Monday, May 25, 2009

RC-1345 Sergeant Humpty (Republic Commando)

RC1345, nicknamed "Humpty", is the leader of a Republic Commando Squad within the Special Operations Division of the Grand Army of the Republic. He and his squad are routinely assigned to Commander Gree's 41st Elite Legion to perform certain critical functions.

Parts: Head (Republic Commando Scorch), Torso (Republic Commando Scorch), Arms (Republic Commando Scorch), Legs (Republic Commando Scorch), Holster (Clone Commander), Blaster Pistol (Clone Commander), Pulse Rifle (Marauder, Inc.).

Supplies: X-acto knife, super glue, emery board, sandpaper, brushes, Polly Scale paints and Testors Dull-Cote.

Reference: None. The character and his design are entirely fan-fic.

The basic Scorch figure was not changed. The backpack and the thing attached to his right leg were removed and set aside. The figure was then painted in a camouflage pattern of my own design. No references were used, I pretty much just decided how I wanted it to be. The holster was trimmed away from the kama of a Clone Commander figure using an X-acto knife. The holster was then painted flat black and superglued to the right leg, in place of the item that was removed earlier. The pistol can be easily inserted or removed from the holster. The original figure, Scorch, was a demolition specialist and much of the backpack was supposedly geared toward that mission. Therefore, I ended up chopping quite a lot of the backpack off to make it appear like more of a basic trooper's pack. I also added an antenna to the backpack before painting it flat black. I also attempted to remove the anti-armor attachment from the DC-17 Commando rifle and convert it to a standard commando's rifle. This effort was a dismal failure. I was also unsuccessful in trying to trade for enough of the rifles to outfit my squad. After several months of agonizing over it, I finally decided to give the commando squad M41A Pulse Rifles, as seen in the film Aliens. I know, I know... it's not Star Wars. But it's a fantastic weapon. Once the figure and all of the accessories were dry, I applied a light coat of Testors Dull-Cote to protect the paint and dull the shine.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Evolution of the Clone Commanders (Part III)

The next figure in my ongoing Evolution of the Clone Commanders series is Commander Bly (CC-5052) of the 327th Star Corps. After the end of the Clone Wars, Bly continued his service to the Empire, even performing a couple of special missions for Darth Vader himself. I used a PotJ Sandtrooper for Bly's new armor. I didn't really have a special reason for choosing the Sandtrooper, aside from wanting to keep each of these guys a little bit unique. Had I not already used the EVO Trooper armor on Commander Bacara, I could have just as easily given that to Bly. To give Bly a little extra firepower, I trimmed down a modular M203 Grenade Launcher and attached tio to the barrel of his E-11 Blaster Rifle (my theory being that this was an experiment that didn't really work out and was later abandoned by Imperial Forces).

Monday, May 11, 2009

Evolution of the Clone Commanders (Part II)

This is the next figure in my ongoing Evolution of the Clone Commanders series...

The next one up is Commander Bacara (CC-1138). I've always liked Bacara because he was the commanding officer of the Galactic Marines, a unit near and dear to me as I was once a Marine, myself. While Bacara's Marines wore maroon-colored armor that was the obvious predecessor to the Snowtrooper armor, he wore a regular set of phase II armor with a modified helmet. I decided to continue this trend of having him wear different gear than his troops. While Bacara's Marines would have adopted the Snowtrooper armor, I gave Bacara a set of EVO Trooper armor. Both provide the wearer with protection against the hazardous environments that might be encountered by a Marine Landing Force. As with the Cody figure, no significant modifications were made to the figure, but the armor was painted to somewhat resemble that which was previously worn by Bacara.

Imperial Infantry Trooper

This is the second Imperial Army Infantry Trooper I've done. He is in the same squad as my previous Imperial Infantry Trooper and Imperial Infantry Officer. Stay tuned for more of this squad in the near future!

Parts: Head (TSC Galactic Marine), Body (TLC Imperial Engineer), Helmet (AT-ST Driver), Load Bearing Equipment (25th Anniversary Snake-Eyes), E-11 Blaster Rifle (TLC Imperial Engineer), backpack (PotF2 Sandtrooper).

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

Reference: Illustrations from the Star Wars: Empire comic series.

This one was done exactly like the first one. I removed the Engineer head and replaced it with the GM head. I dipped the load bearing equipment (LBE) in a mug of boiling water and then stretched to fit the waist of the figure. Once it fit correctly, it was dipped in very cold water to keep the desired shape. I added the LBE to the figure and then used the X-acto knife to cut off the hand grenade and the holster. I glued a cast of a Sandtrooper's ammunition pouch to the LBE where the holster had been. Finally, the back pack was attached to the LBE with two small dabs of super glue. When the LBE is removed, the backpack stays attached to it. The casted ammunition pouch was painted black and the entire figure was given a light coating of Testors Dull-Cote.

CC-0607 Captain Kay'Tee (Commander of the 5th Reconnaisance Group)

This is a special project for my daughter, Katie. She has me asked numerous times "why aren't there any pink girl clones"? She doesn't understand what a Clone is and just sees them as soldiers in white armor. So, who am I to argue? For her 5th birthday, I have made her a pink Clone Commander in the animated Clone Wars style. The character is named Captain Kay'Tee. I saved all of the packaging from the figure and modified the cardboard insert a bit so that the character name and image matched her new figure. This was my first attempt at packaging, and it is by no means perfect. But,. I figured that she's gonna tear it open anyway, so I didn't want to spend too much time on it. I just thought it would be cool for her to open. The character image looks kind of washed out in the photos. I'm not sure why that is, because it doesn't actually look that way.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Evolution of the Clone Commanders (Part I)

Okay, this next series of figures was completely inspired by a customizer by the name of JediStyle (see his work here: http://www.yakfaceforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=357&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0). He made several custom Imperial Stormtroopers that had colored markings like those seen in units of the Grand Army of the Republic toward the end of the Clone Wars. In particular, I loved his Commander Fordo in phase III armor. This got me to wondering what some of the other notable Clone Commanders would look like in Stormtrooper armor that bore markings similar to their Clone armor...


The first one I tackled was Commander Cody (CC-2224). Cody wore a visor in his phase I armor as well as both versions of his phase II armor. It was no big stretch to see him continuing this trend. Cody also used a small jetpack and often commanded airborne troops. Because of this (and it's similarity to Cody's phase II armor), I chose the Imperial Jump Trooper as the base for this figure. No significant modifications were made to the figure, but the armor was painted to closely resemble that which was previously worn by Cody.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Llats Ward (Mandalorian Mercenary)

Llats Ward was a Mandalorian mercenary, selected by Jango Fett to train Jango's clones on Kamino as part of the Cuy'val Dar. Everything in the life of Llats revolved around battle and war. He had studied and memorized the campaigns of all the great Mandalorian leaders of the past, and used them as lessons to enhance the clone troopers' fighting skills. He wore gray-and-green armor, with yellow knee and shoulder pads and a large Mythosaur skull painted across the chest.

Parts: Lower Arms (VTSC Boba Fett), Rifle (RotS Deluxe Clone Jet Trooper), Everything Else (EE Exclusive Llats Ward).

Supplies: X-acto Knife, Paintbrushes, Testors Paints and Testors Dull-Cote.

Reference: I used photos of the original Llats Ward figure to get the coloring of the gauntlets correct.

This is more of a "restoration" than a true custom figure. I actually liked the Llats Ward figure and would not have changed anything other than giving him a new weapon. However, I obtained the figure in a trade and he did not have any lower arms. Because I had recently dismembered a VTSC Boba Fett for another custom figure, I had the arms lying around. I tossed them into some boiling water to soften the plastic and then popped them onto the Llats figure. Then, I painted the arms to match the rest of the figure. After a light application of Testors Dull-Cote, I decided to give him a new weapon, too.

Edit: Shortly after this figure was completed, I traded some items with another customizer (Arc_trooper77), and he was kind enough to throw in the cape that I had been missing for Llats. I've updated the photo to reflect this addition!

Sgt Jak Kona (Alliance Marine)

Sergeant Jak Kona is a Human male from Prairsuno. He joined the Rebellion shortly before the Battle of Hoth and has seen action in most of the major engagements since. He has risen quickly through the ranks based upon an uncanny ability to keep his troops alive while accomplishing their missions. He was among the 18,000 Marines who fought at the Battle of Mindor and was promoted to Sergeant immediately following that action. He is armed with a BlasTech DH-17 blaster pistol, a favorite among Marines and Naval Forces on both sides of the Galactic Civil War due to it's ability to pierce most body armor without piercing the hull of the vessel. He also uses a BlasTech A280 blaster rifle for longer range engagements.

Parts: Head (Elite Force U.S. Marine), Body (PotJ Rebel Trooper Tantive IV Defender), Helmet (TAC Rebel Vanguard Trooper) BlasTech A280 Blaster Rifle (SAGA Endor Rebel Soldier), BlasTech DH-17 Blaster Pistol (TAC Rebel Vanguard Trooper).

Supplies: X-acto Knife, Super Sculpey, Super Glue, Paintbrushes, Testors Paints and Testors Dull-Cote.

Reference: This is the second version I've done of this character. My wife and kids thought that the head on the original figure looked so much like me, that I developed the backstory around some parts of my life, as well. You could say that this character is the way I'd see myself if I had been born a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away. This version of the character was created for FFURG Casting Call #55: Customs of Us - Revisited. The original figure can be seen here. I think that I will probably continue to expand upon this character, as well.

This figure started out as a PotJ Tantive IV Defender. The head needed a bit of modification. I shaved the hairline back a bit and then resculpted it with Super Sculpey. The mustache was also added with Super Sculpey. I cut a V-neck into the shirt with my X-acto knife and then used my Dremel to expand the neck hole a bit. The new head fits in perfectly with no trouble. I shaved the holster off his right leg with my X-acto knife and sanded the area smooth. I then added a working holster that I had made from Super Sculpey. The ammunition and utility pouches on his left hip were made with Super Sculpey and a push mold. After painting, the entire figure was given a light application of Testors Dull-Cote to seal the paint and reduce the shine.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

FFURG Casting Call #55: "Customs of Us"

Recently, some of us at the Forgotten Force Ultimate Resource Group (FFURG) have been working to revive the old concept of monthly casting calls in which customizers submit theme-related customs to be showcased together. In conjunction with the 5 year anniversary of the FFURG FForums, we've decided upon a special topic: "Customs of Us - Revisited". Longtime FFURG visitors may remember "Customs of Us" from the very first casting call, back in December of 1999.

The casting call will be "open" for general submissions until the end of May. At that time, the submissions shall be gathered together and casting call will be posted on the main FFURG page. Any custom submitted after the casting call is posted will still be added to it, just not in time for the initial debut.

Please stop by FFURG and check out Casting Call #55: "Customs of Us", as well as all the other great casting calls of the past. Happy customizing!

Monday, April 13, 2009

Dyman Kath (Zabrak Mercenary)

Dyman Kath was a Zabrak mercenary employed by General Oro Dassyne as an advisor and bodyguard. It is generally believed that Kath survived the fall of Dassyne's garrison on Bomis Koori IV, although his whereabouts were unknown.

Parts: Head (TPM Jedi Duel Darth Maul), Body (WWII Paratrooper), Blaster Rifle (PotF2 Boba Fett).

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

Reference: None. This character is entirely fan-fic.

I had to Dremel out the neck hole a bit for the new head to seat properly. Once the head was attached, the rest was a matter of painting. I stayed close to the original paint scheme because I felt that it wasn't particularly distinctive of an "earth" military unit. After painting, the entire figure was given a light coating of Testors Dull-Cote.

Imperial Infantry Trooper

The Imperial Army was a branch of the Imperial Military that had the primary responsibility of prosecution of ground-side military operations, under the oversight of Army Command. During the Imperial era, one of the Army's most common duties was the maintenance of planetary garrisons throughout the galaxy, as well as waging war on the Rebel Alliance. The Army utilized a wide range of equipment and vehicles in support of its infantry. Army units were often reinforced by stormtroopers, although the command structure for the two organizations remained separate. On garrisoned worlds, the Army operated in conjunction with Imperial Starfleet, stormtroopers, and the local constabulary to maintain order and security.

Parts: Head (TAC Death Star Trooper), Body (TLC Imperial Engineer), Helmet (TSC General Veers), Load Bearing Equipment (25th Anniversary Snake-Eyes), E-11 Blaster Rifle (TLC Imperial Engineer), backpack (PotF2 Sandtrooper).

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

Reference: Illustrations from the Star Wars: Empire comic series.

I removed the Engineer head and replaced it with the DST head. I dipped the load bearing equipment (LBE) in a mug of boiling water and then stretched to fit the waist of the figure. Once it fit correctly, it was dipped in very cold water to keep the desired shape. I added the LBE to the figure and then used the X-acto knife to cut off the hand grenade and the holster. I glued a cast of a Sandtrooper's ammunition pouch to the LBE where the holster had been. Finally, the back pack was attached to the LBE with two small dabs of super glue. When the LBE is removed, the backpack stays attached to it. The casted ammunition pouch was painted black and the entire figure was given a light coating of Testors Dull-Cote.

Winter Celchu (Intelligence Operative)

Winter Celchu, was raised as a sister and companion to Princess Leia Organa during the dark years of the Galactic Empire. Like her adopted sister, Winter became a pivotal player in the Galactic Civil War, serving in various roles but most notably as a spy. As an operative of Alliance Intelligence, she served the Rebel Alliance and later the New Republic admirably. Her holographic and audiographic memory gave her a special advantage in piecing together confusing situations or even simply computing data. She was often attached to Rogue Squadron as an intelligence officer, though sometimes under false identities. Winter also served a vital role as Leia Organa's best friend, aide and confidante. She had special relationships with Leia's children Jaina, Jacen, and Anakin Solo, whom she raised during their first years of life. She had a long romance with Tycho Celchu, from whom she was often separated by war, but the couple would eventually marry. She was also known to be a close personal friend of Admiral Ackbar.
Parts: Head (25th Anniversary Lady Jaye), Everything else (Comic pack Deena Shan).

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

Reference: The X-Wing: Rogue Squadron Handbook.

This custom was a simple head-swap. I replaced the Deena Shan head with a cast of the 25th Anniversary Lady Jaye head made by Delaton over at FFURG. After the head was painted, I applied a light coating of Testors Dull-Cote to seal the paint and reduce the shine.

Deena Shan (Human Commando)

Deena Shan was a young Human who joined the Rebel Alliance shortly after the Battle of Yavin. Initially working as a supply officer on the Kalla's Stanchion, she found herself accompanying Han Solo, Leia Organa and Chewbacca during an Imperial attack. Fighting alongside the famous Rebels solidified her decision to join the Alliance. She later posed as an Imperial lieutenant on a mission to the Imperial base of Kalist VI, where she and Imperial captain Kale Roshuir quickly developed a mutual attraction. Despite her feelings for him, Shan led Roshuir's forces into a trap where many of them were killed, allowing the Rebels to free the captive Jorin Sol and escape with a group of Jabiimi slaves and vital fuel for the Alliance Fleet, but forever making an enemy of her lover. Shan later accompanied Luke Skywalker on a mission to rescue his old friend Janek Sunber. Despite again encountering Kale Roshuir, who attempted to stop them, Shan and Skywalker were able to rescue Sunber and return to the Rebel Fleet, though their unsanctioned mission resulted in them both being disciplined. The two would soon work together once more in a mission to infiltrate Bannistar Station. Though the mission went awry, with most of the Rebels either killed or captured by Imperial forces, Shan was able to evade capture and destroy both a Star Destroyer, and a significant portion of the station. After her comrades managed to escape, the group fled the station and Shan returned to the Alliance Fleet as a hero. After recovering from her injuries, Shan returned to duty as a commando.

Parts: All parts came from the Deena Shan stealth suit figure.

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

Reference: Although the cover of Star Wars: Rebellion #3 depicts Deena hanging like an ape from the ceiling with her stealth suit unzipped to expose her cleavage, she never actually appeared that way in the comic. Normally, I'd not be bothered by a little bit of skin, but the cover art was such a departure from the content of the comic, I decided to re-do it a bit.

Basically, all I had to do to accomplish this was carefully trim down the open collar of the suit with my X-acto knife and then resculpt a closed collar with a bit of Super Sculpey. The ribbing of the suit was etched into the new collar with the X-acto blade. After curing in a mug of boiling water, I painted the Sculpey to match the rest of the stealth suit and gave her a ligth coat of Testors Dull-Cote.

Monday, March 30, 2009

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.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

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.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

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.

Monday, March 9, 2009

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.

Saturday, March 7, 2009

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.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

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.