captain america

Hey Ted. My intention was to make the Sergeant head as the alternate. This way, if someone wants the Private model, they can simply remove the crest and putty over the ear flaps.

Hey guys!

I've been hard at work drafting the diagrams for TANKU-ROBO, and it's going well--VERY well! Because this is a quasi-transformable mecha, it obviously poses some extra engineering challenges, but that only makes it more interesting. I have overcome most of the hurdles and will have a proper update next week.

In the meantime, I have a request: can anyone take this file and print it out for me in 1/48 scale? It needs to be:

-ultra-fine resolution

-1/48 scale (can specify max dimensions for you)

-no display base required

If you have a printer and are so inclined, send me a private message with your fees and timetable, thank you!

The file in question: https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/various/asiento-y-piloto-de-spartan-hovertank-robotech 

The 1/48 TANKU-ROBO project is going ahead. 

2 spots remain open for the first 30. Orders 31 and up will see the price changed to $415 CAD + shipping.

The first run of 30 is locked-up.

On 4/7/2024 at 2:39 AM, Tober said:

Heya Capt. do you know if Return 2 Kit Form will be importing these to Australia? I might be interested in a few, but shipping... blah!

Sadly, no. Australian import fees made the distribution for my kits untenable.

Whoa! 20 in the first day!! 

Keep it up, guys!

I'm just going to leave this here.

While we're on this topic, does anyone have a 3DS or OBJ file for a seated Jeanne Francaix pilot, preferable already in 1/48 scale? This project, if it does proceed, will need a seated pilot figure.

11 hours ago, tekering said:

However, I need some advice from @captain america before I go any further:

I realize these instructions are at least 15 years old now, and the chemical composition of the polymer resin used nowadays may have changed (assuming even the same brand was used for this run)...

Since I've managed to successfully assemble the model as it is (and it seems stable and secure), is it still imperative that I post-cure the polymer parts before painting?  Could omitting this crucial step result in the failure of load-bearing parts in the future?

Based on my own findings, the newer batches of TASK 3 high strength polymer seems to stabilize more quickly than it did when I originally issued the Graug. I don't think post-curing is necessary at this rate, and especially if you don't have an oven, I think it would be wiser to omit that step rather than do something which could cause damage. You are also correct in your assessment that fewer parts are cast in polymer for this re-issue. An extra 12 years of experience with various resins helps!

11 hours ago, tekering said:

As I've cut, sanded, and primed parts for test–fitting and assembly, I've sometimes used a hair dryer to heat and reshape parts to ensure a proper fit; this is a typical part of the process for building garage kits, of course.  But if a few moments under a hair dryer is enough to soften the resin, won't FOUR HOURS in an oven cause irreparable damage? 🤕. No. TASK 3 and Smooth-Cast310 have different formulations. Some things you can do with one, but not the other, and vice-versa.

11 hours ago, tekering said:

Most of us here have probably never "baked" resin parts before, and might be a little reticent to do so with such an expensive kit. 😬

Additionally, this may only apply to me in Japan, but I've never seen wax paper here.  Would aluminium foil ensure even distribution of heat in the same manner? Parchment paper will do the job, or a silicone cooking mat. Basically a non-conductive buffer which prevents the extreme temperature spike caused by direct metal-to-resin contact.

My comments in blue.

While supplies last.

They could always make TGIII into a prequel. Cruise can play Pete Mitchell's dad and explore his Phantom exploits with Viper over Vietnam and his final, heroic mission. The final scene of the movie could show the brand-spanking new F-14s being delivered to the navy. Epic win.

On 1/4/2024 at 6:57 PM, Convectuoso said:

Will this be an exact reissue? I'd love to see this kit with an improved method for attaching the beam guns

There have been 2 types of beam gun mounts. The original issue came with plain, cylindrical types (seen just below the lower hull) of the pic at left. I then decided to cast extra bicep parts to use as gun mounts for the next batch of kits, because they fit far better with the overall aesthetic (right). The 20th anniversary kit will have the latter, as well as the updated sensor-eye.

20 years of garage kits made by yours truly! So much for being a shady, fly-by-night operation. 

A belated Happy New Year to my fellow humans! 

18 hours ago, Bolt said:

For my part, aside from size , the level of detail is pretty shy, compared to the Moscato. I'm not complaining, I'm quite happy and anxious to start in on the Hasegawa. 
 

Especially the cockpit. Admittedly, the endless bundles of red spaghetti (muscle fibers?) would be more of a challenge for a plastic model.

For those looking to complete their MOSPEADA collection and aren't terribly impressed with the latest Sentinel offerings, know that these kits are available again for a limited time.

3 hours ago, Bolt said:

The Hasegawa will have to do, until another @captain america run happens. 

Ooooh, don't tempt me!

I thought for sure the Hasegawa kit would be closer in size to mine, but given their track record, I suppose this was to be expected. The plastic kit is certainly great for the price, though it'll take a lot of work to get the aesthetics and details to faithfully match the oyster-like biological systems seen on-screen. Also, mine was made directly from Perfect Memory technical drawings, and I think I've captured the TV aesthetics and its fictional technological background, far, far better. Hasegawa, well... You know. 

The next Moscato Hobby Models re-issue will be...

1 hour ago, tekering said:

Comparatively few showed any interest or appreciation for the Bioroids, except for a couple of older gentlemen who'd remembered seeing Southern Cross during its initial television broadcast in '84.  In fact, the only three people who talked to me about them each independently asked me the same question; you can probably guess what it was...

Where on earth did you get those derivative Zakus from?!? 

MHM invades Japan!! 

Thank you Ted for sharing this fascinating glimpse into the Japanese modelling scene. Id be curious to know how your exhibit was received by the locals.

Also, at about the 1:41 mark... Did that woman in purple/blue just pick-up Norbert Gerard's head? 

Ted, can I say stupendous? Your builds are stupendous! There, I said it. Well done, ol' chap!!