The Chief Smeg

That's damn clever!

Looking really good so far Andy. Hairspray chipping does seem to be a very versatile technique

I was there when they cut Anderson out of the 'boing' and I also watched Rogue Trooper wander out of the chem mists onto the pages of the 2000ad. Watching this build very carefully.

That refined voice that hints at a previous life - surely this is another member of your 'The Canting Crew' I'm guessing the Gonk was foul ole Ron (shuffling gait) so Nigel would be gaspode

All that is missing from the kit is the duck For his head... "What duck?"

Yeah, that camera angle is perfect

Looking forward to this build Andy, this is the first of these kits that I have seen.

How about the mesh from a cheap plastic sieve or from one of those nets you use to catch aquarium fish. You could probably paint glue on to hold it in place and build up a couple of layers to be even with the frame? The technique is rather like applying resin to chopped strand mat when laying up fibreglass.

That shot against the black back cloth... I swear I heard the theme music right there

Thanks R0ver, I hope my ideas are not let down by my ability. I have a Stormtrooper ready to paint and build and I have an idea for a duo for that, but again I need to see if I'm being too ambitious.

Looks like he is riding a bucking bronco! nice kit. You do like the Star Wars Ines don't you; but then again who doesn't

I think you have those 'dirty cushion things' that line the doorway absolutely spot on. It's all looking very good so far

So, does anyone have a clear preference for the Flory washes or the Ultimate ones?

Cheers. My plan is to display him as a bookend and I'm currently (very slowly) collecting the stuff I need for the mini diorama; once I build that I'll be giving him his final weathering to tie him in with the base. It is a Yavin base inspired idea and he'll be fixing a busted piece of old equipment in a gloomy corner. At least that is the plan.

Wow, very nice! Your boxing idea works especially well with the vehicle models. R2 with lighting looks awesome. I am definitely going to have to copy your display base ideas.

I'd guessed at the box title being used, the risers though make a huge difference - I would never have considered that. I have mental plans for displaying the version I intend to build, but these were mainly around the 'tree stump' and how to modify that, I might now also consider raising it up as you have and (amongst other things) boxing in the back of the existing tree stump support structure. I am desperately trying not to crack any 'thinking outside of the box' puns over the box lid writing and the boxing in you have done. Nice work with the paint on the Bed roll by the way it looks togtally different from the Ines in the Sprue shots I've been looking at.

I love what you have done with the kit supplied stand; raising it up that little bit makes a huge difference. Nice build. Is that the original bed roll on the back - it looks like you have done an 'AndyRM' and remodelled it?

Matt, please don't remove the thread. We are all learning a lot from this build. Can I also point out that you also stated from word go that you had not realised this was a recast. As you say to Kasparov his words and views are eloquently put, but this kit is from a now (regrettably) defunct company, you are no longer hurting them in building this model - things would be entirely different if this was a knockoff or poor copy of a Bandai, Airfix or Revel kit (to name but 3), of this had been the case you would be right to pull the thread. Kasparov, if you are reading this response, I appreciate your comments, your sentiments and the fact that you took the time to comment in such a pleasant manner - plenty of other forums I used to look on would have taken the opportunity to simply Troll 5s over this matter; these manufacturers have now ceased trading and we all regret that fact. I thank you for your views and welcome you to this part of the forum (never seen any of your threads here, but I am a recent member). Leigh

Cheers Plasmahal; adds Flory dirt washes to ever growing list

Can I ask what you use/used to clean the wash off?

That is really nice. This is definitely going on my list of future purchases, the only problem is that list is getting VERY long. But I love the job you have done here.

Speaking as a mechanical engineer I would say you need to knock up a quick little jig to help you with the cutting, drill some holes for pins in a block of wood the correct edge distance to act as stops, sandwich and clamp the sheets that have been rough cut to the required size and then file the lot down to the right dimensions in 1 go. Oh oh how I wish I had a milling machine and a lathe in my workshop too.

I have to say, you are being far more patient with this build than you have any right to be. It's looking a hell of a lot better already, but I'm guessing you have a big list of things to do that are going to make us all smile on here. Very nice work so far.

Never had any of the action figures, I think my R2 was the MPC kit because I also had 3PO and an X-Wing. Well I had some good advice from you all on here, it was surprising how much of a difference adding the second weathering colour helped.

I feel exactly the same, back in the late 70's I had one of the original R2 kits - he has always been my favourite