From scratch
January 14, 2013I’ve never been much of a scratch builder. While I’ve often stuck together pieces of different models and assorted rubbish, I haven’t really viewed it as something I’m very good at. Nevertheless, when I found myself needing a shuttle for my Predators and my old computer mouse decided to break down…
Click for a larger version
Click for a larger version
The ship is a combination of the old mouse, a bunch of leftover Robogear bits and a few decoration beads. I thought the basic shape of the mouse was very similar to that of a Predator’s mask. I didn’t follow any particular logic, but simply went on a greebling rampage. I tried to keep the ship as sleek as possible.
I then gave it a quick paintjob with black spray and several layers of drybrushing, sticking to the same palette as with my Predators’ gear.
Click for a larger version
Click for a larger version
Click for a larger version
Really pleased with how this turned out, and will definitely try my hand at this again! The players were pretty dumbstruck when I plonked this onto the table, too. I hope that’s why they were laughing…
Comments welcome as always!
Dawn of the Lead 
Best use of a dead mouse ever ;p
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Thanks 😀
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like it same as I liked the yellow and black ones by matakishi (would lightnen it up more though.
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Great work Mikko, I love it. Like WayneN I think that it could maybe do with a focal point or two, lights or alien numbering or something, but its fantastic as is either.
Im looking forward to seeing a photo of the ship nestled somewhere in your jungle terrain, maybe near those old statue ruins.
I have had a box of six or so dead mice for a few years after looking at the Matakishi Rezolution vehicle and deciding that I wanted some of that. I will have to reassign duties to one or two after seeing this.
Cool stuff.
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Thanks for the comments, Wayne & Paul! Agree that it might need something extra to serve as a focal point. Maybe I should paint on (or transfer) some of the Predator digital display markings (as shown here: http://patrickkeane.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/predator_wrist_ui.jpg)? By the way, looking at that photo makes me feel like I really nailed the colours!
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You clearly have a gift for greebling. Well done!
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Thanks Paul! Now that I’ve found greebling, I notice that I want to greeble everything.
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Great! Love it. I’ve been looking for a predator shuttle for years, and this idea is really good. I will definitely be copying it!
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Thanks for the comment, glad you liked it! If you get it done, I’d love to see pictures!
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A nice bit of scratch building, but I agree with sho3box. You need a little bit of detail of some kind to make it great. Maybe something as simple as drybrushing the edges between panels? That way the overall slickness of the vehicle will not be disturbed.
Just remember, free advice is worth what you pay for it.
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Thanks for the comment Nick! As you’re now the third person to suggest it, maybe I do need to add something extra…
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That is a brilliant idea for a knackered mouse. Well done.
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Thanks Jeff!
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