I’ll tell you a little secret. I like Star Wars. I like it a lot. Whole bunches. That’s why I buy pretty much every 1/12 scale figure produced, even if it’s a character I already have. From all companies. Domestic. Imports. But even that’s not enough to keep me happy. The universe is just too deep and vast, there are characters I need that the toy companies haven’t gotten to yet, or probably never will. Hello, third party parts and pieces!
I wish I had more time for customs these days, but there is usually just too much going on. But when something pops out at me, I mean, really screams “NEED” I find the time. And seriously, over the past couple of days it’s been an enjoyable experience, getting some paint time in after a few years. But it’s a joy to sling some paint when the bases are as good as these.
I’m not going to type too much here, I say a lot of what I want to say in the video. But I rarely say everything that’s on my mind. No one has time for that. So here’s all the pieces I got recently and the pictures from the video, along with some notes and links to point you in the right direction, if you’re interested in any of these.
GTP Toys Space Walls Radial Panels
Not only do the radial panels add more dimension to the walls, they add a lot of support. I will never, ever set up the walls again without a radial or two.
Holographic Emperor by Ole Jade Jaw Customs
Adding the LED stand is brilliant, and multipurpose. I think I’ve had just as much fun playing with it as a 1:1 prop as I have putting it on the shelf.
Bandai R2 and R5 repaints by Greedo737
I don’t think he does commissions but he was awesome enough to repaint some of the astromechs for me. And the guy is blazing fast. He’d send me a pic in the afternoon and be done by that evening. I’m lucky to stuff primed in a week.
Darth Talon 3D Print by Stranger than Fiction
This one is going to take a lot of extra work. Clean-up, painting, treating joints. But I love the overall look.
Wicket the Ewok kit by Outer Rim Traders
Ewoks are just one of those things you need in the display, and have been strangely absent from retail. I should have put a little more work into this kit, sinking the shoulders further into the torso to make it less buff. But it’s still nice to have Wicket on the shelf. In the video I forgot to mention he also offers alternate heads. I may need to grab that Kneesa since it’s highly unlikely we’ll ever get an official one.
Saesee Tiin head cast by Casting Cave
I’ve had this cast for quite a while but since I was painting Wicket I thought, why not? A super clean cast, the only prep I had to do was remove a slight seam on top and dremel out the neck socket. Which I did a tremendous job with, if I do say so myself. I’m also pretty happy with the paint on the skin and horns but don’t look at the eyes. DON’T LOOK AT THE EYES!
Replacement head for S.H. Figuarts Han Solo by Casting Cave
Also from the amazing Casting Cave but waaaaay harder to get, this pre-painted cast is simply amazing. I can’t say enough good things about it. Pictures don’t do it justice. Hell, having it in hand doesn’t do it justice. It’s not until you put it on the figure that it clicks into full effect. But you’re left with the startling realization that…you just replaced a SHF head. It’s a crazy feeling.
If you know of any other awesome third party producers, shout out in the comments section. I’ve got the bug, a fire. I need more.
