a list of 3D printing jobs that we poor solus on AOS need done?

Really nice work with the skull and now the mask. Makes your predator truly a one of a kind!
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Re: Predators

Postby Spack » Sat Dec 13, 2014 8:06 pm

Not sure how much I can get away with printing. I have to cover the material cost, plus the cost of running the printer. The skull and spine set me back £12, would have been around £50 to £80 at various 3D printing services I looked at online. I can always ask about costs of further print runs, the company is thinking about offering a printing service to it's customers as the printer is idle 2 or 3 days a week.

I've glued the parts together today, clamped the skull and tied string round the spine to good them together while they set. Tomorrow I'm going to try smoothing them, got some soft sanding pads for my Dremel which should get most of the skull done, and a bunch of small abrasive tips to get into the small areas. Also got a can of ivory spray paint to put on after undercoating.

IMG_20141213_141114458.jpg


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Re: Predators

Postby BDA » Sat Dec 13, 2014 11:40 pm

That is coming along very well now and I look forward to seeing it finished :). Sounds like you got a wiked job there spack. I get to do Cad work and have done limited 3D stuff but like you say it is expensive to get it printed by 3rd party :(
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Re: Predators

Postby Spack » Sun Dec 14, 2014 5:09 pm

Today I've filled in the small gaps where the halves of parts meet, I was hoping the clamps would hold them tightly enough for the gap to be negligible but this morning I found it was big enough that the primer wouldn't hide it. I rolled out some green stuff into long, very thin pieces and pushed them into the gaps, then smoothed them out. I also used the Dremel to smooth off most of the obvious lines on the sides of the skull, and with a few coats of primer it's looking pretty good. Couldn't get a decent photo as it's too dark now, but I'll get one before I spray on the ivory top coats. I've also got some left over oak decking stain that I'll be using to dip it when the ivory is dry to add shading.

Still trying to figure out how to make it look bloody, I did look for a red wood stain to use as dip yesterday but didn't find anything suitable. Anyone got any good ideas on how to make it look like it's been freshly ripped in a very simple way? Even better if it has a wet look to it.
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Re: Predators

Postby timewizard » Mon Dec 15, 2014 5:19 am

A tube of red oil paint. You could darken it a bit, mix in some darker red, then just 'glob' it on where you want. The oil paint should still look a bit glossy after it dries. You could even stick some tiny bits of white chips into it to look like girstle and sinews.
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Re: Predators

Postby Spack » Mon Dec 15, 2014 5:47 am

Grey primer has taken well. First coat of ivory had gone on, it's a bit thin so it's probably going to need 4 or 5 layers. Here it is with just primer.

IMG_20141215_053414131.jpg
IMG_20141215_053801061.jpg


EDIT: it's now had 4 coats of ivory spray paint, so next job will be to dip to add shading. More pics to follow.

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Re: Predators

Postby timewizard » Mon Dec 15, 2014 8:04 pm

Very nice, but in the movie, didn't the predator hold the spine at the tail end with the shull kind of flying through the air?
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Re: Predators

Postby Spack » Tue Dec 16, 2014 4:01 am

timewizard wrote:Very nice, but in the movie, didn't the predator hold the spine at the tail end with the shull kind of flying through the air?


It's hard to tell in that last pic, but he is holding it right down just above the tail. It was balanced carefully just for the photo, when the painting is finished I'll find a way to attach it better so he can wave it around above his head :)
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