Customizing action figures - A Discussion

CB2001

Wes R - I guess he had to pair down so he could continue to have a business. Plus, I figure he probably wasn't selling as much when it comes to the figures.

Bizarro Lois - First off, nice Facebook page. Those are a lot of interesting customs. I don't know if many would consider the Talkie Tina doll a custom or a replica, but thinking about it now, it does fall under both categories. Second of all, that gas gun actually looks more appropriate for the Mego toys, as man action figure accessories from the 1970s on back weren't particularly well sculpted. But still, it's a good looking sculpt.

I got back home earlier. Went a couple of flea markets. Didn't find any figures to be the base for any kind of customs, but one of them had a few G.I. Joe and G.I. Joe-like spare pieces in addition to vehicles. But I did pick up a Battle Damage Skeletor from the original Masters of the Universe line (which mean I can simply make a mold of one of his arms to make a replacement for my other Skeletor figure), a Rocksteady from the original TMNT line, a Superman with the copyright of 1989 and a 1985 John Rambo action figure by Coleco (based on the movie, not the animated series and in such a great condition, it looks like it just came off the card), all four for $6. But, the second flea market I went to I'll have to keep in mind primarily because of the bits and pieces of old figures they had (they also had a few older figures that were in much minor condition, there were some I couldn't even recognize). I'm lucky enough that I was able to go, especially since I haven't been able to head over to Valdosta by myself in a while.

Right now, I've got several Wasp figures on my Watchlist on eBay, hoping to snag the best deal and the lowest price. I know I've said that before, but I'm currently watching and I've got a potential probono filmmaking work available (I haven't met them yet, but I know the employer is a small tattooing business and they want to do a viral video), but I'm going to working on the stuff I've already talked about in one way or another.

Wes R

That's a good deal on the Rambo. I may see next weekend about going to the big indoor/outdoor market we hit last year but it's late in the season so a lot of folks wont be there. Plus last year it was mostly all clothing. We drove past a few yard sales but like most in the area it's baby clothes or other stuff only. Either the toys got thrown out or they know to ebay them these days.

Bizarro Lois

I'm going to a doll show tomorrow. Sometimes there are table with action figures. I'm mostly looking for Megos, but let me know by early morning if there's something you want me to look for.

Wes R

All I'm looking for at the moment is a 6" action figure like the DC/DCU figure that has a varsity style high school jacket. I want to make a Captain N the game master figure but haven't found any figures with the right coat. Finding figures with blue jeans is the easy part.

CB2001

Bizarro Lois - I personally can't think of any right now, but knowing my luck I'll think of something afterwards (the Wasp figure is something I can handle on my own, so don't worry about that one). I wish you luck on your hunt for Megos.

Wes - Thanks. I actually came close to picking up two Rambo figures from the same place where I snagged my White Whale(one of Rambo and one of Trautman, both of them being the animated series versions), but the guy was asking $20 for both of them, and I've found them cheaper individually on eBay. But the Rambo I got was definitely a better deal anyway. Good luck with your hunting next weekend (seriously, I intended to do the same today, but ended up finding collectables than bases for modding. But I did find a place that had parts of figures, so that's a good thing). Who knows, maybe you'll find some much needed parts/figures.

Wes R

I posted my wants on figurerealm too since those guys usually find some obscure stuff. I thought maybe there is a buffy figure i can use.

CB2001

Dad and I are going to Tallahassee tomorrow to hit the flea markets, some thrift stores and the movies (to go see The Thing). I'm going to swing by the booth with the guy who is selling figures. May end up picking up a few for customization.

I managed to run over to Valdosta, Georgia without having my parents going with me. I swung by the Toys 'R' Us to see if there were any discounted figures. There were a lot of them. Though I'm still looking at getting ahold of Marvel Legends Wasp, I'm also considering on doing a Sandrine Holt figure at the G.I. Joe scale (especially seeing the Marvel Select Kitty Pride action figure). While I was there, I was looking at the Plaster of Paris action figure from The Spirit line. The sculpt of the figure doesn't look remotely like Paz Vega when I saw it in person, but looked a bit more like a base for Monica Bellucci. Strange, oddly. Seriously, I may have to snag that Bill Adama for only $9.99 the next time I go.

But hopefully, I'll get some more figures to use as customs tomorrow. Hopefully some that I won't have the need to add into my personal collection.

CB2001

Got back from Tallahassee. Unfortunately, didn't pick up anything to modify but snagged a loose Flynn's Lightcycle from the TRON: Legacy toy line for only $5 (figured it's something I could have sitting on my shelf, not to mention its also falls into a replica).

CB2001

I've managed to be able to go to Valdosta again by myself. I'm planning on hitting the Wal-Mart (as I have to get a new lens for my eyeglasses) and will also be going by Toys 'R' Us again to snag a couple of action figures on clearance. I'll be able to go by Big Lots (which often has a lot of action figures on discount). So, I may be able to get some figures to add to my possible parts bin.

I've been also looking at the head of a Marvel Legends Maria Hill, and I think the head looks like a good base for the movie version of Ramona Flowers from Scott Pilgrim vs. The World. Again, trying to practice for trying to find parts for figures with likenesses to that of pre-existing material.

Been trying to snag a Wasp figure off of eBay, but I keep getting sniped at the last second.

CB2001

Haven't snagged a Wasp yet, but the other day, my dad and I went to Tallahassee and hit the Goodwill stores that were there. One of them had a Good Cents store, and in one of the bins were a lot of action figure accessories. I snagged a small bag full for only $1.50. Some of these look like the Dollar Store action figure accessories, others look pretty decent replicas of guns for your action figures. It's a variety, but now I've got a small action figure arsenal to go with my figures. I also snagged an action figure that turns out to be from the old Hook action figure line (an action figure line based on the film, the one I found is a Peter Pan figure in green) and a motorbike that I've definitely seen in a el-cheapo action figure pack that comes out at the Dollar Tree). With some slight repainting, one I can modify one of them to go with my John Rambo action figure. I don't know if I'll keep the action figure or whatnot, but still an interesting find.

Still trying to snag a loose Wasp figure at a low price (bit of a challenge). I picked up a Bill Adama action figure on clearance from Toys 'R' Us. It's still on the card (the card is still in good condition), and I don't know if I want to take him out of the card or not. Still waiting for my Boomer action figure (something is going on with the shipping). But, all and all, I can't complain.

CB2001

I'm still planning on snagging a Wasp figure. Right now trying to get more of my Christmas shopping done (as I've already got two items for my dad, and I need to get something else to throw in the box, and have yet to get anything for my mom and my sister).

TOYKRAZY

Have you ever done any playsets for 3 3/4 figures. I am looking for someone to swap ideals with. I made a g.i. Joe fort a few years ago but lost it to a house fire. I am currently working on an avengers tower. And have either a sinister six hq, hall of justice and the legion of doom hq in mind when i get done with it. I will be posting some pics in a few days of the avengers tower although it is only about half done. And also what wasp are you looking for. I KNOW I CAN'T SALE ANYTHING ON HERE YET WHERE I AM A NEW MEMBER BUT CAN I TRADE IF SO I HAVE ALOT OF ACTION FIGURES TO TRADE AND KNOW WHERE I CAN GET A LOT MORE. I SALE AT A FLEA MARKET AND THERE IS ABOUT 15+ VENDORS WHO SALE ACTION FIGURES, SO IF THERE IS SOMETHING YOU ARE LOOKING FOR LMK BECAUSE THERE IS A LOT I AM LOOKING FOR.

CB2001

The last time I did a playset for any action figures was when I was much younger (around 11 years old or so), and it was a series of buildings made of cardboard. I've been working on designing a display for my Resident Evil action figures, and I know a few of people over at Figure Realm that have made dioramas and playsets for their figures. In fact, here's a direct link to the gallery showing some of them: Custom Action Figure Showcase

In fact, in another thread, someone posted some He-Man related custom playset builds: Fortress of power - He-Man.org Forums

I'm not sure how helpful those links will be, but I figured it'd be a good starting point.

TOYKRAZY

Thank you. And good luck on the resident evil ps. I have found thick card board is good to use. It is cheap (most restraunts & small dept. Stores will give you boxes) it is easy to work with. And thanks again for the info.

CB2001

Thanks Toykrazy, but I'm going with either basswood or possibly sheet styrene for my RE display. But thanks.

CB2001

A little bit of an update. I snagged some TRON: Legacy figures (Sam and Quorra) for only $4 each at Big Lots. I plan on customizing them and replacing the heads (at least making Quorra's head swappable with the one that the main figure comes with). If Big Lot stills has them the next time I go around, I'm probably going to pick up some more of them and possibly a couple of more Kevin Flynn Light Cycles (for $6 a piece, they're deals).

If anyone else is looking to do any T:L customs, check your near by Big Lots, they may have some available (NOTE: Not all stores have the same items, but you never know unless you check the one near you).

CB2001

I've holding up a moment on doing the TRON: Legacy customs, as another member over at the Tron-Sector forums is looking into swapping out the LED from the board. It's possible, I may be able to swap out a single LED instead of swapping out the entire board for my Rinzler custom. There's a whole post about T:L customs (including discussions of the best heads to use and pictures of customs created by others at the forum)

CB2001

I'm resurrecting the thread again. Right now, I'm trying to figure out the right heads to use for my TRON: Legacy figures (I've decided to do some swaps of them), possibly some original characters in relation to TRON. Due to school, it's holding me up to doing anything. And since I've been busy on my MacReady outfit and flamethrower prop, the only thing figure related I've been able to do are some pictures of some of my old figures. But primarily, finding the right heads to use for my T:L customs is definitely holding me up. I know I was holding out for a Wasp figure to turn into Sandrine Holt, but I'm holding up for now on that. But, I've got some others in mind that are not TRON related. But for now, TRON related figures are bouncing through my head (including a T:L version of Yori. Just trying to figure out what kind of program to make her).

CB2001

A new update on my end: As you many know, I went to Megacon. And I got my hands on a lot of stuff that is both collectable and have some potential for helping out for customs. In fact, thanks to one vender, I got a whole bunch of action figures and accessories (and a couple of vintage action figure vehicles) for under $20. I've even found pieces for some of my figures that I was missing (such as a cape for of my old Batman figure {from the original Kenner line for the 1989 movie}, and the entire front plate for my Battle Damage T-800 Terminator figure).

Well, I've found a couple of figures I can use to swap the heads for my CLU and my TRON figures that I plan to modify. I plan on making resin copies of the heads on the two figures I've found and use them for my TRON and CLU figures. The figure I plan on using for CLU's head is the Han Solo figure I found (the one I used in the picture Han Solo vs. Will Riker. Han Loses.) that I found at a flea market a couple of weeks before the convention, which is this one from this set: Rebelscum.com: Photo Archive

For the figure head I'm using for TRON, it is from the 2003 Hulk movie toy line. It's this one: http://www.tons-of-toys.com/item_ima...nner-Bruce.jpg
Here's a better look: The Incredible Hulk: Bruce Banner Action Figure

The figure's face looks slight off when looking at it, (it may appear in the pics that the figure is a dead-on likeness to Eric Bana (who played Bruce in the 2003 film), but with the one I have, the face is slightly off and looks close enough to a young Bruce Boxlietner). I got this figure for only $3, the same price I got for the Han Solo figure.

I also have taken on a couple additional project. I got my hands on an Ecto-1 (it's actually the Ecto-1A reprint, as it had pink slime stickers that were barely hanging on) and a Super Powers Batmobile that I plan on restoring. For the Ecto-1, it's sort of turned brown in color (except with some spots that are still the original white because of the pink slime stickers) because of some chemical that was used with nearly everything plastic in the 1980s (which has lead to a lot of things from toys to plastic pieces of computer keyboards from that era to turn brown or yellow due to aging). Now, I could simply paint the vehicle, but it wouldn't help restore the vehicle. So, I'm going to experiment in hopes of restoring the vehicle back to its original color with the use of a "freeware" chemical compound called Retr0Bright, which I plan to see if it will work on the toy by using one of the doors. For the Batmobile, it's missing a steering wheel, the two front windscreen and the two back ones were cracked. I found a site that has resin replacement parts for some of the old sci-fi toys, and they've got the clear orange resin casts of the front windscreens (no back ones), but I've been looking at eBay to see if someone selling parts for cheap. For the back ones with the cracks, I've thought about making resin casts of them and hopefully the casts will not have the cracks of them. Of course, I need to get a mold kit and attempt to replicate it just to see if I can do it (I'm thinking about using an Alumilite casting kit that's available at Hobby Lobby since the pieces aren't really big, but I've thought about just using 100% Silicone from Lowes or Home Depot, but I'm still trying to figure out a way on how to thin it down a bit so that it's pourable but still retain its ability to dry and be solid when it does).

Also, like I said, I've got a lot of accessories and parts that I can't recognize. And I've got figures that I don't know about either with others I do know about and recognize (such as two Ghostbusters figures I never had, almost all of the Galoob Star Trek: The Next Generation line) figures, one He-man figure I had but I lost when I was a kid and a few others). So, I've got figures and accessories to use for possible customs (including a Spock from the recent Star Trek movie line, 3.75 inches {G.I. Joe size}, but is missing his right forearm). But I've got a lot of pieces and figures that have a lot of potential and other pieces I could use for trading at Figure Realm if I decide to do so.

So, yeah, a lot of new stuff to add to my plate.

MrGzilla

ive done a few custom figures, but nothing major, mostly repaints or even just adding some more detail to the existing paint.

heres my latest, its a repainted sandtrooper made to match my armor:

CB2001

Nice! I'm often impressed with repaints as much as I am with major customizations.

CB2001

Some updates on my end:

I found a head to go for a custom T:L Yori. The head is going to be a Juno Eclipse from the Force Unleashed portion of the Star Wars line. Though the head is slightly smaller than the body I plan on using (which may be a Quorra body from the T:L line), I feel the head is the best likeness to Cindy Morgan than any suggestions I've come across. It may need a little sculpting for hair and I could very well be wrong, but here's a picture of the Juno Eclipse figure I've gotten two of:




In other related news, I've got some good news about the Ecto-1 I made mention of in my last post. My dad and I have managed to get the right mixture for an interesting RetroBright mixture. My dad made some to clean up a couple of mice for the Super NES system (there was a mouse accessory produced for a game called Mario Paint). He had enough left over for me to brush onto the Ecto-1 body and doors. After a few hours, we were both surprised that the brown had gone away completely on the SNES mice and that the Ecto-1 had brightened up a bit to where it looked like it needed another round of RetroBright to get it back to its full on White color. So, soon, Ecto-1 will be back to its old bright self. I forgot to take a picture of it before we began working on it, but I'll definitely see if I can get a shot of it in progress before brushing on the next application tomorrow.

That's about it for now.

Atlanthia

I just turned two 3.75 inch Star trek Galaxy range figures into two Space 1999 Eagle pilots today. I have to say that They look pretty good!

CB2001

That sounds pretty awesome. Got any pics?

Atlanthia

Happy to oblige!

Here are a couple of them installed in their Eagle cockpit:




Here they are before I changed them. Kirk's hair was not this dark. I was more orange!!
Scotty was going rapidly bald, so I gave him a transplant and turned him into John Koenig.