What if

Picture Post => Current and Finished Projects => Sci-fi => Topic started by: kerick on May 06, 2022, 03:24:49 PM

Title: Ian McQue style diorama
Post by: kerick on May 06, 2022, 03:24:49 PM
I'm starting a new thread for the Ian McQue project I've been working on for a while now. It seems its been so long without an update folks have forgotten what it was all about. So I'm collecting previously posted stuff in one place to make it a bit more organized.

I started with a tower made from a tank from a 1/24th scale truck trailer and some CD discs. Then I built a construction style monster generator set from a shelter from a 1/35th scale US Army truck.

Here's the pics I promised.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51643893890_fa5f774bdf_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mFAspC)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51643040651_bef5e0d5c6_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mFw5LB)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51643258433_6e16e466bc_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mFxcvt)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51643040726_6a8118a7e1_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mFw5MU)
Title: Re: Ian McQue style diorama
Post by: kerick on May 06, 2022, 03:26:05 PM
A little progress.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51677274901_649a16cc63_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mJxxqi)

Here's the generator, the tower and the base of the jib crane on top. The tower is made from the tank from a 1/24th scale tanker truck trailer I've had laying around for 40 years or so. The platforms are CD discs.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51677274866_88d88b4d31_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mJxxpG)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51677274836_94df738cef_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mJxxpb)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51676468552_650e35b123_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mJtpHJ)

The top platform I rebuilt using sheet plastic and Evergreen I beams. The device on top is a polystyrene shot glass sanded to sit at an angle so that one side is vertical and will get a door added to it soon. Waiting for a package from Hobbylinc with open web truss beams to make the jibs from. The package from Micro Mark is waiting at the post office if I can get the rest of the family out of the house I can pick that up. Waiting for the sun to come out so I can UV cast some extra parts.
Title: Re: Ian McQue style diorama
Post by: kerick on May 06, 2022, 03:26:38 PM
Construction crane is nearly done. Added doors to two levels of the tower.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51728576720_f05ec15c27_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mP5tEq)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51726884237_0f158a4092_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mNVNxF)

Paint soon and then rust and dirt!

I made a Grumpy's Gas and Grease sign by bringing in the image into power point, sizing it down, copying it several times on one page and printing it out on paper. I cut out one image and used Tamiya glue and glued it to the thinnest plastic I had. I then glued another to the opposite side and trimmed it down. Surprisingly the glue didn't change the colors at all. So once I paint the boom I can add the sign.
Working on the tower now adding lots of details and greeblies. I bought a can of iron oxide primer for a base then I'll try the salt method to have primer showing through the topcoat. Going to try adding conduit made from old sprues that have quarter round corners. That and different size sprues from different kits should give variety. I was thinking of painting them yellow for fuel, red for electrical and orange for communications to add some color just like the utility color codes. Might happen yet.
Title: Re: Ian McQue style diorama
Post by: kerick on May 06, 2022, 03:28:20 PM
Built a forklift type device for the construction crane for lifting pallets. Pretty sure I've seen similar devices at construction sites but it's been awhile. I need to take and load some pics. Weather is supposed to be warm tomorrow and Wednesday so maybe some painting.

Here's the pics as promised.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51755097807_5c005e2bb3_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mRqpsx)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51756796280_41763d4ca0_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mRz7my)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51756571944_da9578ab2f_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mRxXEG)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51755924626_1281a5a4d1_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mRuDf3)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51755924611_f3ae665616_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mRuDeM)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51756571919_b800caa30f_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mRxXEg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51756571909_a750903bda_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mRxXE6)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51756796215_ca27c93a2c_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mRz7kr)

I painted the trolley and forklift with Testors yellow chromate primer. I don't know if its a good chromate color but it gives a nice "used" shade of yellow. I added several conduits made from sprue using the curved corners of the set without ordering bunches of curved Plastruct elbows.
Title: Re: Ian McQue style diorama
Post by: kerick on May 06, 2022, 03:35:02 PM
My daughter suggested I use a figure she gave me for Christmas last year on this current project. Its the Hasbro Star Wars Mission Fleet figure of the Mandalorian and The Child. Not sure of the scale but bigger than 1/35th. The pilot figure is 1/48th.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51767966993_4af5d8750a_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mSyn24)

I may have to reevaluate the scope and scale of this build!!!
The figures are pretty good but the speeder bike looks like something made from Legos.
Title: Re: Ian McQue style diorama
Post by: kerick on May 06, 2022, 03:38:40 PM
Well, back in December I promised paint and rust. Finally it happened! Krylon white, Testors red and Micro Mark Rust and Dust. Not too shabby. Especially since I bought the Rust and Dust years ago and it was still fine. I found that putting on a second coat the first coat would sort of brake loose and form a more patchy rust look. It worked well over the white and yellow while dulling down the red. Tell me what you think.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52048959086_ab7838218e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2niowbj)

I hope this all makes better sense now. All future updates will go here. The complete sequence is under my Strange Observations thread.
Also thanks for all the kind and constructive comments I couldn't figure out how to move.
Title: Re: Ian McQue style diorama
Post by: Old Wombat on May 07, 2022, 02:47:21 AM
Quote from: kerick on May 06, 2022, 03:24:49 PM
I'm starting a new thread for the Ian McQue project I've been working on for a while now. It seems its been so long without an update folks have forgotten what it was all about.

That'd be me. :banghead:

Thanks! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Ian McQue style diorama
Post by: NARSES2 on May 07, 2022, 05:50:13 AM
Some terrific scratch building going on  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Ian McQue style diorama
Post by: Madhatter on May 10, 2022, 04:46:17 AM
Ive always said that I admire those who can scratch build, and this is looking super cool.  What flying rig will you be using?
Title: Re: Ian McQue style diorama
Post by: kerick on May 10, 2022, 09:45:04 AM
For the crane I have the yellow trolley and a pulley set up with a hook. I'll have two "boats" docked at the decks for cargo unloading and repairs. You can look up Ian McQue to see what I mean. It's worth looking at his stuff. He's really good.
Title: Re: Ian McQue style diorama
Post by: Wardukw on June 18, 2022, 09:32:16 PM
Ok ive never this thread before and i am glad i now have..lovely chunk of scratch building matey  ;D and since i didnt know about this at all i didnt forget anything  :lol:
Title: Re: Ian McQue style diorama
Post by: kerick on June 18, 2022, 10:50:45 PM
It's kind of on the back burner for a little while as I have a couple others to finish. My club has a show on 15 Oct so I would like to get something done by then.
Title: Re: Ian McQue style diorama
Post by: kerick on January 09, 2023, 10:32:46 AM
Wow! It's been quite a while since I updated this! I'll have to take more pics as I've added a number of features to this project. The latest one is a 1/48th shipping container. Different O gauge railroad companies had them and they were either low on detail or $20 for one! So I checked the materials stash and discovered I had all the stuff to make one. So a few hours later I had this.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52617939490_91890ecf7d_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oaEGeh)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52616992537_26490ac83a_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oazQJv)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52617992158_b63dbd4f41_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oaEXTm)

It's made from Plastruct and Evergreen sheets and shapes with a couple of dark colored tank parts, a door frame from from Tichy Train Group, clear and very thin PS from a food container and some etched brass someone gave me. First time I've used etched brass and I figured this was a great place to try it. Not too bad other than the lack of being able to adjust the position of the part because of the CA glue grabbing so fast. I've since painted it grey and will be weathering it with lots of rust. I'll take a few more pics of the whole set up and post soon.
Title: Re: Ian McQue style diorama
Post by: Old Wombat on January 10, 2023, 01:28:53 AM
Nice! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Ian McQue style diorama
Post by: zenrat on January 10, 2023, 01:54:34 AM
Yes, I too discovered the price of 1/48 (or equivalent/close train scale) shipping containers is way too high.
Good work making your own.
Title: Re: Ian McQue style diorama
Post by: kerick on January 15, 2023, 09:31:28 PM
Here's a couple of pics I promised. First up is the container I put a couple of decals on and some rust.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52630393635_ef0fe958a9_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2obLwpV)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52629437212_b6aef03f90_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2obFC6S)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52630202274_16b8d2c3bb_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2obKxwA)

Then a little update on the tower. I added railings and an enclosed ladder among other bits and pieces.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52630392715_eacfeecf60_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2obLw94)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52630202059_e5cfc3bff6_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2obKxsT)

Best part about this project is, the more imperfect it is, the better! The rust and abuse of the container isn't done yet.....
Title: Re: Ian McQue style diorama
Post by: Old Wombat on January 16, 2023, 06:09:26 AM
Coming along nicely! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Ian McQue style diorama
Post by: NARSES2 on January 16, 2023, 06:27:37 AM
Quote from: Old Wombat on January 16, 2023, 06:09:26 AMComing along nicely! :thumbsup:

Indeed  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Ian McQue style diorama
Post by: kerick on January 16, 2023, 06:58:57 AM
Quote from: NARSES2 on January 16, 2023, 06:27:37 AM
Quote from: Old Wombat on January 16, 2023, 06:09:26 AMComing along nicely! :thumbsup:

Indeed  :thumbsup:

Thanks!
Title: Re: Ian McQue style diorama
Post by: su27rules on January 16, 2023, 09:04:55 AM
 :thumbsup:  :mellow:
Title: Re: Ian McQue style diorama
Post by: Rick Lowe on January 20, 2023, 07:57:50 PM
 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Ian McQue style diorama
Post by: Wardukw on January 22, 2023, 11:27:46 PM
Yeah looking very cool mate  ;D
Title: Re: Ian McQue style diorama
Post by: kerick on May 30, 2024, 09:07:01 PM
Well its been quite a long time since I posted anything here! I got the urge to get out the junk parts boxes and try to build some bots/droids. Not something I've seen in a lot of Ian McQue's art but if he did this is what they might look like.
This is the first one with the main body made from some sort of breech block for perhaps a tank gun.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53759269675_888ac0c9f0_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2pUwiVV)

Here's the boys gathered around the table. I hope one of them is programmed to serve drinks!

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53757949092_8a43c7fef0_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2pUpxnf)

The one on the right is a bit of a throw back to Lost In Space. The one on the left is made from a missile parts and OV-10 Bronco main gear I've been saving for decades. At least I finally found a use for them!

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53759187864_013c8a3f56_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2pUvTBo)

I felt he needed a tail wheel even after I shaved a flat spot on the wheels that actually balanced. Once I added the arms he fell forward so I added a lead weight to the back of the inside. Sits well now.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53759268525_46378dfb3a_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2pUwiA6)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53759267060_28a84f2738_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2pUwi9Q)

This guy might end up a busy looking windmill yet, I don't know.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53758851336_471c017e7e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2pUuazb)

Dueling droids?

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53758849421_4bd323d4d9_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2pUua1a)

Tool box

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53758848341_692770d9c4_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2pUu9Fx)

And I added some camera eyes. Some might say like WALL-E but, hey, why not? The eye holding bracket and the arms are from some 1/48th scale landing gear molded in black from I don't know what.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53759054508_a16dac3654_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2pUvcY9)

So this is what I've been fooling around with between planting a garden, watering plants, running to doctors and cleaning the air conditioning condenser from all the grass clippings from the last three years. And it's been fun, so that's good!
Title: Re: Ian McQue style diorama
Post by: Rick Lowe on May 30, 2024, 10:39:25 PM
Cool!

Always nice to see Creative Gizmology put into practice.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Ian McQue style diorama
Post by: Weaver on May 31, 2024, 01:50:54 AM
Oh yeah, those are great! Freeform kitbashing is always fun. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Ian McQue style diorama
Post by: Rheged on May 31, 2024, 02:14:26 AM
Most impressive.  The force is strong in your imagination!
Title: Re: Ian McQue style diorama
Post by: PR19_Kit on May 31, 2024, 05:40:48 AM
I can almost hear the soundtrack..............  ;D
Title: Re: Ian McQue style diorama
Post by: su27rules on May 31, 2024, 08:09:04 AM
Very nice!!  Cool droids. :thumbsup:  :mellow:
Title: Re: Ian McQue style diorama
Post by: kerick on May 31, 2024, 09:34:41 AM
Thanks everyone!
Creative Gizmology and Freeform Kitbashing, I like these terms.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Ian McQue style diorama
Post by: frank2056 on May 31, 2024, 10:41:51 AM
Cool bots! Maybe it's the claws/hands but they remind me of the ones from MasterBox:

(https://www.scalemates.com/products/img/5/7/3/1118573-16432-33-pristine.png)

(https://www.scalemates.com/products/img/5/7/8/1118578-16432-61-pristine.png)
Title: Re: Ian McQue style diorama
Post by: Mossie on June 01, 2024, 12:46:49 AM
Glad you're still going with this, it'll be worth it in the end! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Ian McQue style diorama
Post by: NARSES2 on June 01, 2024, 01:00:45 AM
Quote from: kerick on May 31, 2024, 09:34:41 AMCreative Gizmology and Freeform Kitbashing, I like these terms.  :thumbsup:

As do I  ;D

I really do admire the imagination  :bow:
Title: Re: Ian McQue style diorama
Post by: rickshaw on June 01, 2024, 01:03:17 AM
*BUZZ*Click+Clunk*BEEP*BEEP*BLEEP*   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Ian McQue style diorama
Post by: kerick on June 01, 2024, 07:14:12 AM
Thanks again everyone!
Title: Re: Ian McQue style diorama
Post by: Rick Lowe on June 02, 2024, 08:31:42 PM
Quote from: kerick on May 31, 2024, 09:34:41 AMCreative Gizmology

Created by Shep Paine, back in the - what, 60s or 70s?
Title: Re: Ian McQue style diorama
Post by: kerick on June 17, 2024, 09:54:49 PM
The Astromech Mk1 has another coat of white paint and the eyes on the WALL-E predecessor have been flipped around and the whole thing painted silver. I bought the Valeho weathering paint set to start trying to paint the tower. It needs a base coat of some industrial color then lots of different shades of dirt and rust. Enough to look well used but not a total junk pile. It will eventually be on a base with that generator and the shipping container. I want some sort of believable transport vehicle too. Lots to work on.
Title: Re: Ian McQue style diorama
Post by: kerick on July 31, 2024, 01:00:28 AM
I took a mental break from the junkyard dog tonight and worked on an ancillary build for my Ian McQue project. I took down an old build off the shelf a few months ago of an old Roco minitank (I think) of the West German assault gun from the 70s Kanonenjadgpanzer that I converted to the HOT antitank missile version. It was 1/72nd scale or there abouts and I ripped off the front and have been building a 1/48th "cockpit" for it to become a tracked tug for pulling cargo around. I found the floor and one side of I think a spitfire cockpit, the seat from some other thing, made the back wall from the cockpit floor of some three seater and other parts of sheet plastic. Now I have to rebuild the areas over the tracks and add details. I'll probably paint it yellow or orange or something construction like. I found a pilot figure to fit without too much chopping but I'll have to make him look less military. Pulled out a couple of other sitting pilot figures that could be demilitarized. Checking the status of truck wheels to build a wagon out of. I've got four of what look like deuce and a half wheel from possibly a 1/48th kit. I've all day tomorrow to search through the junk boxes.
Title: Re: Ian McQue style diorama
Post by: NARSES2 on July 31, 2024, 06:05:42 AM
Sounds fascinating  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Ian McQue style diorama
Post by: kerick on August 01, 2024, 08:05:01 PM
Here's some pics to illustrate what I'm talking about. This is square one.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53896423786_05f169b5a6_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2q7Dg4Y)

Some driver compartment accommodations.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53896426091_666acbee58_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2q7DgKH)

At the moment this is the situation. Ready to paint, probably red with some different color replacement parts. Needs headlight and a hitch still. Seat is removed for the painting as it was already painted.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53896424911_08804d3164_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2q7Dgpn)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53895505627_da8ea0f9fc_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2q7yy8D)

A rumble seat for a passenger to look after the cargo wagon. He better keep his head down when driving under low hanging structures!

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53896764594_3980b230df_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2q7F1nY)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53896668653_c432ecd46d_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2q7EvRP)

I might do a hitch for a farm tractor with a transverse bar with multiple holes. This already has a lot of tank parts so time for something a little different.
Title: Re: Ian McQue style diorama
Post by: Rick Lowe on August 01, 2024, 10:47:37 PM
 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Ian McQue style diorama
Post by: zenrat on August 02, 2024, 03:42:58 AM
 :thumbsup:

Don't forget cup holders and a CB radio.
Title: Re: Ian McQue style diorama
Post by: su27rules on August 02, 2024, 07:43:58 AM
 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Ian McQue style diorama
Post by: kerick on August 03, 2024, 12:50:49 PM
I painted the tug buggy good old Testors red. No paint weirdness even over the 25 year old original stuff. Touch ups are required but no biggy.
Title: Re: Ian McQue style diorama
Post by: buzzbomb on August 03, 2024, 05:10:08 PM
I find that super cool.  love it
Title: Re: Ian McQue style diorama
Post by: Old Wombat on August 03, 2024, 07:44:30 PM
It has a 1960's/early-1970's Sci-Fi TV show look to it. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Ian McQue style diorama
Post by: kerick on August 03, 2024, 08:08:02 PM
Thanks everyone!
Title: Re: Ian McQue style diorama
Post by: kerick on August 04, 2024, 09:43:00 AM
Still working on some cup holders but things are progressing.  Here's some pics of the little red wagon.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53901864759_97d132756e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2q889tR)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53901511131_a225ec8622_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2q86kmP)

Commander Cody takes control of the situation!

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53901948600_36782e815e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2q88zpo)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53901510706_e2fed2a65e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2q86keu)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53901864239_d40bca1f7f_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2q889jT)

Some more paint details then its onto the shelf to await more diorama progress. BTW, the arm is from a 1/48th scale pilot figure but a little more of a hefty body. Makes the silver guy look skinny.
Title: Re: Ian McQue style diorama
Post by: zenrat on August 05, 2024, 05:33:49 AM
Wow that is RED

 :wub:  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Ian McQue style diorama
Post by: NARSES2 on August 05, 2024, 05:53:26 AM
Quote from: zenrat on August 05, 2024, 05:33:49 AMWow that is RED

 :wub:  :thumbsup:

Yea, looks good as well  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Ian McQue style diorama
Post by: kerick on August 12, 2024, 11:06:47 AM
The finished product until I think of other things to add to it. Just a couple of touch ups.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53917625400_c9dea4494c_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2q9vVz3)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53917625360_9004e6449d_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2q9vVym)

I did buy a weathering set. This might be a good learning project.
Title: Re: Ian McQue style diorama
Post by: Rick Lowe on August 12, 2024, 12:22:48 PM
 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Ian McQue style diorama
Post by: kerick on August 12, 2024, 09:47:06 PM
I'll have to deal with Commander Cody after I get a few other things done first.