Face Forward Media

Modelling 101, episode 14, Weather or not...

2011-10-26T05:45:00.000-07:00

Modelling 101, episode 13, I mispronounce the word decal, a lot

2011-10-26T05:44:00.000-07:00

Modelling 101, Episode 12, fun with spraypaint!

2011-10-15T12:55:00.000-07:00

Awwww yeah, now we're gettin' somewhere, it's finally time to start painting this sucker! In this episode, we talk about the use of good old fashioned spraycans, how to produce a 'soft mask', and airbrushing a simple camouflage scheme!

Modelling 101, Episode 11, a primer on primer

2011-10-15T12:54:00.001-07:00

Everything's masked off nicely, but before we can start painting, we need to prepare the surface with a little primer. Also, a little trick I learned about painting canopies.

Modelling 101, episode 10: Everything you ever wanted to know about masking

2011-10-15T12:53:00.001-07:00

In this episode, we're taking a look at the various different creative ways that you can protect all your hard work when painting, from masking tape, to... tissue paper???

Modelling 101, episode 9, What seams to be the problem?

2011-10-02T16:45:00.000-07:00

It's back! I told you I'd get back to it eventually! In this episode we take a look at seam filling and finishing, the last stage before we get ready to start painting!

Part 1

Part 2

Episode 10 will be online in 2-3 days, keep checking this space, or my youtube channel!

Tamiya's 1/32 P-51D Mustang, unboxing and initial thoughts!

2011-08-20T11:49:00.000-07:00

Took me a couple days, but it's up now, and it's a 2 parter! In the first part, we look at all the documentation that comes with the kit, the instruction manual, the reference manual and decal sheets, among a few other things

Part 2, we finally take a look at the 21, yes, 21 runners of parts, the 2 photoetch sets, the pins, the rubber tires and polycaps

Enjoy!

Takara Tomy 1/35 Dual Model Kit Optimus Prime

2011-08-17T23:10:00.000-07:00

I finished assembly a couple days ago, so let's take a look at this bad boy! I also talk a little about my latest acquisitions, unboxing videos for the Viper MkVII is below, and the video for the Tamiya P-51D Mustang will be up in a day or two

Moebius Models 1/32 Viper MkVII, unboxing and initial thoughts

2011-08-17T23:08:00.000-07:00

This time we take a look at the latest in Moebius Models Battlestar Galactica kit series, the Viper MkVII

Unboxing video of Tamiya's P-51D Mustang will be online tomorrow...

hopefully

Finally got Prime assembled!

2011-08-14T17:38:00.000-07:00

I got him assembled a few days ago, but I haven't gotten a chance to take some pics until today... It's a really neat model that has some flaws, but I think it's absolutely worth it as long as you're able to keep one simple thing in mind: this is NOT a toy

All thumbs are clickable, so please click away!

He's gloriously well detailed, well painted and decently poseable, at least in the upper body... I'll get to the legs a little later. Of note, I didn't install the clear windows in his chest because they really just didn't fit worth a damn

His chest has layers upon layers of details piled on top of each other, it's really quite amazing! His back is quite fascinating as well, those appear to be his fuel tanks strapped to his back, and his fifth-wheel hitch on his butt

His feet are bananas! Each foot has 7 individual joints, not counting the ankle joints, those 7 joints are just in his toes/heels!

As you can see, he has the option to display the head with the faceplate extended or retracted, I kinda prefer it retracted as the faceplate looks kinda like a beak, I really don't dig it

At least his mouth gives him some character! In the last picture here I included a shot of the 2009 Prime toy's head alongside the model to show the improved molding

His knees are double jointed, which caught me by surprise... The upper knee has about 90degrees of bend to it, but the armor parts and the wheel on his thigh prevent the lower knee joint from offering any significant additional bend before parts start colliding

Once again, toy on the left, model on the right. As I said in my last video, I have to commend Hasbro/TakaraTomy for really going above and beyond with the toy in 2009, it still looks pretty impressive next to the model! Admittedly, some sacrifices had to be made to the design of the toy to accomodate the soundbox and batteries and transformation, but it really looks amazing!

From the front, anyway... the toy's back is pretty clunky, and this is my more streamlined, modified version of the original... The model though, as I said looks pretty cool and sleek even from the back!

Finally, for comparison's sake, here's the model next to 2004's 20th Anniversary Masterpiece Optimus Prime. The new Prime design is significantly different in almost every way, but you can see there is a strong influence in a lot of his design

His swords can attach in 2 different ways, they can mount either directly to the side of his forearm alongside his hands, or they can replace his hands entirely. I prefer the replacement option, it's just more authentic to me

So there he is! I'll be shooting a video about him tomorrow probably to show off his poseability and talk a bit about a few of the issues with him.

For pics of the assembly with detailed shots of the frame, visit http://www.escalemodels.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=9244

As promised...

2011-07-25T19:48:00.000-07:00

I said in my last video I'd post a few pics of my paintball arsenal, as well as their specs. All pics are clickable.

Tippmann Alpha Black, design based on the Colt M16/M4 service rifle. It started life with a desert camo pattern, I have since repainted it black. Modifications include: Tippmann Cyclone feed system with TechT squishy paddles and vortex mod, Tippmann 6 position folding carbine stock, Tippmann M4 style forward iron sight, RAP4 tactical foregrip rail system, NCStar vertical foregrip, NCStar carry handle rail, NCStar red dot sight, NCStar laser sight, Custom Products 16" performance barrel with M4 style flash hider/compensator. Pictured with 50 round 'tac-cap' hopper. I plan to replace all the major internal components in the next few weeks, and eventually upgrade the entire gun to be fed using spring loaded magazines instead of a hopper.

Tippmann X7 Phenom, design not based on any specific real world firearm, but similar in overall size and shape to H&K MP5 or UMP series. Gun is famous for being extremely customizable, with shoulder stocks, foregrips and other add on kits to make it very unique to the user. Mods include Tippmann A5 14" sniper barrel, Camouflage America folding foregrip, Camouflage America 6 position collapsible SMG shoulder stock, RAP4 M4 style detachable carry handle and stock Tippmann Cyclone Feed upgraded with TechT squishy paddles and vortex mod. Pictured with 160 round low profile hopper. I don't use this gun very often as it doesn't really do anything any better than my Alpha Black does, so I may sell it soon.

Tippmann TPX pistol, this is my backup weapon, I seldom get to use it but I've managed a couple of epic kills with it! Design isn't based on any particular real world handgun, but it vaguely resembles the H&K USP series. Comes stock with 5" barrel and a pair of 7 round spring loaded magazines, but I've bought 4 additional 8 round mags. Upgrades include: extended barrel(actually the stock barrel from my X7), NCStar low profile laser sight and Tippmann remote line adapter. This gun operates using compact CO2 cartridges, but with the remote line adapter can be powered by an external air/co2 tank.

Planet Eclipse Ego, 2008 model, upgrades include: Empire Prochecy electronic feed system with 280 round capacity, Empire RF transmitter kit, Ninja Air Products 72cubic inch, 4500PSI carbon fibre air tank with NXe bottle cover and Virtue handgrips. I bought this gun used and it included a Custom Products inline regulator and Planet Eclipse Cure3+ bolt. I love this gun.

July 20, 2011 Vlog, something something something...

2011-07-25T00:24:00.000-07:00

New vlog, this time we look at Takara Tomy's latest attempt to get in on the model kit bandwagon with their Dual Model Kit series release of Transformers: Dark of the Moon Bumblebee! Also a brief look at my paintball gun collection, pics of said collection will be posted here in a day or two

still alive...

2011-07-04T22:24:00.000-07:00

HUZZAH, I RETURN!!! Explanations lie within as to where I've been and why I've been absent!

still alive...

2011-06-16T20:18:00.000-07:00

As is often the case at this time of year, work has been keeping me far busier than I'd like, and as a result I've not been able to get any modelling done for about the past 3 months... It's regrettable, but that's the nature of a seasonal industry... I'm considering making a change in my career, but for the time being I'm still kinda stuck where I am, which means modelling will have to continue to take a backseat to life for the time being.

Hopefully I'll be able to get back to it before the end of the summer, but only time will tell.

Modelling 101, Episode 7, Get your Build On

2011-04-02T22:47:00.000-07:00

This time, we get started on assembly of the ME-262, starting with the cockpit and other interior details.

Part 1

Part 2

Modelling 101, episode 6: breaking it down

2011-03-24T00:32:00.000-07:00

Finally, now that the basics are out of the way, it's time to get working on the model! We're taking a look at Tamiya's 1/48 ME-262, and doing a little breakdown of the kit and how I get started on a build.

lazy days, take 2

2011-03-17T18:34:00.000-07:00

just haven't been feelin' it lately... episode 6 is probably gonna be delayed until next week

Modelling 101, episode 5, all about airbrushes

2011-03-13T03:53:00.001-07:00

This time we're taking a look at airbrushes, brands, techniques, troubleshooting and cleaning tips.

lazy days...

2011-03-12T14:45:00.001-08:00

Been playing too much Mass Effect, haven't been able to motivate myself to work on episode 5, but I'll try to get it done by this evening

hard at work...

2011-03-09T01:25:00.000-08:00

Well I ought to have modelling 101, episode 5 online by this thursday or so, but I'll have a new vlog up to show off my latest acquisition sometime tomorrow

Modelling 101, episode 4, something clever and witty about paint

2011-03-07T00:49:00.000-08:00

This time around we're gonna talk a little about paints, enamels vs acrylics, rattlecans vs airbrushes, and a bit about clearcoats.

Modelling 101, episode 3, all you ever wanted to know about glue!

2011-03-02T01:31:00.000-08:00

This time we talk about the different kinds of glues and adhesives that're frequently used in modelling, and how they work.

Modelling 101, episode 3, coming soon

2011-02-28T18:37:00.000-08:00

I'm working on my outline for eps3-5 right now, should be ready to shoot all of them tonight... frankly I'm just anxious to get working the build up portion

Modelling 101, episode 2, the basics of tool use

2011-02-28T18:23:00.000-08:00

Part 2 of my tutorial series, this time we talk a little about a few of the tools that modellers will use.

Modelling 101, part 1, getting started, choosing your first kit

2011-02-28T18:15:00.000-08:00

The first part of my tutorial series, here we focus a bit on a few entry level kits that would be a great place for a beginning modeller to start.