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01-16-2009, 05:56 PM | #1 |
Good times abound.
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Scott AFB, IL.
Posts: 1,339
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Paul's Custom "Para-Viper"
Cobra "Para-Vipers" are the nickname for elite EEL special forces units within Cobra that specialize in HALO/ HAHO jumps behind enemy lines. The Para-Vipers can be utilized in forward reconnaissance, search and rescue operations, securing valuable targets, and directing strategic air strikes on the enemy. Custom painted stands by me too. This is the Para-Viper with helmet on, sporting the squadron leader's AKS-74 with grenade launcher. Gun courtesy of Marauder Inc. A Para-Viper in free fall. Two Squads of Para-Vipers Ready for Jump. This is my first custom figure. I guess it's not really a custom, so much as a modification. The whole process was much more difficult than I imagined. The number one thing I've learned throughout the process is patience. You have to wait for paint to cure! Seems simple… HA. Some Background: I’ve seen a lot of Para-Viper modifications and customs here on the tank and it got my creative juices flowing. I started this project like I start all my others, with a heaping teaspoon of research. After about a half a day of research through the internet and spending some time at the military library, I began planning and experimentation. For experimentation, I had an extra Para-Viper figure whose Elbow joint was glued into place. I tried cutting everything first on this figure. After success I began making the modifications to the rest of my squads. The Process: I've cut the bottom two hoses off the figure to eliminate the explosion of “busy” on the figure. A Halo Jumper only NEEDS one hose, but I like the symmetry of two hoses. The parachute harness and gear all got a wash, as well as having the buckles, pulls, and zippers painted in black or silver depending on function for some added detail. The yellow remains to break up the sea of black and gray. I cut the visor out of the helmet; the goggles are redundant with the visor built in. In the research I discovered that Halo jumpers actually do have goggles for jumping and the helmets themselves are "un-visor-ed." The Goggles got repainted and covered in a gloss clear coat to remain reflective. The helmet was given a wash for wear and tear. The orange was completely eliminated from the figure. I cut the elbow pads off completely. The process is tricky, but they come right off without damage to the arms. I also completed the paint for the gauntlets “mounting bracket”. I removed and sprayed the knee pads with Krylon fusion and gave them a flat clear coat a well, but I still have a lot of apprehension about the wear and tear these will take. I wish that Alyosha would cast these in black to make them more durable (wink, wink). The knife holder was also painted black, and again, I worry about wear and tear on the paint here too. I don’t think that part can be cast though… The Marauder AKS-74 was given a coat of gun metal across its exposed metal bits and left black on its plastic components like the real version. I left the knife alone. The figures included weapons were thrown in my extras bin. Like I mentioned above, being patient is the lesson I took away from this project. If I was going to do anything different I might have given the guy a side arm, even if it was just a non functional “show piece.” Anyway, sorry for the 500 word write up… Last edited by paulpratt; 01-17-2009 at 07:08 PM.. |
01-16-2009, 06:06 PM | #2 |
Never Say Die
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Western PA
Posts: 12,708
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It looks good, and thanks for the info on how you did it this might push me to do my first mod.
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01-16-2009, 06:09 PM | #3 |
Musashi disciple
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Spain
Posts: 105
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WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWW
amazing, 10 to the helmet!
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01-16-2009, 06:34 PM | #4 |
CANUCK-VIPER
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Posts: 9,527
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Looks awesome man!
I really like the mods you did on these guys! I would really like to get into paint and modifying some of my figs, but Im a bit apprehensive about doing it since i dont know much about painting.
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01-16-2009, 06:38 PM | #5 |
Good times abound.
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Scott AFB, IL.
Posts: 1,339
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Thanks for the compliments. To me, sharing the process on how everyone does customs is part of the community part of this whole gig. It's why we all get together like a bunch of old ladies and talk "shop." If you have any specific questions, ask away.
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01-16-2009, 06:40 PM | #6 |
Burn The Earth
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Topeka Kansas Blah!!
Posts: 12,089
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cool stuff Paul great look all the way around
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01-16-2009, 06:43 PM | #7 |
Iron Grenadier
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 665
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Looks great! When I did mine, which as a SAS member needed to be mostly black with grey camouflage, i cut the visor out too. In my case though it did stop the helmet from sticking down!
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01-16-2009, 06:53 PM | #8 |
Lightning IG
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Hutto, Texas
Posts: 9,773
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Very nice custom work guys, the paint is totally cool looking and gives it a realistic military feel
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01-16-2009, 06:56 PM | #9 |
That Light Dude
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Wherever
Posts: 856
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I like it a lot better than the original.
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01-16-2009, 07:27 PM | #10 |
Good times abound.
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Scott AFB, IL.
Posts: 1,339
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Quote:
I like that this is a foreign entry. It looks totally military. The camo pattern looks great too. I'm glad to see that this was converted into a "good guy" rather than a Cobra as well. |
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