|
|
Post by Maethius on Aug 11, 2011 10:04:49 GMT -5
So, the more I think about it the more I think I'm going to build one. Vacuforming, for those who may not be familiar with it, is a way to make smooth, custom plastic parts fairly quickly and easily. You can even "mass manufacture" some bits using a vacuform. While I normally wouldn't recommend using one for Zoids (which tend to be very skeletal models), they are excellent for creating diorama sets and, in the case of Zoids themselves, custom armor sets. I found an excellent article on how to build and use a vacuform at Starship Modeler, and thought I would post it here for interested folks. 1) Heat source (large toaster oven) - CHECK! 2) Vacuum source (compact shop vac) - CHECK! 3) Vacuum box - gotta build one! 4) Heating frame - gotta build one! 5) Sheet plastic source - CHECK! 6) Shape "positives" (got tons, can make more with balsa wood) - CHECK! I'll let you know my progress on building and using my vacuform once I actually have the sucker made! |
|
|
|
Post by amadmaxfan on Aug 11, 2011 10:12:01 GMT -5
sounds awesome! i'm really interested in seeing the progress and results of this.
|
|
|
|
Post by Snowflake on Aug 11, 2011 18:15:38 GMT -5
could you make a 'positive' with an existing zoid part, or would that probably destroy it?
|
|
|
|
Post by Maethius on Aug 12, 2011 9:35:06 GMT -5
I would think you could use existing parts to make fitted armor, but you had better spray them with mold release in case the plastic decided to cool to the plug. It's actually one of the main reasons I want to try this... vacuformed plastic might not appear as very good armor by itself, but it would proved an excellent foundation to build a CAS on, since it would lock on fairly tight. I will also have to see how much trimming and "editing" will be required once a shape is formed.
I'll keep you informed... I'm curious about it, too!
|
|
|
|
Post by Snowflake on Aug 12, 2011 17:55:37 GMT -5
oh that's brilliant.. snap-on parts with vacuformed attachment points..
It also occurs to me that you could use it to create nice transparent windows here and there in armor, which is always good for a gairyuki-type zoid
|
|
|
|
Post by amadmaxfan on Aug 12, 2011 19:50:18 GMT -5
you could make such epic things!!!!
|
|
|
|
Post by adamassc on Aug 12, 2011 21:39:10 GMT -5
you could make such epic things!!!! Maethius is capable of epic creations without such technology. Should he gain this ability, only Unicron would rival his might. |
|
|
|
Post by Maethius on Aug 15, 2011 9:39:19 GMT -5
Bwahahahah! Seriously, I really want to play with this. It would also be a great way to make some diorama bases and backgrounds just to photograph customs in front of. Just imagine... a full set of platemail armor for Ultrasaurus!  |
|
|
|
Post by kiwimodeller on Aug 19, 2011 18:32:14 GMT -5
vacforming is so much fun :-D .. been doing it for years for work .. its amazing what can be done with such simple tecnology .. if you really want to get into this .. join the RPF (modelling website) ..there mite even be a local builder on the site who would let you have a look/play with their gear and im sure that you would learn lots of interesting bits of info !!!!!
|
|
Hellbound Crow
Major
His name was Crow, and Hell followed with Him
Posts: 635
|
Post by Hellbound Crow on Aug 20, 2011 0:01:30 GMT -5
bro. you know you have to try and make some stuff for a geno...just saying :-) lol
|
|
|
|
Post by Maethius on Aug 22, 2011 9:51:06 GMT -5
Hey, thanks for the tip, Kiwi! I'll check them out! Oh, I may create stuff for Geno, but I have some other ideas brewing.  |
|
Hellbound Crow
Major
His name was Crow, and Hell followed with Him
Posts: 635
|
Post by Hellbound Crow on Aug 22, 2011 15:08:21 GMT -5
o lord, i can just imagine..... we should be just as scared as the zoidians were when the beserk furher was introduced XD. let me know when ya do make something, i will gladly pay ya :-)
|
|
|
|
Post by kiwimodeller on Aug 23, 2011 4:06:53 GMT -5
maethius .. im pretty sure Darth Daniel is on the rpf site
|
|
|
|
Post by Maethius on Aug 23, 2011 9:40:53 GMT -5
/nods
I'm chatting with him at this moment.
I would ask that anyone who is the praying type hit their knees for Ogie and Daniel... things are... challenging.
|
|
Hellbound Crow
Major
His name was Crow, and Hell followed with Him
Posts: 635
|
Post by Hellbound Crow on Aug 23, 2011 20:15:00 GMT -5
I'm on it! wish him the best!!
|
|
