This is Studio 2's Stingray model which looks great, but not only that, it is fitted with a jet drive and a rotating Rate Master, and is able to run on the surface and also able to dive.
A Titan Terror Fish is usually never far away when Stingray's on patrol, however this master model is purely for display.
As is X-20's submarine.
Thunderbird 1: This apparently uses the same moulds as the model seen in the fan funded Thunderbirds 1965 project.
A super looking studio scale Spectrum Pursuit Vehicle. The thing about Studio 2's models is they are big!
Here's what could be considered Studio 2's signature model, a six foot long working Skydiver. Over time I've taken quite a few photos of it. I 'll probably see it again in a few weeks at Smallspace and no doubt I'll take a few more!
In fact, UFO was well represented by Studio 2.
A studio scale Shadomobile. This is fully radio controlled and has sound systems.
Studio 2's 'Star' vehicle for me, and a lot of attendees at Fab Worlds was the Markers Universal truck.
This is another model which is fully radio controlled and did several demonstrations across the floor throughout the weekend along with the Mobile.
It did find its way to the main display area, and caused some minor excitement when what looked like a budgerigar that was flying around the Space Centre decided to land on the model, near guest Matt Zimmerman's signing table
Matt and his assistant wondered what was happening but once he spotted my camera pointed at him he couldn't resist a smile for me.
I've really no idea what happened to the budgie!
More model photos tomorrow.
Really excellent radio controlled Mobile and Truck, it was the start model/s there!
ReplyDeleteI assume you mean the star models, yes they were.
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ReplyDeleteWhile the models look great, in my opinion the weathering on them is way over the top. There's no real reason Stingray, an aquatic vessel would be that dirt streaked. The TB1 is a gorgeous model but again marred by the over zealous grunging that Jeff Tracy would be having kittens about. Dirt equals drag = decreased speed/performance. Both the SPV and Mobile look like some just let the ink wash pool up in areas and said good enough.
ReplyDeleteIt is one thing to use ink wash to highlight panels and details, quite another to use enough of it to make it look tiger striped.
They also seem to need to make their cables running from the trailer of the MU trailer a bit longer so it stops pulling out the plug on the tractor.
Great work though, just not to my liking weathering wise.
Fair points, Lance. I think it's all subjective, though. When you watch certain episodes of Stingray, especially the later ones there is a lot of heavier weathering. The same applies to Thunderbirds. That may well be down to catching the weathering under the bright studio lighting. I know in model boat competitions models are judged on the amount of rusting detail they have. Personally, I think the weathering looks fine, but I'm still glad you mentioned it.
DeleteAs to the cable, you'd have to talk to the builder, Mamas about that :)
Although the weathering shown here could be considered heavy handed there are well established precedents for this approach.
ReplyDeleteThe filming process acts as a filter, reducing contrast and removing details which can be seen by the human eye/visual cortex.
This results in exaggerated effects being applied to achieve the desired ‘filmed’ outcome.
The following presentation by Doug Chiang of ILM includes an interesting section at time code 36.46, where he explains some lessons learnt from Model Supervisor Steve Gawley.
https://youtu.be/uYK1OXlm7Us
Thanks for the comment, Kevin C. I did watch some of the presentation which as you say does explain aspects of detailing and weathering, and also very interesting to me, false perspective. The idea of bird droppings on the models that are out of scale so the camera captures it on film is fascinating . I know when Derek Meddings filmed the helicopter on the top of skyscraper scene in Superman, the model used is a lot bigger scale than the model building, as if it had been the correct scale the camera would have just seen a dot.
DeleteI also liked how Doug came up with his concept art. My son is studying to, hopefully be a concept artist so this video might well be useful to him.
Cheers.
No worries.
ReplyDeleteGood luck to Junior, his studies and future.
I am still working in the world of design and had the good fortune of Syd Meads as a visiting tutor when I was at design school - I also was luck in having a chance meeting with Derek Meddings in the early 90s, both very influential characters for me.
It also interesting to see the Star Wars Prequels Episodes 1, 2 and 3 having a revised appreciation in comparison to recent Disney efforts...