General Oro Dassyne (C.I.S. Garrison Commander)

Oro Dassyne was a male Koorivar who worked for the Corporate Alliance and served as a general in the Clone Wars on the side of the Confederacy of Independent Systems. Dassyne was initially stationed on Murkhana in 22 BBY when the Clone Wars began; however, he wanted to take part in the war, and requested that he be moved away from Murkhana, an isolated planet. Dassyne was sent to Bomis Koori IV, where he created a stronghold he believed to be impervious. However, in 20 BBY, two Jedi, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker, succeeded in breaching his fortress, and shut down the ray shields, allowing Republic starships to bombard the bulwark from orbit. Dassyne was killed in the battle. This figure was created as my entry for Yakfinities #28: Organic Separatists.

Parts: Figure (TPM Jedi Duel Darth Maul), Head (RotS Chancellor Palpatine), Cape (PotF2 Darth Vader).

Supplies: Dremel, Super Sculpey, X-acto knife, Super Glue, Paintbrushes, Testors paints and Testors Dull-Cote.

Reference: I used a couple of screenshots from the original Star Wars: The Clone Wars series as the basis for this figure. However, because I wanted this to be a realistically styled version of the character, I did take certain liberties with the design of his costume. I also modelled his face after the way that Passel Argente appeared in the films. Both were Koorivar males, so it stood to reason that they'd be similar.

The base figure was selected because it was the closest match that I already had on hand (I always try to use what I've already got before I go out and buy parts). I Dremelled the torso smooth and then etched the design into it with an X-acto knife. Before I added the new head, I used Super Sculpey to add the headgear. I cured the Sculpey with boiling water. The figure and cape were painted separately and then sprayed liberally with Testors Dull-Cote. Once both were dry, I added the cape to the figure.

Fenn Shysa (Mandalorian Protector)

Fenn Shysa was a Mandalorian and one of only 212 soldiers to fight under Alpha-Ø2 during the Clone Wars. Along with his childhood friend, Tobbi Dala, Shysa fought for the Confederacy of Independent Systems, who were affiliated with the planet of Mandalore. By the war's end and the defeat of the Separatists, those Mandalorian forces had been reduced to only Shysa, Dala, and a psychologically scarred Alpha-Ø2. Shysa and Dala returned to Mandalore hoping to find peace following the war, but they were forced into combat against the newly formed Galactic Empire, who had set up a slaving operation on the planet. After many years of fighting, the Mandalorians finally triumphed against the Imperials. Although his world was finally free from Imperials, Shysa continued to take the fight to the Empire, reforming the Mandalorian Protectors and leading them into battle alongside the Alliance of Free Planets during the Nagai-Tof War. Shysa's men played a pivotal role in the Second Battle of Endor, repelling Nagai forces personally led by the Dark Lady Lumiya. Following the end of the conflict and the joining of the Nagai with the Alliance of Free Planets, Shysa traveled to Nagi to liberate the world from the Tof. After a long and distinguished career, including a presence at the Battle of Mindor, Shysa perished on the planet Shogun, saving Boba Fett from death.

Parts: Figure, Helmet and Jetpack (Comic Pack Fenn Shysa), Blaster, Holster and Gunbelt (Comic Pack Mara Jade), Equipment Belt, Pouches and Cape (VTSC Boba Fett).

Supplies: X-acto knife, Super Glue, Paintbrushes, Testors paints and Testors Dull-Cote.

Reference: Marvel Comics' Star Wars #68.

The only significant thing that I changed from the original Shysa figure was the equipment. I understand and appreciate that Hasbro is able to produce a greater number of figures, while keeping costs down, by re-using the same molds. However, I've always objected to the fact that almost all Mandalorian figures are equipped with the same old gear (either Boba Fett's gear or Jango Fett's gear). It is my contention that each Mando's gear would be hand-picked according to individual tastes. So, I removed the twin pistol rig that came with the figure and replaced his belt with the multi-pouch equipment belt from a VTSC Boba Fett. I trimmed off the large pouch on the right hip so that it looked a bit different and also to allow room for a low-slung blaster on the right thigh. For this, I took the gunbelt from a comic pack Mara Jade and dropped it in boiling water. While soft, I stretched it out to fit properly on the Shysa figure. Once I put the two belts on, they fit perfectly together. The flightsuit under his armor plates was re-painted in olive drab (which I felt was a far more realistic color for a soldier) and then drybrushed twice with progressively lighter shades of OD green. The equipment belt and gunbelt were painted light brown and then "weathered" a bit to look like worn leather. I liked the metallic green of his armor, so I left that alone, but I did apply some steel paint to depict wear and tear. The cloth cape was glued to his shoulder with a small bit of plastic to simulate the anchoring point. His range finder and gauntlets were also touched up. Finally, I thought that he needed a special rifle, so I created one for him from a bunch of different scrap weapon parts. I've taken to calling it the DnJ Armaments ZF-1 (kudos to anyone who gets that obscure reference). I also applied a coat of Testors Dull-Cote to seal the paint and reduce shine.

R6-JN (Astromech Droid)

R6-JN was originally a custom R5 droid that I had made several years earlier. Then about a month ago, PBarny at FFURG asked me if I could make casts of an R2 unit's primary photoreceptor so that it could be attached to an R5, in order to make an R6. Needless to say, I got right on it and sent him a couple of the casted "eyes". I used the one I had left over to make R6-JN.

Parts: All (R5-D4).

Supplies: Super Sculpey, super glue, X-acto knife, Paintbrushes, Testors paints and Testors Dull-Cote.

Reference: None.

The only thing that I changed from the original custom figure was the head. I sanded off the original photoreceptors and then superglued the new one in place. I also applied a coat of Testors Dull-Cote to seal the paint and reduce shine. The secondary photoreceptor and the solar charging array were "engraved" into the head using an X-acto knife. The holoprojector (to the right of the secondary photoreceptor) was trimmed off an old R2 head and super glued in place.

Gavin Darklighter (Human Pilot - Rogue Squadron)

Gavin is the younger cousin of Biggs Darklighter, who was killed in the assault on the first Death Star. Gavin joined Rogue Squadron when it was re-built by Wedge Antilles. He was in his late teens at the time. Years later, having attained the rank of Colonel, Gavin commanded Rogue Squadron during the Yuuzhan Vong conflict.

Parts: Head (Chap Mei Space Force figure), Torso (TAC Biggs Darklighter), Arms (TAC Biggs Darklighter), Legs (TAC Biggs Darklighter), Helmet (TAC Biggs Darklighter).

Supplies: Paintbrushes, Testors paints and Testors Dull-Cote.

Reference: Michael A. Stackpole gives a pretty good description of him in his series of X-wing books. Gavin is described as looking a lot like a younger Biggs, but instead of the mustache, Gavin sports a full goatee.

The only thing that I changed from the Biggs figure was the head. On my original version of this character, I followed the trend and used a Biggs head with a Goatee painted on. Thye're cousins, right? They'd look somewhat alike, right? The problem was that he didn't look like Gavin, he looked like Biggs with some extra facial hair. This time around I used the head from a Space Force figure I had in my parts box. I repainted the entire head and added a goatee. I thought a lot about repainting the helmet, but eventually decided to hold off. Basically, I have no idea what Gavin's helmet should look like (anyone who knows is more than welcome to let me know). Therefore, I left it alone knowing that I can always paint it in the future. I also applied a coat of Testors Dull-Cote to seal the paint and reduce shine.

Ooryl Qyrgg (Gand Pilot - Rogue Squadron)

Ooryl is a Gand Findsman who joined the squadron when it was re-built by Wedge Antilles. A Findsman is similar to a bounty hunter in the Gand culture. Unlike many Gands, who are ammonia breathers, Ooryl does not respire at all. Upon joining the squadron, Ooryl became fast friends with Corran Horn and usually served as Corran's wingman. He was promoted to Lieutenant during his assignment with the squadron.

Parts: Head (Zuckuss), Torso (TAC Biggs Darklighter), Arms (TAC Biggs Darklighter), Legs (TAC Biggs Darklighter), Hands (Zuckuss), Helmet (PotJ Mon Calamari Officer).

Supplies: X-acto knife, emery board, file, super glue, paintbrushes, Testors paints and Testors Dull-Cote.

Reference: To my knowledge, there are no pictures of Ooryl Qyrgg (or at least, I couldn't find any at the time that I made this figure's head). However, Michael A. Stackpole gives a pretty good description of him in his series of X-wing books. I used descriptions from the books.

Like the last few figures I've done, this is actually a new version of a character I've made in the past. I used the same head and hands from the original figure and added them to a TAC Biggs Darklighter body. To make the helmet, I took the helmet from the PotJ Mon Cal Officer and trimmed it down, a little bit at a time, until it fit Ooryl's head. While trying to decide upon a paint scheme, I recalled that I'd read in one of the X-wing books that Gands can see in several different spectrums, which means that something that might appear to be plain or uncolored would actually appear quite vibarnt to a Gand. Because of this, I decided to leave his helmet absolutely plain (and I can always paint it later if I change my mind). I also applied a coat of Testors Dull-Cote to seal the paint and reduce shine.

Tycho Celchu (Human Pilot - Rogue Squadron)

Tycho Celchu was a young Imperial pilot from Alderaan. On his 21st birthday, Tycho was speaking with his family via the Holonet when he was suddenly cut off. He later learned that it was because the Death Star had destroyed his home planet, killing his family in the process. Tycho immediately defected to the Rebel Alliance. He flew a snowspeeder during the Battle of Hoth, and volunteered to fly an A-wing fighter at the Battle of Endor. Tycho led several TIE Fighters on a twisting turning chase through the Death Star's superstructure, allowing Wedge Antilles and Lando Calrissian the time they needed to deliver a killing blow to the space station. He participated in the Bakura conflict, and remained a fixture in the squadron until being falsely accused of the murder of Corran Horn. Tycho was cleared of all charges when Horn turned up alive. Tycho went on to command Rogue Squadron after General Antilles' retirement. He later retired at the rank of Colonel. At the onset of the Yuuzhan Vong invasion, he joined Wedge in returning to active duty.

Parts: Head (TAC Tycho Celchu), Neckpost (RotS AT-TE Gunner), Torso (TAC Biggs Darklighter), Arms (TAC Biggs Darklighter), Legs (TAC Biggs Darklighter), Helmet (SL Luke Skywalker).

Supplies: X-acto knife, super glue, paintbrushes, Testors paints and Testors Dull-Cote.

Reference: I used descriptions from the books and pictures of him from the earlier comics by Dark Horse. The Rogue Squadron Handbook by Dark Horse provided a detailed picture of the helmat artwork.

I removed the Biggs head and then repainted the entire flightsuit black. The neckpost also had to be painted to match Tycho's skin tone. Once dry, I superglued the neck post inside the flight suit's collar and popped the head on. Although the hair color is not quite right, I decided to leave it alone for the time being, as the head is now more or less accepted as Tycho's likeness. Finally, I applied a coat of Testors Dull-Cote to seal the paint and reduce shine.

Wes Janson (Human Pilot - Rogue Squadron)

Wes Janson was one of the earliest members of Rogue Squadron. He flew as Wedge Antilles' gunner in a snowspeeder at the Battle of Hoth, and was back in his X-wing fighter for the battles at Endor, Bakura and so on. He remained a fixture in the squadron until being assigned as the Executive Officer of Wraith Squadron. When it came time for General Antilles to leave Wraith Squadron and return to the Rogues, Wes went with him. Eventually promoted to Major, Wes remained with the Rogues until leaving active service.

Parts: Head (TLC Evolutions Wes Janson), Torso (SL Luke Skywalker), Arms (SL Luke Skywalker), Legs (SL Luke Skywalker), Helmet (TLC Evolutions Wes Janson).

Supplies: X-acto knife, super glue and Testors Dull-Cote.

Reference: I used descriptions from the books and pictures of him from the earlier comics by Dark Horse. The Rogue Squadron Handbook by Dark Horse provides detailed pictures of the artwork on most Rogue helmets.

This can barely be considered a "custom" figure. All I really did was remove the Luke head and replace it with the new head. I then super glued a tiny equipment pouch over the small hole where Luke would have hooked his lightsaber. Finally, I applied a coat of Testors Dull-Cote to seal the paint and reduce shine.