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Post by Blade-of-the-Moon on Jan 1, 2012 1:34:30 GMT
Finally got my Acro model up on her base ! This was a really troublesome piece but all worked out in the end. She is sculpted, built and painted by Galileo , then re-painted, re-built, by Martin , then I touched up a spot or two and added the base. The base is an emptying floodplain, covered in grey mud with standing water and a small stream running through it..bones and tracks are everywhere. " The big female Acro put her nose the ground sniffing the spoor left there. Mud caked her feet and nose tip. The small pack of Utahraptors had been in her territory for awhile and now she was finally closing in on them. It was difficult though, the flood plain was emptying and the muck, mud, and rotting debris everywhere was strong with the scent of decay. She had an excellent sense of smell but the wet ground was easily providing her sharp eyes with tracks to follow. The draining landscape was full of information. Here now, a small ornithomimd had stopped to peck over some flotsam, then the pack had scared it off as they continued on...water was just filling these tracks ! She was close now. She increased her pace and bellowed loudly , two pterosaurs flew in close on her heels...sensing an easy , fresh meal would soon be at hand. "          |
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Post by DeadToothCrackKnuckle on Jan 1, 2012 2:39:39 GMT
That's awesome Blade! And nice job Martin!
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Post by Blade-of-the-Moon on Jan 1, 2012 2:58:15 GMT
Lots of work, effort and tears here but it turned out great I think !
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Post by totoro on Jan 1, 2012 8:34:33 GMT
Incredible! It's stunning.
But...you rebuilt and repainted a model done by Galileo? Did you not like his build up? He seems to do amazing work, judging by the stuff on his website. Just curious.
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Post by Blade-of-the-Moon on Jan 1, 2012 10:10:42 GMT
It was pretty smashed upon arrival from Galileo..it was pretty nice from the pieces I could see..almost made me cry to be honest. After Martin rebuilt it, it required a repaint to look good again, Martin chose the color scheme and I'm pleased with it. He was very kind to repair and repaint for free even..he and Marilyn were just AWESOME !
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Post by Meso-Cenozoic on Jan 1, 2012 10:29:31 GMT
Oh wow, it was smashed when it first arrived?! OMG!  I probably would have done more than cry!  Wasn't she packed very well? Or just handled extremely poorly.  But, this guy looks amazing! I love the paint job. Curious though, what the old paint looked like. She looks pretty big too. What scale and size is she? So happy it all worked out in the end for you, Chris! That must have been heartbreaking!! |
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Post by totoro on Jan 1, 2012 16:37:51 GMT
It was pretty smashed upon arrival from Galileo..it was pretty nice from the pieces I could see..almost made me cry to be honest. After Martin rebuilt it, it required a repaint to look good again, Martin chose the color scheme and I'm pleased with it. He was very kind to repair and repaint for free even..he and Marilyn were just AWESOME ! Gulp...that's sobering news about your sculpture's condition from Galileo. I have a finished piece coming from him, so I guess I'd best brace myself for what it may look like when it gets to me, huh? You seem to have a special relationship with Martin, I envy you. He really seems to enjoy making these sculptures, and god knows he's a master at it. Perhaps there is hope that he may be willing to commission a piece for my collection when I am able to scrape up sufficient compensation...it'd be a privilege to own one of his pieces. I'd like to see him use more color a bit, but his build ups are without a doubt the best I've seen. And this Acro is just jaw-droppingly gorgeous (*praise going out to Galileo for the original sculpt too!*). In fact, it shows the extra bit of color I'd like to see in more of Martin's pieces. This is a true anchor piece for your collection, congratulations! And very nice work on the base too!! |
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Post by Blade-of-the-Moon on Jan 1, 2012 20:00:03 GMT
Oh wow, it was smashed when it first arrived?! OMG! I probably would have done more than cry! Wasn't she packed very well? Or just handled extremely poorly. But, this guy looks amazing! I love the paint job. Curious though, what the old paint looked like. She looks pretty big too. What scale and size is she? So happy it all worked out in the end for you, Chris! That must have been heartbreaking!! It was pretty bad, I couldn't have fixed it myself.  The box was very light cardboard and the packing wasn't very good to my way of thinking..it was large chunks of Styrofoam when it arrived it looked like someone had sat on it. I personally think it could have been packed better, but I'm not sure Galileo packed it himself and I told him of the problem so hopefully it's been corrected. He assured me he had shipped built pieces before with no worries..kits he packs really well. The little Yangchuano he sent he for taking so long took me 15 minutes to unwrap.  Here's a pic of the horror when it arrived :   Her original color was of Galileo's prototype piece here :  She is 1/15 scale and almost 2' long. It was brought to my attention it seems like I'm slandering Galileo, that's not my intention at all. I 'm just telling the truth and my thoughts. I mean nothing against Galileo and considered him a friend , heck I spent months deciding on this girl and really wanted a piece completely made by Galileo for my collection is all. |
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Post by Blade-of-the-Moon on Jan 1, 2012 20:19:24 GMT
It was pretty smashed upon arrival from Galileo..it was pretty nice from the pieces I could see..almost made me cry to be honest. After Martin rebuilt it, it required a repaint to look good again, Martin chose the color scheme and I'm pleased with it. He was very kind to repair and repaint for free even..he and Marilyn were just AWESOME ! Gulp...that's sobering news about your sculpture's condition from Galileo. I have a finished piece coming from him, so I guess I'd best brace myself for what it may look like when it gets to me, huh? You seem to have a special relationship with Martin, I envy you. He really seems to enjoy making these sculptures, and god knows he's a master at it. Perhaps there is hope that he may be willing to commission a piece for my collection when I am able to scrape up sufficient compensation...it'd be a privilege to own one of his pieces. I'd like to see him use more color a bit, but his build ups are without a doubt the best I've seen. And this Acro is just jaw-droppingly gorgeous (*praise going out to Galileo for the original sculpt too!*). In fact, it shows the extra bit of color I'd like to see in more of Martin's pieces. This is a true anchor piece for your collection, congratulations! And very nice work on the base too!! Not to pry but what did you order ? I think it depends on the model a lot, Martin agrees and said it was almost assured this piece was going to be damaged a little..even with Marilyn's very careful packing she lost another few small spines and a tooth, and the whole tail came loose but I was able to super glue it back on and do some tiny touch ups to repair it myself. From the models I've built support is key for larger pieces, a lot of kit builders insist on " pinning " even small kits. Pinning is where you drill holes in the solid resin and insert metal rods of diff sizes to hold it together and make it more durable. Well when the tail fell off I noticed it was hollow, there isn't really a way to pin it then..so that maybe a design flaw Galileo needs to work on. Martin is excellent and a great friend, you should easily be able to afford a piece from him just ask. He is willing to work with his customers a LOT to get them something . He and Marilyn are just stellar, and are def getting more business from me soon. You mentioned color, he does like color to a degree but wants to keep it realistic..did you see my Krentz Einiosaurus from him ? Lot of color there. Galileo is a great artist as well and this model shows just how much detail he is capable of, one of the biggest draws to a fellow artist's work for me. His paint work is good, his building..I think he needs better adhesives or building supplies. Again , not trying to down him, just being 100% honest based on my experience is all. Thanks, the base is hard to tell from the pics, it's all grey mud..lol I'll try to get more pics when I can take it out in broad daylight. |
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Post by dinonikes on Jan 1, 2012 21:23:11 GMT
For what its worth, after shipping out hundreds and hundreds of packages with finished models in them, and only hearing of three instances of damages, I can offer this advice- never use styrofoam or foam shipping peanuts. I use newspaper. I first put the model in a plastic bag, to prevent newsprint ruboff- Then I fill half the box with balled up newspaper, put the model in, then fit balled up newspapers around and over the model. I find that unlike foam peanuts, which can shift during handling, the newspapers will not allow any movement of the model(s). I carried mail for one year in my youth, and know firsthand the rough treatment that packages get as they are tossed around. I also allow at least two inches all around from the model to the box to prevent any denting reaching in to the model.
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Post by Blade-of-the-Moon on Jan 1, 2012 21:43:19 GMT
For what its worth, after shipping out hundreds and hundreds of packages with finished models in them, and only hearing of three instances of damages, I can offer this advice- never use styrofoam or foam shipping peanuts. I use newspaper. I first put the model in a plastic bag, to prevent newsprint ruboff- Then I fill half the box with balled up newspaper, put the model in, then fit balled up newspapers around and over the model. I find that unlike foam peanuts, which can shift during handling, the newspapers will not allow any movement of the model(s). I carried mail for one year in my youth, and know firsthand the rough treatment that packages get as they are tossed around. I also allow at least two inches all around from the model to the box to prevent any denting reaching in to the model. Thanks for the insight Malcolm, I think shipping like the Sideshow statues would be good, have a hollow cut into a block of stryofoam and insert the model into it with extra padding on fragile spots. It would be time consuming and more expensive, but def better than a broken model or having to pay to have it shipped back, replaced, or fixed. I have seen some models mailed safely in peanuts, but the model was 8" and the box had at least a foot of space on each side. aside from that the model was wrapped in bubble wrap. In this case the Acro was about the size of the box and the foam pieces shifted very easily. :/ Lot's of people try to save money on shipping, but really that's where it needs to spent..even if you have to crate something. It's true high shipping can drive off buyers..but at least give them the option. I've heard postal rates are again increasing, but you have to look at as an investment and include the best shipping option in your decision to buy. |
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Post by dinonikes on Jan 1, 2012 22:55:30 GMT
I have heard that some of the Sideshow Apatosaurus models have arrived with broken tails- so their method isnt foolproof either- plus I dont see the need to carve styrofoam to ship models- maybe sideshow can afford to have those made for them, but not very practical for an independant artist to do-my method works for me- plus the packing materials are free, as I get Sunday newspapers from family and friends when I need it- and use plastic grocery bags to wrap the models in- recycle, reuse right?I do use some bubble wrap sometimes, but rarely-and only if I can get it free as recycled from retail packaging-I usually can violently shake my packages and you can hear absolutely no sound, no movement at all---like I said have shipped hundreds of models with only three instances, and those were minor- for example, Stoneage had a broken tip of a tail on an Acro- he is getting a new one from me in his next shipment, and can keep the other- one of the supersaurus arrived with a spine snapped off but that was it- pretty good consideringthe tail could easily snap in the wrong situation- but everyone has their own packing methods, I take a lot of time packing mine, one of the reasons I take so long to get out stuff-
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Post by Blade-of-the-Moon on Jan 1, 2012 23:00:43 GMT
nothing is 100% of course, and the volume they mail out is def a consideration. This Acro was just so fragile being hollow and having no support...it's just not made to be shipped built and all I think. They only this girl would have made it whole would have been to be hand delivered.. :/
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Post by totoro on Jan 2, 2012 0:55:54 GMT
Not to pry but what did you order ? I think it depends on the model a lot, Martin agrees and said it was almost assured this piece was going to be damaged a little..even with Marilyn's very careful packing she lost another few small spines and a tooth, and the whole tail came loose but I was able to super glue it back on and do some tiny touch ups to repair it myself. From the models I've built support is key for larger pieces, a lot of kit builders insist on " pinning " even small kits. Pinning is where you drill holes in the solid resin and insert metal rods of diff sizes to hold it together and make it more durable. Well when the tail fell off I noticed it was hollow, there isn't really a way to pin it then..so that maybe a design flaw Galileo needs to work on. Martin is excellent and a great friend, you should easily be able to afford a piece from him just ask. He is willing to work with his customers a LOT to get them something . He and Marilyn are just stellar, and are def getting more business from me soon. You mentioned color, he does like color to a degree but wants to keep it realistic..did you see my Krentz Einiosaurus from him ? Lot of color there. Galileo is a great artist as well and this model shows just how much detail he is capable of, one of the biggest draws to a fellow artist's work for me. His paint work is good, his building..I think he needs better adhesives or building supplies. Again , not trying to down him, just being 100% honest based on my experience is all. Thanks, the base is hard to tell from the pics, it's all grey mud..lol I'll try to get more pics when I can take it out in broad daylight. I am not sure what I'm getting, as it's a Xmas gift from my wife and hasn't arrived yet.  I guess we'll see. I have received one kit from Galileo and was impressed with the meticulous wrapping of each piece, but a few still came broken (very thin tail pieces). Malcolm's suggestion to avoid styrofoam peanuts makes sense, as they do allow larger objects to shift through them over time, given sufficient jostling. Plus, let's face it...styrofoam is just obnoxious stuff and practically non-recyclable. I'd happily see the material disappear.  I appreciate these comments. It's clear we revere Galileo on this forum for his amazingly detailed sculpts, but it's good to know about possible shipping problems. In fact, I know he checks in here too, so maybe discussing these things and getting suggestions from people like Malcolm will encourage a change in packaging materials and fewer nightmares like the one you unfortunately had to endure (though you recovered very nicely! ;D) |
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Post by Blade-of-the-Moon on Jan 2, 2012 2:01:05 GMT
Not to pry but what did you order ? I think it depends on the model a lot, Martin agrees and said it was almost assured this piece was going to be damaged a little..even with Marilyn's very careful packing she lost another few small spines and a tooth, and the whole tail came loose but I was able to super glue it back on and do some tiny touch ups to repair it myself. From the models I've built support is key for larger pieces, a lot of kit builders insist on " pinning " even small kits. Pinning is where you drill holes in the solid resin and insert metal rods of diff sizes to hold it together and make it more durable. Well when the tail fell off I noticed it was hollow, there isn't really a way to pin it then..so that maybe a design flaw Galileo needs to work on. Martin is excellent and a great friend, you should easily be able to afford a piece from him just ask. He is willing to work with his customers a LOT to get them something . He and Marilyn are just stellar, and are def getting more business from me soon. You mentioned color, he does like color to a degree but wants to keep it realistic..did you see my Krentz Einiosaurus from him ? Lot of color there. Galileo is a great artist as well and this model shows just how much detail he is capable of, one of the biggest draws to a fellow artist's work for me. His paint work is good, his building..I think he needs better adhesives or building supplies. Again , not trying to down him, just being 100% honest based on my experience is all. Thanks, the base is hard to tell from the pics, it's all grey mud..lol I'll try to get more pics when I can take it out in broad daylight. I am not sure what I'm getting, as it's a Xmas gift from my wife and hasn't arrived yet. I guess we'll see. I have received one kit from Galileo and was impressed with the meticulous wrapping of each piece, but a few still came broken (very thin tail pieces). Malcolm's suggestion to avoid styrofoam peanuts makes sense, as they do allow larger objects to shift through them over time, given sufficient jostling. Plus, let's face it...styrofoam is just obnoxious stuff and practically non-recyclable. I'd happily see the material disappear. I appreciate these comments. It's clear we revere Galileo on this forum for his amazingly detailed sculpts, but it's good to know about possible shipping problems. In fact, I know he checks in here too, so maybe discussing these things and getting suggestions from people like Malcolm will encourage a change in packaging materials and fewer nightmares like the one you unfortunately had to endure (though you recovered very nicely! ;D) I tried letting him know, but some of my honestly got him riled I guess. He told me not to contact him anymore. It was a costly mistake though..almost VERY costly..but it was my error there..and Marilyn did an outstanding job of rectifying it for me . |
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Post by Himmapaan on Jan 2, 2012 2:08:43 GMT
I tried letting him know, but some of my honestly got him riled I guess. He told me not to contact him anymore. Oh, dear, no... |
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Post by Blade-of-the-Moon on Jan 2, 2012 2:26:20 GMT
I tried letting him know, but some of my honestly got him riled I guess. He told me not to contact him anymore. Oh, dear, no... Yeah... :/ I only tried to help him, I even suggested there was only a misunderstanding..but alas..no more contact. |
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Post by simon on Jan 2, 2012 2:36:20 GMT
Oh, dear, no... Yeah... :/ I only tried to help him, I even suggested there was only a misunderstanding..but alas..no more contact. Its easy to get misunderstood in the world of cyberspace, with no vocal intonations, facial expressions, etc. to help with understanding the words. Worst comes to worst, you'll have to have another member order Galileo's pieces for you, I suppose. But I'm sure he'll come around eventually. Did you mean that Marilyn talked to him? |
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Post by bokisaurus on Jan 2, 2012 5:17:55 GMT
Amazing piece of art! Now, you ended up with a collaborative piece! Yes, Galileo's pieces are amazing and really reasonable. I wish I could afford more  And yes, one day, I too would like to have a original painted piece by Martin the man!  |
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Post by Blade-of-the-Moon on Jan 2, 2012 7:16:12 GMT
Simon, no Marilyn fixed an issue I had with the postal service..I messed up on a form and she went above and beyond to get it fixed for me .  Martin is really extremely easy to work with,payment plans and all.. so you guys have no excuse to not have something by the great artist himself.. lol ;D |
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I probably would have done more than cry! 
Wasn't she packed very well? Or just handled extremely poorly. 
I guess we'll see. I have received one kit from Galileo and was impressed with the meticulous wrapping of each piece, but a few still came broken (very thin tail pieces). Malcolm's suggestion to avoid styrofoam peanuts makes sense, as they do allow larger objects to shift through them over time, given sufficient jostling. Plus, let's face it...styrofoam is just obnoxious stuff and practically non-recyclable. I'd happily see the material disappear. 
