Friday, May 26, 2006

Gandalf is Completed!

Well, I was personally most fond of my job on Legolas and he reigned as my favorite model... until now. Presenting my model of Gandalf! I am most proud of the likeness on this one. In my opinion, it is the closest to looking like the actor of all of my models (keeping in mind that my sculpting skills were only mediocre when I began this project).

He stands just over 12 inches tall without hat and 13 inches with hat (the hat is a removeable loose piece). The staff is firmly mounted to the base along with the body, and Glamdring (sword) is slung at his side. Gandalf is ready to lead the fellowship on its dire quest.

Look for Merry and Pippin to come soon!

Monday, May 08, 2006

Gandalf out of the Mold!

Even though Gandalf was technically the first model that I finished sculpting, he becomes the fifth model that is pulled from the molds. But practice makes perfect, as Gandalf was truly the first model that I had no trouble with forming in the molds.

It is usual to find, upon the first castings, that the mold is trapping air in an unforeseen area that causes the part not to fully mold. I then have to go into the mold and carve out "chase holes" to let air escape from those trouble areas so that future castings form completely. But not with Gandalf. My experience thus far allowed me to have the mold fully prepared and air free even on the first pull! Awesome!

Samwise Gamgee Completed!

Following closely behind Frodo, even in model form, Samwise Gamgee crouches at battle ready with skillet and sword. Standing nearly 7 inches tall, Sam is complete with a full travel pack and hobbit cloak. Go Sam!

Frodo Completed!

After long, hard work, I finally completed my Frodo model! Standing 7 1/2 inches tall, and sporting a real nickel-plated chain and brass ring, Frodo brandishes Sting while enthralled by the power of the ring.

Notice the tiny runes engraved on the sword which is only 2 1/2 inches long! Several hours of meticulous eye-strain went into those. But, by now, you know that I am crazy for all the smallest details!