packratstudios

SteamPunk Cable - Ready for Paint

2012-02-08T08:42:00.000-08:00

SteamPunk Cable - Unchained

I kind of envisioned him as a large, brute of a man...an outlaw...fully loaded, recently escaped from prison perhaps? or maybe a once wounded Civil War vet, brought back to full strength with the power of Steam!

I am pretty much complete with the build, now all that is left is the paint

I have managed to get a small LED into Cables eye... this LED looks like an old fashioned lightbulb (from an electric train), it gives a warm glow, switch and battery are contained in the tank on his back.

Stay tuned for more!

The Studio

2012-02-07T08:23:00.000-08:00

I thought I would do a walk through tour of my studio space in my basement.

Welcome to the Studio / Laundry room! When we purchased this house last year, half of the small unfinished basement had this long room that had a drop ceiling, and I decided to turn it into my workspace for PackRatStudios. As you can see, I call myself that, because I am indeed a packrat. This space is jam packed, literally to the rafters!

Lots of Lights. lots of tools, lots of shelves, and about a metric ton of plastic....

Here is a view from the front of the studio looking back. I have a desk workspace in the back, and a large standing workspace in the front, great for working on larger project, and where I do casting.

Various items collected through out the years: Rocklords, Inhumanoids Tendrill, and the BlackStar Warlock being some of my favorites

works in progress line a book shelf :

Old sci-fi / horror film posters line a wall

The Bulk of my various collection of action figures against the back wall of the studio

Desk Workspace

There is a paint station/spray booth behind the computer monitor

more works in progress, this time in bags! lol, some have been on this pegboard for a while...

I collect various figures from the 80's, 90's and today. My studio is packed with figures lining every space I have available. I still need a better system, but for now this will do.

Some of my Gi Joes that are on display:

Display case with some super powers, ghost busters and other various figures

TMNT, Barnyard Commandos and anything else I deem cool enough for my collection... (ie anything playmates or kenner from my child hood, those are the best)

And, under every nook and cranny in my studio I have storage. I have plastic bins, plastic storage units and rubbermaids full of parts, figures and various odds and ends.... I think I spend all of my money on plastic...plastic figures, and plastic bins for storage!

Here is just one of my drawer units of Fodder...one Star Wars Clone Troopers and another Gi Joes.....This is another reason why I call myself PackRatStudios...

That about concludes it! whew! after that, I think I need to do some downsizing...

Robocop New Movie Concept: ED-209 prototype

2012-02-06T10:08:00.000-08:00

Another WIP for today, this is a prototype/concept of ED-209 from the new Robocop movie that is in the works from MGM.

This week I am moving on to paint and will have to figure out soon how ED-209 will be painted. Here are some concept images I am using for inspiration:

SteamPunk Cable (WIP)

2012-02-06T07:58:00.000-08:00

from the SteamPunk Future, here comes a work in progress pic of one of my newest creations...

Stay tuned for more revealing pics

ABC War Robot - Judge Dredd

2012-02-03T09:29:00.000-08:00

Okay...Im a bit worried, but over all kind of excited.

I just picked up this kit off ebay and I have to take this:

AND turn it into this:

Someday I will do it! or it will just be added to my project list! Sounds like it will take a month to even get here...gives me time...

Newest TMNT acquisition

2012-02-02T09:05:00.000-08:00

For the past year or so I have been completing my TMNT line, and one of my last pick ups were these two:

Needlenose and Killer Bee, these two were considered Mega Mutants and could be ridden on by other figures. Tons of detail, and some amazing characters for the line. Totally stoked to have em in my collection. I will have to post pics of my collection soon.

SteamPunk Iron Man - Part II

2012-01-31T09:14:00.000-08:00

I was contacted to recreate my SteamPunk Iron Man from last year, but with one difference, double his size. You can see my first SteamPunk Iron Man here: (IRON MAN)

My first Iron Man stood at around 12 inches tall, so this current project, labeled SteamPunk Iron Man: Part II will stand at around 22 - 24 inches tall, and will be MASSIVE.

Stay Tuned for further updates for this project. Parts and supplies have been ordered, and production will be starting in the next couple weeks.

A look back at my favorate project of 2011 - Captain Spectre - The Process

2012-01-09T09:52:00.000-08:00

Last year PackRatStudios was approached by Tom Floyd, the Creator, Writer and Artist of the Pulp Comic Character Captain Spectre!, to create an action figure based on his character. The best part about this project was definetly the character. Pulp, Steampunk, and World War 2 are right up my alley.

I started off by finding as much images of Captain Spectre as I could find. Then Tom sent me his Sketch ups of the Character (see below). These sketch ups were instrumental in showing me exactly what Tom wanted out of a figure.

Working with Tom before I got started on the figure, we talked about how much articulation he wanted in the figure, and scale. We also talked about accessories. He definetly wanted Captain Spectre to have his Thompson sub machine gun and his 1911 pistol. Tom also stated that he would love a base and or display case. So with all the details hammered out, I started working on the Captain!

The SketchUps and Drawings used during creation:

My cork board during production:
First Sculpt of Captain Spectre's Head (getting ready for casting):

Preliminary work on the suit:
AND, Oh yeah, Tom wanted two exact figures, so I was working on two during this process:

One figure is done and ready for paint:

Once I had both figures completed and accessories at the ready, the figures were painted. Captain Spectre wears a pretty much all black costume, so to bring in some definition, various shades and glosses of black were used, there are also blue highlights to add shadow and more definition to his jacket.

Once the figures were both painted, I then moved on to planning out the bases. I sketched up two different bases/displays for the 2 Captain Spectre figures. One base would be a section of a tank or other mechanical device that would sit on a platform that would rotate the figure. The other base would be a rocket blast that the figures jetpack would attached to via magnets. Both of these bases would have a glass dome that would serve as the display case. I think they came out amazing, and Tom was thrilled when he got them. He proudly displays them on his tables at comic conventions around the US!

The two finished displays and figures under glass:

Thanks to all my followers! Here is to a Happy New Year and more figures to come for 2012!!!

Geonosis Reek Rider Clone Trooper

2011-12-04T17:40:00.000-08:00

Original Reek (to show difference)

DC Universe Classics Red Hood

2011-11-13T15:53:00.000-08:00

Accessories:

Head Close Ups:

Custom Marvel Legends TMNT Shredder

2011-10-23T19:37:00.001-07:00

Transformers / Gi Joe Crossover Snake Eyes and Timber

2011-10-14T07:47:00.001-07:00

Custom Snake Eyes in Motorcycle Gear with his trusty wolf Timber. Timber is a custom modded and painted Transformers (Movie) Arcee, with Custom Built Head (resembles timber) and Claws. Transforms perfectly, with magnet attachable Belt Fed Mini-Gun...Coming to an Ebay near you this weekend...

Mandolorian Destroyer

2011-10-14T07:21:00.001-07:00

Female Mandolorian Bounty Hunter

2011-10-14T07:18:00.000-07:00

Supreme Royal Guard with Force Ax

2011-10-14T07:14:00.000-07:00

Custom Elite Airborne Clone Trooper V. 2

2011-10-14T07:11:00.001-07:00

Custom Clone Commando Flame Trooper "Napalm"

2011-09-26T07:22:00.000-07:00

On Ebay now! auction link

Custom Elite Airborne Commando with Jetpack

2011-09-26T07:17:00.000-07:00

On Ebay now! auction link

WWII Redux !!!

2011-09-13T11:38:00.000-07:00

Back in July 2010 I did a line of 1:18 Star Wars figures based in WWII.

Bounty Hunters

Imperials

This fall I plan to delve back into the 1940s and give these figures another go. This is will be a Redux Project, so the figures will be designed differently...I hope. I have begun ordering and organizing my fodder to complete this project.

I am in the process of finishing up a couple commissions and some other projects, once they are done I will be focusing my efforts on this project and hopefully updating the progress on my blog more than I usually do.

WIP: Update on Reek Rider Clone Trooper

2011-08-18T09:19:00.001-07:00

Scratch Built pauldron last night... looks amazing for 1:18. This is a first test, so better ones will follow...

GoBots "Poor Man's Megatron"

2011-08-18T09:07:00.000-07:00

This thing is awesome...turns into a Rifle, that shoots caps!!!

Almost done with Captain Spectre ... and his bases too!

2011-08-16T07:26:00.000-07:00

Video of the rotating base!

WIP: Clone Trooper Geonosis Scout - Reek Rider

2011-08-10T07:25:00.001-07:00

In order to differentiate this Reek from the Arena Battle Reek, I am tweaking it a bit, Adding another horn, removing the nose ring, and it will be painted a dark brown/black...making it a "Bull" Reek ? lol Clone has added articulation at the hips from a Gi Joe snake eyes figure, thinking of adding the scarf in picture one. I will probably be making more than one of these clones, seeing as it would probably take more than one to keep this reek under control!

Check out that battle damage! (It'll look better with paint)

Captain Spectre Painted

2011-08-09T09:19:00.000-07:00

First Test Shot Painted:

Captain Spectre head sculpt partially complete

2011-07-29T07:33:00.000-07:00

(crappy pics from my ipod)
Head on the Body:

Head getting casted:

Other castings (clone buckets) while I wait for the silicon to cure:

Captain Spectre WIP Update

2011-07-26T11:28:00.001-07:00

Customer wants two! I am making progress. I have scratch built one of the jetpacks so far, using various model fodder, plasticard, and a couple markers!
I love making a figure for an artist who provides me with such awesome pics to work from!

my workspace is a mess... that whole pile of tools and parts is more than likely super glued together! Dang glue keeps exploding!!
until next time...

Work in Progress: Captain Spectre

2011-07-18T07:02:00.001-07:00

Here is a sneak peek of a commission I am currently working on. Captain Spectre!

Some of my Reference Materials:

working on some casting skillz

2011-06-28T12:27:00.001-07:00

Clone Helmet worked out extremely well:
Need to work on these weapons a bit more...

I really like these pistols...gonna try and make enough for my clone army...we shall see...

Custom Halo Clone Trooper

2011-06-20T07:05:00.001-07:00

Custom Halo Clone Trooper (High Altitude Low Opening) On Ebay now!

Here is the concept art I used to create this character:

Custom Sith Centurion

2011-06-20T06:50:00.000-07:00

Custom Sith Centurion from the times of the Old Republic. Figure has been given gi joe like articulated hips, articulation in the knees and a ball jointed neck. Figure has a total of 14 points of articulation. He comes with his Sith Bastard Sword, Sith Pike and Shield .. . on ebay now!

Commission for a friend

2011-06-14T08:08:00.000-07:00

He wanted a WW2 Boba Fett and a Storm Trooper and a Snow Trooper, so using my past recipes I created him these 3 figures. I took a different route with the storm trooper head, but other than that they are exact duplicates of what I have done before.

Summer Figures Rolling in...

2011-05-26T12:21:00.000-07:00

Was just at Wal-Mart viewing the toys of the summer, Transformers Dark of the Moon, Thor, and Captain America.

I want a Winter Soldier and a WWII Cap, but I am not paying 8 bucks a figure, that is rediculous... I will have to wait for a Toys R Us Sale I guess!!!

PackRatStudios now on FaceBook

2011-05-12T11:27:00.000-07:00

and Needs some friends!!!

(Click here to Like)

SteamPunk Thor

2011-05-06T09:28:00.000-07:00

Dr. Reginold Blake, Professor of Norse Mythology for the London Institute of Science and History was also an inventor, mechanical engineer, and electrical engineer. Dr. Blake was an eccentric man and his infatuation with the Norse gods, espcially that of Thor the god of thunder and lightening led him to create an 'aparatus' which gave him the power of the gods... He became Thor...

Scroll Down...way down, to see the video of the light effect!!!

Thor's Hammer head can be removed from its handle and attached to Thor's Mech arm.

It's all in the details:

The Hammer:

Video of the Lights in Action:

Valhalla is coming...

2011-04-25T10:29:00.000-07:00

I have begun working on a SteamPunk version of Thor. I hope to be done and have him on ebay by the opening of the movie, May 6th.

Here are some photos I am using as inspiration:

Its going to be Electric... I will get some WIP pics up soon.

Steam Punk Iron Man

2011-04-10T21:53:00.000-07:00

In 1910 Anthony (Tony) Stark Built a Machine, a Suit he called the IRON MAN. Clad in steel, copper and brass the suit is powered by steam, fueled by the coal burning fire in the chest of the behemoth suit.

Now on Ebay (click here)

Here is a video showing the the flickering light effect:

Custom Movie Concept Deadpool

2011-04-10T18:44:00.001-07:00

TEASER: SteamPunk Iron Man

2011-04-02T11:38:00.001-07:00

still needs touch up and some details added...

still needs touch up and some details added...

Update: SteamPunk Iron Man

2011-04-01T07:59:00.000-07:00

The suit is now 97% painted ... I am probable going to go back over it with some weathering, especially on the areas I have made "Copper", giving it some tarnish. I like the color scheme I came up with, and I like that I was able to throw in some red into the suit. Next, I need to get working on my lil' Tony. Then I will get pics up, Hopefully this weekend. Cheers!

WIP: SteamPunk Iron Man

2011-03-17T06:25:00.000-07:00

This is my work in progress of Tony Stark and his Iron Man Suit in Steampunk style. Created in the vein of a steam engine, Tony's suit is powered by heat and steam. Check out the video below to see how the light in his chest works.
He is ready for paint. Again going with the steam engine theme he will be a dark iron, some rust, some copper, and gold highlights.

WIP: Movie Concept Deadpool

2011-03-17T06:21:00.000-07:00

My idea of what a real life, movie version of Deadpool would look like. He is ready for paint!

WW2 Harley Davidson

2011-02-09T10:56:00.001-08:00

Picked up this Maisto Brand 1:18 scale replica of a 1942 Harley Flat Head. Trying to figure out what to do with it. Possibly make a WW2 Biker Scout or WW2 Logan... either way, its an awesome bike. Great toy, when you compare it to the real bike below...

Original Bike

Extremis Suit Clone Commando

2011-02-09T10:30:00.000-08:00

Current Ebay Auctions

2011-02-04T14:07:00.000-08:00

Boba Fett Line

2011-01-27T12:06:00.001-08:00

Scroll down to check out the 4 figures in this line

WW2 Boba Fett v.4

2011-01-27T10:59:00.001-08:00

Yes, this is my 4th version of my WW2 Boba Fett. This version is by far my favorite. I went with the Rocketeer look again, but went with a different look with the helmet. Using a hard resin cast of a Boba Fett helmet gives the ability to cut the helmet for a real cool look.

SteamPunk Boba Fett

2011-01-27T10:49:00.000-08:00

Boba Fett on Hoth vs Wampa

2011-01-27T09:58:00.001-08:00

What if Boba Fett was Tracking Solo and followed him to Hoth. This is Boba Fett in his cold weather gear who got into a throw-down with a Wampa and won.

Hoth Boba Fett was made from a Galactic Marine, Jango Fett armor and helmet cast in resin and soft goods for his snow trooper like face covering. Helmet is removable. Base is made from MDF, Foam, fake snow, white glue and white paint. Wampa is a halved POTJ wampa.

Medieval Boba Fett

2011-01-27T09:36:00.001-08:00

Boba Fett as a Armored Berserker back in the Medieval times. Equiped with Battle Ax, Hatchet, Long Sword and Balista mounted on his back. He is ready for battle. The Figure is made from a magnetic knight toy that was ripped apart and fitted with articulation, Gi Joe Movie Flint and plastic card.

Medieval Fett has a ball jointed neck, ball jointed Shoulders, ball jointed elbows, ball jointed right wrist, swivel left wrist, Ball Jointed Waist, Gi Joe hips, Double Jointed Knees, and ball jointed ankles.

Size Comparison

Teaser WIP pics of upcoming project

2011-01-22T17:49:00.000-08:00

Oh for craps sake

2011-01-21T08:59:00.000-08:00

I just realized the last time I updated this site with an actual figure I did was last summer. This is rediculous. I appologize....

Hopefully it will be worth the wait. As of right now, I have about 12 figures in my paint booth I am finnishing up.

I have some various clones I have come up with, and also a special Boba Fett line. I hope to have them done and up on ebay within a week.

Thanks

New Year and New Work Space

2011-01-01T09:29:00.000-08:00

The Before:

Update...

2010-11-01T10:18:00.000-07:00

We are moved in...have been for a week now....BUT...

Much to my wife's chagrin I have started building my workspace down in the basement....its coming along well. I have my desk built and should have my work bech up by the end of this weekend.

Hopefully plastic will be back in prod.

I will get some pics up soon of the space...once I get my stuff unpacked BOOYA!

NEWS:

2010-09-09T13:21:00.000-07:00

I am in Mid-Production on about 20 figures right now, but have to hault the production because my wife and I just bought a house, and are in the process of packing up our things. I will have a new work space that isn't the kitchen table! AND, that is AWESOME! Can't wait. Hopefully I will be able to have pics of my work space and new creations SOON!

My interview with Wired.com

2010-08-10T17:17:00.000-07:00

Link:
Custom Vader Leads Nazi Charge

WW2 Star Wars - Bounty Hunters

2010-07-28T11:50:00.000-07:00

Boba Fett - The Rocket Man v.1

Boba Fett - The Rocket Man v.2

IG-88 - The German War Bot

Dengar - The Android

Bossk - The Outer Space Man

Zuckuss - The Interrogator

4-LOM - The Henchman

WW2 Star Wars - The GERMAN Empire Strikes Back

2010-07-28T11:38:00.001-07:00

Darth Vader

Imperial Stormtroopers

Imperial Fighter Pilot

Imperial Snow Trooper

Imperial Sand Trooper

New Series: COMING SOON

2010-07-19T14:42:00.000-07:00

This weekend I hope to have finnished a line of Figures (1:18 scale) of Imperial Forces and Bounty Hunters (all the bad guys...alas zee Germans...)from Star Wars as if they were straight out of World War 2.

Some Star Wars Propaganda Posters to set the mood:

Stay Tuned

Custom Ultimate Iron Fist

2010-06-30T10:18:00.001-07:00

Reference:

Vintage Bounty

2010-06-30T10:08:00.000-07:00

New Customs for June

2010-06-30T10:02:00.000-07:00

Female Bounty Hunters

Flame Trooper

World War Robot R2-Bertie

Mandalorian Bounty Hunter

Hell Fire Assassin Droid

New Custom work

2010-04-06T15:14:00.000-07:00

Sith Warlock

Heavy Machine Gunner Commando

Destroyer Duce' Ex Machina

World War II Boba Fett

Air Trooper

Fat Joe

SteamPunk Vader (WIP)

Slave2 Updated Pics

2010-03-12T08:25:00.001-08:00

I call this one: "Let's Get the Hell Out of Here!"

Custom Clone Pilot - Battle Mech

2010-03-09T10:38:00.000-08:00

Haul: AKA - soon to be on ebay

2010-03-09T10:32:00.001-08:00

G1 Transformers

Marvel Legends Magneto

Krang and Android

Battle Cat

Boba Fett's Slave 2

2010-02-26T07:45:00.003-08:00

Haul

2010-02-03T07:46:00.001-08:00

Gi Joe Headquarters

BOGO Iron Monger cost 8 dollars (4 bucks a piece)

Grevious' Bike

WIP: Clone Destroyer

2010-01-25T08:01:00.001-08:00

Still needs some work and some paint.

Sith Knight

2010-01-25T07:57:00.001-08:00

MLKjr. Haul

2010-01-19T08:47:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was 50% off at all unique thrifts, so I loaded up

Transformers:

Thundercats:

ROCKLORDS:

A-TEAM:

Secret Wars Spider-Man:

BULL T-REX:

Soon to be on Ebay

BARBARIAN HOARD!

2010-01-19T08:43:00.000-08:00

Teasers of my Battle Damaged Barbarian Predator:

First up is my Barbarian Hoard Predator:

Custom Snake Eyes

2009-12-01T15:49:00.000-08:00

6 inch Scale

Solo in ICE

2009-12-01T15:42:00.000-08:00

Han Solo in ice cube form

custom Re-Animated Skeletor

2009-12-01T15:33:00.000-08:00

Haven't had time to take pics

2009-12-01T12:05:00.000-08:00

so here are some more older customs

IRONANGEL

Past Creations:

2009-11-23T14:25:00.000-08:00

Custom Mighty Muggs Speakers:

WIP:

Completed:

The Daily PickUp

2009-11-20T07:33:00.000-08:00

So, I frequent the thrift store from time to time, looking for old toys to sell and custom fodder. I usually go weekly and I will post my Sweet Hauls.

Last week I picked up this foam Mountain Scape, I figure it will be awesome for taking photos and just a sweet place to put some snow troopers on, hehe

2009-11-20T06:52:00.000-08:00

Time to Start

2009-11-20T06:44:00.000-08:00