Metropolis Maria Robot

[Forbidden Zone]

Hey folks,

I posted this on some other boards, and I thought I would throw it out here as well. If you've seen the latest AFM, you've already seen her. This is the Madsudaya Maria robot that came out in the 90's. It's a vinyl kit that I reposed. I scratchbuilt the chair and added the insulators and wires. I'll eventually come up with a base with some under-lighting. Anyway...here she is...thanks for looking.

 

[Deleted]

Very cool.

Too bad Fritz Lang is dead. He could sue Lucas for stealing that robot design.

Tim

 

[burningman]

that is awesome...
I love Maria one of the best bot designs ever.

 

[Archie Opteryx]

Beautiful.

 

[WarEagle]

It's amazing that they designed this back in what, the 20's? This would look right at home in any sci-fi movie made today.

 

[Forbidden Zone]

<div class='quotetop'>(WarEagle @ Jun 7 2006, 01:10 PM) [snapback]1257833[/snapback]</div>

It's amazing that they designed this back in what, the 20's? This would look right at home in any sci-fi movie made today.
[/b]

Yes, the film was released in 1927. Incredible design work.

Thanks to everyone for the kind words.

Mike

 

[eaviii]

Beautiful use of that model- How did you rework the knees? Ball bearings?

Doc

 

[phase pistol]

Fantastic Mike. :thumbsup

I see you used a bright "steel" finish for Maria... I don't know where the "gold" color used on the box and many replicas comes from... she looks more "natural" in the silvery color.

- k

 

[Forbidden Zone]

<div class='quotetop'>(eaviii @ Jun 7 2006, 05:24 PM) [snapback]1258007[/snapback]</div>

Beautiful use of that model- How did you rework the knees? Ball bearings?

Doc
[/b]

Thanks Doc. I used metal washers and wooden spheres from the craft store for the knees. Then, I sculpted in the sides with epoxy putty.

<div class='quotetop'>(phase pistol @ Jun 7 2006, 05:36 PM) [snapback]1258014[/snapback]</div>

Fantastic Mike. :thumbsup

I see you used a bright "steel" finish for Maria... I don't know where the "gold" color used on the box and many replicas comes from... she looks more "natural" in the silvery color.

- k
[/b]

Thanks. I used Alclad Aluminum to paint her. I have always seen her as that color in my mind. I think she was shown as gold on many movie posters...so perhaps that's where the gold thing came from.

Mike

 

[Talisen]

Beautiful work. I recall seeing that kit year and years back, considered getting it, but I wasn't into doing models or props back then, silly me. Metropolis is one of those odd cult classics that really struck a nerve with me.

Now you got me all thinking about it again.

 

[RickDTM]

Excellent work Miguel. You did an incredible job eliminating that seam across her belly, and the re-pose is awesome..

 

[imaginager]

What's the size of the standing version? Awesome work. When I clicked on the thread I thought it was a life-size until I started reading. BTW, more pics would be very well received, I'm sure...

EDITed for stupid Sp3ll1ng

 

[Forbidden Zone]

<div class='quotetop'>(imaginager @ Jun 8 2006, 10:04 AM) [snapback]1258362[/snapback]</div>

What's the size of the standing version? Awesome work. When I clicked on the thread I thought it was a life-size until I started reading. BTW, more pics would be very well received, I'm sure...

EDITed for stupid Sp3ll1ng
[/b]

imaginager...the kit is roughly 1/5th scale. About 17" tall standing. Thanks for the compliments...I'll see if I can snap some more pics.

Talisen...I'm glad I could inspire you.

RickyC...thanks hombre.

 

[moffeaton]

My favorite robot of all time - and honestly, I have NEVER seen her look as good as you have made her.

Thsi calls for an avatar change.

 

[Beagle Bill]

That's one of the best jobs I've seen on a vinyl kit. She's always been one of my favorite robots. Hard to believe her design is 80 years old. You did an incredible job on her. :thumbsup If you don't mind my asking, what did you use to fill the belly seam?

Bill

 

[Forbidden Zone]

moffeaton...thanks for the kind words. Good job on the avatar change...I like your style. In honor of your change, I've changed mine.

<div class='quotetop'>(kevoris @ Jun 8 2006, 03:30 PM) [snapback]1258563[/snapback]</div>

That's one of the best jobs I've seen on a vinyl kit. She's always been one of my favorite robots. Hard to believe her design is 80 years old. You did an incredible job on her. :thumbsup If you don't mind my asking, what did you use to fill the belly seam?

Bill
[/b]

Bill, thanks a bunch. First, I filled the seam with Aves Apoxie Sculpt . After that dried, I used Bondo Glazing Putty to feather the seam out even more. A lot of wet sanding and primer...and it was a done deal.

 

[mr.predicta]

yeah I always hated that seam too.kept me from buying one for only 50 bucks. :cry
now I wish I had taken the time to try and fill it.
thanks for posting one of the best believable robots of the 20th century.

 

[Boba Frett]

Very nice, I think it looks much more interesting the way you have reworked it.

 

[Forbidden Zone]

Thanks Boba.

Just in case anyone has never seen this kit...this is what it looks like out of the box...

 

[temponaut]

In the photo in Post #19, you can see three dots along the front top of the base. Those are two upward-angled lights on either side and an on-off switch in the middle. They create a lovely cinematic effect in a darkened room. You can see the effect in the links below. These are two build-ups of the Maria kit, linked from the CultTVman site:

CultTVman: Scott Copeland's Maria

CultTVman: Frank P. DeCandia's Maria

Forbidden Zone, your Maria is stunning. The addition of a lighted base will be the icing on the cake. Bravo. :thumbsup