Matilda Swann – Steam Wars
This is a Steampunk conversion of two 1/35 injection kits. As a 'named' subject, it may well belong in the 'Figures' category, or, 'Armor', given that the original vehicle is a military model, but I've included it here in 'Sci-Fi' instead, because of its transition.
The vehicle unit is Vulcan Models' Zündapp K800 motorcycle w/Steib Nr28 sidecar. The figure is from a Masterbox 'Zombieland' series. Vintage watch parts were used to create the 'steampunk' aura, with cogs, flywheels, miniature screws, and various stainless flat-profile pieces.
The large weapon mounted on the sidecar is watch parts and brass tube, with a Verlinden MG34 gun butt and ammo box, from spares. The other sidearm weapons have been modified from kit pieces, and Matilda's right arm has been converted to a pneumatic appendage. My one regret with the figure is that I had to used an injection subject, where the detail isn't as crisp as resin, and the painting detail is perhaps a little less sharp.
While some of the model is painted – the figure, for example – I used Andrea Inks as washes over the metalwork generally to create a dull, outlander appearance.
For background, I ran a short WIP thread under 'Sci-Fi' in Groups.
8 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Craig Abrahamson said on March 7, 2015
I can readily see you have an abundance of two things: Time on your hands (no pun intended) and a creative imagination. And a lot of spare parts (ok...maybe three things). 🙂
Rob Pollock said on March 7, 2015
Yes definitely three. That said, it only took a week or so to complete.
Wayne Landis said on March 7, 2015
Looks like a fun build. What paints did you use for the figure?
Rob Pollock said on March 7, 2015
Hi Wayne. I use Vallejo Model Color and Vallejo Games Color, with Andrea Inks for the metallics on the arm.
Bernard E. Hackett, Jr. said on March 7, 2015
Rob, where you a watchmaker in a previous career?
I am in awe of your imagination and ability to translate that into the model.
In only a week?
Brilliant work!
Rob Pollock said on March 7, 2015
Thanks, Bernard.
'Matilda' is a testor for a second, upcoming Steampunk project. One of my sons-in-law used to have an interest in repairing old watches, as a hobby. As a result, he has a box of old parts he's freeing-up for me to rummage through, I think next month.
The 'Matilda' parts were sold as pieces for jewellery designers who specialise in Steampunk jewellery, and so were ideal for a small project like this.
Bryan W. Bernart said on March 7, 2015
That is really cool!
Great imagination at work.
Rob Pollock said on March 7, 2015
Cheers, Bryan.
Mike Maynard said on March 8, 2015
Very imaginative! I wonder if they offer insurance for a bike like that 🙂
Rob Pollock said on March 8, 2015
'Time' will tell...
Bernard E. Hackett, Jr. said on March 8, 2015
I think Regressive has a policy. We'll see an infomercial with that chick with the white suit, plugging it.
Yours truly was with a certain company before they even had a lizard.
Rob Pollock said on March 8, 2015
Go lizard!
Simon Whitney said on March 8, 2015
Nicely done and built.
Great imagination Rob.
Well done mate.
Rob Pollock said on March 8, 2015
Cheers, buddy.
Bernd Müller said on March 10, 2015
An interesting and very unique build, like that !
Great work 🙂
Rob Pollock said on March 10, 2015
Thanks, Bernd.
Frank Cronin said on March 11, 2015
Rob,
Very very clever. I like your skill and imagineation
Rob Pollock said on March 12, 2015
Cheers, Frank. I should have photographed it in the palm of my hand to show how tiny it is. With the ink colours it looks like a weird hummingbird.