Small Soldiers - 3D Printed Statues

[danbatesvfx]

Hey guys, first post on the forums here!

I had a burst of inspiration at the beginning of the year to make and own a full set of screen accurate Small Soldiers figures. So that's exactly what I've been working on since!

I've started with Archer as he seems to be in the mid-complexity sort of range. 3D modelling and printing these guys isn't going to be the problem... It's the joints and poseability of them which are proving to be the hardest part by far.

I would like for my figures to have basically the same range of motion as is seen in the films, so basically your standard 12" figure articulation with ball joints for the shoulders and hips, I've figured those out and have some decent working prototypes printed.

My main problems are with the hinge sort of joints... so the knees and elbows. As it stands now, I have incorporated some metal armature pieces. But I can't help but think I'm over complicating it? I've ordered some slotted spring pins to test out soon. If anyone has any ideas that would be really cool to hear from anyone who may have some insight!

 

[danbatesvfx]

A few pictures of my latest updates to him

 

[halloweengf64]

Small Soldiers was the first time i saw 3D printing! so cool. i loved that movie

 

[Jok3r0314]

Hey guys, first post on the forums here!

I had a burst of inspiration at the beginning of the year to make and own a full set of screen accurate Small Soldiers figures. So that's exactly what I've been working on since!

I've started with Archer as he seems to be in the mid-complexity sort of range. 3D modelling and printing these guys isn't going to be the problem... It's the joints and poseability of them which are proving to be the hardest part by far.

I would like for my figures to have basically the same range of motion as is seen in the films, so basically your standard 12" figure articulation with ball joints for the shoulders and hips, I've figured those out and have some decent working prototypes printed.

My main problems are with the hinge sort of joints... so the knees and elbows. As it stands now, I have incorporated some metal armature pieces. But I can't help but think I'm over complicating it? I've ordered some slotted spring pins to test out soon. If anyone has any ideas that would be really cool to hear

Also just a heads up, be careful with the articulation. Hasbro got wind of my original project 6 years ago and told me I couldn’t add articulation without facing legal issues as they still own the rights to the toys.

 

[Jok3r0314]

Hey guys, first post on the forums here!

I had a burst of inspiration at the beginning of the year to make and own a full set of screen accurate Small Soldiers figures. So that's exactly what I've been working on since!

I've started with Archer as he seems to be in the mid-complexity sort of range. 3D modelling and printing these guys isn't going to be the problem... It's the joints and poseability of them which are proving to be the hardest part by far.

I would like for my figures to have basically the same range of motion as is seen in the films, so basically your standard 12" figure articulation with ball joints for the shoulders and hips, I've figured those out and have some decent working prototypes printed.

My main problems are with the hinge sort of joints... so the knees and elbows. As it stands now, I have incorporated some metal armature pieces. But I can't help but think I'm over complicating it? I've ordered some slotted spring pins to test out soon. If anyone has any ideas that would be really cool to hear from anyone who may have some insight!

Nice work, I’ve recreated all 14 characters already but only in statue form

 

[danbatesvfx]

Here's some current progress pics of the two hero props I'm working on.

 

[danbatesvfx]

Been very busy lately with my 3D models - Here's my current progress on the characters...

 

[Halliwax]

Late to this party! This is incredible!! I remember going to the theater to see this, I loved these puppets

Amazing job man!!

 

[danbatesvfx]

Late to this party! This is incredible!! I remember going to the theater to see this, I loved these puppets

Amazing job man!!

Thanks man! Me too, such great memories with these designs as a kid!

 

[Halliwax]

Keep up the great work, love to see the progress

 

[SeanG22]

would you consider selling the STL's? I'd love to print these out for my collection!

 

[danbatesvfx]

would you consider selling the STL's? I'd love to print these out for my collection!

Possibly at some point yeah, I'd like to get them all finished first!

Here are some updates of what I've been up to anyway...

 

[ricods]

i also like to buy the stl files

 

[agh12]

I would love to get one of those when you have them available.

 

[danbatesvfx]

Latest Archer update -

 

[BrundelFly]

Gorgeous!

 

[danbatesvfx]

Posed and printed off a V1 of my Chip model.

 

[DN12742]

It's all just great!
But I think many people are just as interested when they will speak and move on their own?

 

[danbatesvfx]

Archer posed and 3D printed

 

[Metal Man]

I think they look great! Man I would love to have Archer.