Action Figure NECA 18" Predator conversion to "Elder Greyback" *UPDATE 9/20 **FINISHED PICTURES**

[Mr. EcKo]

Re: NECA 18" Predator conversion to the "Elder Greyback" WIP

Holy crap man that Laser for the Plasma Caster looks incredible , you have some talent buddy , i can't wait to see this beast complete

 

[Yautja-fr]

Re: NECA 18" Predator conversion to the "Elder Greyback" WIP

I want to see the head

 

[adegregorio]

Re: NECA 18" Predator conversion to the "Elder Greyback" WIP

I want to see the head

Soon...

 

[ExMem-LarjaThwei]

Re: NECA 18" Predator conversion to the "Elder Greyback" WIP

You are truly the God of customization.

 

[Jake207]

Re: NECA 18" Predator conversion to the "Elder Greyback" WIP

You are truly the God of customization.

 

[adegregorio]

Re: NECA 18" Predator conversion to the "Elder Greyback" WIP

Thanks guys, details are everything...

Quick update: I tore up the Elder's loin cloth in the back. I think it adds a subtle touch to the old look....

OK, WIP pics of the head coming soon...

 

[prefused]

Re: NECA 18" Predator conversion to the "Elder Greyback" WIP

any chance you'd be up for making laser sights for the HT Elder too? he sure could use 'em.

 

[adegregorio]

Re: NECA 18" Predator conversion to the "Elder Greyback" WIP

any chance you'd be up for making laser sights for the HT Elder too? he sure could use 'em.

Too small. I don't think I would even attempt it....

 

[adegregorio]

Re: NECA 18" Predator conversion to the "Elder Greyback" WIP

Thanks for all the compliments and all the help through PM's.

Ok, so we all know the head (and the body as well) is the original predator head modified to look more like an older Predator.

For example: the boney protrusions, broken tusk, more quills, colored dreads and beads, and multiple ridges in the forehead area.

All these things are what makes Predator Elder stand out. I saved the head for last because I knew this would make or break this custom figure. So here we go...

I started on the head detailing. I roll out some AVES in long tubes and run them parallel leaving a ridge right up the frontal bone.

I use a pointed wooden dowl wet at the end and start sculpting in my lines. I use irregular patterns to make it look more natural. I also smooth out the edges to make them blend in with the already sculpted head.

One trick I use to get multiple lines at once is I use a long threaded bolt. I take the thread side and lay it on the wet putty and twirl the bolt in different directions.

You can go deep or hard depending on how thick the threads are on the bolt.

More to come...

 

[adegregorio]

Re: NECA 18" Predator conversion to the "Elder Greyback" WIP

Flatened out the ridges a little more. It was a bit too high.

 

[Yautja-fr]

Re: NECA 18" Predator conversion to the "Elder Greyback" WIP

look good we want more lol

 

[prefused]

Re: NECA 18" Predator conversion to the "Elder Greyback" WIP

wow, totally nailed the forehead. what are you gonna use for 1:5 scale quills? or do you have those in your magical box too.

 

[adegregorio]

Re: NECA 18" Predator conversion to the "Elder Greyback" WIP

wow, totally nailed the forehead. what are you gonna use for 1:5 scale quills? or do you have those in your magical box too.

Joe's doing those. He's probably got an extra 10,000 of them laying all over his bench...

 

[The Reverend]

Re: NECA 18" Predator conversion to the "Elder Greyback" WIP

Flatened out the ridges a little more. It was a bit too high.

your a kick ass custom monster maker!!!!

 

[prefused]

Re: NECA 18" Predator conversion to the "Elder Greyback" WIP

Joe's doing those. He's probably got an extra 10,000 of them laying all over his bench...

yeah, i guess you'll have that when you pretty much specialize in customizing predator toys. i wouldn't mind having some put on my pred but Joe's evidently booked out the wahzoo. stupid high-demand exceptional talent!

 

[ArmoredFoe]

Re: NECA 18" Predator conversion to the "Elder Greyback" WIP

good god man!!! that looks so freaking awesome so far. I cant wait to see more updates.

 

[adegregorio]

Re: NECA 18" Predator conversion to the "Elder Greyback" WIP

I sculpted this little box to house the LED and fiber optic cables on top of his shoulder cannon. I tried to make it look like part of the backpack.

The wires come from inside the box to the laser sight.

I know it's not movie accurate, but I needed it for the LED conversion.

Now back to sculpting the rest of the head...

 

[Legendary Hunter]

Re: NECA 18" Predator conversion to the "Elder Greyback" WIP

That is just amazing!! more pics!! Can't wait to see the finished product!!!

 

[adegregorio]

Re: NECA 18" Predator conversion to the "Elder Greyback" WIP

Thanks guys...

More head detailing...

Now onto the sides and lower mandibles. I spread some putty around the cheek bones simulating a half moon.

I use a little paint cap to position where I want to place the boney protrusions. Then I drop a little ball of putty on the circle and manipulate it into a little bone.

I mirror the same to each side of the cranium using the previous step.

I alter the mouth gums by adding two more sets of teeth. I also add some little boney protrusions on the lower part of his cheek.

I fill in those pesky break lines where the factory added the closed mouth on. For example: under his chin, sides of his cheeks and the top of the mouth.

More to come...

 

[Yautja-fr]

Re: NECA 18" Predator conversion to the "Elder Greyback" WIP

good job on the head. I like your work