Thursday, December 9, 2010

Leviathan Mortis First Build

It has been quite the journey getting here, but it is very satisfying to hold the final model.

Please accept my apologies about the website, I know it's broken... I just have not had time to get to it. It's on the to-do list. I keep the blog up to date so this is where you can find all updates until I can sort out the website.

As expected, it has been many long days to prep the molds for production. I had really hoped to show a nicely painted model on Pat's wonderful diorama but time will not allow that right now, I’ll have to come back to it when the Crusader is ready for the build. I wanted to make sure my customers could see a real world model and not just a CAD render, so primer will have to do for now.
 Although I prefer to take my time on a build, I assembled this kit in just a few hours, skimping on much of the pre prep work and clean up so I could get cracking on the instructions. I did find one part that will need to be re-printed and new molds made so there may be a slight delay on the December 15th release date. This is still my goal and I am working hard to stick with it.
I will take what I have learned from this build and make notes in the instructions, there are a few components that need to be assembled in a specific order or you will be cussing up a storm. I will also include notes on how to build a resin kit and what tools and glues work best. I dislike pinning resin models and was happy to find that the only part that needs the reinforcement was the spine. As you can glue the spine in place and then drill from the bottom of the pelvis and from the top of the chest right into the spine area it was a fast and easy pinning job.  For a 136 part model, I am happy to say it was a fairly simple build.
Still sooo much still to do; Complete the instructions, new molds and prep of the re-printed component, web site (I doubt I will get this done before the 15th, so expect the first few sales to be on Ebay) and all the other items I am sure I have overlooked.

Ultimately I need the casting contracted out, sooooo...

**If you are a contract caster or garage kit producer of resin models and looking for long term work, contact me at mark@dreamforge-games.com for details.**

Quick recap:

Release date... shooting for the 15th, depends on the re printed part turn around time. This will likely be on Ebay as I doubt I will have time to fix the broken website before then.

Retail $350.00 (Kit will come with the Crusader head as well as the Mortis head)
Optional Vulkan Cannon $45.00
For now, enjoy the pics!
Here is a shot for scale, using a 30-32mm MERCS Mini.
Here is a shot for fun ;)

21 comments:

  1. Absolutely beautiful. I can't wait to get my hands on one (though to be fair I'm more enamored of the crusader). Keep up the great work!!

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  2. Um.... Holy Crap. I thought all the prelim work was wonderful, but these build pics really take the cake.

    I'm going to have to save up for one.

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  3. Mark, great job!

    Can't wait until I have the spare cash flow to purchase a couple these (most likely the crusader/azazel, possibly the gabriel).

    This is great inspiration for me to finish my tank project

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  4. Congrats!

    Nice to see all your hard work come to life on the table.

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  5. This is not a garage kit. I have really enjoyed watching this come together and I am facinated by your process. The computer design to 3D printing process is just cool.

    I expect in a few years that I'll just be able to tell my printer to make me some models and come out in the morning and have it waiting.

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  6. Absolutely amazing! It's unfortunately out of my budget but I'm certain you'll still sell a lot of these kits. Good luck!

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  7. Truly marvelous. I cannot wait for the Crusader Leviathan. That is one of the few titan-scale vehicles I've ever seriously considered purchasing.

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  8. Thank you for your hard work! The model is stunning! WOW! Hats off to you sir!

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  9. can the weapon arms and heads switch out easily or would magnets be needed? If so I will have a lot of fun customizing this thing with different options! :D

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  10. Amazing, will you be posting worldwide?

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  11. Thanks everyone!

    Sargarius: Arms are hot swap without magnets. The head... would take some work as the chest would need to be on magnets as well and there are collision issues with the waist hydraulics.

    joulesB: Yep, worldwide

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  12. Magnificent model. I look forward to being able to order one.:)

    By the way, will the initial production run have the extra armour option available? Or will the extra armour upgrades come later?

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  13. Mark.
    I have a friend in the Custom Toy Biz. Perhaps I could put you in contact with him so you can get this thing into full production. I know first hand that you probably want to be in the design business and not the casting business.

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  14. Some amazing work. I know there was an earlier question about buying specific bits, and the response was essentially, "depends - has to do with what parts are all cast in a mold at the same time"

    I understand that response to be basically how GW will sell sprues.

    If not selling individual bitz, would you be able to sell the casting family or sprue?

    $350 is a bit out of my range, but I am interested in specific parts.

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  15. Any update on the release date. Very tempted to treat myself to one!

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  16. WOW! That thing is Awesome! When are we going to see more about the rules???

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  17. Is that a Decepticon or an Autobot? Can it turn into a yellow '72 Plymouth Duster? I think Optimus Prime could still whip it's butt in arm-wrestling! Really- pretty awesome! I would love to get my hands on this guy for a stop-motion animated version of Gaga's "Poker Face" I'm trying to produce.

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  18. I love the design... right up until my eye meets the skull-head. I just think it detracts from what is overall a very well-done model. Any chance there'll be alternate heads?

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