Hi, All!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY1FJ6ilMZib-VYMhhQvkNo2fwdVLm_RbaGwc6APOGjtZdes74AKQsNpf735DpTIDBRcgfSRXNRQtxr1KCQUB2pFhBdVW7Et7rkDrZfIbNg0Ek4eHBs0inXwLYxv7UUdK5lRUt3n2Jw-o/s400/9i.jpg) |
Lord Smudgington Smythely-Smythe's Hydraulically Motorvated Sextupedal Land-Traversing Vacational Domicile: A lonely observer wanders the skeleton of the beast... |
I know these posts have become somewhat infrequent recently, but
rest assured that I'm still here and things are still happening...
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGzPr-gs2USKdZrH3rHbGVqjDSg8rxZI_Rkk2qAtiOHIhpn99b89dEwyecKXvZ00UbpEivnIzueHUBmMnBKMZUbYy4tF37cOb7thisd89sZqYl7rxe6Z-7OwYsPzPYt3oaH0LZTwWzF9U/s400/1a.JPG) |
Engine room and core room laid out relative to each other, as the shape of the mid-section is drawn on foamcore. |
There are
still some details to add to the engine room, but this week I decided to start
work on the mid-section of my gigantic walker, as I realised I was getting bogged down and a little uninspired, so it was time for a new bit.
This part houses Lord
Smudgington Smythely-Smythe's mansion, the main level of which will be
accessible for gaming via a removable barrel-vault roof even bigger than that of
the engine room.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaCqNQqSlhWK2ODNodd_RsBbzKdXmZnilw3vDoP32JL1FaNe89KSJtx8V1wYPMTXVqOrqT-mX7O8ZgQH7en75AWzqb988sfPriZlx1rirN2-KHereOTVYnZhIwMa7ZH1lJu2dm3NKxdBs/s400/2b.JPG) |
The underbelly is cut. Note that it sits at an angle to the engine-room... |
Even the basic framework for this has presented me with
challenges. As you can see, I decided that the walker should be flexible, which posed the question of
how the various decks should slide against each other. It occurred to me some time ago
that a rigid two-hundred and forty feet long walker would need a huge open space
just to turn around, so flexibility would be a necessary part of the design.
So
this is what happens when a walking Bendy Bus gets kinky with the
Titanic...
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioE9Zf9-1y0eBIVZwNwXnnsTHpe3a1UoRrlZY5s7-UWvvs79HhfZSqHLdzHOn_DyEtbhGR6isyQuvtH-4mrbMo0AFoqFiCSxPecWBljjTkOOKE8soYlNmie7DubKCfpxoLHf48HSCNdcw/s400/3c.JPG) |
The main deck is designed around the core room. The two-deck mansion will sit on top of this, with the core room visible through the floor. |
Obviously, there is a huge amount of work to do on this. Followers of this
blog will appreciate what has gone into the engine section already - and this part is
much bigger...
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmESq-2wA8_kGo26qS-LHhG3pa7JkRrlHmYHFjtLrFpBYB1GbTwdIIZoQyGzotsSUGdp0B4ckdWchw9vR4Ulj0UFhT1HPi1bCJYpQPDBkZ-E6e8RAebkvQdMwmh9n86o-GIiRq-EQKYS4/s400/4d.jpg) |
A set of ribs is designed to form the shape of the hull. This enables me to keep the model very light, and keeps it open enough that I can run cables for lighting and add counter-sunk detailing if I choose to. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdNFu2Rej01XjP5NIx0k_aRlB40ZhQcOoBRoO3XJ57tZyWl28opBYW84itEwRk1hxPnFzulP5pWsZCVXU-Hc5yRS7U-7mPxg7ENZNHCP_Ta4aSCr2Jb_a-xpFy948Azqwr85-b7bAUZoo/s400/5e.jpg) |
A rib. What more need be said? |
Please bear with me - I promise to keep you entertained!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4FAD-15dpuvd77GLnwXUxoUAH2pmeGs0_gnafOAfO23H5uDjl0NHSnAPjv9ro6Soz09xgp_ZY1u3xScHhtIDKo4oa-H_xNHnXg4L5av0vOK6g5hDDWlprQwgr0cQxbEq4F2_7YwapVy0/s400/7g.jpg) |
The core-room in place, and the main deck set at its level. The join between engine section and mid section will be designed to look like interlocking iron plates. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqUwl57U-k8jvoGVRq0YkcVo44vSrUUm0Ne4Pw7HNNCxUaEhQkiJWuG3Y97a2Mgzk66p5O_Zs5YcMd3DT3dOnajX_vCrWQwP3mb2AqoxlqLxq_ywfIQf8yNuva_pbE_wNoteuKwfquuXs/s400/8h.jpg) |
The mansion level is sketched out in foam core. As you can see, it is rather large. The big open square at the rear corner has been left for a three-storey countersunk stairwell with lighting and portholes... |
So: not very pretty, but it's progress. And I hope it gives you all a better idea of where I am going with this.
Meanwhile, inevitably, I was a little
distracted by a hideous plastic dragon. It happens, doesn't it?
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3mL4gvzvc0t7lFE3uuuQeYCWUQuEEdHBu5kFr4VCVskvdCcjrdVW3WrZbQPn8KCjf5haXQUceLrnBRkM3Ur4mIRnSIKkmQPBxE1DNsDHnlYNxbCS1QPOd_LGKeXojf6X28_YJ2k8Yez0/s400/b.jpg) |
Exhibit A: Hideous Plastic Dragon... |
This terrible
piece of cheap crap turned out to be yet another example of hidden
gold... And so, my friends, let me present to you the
Giant Carnivorous Grark!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHUWbyszi1oyuvuRSpcU_IJ-n64vM0nIViaQAlgeXp9B64n5A8PB5Gz15IhsLaszZ3X15bKxK0IQ2bcmC2fay4NyX4gImREuBYTIR0xRSwMM6WVXri9Y76wAnaRbzZWuxHIszQAqrgLTQ/s400/A.jpg) |
Ripping the blighter's wings off didn't do much for its appearance. But at least it's big and scaly. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6ohR7K7DNiEV_ZbBAgxRSCtThJn7mjsUBT57XS5QYCUZSNwklJuFy_XMKpC02aysQmHGf0hIsmyz-39w_Z63ZGwfp-vp2MdEjnN1BktuIQ-zov_7pB44Vh1zFYNCcHJ40sUxbjg0b-Q/s400/E.JPG) |
Horrible peg-and-socket arms and legs. Shudder! |
As with other accidental bits of fun, this little gem cried out to me from the shelves of one of Wellington's many
Crap R Us stores;
"I'm only $2.50! Save me! Please!"
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJgOW9aVxO0SUt3cPXAA4qERqlBDSgQxGepI6cFWhOcJobY8BUjEoTUm6qN3HhL3QckGB2nv5QRJfoLGXutthLkJYdpg-WT06mP1Lwd_jTMRzg3dQ6Z6UZpWqCosyYSDGjgQBCHuF9RYU/s400/a2.jpg) |
Having decided to forego the front limbs, I brought the rear legs closer-in to the hips and started to sculpt the joints with green stuff. I also fixed up the join between body and tail. |
Well, I'd had a couple of beers in the sun (yes: we had some. I was there. I will cherish the memory.) so I was persuaded, although upon getting home and unwrapping my prize, I feared I may have wasted the price of a quarter of a pint!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1pup6RIr0xCMpPbqrdNNK3AWU-uBKyeLjP4PaqYP4JTA9Ld_O5ZVQBzuys3kcohZWEdW7BCe0RZuslNWUMseBNIaYAV0CRJOiL-p5Vd0AUyPZdL-2YyFambV-O4dXKFoGiSbqnOhL7Jg/s400/n.jpg) |
Stumpy remnants of wings are sculpted with green stuff, completing the 'flightless bird' impression. |
I pulled off the wings, removed the front limbs and cried,
"Chicken!" And so it began...
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0sDlQH6q16Kdn7t7HGyf3qNDFG8b4l5Jzp4gCHUCng5X2hBKomIDsIcNZ7-S6PxtR9fFmZgTZqJMqgbdlknEbZCHOEbr0YfXFtVnZ_CmLtNrJ_0gZlxYg01FFoSqZeUZ0_wRkFOleXaw/s400/a1.jpg) |
The whole model is undercoated with white paint, then washed with brown ink. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6LK70kj1qO8XG-K9JGmMbIYadg5DykpGlMYzmVzehwkv94AsS6wgYZSMPUIExLfKdrXL5Kr-O5LojaA5ZeS-xejKXK7GWrjG_DTnuO1baX16r_9N2itLtviClWK7upT6ziIZzm-pnAw/s400/a3.jpg) |
When the ink is dry, the model is heavily highlighted with white, then green and red inks are used to wash all parts. |
This beastie didn't take very long really, but I honestly had no idea it would transform into one of my favourite small projects so far. As the inks went on, the monster evolved and I fell in love...
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgay1wmMUcnrcL8BNxVTjI9CpmsfAuYgZd-T5mRt-LSQ6QEb4Xje3Hy5qnvKvZAD04qQY0dVaCrqyxPywIlfgnK35mS-dOzBfdsSS6cxO59LgleHDBSN2zlGJ89NB6UQlurmtQdSjzIXI8/s400/a4.jpg) |
The whole model is highlighted with flesh, and the belly is highlighted further, up to white. Then a yellow wash is applied everywhere but the belly, bringing out the green beautifully. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVDNjyzTFH6XQp_to3GloFoIloLGFJ2zcOhNpfeiWfM2MQRq9Mgcrl1WG0Gbxrz8PoqW0WqNSXH2xXYWS6aVN0due_iLxZ449e-nEPobJby35IsgprI62eIjOQdRxagbRe6Noba4udFE/s400/IMG_2219.JPG) |
Claws, teeth and eyes are picked out, having carefully enriched touches of red here and there. |
The great thing about cheap toys is the element of surprise: If you look really closely, many have pretty good detail, obscured under awful paint jobs. This is where ink washes are great - they don't obscure the detail further, no matter how many coats you use.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkov1wdkSwcaFXmP7sSjhs75OQkhhkZfte1i0uTUAhNDUXcRAoTCOiuZ-bnUMj5TSZEPAsZE7p-7kIhNqRm7vCJhlYKQk0VJtq6IyRVfadsSg7k7BTMWrH2t3v7mHcmm_UQEXjU2ZoLHI/s400/R.jpg) |
The finished head in close-up. Note the tiny touch of white paint in the eye to make it gleam. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2t6Lq1ueY2SFoqocBISYs8d1E-rlIRTAaQFfJYicYGUK295C6t8w4yXYA4VWBtkA1Fl3FEafKj_4TQFlUEl78PUi1eQQaEAcUAPybPA-EujyER9Lf8xtuTq3qjFmKmkeGGY8zylgKUz8/s400/Q.jpg) |
Why did the Grark cross the road? |
Et, Voila! A seriously nasty beastie from the depths of the
Lost Continent!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgapfuoF-jjYNSi4V5_Tg780Y9hLMKt5a0s_dgP9aihukwmHbglScEUsN_6ax-pXaCRfKttAfguUoFy64tGHJwB0ZXmxtMwcpPYXQtsf8ZeTYgOKqYreO9prfk3I4dJ8zLy2ATW-rx8omo/s400/p.jpg) |
A Giant Carnivorous Grark decides that Scagworm is on the menu. |
Coming next: more work on
Lord Smudgington Smythely-Smythe's Hydraulically Motorvated Sextupedal Land-Traversing Vacational Domicile, and more
Nefarious Machinations of the Nefarious Doktor Nefarious.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhS1eqFvpKVBr1yZxVD0Ezn2F9V8oUIDQXCI-3SnvC61hfAfGO2cDDEsWO2qqlQvYi-ZBHRVVfVRp-sqXbrweuBG-bPAMD0jCgi5b7LN_jNOJDvfLdN_RHP4ON2_SMv2-24RrMXEjIuao/s400/O.jpg) |
A fearless adventurer stumbles upon something that could ruin his day... |
All the Best!
Brilliant!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteNice cheap plastic beastie, amazing how these turn out when a bit of care and attention is lavished upon them... a bit like kids I guess! ;-)
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work that man!
I don't know about you, Scott, but my kids have resented me ever since I applied that coat of varnish and glued static grass to their feet...
DeleteI was just thinking the other day that we had not heard from you in a while. Tremendous on both counts, but the cheap and cheerful to stunning model is a real eye opener!
ReplyDeleteThanks Michael -
DeleteYes, I have been somewhat unproductive of late, but I'm still here.
Glad you like the Grark - it turned out better than I had hoped.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteShoot...you are good, Colonel.
DeleteShoot me?
DeleteThanks Jay. I try...
Your engineering ambition knows no bounds, Colonel - and why should it? You deliver something superb every time.
ReplyDeleteI do like that Grark. It's a work of art. I'm now looking at the cheapo plastic dinosaurs I bought a couple years ago with fresh ideas.
AJ!
DeleteA little over-ambitious, perhaps? Only time will tell. I now have most of the vehicle in my head, but making it a reality will be a huge undertaking. I'll be relying on the readers of this blog to keep me going!
The Grark is a definite favourite of mine. I look forward to seeing what you come up with!
Bravo Sir!
ReplyDeleteAnother entirely worthwhile distraction !
I thank you, Sir!
DeleteI have a new distraction in mind as we speak...
Now that was a great idea
ReplyDeleteThanks, Grigork. I like great ideas. They're great.
DeleteI love the dragon! Excellent.
ReplyDelete