Ork Warboss
I recently completed this project for my Youtube channel. The model kit was purchased as a downloadable .stl file from http://www.mezgike.com. I printed it at 200% to allow me to add LEDs to both the weapon and the power box on the back of the fist. The switch is located on the base with the spent shell casings and it's powered by a coin cell battery. I found, accidentally, that the coin cell will last about 10-12 hours when left on before it's almost completely drained.
Brian,
Neat to see how the technology is moving and what can be done with a printer. For years folks have been saying that the hobby is on its way out . . . death by a thousand cuts. The reality is that its evolving into subjects that only could have been dreamed of and put on a flat surface. But, know the sky is the limit.
Thanks, I really don't think the hobby will ever actually die. Modelers have always adapted to new tools in the past, now we collectively need to continue to evolve. I'm always looking for ways to add to or customize model kits... I've also been professionally 3D modeling and animating for 30 years, so being able to create something in 3ds Max and print it at scale has truly expanded the hobby for me. Not to mention guys like Mezgike who sculpt and sell custom 3D models. Inexpensive 3D printing is truly amazing. My printer was only $250 and it allows me to create custom parts... recently modeled and printed a pair of Trooper binocs for my Bandai SandTrooper... I have a custom 'Han' in Carbonite, with my face to go along with my Bandai Boba Fett... As long as we're having fun and learning new techniques, we can continue to bring in new generations of builders. I love adding LEDs to gundam kits as well.
Beautiful work on the 3D printing, Brian @brithebuilder
Also great paint work.
Well done.
Thanks, I appreciate it. This was a really fun project. My first time painting ork skin and I'm really happy with the way it turned out. If you check me out on Instagram and YouTube, I do a lot of mini painting for friends who play Warhammer as well as a variety of model kits... some 3D modeling and printing of custom parts for Warhammer as well.
Not my thing at all, but I always appreciate good modelling like this.
Thanks George, I understand completely. I have to say, I wouldn't have thought I'd like it as much as I do. I don't play Warhammer, but I do paint a lot of mini figures for friends and they are fun to build and paint. This is my first Ork from that universe and it was a lot of fun to customize it with the LEDs. I try to add LEDs to everything possible now.
Amazing result, Brian!
Welcome aboard!
Appreciated @fiveten!
I love using the technology to increase the size of the figure and then add lights, Brian (brithebuilder). The painting is awesome. I am really envious of modelers who have the equipment and skill to print something and then light it. Well done.
Thanks @gblair... the technology is actually quite inexpensive. My printer was only $250. There is also some free software that's really quite powerful. I do have to say, getting a 3D printer definitely changed my approach to many projects. I built a $500 Warhammer Knight Acastus for a friend, added over 20 LED's and printed several custom parts that I actually sell on my Etsy store. I have only sold a couple, but it's a start. I will have to collect a bunch of images from that build and post it here someday. That project took about 6 months.
OK, Brian (@brithebuilder), now I am really worried. I keep myself from jumping down the rabbit hole by telling myself that 3D printers are expensive and hard to learn. If you keep saying that it isn't so, then I may have to jump in with both feet. What's the name of your Etsy store?
Well @gblair, there's a whole range of 3D printers out there. If you don't need to print large parts, then a less expensive one works great. I have a 2K printer that works really well - the Elegoo Mars 2. There are 4K ones that are still relatively inexpensive actually. You will also need a wash and cure station. I only use water washable resin so I don't have to deal with a container of isopropyl alcohol stinking up my basement. The resin itself does have a minor smell, but I got used to it very quickly and it doesn't bother me at all.
As far as software, I use 3ds Max myself, it's not free. I've been in it for over 30 years (I teach 3D modeling and animation at the College level). One of the best free tools is also from Autodesk, Fusion 360. I don't know it, but it is highly regarded. Definitely a learning curve involved in any of it, but that's one of the fun parts.
@gblair, I'm BritheBuilder on etsy also.
Thanks, Brian (@brithebuilder). I am off to do a little investigation into equipment and software. I have a birthday coming in early February, so maybe I can put a hint in my wife's ear. My daughter also works at a local university and is in charge of their "maker's space", which has several 3D printers. Finescale Modeler Magazines last issue had several articles about using 3D printers. Thanks again for the info.
Fantastic @gblair. With your daughter running a maker space, you're in good hands.