Hi there! I have started reading this thread a couple years ago and started my own journey with a lifesize endoskeleton.
I bought that 3D model mentioned above, (I bought one on sale for $119).
I never liked the T-800 models or products with an enclosed chest, so I started learning Blender to edit the torso.
This has taken me on a rabbit hole well over a year long editing that model.
I want to begin by saying that the CGT model looks great. Fantastic even. No one looking at it would think anything except how awesome it is
However, it's inaccurate in countless ways. Many of the details are either missing, simplified, or just wrong. I haven't even bought a 3D printer yet because I've been editing the model for almost 2 years. (remember, I'm no 3D modelling expert
) The skull of that model is pretty much perfect, and the one thing I haven't touched.
Using the reference pics on the Jaz Creations website (the guy who made an all metal T-800 ), and pictures of actual props from an auction site, I'm trying to create a model that's about as screen accurate as a person can get (models from movie-to-movie and even different scenes in the SAME movie sometimes had some differences!).
My plan is first to make a T-800 for myself, of course. But I will 3D print, post process, make molds and cast the parts in resin.
My modelling is less than stellar, but i am skilled with paint and bodywork, so filling/sanding/smoothing isn't a huge concern for me fortunately.
It's still going to be a long road though