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Other Stuff => Workbench => Topic started by: Laflin and Rand on July 28, 2009, 09:08:37 PM

Title: My first Thark
Post by: Laflin and Rand on July 28, 2009, 09:08:37 PM
I thought I'd share my take on the old Kroot to Thark conversion. This is my first try. More to come. The thing I'm having the most trouble with is creating a sword blade. Any tips?

(http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x292/grapperyeah/thark1.jpg)

(http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x292/grapperyeah/thark2.jpg)

(http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x292/grapperyeah/thark3.jpg)

(http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x292/grapperyeah/thark4.jpg)

(http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x292/grapperyeah/thark7.jpg)
Title: Re: My first Thark
Post by: Operator5 on July 28, 2009, 09:17:59 PM
That's a great conversion so far!  :o

Tips for swords:

Well, first, I would say you should go with a curved sword. Feels more swashbuckling than a straight sword.

Second, use brown stuff or miliput instead of green stuff. Those two can be sanded and filed and make it easier to get a blade edge.
Title: Re: My first Thark
Post by: rob_alderman on July 28, 2009, 09:20:59 PM
My god that's awesome.

That truly is.

And yeah, use brown stuff for swords and hard edges as you can file it.

Now get it painted.
Title: Re: My first Thark
Post by: Skrapwelder on July 28, 2009, 09:35:43 PM
That looks great. Nice tusks.
Title: Re: My first Thark
Post by: Laflin and Rand on July 28, 2009, 09:58:48 PM
That looks great. Nice tusks.

Thanks! It was all your idea  :)
Title: Re: My first Thark
Post by: SirAlban on July 29, 2009, 09:52:50 PM
i love it ! :-*
Title: Re: My first Thark
Post by: manic _miner on July 29, 2009, 11:17:58 PM
 That is a great conversion.Do you plan to do more?
Title: Re: My first Thark
Post by: UncleRhino on July 29, 2009, 11:58:23 PM
I am not much of a sculptor, and have never used the "brown stuff" but have you considered finding a bit of metal for use as a sword blade?  I would guess you could use aluminum or brass and cut the rough shape out and then use a dremel to grind down to what you are wanting.  I would just worry about something else being brittle.

The conversion is smashing, I can't wait to see more.

Ryan
Title: Re: My first Thark
Post by: kidterminal on July 30, 2009, 02:57:51 AM
Very impressive. What models dis you use for the conversion?
Title: Re: My first Thark
Post by: Laflin and Rand on July 30, 2009, 03:46:05 AM
Thanks everybody  8)

I used parts from Warhammer 40k Kroot for just about everything but the pistol which comes from the Warhammer Fantasy Empire Pistolier kit. I've got enough parts to make 11 more. 12 is a good number. Enough to wipe out an enemy battalion or two, I'd say.
Title: Re: My first Thark
Post by: Aaron on July 30, 2009, 01:24:17 PM
Fantastic conversion job. I know a certain neighbor of mine who might suffer a stroke when he sees this.

You can get thin brass strips from most model RR shops. It should work a treat for sword blades.
Title: Re: My first Thark
Post by: kidterminal on July 31, 2009, 01:17:32 AM
Fantastic conversion job. I know a certain neighbor of mine who might suffer a stroke when he sees this.

You can get thin brass strips from most model RR shops. It should work a treat for sword blades.

You can use plasticard for the blades, eaiser to work with.
Title: Re: My first Thark
Post by: warrenss2 on July 31, 2009, 01:58:24 AM
 :o That is a truly awesome Thark!!! 

 :'( John Carter would be so proud to battle against such.

I'd have to agree, curved swords are more "Barsoomian" to me.

 :-* Can I have about 12?  :-*

How in the world do you guys do such wonderful stuff with that greenstuff?!?!?!
Title: Re: My first Thark
Post by: Hydra on July 31, 2009, 02:21:32 AM
Looking good!

Two methods I use to make swords:

1) Brass Rod
Since the figures are not intended to be molded and cast, you can use brass rod to make very thin but strong blades. Start with a length of brass rod longer than the sword so you have something to hold onto. Simply sharpen the tip and bend the wire if you want a curved sword. Flatten the metal with a hammer and an anvil (or another flat thick piece of metal.) You can clean up the shape with a file. Cut the blade off the wire and leave a 2-3mm tang.  Drill a hole in the hand and glue it in!

This technique sounds laborious, but it's actually quite quick and the results look great.  I used it on my Orc hussars for Flintloque and the brass blades look great when painted.

2) Brown putty
You'll still need a wire armature for the sword bend it into shape and set aside.  Lubricate a piece of plastic card with a thin coat of petroleum jelly. Set the wire on the plastic and cover the wire with putty and make the shpe of the sword.  You can peel it off when cured, flip it and sculpt the other side.  When it is fully cured, you can file it and sand it to a high shine.

One tip about working with hard putties like brown kneadatite, A+B or Milliput:  These harder putties are very brittle and do not hold up well to handling. I mix up a batch of the harder putty and then mix an equal batch of green kneadatite. I combine both putties to make a hybrid putty.  It handles like brown, but it is not so brittle.  You may want to cure it under a lamp for an hour or let it cure naturally for 24 hours before sanding.

PM me or e-mail me at hydraminiatures@yahoo.com if you have any other sculpting questions.

Keep up the good work!
Matt Beauchamp
Hydra Miniatures
www.hydraminiatures.com



Title: Re: My first Thark
Post by: Alxbates on July 31, 2009, 02:39:54 AM
I think it looks great!