Kitbash:Xenomorphus Rex, update 2024-01-24

[barad_dur]

I was not aware of those book. Thanks for the reference Squiddy !

Continuing to fill in new wing segments.
This is a slow process as I can only work small sections at a time.
The previous section has to harden in order to help support next new section and to not have too much wing droop.
And since each next section gets taller, the process gets slower since the new section has to be smaller in width. Hope that makes sense.

Proportions and scale are looking better, but I am curious what this will do to the balance.
Will probably have to peg and permanently attach feet to the base, or use embedded fishing weight trick.

[Squidy53]

Yes, the wing sections are looking in better proportion to the body and capable of supporting such an animal in flight.

[scuzzfink85]

Yeah I would use small or medium sized wood screws.. and epoxy glue..
You probably done this before.. for base stability. It won't move once your done.
I did this with my patch work beast.

[barad_dur]

Thanks Scuzz, that’s probably the base approach I will use.

Thanks squiddy!
Not sure they are big enough to really support flight; but this is as big as I will make them as I can’t afford to use so much more milliput !

Continuing to work wings, almost done with roughing in the extra segment on each wing.
I started smoothing out what I have added so far, but much more sanding and refining left to do.

I am glad I added the extra segment but now this guy is really going to be a pain in the butt to paint…

[bucketfoot-al]

Kept waiting for that "head - on" photo ... still waiting ... This is looking WF-ish!!! Might turn into your best work yet!!

[Squidy53]

Thanks squiddy!
Not sure they are big enough to really support flight; but this is as big as I will make them as I can’t afford to use so much more milliput !

This is fantasy after all! Na, the proportions look good to me.

Milliput is great stuff and my filler of choice, but I would never have dreamed of covering such large expanses that are relatively thin as in large wings! There's a lot of work going on between your photos I think!

And yes, it must be costing you a bomb! On the plus side you'll have very strong thumbs.

[barad_dur]

Thanks BA!

The reason that I have not recently posted any front view pics is because although I am very happy with the current side, back and top views , I am still not happy with the front view. There is something not “right”about it.

So my plan is to cut the head off (again) and turn it more to the left.
This will allow a very good look at the head profile (which I really like) from both side views as well as from the front view.

You are absolutely right Squiddy, there are many many hours of work put in between pic updates.
I have used at least 4 boxes of milliput just adding these 2 new wing segments.

Thank you BA, Squiddy and Scuzz for the very helpful feedback!

And just a heads up that I am going on a long road trip with my wife (going to some MI and WI ren fairs), so there will not be any more pic updates for at least 2 weeks.

[bucketfoot-al]

Sounds like a good call. I generally don't like my critters in turning poses either.

[barad_dur]

Hah, I think you may have mis-understood me, I am actually going to increase and exaggerate the turning of the head so that when looking at it straight on, you will see a lot more of the right side of the head ….

[bucketfoot-al]

Hah, I think you may have mis-understood me, I am actually going to increase and exaggerate the turning of the head so that when looking at it straight on, you will see a lot more of the right side of the head ….

Knowing you, a lot more entertainment is coming. I'll have my pencil and pad ready to steal ..*AHEM* .. take NOTES for future personal use.

[Squidy53]

It's really coming along and looking great. The current head tilt and position looks good to me and wings claws/small horns work I think. But you know best! I especially like the head horns -- don't change them . One thing's for sure, this build's earning the "morphus" part of its name.

From these latest photos I imagine Xenomorphus coming alive and wrapping it wings around its body Dracula-style. Don't mind me -- the irrelevancies spew forth... My ambition is to one day be as useful as BA.

[barad_dur]

Thank you Squiddy - Your insightful comments and suggestions are sincerely appreciated!

No worries, I do not plan to change the actual head; only the positioning of it.

I like the current head downward angle and slight twist, so I will keep those aspects; but just turn it more to the left.

This is my typical bash process of numerous reworks, and I appreciate everyone’s continued viewing and patience as I strive to get it “right”.

[bucketfoot-al]

It's really coming along and looking great. The current head tilt and position looks good to me and wings claws/small horns work I think. But you know best! I especially like the head horns -- don't change them . One thing's for sure, this build's earning the "morphus" part of its name.

From these latest photos I imagine Xenomorphus coming alive and wrapping it wings around its body Dracula-style. Don't mind me -- the irrelevancies spew forth... My ambition is to one day be as useful as BA.

But you already ARE .. you already ARE!!!

[Squidy53]

*snip*
This my typical bash process of numerous reworks, and I appreciate everyone’s continued viewing and patience as I strive to get it “right”.

Thanks barad_dur and BA.

These detailed coverages of your processes are invaluable for many reasons. I think the most important message is "take risks and be bold". All power to you I reckon. This applies to you too, BA.

[scuzzfink85]

This could be a tales of darkside episode.. When creations come to life by sheer will .. uh oh..

[barad_dur]

Cut the head off and working on repositioning it.
Shortened the neck just a tad and roughed in a new head position with it turned more to the left and pointed more upward.
I like the new front view much better. Lots of neck refining left to do.

I am also working on slimming down the legs.
Removing huge calves from the bottom leg segment and slimming down mid section calves.

[bucketfoot-al]

Holy cow is that a lot of work on the wings! Agree with the slimmed down calves - makes it look more bird-like as it should.

Keeps getting better and better!

[barad_dur]

Although it’s hard to tell from the pics, I spent last 2 days sanding down, smoothing and significantly thinning out the wings.
The added wing webbing segments are still to thick and heavy in some areas, so I have more sanding and thinning out to do.
But getting a lot closer to the painting phase. still not sure what color scheme to try…

[bucketfoot-al]

Another definite WonderFest entry! Have you thought about a possible little diorama with a night in armor with a sword facing off against the dragon?

Would look awesome on that contest table next year, just sayin ...

[barad_dur]

Thank you for following this bash and for the helpful suggestion BA!

I have a small Sauron figure that I could use, or a small predator model that might work with some modifications?

Also considered creating:
a two tiered rocky base like I created for the Ymirs, but with an added waterfall effect (lots of work there though!),
a “castle wall” type display with dragon standing on top and gripping the edge of the wall,
ruined castle base with dragon standing over a fallen tower or two,
Or just use the original xenomorphus rex base (easiest option).

The base challenge is he is VERY big and heavy and unbalanced (but thinning wings and inserting neck weights may fix balance issue).

But first I gotta finish thinning wings, detailing wing fingers and neck, and the dreaded painting phase; so lots of time left to figure out base.