Hello everyone!
Just posting a very quick update before getting too bogged down in this weeks work.
Last week was extremely busy! As always, packaging and shipping took way longer, and was much more work than anticipated. Most of my time this past week was spent dealing with that, whilst also getting as many jobs ticked off for Batch 4 as possible.
I’m happy to say that the vast majority of Batch 3 is now “SHIPPED”. I’m just waiting on a couple of answers regarding shipping details, and an outstanding payment. This is fine though, as I understand that being ready to ship doesn’t always land at a convenient time.
We’re now officially working on getting Batch 4 finished up and out of the door, with a lot of work having already been completed:
- Clamps are all finished and ready to install.
- Stencils are cut and ready to apply.
- D-Rings are formed and ready to install.
- Boot studs are formed and ready to install.
- Aluminium Work has begun and is “in progress”.
This week:
The plan for this week (starting today) is as follows:
- Finish metal prep (fixing points/pommel damage/V3 detailing)
- Darken Aluminium (all V3 parts and all “Post-Production V2 parts)
- Mask/paint
- Final assembly
I aim to have Batch 4 as close to finished as possible by the end of the month (end of this week!). It's a lot of work, but I hope to at least have everything painted and for me to have moved on to final assembly by then. I believe that this is achievable.
I'll be sending out Batch 4 weathering/shipping invoices in the coming days. As always, there is no obligation to pay these until the work is complete. It is just one job that I like to get out of the way for my own peace of mind. Of course, if you prefer to get these paid, you're more than welcome to do so! Getting these sent out just ticks another job off the "to do" list and helps me to stay organized, so will have these sent out over the course of this week.
No pictures this week I'm afraid. I just wanted to give a written update, and outline my plan for this coming week, leading up to the end of the month. I will be documenting the process as always, and will drop another update next week with lots of pictures!
For now though, I'm going to drop off the radar and concentrate on getting this next batch finished!
With the end of this run in sight, I have been receiving a LOT of enquiries regarding my next run and what that might be.
I’ve alluded to this a few times, but I believe I now have a firm plan going forward…
I am receiving a lot of requests for people to be added to a “waiting list” for if anyone happens to drop out of this run. Specifically for V2s!
Well, I’ve decided to order in parts for a small additional batch of V2s. I won’t be taking orders (or payments) until this current run is completely finished. I will be ordering the parts soon though, so that their arrival coincides with the end of this run. I’ll be adding the necessary fixing points and V2 modifications to the models too, to reduce my workload and waiting times. The body sections are currently designed as a base for both the V2 and V3 which have subtle differences and different fixing point locations. This will no longer be a requirement, so the parts for this additional batch won’t require quite as much preparation work prior to painting.
This limited Mini-Run of V2s will be available for pre-order upon completion of Batch 6 of this current run (around the end of March/beginning of April).
I also have a small number of static Yuma / I.S.Y.H.C.A.N.L which will be finished up and made available once this run is complete.
These smaller projects will fit nicely in to the time between March and August 1st. This is the date I have set for making my next BIG project available. I’ll be making an official announcement and interest thread way ahead of then, but I can give you brief summary here/now…
Coming Soon (August 1st, 2025):
** INSTALLABLE DaveP ROTJ Yuma / ISYHCANL / V1 Hero + Crystal Chamber. **
This will be a multi-section, hollow (aluminium) body, based on my previous solid/static interpretation of the prop.
It will be possible to fit custom chassis and blade, or optional telescopic crystal chamber reveal.
The V1 version is also designed to allow for screen accurate reveal board and rails.
So, vintage reveal boards can be accurately incorporated in to a bladed hero whilst maintaining screen accuracy.
The pommel will be vented at the lathe centre point to maintain screen accuracy.
The purpose of this project, is to take the work that I have done over the years, and to create an installable hilt that is as screen accurate as possible, whilst also allowing for internals/chamber and/or blade.
It’s something that I’m very excited about, and can’t wait to share with you all very soon!
As of now, much of the design work is done, but until I have finished models (and renders), I’ll be holding off from an official announcement or interest thread.
My top priority right now is the completion of my current run obviously.
I just wanted to lay out my medium to short term plans for those who might be interested, and for those who have asked.
Anyway, this short update has grown in to a bit of a ramble, so it’s time I got back to work!
Signing off for now, and will be back very soon with an update on Batch 4 progress.
Wishing you all a fantastic week!
All the best, and as always, MTFBWY!
Dave
Looking forward to working on this for you 
