`I'm back ! some of you may have noticed my lack of presence on the blogosphere like Roy, and I will explain later in this post, as first I want to show some models.
First up is my finished Krotox Shaper (right hand side one, other shown for scale), in the rules it says you must include a shaper in the unit, but didn'y say if it had to be on foot, so thought this would be a cool modelling opportunity. most of the model was scratch built.
Next is my Dark Shaper to go with my Warp Kroot (Right Hand side one,other shown for scale) I've made him taller than a standard Kroot by sculpting his legs to help show his use of Chaos meat, I also changed the colour of his quills to help make him stand out.
The only other Kroot I'm working on at the moment are the handlers for the Warp Kroot, and then I'll have to wait to do any more on this project until I get some more plastic Kroot.
In these strange and uncertain times many small businesses are struggling, and mine is no different. I could take the grant from the government, but that would mean having to pay back over time, and as my company has never had a loan or credit card I'm very happy not having to worry about owing anybody anything.
So what to do ? well in typical fashion Sarah and I have pushed forward and updated my casting facility, since the move we had temporary fixes, but we've now got the whole thing fully insulated, better lighting, and an increase in space, with a new section planned for mould storage and another section for linishing. This is where I've been for the last week and a bit getting this sorted and recovering inbetween. With this now finished and the first order having been cast in it, we are ready to keep striving forward, and can concentrate on new releases and keeping up on the blogs.
So until next time stay safe and have fun !
Cheers Dave
Really interesting look into the WTW production facilities Dave. Quite fascinating in fact.
ReplyDeleteI'm obviously familiar with how Colonel Bill's office and stock room works, and have had a tour of Pendraken Miniature's factory unit set-up a few years back. So seeing your own mould storage -cum- resin casting room is something new to enjoy.
I have to say, I love the business side of the hobby - at least, viewing it from the sidelines (I probably wouldn't if I had all the headaches that come with the job). Cheers for sharing! I know others, like myself, always love to see 'behind the curtain', from the trader's viewpoint, and how things are put together before we meet face to face at a show or receive an item via mail order.
Glad to read that things are therefor healthy, business-wise (and health-wise) ... though I really must put my money where my mouth is, "blame Roger" and get a Zodiac Rooster from you at some point.
Your Krotox Shaper. It really does look the part. I wouldn't have known it wasn't a GW stock model if you'd not said.
Thank you Roy, some companies are very guarded about what they do, but I prefer to be open, to help instil trust with the customer. I do have a few secrets with moulding and fibreglassing which I won't divulge because their methods I've developed, but other than that always happy to share, and people are always welcome to visit.
DeleteNo problem on the order Roy will have them in stock whenever your ready mate.
Thanks on the Shaper, it can bite you in the backside, doing conversions or scratch builds too well, as GW don't spot the conversions, luckily I don't have that problem anymore as I no longer go to tournaments ! LOL
Great work on both projects Dave & when thing get back to a bit more normal I'll try give your business a little boost as you've a few things I want to pick up & if the N&D budget really picks up I'd still like to get you to do Stan & Ollie for me :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Frank, no problem at all, and fully understand in these difficult times, models are way down the list on what things are important we’ve got to do the essentials first to stay safe
DeleteGreat to hear that you are well Dave and I bet the premises upgrade meant a lot of relaxing soaks in the bath! Onwards and upwards, as they say.
ReplyDeleteThank you Michael, you’re not wrong about needing lots of relaxation between the build, and no painting or sculpting, these were finished before the work started . Always trying to keep moving forward
DeleteNice sculpts and painting and good looking shed /workshop! Upgrade or was it a new build? I'm not surprised you haven't been commenting!
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
Thank you Iain, the workshop was a custom build, that we had in the last place, which we had to put up and modify. Had to reverse the slope of the roof to the right and reverse the door, change all the internals and upgrade the insulation, the roof and internal walls, so was almost a complete scratch build again ! I think it’s worth it for the improvements
DeleteBeautiful brushwork and sculpting and I think I know which model most will prefer!
ReplyDeleteA look 'behind the scenes' is always fascinating, a lot of other firms should take the leap and as you state one doesn;t have to reveal all the 'secrets' but I do thin it does make a good mpression overall on the company.
Thank you Joe, did you mean the GW ones ? LOL
DeleteGlad you liked the peak behind the curtain, a lot of companies wouldn't have a lot to show, as they otsource their sculpting and casting, which is why they can be a bit pricey, doing everything in house means you have a greater control over this and can give the savings to the customer
Great work Dave, I honestly had to read it three times before I could decide which was your sculpt and which was the official GW one (I'm still not 100 percent sure I have it right)
ReplyDeleteThat is a nice shed, strangely I've been watching the chap over the road from us building a similar shed at the side of his house for the last week or so too.
Now stop buggering about and finish those B7 ships! :-)
Cheers Roger.
Thank you Roger that’s high praise indeed, the standard GW one’s are on the left of the picture.
DeleteLuckily I had marked all the parts when I dismantled it and also drew plans, but had to modify it and improve it as I went, so took a little while.
I’ll stop procrastinating and get on with the ships ! lol
Good coz' the more I keep looking at that long rang pursuit craft the more I want some!
DeleteLOL no problem Roger, did some more on them last night
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ReplyDeleteNew offerings looks dead cool mate!
ReplyDeleteI like the new digs for the biz too. Glad you are able to keep swimming in these murky times.
Thank you Dai, got to keep swimming no matter what ! lol
DeleteAn interesting look at your workshop Dave, do you do your sculpting in there or is it just for mould storage and casting. I'm curious if you supply from stock or mould to order, I imagine the later is probably a sensible option as it saves space.
ReplyDeleteThank you John, That area is for casting and mould storage, I have a more comfortable area for sculpting and painting that I will show at a later date, once everything is in place, still working out some of the details and space allocation, but do have my photo booth set now which makes life easier.
DeleteWe normally hold most things in stock as it means were ready for shows, but in the current climate we are casting to order as it's a bit harder to get hold of the raw materials.
I guess with no windows in the shed it might get a little claustrophobic at times.
DeleteHaving a fixed photo booth must be a boon for you, I had to photigraph some figures the other day and spent a happy hour trying to find the bit of textured cloth I use as a base, it's a good job I dont do many figure photos. :)
I don't mind the lack of windows John, it allows complete focus ! LOL
DeleteThe permanent photo booth is great, don'y have to keep making a space connecting it all up and I might even iron the coloured cloth now to get rid of the creases ! LOL Glad to hear you found your cloth, it's a real pain when you think I'll just do this and then takes an hour just to find the materials.
Congratulations on getting the new work space, looks really neat. Great to get such a 'behind the website' peek.
ReplyDeleteThank you Wouter, I think it's good to be open, and let people see what goes on behind the scenes
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