Models for Dalek Comic Project_Important Update

[TV21_Dalek]

Great what you can use a Ferrero Roche box for, and adding some Lego and model bits

Next thing to build is a figure-scale portable Maser cannon... and this will be LARGE!

[TV21_Dalek]

Okay, with the Dalek issue sorted and the monitor station progressing, I really do need to get my hero done.

Initially I was going for a Dan Dare type uniform using the RAF Battledress Jack from series 1, but the more I work on the comic, the less that look fits in with what I'm building here... the comic is more TV21 than Eagle, so I feel he should have more of a Stingray or Fireball XL5 look to his costume, or something designed by the legendary Ron Turner.
That'll take some thinking about as I need to find a suitable donor body.

The head isn't such a problem. I was originally planning to use the Series 1 Jack head, but it didn't look enough like the character I wanted, so I went for the Torchwood Jack instead. Why?
Well, this head was sculpted with a squarer jaw and quite a thick bottom lip... perfect for a Ron Turner style head.

Rather than splash out on another 2 or 3 TW Jacks for the heads I just cast my own. It took three goes before I got a bubble-free casting, but I've learned from my mistakes. The best of the faulty heads will be given headphones while the other will be on an alternate sitting body: the plan is to have a standing body with working joints, and a static sitting one for the control chair and jet-bike.

Here are the heads as they are at the mo.
On the left is the TW head with a plastic disc to increase the length of the neck. In the middle is the perfect casting, on the right the best of the rest, which will have the nose and hairline repaired and 'phones added a-la Stingray.



This is the clean resin head, showing off the lower lip and the likeness to a puppet.



Now to hunt for am appropriate set of body parts... where's Ygor when I need him

[TV21_Dalek]

Since the human technology of this project is based on Fireball XL5 and Dan Dare, I decided that Dalek technology should be rather different.
This is a stand-alone console which can be either in the saucer, or outside controlling the planet-killing weapon system the Daleks are testing. It is very basic so far, but will be dressed with instruments, panels and a small screen.





It is made from two Konami model display bases and two Konami aircraft stands. It rests on two Lego parts which make great retro-future legs. The white surface is Plasticard. Control panels on the flat areas will also be Plasticard, dressed with assorted greebles.

The comic will also require the use of false perspective to create the illusion of distance... but where could I get small film Daleks? Then I remembered my film Dalek Rolykin bought in the 90s/early 00s, can't remember exactly. Anyway, it's the perfect choice. All I need to do is cast a few copies and hey-presto I will be able to cheat the camera

[omega1963]

Looking good

[TV21_Dalek]

I've altered the Dalek console support so the unit is now angled, and there is only one leg rather than two but with a broader base to rest on. I had added some Ron Turner style details to it, but still need to add the actual controls and screen.

[Dalek101]

Its going really good this. Have you got the whole saucer room made up for the daleks to slot into or just fake wall and some consoles doted around?

[TV21_Dalek]

The saucer command section will be a set composed of plastic wall sections a floor and free-standing consoles. There will be a large screen and a central astrogator console. I was tempted to copy some Mechmaster designs, but I decided to go my own way. The interior details won't match films or TV Dalek tech.

An entire control room isn't essential as I can redress it for photos from other angles, same with the human's control room. It won't be going the AFT route though. As much as I admire his work, printed 2D backgrounds look like flat card.

On another note, I have at last been able to cast from a 2-part rubber mould. I experimented with a spare Yujin 1/35 PVC Thunderbirds body I had knocking about.
The Jack head was pulled from a one-piece mould, but for something more complex I needed a 2-parter.
I made up a box with modelling clay at the bottom and pressed the figure half way into it. Then poured on the rubber.
Once that was set I pulled it out of the box and removed the clay. The figure was kept in the rubber for now.
I placed the half-mould into the box and coated the surface and figure with Vaselene to prevent the second layer of rubber from sticking to the bottom layer.
When both halves were cured I opened the mould up and removed the figure... these are the mould halves:

As you can see there is a pouring channel at the top and an air-escape vent coming from the upper arm. This is to prevent huge air bubbles forming.

Now came the messy part. I mixed up my Polytek 60 polyurethane resin and poured it into the mould, now joined together with an elastic band. After 5 minutes I opened it up.... to see this!

This first casting had air-holes in the toes and at the microphone. The second casting was hole-free

What this means is that I can scratchbuild items for the Daleks and human to use and create copies. This could be things like parts for the consoles, the hero's jetbike... whatever I need.

[King of the ood]

the idea of casting copies is a brilliant idea - you are a genius!

[omega1963]

Brilliant, any chance you're making spare Dalek bumpers I can buy?

[TV21_Dalek]

I will be making spare bumpers, but they will be called "Cyborg mobility base unit" or something Won't have wheels and I need to work out how to cast them so I don't use half my resin for one bumper, and that would be expensive for me and anyone buying them.
The 2-part mouldings will also be used for the "manipulator claw", as the casting would break trying to get it out.

Anyway, back to the console... sorry no pic today, but last night I added the separate panels for the controls and 'lights', as well as a strip around the edge. I have some other Konami bases knocking about so I can make similar consoles to maintain a similar appearance to their technology.