It's been a busy year...

[Laser Brain]

Some of you may remember that last year I abandoned my career in graphics to go in search of a career as a modelmaker. I started a full time degree in modelmaking and special effects at the University of Hertfordshire. My first year is nearly up and after architectural and product projects and some work experience, I finally got to make a spaceship.

Anyway, I thought I'd show what I've been up to on the course.

First project: Architectural Concept Model in London 1/500 scale.
This project is also set up to help you experiment with some of the workshop equipment. As you can see, I messed around with the vac-former for this project.

[image]http://www.wackychimp.com/uploads/building.jpg[/image]

Second project: Copy a real electronic product 1/1 scale.
I chose a Nokia 3230. I made most of the phone on a milling machine from acrylic, chemiwood, fastcast (and P38)

[image]http://www.wackychimp.com/uploads/phone.jpg[/image]

Work Experience: At Pipers Architecural working on a model of 'the Pearl' Island being built off Dubai.
Not really the reason I'm getting into this career, but good fun for a while.

[image]http://www.wackychimp.com/uploads/pearl.jpg[/image]

Third project: Design and build a spaceship from found items in 2 weeks.
This was also a research and essay project. My final models were made from a 'Dustbuster' with a minigun and shot glasses, an old vcr, a tonne of kit parts etc.

[image]http://www.wackychimp.com/uploads/spaceship.jpg[/image]
[image]http://www.wackychimp.com/uploads/spaceship1.jpg[/image]
[image]http://www.wackychimp.com/uploads/spaceship2_1.jpg[/image]

We also had to design and sculpt a maquette of the pilot of our ship. I'm no sculptor. At 1/6 scale and with little experience I found it tricky. The props are store bought - didn't have time to make them.

[image]http://www.wackychimp.com/uploads/pilot.jpg[/image]

On the side I'm trying to improve on my sculpting. Here is my attempt at 'Simon Bisley's Batman' Still very much a work-in-progress. I've completely reworked his brow since. If I like the finished sculpt I'm going to make a fibreglass version. The batsign is laser cut and the teeth are mine (casts)

[image]http://www.wackychimp.com/uploads/batman.jpg[/image]

I've also started a 32" Falcon. I'm going to work on it at Uni in between projects.

[image]http://www.wackychimp.com/uploads/falcon.jpg[/image]


I hope that's a little insight into the degree. I'm really enjoying it and next year is when the real fun starts - setting our own briefs.

Cheers

Neil

 

[Too Much Garlic]

Love the work. Looks very professional. Though, you got way too straight teeth. :lol

Keep up the good work

 

[Laser Brain]

:lol Dude. I used to grind those bad boys.

N

 

[Too Much Garlic]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Vos @ Apr 26 2006, 08:26 PM) [snapback]1233567[/snapback]</div>

:lol Dude. I used to grind those bad boys.
N
[/b]

LOL, okay... well, at least you didn't grind them crooked.

I really like your spaceship project, very impressive and it has that "it looks like it could really work" feel to it. :thumbsup

 

[paulcarson]

Well done mate. You've really achieved something. All the very best for your future.

Paul

 

[cobywan]

I'm fully anchored in the architectural model making. It can be a serious pain at times. Right now one of our clients has us repainting every color on a model that was 90% done. Not good since the painting operations were designed to be done before assembly.

I hear the FX stuff is very similar but the work days don't sound quite as bad as what my shop does. (The FX shops in California are mostly unionized and have very good work terms. Not so in Seattle.)

I like what I do but this year has been very busy. You wan't to apply? We need the help.

Great work by the way. The ships have a BSG feel to them. Sort of an alternate-alternate universe thing.

 

[Lord Abaddon]

Damn Neil, you've been BUSY...

I love the "Duststar" ship. :lol It looks great.

 

[Deleted]

Very neat stuff Neil...

Tim

 

[Darth Infamous]

Killer stuff Vos. You are on your way my man.

Carl

 

[PHArchivist]

Wow..

 

[Laser Brain]

Thanks everyone.

cobywan, the FX industry here is very unionised too (unless you are a modelmaker, but they still have strength in numbers) As for the working day, I'm not sure, but I did 5 weeks on 'Agent Crush' and we were in from 7:30 - 6:30

N

 

[cobywan]

I I have done two 24 hour shifts and one 36 hour shift in my 8 1/2 years. Ususally the when we go into overtime it's only a 45-50 hours a week.

I used to be a Teamster so I know what it used to feel like having a union at your back.

 

[Trooper TK409]

Fantastic work Neil. That ship is awesome and I love the sound of that assignment. Can I ask what you used to form the panelling on the ship? I'm referring to the skins.

 

[Less than Super Ostrich]

wonderful stuff. very much like your technique. and those figures are phenomenal for a guy who doesn't consider himself a sculptor.

any chance you'd be up for a commission project?

 

[moffeaton]

Your craftsmanship is stellar.. I love that phone - simply gorgeous.

Thank you for sharing some off-the-beaten-path projects with us - a breath of fresh air.

Coby - Joe has told me how much you guys work. I'm in awe.

 

[Killdozer]

WOW.

I don't normally check out the modelling forum... I should. Everything's swell, but I'm in love with that found parts ship. Absolutely stunning.

Thanks for sharing.

KD

 

[natty15d]

Hi Neil

Great peices of work there mate

Was just wondering the other day how you were getting on on your course.

great to hear its going well & that you are enjoying it

keep the updates coming

Nathan

 

[Laser Brain]

TK409,
The panelling is .25 styrene. I wanted a panel-beaten look for the surface.
Jason, I think the phone is my biggest achievement this year. It's definately not something I would have thought about building. I'm not really into product as most of it is CNC work, but it was great to machine one
by hand. It was good practice for making props.

Super Ostrich, Thanks dude. I'm sure how I fit a commission in

Thanks for the kind words everyone.

Cheers
Neil

 

[reevz666]

WHOA.. :eek :eek

I LOVE that Batman bust.....did you make any castings??