Kitbash 4ft Dragon - new pics 2023-07-02

[bucketfoot-al]

Now THAT is starting to look like a DRAGON!!!!

[Heavy Metal Spike]

Now there's a set of colours I didn't think about, but it works REALLY REALLY well !!!!!

I'd say this will be a centrepiece of your collection but that's a tough call given all the other amazing custom pieces you already have on display

Can't wait till the next pics - keep 'em comin' Joe


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[barad_dur]

Thanks for the positive feedback Ian; but I am having serious doubts on this color scheme.

I think I may re-prime it, start over and go for a more natural tan/brown color scheme.

So I am Kinda stuck in limbo at the moment on if I should invest more time to try and make the green scheme work or just punt and start again. This is typical for my painting efforts ; I usually reprime and repaint a kit 2 or 3 times before I get something I can live with.
I really do not enjoy the painting phase.

[tay666]

I completely understand that feeling.
I used to hate the painting part. I had a great collection of primed kits for a while
I've found over the years though, that the more I paint, the more I enjoy it. Still not always happy with my choices, and have to restart like you.
(I still have a couple on the shelf that I plan on revisiting some day, as I wasn't happy with the results but was too far into the painting to start over again)

[bucketfoot-al]

Thanks for the positive feedback Ian; but I am having serious doubts on this color scheme.

I think I may re-prime it, start over and go for a more natural tan/brown color scheme.

So I am Kinda stuck in limbo at the moment on if I should invest more time to try and make the green scheme work or just punt and start again. This is typical for my painting efforts ; I usually reprime and repaint a kit 2 or 3 times before I get something I can live with.
I really do not enjoy the painting phase.

THIS - is the story of my kit-bashing career. Only in the last couple of years - after learning the oil-wash technique - have I become semi-comfortable with the painting end of it. But its still hit-or-miss for me.

[barad_dur]

Thanks guys. I will keep after it no doubts.

[Foo fighter]

Thanks for the positive feedback Ian; but I am having serious doubts on this color scheme.

I think I may re-prime it, start over and go for a more natural tan/brown color scheme.

So I am Kinda stuck in limbo at the moment on if I should invest more time to try and make the green scheme work or just punt and start again. This is typical for my painting efforts ; I usually reprime and repaint a kit 2 or 3 times before I get something I can live with.
I really do not enjoy the painting phase.

I have to admit that I agree with you completely. I was a bit surprised at your color choices although I dont mean this in a negative way. There is more of a "fantasy" tone to it. I hate painting as well and I am dreading the completion of my dragon project when it comes to paint. Step away from the project for a spell and then revisit it. You may find that your reaction to your original color choice may change and/or feel inspired to move forward with something more earthy, reptilian or a GOT-like. Its a magnificent project.
''

[barad_dur]

Ok, let's try this again...

[Heavy Metal Spike]

Damn that's impressive!

Quite the task to paint at that size too.

Keep going Joe - you'll get there.

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[Foo fighter]

Okay- nailed it!

[bucketfoot-al]

Looking good!

[barad_dur]

Thanks guys!

Still Lots of detailing to do but much happier with this restart.

[Foo fighter]

What color(s) are you using for your base coat?

[barad_dur]

I re-primed the kit in white , hand-brushed on very thin washes of various yellows with just a tiny bit of orange mixed in; then went over everything with red-oak stain brushed on and quickly wiped off.

Next step will be to do dry brushing with whites, yellows, oranges and go back and forth between washes/stain/dry-brushing until it looks "right".

Then finish up by detailing eyes, teeth, horns, claws, spikes and belly.

[Foo fighter]

Joe- my DRex kit arrived yesterday (:-D ) and in the course of unpacking and checking for breakage I could help but notice the tiny attachment points for the wings. How did you attach the wings to the main body? I am guessing that you used posts and drilled both pieces before bonding?

[barad_dur]

Congrats on receiving your CM Dragon!

Rather than a single large post I used several pins at the front point of the wing where it attaches to the body. I also made holes on the wing front and body where the wing attaches bigger and then I put in Milliput to build up inside around the holes and along the space where the bottom of the wing attaches to give the wings and pins something more substantial to hook into. I used a small thin spatula to push the Milliput back inside the holes as far as I could. After the Milliput fully set up, I also poured and pushed in 5 minute epoxy to help ensure the Milliput was bonded to the inside of the holes and would not break off when I drilled the holes for the pins.

Hope that made sense ? If not, happy to try and explain it better.

I am looking forward to seeing your take on this dragon kit!

[Foo fighter]

Thanks Joe,
I mistakenly thought the wing was secured to the back by a much smaller "shoulder joint" when in fact it is significantly longer and larger. I had to look at some of your photos to reorient myself. I have not decided yet how the wings will be mounted but I am going to configure DRex in more of a hovering posture with the wings fully extended (and enlarged) while looking downward. The jet packs and missile pods will be mounted.... oops, wait a minute... wrong kit. Anyway, thanks again.

[Heavy Metal Spike]

. . . The jet packs and missile pods will be mounted.... oops, wait a minute... wrong kit . . .

LOL - don't forget the velociraptor and the scissors


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[barad_dur]

Well, finally got back to working this dragon.
Added some detail to the head.
Smoothed our the wing webbing as I didn’t like the grooved look.
Started adding contrast. Lots of painting left to do.
I plan to use that castle in some of the pics as the base.

[bucketfoot-al]

I won't lie, I had my doubts when you first started 'bashing this guy .... but man were my worries misplaced!!!



That critter is AWESOME !!! Can't wait to see it on top of that castle - what a center-piece, a "piece-de-resistance"!!!