Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => Future Wars => Topic started by: Westfalia Chris on 01 September 2013, 09:14:57 PM
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Hi all,
yesterday, I went to see "Elysium", and what a beautiful movie that was. Liked it tremendously better than District 9, not in the least because of the more plausible scenario and setting, and of course the beautiful mechanical design - that space station sooo pushed my 1970s space art sensibilities button.
And of course those robots. And the Boat People shuttles. And the Bugatti SSTO. And the Raven VTOL. Curse you, Neil Bloomkamp and your production design department! Curse you!
Anyhow, coming home I sat about building some stuff to use with our revitalized cyberpunk group interest. Specifically, I wanted a VTOL (as I wanted to build something in that vein anyway, but didn't find a suitable design), and some robots, since I had a couple of Copplestone terminators lying around which could do with a repaint.
Piccies now!
The VTOL is more or less loosely based on the Oryx Raven, but uses engine gondolas from the Pardulon Dragonfly which I had lying around. It incorporates some design points from the MAU-20 robot tank which I built in 2012 to tie it in with existing models. The engine pods swivel on rare earth magnets. I may add some more detailing at a later point.
(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg236/Christian_S_1979/Modelling%20and%20Miniatures/Occupy%20Space%20Station/VTOL_1_zps38560545.jpg)
(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg236/Christian_S_1979/Modelling%20and%20Miniatures/Occupy%20Space%20Station/VTOL_2_zpse4f5a96b.jpg)
And with two Armadyne robots in Homeland Defence colours:
(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg236/Christian_S_1979/Modelling%20and%20Miniatures/Occupy%20Space%20Station/VTOL_3_zps65a590f9.jpg)
Said robots are converted Copplestone robots. I added a tiny faceplate and a side detail using plasticard and plastic rod, plus an antenna from plasticoated steel wire. I've got three more, of which I will paint two as police bots if I can find a pic of them online; for the last one, I am torn between the Armadyne black-and gold and a hypothetical olive drab for mercenary/CCB operative use.
(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg236/Christian_S_1979/Modelling%20and%20Miniatures/Occupy%20Space%20Station/ARMADYNE_ANDROIDS_HOMELAND_DEFENCE_FORCE_1_zps313e9fc7.jpg)
(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg236/Christian_S_1979/Modelling%20and%20Miniatures/Occupy%20Space%20Station/ARMADYNE_ANDROIDS_HOMELAND_DEFENCE_FORCE_2_zpsdf2ed1ec.jpg)
For mercenaries/CCB operatives, I'll be looking into Copplestone troopers of which I have a couple somewhere, but unfortunately all with rolled-up sleeves. Until then, I'll be using these which used to be made by Playwar (now defunct AFAIK). Will be repainting the base rims to match my other near-future/cyberpunk stuff, though.
(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg236/Christian_S_1979/Modelling%20and%20Miniatures/Miscellaneous%20SciFi/MERCS01.jpg)
Some more robots coming up in the next few days, some more better-lit pics of the VTOL, and possibly a Max conversion if I find a suitable base model in my lead mountain. Also planning for most of the characters and those rigged cars, but will space these out pending research, archeological digs and maybe some purchases (not too much, though, to avoid losing interest en route).
Thanks for looking!
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That changes the look of the Copplestone robots immensely, I like it. Don't suppose you have a pic pre-paint?
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another lovely project, Chris, like the idea!
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:o :-* I agree damn those designers.
Awesome conversion on the robots which I am totally copying. Copplestone or possibly em4 robots seem like the best base models for conversion which I have a few in the pile somewhere. I vote for the black/gold bodyguard version.
Like the VTOL also.
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That changes the look of the Copplestone robots immensely, I like it. Don't suppose you have a pic pre-paint?
I've got three still at the conversion stage, so here you go:
(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg236/Christian_S_1979/Modelling%20and%20Miniatures/Occupy%20Space%20Station/ARMADYNE_ROBOT_WIP_zps6048f835.jpg)
A shot showing all the conversion work involved. I guess you could also add tiny circular plating to the sides of the chin, but I didn't have the required diameter of plastic rod handy, so I left it off. Please ignore the blue metallic, the figs were originally painted for a Terminator project many many moons ago (although it helps to see the detail in the shot). As said, maybe 30 seconds per robot. Possibly quicker if you have a suitable size of plastic strip handy (had to cut a strip from sheet first, then lengths).
Copplestone or possibly em4 robots seem like the best base models for conversion which I have a few in the pile somewhere.
It might be prudent to note that the EM-4 (ex Grenadier) robots have a very different head which will require more conversion work. Much-maligned as the box-head Copplestone Castings figures are, they are extremely close to the film figure and merely require a minimum of work if you are so inclined (i.e. shiny shiny must have yesterday) as I am.
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Love the robots - great work Chris
:)
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Cracking project Chris and this a film that I definately want to see 8) 8)
MATT DAMON
lol
cheers
James
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Wait, you saw the film yesterday and you've churned this stuff out in 24 hours!!!
Fantastic stuff.
Any Wip pics of the VTOL?
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That's...awesome. :o
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A simple conversion that really turns those figures around. Might have to steal that, cheers.
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A simple conversion that really turns those figures around. Might have to steal that, cheers.
That, is bloody genius!
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I'll join in on the robot praise, great idea and the paint job does wonders!
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Wait, you saw the film yesterday and you've churned this stuff out in 24 hours!!!
Fantastic stuff.
Any Wip pics of the VTOL?
Unfortunately not, got carried away a bit with that one. There isn't that much to see, anyway, as it merely consists of layers of plasticard on a 3mm PVC spar core. Basically, build the basic shape of the hull and cover it in plastic until it looks like a VTOL.
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Fantastic! I love "simple" conversions that have such a great effect. Whats next! ;)
FFF
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Add my voice ot the chorus - beautiful work Chris.
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So stealing my thunder, but in such an amazing way. ;) Those homeland droids are lovely. I'm still looking to use EM4 ones as ive got a head sculpted already for casting, but these are so so simple, and quick to turn around.
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Oh and amazon are having a sale on the art of eslyuim book, well they were about a month ago. Have a look on the .de site very very good snd great reference.
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Great work, esp the droids. And yes, I want to see the VTOL too.
"Better than D9" you say? I loved D9.
I was waiting for the rental but I guess I gotta go the the theater now.
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So stealing my thunder, but in such an amazing way. ;)
Sorry about that, Commander - it just had to get out. ;)
Those homeland droids are lovely. I'm still looking to use EM4 ones as ive got a head sculpted already for casting, but these are so so simple, and quick to turn around.
Well, as said, I am convinced one could do a better job if one was prepared too invest more time and work into it. I am not entirely sure, though, if the EM-4 will work out that well - they are superb models even after all these years, and I would prefer them to the Copplestones for everything else, but they just seem that little bit too round and soft for the Armadyne androids.
Regarding the artbook, that one really looks nice. I have a commission lined up to generate some hobby funds and this one is rather high on my wants list now that I've seen the film.
"Better than D9" you say? I loved D9.
I was waiting for the rental but I guess I gotta go the the theater now.
I agree that District 9 is quite a good movie in itself. Personally, though, I generally found it a little bit too anvilicious, and the use of the aliens was a bit too blunt to fully work, especially in light of the fact that they are so damn unsympathetic, down to Christopher and his little son. Plus, the gorn/body horror factor was tuned up a bit too highly for my liking.
And, as said, the more "grounded" or setting, motivations and tech levels just make it so much more "believable" or "relatable", if a bit jarringly when it comes to the whole "us and them" issue. Humans are the real monsters, if you like. Also, District 9 only had a single robot, so it loses out. :D
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Great project! Those robots are excellent :-*
Guess I need to go to see the film now.
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Loved the film and those bots are spot on. Great stuff!
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The robots look great but the space carft is really amazing!
:-*
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Now the wife and I have to go see Elysium sooner rather then later. We also liked District 9, but a little less heavy handed would be an improvement. Love the robots. Looks like I need to make an order with Copplestone soonish.
By the way, I had to look up what "anvilicious" meant. Such big words make my head hurt.
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Really love the Vtol - I may even have a go at building one myself at some point. It's a simple but very effective design and when looking at a lot of modern military transport craft they all tend to have that sort of look.
What did you use for the wings that the engines are mounted on?
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Now the wife and I have to go see Elysium sooner rather then later. We also liked District 9, but a little less heavy handed would be an improvement. Love the robots. Looks like I need to make an order with Copplestone soonish.
By the way, I had to look up what "anvilicious" meant. Such big words make my head hurt.
Yep - Had to look it up too.
I'm heading to the theater tonight with a couple gaming buddies.
One of the reasons I so liked D9 was the contrast with Avatar. After seeing $600 million of CGI slathered over Pocahontas in Space, I found actual substance quite refreshing.
The other reason was Sharlito Copley's pitch perfect performance.
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What did you use for the wings that the engines are mounted on?
The wings are a base plate of 1.5mm plasticard with a 5mm plastic tube on top, which serves as a wing holm over which 0.2mm plasticard is curved. Add end pieces of 0.5mm plasticard plus detail parts of 0.1mm plasticard, and a steel washer with plastic detail to serve as the "female" joint for the magnet pivot, and hey presto.
I guess you could do it more simply if you just add some 3mm PVC flats, but I wanted an airfoil shape. How that thing in the movie stays airborne is a totally different kettle of flying fish, anyway. lol
One of the reasons I so liked D9 was the contrast with Avatar. After seeing $600 million of CGI slathered over Pocahontas in Space, I found actual substance quite refreshing.
Yes, Avatar... so many nice visual cues, such a bland and predictable plot. Nicely executed, but oh so bland. I don't know what portions of the budget were spent on FX and actors, but Mr. Bloomkamp got excellent value for money on both.
The other reason was Sharlto Copley's pitch perfect performance.
He's quite a bit more hammy in Elysium, but still very good. I would say it is quite fitting regarding the character, as Kruger is one crazy sonuvabitch whereas Wikus was just a meek, spineless corporate drone (at least, at first).
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... so many nice visual cues, such a bland and predictable plot. Nicely executed, but oh so bland.
yup,that's Elysium >:D
still a great Movie though :)
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yup,that's Elysium >:D
still a great Movie though :)
Well, sir, that means railguns at dawn! We shall meet at the L-5 point! lol
Seriously though, I thought that Elysium was far better executed and much more tense and exciting. With Avatar, you could always tell what was happening next - with Elysium, the overall arc was pretty much clear from now on, but the individual steps were much better placed. Might have helped that the love interest element was played pretty much without any hope from the start, and [SPOILER ALERT] I didn't believe in a miracle cure for the hero for a single minute. Actually, I quite liked that Bloomkamp avoided those all-too-easy pitfalls regarding the protagonists (and the little girl, especially her absent father).
Mind you, some stuff had me scratching my head. [SPOILER ALERT]I can see that the Filthy Rich in their Palace in the Sky(TM) don't want to be too overt in their Immigration Control practices (still some valuable assets down on Earth to protect), but Kruger's rocket pod beggars belief.
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Remember: plot trumps common sense every time.
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Remember: plot trumps common sense every time.
Truly said! I guess what bothered me more was the whole [SPOILER ALERT] Oh, frabulous day! Now we are healthy, in hideous slums! Hoo-ray! *shrug*
That, and I had some issues with the [SPOILER ALERT] open-topped habitat ring.
But I'm just a curmudgeon, and often over-think allegorical tales.
However, DID love the VTOL, and have opined elsewhere a proxy might come out of a CH-53-style copter kit.
Doug
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That, and I had some issues with the [SPOILER ALERT] open-topped habitat ring.
I thought that one was the least problematic one once I'd seen Kruger's force field. If they have a man-portable forcefield that can deflect bullets and power-armoured blows, I guess they can project a field that is just strong enough to keep the atmosphere in. Centrifugal(?) forces alone I would be hard-pressed to buy, though.
But I guess the main reason, from the film-makers' point of view, was to allow for spectacular entries that did not compromise the structural integrity of the whole thing (e.g. crashing through an airlocked landing bay or something).
Mind you, I wouldn't have minded if Elysium had been an O'Neill-type station, but the Stanford Torus is of course so much more impressive. Rule of Cool, as has been said before.
The ending left me with an odd aftertaste, too. I wonder if this was intended by the director as a "remember, folks, we won't change the system with just a single incident".
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saw the film the other week, thought it was a bit of a mess. too many different ideas/stories shoe-horned in for me. It seemed they either needed to do a longer film or more than one, and have tried to put it all in one. enjoyable enough with some nice designs, but overall probably only a 5 or 6/10.
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I like what you did to that robots, maybe I'll use that on mine too.
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Hey Westfalia Chris,
So i have finally got to see Elysium a few days ago for the first time. Have to say i liked it.
With that i recalled this project and was wondering if there had been any significant progress in the past half a year or so? So did you ever finish the project? Get any more droids done? Maybe a VIP shuttle and the gold droids you mentioned earlier done to pit Max and the boys against in a small skirmish? Got anything new to add that you may have forgotten to add? Inquiring minds wanna know. OK maybe just me but i post in hopes others may pressure you into producing. :-)
Grimm
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No progress, I am afraid. Lack of interest in my circle and myself drifting away towards Fantasy (with a 2000AD intermezzo) in the second half of 2013 meant I did finish two bots in police colours (although I haven't yet taken piccies. Also, since I found the Mark Evans mercenaries I intended to use, I didn't paint any for that faction, too.
Lack of interest, basically, with the movie fading towards the back of my mind quite quickly after the initial spectacle. I must say that apart from the two Hobbit movies which I saw in December 2013 in short sequence, nothing really motivated me to do some painting, and what with my new job and finding a decent-enough flat to rent, I'm not exactly pounding out the figures at the moment. Most energy goes into Fantasy to strike the iron while it's hot.
I may return to it as part of my overarching "Near Future" meta-project (incorporating cyberpunk stuff, Foundry Street Violence, Planet of the Apes, Judge Dredd and Fallout as sub-projects), but I cannot guarantee that Elysium will make a proper return. Not enough long-term motivation in it.