Loki Variant [WIP - Assembly of the Knight Models Marvel Universe Figurine]

 Of all the miniature figurine materials I have worked on so far, metal is by far my least favourite. My dislike for the material stems mainly from the imprecision of connecting metal parts. There is a certain leeway to be had when gluing two metal parts together that the vehicular-scale-modeler in me abhors. Personally I prefer two parts to come together in only one way sans any margin of flex. But I can see how someone who likes to customize their miniatures may delight in this pseudo-flexibility. Perhaps this will be made clearer when you read about my experience with metal Loki below.       

Knight Models Marvel Universe - Loki [work-in-progress: assembled]

 For this particular Knight Models metal figurine, the somewhat imprecise way two connecting parts came together required me to make use of additional materials/tools during the assembly process. These extra materials/tools include a 'baking soda-cyanoacrylate' mixture, a hobby drill, and modelling putty. All were needed to resolve issues resulting from my experience with this figurine.   

Individual metal and resin parts of the Loki figurine model kit

Baking soda plus super glue equals an extremely strong bond and heat!

Modelling Putty, specifically the Games Workshop Green Stuff

 In certain instances, there was a need for me to drill deeper holes into existing shallow ones, especially those found on Loki's helmet and staff pole. Doing so allowed the separate parts to not only fit better, but also gain better purchase with each other. Fortunately, the white metal was soft enough to yield to my mini hobby drill. End result were a better fit for Loki's horns and ponytail to his head as well as the staff's pole to its tri-bladed tip/head (see below). 

Loki's horns attaches to his helmet; the drill deepens the holes on his helmet for added purchase

To deepen the hole where the ponytail connects to the head (via the helmet) as well as ...

... the hole where the staff head/tip connects to the pole, the same mini-drill was used

 Because metal parts are relatively heavier than their resin or plastic equivalents, I wanted to create a bonding that was stronger than your average super glue. As such, I decided to use a 'baking soda-cyanoacrylate (super glue)' mixture when gluing metal parts together. Long story short, the bond strength resulting from this mixture is much stronger than just using super glue alone. WARNING: this mixture results in an exothermic reaction i.e. it releases heat which may damage your skin! So please be careful. This mixture was also used on a sprue propping up the base because I felt it needed the extra strength in order to support the base plus figurine.

A plastic sprue from a different model kit was used to prop up and stabilize the base ...

... with a 'super glue-baking soda' combo used to ensure a strong bond between plastic and resin

 Another issue arising from the imprecision was unsightly gaps that frequently formed between parts being joined together. To resolve this, I used modelling putty to fill in the gaps. Additionally, I had to sculpt the putty so that its texture resembled the parts around it. For example, the putty used to fill in the gaps between the lower and upper arm was sculpted to look like the 'glove-like wrappings' on the lower arm. Other than filling gaps, the modelling putty was also required to prevent Loki's left foot from resting on thin air. To this end, I sculpted an extension to Loki's stony throne so that his foot now rested on what I hope looks like just another natural outcrop. 

Gaps arising from an imprecise connection on upper/lower arms were filled up with modelling putty

Patterns resembling the bandage on the forearm was sculpted on the modelling putty ...

... in order to enable the modelling putty to blend in with the rest of the figurine's details

An extension to the stone base was also sculpted ...

... to prevent Loki's left foot from appearing to rest on thin air

 Despite the difficulties inherent in the Loki Variant's assembly process, I was delighted with the final results. While I don't have much experience working with putty aside from filling small gaps, the simple textures involved meant I could still pull off the required sculpting work without major ramifications. However, the real visual test will come after the priming process. Only after that will I know for sure if the sculpted texture blends in well with the rest of the figurine and its base. 

A larger image of Loki after assembly and some prep work

 So assembly of the Loki Variant is now done. As mentioned in the preceding paragraph, the priming process is next for this miniature figurine. That will be something to look forward to. Anything to take my mind off this awful pandemic the country is mired in. As always, stay safe and be well.

Passing the 500,000 milestone

 It took a while but after a decade of blogging, I finally passed half a million page views on my blog. Not an impressive number I grant you, especially when one takes into account the length of time that has passed before the milestone was reached. Yet it's a number I am grateful for. Why? Because in spite of all the views that may have landed accidentally, it still means a proportion of them, however small, comprise of readers who do want to follow my blog. For that alone I am grateful.  

 Sadly this milestone has occurred in the midst of other statistics of a much worse nature. Where I'm at, there are almost daily records for number infected, number of deaths, number of patients in the intensive care units, number of people dying in their homes, the list goes on in this never-ending pandemic. May you, dear reader, be safe in such trying times. And to all of you who have taken the time to read and comment on my blog throughout all these years ... thank you!