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Post by wingedweasel on May 1, 2008 10:52:05 GMT -5
Hello all,
I lurk here fairly frequently but my posts are few and far between. I am seeking some advice for creating custom attacktix. My efforts are primarily focused on just basic creations. Pretty much just plopping a figure onto an existing base and giving them a gun from another figure rather full blown kitbashes or repaints.
My questions are as follows:
1) Is there a suitable solvent for the glue used to hold the attacktixs to their bases that will not damage the base/figure? Currently I am using a blade + screwdriver combo to remove figures from the base. I want to preserve the pegs, but this method seems to pop the foot pegs out as well with a disturbing frequency.
2) Is there any place I can get a detailed description of creating substitute "tickers" in the base? Or what have people used other than true bases? I plan on taking one apart eventually but I am worrking that opening it will destroy the pieces and I won't learn much from it. Gatorade bottle caps are basically what I plan to use as bases since they match pretty well to tix base sizes.
3) Are there suggested methods/tools for modding the tranformers titanium series. I like the figures and I don't wanna just start "adjusting" AKA destroying them as I would with already damaged or non-useful attacktix figures. There were posts here about turning those figures into attacktix but I didn't see (may have missed) the description of how it was done.
Also just as a heads up, there are some chronicles of narnia figures that seem to be decent strikers (the minotaur specifically. So far I have only tested it and the centaur since I didn't want to drop so much cash on unknowns at the time so the werewolf may work).
Thanks in advance!
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Post by ionicdesign on May 1, 2008 18:13:21 GMT -5
1) Not that I know of. I usually pry them off or use a sharp blade with care. If someone does do tell; that would be useful to all. 2) Sorry, most of us just use broken or spare figures so have to respond same as (1). 3) jackpunch would probably be your best bet there. He has done several. |
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Post by superflytnt on May 1, 2008 19:47:36 GMT -5
1) Is there a suitable solvent for the glue used to hold the attacktixs to their bases that will not damage the base/figure? Currently I am using a blade + screwdriver combo to remove figures from the base. I want to preserve the pegs, but this method seems to pop the foot pegs out as well with a disturbing frequency.
*** There is not - virtually all solvents eat Tix plastic. Rubbing Alcohol is the only safe material I've found. The best bet is a good sharp razorblade, and cut off the pegs. Using 1500lb epoxy (the 5-minute kind found at the local store) is more than sufficient to hold any figure. Just remember to CLEAN the area where the bond will take place by scraping extra crud away and using a razor to make little slashes on both sides of the joint for maximum adhesion.
2) Is there any place I can get a detailed description of creating substitute "tickers" in the base? Or what have people used other than true bases? I plan on taking one apart eventually but I am worrking that opening it will destroy the pieces and I won't learn much from it. Gatorade bottle caps are basically what I plan to use as bases since they match pretty well to tix base sizes.
***Taking the pieces apart is a cinch, but you need to be careful. Get a SHARP exacto and slide it in between the two halves of the base from the bottom. It will go easy until you hit a glue dot. Twist a bit and it will pop the bond. Practice on crap figures (or ones that you will be using the gun/arms... for parts) to get it down. You can try to recreate it with a cap or whatever, but you're really beating a dead horse since the wheel has already been invented.
3) Are there suggested methods/tools for modding the tranformers titanium series. I like the figures and I don't wanna just start "adjusting" AKA destroying them as I would with already damaged or non-useful attacktix figures. There were posts here about turning those figures into attacktix but I didn't see (may have missed) the description of how it was done.
***Glue them onto a base after drilling a hole in the hand. If you need to add joints it gets harder, so I would advise not. Talk to JackPunch for specifics.
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Post by jackpunch on May 1, 2008 19:52:39 GMT -5
Hey ww, since what you are trying to do sounds a lot like what I've been trying to do, I thought I'd throw my two cents in. (Also, thanks to Ionic and Supafly for the callouts!) 1) Is there a suitable solvent for the glue used to hold the attacktixs to their bases that will not damage the base/figure? Currently I am using a blade + screwdriver combo to remove figures from the base. I want to preserve the pegs, but this method seems to pop the foot pegs out as well with a disturbing frequency. I've tried several methods. Some are more dangerous than others, some are more successful than others.  The method I'm most happy with now is a small pair of pliers. (Similar to the one at the bottom of this pic.) I've found that with the right positioning, I can snip off the fig with minimal to no damage to the feet, cleanly taking off the peg as well. I know you want to keep the peg, I'd try the same with working it slowly around the foot, not squeezing all of the way through. 2) Is there any place I can get a detailed description of creating substitute "tickers" in the base? Or what have people used other than true bases? I plan on taking one apart eventually but I am worrking that opening it will destroy the pieces and I won't learn much from it. Gatorade bottle caps are basically what I plan to use as bases since they match pretty well to tix base sizes. If you are looking only to display, go for the gatorade (or whatever other cap works well in black.) If you are trying to make a playable model, you can't beat reusing an existing base. I still find starters in some stores on the cheap...4 - 5 bucks for a normal starter gives you bases for four customs, plus extra guns, parts, etc. 3) Are there suggested methods/tools for modding the tranformers titanium series. I like the figures and I don't wanna just start "adjusting" AKA destroying them as I would with already damaged or non-useful attacktix figures. There were posts here about turning those figures into attacktix but I didn't see (may have missed) the description of how it was done. I've done a few of these. Mostly you will want to disassemble and reassemble the plastic parts (legs, arms, depending), using plenty of Super Glue Gel to get it all back together. Plenty of Star Wars and TF guns look great on customs. Here's Smokescreen for example. I made four cuts...one at each hip and knee. I trimmed the four resulting leg pieces, then reglued them all using Super Glue Gel. Then I took a Hot Rod gun, painted a portion silver, and SGG'ed it in place in his hand after cutting off the handle of his existing gun. In addition to the snips, use an exacto for straight cuts, and I've also invested in a dremel tool for all kinds of cool little tricks. Just remember, with the exacto, BE CAREFUL, please. My one fingerprint will never be the same. Also just as a heads up, there are some chronicles of narnia figures that seem to be decent strikers (the minotaur specifically. So far I have only tested it and the centaur since I didn't want to drop so much cash on unknowns at the time so the werewolf may work). And thanks for the heads up, haven't seen these at all yet, but will keep an eye out for them. |
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The method I'm most happy with now is a small pair of pliers. (Similar to the one at the bottom of