Completed: Alien Queen Reservoir: Project AVP

[Crimson Sky]

Not much time to complete Rachel's Alien Queen water feature, so it must be finished in the next few days! With a bit of Super Sculpey, a toothpick and small paintbrush I sculpted the alien queen to about the size of an oatmeal cookie. For those unfamiliar with Sculpey, it is a polymer clay that can be baked hard in the oven. The fetus will be mounted on a "holding harness" that I will kitbash from various parts---its as if she was extracted from the host, secured and is in stasis. Ok now I want an oatmeal cookie damn it.

On the right is the clear acrylic capsule that will hold the Alien queen:

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/alien_res/queen_sculpt.jpg

After airbrushing the little queen with flat black, some gunmetal and a bit of yellow its time to do some hand painting:

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/alien_res/queen_painting-(1).jpg

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/alien_res/queen_painting-(6).jpg

More updates soon!

[Rachel]

That is soo awesome!!!!! :D I'm so happy. It looks way sweeter than what I thought it would. Thank you so much for taking time to do this for me!!!!

[Whisp]

You sculpted that freehand out of claw with a toothpick?

If so that is pretty damn nice.

For the oven can it be a home oven or do you need a special oven?


http://www.cookiecrew.com/media/p_oatmeal.jpg

[Rachel]

Just a home oven. You can buy sculpey at an arts a crafts store. I used it once and it's very easy to use. Baking doesn't take too long either.

Yea I showed my class and they wanted to know where the mold came from to make it. It blew them away that you made it yourself without a mold.

[Crimson Sky]

Hey glad you like it so far Rachel-- :D

Yeah thats just pretty much modeled after a few pics I was looking at--I didnt want the tail to look like a worm (like it does in the posted pics of that figurine) so I modeled it after the tail on the "runner" alien. I think it has more detail and thus more character.

[Crimson Sky]

You sculpted that freehand out of claw with a toothpick?

If so that is pretty damn nice.

For the oven can it be a home oven or do you need a special oven?


http://www.cookiecrew.com/media/p_oatmeal.jpg


hehe..thanks or the cookie

You bake Sculpey in your home oven at 250 degrees F for about 15 mins--longer for larger pieces of course.

[Frakk]

amazing work crim.

[Malatory]

That is sweet looking Alien ..

and a Yummy looking cookie ...

[MrSlacker]

wow thats really good

[specialsteve]

dude your like fuc#ing magiver over there man if i give you some duct tape, super glue, a straw, some sculpey and of course a oatmeal cookie :D
i would get something unbelievable.

seriously thats amazing dude, by chance are you an ex-sculpter? lol jw

how do you make those so presice at such small sizes are you really like an artist or is there a special secret? TELL ME! i must know the secret to your Jedi ways lol that seriously looks like you put many hours of work into im assuming it took you like maybe 6-10 hours between shaping it baking it and painting it. am i at all close? or did you already say maybe ill take a cremarics class next year never thought it would be useful til i started looking at your work.

[Malatory]

dude your like fuc#ing magiver over there man if i give you some duct tape, super glue, a straw, some sculpey and of course a oatmeal cookie :D
i would get something unbelievable.

seriously thats amazing dude, by chance are you an ex-sculpter? lol jw

how do you make those so presice at such small sizes are you really like an artist or is there a special secret? TELL ME! i must know the secret to your Jedi ways lol that seriously looks like you put many hours of work into im assuming it took you like maybe 6-10 hours between shaping it baking it and painting it. am i at all close? or did you already say maybe ill take a cremarics class next year never thought it would be useful til i started looking at your work.


Dude ... this is not the jedi you were looking for ...

you should read the rest of the site besides just the forums and you would have your answers young padwan.

[Crimson Sky]

Pretty much almost finished. I need to keep building the little cradle for the queen; It's basically made from scrap model parts from cars and trucks, and also small acrylic findings. I also need to put the alien's teeth in!

The compression fittings were mounted on that clear plexi disk by first tapping the hole then sealing them in permanently with two-part resin--same as epoxy but much stronger and water-clear.

I'm also installing a couple of LEDs inside this resevoir for effect

Once the alien/cradle is painted I'll coat the entire model in clear casting resin an mount it inside the res permanently.

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/alien_res/alien_queen_assemble-(6).jpg

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/alien_res/alien_queen_assemble-(8).jpg

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/alien_res/alien_queen_assemble-(2).jpg

[Rachel]

Wait a second... your giving it teeth too? :eek: And LEDs... Wow. What color where you thinking? You leave me speechless... :D

[Whisp]

How big is that?

Also do I get that clay stuff from a model store or something?

[Crimson Sky]

Wait a second... your giving it teeth too? :eek: And LEDs... Wow. What color where you thinking? You leave me speechless... :D


I have Yellow, Blue, Red, White--its up to you, I was gonna ask. I was thinking either yellow or blue--whats your thoughts? The light will be inside the capsule on that cradle.

[Rachel]

It's up to you they both sound good. I'm putting UV green dye in the water so they're both close colors.

[Crimson Sky]

Eeewewe...UV Green--oh well..I guess white then.

[Rachel]

Are you saying UV green is bad? I didn't think the UVs would shine good up there so the water in the res should look normal.

[Crimson Sky]

Hmm..I just hope its not too cloudy that it obscures the alien water feature completely---the UV stuff I've seen is fairly hard to see through.

[Rachel]

Well if it does that then I just wont use it. I could then get UV tubing.

[Crimson Sky]

yeah i think the UV tubing is the best idea-- :D

[Malatory]

yeah i think the UV tubing is the best idea-- :D

I would have to agree this time .. dont want fade out the fine art work done on the Queen.

[Crimson Sky]

I completed the kitbashing and painting on the "stasis cradle" that holds the nasty little queen. Parts were mostly from model cars, and also the radar dish from a Millenium Falcon model. The next step is to install the LED in the cradle and cover the entire thing in clear cast resin to water proof it.

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/alien_res/alien_cradle-(1).jpg

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/alien_res/alien_cradle-(6).jpg

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/alien_res/alien_cradle-(8).jpg


Here's a close up detailing the little "stainless steel" ring that secures the creature's tail. Its actually a chrome wheel rim from a 1/32 scale Cobra:

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/alien_res/alien_cradle_ringclose.jpg

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/alien_res/alien_cradle-(11).jpg

[specialsteve]

thats amazing look really cool that is gonna set her mod of really well

[UrbanAssassin]

Thats insanely awesome. That will definetly help her mod move along.

[MrSlacker]

wow thats so sick.... Paul, you have an amazing talent man!

[JesDer]

Wow ...

That looks amazing Crimson!

[Rachel]

That is so nice. I can't wait til it's on my case. :D

[Whisp]

That is looking great.

Want to make me something :P

[Crimson Sky]

I installed a superbright (6500mCd) LED in the stasis cradle. The lamp and wires were then sealed in with clear cast resin to make it water tight. The edges on the two acrylic disks were unpainted so it would illuminate:

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/alien_res/alien_queen_lighting-(5).jpg

[Rachel]

Yeyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!!! :D *jump, jump, jump.*

[Guttenaffe]

http://img252.echo.cx/img252/7351/gutteaps5my.gif

[Crimson Sky]

The alien fetus figurine is completed--Even though she is in stasis, this creature a nasty little bitch so I installed a chrome harness to secure her to the cradle. ;) Here are a couple of views just before resin coating:

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/alien_res/queen_fin-(1).jpg

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/alien_res/queen_fin-(4).jpg

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/alien_res/queen_fin-(9).jpg

The crystal clear resin I've been mentioning throughout this project is made by Smooth-On (www.smooth-on.com). This two part resin is used for making clear castings to simulate glass and other clear objects. Its hard as stone once cured, and can be degassed (all the air bubbles removed) in a special machine for opticaly clear castings. The mix is 1:1, so you don't need a scale to measure it out prior to mixing parts A & B. It was important for me to continually rotate the alien figure once it was coated to prevent any drips or thick spots from forming on it. Cure time is several hours, but it thickens up in about 15 mins and turns to gel. This is the same material I used to make the capsule for my Matrix: Regenerator (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12) water resevoir capsule, also with a figure inside. This resin coat completely seals in all the little model parts that make up the alien figurine, and will ensure that this res will last for many years.

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/alien_res/queen_resincoat-(3).jpg

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/alien_res/queen_resincoat-(13).jpg

[Crimson Sky]

Prior to mounting the capsule to the base, I had to polish a bit. Novus 2 & 3 for scratches, and then Kleenmaster Brillianize to polish it up and remove static.

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/alien_res/capsule_polish.jpg

[Rachel]

That is simply awsome.

[Bum]

The clear cast gives the little Queen that all-important wet slimy look. Excellent finish work.

[Rachel]

I didn't even think of that! It really does... The baby fetus is being born....

[Xbrid]

Looks amazing. Great work.

[Crimson Sky]

Since Rachel is going for an Alien Vs. Predator theme with elements of the predator temple. I thought I'd add some flavor to the base (the base is an acrylic bronze colored disk left over from my Metropolis mod)of the res by sculpting some simple stone/metal and hieroglyph texture. The stone is made from Sculpey, first by making the circular shape and then by pressing scraggly stone pieces into the soft clay like a stamping tool before baking. I also pressed some shapes into the clay using various model parts. Once this is airbrushed and hand painted it should look pretty cool.

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/alien_res/alien_base-(4).jpg

To seal and leakproof the capsule, I poured liquid clear cast resin into a well (red arrow) created around it, about 5/16" deep. To make doubly sure it was sealed, I then poured resin into one of the hose barbs, sealing the capsule from the inside, again about 5/16" deep.

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/alien_res/alien_base-(1).jpg

On the underside of the capsule, the same treatment with liquid resin. This should seal in the entire capsule and also the LED wires:

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/alien_res/alien_base-(7).jpg

Close up detail of the "hieroglyphs" and stone texture. The pinkish material is where I blended the edges in with Bondo. This was then given a carved look with a sanding drum and my rotary tool:


http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/alien_res/alien_base-(9).jpg

[Whisp]

That looks pretty nice. How much did you charge to build that?

[Crimson Sky]

That looks pretty nice. How much did you charge to build that?


This one is a donated piece for Rachel's project-- :D

[MrSlacker]

This one is a donated piece for Rachel's project-- :D
thats so nice of you :p . are you going to paint the base?

[Crimson Sky]

thats so nice of you :p . are you going to paint the base?


You need to read some.

[MrSlacker]

You need to read some.
i re-read that post like 3 times but still dont see anything about painting the new base. :? :?

[Frakk]

Once this is airbrushed and hand painted it should look pretty cool.

its the last sentence of the first paragraph :D

[Rachel]

Good thing I didn't buy my stone speck paint yet. I'll wait til you paint it and get some to match. You've definatly surpased what I expected and I am yet again speechless.

[MrSlacker]

its the last sentence of the first paragraph :D
*runs to the store to get some glasses*
i am blind.... :rolleyes:

[Aristo]

Holy cow, that's some sweet looking work there guy...

[Frakk]

how do you change the led if it burns out? i cant figure it out :)

[Malatory]

how do you change the led if it burns out? i cant figure it out :)

ChainSaw.

:eek:

Looks like you would want to power it in a way that it last as long as it can. LED Hold up really well if you dont supply move voltage than they are rated.

[Crimson Sky]

how do you change the led if it burns out? i cant figure it out :)

Impossible--however it should be able to stay lighted 24/7 for about 5-8 years.

[Rachel]

Paul could you post a pic of the paint you are planning on using so I can go buy some to match later tonight. (Just something to get the main idea.) I am planning on going in a couple of hours. Thank you!!! :D

[Frakk]

Impossible--however it should be able to stay lighted 24/7 for about 5-8 years.

now lets hope she doesnt fry it on the first try...... :D

[Rachel]

You're going to make me nervious.

[Frakk]

theres no pressure. its just an LED.... lighting up many hours of hard work and dedication... which is btw cannot be replaced in any way :D
you better be extra careful not to ruin it....:D

[MrSlacker]

You're going to make me nervious.
yeah dont be worried, just be VERY careful with it. dont worry, if u mess up, you just mess up a not replaceble piece of art. ;) ;)

but honestly, dont worry about it, its gonna be fine

[Aristo]

LOL I just love how you guys tell her not to worry, yet you spike that with a hint of doom.

It's an LED, they are NOT that prone to goofs. :) It's going to rock Rachel... You know it, and soon everyone online around the world will too ;)

[Crimson Sky]

hehe...well I have faith that she can plug in a molex connector--that's all she'll have to do to light it. ;)

[Whisp]

Mesh the wires woo woo.

[Rachel]

Ahh, that makes it simple enough. Here is the paint I got to make the hieroglyphics look like stone.
http://mattsbooger.mypicgallery.com/avp/stone_large.jpg
The dark for a base coat and the lighter for highlights. The camera flash also makes them apear a little lighter than the actual colors.

[Aristo]

Ok so that poses a question... with fleckstone/crackle paint products, can you do a fade effect where it looks more cracked at one end and less or not cracked at another end of say... a mouse? :) or some other part of a case? Kinda like my moms windshield on her pos buick... it's all spired out from one corner but pristine on the other side :D

[Crimson Sky]

The paint scheme is very basic: First the Sculpey is painted with a water-based acrylic paint to seal it in. Sculpey doesnt like enamel or laquer as a bascoat, the polymer tends to keep it sticky. Next the base was painted in gunmetal (black with silver) color:

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/alien_res/alien_res_basepaint-(1).jpg

Then black acrylic was thinned out and "washed" into the nooks and crannies. This gives the carved look more depth:

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/alien_res/alien_res_basepaint-(6).jpg

Earth brown was drybrushed lightly over the high spots:

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/alien_res/alien_res_basepaint-(18).jpg

Silver, brown and black enamels were mixed to make a "jet exhaust" color. You can also buy this pre-mixes from Testors. This was lightly drybrushed over the brown.

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/alien_res/alien_res_basepaint-(25).jpg

Next pure white acrylic was drybrushed over the jet exhaust color. Then silver drybrush, and finaly a very light brass color to finish the painting:

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/alien_res/alien_res_basepaint-(39).jpg

You can see I made a ring from styrene to finish off the capsule. This plastic ring was covered in Bondo, then carved with a small drum sander:

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/alien_res/alien_res_basepaint-(43).jpg

I put a small spring on the LED wires to relieve motion stress. Shrink tubing will go over this:

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/projects/alien_res/alien_res_basepaint-(15).jpg

Thats a wrap!---I'm sure Rachel will give us pics of the installed Alien Queen water feature when she gets to it.

[MrSlacker]

:eek: <--- that was me when i saw the finished product! simply amazing

[Frakk]

excellent work! now lets hope Rachel's power supply's voltages are not too high and wont burn the LED out :D

[Crimson Sky]

excellent work! now lets hope Rachel's power supply's voltages are not too high and wont burn the LED out :D

well the 150kOhm resistor pretty much takes care of that--unless she is getting like 10v on her 5V ;)

[Rachel]

:eek: <--- that was me when i saw the finished product! simply amazing

Me too. Your painting left me in aww. I don't know if my fleck stone paint can do that justice. It'll deffinatly look like two different types of stone. Your painting almost makes it look like flint or something. The rest will just look like aged stone. I hope it will look good together.

When are you going to send it? And should I then expect the VFD too? Once I recieve those everything should fly smoothly. I can never ever thank you enough. You are truely skilled and I feel honored to have this for my project... Thank you. :)

[Crimson Sky]

You can get the same looking paint theme if you just get some model paints and acrylics--you dont need many. I'll send the res when the paint dries in a day or so :D

[X child]

I hate to sound redundant but that is ridiculusly awsome. And since it's a donated piece it just goes to show some of your character. Which appears to match your modding skills.

[Guttenaffe]

Crimson that looks sweet :D

Actually I'd say that Crimson’s 150Ω is perfect to lower the current down slightly more. It was a blue LED (I think) so I'd say there is prob close to a 3V forward bias voltage barrier to cross, and if she runs it off 5V line there is 2V left so 2/150 = 13 & 1/3 mA

Also remember voltage don't damage a LED unless you hook it up backwards and over run it's reverse bias voltage. It is the current going though the semiconductor that makes it glow and it is over current that will make a LED die. If it is a 20mA max current running it as say 13&1/3 mA will not lower the brightness to much but it will extend the life of the LED greatly.

I so need to write that LED article... Crimson you host it if I write it? :D

[Crimson Sky]

Crimson that looks sweet :D

I so need to write that LED article... Crimson you host it if I write it? :D


Hey thanks--and thanks to everyone who followed along. Sure write up an LED article and we'll give it a home in the tutorials section of the front page ;)

[JesDer]

Very Nice !

[Rachel]

Ah could my Coolant article live there too?

[Hulk2442]

w00t

[peloestrancano]

eso esta muy bien........

[Rachel]

Paul did you send it through the mail or UPS or something? Cause I still haven't gotten it yet... If it was through UPS or FedX then we should cheak the tracking number.

[Crimson Sky]

scheduled for delivery 5/13 by UPS.

[Rachel]

That's today.... :D I can't wait.

[Guttenaffe]

I hope it arrived safe and sound...
United Package Smashes have a bad rep, epically if you mark something as "fragile"

[the_commanche]

that looks really nice. i cant belive you sculpted that freehand with a friggen toothpick. thats plain amazing. huge skill. keep it up.

[crenn]

Very nice. I'm not a case modder myself(well, not yet anyway) but I love seeing all these projects. I really need to get a few books ;)

[$l1DeR]

HI!
Will excuse but in me not there was possibility everything to transfer but as I it did understand this model water-block?yes?

[$l1DeR]

or case?

[Rachel]

Water feature.

[Waynio]

last reply 2005 lol
well i gotta add my comment even if it is a generic one, what an awesome res