Wednesday 18 January 2023

From SimonM: Silvia Dela Torres by "Papsikels Miniatures" (5 Points) + The Casting Couch Bonus (20 Points) + Yeti by "Warlord Games" (15 Points)

These 32mm scale figure of Silvia Dela Torres is produced by "Papsikels Miniatures" and can be downloaded for free as an STL (Standard Triangle Language) file from their PAPSIPACK Welcome Models subscription set on "Patreon". Clearly based upon Warrant Officer Ellen Ripley from the "Aliens" science-fiction horror franchise, the model was produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer.

Having decided to use the sculpt as a test piece for "Duncan Rhodes Two Thin Coats" paint range, I took inspiration from the character's appearance in the 2014 survival horror video game developed by Creative Assembly entitled "Alien: Isolation" and primed my (not) Ripley with some Cold Corpse Blue. The model was then shaded using Oblivion Black Wash and dry-brushed with (more) Cold Corpse Blue.

With the main bulk of the figure pigmented, I slowly worked my way up by applying Scorched Earth and Battle Mud Wash to her boots, as well as Doom Death Black to the feisty officer's belt, zipper and wrist-bands. The fastener, buckle, belt studs and tracker device were subsequently 'picked out' using a combination of Sir Coates Silver and Oblivion Black Wash. I also applied a little White Star and a short time later, some Battle Mud Wash to the woman's vest. Finally, I gave all the flesh areas a base layer of Dwarven Skin, treated them to a splash of Flesh Wash, and then highlighted them back up with (more) Dwaren Skin. I also gave her hair a coat of Cuirass Leather and shaded this with Battle Mud Wash.

I thought this miniature would be a great way to continue my journey through Challenge Studios, as you can't get a more iconic action hero than Ripley, and this character propelled actress Sigourney Weaver into the spotlight as a movie star. As a result I thought the model would be a suitable submission for the Casting Couch Bonus.

Alongside my seventh 3D print by "Papsikels Miniatures" I have also pigmented three metal Yeti which were produced by “Warlord Games” as part of the Nottingham-based company's "special limited-time offer" Doctor Who: Web Of Fear set. Somewhat controversially given away for free with any orders of £75 or more, the blister also contained figures of Colonel Lethbridge-Stewart and Professor Travers, and was based upon Mervyn Haisman and Henry Lincoln's February 1968 televised story "The Web Of Fear".

48mm in height, the "cuddly but ferocious" models were primed using two coats of Scorched Earth by "Duncan Rhodes Two Thin Coats". They were then drenched in Battle Mud Wash, before being dry-brushed with (more) Scorched Earth. As a final highlight, I gave each of the Great Intelligence's hairy automatons a light dusting of Dust Bowl. Lastly, the monsters' eyes were layered in White Star. treated to a coat of Skulker Yellow, shaded with plenty of Flesh Wash and later brightened with an extra dab of Skulker Yellow.

Released alongside several other 'free' "Doctor Who" related sets until "Warlord Games" licence for the BBC science fiction show expired at the end of 2022, these models caused quite some consternation on the "Doctor Who: Exterminate" Facebook page due to so many products being released simultaneously - and each requiring a separate £75 order to acquire them. Personally, considering that the manufacturer wasn't allowed to actually sell them, I'm just pleased to have got my hands on these big fellas, and whilst it's frustrating that I wasn't able to own all the 'new releases' before they disappeared, at least they were made available (for free) for those who wanted them.

32mm scale foot figure = 5 Points

Casting Couch Studio Bonus = 20 Points

3 x 32mm scale foot figures = 15 Points

Total = 40 Points

Minion Miles: very nice.  I did get a little chuckle with the Yeti figures as they look like very angry Michelin Men.  

16 comments:

  1. Great work, Simon. Love the Ripley figure.

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    1. Thanks Curt. It is a cracker, imho. Nice to see her without carrying some big arse gun too. LOL!!

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  2. Great stuff, Simon! Your Ripley is very cool.

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    1. Cheers Emjenic. I do like the pose of this Ripley a lot.

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  3. Ripley is totally awesome of course, but the Yeti is my fave as it reminds me of one of our neighbours' winter dog-walking outfits!

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  4. Makes me wish I'd paid more attention to Warlord's emails - completely missed all the Dr Who stuff and it would have been nice to get some for nostalgic reasons - those yetis really capture the made-from-what-we-could-find feel of the BBC's budget. Lovely paintwork - what's the verdict on the 2 thin coats? The paint names are excellent.

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  5. Well done on getting your paws on those!

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