Repaints & Minor Mods 2012 TFCon Charity Project

[Malwave]

Originally Posted by General Tekno

So, I've got a question regarding my custom that I need an opinion for. I've got Scorponok mostly done, and it's coming down to a problem regarding the headsculpt.

I'm using the body from PCC Sledge, and the head from Real Gear Longview (the binocular guy), but the issue I've got is the balljoint peg on Sledge is WAY too small for the head's socket.

Anyone have any suggestions for how to get this to fit and stay? I've considered getting some GW green stuff to fill in the socket somewhat, but I'm not sure how well that'll hold.

The head is basically my main obstacle at this point - once that's figured out I need to paint the head, do some touchups here and there, and add finish.

well, what I did for Mes was a neck surgery, if you will; I cut the ball joint from the Cybertron toy and glued it onto Galvatron. not sure if tht'd help, but still it's an option

[Stapler]

Putting some putty to fill the gap can definitely work. If you have a dremmel than you could just carve out the right sized hole you need bit by bit.

If not than you can fill it in with the putty, put some plastic wrap (or a scrap of a plastic bag) over the ball joint, then put the head on where you want it. That way the head should still be able to turn and move when the putty dries.

Mal's suggestion is great, too, but I'd be a little worried that, given the place where Sledge's head joint is, that it would be too easy for the peg to break off.

I'm looking forward to seeing him when he's all said and done.

[General Tekno]

Yeah; I had the same worry.

So I took a different suggestion I got, and just finished shaving away all the head around half of Sledge's balljoint. I don't think it'll be as perfect a fit as a full-on balljoint, but it looks like on inspection that once it's all glued, it should hold to the head well enough to allow movement.

[Stapler]

Glad to hear that you found a way overcome that hiccup.

[General Tekno]

So here's a teaser of Scorponok, who's almost done at this point.

All he really needs still is something to coat the balljoints, maybe a clearcoat (unsure if necessary yet), and reassembly.

[Stapler]

Looking really good, Tekno.

[General Tekno]

Another random question for people - when it comes to clearcoating, what's a good thing to use on enamel paints?

Need to put something on the joints to try and keep the paint from chipping.

[Stapler]

I don't use enamels myself, but you should be able to get clearcoat from the same company that makes your paints of choice. I usually play it safe and use the same brand of clearcoat as paint. You can usually get clear coats with a gloss or mat finish, too.

I personally don't worry about painting ball joints since anything you put on them will get worn off anyway and can make the joint pretty tight, depending on how many coats you used. I've always just put tape over the ball joint, paint everything else and not worry about it.

[Stapler]

Stupid me! I dropped a piece of my airbrush down the sink when I was cleaning it. Ah well, it was on its last legs anyway. Looks like I'll be painting tarantulas by hand now...

[Malwave]

Originally Posted by Stapler

Stupid me! I dropped a piece of my airbrush down the sink when I was cleaning it. Ah well, it was on its last legs anyway. Looks like I'll be painting tarantulas by hand now...

Michael's man. Airbrush parts are sold there :P