AWESOME Custom Minis

[Nato]

OK, everyone run over to this guys site to look at his custom suPEhero miniatures. He does an excellent jub of converting HeroClix figures into complete custom characters. He chops and combines, resculpts, repaints these things into pure works of superhero art.

The link to his site...
http://www.quindia.com/archetype.html

But best of all, he has posted a tutorial for his technique on the M&M boards so that we can all give it a try.

http://www.greenronin.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=2045

It's very cool. I'm going to give it a try soon as I have an excess of HeroClix doubles sitting around. May try to make a Grong mini by combining two Hulk clix. Wish me luck.

[Blue]

Thanks, that was very informative.

I bought "green stuff" after seeing articles about people sculpting their own miniatures. Turns out that despite some minimal artistic ability, I have absolutely NO talent for sculpting. So I've been using the green stuff in a similar capacity to this article, modifying miniatures I already had. I'm nowhere near as good as this guy though. Sheesh!

[allen]

Originally posted by Nato

http://www.greenronin.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=2045

It's very cool. I'm going to give it a try soon as I have an excess of HeroClix doubles sitting around. May try to make a Grong mini by combining two Hulk clix. Wish me luck.

I apologize in advance if I'm being presumptuous and you already know all this; and I was only able to look at the first two pages of the link above (took too long to load in my browser, or I'm not patient enough...) so he may have already stated these things, but anyway...

I'd recommend avoiding the GW blue-and-white stuff... it's mixed to have a long shelf-life, and alright for filling gaps. But if you're going to dive into sculpting, you should really get ahold of the green stuff. You can order it here...

http://www.fortressfigures.com/

Keep it in the freezer -- it'll stay good longer. Break off pieces as you need them. Before mixing, cut out the strip in the middle that separates the yellow from the blue -- it's gunk and does weird things to the green stuff.

When you use the green stuff, you'll find that it sticks to everything BUT what you want it to... Saliva will solve this problem, so frequent licking is in order. Lick your fingers, lick your sculpting tools. I know -- it sounds disgusting, but these are sacrifices you need to make (haha). (An aside: some sculptors use KY-Jelly.)

Concerning Grond...

I'm not real familar with the HeroClix line... but if you're using the Hulk displayed at the link you noted above, a couple of thoughts (I should also say I'm no expert on this...)

The hair is going to be hard to get rid off, without making his head all lumpy looking... Is there an Absorbing Man fig for HeroClix? If so, I'd get one and do a head swap. The horns are easy: drill holes in the head, glue in short bits of brass wire, and build-up the green stuff around it. I would use my fingers to be honest, and smooth with an Xcto knife

If you're basing it off the Zircher illo, the ears might be hard -- but it'd be important to keep in mind, that some of the ridges and such can be "faked" with good highlighting and shading, so no sense in banging your head against it if it's not perfect.

Come to think of it... is there an Abomination fig for HeroClix? That's the ticket right there -- he's already got the goofy fin ears and the horns are easy.

Getting those two arms on that Hulk fig might be rough... he's all crouched over and the torso might not be long enough. Honestly, I'd try to find a mini with his arms over his head, and if possible an over-long torso. Whatever you do, if it's for playing with, be sure to pin the arms to the torso. The resin/plastic WizKids uses is alot lighter than lead, but I'd still pin just to be on the safe side.

[Nato]

Good ideas!

I was thinking of cutting the head off of one Hulk, and sanding down his shirt. Then flattening down his shoulder some. Then I was going to cut another hulk, whole upper torso, and fixing that to the other chop job. Then filling and sculpting with the green stuff. Will look around for a suitable head though.
Thanks for tips on the horns!

[Starcorp Man]

I saw him on the M&M board before, and it made me want to do my own conversions on mini's. It's simple on one hand but complex on another if you want to achieve too much.

[allen]

Originally posted by Nato
I was thinking of cutting the head off of one Hulk, and sanding down his shirt. Then flattening down his shoulder some. Then I was going to cut another hulk, whole upper torso, and fixing that to the other chop job.

Hmmm... that's a good approach. You could also chop off the arms on one of the torsos -- cut straight across at the shoulders or elbows -- then reattach a little bit twisted (shame it's not lead -- you could just bend it then). That way it wouldn't look like two sets of arms, one atop the other, exactly the same.

[Nato]

Hey, that's a good idea. I'll definitely do that.

So is anyone else inspire to do some repaints or custom jobs based on the CU guys?

I'll probably do a dr. destroyer mini using the dr. doom mini first. Should be a fairly simpy job.

[nblade]

While the thought of using this process is interersting, I'm not really all that talented when it comes to minatures. (but at least I try) So I'll have to mull over if I should even try.

[Evil Steve]

I feel like a fool. I love converting minis, but I never thought of doing it to Heroclix.

One other bit of Green Stuff advice...Keep a container of screaming hot water and freezing cold water next to you. If you're trying to make your putty thin and pliant, drop it in the hot water. This will give it the consistancy of chewed bubblegum. Need to carve it or fix it in a shape, soak it in the cold water.

I gotta go...Hydra is about to be bought out by Viper :D

[Starcorp Man]

what's cool about Hero Clix is you can get weenies to convert for real cheap in comparison to converting normal mini's, and Hydra works wonders as Viper Agents. The only thing missing are JQ Norms.

The greenstuff or whatever you use, like magic sculpt tends to be a little pricey for what you get.

[nblade]

OK, I have one stupid question, about what scale are these HeroClix guys anyway?

[JohnOSpencer]

Originally posted by Nato
So is anyone else inspire to do some repaints or custom jobs based on the CU guys?


Yep, I have a Utility that just needs a little work, and a Foxbat almost done.

John Spencer

[JohnOSpencer]

Originally posted by nblade
OK, I have one stupid question, about what scale are these HeroClix guys anyway?

They are about 20mm. For comparison Superfigs are 25mm and Games Workshp minis are 28mm.

John Spencer

[allen]

Originally posted by JohnOSpencer
They are about 20mm. For comparison Superfigs are 25mm and Games Workshp minis are 28mm.

John Spencer

ummm... you mean HeroClix are 30mm right?

[Starcorp Man]

I think he does. They are about 28 to 30 mm in size, depending on the fig, with some being obviously larger.

[nblade]

Originally posted by Starcorp Man
I think he does. They are about 28 to 30 mm in size, depending on the fig, with some being obviously larger.

Interesting, It wierd how minis seem to be getting larger with time. I've seen a post on a forum about the 30mm scale of the SAS minis.

Ok Time for stupid question 2, what's the price range on the heroclix stuff?

[Starcorp Man]

Well boosters of 4 are 6.95, starters of 8 with rules and map (which works great for a battle map) 19.95 for the most part. PJC collectables has really good prices on singles and blow out large packs of commons for 20 to 30 bucks.

As for mini size, yeah I think Warhammer kind of lead the way. I find the larger figures, like th enew Chainmail line, and Hero Clix's to be easier to use, paint, alter and more detailed.

[Chaosliege]

Originally posted by Starcorp Man
I think he does. They are about 28 to 30 mm in size, depending on the fig, with some being obviously larger. Yeah, like the new Sinestro figure. Have you seen that one yet?

[nblade]

thanks, I guess that would make them cheap enough to try to modify and repaint.

[Starcorp Man]

Here's some cardboard from Green Ronin, a 2.4 meg PDF
Cardboard Figs (http://www.greenronin.com/mutants_masterminds/files/mnm_counters.pdf)

Size, yeah Sinestro and the Sentinel, got two Sentinels to use as Minutemen Robots. They also have accessory packs of indoor/outdoor furniture, garbage cans, street lamps and maps with those.

[Starcorp Man]

For example, here is a 66 fig blow out for 30ish.

Hero Clix Blowout (http://pjccmall.com/cgi-bin/shop/index.cgi?PROD=BLOWOUT%20SALE229&SPD=)

[Bud Gray]

<<Come to think of it... is there an Abomination fig for HeroClix? That's the ticket right there -- he's already got the goofy fin ears and the horns are easy.>>

Actually, there is going to be an Abomination fig in the next expansion. You can see a pic on this site:

http://www.hcrealms.com/

[JohnTaber]

If you want Clix for modification look on eBay. You can get large collections of commons REALLY cheap. ;)

[Starcorp Man]

Originally posted by Bud Gray
<<Come to think of it... is there an Abomination fig for HeroClix? That's the ticket right there -- he's already got the goofy fin ears and the horns are easy.>>

Actually, there is going to be an Abomination fig in the next expansion. You can see a pic on this site:

http://www.hcrealms.com/

Nice, that works great for a Grond alteration.

[JohnOSpencer]

No, I mean the fig is about 20mm. I'm looking at spidey(an average sized hero) and he is smaller than Warzone and GW figs. And look to be smaller than Superfigs. They could be 25mm but are not 30mm.

John Spencer

[allen]

Originally posted by JohnOSpencer
No, I mean the fig is about 20mm. I'm looking at spidey(an average sized hero) and he is smaller than Warzone and GW figs. And look to be smaller than Superfigs. They could be 25mm but are not 30mm.

John Spencer

nah, no way... I don't know about Spidey, but I'm looking at a Hydra Agent, a Superfig named Scrounger, and GW wood elf from fairly recently... the Hydra agent is noticeably bigger -- using a ruler, from bottom of foot to top of head, he's 35 mil...

For a more accurate visual...

GW rank and file are an honest 28 mil (maybe creeping up to 30 mil but the difference is negligible).

Superfigs are about 28 mil.

What Reaper calls 25 mil (or at least used to) is more like GW's 28. I believe the recent slotta base, fantasy figs are advertised at 32mm. I haven't seen the SAS minis.

For true 25, dig out some Tom Meyer/Ral Partha figures from yesteryear. From what I've seen, few people outside of Historicals and some old school sculptors (ie Tom Meyer, Bob Charrette) use true 25 anymore... and come to think of it Foundry Historicals are 28mm I think.

[EDIT... silly me. GW LotR minis are true 25.]

[JohnOSpencer]

Yeah, I dug out the Hydra agents I don't use anymore and they are much bigger than spidey. They are probably 28-30mm.

John Spencer

[Rage]

Originally posted by Blue
Thanks, that was very informative.

I bought "green stuff" after seeing articles about people sculpting their own miniatures. Turns out that despite some minimal artistic ability, I have absolutely NO talent for sculpting. So I've been using the green stuff in a similar capacity to this article, modifying miniatures I already had. I'm nowhere near as good as this guy though. Sheesh!

Ahh green stuff.
Wear would my Mordiem gangs be without it?

[Blue]

I only purchased about a dozen hero clix and yet managed to get a surprising number of duplicates. So I'm altering all the dupes in strange and freaky ways. If I come up with one worth showing I'll post it here.

[Tom McCarthy]

http://clix.themakis.net/ shows some custom Clix by one of my players. A devoted fan of the genre, but not an award winning painter. Afew look better in RL, a few look better in pictures.

The currently available ones can be found at http://www.wizkidsgames.com/heroclix/marvel/ in the figure gallery, or at http://www.wizkidsgames.com/heroclix/dc/. Note that some figures are much more common than others, and that your favorites may be harder to find.

[MisterVimes]

Originally posted by nblade
Interesting, It wierd how minis seem to be getting larger with time. I've seen a post on a forum about the 30mm scale of the SAS minis.

Ok Time for stupid question 2, what's the price range on the heroclix stuff?

The secret to this is d20. If 30mm=6ft, then 1"=5ft. The d20 square scale.

[allen]

Originally posted by MisterVimes
The secret to this is d20. If 30mm=6ft, then 1"=5ft. The d20 square scale.

next thing you'll say is d20 is plot by Greys to take over the planet... haha...

umm... wait a second...

[Blue]

D20 is an illuminati plot. Grays get blamed for everything.

(Well, grays get blamed if you do the cover-up right.)

Okay, that wasn't worthy of a post. But it's Friday afternoon and the boards are slow, I've got an hour to kill before I can go home, and I need to boost my post total so I can stop being a "standard normal".

[MisterVimes]

I liked these so much that I ordered some.
I found them REALLY cheap at:
PJCC (http://pjccmall.com/shtml/heroclix_info.shtml)

[Nato]

Did they arrive yet? I'm curious. Did you order a bunch of rookies or veterans or something? When you get them, can you let us know what types of characters you got, how many doubles, etc...

Thanks!

[MisterVimes]

Originally posted by Nato
Did they arrive yet? I'm curious. Did you order a bunch of rookies or veterans or something? When you get them, can you let us know what types of characters you got, how many doubles, etc...

Thanks!

I just ordered them last night.
Here's what I ordered, most are rookies (rookies, vertern and experienced all lokk the same, they just have different STATS). I ordered the cheapest of each model. It's about 50-60 minis. Considering that the average metal mini is $2.00-$6.00, this is a steal. I found a guy selling 60 hew bases for $10.00 to complete my requirements. Now I just need two-part ribbon epoxy (should find it at a train or hobby place).

Product Name Qty Price
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DCHC1 #008 Checkmate Agent - experienced 2 $0.70
DCHC1 #010 Checkmate Medic - rookie 2 $0.44
DCHC1 #014 Intergang Agent - experienced 2 $0.58
DCHC1 #022 Criminal - rookie 1 $0.24
DCHC1 #025 Huntress - Rookie 1 $0.24
DCHC1 #028 Robin - rookie 1 $0.19
DCHC1 #031 Hawkman - rookie 1 $0.54
DCHC1 #037 Catwoman - rookie 1 $0.29
DCHC1 #049 T.O. Morrow - rookie 1 $0.19
DCHC1 #055 Blue Beetle - rookie 1 $0.29
DCHC1 #061 Nightwing - rookie 1 $0.89
DCHC1 #082 Clayface - rookie 1 $0.69
DCHC1 #085 Hawk - rookie 1 $0.77
DCHC1 #088 Dove - rookie 1 $0.69
DCHC1 #091 Bane - rookie 1 $0.59
DCHC1 #118 Brainiac 13 - rookie 1 $0.49
MHC2 #002 Shield Trooper - blue 2 $0.68
MHC2 #007 Mandroid Armor - yellow 6 $1.14
MHC2 #017 Skrull Commando - blue 4 $0.76
MHC2 #022 Black Cat - yellow 1 $0.19
MHC2 #028 Doombot - yellow 1 $0.49
MHC2 #031 Avalanche - yellow 2 $0.30
MHC2 #034 Blob - yellow 1 $0.15
MHC2 #040 Elektra - yellow 1 $0.39
MHC2 #049 Human Torch - yellow 1 $0.59
MHC2 #052 Hawkeye - yellow 1 $0.29
MHC2 #055 Black Widow - yellow 1 $0.29
MHC2 #064 Sandman - yellow 1 $0.49
MHC2 #079 White Queen - yellow 1 $0.99
MHC1 #007 Hydra Operative - rookie 1 $0.59
MHC1 #016 Henchman - rookie 1 $0.36
MHC1 #022 Skrull Warrior - rookie 1 $0.29
MHC1 #019 Skrull Agent - rookie 1 $0.29
MHC1 #043 Kingpin - rookie 1 $0.34
MHC1 #047 Vulture - experienced 1 $0.49
MHC1 #055 Sabretooth - rookie 1 $0.24
MHC1 #058 Hulk - rookie 1 $0.69
MHC1 #070 Spider-Man - rookie 1 $1.49
MHC1 #088 Blizzard - rookie 1 $0.49
MHC1 #103 Scarlet Witch - rookie 1 $0.79
MHC1 #127 Magneto - rookie 1 $1.29
MHC1 #130 Kang - rookie 1 $0.49
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal: $22.41

[Nato]

Oh cool. Yeah, I just saw that they list the included characters under the big pic. I thought those were "similar" items. Yes, it's a damn good deal.

I'll be interested in seeing what you do with them.

Out of curiosity, why are you getting different bases? Just wanting to strip them of all HeroClix semblance for a complete custom look?

[MisterVimes]

Originally posted by Nato
Oh cool. Yeah, I just saw that they list the included characters under the big pic. I thought those were "similar" items. Yes, it's a damn good deal.

I'll be interested in seeing what you do with them.

Out of curiosity, why are you getting different bases? Just wanting to strip them of all HeroClix semblance for a complete custom look?

The heroclix bases seem a bit bulky and I was indeed looking for a complete custom look. I wanted the Hex Bases so when it comes down to issues of turning and facing that I have hex bases on a hex map.

It all depends on how effective I am at removing the figures from the heroclix bases. I have saws, files and blades that should make the process easier, but if not, they'll just have to stay of the original bases. Now all I need is some two part ribbon epoxy for customizing and filling the slots in the bases.

[SuperBlue]

Has anybody used Homies? I'm going to get some to use for bystanders, but I supposer parts of them could be used for other stuff.

Also, Anyone going to build a mechanon figure? Cuz I was thinking about doing one, but don't really know where to start.

[MisterVimes]

Originally posted by SuperBlue
Has anybody used Homies? I'm going to get some to use for bystanders, but I supposer parts of them could be used for other stuff.

Also, Anyone going to build a mechanon figure? Cuz I was thinking about doing one, but don't really know where to start.

Haven't seen them. Where can we see some?

Just as an update, my bases and Heroclix should ship today. I just need to locate a new source (that doesn't charge $6.00 SHIPPING!) for Kneadatite, two part putty and then I'll get you guys some photos of the work in progress.

[Nato]

Originally posted by SuperBlue
Also, Anyone going to build a mechanon figure? Cuz I was thinking about doing one, but don't really know where to start.

You could try the HeroClix Ultron figure and do a relatively simple conversion.

[MisterVimes]

Originally posted by Nato
You could try the HeroClix Ultron figure and do a relatively simple conversion.

That's my plan. A little filing and some creative use of green-stuff and all he'd need is a paint job.

[Tetsuyama]

Any ideas on whether HeroClix will work with 25mm bases and hex mats? Does anyone have any experience with 25mm vs. 30mm with these?

[MisterVimes]

Originally posted by Tetsuyama
Any ideas on whether HeroClix will work with 25mm bases and hex mats? Does anyone have any experience with 25mm vs. 30mm with these?

They appear to be 28mm. I haven't measured the bases, that's why I am converting them to 25mm hex bases. I'll give you definitive measurements in 3-5 days.

[Prometheus]

Originally posted by Tetsuyama
Any ideas on whether HeroClix will work with 25mm bases and hex mats? Does anyone have any experience with 25mm vs. 30mm with these?

I've converted a couple of Heroclix for use with Champions and most figures will fit onto a standard 25mm base. I use round unslotted bases from Games Workshop, but I'm sure that hexagonal bases will work just as well. The based figures fill an entire 25mm hex, so you need to take that into account if you run alot of massed, in-close combats or often have multiple characters in a hex.

[Tom McCarthy]

No Mechanons, but I have requested Foxbat be created from a caped crusader.

My players much prefer facing Foxbat to Mechanon.

[SuperBlue]

Originally posted by MisterVimes
Haven't seen them. Where can we see some?

Okay, check out www.homies.tv (to skip the Flash Intro, goto www.homies.tv/home.htm )

Anyway, the homies make good figures for citizens, but some (like the clowns) can be scrapped for peices (was thinking of doing a psycho clown villian or something... no? oh alright :'(

[SuperBlue]

Originally posted by Nato
You could try the HeroClix Ultron figure and do a relatively simple conversion.

Thanks for the tip, though Ultron looks like he'd make a better Powered Armor Conversion like Defender. Might use the Mandroid Armor instead.... (heck! it's my campaign! I can make Mechanon look like anything I want! He could be a big purple bunny for all I care... on second thought, I'll just stick with the mandroid armor :Shudders: )


Originally posted by Tom McCarthy
My players much prefer facing Foxbat to Mechanon.

Maybe cuz Mechon could mop the floor with Foxbat and his entire team? That would be kinda funny though...

Foxbat: "Alright metal-man! I'm going to lay down a beatin'"

Mechanon: "Foolish Lifeform. I will terminate all who stand in my way" :Vaporizes a School Bus of Nuns and Orphans:

Foxbat: "Jesus Christ! What kind of sicko melts a bus of Nuns and Orphans!?"

Mechanon: "Ha... Ha... Ha..." :Fires a beam at Team Foxbat, but it fizzles out: "Damn, insufficient energy."

Foxbat: "Should've used energygizer... CHARGE!!!"

:Mechanon still mops the floor with Team Foxbat:

[MisterVimes]

Originally posted by SuperBlue
Okay, check out www.homies.tv (to skip the Flash Intro, goto www.homies.tv/home.htm )

Anyway, the homies make good figures for citizens, but some (like the clowns) can be scrapped for peices (was thinking of doing a psycho clown villian or something... no? oh alright :'(

They look great, what scale are they?

[SuperBlue]

Originally posted by MisterVimes
They look great, what scale are they?

They're not really to scale, they're just a collectable thing. They're a bit bigger than heroclix (not much).

[MisterVimes]

Originally posted by SuperBlue
They're not really to scale, they're just a collectable thing. They're a bit bigger than heroclix (not much).

While I was shopping for Kneadatite this morning I found some nice pedestrian/thug/cop figures that came in bulk. I'll probably get some next week and let you guys know the source (I forgot to write it down)

[Starcorp Man]

Originally posted by MisterVimes
While I was shopping for Kneadatite this morning I found some nice pedestrian/thug/cop figures that came in bulk. I'll probably get some next week and let you guys know the source (I forgot to write it down)

Thanks.