A Thread For Custom Figures

[boom stick]

Hey Thunderbird, i'm excited to see your recipe for the doctor! please do tell

[Thunderbird 2]

Hey Thunderbird, i'm excited to see your recipe for the doctor! please do tell

Your wish is my command! To answer the head riddle, Dr Beckett is a face graft. I literally took the face from one figure, and grafted it onto the head of another. In this case, the face of DST's Classic Scotty, onto the head of Rodney McKay (Atlantis Base version).

I did this after matching up face / jawline shapes using images in Paint Shop Pro (Similar to Photoshop) on my Computer. I hunted for action figure faces similar to Paul McGillion, to see which would match the one Stargate head that has a similar face shape / jawline structure - Rodney McKay. The final burst of inspiration hit when I remembered a newspaper article highlighting the fuss about Mr McG auditioning for the role of Scotty, there was a distinct resemblance between him as he is now, and Mr Doohan as he was playing Scotty during the original Trek series.

Then it came to getting the pieces and making them work! - For that, I have set up the pictures on my Flickr page here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/thunder...7628119775140/

[boom stick]

Wow!!!! that truly is a piece of art. The attention to detail is astounding, down to the shoes! I bet the hard work pays off when you look at that beauty. Well done sir!

How long did the whole process take after having all the necessary figures?

I was going to attempt to make a Beckett figure before seeing your work, lol. I'm not skilled enough to attempt this. Too bad this section seems almost non existent, i wish there was more activity around, especially when someone creates a figure so beautifully done. Once again Thunderbird, i salute you sir!

[Thunderbird 2]

Wow!!!! that truly is a piece of art. The attention to detail is astounding, down to the shoes! I bet the hard work pays off when you look at that beauty. Well done sir!

How long did the whole process take after having all the necessary figures?

I was going to attempt to make a Beckett figure before seeing your work, lol. I'm not skilled enough to attempt this. Too bad this section seems almost non existent, i wish there was more activity around, especially when someone creates a figure so beautifully done. Once again Thunderbird, i salute you sir!

Your praise and enthusiasm are very much appreciated B-Stick, Thank You!

Its frightening, but the total length of time to make the fig was no more than a week! Four days on the sculpting, two for all the painting. As I said in the how to, its about having the right reference material and working out what you want to do before hand. I learned the hard way a long time ago to NEVER rush. That always ends in tears.

Re your comments about not having the skills - don't be so sure. I did what I could through planning on the computer, thinking ahead to anticipate problems in construction and painting as best I could, and budgeting (for the figs themselves). However the critical element - which deserves 60% of the credit on this project, was pure good luck! I had only attempted a face graft once before on a smaller scale, and I knew there was a calculated risk it simply would not work. Nevertheless, I realised I would be far more disappointed if I didn't make the attempt and was prepared to pay for it financially. Any form of art - not just customising, is about trying things out. You can surprise yourself! - I was worried about the scale and look of the finished head right up until people said their comments in here on the forum. That was when I felt satisfied I had done a good job true to the character of Dr B.

Look at the figures Roll My Blues and Mooncat have done earlier in this thread as key examples. I sometimes look at their work just for inspiration, - I have two more customs of my own def brewing, and I hope to add one more if I can beyond that, based on work Blues Did. These guys showed me through their figs what can be done. Others have had an impact in other ways too, German Astra's repainted Desert Ops team are fantastic, but her more accurate Gate ramp is inspired work. JediKnutt's driven me up the wall with his Ultimate O'Neill and SG1 team follow up, - because I want to get leg packs and zat holsters for all MY SG1 team now!! BobTheOdd's another one with his set pieces. An offworld gate that has to be seen to be believed - he even got the Ring Transporter in there! Also the simple yet very effective Ancient Control Chair pedestal.

As for the thread going quiet? That's the nature of the beast. The best customs are done slowly. I am confident as and when people create more characters, they will let us know. I hope you will be one of them!

[GermanAstra]

Wow, that Beckett is truly awesome! The face looks creepy though, laying there by itself. Almost like in the movie "Face-off"
I'm wondering though - wouldn't it have been easier to use a figure that already comes with the field uniform and the right shoes? Was this only a reason of availability/money, or are there any else reasons why you used that Base figure of Rodney? Or am I just a girl and never paid much attention to tell the little differencies between the uniforms? Aside from admiring Jack O'Neill in his blue dress uniform of course, a figure which I also never would have been able to make without the help of "roll my blues" and the inspiration of all you guys in here. Before I joined Gateworld, I had no idea that there is such a thing like customizing figures. I was pretty new in the action figures business (we didn't have such things back in Eastern Germany, aside from rubber Indians and Cowboys)

Others have had an impact in other ways too, German Astra's repainted Desert Ops team are fantastic, but her more accurate Gate ramp is inspired work.

Aw, thank you! I don't even remember anymore, but I think the ramp was not my original idea. I read somewhere that someone had made it wider. The way how I thought about it and made it is all mine, though. Not sure where it was, he also had cut off the handrails and glued them back on much lower to make it more real, I never got around to that. I also have seen customized ramps with lights, people are so awesome!

As for the desert figures, that was just a case of "I did not get what I wanted", as the prototype had been much more accurate and a lot of people complained about that. It bothered me enough to try to make it different.

Unfortunately I must admit I have moved on from Stargate a bit now, and am stuck in the Torchwood/Doctor Who fandom. Have taken my customizing skills with me and created David Tennant in his theatre role as Hamlet, using a Tenth Doctor figure. I had "fun" chopping off the shoes and creating miniature toes and naked feet with Milliput. Twice, as I did Hamlet in his famous t-shirt and jeans and Hamlet in his black suit, but both have naked feet. Never going to do that again, as these figures are even smaller than the Stargate ones LOL

I can link to my pictures if anyone is interested.

My next project is Mr. Tennant in a white Navy uniform, like worn in the theatre play "Much ado about nothing" which I was fortunate to see live back in June. I always have a look in here though and maybe one day I get inspired again.

[Thunderbird 2]

Wow, that Beckett is truly awesome! The face looks creepy though, laying there by itself. Almost like in the movie "Face-off"
I'm wondering though - wouldn't it have been easier to use a figure that already comes with the field uniform and the right shoes?

Firstly please do link in to your new customs Astra! It may not be SGate specific, but its all good! Star Wars and Iron Man customs have been seen in here, why not Who as well?

Re Face off, Yes I was creeped out at that point too. I nearly didn't take those pics, but I wanted a reminder of that awful moment, simply to show in order to create what I wanted I was taking a dreadful chance.

Re the figs I used, no I used A field ops Sheppard for the body, and the head of Atlantis base Rodney with the Scotty face. Then I took the right shoulder joint from a base Shep for the Atlantis patch. I used the base Rodney for the head, simply because Field Ops Rodney costs so much more to buy if you can find one. Its a rare and valuable figure compared to the other Atlantis guys. - Too valuable to destroy one.
Essentially, you could make a Beckett like mine with a Field Ops Rodney, the Scotty face, and get decals made for the shoulder patches. I chose not to do that for budget reasons, and I wanted the Atlantis patch to be an exact match to my other figures. Alternatively, the base Rodney could be used to make a Season 1 Base version of Beckett, when he wore the tan coloured jacket and trousers.
Re the boots - the Atlantis guys only have trainers / sneakers for the feet, unlike SG1's military boots, or the Weir / Keller figs that have civilian style hillwalking boots. I was determined that as my Beckett is an offworld version of the character, he too would have field boots! It was an easy little change thankfully.

[GermanAstra]

Firstly please do link in to your new customs Astra! It may not be SGate specific, but its all good! Star Wars and Iron Man customs have been seen in here, why not Who as well?

Your wish is my command!

part 1 - changing the Doctor into Hamlet - bare arms

part 2 - feet for my Hamlet figure

part 3 - Shirt & Jeans

part 4 - both Hamlets finished!

And if you have some more time on your hands, we then started to set up the whole theatre play, all famous scenes with our figures. I need to post the rest of this yet (you should see the throne room - awesome), but here are the first two parts, with an introduction by Mr. Shakespeare himself, and a glance at behind the scenes with the director and the stage sweeping guy as well:

"Hamlet" part 1

"Hamlet" part 2

[boom stick]

Your welcome!
This thread has been a great source of inspiration for me as well. There are truly many skilled artists here. All these awesome customs have definitely made me see what’s possible. I have done some minor customs. I still want to attempt a few customs seen on this thread over the years but the sculpting aspect is what makes me hesitate.

Thanks Thunderbird 2! Your enthusiasm has made me create an account and post my collection online (finally) lol. I will attempt the Beckett figure eventually when I can get my hands on the supplies and figs.


Astra, nice looking doctors you got there. I gotta find myself some of that milliput and experiment.

here`s my custom

[boom stick]

Here's 2 more customs, a repaint of the series 1 figure of McKay.

[Thunderbird 2]

Hi B-Stick and Astra - I disappear for Christmas and you both go snap happy! Wonderful work both of you ! B-Stick its clear using Millput or Fimo is the only thing you haven't done yet. I spotted your Blue Jack O'Neill figure straight way cause you have colouring screen accurate! That's not easy to do. I also like your take on the Teyla figures in juggling the costuming a little. You have to give Milliput a try, it opens up so many more options.

Astra - not only are your Dr Who / Hamlet customs great work in themselves (the dinner suit is exceptionally well done, and difficult to replicate in that scale, - you demonstrate how to use Mulliput very well too. The right balance to create good believable customs, not overdoing it into lumpy goo statue territory. Has Mr Tennant seen your work? (I spotted you have met the man himself from your page's profile pic?)

Keep up the good work guys! - I have almost but not quite finished two new Stargate customs myself. More news on that soon.

[Zed_PM]

Your wish is my command!

part 1 - changing the Doctor into Hamlet - bare arms

You almost cut off Jack O'Neill's arms? I would have paid $50 for him!

Anyway, David as Hamlet looks awesome.

[GermanAstra]

Astra - not only are your Dr Who / Hamlet customs great work in themselves (the dinner suit is exceptionally well done, and difficult to replicate in that scale,

And the Doctor Who figures are even smaller than the Stargate ones! More like Mulder and Scully, if you have those for comparison.

- you demonstrate how to use Mulliput very well too. The right balance to create good believable customs, not overdoing it into lumpy goo statue territory.

Thank you very much! Yeah, I don't want statues, I still want to play with my figures. Not sure if you also took the time to look at the acutal Hamlet scenes - in the end I cut off the heavy Milliput bowtie and made one from paper, which easily could be replaced or removed (as in some scenes he opens it and it hangs lose). I could let you know when the next batch of pictures is ready, if you like.

Has Mr Tennant seen your work? (I spotted you have met the man himself from your page's profile pic?)

That was at the backstage door in London where he was doing Shakespeare this year. Because of that, only play-related items were allowed for his signature. At first I had intended of making another Hamlet figure for him (a friend of mine has made some John Barrowman customs out of Captain Jack Harkness figures and given then to him personally) but I think the next time I see him I might want to give him a photoalbum with the Hamlet scenes instead. Hope there will be a next time

You almost cut off Jack O'Neill's arms? I would have paid $50 for him!

Oh no, you understood that wrong, sorry. Jack was just standing there as a model, to show me how the arms shall look in the end. I did not cut anything off of Jack, only David's and my own thumb accidentally
The Stargate and Doctor Who figures do not match in any way.

Anyway, David as Hamlet looks awesome.

Thank you very much as well!

I gotta find myself some of that milliput and experiment.

Here's a bit of history: Milliput was first invented to repair broken things in the househould. It is easily kneadable and dries and hardens after a few hours. It comes in different colors. I was recommended the white one as it is the finest.

Back in the Sixties someone wrote to them and told them he had started to use it for making figures. Since then they advertised that part and it became a huge success, I think they make good money with it, it went from a little family business to a big one. You can read about it all here:

http://www.milliput.com/home.htm

[boom stick]

Hi B-Stick and Astra - I disappear for Christmas and you both go snap happy! Wonderful work both of you ! B-Stick its clear using Millput or Fimo is the only thing you haven't done yet. I spotted your Blue Jack O'Neill figure straight way cause you have colouring screen accurate! That's not easy to do. I also like your take on the Teyla figures in juggling the costuming a little. You have to give Milliput a try, it opens up so many more options.

Astra - not only are your Dr Who / Hamlet customs great work in themselves (the dinner suit is exceptionally well done, and difficult to replicate in that scale, - you demonstrate how to use Mulliput very well too. The right balance to create good believable customs, not overdoing it into lumpy goo statue territory. Has Mr Tennant seen your work? (I spotted you have met the man himself from your page's profile pic?)

Keep up the good work guys! - I have almost but not quite finished two new Stargate customs myself. More news on that soon.

Thanks for the kind words Thunderbird. The blue Jack is the one from DST. I only painted the belt for his t-shirt version with the blue pants, so i can't take credit lol. What i did not post here but is in the album are the 2 green BDU garrison versions of Jackson and Mitchell. Those were originally the blue BDU uniforms so i painted them to match the Jack O'Neill one. Oops looking at the picture i clearly have work to do and repaint Jackson's arm.

Looking forward to seeing your new customs in the near future


Ps. thanks Astra for the link

[GermanAstra]

I customized another action figure - this time I took a Doctor Who figure and made David Tenannt in his white Navy uniform from the theatre play "Much Ado about nothing", which I saw live in London last year. Please click the link to my LJ to see step-by-step pictures and explanations with all the details. There is also a picture of the original, so you can compare how well I did

http://dieastra.livejournal.com/37992.html

[Thunderbird 2]

Astra - that's impressive! Trying to fabricate real military uniforms is always tricky! You have done tropical whites very well there!

Re the sideburns, - a kraft knife (carefully!) used and then repaint the face to match the arms again. I can understand you not wanting to risk it though.

Shortening hair is always problematic, because yo have to cut out the existing style and the re-apply and sculpt. I will lengthen hairstyles if a character requires it, but I don't shorten styles. There is too much risk of having a head that looks like its been punctured like a melon! its worse if pre-moulded facial hair is involved on male characters.

I have completed two more SGate customs. One is not as complete as I would like, but I hope to get pics done in the next few days or so! Here are a couple of clues: Posts 342 - 345 in this thread, Mooncat to be credited for inspiration, and I STILL need an DST Atlantis Tac vest (if there are any spare?)

[GermanAstra]

Astra - that's impressive! Trying to fabricate real military uniforms is always tricky! You have done tropical whites very well there!

Thank you! And so THAT's the official name of those. I didn't know how exactly to call it.
The play was Shakespeare's "Much Ado about Nothing" but it was set in modern times - well not so modern but the 1980s time. In another scene he wore shorts and sandals - now that will be a challenge.

Re the sideburns, - a kraft knife (carefully!) used and then repaint the face to match the arms again.

I did cut away and overpaint the sideburns with my Hamlet figures - there I had to repaint the face anyway, as the face had a very glossy layer which looked odd. I haven't yet found out though how to make the paint smooth and thin, it is always so thick and sticky. It looks okay when not looking at it too closely, but I was taken aback after I had taken a close-up picture and then saw it in huge at the computer screen and noticed all the brush lines, if that's what they are called. It looked as if he had many wrinkles. I did not include this picture in my Hamlet post for that reason.

Looking forward to your new customs! I am too lazy at the moment to go back and search for the posts (already 1 AM over here) but I remember dimly that we once got a Hathor promised which we never got - but that wasn't Mooncat if I remember correctly.

Sorry, no left-over tac vests from me, from Atlantis I only bought one figure of each character, my collection was big enough as it is.

[Thunderbird 2]

Hullo all,

done these photos in a hurry, but here they are - Corrected Colonel Sheppard (minus tac vest) and Atlantis Expo Jonas Quinn!

The evolution of these figs is quite simple. I intended to do a short sleeve BDU version of Jonas, as a "I want to go offworld too!" figure for the SGC. Dr Beckett took priority though, and in making the good Doctor, I ended up with two Shep heads, and two Atlantis bodies left over. Add BDU Shep to that mix and it was getting a bit daft.
Having seen Joe Flanigan's excellent portrayal of Col Shep over the years and learning how gracious and accommodating he is with his fans, I had to do justice to his character in the show. - The other irony is I initially did not like the "smiler" Shep head. In pics it just did not look right. However on a test fit, i found not only did one of the heads look good, it was true to the character and the actor. Far more than the standard head, and a better fit too. It was not planned, I had not set out to add him, but the end result paid off nicely.
Basically I have taken the Garrison Uniform Sheppard, and fitted him with a Wave 1 Sheppard head. The feet are those of the SG1 Jonas Quinn, to give him Shepp's authentic "boot look" like SG1. I gave him a tanned skin tone, as he spends most of his time outside. I did debate his forearm hair but left that for now. He does need an Atlantis Mens tac vest. though.

Jonas was the result of a loose SG1 Jonas figure, and the McKay body left over from making Dr B. The sleeve flag I created is the logo of the company (now out of business) who sold my hillwalking boots and jacket! Not sure I made his skin tone right though, it looks a bit too pale.

Corrected Colonel Sheppard is a salute to our own Mooncat - as his larger version of the character was the style inspiration!

[rowie4life]

Then it came to getting the pieces and making them work! - For that, I have set up the pictures on my Flickr page here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/thunder...7628119775140/

Firstly, i made that mock up, that inspired you. I completely forgot that I made it until i saw the picture in your link.

Secondly, that custom Beckett head is awesome. Any chance you gonna make copies/casts of it to sell?

[Thunderbird 2]

Firstly, i made that mock up, that inspired you. I completely forgot that I made it until i saw the picture in your link.

Secondly, that custom Beckett head is awesome. Any chance you gonna make copies/casts of it to sell?

Hi Rowie,

Thanks very much for posting - I have amended the notes under the mock up pic on Flickr to credit the image to you. I felt bad that recognition was not going to the person responsible up to now, so its nice that I have been able to fix that.

Re multiple copies of the Beckett head, I very briefly flirted with the idea of doing several and selling them after I got Dr B finished. Unfortunately the only way I would have been able to do it, would be multiples of the same process, and it was hard enough to get the heads of McKay and Scotty once, far less three or four of each! I have no experience with making moulds, plus producing a number of something like that costs a fortune. - Others in this thread paid to get heads of Beckett and in the larger 1/6 scale (O'Neill and Shepp were also done) and the costs were high from what I recall.
- This was one of the reasons I posted the pics, to show and share the process as I did it. If it worked, others would be able to copy me to make their own Beckett figures. If it didn't, then only I would have thrown good money after bad.

My original plan was to try to make two figures, - the completed Offworld Beckett I have, and later on, a second Season 1 Atlantis Base version. Not only would this have emulated your pic but it matched DST's range, with the Weir, Shep, McKay and Teyla figures. Alas, the scarce number of the figures, and the cost when they do show up has put me off. - That's partially why the headless Tan McKay body ended up becoming Atlantis Jonas Q.

[rowie4life]

A guy on He-Man.org sells copies of his custom MOTUC heads for £15.