Re: 1/6 Superman line from Mattel
So Rebelpig, what material did you use for your fortress base?
The largest stage part is Modellers foam board 5mm. its easy to cut, light and strong enough to build structures like this. The 'crystals' at the back are the same, with layers of board on top to create more relief and shape. I added the other short stump crystals using the same method for the base and added relief to the edges of the base too.
When the basic structure was completed I used a self hardening 2 part epoxy clay 'milliput' to lay flat areas onto the front facing panels. I then impressed the 'striations' of the ice with a sharp flat edge.
Now for the 'Blue peter bit' (sorry US guys, google 'Blue peter make' or use Youtube. you'll soon see what I mean). I used 'Aluminium foil' two layers scruched up the flattened out but not enough to loose the texture. This was the glued and folded into and over the crystals.
I used the same teq on the floor parts with the foil more scrunched then flattened, I took it right to the edge and over slightly to give the effect of snow on top of the ice.
<a href="https://s1100.photobucket.com/albums/g402/rebelpig/?action=view¤t=Basedetails.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g402/rebelpig/Basedetails.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
It still didn't have that 'snowiness' it needed, so I painted a very thick coat of acrylic on the floor after the first base coat of white, I then sprinked dry sand on top.
Then the whole thing had another thick coat of white, then light ice blue worked in to bring out the detail. Then I dry brushed that whole thing with white to soften this and get that blue ice effect.
For the lights I used super bright white battery led's. the sort that aren't on a string but individual strands from a control box, there for bouquets. They work well as each light can be taken from the central box and implanted in the floor were you want it. The lights I used will give you good 12hrs before they fade.
<a href="https://s1100.photobucket.com/albums/g402/rebelpig/?action=view¤t=basedetail2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g402/rebelpig/basedetail2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
Sorry about the crappy photo but it shows the light well, looks amazing in the dark. Here's some pics of the type of lights I used.
<a href="https://s1100.photobucket.com/albums/g402/rebelpig/?action=view¤t=LL-07W-new-colour-2Popup.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g402/rebelpig/LL-07W-new-colour-2Popup.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<a href="https://s1100.photobucket.com/albums/g402/rebelpig/?action=view¤t=LL-07W-new-colourPopup.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g402/rebelpig/LL-07W-new-colourPopup.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
The figure stand base is secured inside the base of the unit. It has detachable pole, clear acrylic. So I replaced this with a longer 6mm wide acrlic rod that I could cut to a longer length, long enough to achieve a levitaing/fliying pose.
The stand was like this one. Similar to medicoms.
https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/TC46-01-1-6-...9759?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e5de444a.
I may make smaller connecting versions for Luthor and Zod. I also had a mad thought to do the Crystal chamber.
<a href="https://s1100.photobucket.com/albums/g402/rebelpig/?action=view¤t=5414848_gal.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g402/rebelpig/5414848_gal.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
But that would be a big piece & the rest of the crystal console.
<a href="https://s1100.photobucket.com/albums/g402/rebelpig/?action=view¤t=CW-STM-Fortress-controls-010.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g402/rebelpig/CW-STM-Fortress-controls-010.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
I have them all designed in tech drawings, I'd like some backlighting too. I may replace the standing crystals with frosted acrylic. I could then bed a light at the base of each to make them glow. I'ts just finding the time. LOL
Hope that helps 16k.