15 replies to this topic

[Soupie]

Most of the toys I have are roughly the size of Battle Beasts and no bigger. While these toys look okay set out for display on a simple bookshelf or collector's display case shelf, I've always felt they deserve a display that complimented their smaller size.

Some have suggested using a typical PVC dinosaur display (see attached picture). While these are cool, they still don't fit the bill.

I've decided to make one from scratch. In fact, I already have a miniature version I've made out of salt-dough.

My goal is to eventually make one full-size. The display platforms would be large enough to fit Galatic Heroes and Battle Beasts, but not so large that kinkeshi, GPK figures, and MUSCLEs would look out of place.

Another goal would be (crosses fingers) to make it out of a material that would be able to be used as a mold by TGB. This way, TGB could make several of these displays.

Some questions for TGB:

1) Would you have any interest in doing something like that?

2) What material should I use to make the display?

3) How large could it be?

[Soupie]

Here's a rough sketch of what the display would look like.

[Soupie]

Here's what I envision a TGB version would like.

(Note: Not the size and shape, but the color and texture.)

[lazzy lizard]

sounds like a cool idea, but i can imagine a mold of this and the time and materials for this project would be costly. i could see a price tag of about $75+ for each display that was made.

nice concept though.

=)

[WhiteLeo]

I love the concept, That would a great display for all those small guys!

WhiteLeo

[THEGODBEAST]

I tell ya what...

About 2-3 years ago, I was playing with the same idea, however, when I looked into vacuum formers...it just seemed like too much for me to mess with (with all my mold making and casting. "Rio Grande" has a vacuum forming machine you can buy.

I think it is an AWESOME idea that collectors of ALL toy lines would LOVE!!! I know I would spend some $$$ on a kick arse vacuum formed display.

I do have the means to make slip cast ceramic displays from plaster molds...but, I think that might be a bit heavy.

TGB

[Soupie]

Thanks for the feedback.

I've started on the main display. It is a lot of work and slow going, but I think it's going to turn out fairly cool.

I'll post pictures ASAP of the entire process, just for shizznits and giggles.

I started with a cardboard skeleton, and I'm building the clay on from there. This display will fit square in the corner of a display case or bookshelf, and the platforms will be sized for kinkeshi.

(If the final product is something even a handful of collectors would consider using, I'll look into mass production. Hell, I've already determined that this is the first of many. The clay was only $5 dollars.)

[Soupie]

Here are photos and comments about the project I talked about in this thread: Custom Toy Display.

Most of the toys I have are roughly the size of Battle Beasts and no bigger. While these toys look okay set out for display on a simple bookshelf or collector's display case shelf, I've always felt they deserve a display that complimented their smaller size.

I've decided to make one from scratch.

Here is a picture of the beginnings of the cardboard frame I used to build the clay onto. I realized rather soon that I should have used a sturdier material.

[Soupie]

Here it is again from a different angle.

You can see that I designed it to fit squarely into the corner of a display case or bookshelf. Placed squarely in a corner, it would have a depth of 15 inches. However, if it were placed in the center of a bookself or display case, it has a depth of 10.5 inches.

Make sense?

[Soupie]

The final touch was to place cardboard over the top as well, to complete the structure.



Again, I found I had made a mistake. Soon after I began building the clay onto it, I realized it would be easier to do so if the top section were separete. Thus, I had to remove the top piece of cardboard, build the clay onto it, and then reattach it to the base of the display.

[Soupie]

Alas, another snag!

I had to make sure the platforms on which the figures would stand were level, especially since I was going to be dealing with hard-to-balance kinkeshi.

I figured out a little trick to help me make the platforms level, despite the fact that the top section was seperate from the base.

Here is a sneak peak. More to come later.

[Soupie]

Okay, the clay has begun to dry. I was dying to see what a MUSCLE would look like perched on one of the platforms.

I still have to sand down the entire display and then begin the painting.

Meanwhile, here's another sneak peak. This is Mr. Satan Cross standing on one of the 15 platforms built into the display.

[THEGODBEAST]

WOW!!!

That looks pretty kick arse!!!

I know "El Diablo" was kickin' around some ideas as well.

You guys should brainstorm some ideas, however, it sure looks like you have a killer idea going!

Can you get a sheet of vacuum form plastic, lay it on top, then use a heat gun to have it form to the sculpt???

Just a thought...

I am diggin' the SC on there!!! Where did you get that killer orange SC?

TGB

[Soupie]

Can you get a sheet of vacuum form plastic, lay it on top, then use a heat gun to have it form to the sculpt?

Definitely not out of the question in the future. However, this particular display is only a "prototype" if you will.

I've discovered several things I need to do differently next time. Once I perfect the process and the outcome, I'll get more serious about reproducing designs.

Questions though: The clay I used is self-drying, i.e., I didn't have to bake it.

How do you think this clay would react to a heat gun?

[return of the sunshine]

heat it slowly ,if you heat it up too quickly (i.e. heat gun) it may crack badly.

try a blowdryer first.

Edited by return of the sunshine, 19 October 2005 - 06:36 AM.

[Soupie]

Here's a picture of the finished product. If you'd like to see more, go here.