Maidens of the Kaleidoscope

~Hakurei Shrine~ => Alice's Art Atelier => Topic started by: Ubiquitial on October 03, 2010, 06:54:13 PM

Title: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: Ubiquitial on October 03, 2010, 06:54:13 PM
(http://img693.imageshack.us/img693/5193/dsc0752x.jpg)

I needed something to give [****] an epic feeling, so I decided to make a miniature naginata (it turned out looking more like a Guan Dao, but whatever.)

(http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/693/dsc0754t.jpg)

It took about 2 hours to finish, I carved the blade itself from a 0.3 mm sheet of styrene, Which I then refined with 220 grit sandpaper and my set of Testor steel files.

(http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/3907/dsc0763c.jpg)

The edge I refined first with 320 grit sandpaper, then 400 grit, to create a sharp rim. Finally, I polished the blade with some 1200 grit wetsanding, and that was it.

(http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/9858/dsc0756i.jpg)

The hilt was a pain in my ass. I took another square of 0.3 and cut a circle in it, with a specialized knife. Then I sanded two sides with 150 grit until they were flat, and that left me with this rounded rectangle look. The hard part was cutting a slit in the middle to let the blade through, and I had to taper the bottom part of it to force it through. I might scribe a design on the hilt later on.

The shaft is simply a lengthened mechanical pencil inner tube thingy. The plastic is soft and Tamiya cement doesn't work on it. I attached it to the blade with some string for now - I'll glue it on after painting.

(http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/7193/dsc0765v.jpg)

And a close up of some maple leafs I carved out of 0.1 and 0.2 mm plaplates. They'll be used for decoration later on.
Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: Ubiquitial on October 03, 2010, 09:50:22 PM
(http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/9290/dsc0768p.jpg)

The Shimenawa ring has been finished. After rounding it out between 2 plastic cups, I let it dry for a few days. Then, future was applied with a brush, until the entire thing was saturated. Let dry, repeat.

A few coats of Krylon Clear flat for texture, and here we are.
Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: HakureiSM on October 03, 2010, 09:54:21 PM
Goddammit.

You're skilled.
Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: Ryuu on October 03, 2010, 09:55:18 PM
ilu
Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: Ubiquitial on October 03, 2010, 11:49:25 PM
ilu

Encouragement is appreciated :3

But any thoughts, really? I'd like to hear any advice on how I can improve this.
Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: Ryuu on October 03, 2010, 11:53:34 PM
Encouragement is appreciated :3

But any thoughts, really? I'd like to hear any advice on how I can improve this.

one cannot improve upon perfection, friend
Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: Drake on October 03, 2010, 11:55:00 PM
color the maple leavesiknowyou'realreadydoingthat
Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: Alfred F. Jones on October 03, 2010, 11:58:22 PM
This is so cool. I can't wait to see the finished product.
Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: Hello Purvis on October 04, 2010, 12:09:34 AM
Damn son.
Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: Wisp on October 04, 2010, 12:12:06 AM
Whoa, looks pretty nice. Can't wait to see the finished project. Don't give up now.
Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: Ubiquitial on October 04, 2010, 12:17:49 AM
Whoa, looks pretty nice. Can't wait to see the finished project. Don't give up now.

But I'm short on money and shit costs a lot  :(

But yeah, I'm gonna work on it all through winter, up till spring - when I'll paint the thing. I was planning on painting the thing chrome, but I'd need an airbrush to apply the alcad II. I doubt anyone I know has one.

For a textured metal feel, I guess I could use graphite powder, but that's like $5 a gram.

And don't get me started on the cost of paint and primers. Ick.
Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: Suikama on October 04, 2010, 12:20:00 AM
Man when I saw the leaves I thought it would be (http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/812/momi.png)
Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: Ubiquitial on October 04, 2010, 06:38:12 PM
hey guys. Won't have any progress for a week or so - My arm got hit by a car. No bone injuries, but heavy bruising. Still, voice your support and keep this alive.  :)
Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: HakureiSM on October 04, 2010, 06:55:08 PM
Ouch.
Voicing my support.
Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: Slaves on October 04, 2010, 09:55:05 PM
USE YOUR FOOT

GREAT ART REQUIRES SACRIFICES
Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: Alfred F. Jones on October 04, 2010, 10:28:22 PM
What Slaves said. GET TO WORKING!
Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: Ubiquitial on October 04, 2010, 11:36:09 PM
What Slaves said. GET TO WORKING!

I did. You have no idea how hard it was, painting a diorama with one hand. I also did something much simpler as a complement. But I'm tired and must rest for now.

Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: Ubiquitial on October 05, 2010, 12:50:04 AM
Fuck it. Enough Whoring. Here are the pics.

(http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/1070/dsc0769z.jpg)

First, I took another plaplate, and traced a design on it with a dark pencil. This is all good and simple, not too hard provided you can draw.

(http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/3639/dsc0771u.jpg)

Then, I cut out basic shape using a scalpel.

(http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/8371/dsc0772e.jpg)

Some more trimming removes most of the excess plastic.

(http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/6888/dsc0779h.jpg)

Then, I bring out my set of steel files. These are used to grind the sides of the plate down, and to smooth curves.

(http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/1492/dsc0778p.jpg)

After which it looks like this. The sides are smooth, and the shape is formed. Now, to create an edge, I wet sand using regular sandpaper, which makes it a lot smoother.

(http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/3610/dsc0782mf.jpg)

Using cement, I attach a small styrene rod to the base of this blade, to give it some more length. Finally, I attach a hilt. The guard I made from a small rectangle of styrene, the handle is salvaged from an older model. Et voila!

The guard does look a tiny bit small - I'll have to extend it later. When my arm is healed.

(http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/449/dsc0784u.jpg)
Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: Ryuu on October 05, 2010, 12:51:31 AM
I couldn't do this if I was Shiva, and you did it with one hand


I applaud you
Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: HakureiSM on October 05, 2010, 01:09:00 AM
I couldn't do this if I was Shiva, and you did it with one hand


I applaud you
Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: Mr_Bob on October 05, 2010, 08:54:56 AM
Your work is looking very impressive.
Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: Ubiquitial on October 07, 2010, 11:46:35 PM
First, I am dissapoint. You let this drop from the front page >:|

(http://img571.imageshack.us/img571/6707/dsc0054ya.jpg)

I extended the guard, added some strips and a older model's chin to reinforce the sword.
Then I saturated it with thin cement, let it cure, and sanded it down again.

(http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/6213/dsc0057ql.jpg)

Here's the centerpiece of the diorama, a plaster rock I gave a ink wash to. I accidentally made the mixture too dark, and washed some away using a spray thingy. What I ended up with was this unexpected granite texture. Now, I was going to add some soil effects and moss and lichen, but this looks decent.


So, what do I do? Keep it as it is, or give it the effects?
Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: HakureiSM on October 08, 2010, 05:18:35 AM
It looks great as it is, if you ask me
Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: Dizzy H. "Muffin" Muffin on October 08, 2010, 07:00:20 AM
That is actually a badass-looking rock.
Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: Ryuu on October 08, 2010, 03:38:21 PM
looks pretty good if you ask me
Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: E-Nazrin on October 08, 2010, 08:07:42 PM
For realism, a little more dirt and moss would probably look better, yeah. Unless Kanako would insist on having her presentation rock as clean as possible?
Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: Ubiquitial on October 08, 2010, 08:28:44 PM
For realism, a little more dirt and moss would probably look better, yeah. Unless Kanako would insist on having her presentation rock as clean as possible?

I was thinking of a more natural feel - like an outcrop, which I could set on another base. But idk, I think I'll just make another.

But I digress. Too cold to really work on that now. I'll scratchbuild the shoulder armor over the weekend.
Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: Ubiquitial on October 10, 2010, 01:57:17 AM
Shoulder Armor complete! 2nd try though... The first was an experiment to see how I can fit it.

(http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/4769/dsc0066nr.jpg)

Made out of 0.3 Plates, my choice for most scratchbuilds for HG kits. I cut it out with my circle tool and some scissors. Tape and hands for bending. Then hardened gently with a lighter. It took 5 tries to get it right. those wide beams are there to keep it in place.

(http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/4599/dsc0068x.jpg)

Also, I extended it after each try, ending up with bases of 2cm and 3cm. It's quite plain for now - I'll plate it a little, and then paint some marble effects on it. Maybe put a Kanji on top.

(http://www.thekaylors.org/_/images/God-kanji.gif)

This would be nice

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2b/%E5%85%AB-order.gif)

but that would be easy.   :/

(http://img543.imageshack.us/img543/8034/dsc0069t.jpg)

Quite proud of this tiny part. I wanted the shield to be able to rotate and hinge independently, so I built a mount for a polycap from an older model, then fitted it on the shield with double sided tape (for now.)

(http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/3482/dsc0070um.jpg)

A rough diagram detailing my plans. The leg armor might be a bit longer, and the chest will be a lot more plain. Oh, and the cannons will be removed, there will be a ring on it's back, and.... Knee-length blue hair. All while draped in bright red cloth. Lots of work to do.
Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: HakureiSM on October 10, 2010, 02:02:00 AM
Holy shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit :o
Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: Alfred F. Jones on October 10, 2010, 03:35:31 AM
Whoa whoa whoa.

That. Is. AWESOME.
Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: Caber Knight Etch-A-Sketch on October 10, 2010, 03:42:20 AM
I wholeheartedly approve! Keep up the good work, guy!
Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: Ubiquitial on October 10, 2010, 03:44:41 AM
I smoothed out the joint on the shield - Now it doesn't stick out as much - and started painting the diorama. Tired. More pics tomorrow, comrades.

Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: Ubiquitial on October 14, 2010, 03:43:58 AM
Alright, Still alive. I redesigned the shoulder pieces to make it look more... regal. Here's a rough design.

(http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/3183/dsc0084u.jpg)

I had many designs flying around in my head, rewatched a bit of Sengoku Basara for ideas. Originally the bottoms were going to be rounded, but I scrapped that idea for curved ends and tapered sides. 2 hours.

(http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/6714/dsc0085oa.jpg)

The undersides.

(http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/6196/dsc0087wt.jpg)

Those triangles are for attaching a little angled piece later on. I could possible mod them to hold polycaps, too... As always, bars of styrene to hold the things in place.
Hmmm...
Too pointy.

*5 min later*

(http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/9861/dsc0088rr.jpg)

I'll have to redo this later, but it's fine for now. It won't take up as much space now, and it just generally more smooth-looking.

Gah. I think I inhaled some plastic dust.

(http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/8426/dsc0090d.jpg)

And there's the diorama progress, after alternating acrylic washes of "terracotta" and "burnt umber." I like it. Lichen next, then moss made with flocking and baking soda.

Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: HakureiSM on October 14, 2010, 03:50:48 AM
Have I told you repeatedly but not excessively that you're awesome?

Because you are.
Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: Ryuu on October 14, 2010, 04:27:48 AM
holy shiiiiiiiiit
Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: E-Nazrin on October 14, 2010, 07:15:23 AM
I wonder what 2ch is going to think of this?
Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: Ubiquitial on October 17, 2010, 01:52:34 AM
My head hurts from all the fumes...

I finished detailing most of the shoulders, and it looks EPIC. I have to say, I am exceedingly pleased with this.

Pics tomorrow. Homework to do.
Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: Hello Purvis on October 17, 2010, 04:37:25 PM
That is a nice rock. It looks all reals and stuff.
Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: Ubiquitial on October 19, 2010, 01:41:37 AM
Shoulder details mostly done. (Would have been done a few days earlier had it not been for ~Ef~.) I still plan to attach a slanted piece at the very top, though. It'll cover up some of the shoddy cutting in that area.

(http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/592/dsc0426w.jpg)

I pla plated the thing rather simply, to make it look like a metal girder holding it in place. Then, I added a few rivets to make it look more realistic.

(http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/1150/dsc0427i.jpg)

Bottom isn't as detailed, I plan to have it either black or brown, with the rivets metallic and sticking out.

So, what'dya think, guys? Any advice on how I could improve?
Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: Infy♫ on October 19, 2010, 04:21:55 PM
holy shiiiiiiiiit
Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: Aterisk on October 20, 2010, 05:27:13 PM
I must say the very beginning made my eyes orgasm... I cannot imagine what the final product will be @___@
Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: Ubiquitial on October 25, 2010, 11:39:47 PM
The shoulders are completely finished. Too lazy to actually take a picture, though. The rest will have to wait until I actually order the base kits, but the supplies are all ready. Month-long hiatus, I guess.

And who moved this to Rika's? It doesn't really make sense to put this with all the danmakufu threads.
Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: Ryuu on October 27, 2010, 10:39:34 PM
honestly if you hadn't mentioned this in irc I would have never seen it again : /
Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: Kilgamayan on October 28, 2010, 03:51:35 AM
I moved this a few days ago, because I figured it was serious-project-y enough to go somewhere other than the insular-clique-building CPMC.

Just because it isn't danmakufu doesn't mean it isn't a serious, time-invested project.
Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: Nobu on October 28, 2010, 05:24:44 AM
Would you rather the thread go into Alice's Art Atelier instead, Ubiquital?
Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later o
Post by: HakureiSM on October 28, 2010, 01:42:48 PM
Well, it is art, and amazing art at that.
And our board definitely could use more attention. :/
Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: Ubiquitial on November 01, 2010, 08:40:05 PM
More progress, and I'll post it later. Also, maybe sticky this?
Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: HakureiSM on November 02, 2010, 07:58:55 AM
As cool as it is, it's a project like any other :/
Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: Ubiquitial on November 02, 2010, 04:52:57 PM
Okay, this is long overdue, but...

(http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/4900/dsc0001fv.jpg)

I finished the shoulders, primed it, sanded it down, and now it's in storage waiting for a second coat of primer/base. Heard Duplicolor works well, I'll have to find me some

(http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/8449/dsc0013hs.jpg)

Here's a close-up. I got some styrene rods a week ago, so I made full use of them.


That's it for now, I'll have to wait for the kits to arrive before I can make any more progress, at which point, I'll start a new thread. Now, It's mostly Color Planning and preparations. I might make an onbashira, and then practice my painting on it. It's not a bad idea. Obviously, I can't make it out of styrene, but what If I used a rod and then put the strips around it?

I might need some math help too.
Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: Naut on November 02, 2010, 05:41:27 PM
Dang, those shoulder pieces came out nice. Great work, can't wait to see more progress :)
Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: HakureiSM on November 02, 2010, 06:13:14 PM
The ammount of detail is just absurd :o
Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: Drake on November 02, 2010, 10:30:35 PM
For the octagon to fit over the circle, it will have a minimal diameter equal to the circle. An octagon can be made by taking a square and getting rid of triangles in each of the corners with a hypotenuse the same length as the sides of the octagon. So, the square will also have a length/width of 1.3cm. Since the other two sides of the triangle have to be the same length too. Herpa derp math and those sides are x/√2 when the sides of the octagon are x. So, you can go 1.3 = x/√2 + x + x/√2 = x(1 + 2/√2) = x(1 + √2). So x = 1.3/(1 + √2) = About 0.5385cm.
Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: Ubiquitial on November 03, 2010, 02:43:54 AM
For the octagon to fit over the circle, it will have a minimal diameter equal to the circle. An octagon can be made by taking a square and getting rid of triangles in each of the corners with a hypotenuse the same length as the sides of the octagon. So, the square will also have a length/width of 1.3cm. Since the other two sides of the triangle have to be the same length too. Herpa derp math and those sides are x/√2 when the sides of the octagon are x. So, you can go 1.3 = x/√2 + x + x/√2 = x(1 + 2/√2) = x(1 + √2). So x = 1.3/(1 + √2) = About 0.5385cm.

Thank you. Unfourtunately, I have no materials 0.5385cm wide, so I just used my trusty 0.5 and made a nonagon.

Pics tomorrow.
Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: Ubiquitial on November 09, 2010, 01:48:02 AM
this is quite late, but.....


ONBASHIRA!!!


(http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/165/dsc0015yf.jpg)

My work on another project has delayed me, but here it is. I wasted so much time on this little thing...

(http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/5928/dsc0016q.jpg)

It has nine sides, and is rounded at both ends. I built it by surrounding a pen with 0.5 mm styrene strips, then cementing it together around a Gundam Marker I emptied and surfaced. I've also made a handle for it (to use as a cannon) but forgot to upload that pic.

(http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/6241/dsc0018zb.jpg)

But then I had a vision. A vision of Kanako dual-wielding two of these fuckers, Rambo style. But the pen I used for the core was the only one I had of that diameter, so I'll have to order another one. Damn it, why can't they sell Gundam markers in hobby stores?!

(http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/7817/dsc0019my.jpg)

A hint as to what I was working on. TBC.


Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: Infy♫ on November 13, 2010, 11:54:53 AM
Sin Lamp. the horror.
Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: Ubiquitial on November 13, 2010, 02:37:23 PM
Sin Lamp. the horror.

Well, that was a failure. I'll be getting back on proper business. From now on, I'll update this thread weekly.

Also, seeing how this is AAA, I request that someone draw hairdos on either this

(http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/4344/tracedtemplatei.jpg)

or this

(http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/1378/tracedtemplateh.jpg)

It will help me immensely when I get to designing the scalp mechanism, so create as many different types as possible. Counting on you guys.
Title: Re: Progress on Untitled Project, Scratchbuild & Maybe Some Diorama pics Later on.
Post by: Ubiquitial on November 24, 2010, 08:35:10 PM
Scratch that. From now on, I'll update when I feel like it, or when I've made some huge progress.
Also, please help me with the hair. I need to get all the planning done before any real construction can begin. How the hair looks will impact how I design the chest and back.

Anyways...

(http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/51/dsc0034o.png)

Here's the majority of what I have done so far, except for the diorama (I've given up on the old one and begun a new water dio). I've also begun using card stock to model different sections of the waist and hip.

(http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/3304/dsc0035zp.jpg)

My most recent addition, inspired by hours of DWO. The photo is a bit blurry, but there's a great deal of detail in the handle. It started out as just two wide plates sandwiched together, which I slowly sanded to a rapier over the course of several hours. Then, using a needle and a file, I painstakingly carved those side thingys out of spare plastic. The guard looks simple, but is actually composed of multiple layers of sheet and rod plastic; the cross-section would resemble a game of tetris.

(http://img251.imageshack.us/img251/3081/dsc0043c0.jpg)

I've also improved the Halberd based on what I saw in DWO. Now, the original blade is sandwiched between two sheets of 0.1mm plastic, with a slightly different curvature to bring out the edge.

(http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/9955/dsc0045.png)

I've also detailed the guard a good deal, which you can't really see in this picture.

(http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/7692/dsc0047.png)

The shoulders are virtually complete. priming it shows that the two are near perfection. Haven't invented a mount for them yet.

(http://img811.imageshack.us/img811/3715/dsc0049.png)

And here's my design for the skirt armor. During a night of Persona 4, I noticed that Yoshitsune's skirts were aranged in a peculiar way that stuck out diagonally, yet still let him move. 10 minutes of experimentation, and I had a design. It might be hard to implement, though. I'd need a really awkward joint to hold it in place.

As the kit's haven't arrived yet, I've been spending most my time making parts that'll be useful later on: Joints, Handles, Strips, and Rivets.

(http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/5111/dsc0050.png)

To make rivets, I first chop off some pieces from an old runner.

(http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/5246/dsc00520.png)

Rods are held over a flame to melt their tips, and then pressed through an aluminum plate with holes in it to form rivets. I'm not too good with this, so only about 1/3 of my rivets are actually usable.