Props Halo Reach Needler Build

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Yeah, this goes back to a conversation Redshirt and I were having in my BR85 build thread. I look at the 3D prints and subconsciously feel like it's "cheating" because they're "perfect", while consciously I know it takes a huge amount of time and effort and trial and error to get prints of that quality from an initial set of models.

It's a stunning piece, for sure. That's the level I'm aiming at with mine, though I don't know if I'll be able to accomplish it. Good to know I'm not the only one planning on wet sanding to 2000 grit though!
 
That is AMAZING. I love the bronze instead of the purple it really helps it stand out from the game. I wish I had a 3D printer personally...and a good 3D model like you had.

Well the halo reach needler is a brass fade to bronzed. So i used metallic paints so in the light its more of a brass colour and when its dark it turns to a bronze. The pics out side were bad because it was cloudy and about to rain
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Now thats amazing. It looks just like in-game! Theres very few builds that actually achieve the material definition, amazing job!

I hope to achieve the same level of detail some day, this is definitely a big inspiration!

About how much time do you think you have invested into this project?
Beautiful work on both your models Daniel! By that I mean your Blender through MakerBot work as well as a really outstanding job of executing the physical model. Your display base shows great thought and attention to detail as well. The whole thing really is an impressive piece of work.

Like Master Builder, I'd love to know how many hours it took. Following the thread from beginning to end, it would appear this build only lasted 6 months but I realize that only reflects the physical model. How long did the computer work span before you printed your first piece? I spent hundreds of hours doing a prop largely with hand tools taking most of that time getting the dimensions and finish details to the quality level I needed. It would be interesting to compare apples to apples on how much work a 3D printed (or CNC) prop takes versus a traditional build. I think people unfamiliar with the process would be surprised at the time taken before the printer is turned on.

Definitely has my nomination for Elite status--if we still had it!

Truly an outstanding prop!

Redshirt

The start of March i started learning how to use blender and all different 3D modeling software since i didnt know anything about them. I spent a solid of 3 days learning how to use blender and there was a lot to wrap my head around and about the 6/7 of march i started making the model learning as i go. From here the first few days i spent about 8hr modeling, once i had learnt my ways around i started doing the same amount of work but withing 3-4hrs. Hell, somedays i would forget to save as i go and completely have to remodel some of the pieces . At the start of June The main model was almost about finished, so i ordered my 3D printer and started learning how to thicken and slice the model for Printing so when the printer arrives i could start printing my model. 1 Day after getting my printer i had everything sliced up and started printing. I spent 3 Months fixated on getting my model finished and also learning the software. Now looking back on the model i could of done a better job smoothing it but i didn't know how at the time so i figured i could use the 3D print as a symmetrical skeleton and keep layering with bondo and digging back to the detail.

The elite section is very easily overlooked now, i liked were it was before the update were it had its own section. Now days its here were most people don't even look at it: http://www.405th.com/f19/need-inspiration-start-here-elite-halo-costumes-42333/

Yeah, this goes back to a conversation Redshirt and I were having in my BR85 build thread. I look at the 3D prints and subconsciously feel like it's "cheating" because they're "perfect", while consciously I know it takes a huge amount of time and effort and trial and error to get prints of that quality from an initial set of models.

It's a stunning piece, for sure. That's the level I'm aiming at with mine, though I don't know if I'll be able to accomplish it. Good to know I'm not the only one planning on wet sanding to 2000 grit though!

Yes, if your going to mold something try to make it as smooth as glass so the cast come out the same and take the time to fix all the errors otherwise you will have to fix every dent/bump with every cast.



Thanks for the feedback it was a great project and i hope that before im 20 i could do something even better ;)
 
So I never really explained how I did the base for the Needler.
My original idea was one of the Nobel team members gauntlet and hand as well as an elite hand holding the Needler on a black sleek base - then I realized that it was a bit too much since the sculpting of the hands and armor pieces would have taken longer. I thought it would be cool to make a little diorama style base since I loved converting Warhammer 40k models in my earlier years. I started designing a model in a 3D modelling program, so I could get a rough idea of what it would look like. I made the frame out of wood with a basic rundown where things were going to be placed. After fitting the inside with foam, I got a heat gun and melted the stream and landscape. Here comes the messy part - I then covered the whole top with Smooth-cast 320 so the foam would be protected from the paint and it would have a ridged base. With the pieces that are holding up the Needler, I embedded steel rods in them so they could take a heavy hit before they break. Next, I cleaned up the edges and added gravel using spray glue to hold it in place - then another test fit and painted it up. I also made measurements and molds of the main feature rocks so I can replicate the base. Once the gravel was painted I gave the sides a paint job and using water effects, I made a stream. Final part was the grass - I ended up making a tool so I could apply the static grass the way it should be applied. Glue (that dried clear) was painted into the areas where the grass needed to be. I will make a tutorial on how I used static grass and the water effects for the Needler base. I designed the plaque on the front -Justin Branfuhr used some awesome looking brushed metal (plastic) that was laser engraved and it looked perfect for what I wanted. The Jun helmet was 3D printed and cleaned up, molded/casted then hand painted. Overall, the base was fun to do as it reminded me of when I did Warhammer 40k, so I'm glad I picked up some tips from back then and applied them to this project. I'm really happy I did the base as it stands alone and my efforts make it worthy of holding the Needler.

28178705906_ae7188d49d_z.jpg11015736_814107088702782_4205780525829765782_n by daniel.bignoux, on Flickr
27931671000_5cbede4a2b_z.jpg11794582_814111978702293_4297579056708360814_o by daniel.bignoux, on Flickr
27931680790_f48a6748e6_z.jpg11754313_814111935368964_6362589742511031932_o by daniel.bignoux, on Flickr
28212195065_f8baeb5651_z.jpg11055354_814111128702378_518710364748656198_o by daniel.bignoux, on Flickr
27931672020_ff82a92ba1_z.jpg11780059_814111912035633_6016853493588742717_o by daniel.bignoux, on Flickr
27931679190_b41983e6e6_z.jpg11754549_814111915368966_5892897181422964590_o by daniel.bignoux, on Flickr
28178690946_0776a85f24_z.jpg11807447_814111952035629_6657570738490575572_o by daniel.bignoux, on Flickr
28212184415_6608845be0_z.jpg11754752_814112062035618_962475671490164944_o by daniel.bignoux, on Flickr
28108456132_e5570eb6c8_z.jpg11754752_814111942035630_8154654070598297662_o by daniel.bignoux, on Flickr
28134842981_ce2285b55e_z.jpg11802688_814112095368948_894383783228753077_o by daniel.bignoux, on Flickr
27597187803_09a3660ab1_z.jpg11794527_814112058702285_3912855258672253396_o by daniel.bignoux, on Flickr
27931683440_6bb04ccdca_z.jpg11412047_814112112035613_815588109226262985_o by daniel.bignoux, on Flickr
28178691936_6d927e8c23_z.jpg11807242_814112132035611_8032874613770814241_o by daniel.bignoux, on Flickr
27596723974_7ab148e837_z.jpg11705810_814113538702137_5378153460471830016_o by daniel.bignoux, on Flickr
27597190943_bc0594e80e_z.jpg11779996_814112155368942_6185537982289512531_o by daniel.bignoux, on Flickr
27596725084_b6cd11f4fe_z.jpg11411827_814112335368924_5605709157695004719_o by daniel.bignoux, on Flickr
27931686980_3558703706_z.jpg11222426_814112325368925_8782110909613959206_o by daniel.bignoux, on Flickr
27597200823_6e4f8cae6e_z.jpg11144954_814112365368921_4946232323886699712_o by daniel.bignoux, on Flickr
28134845291_cea415eb5e_z.jpg11780037_814112328702258_2106319871383209076_o by daniel.bignoux, on Flickr
27597195113_0c4837c1e1_z.jpg11754372_814112302035594_5020772670828424667_o by daniel.bignoux, on Flickr
 

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WOW! This is definitely a well-designed and thought out piece. I love the base especially here. All the fine details and such make it truly special. It's great to find another Warhammer fan here. I mostly read the books but am slowly making my way towards the miniatures. I'll definitely take inspiration from here to make a base for my Neca Needler. It's in definite need of a lovely pedestal/ stand to display it.
 
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