#throwbacktoythursday: Anatomy of a 1/6 Military Kitbash (Redux)
The notion of this re-look post had been brewing in my mind for quire sometime (having been distracted by multiple technical issues), but was reminded of today with seeing a post on my social stream, and here we are...!
The blog-feature in question is specifically for my ANATOMY OF A KITBASH from 2006 (which in turn was a continuation of my "LIVING THE ONE-SIXTH WORLD" series following KITBASH VS CUSTOM, and the by-now-barren-of-images 2012 blogpost "KITBASHING 101" = an entirety of a year's images "lost" thanks to Flickr) ... That said, here is a TOYSREVIL 10-Step Guide to Basic Kitbashing (Military); to start you off on your (new) hobby!
STEP ONE: CHOOSE YOUR POISON
I (had) intend to kitbash a Vietnam-Era soldier using the base uniform ("tiger stripe"-print) of this Elite Brigade-figure which I'd picked-up with a huge discount, back in the day...
One of the fun aspects of kitbashing (for me anyways) is the spotting of "potentiality" for kitbashing-fodder (*which can be as fulfilling, as it is a addiction, I'm not going to lie). this entire figure might not mean much when you first set your eyes on it - in fact it looks downright sad, as compared to current hyper-detailed+realistic standards of the 1/6th-scale hobby today (no offense to EliteBrigade-collectors, mind) - but to me, there are parts which can be used (*one man's poison is another collector's manna from toy-heaven*).
The avbovementioned notion remains the same for me now in 2021, as it did in 2016 when I first published the blog-feature, especially so since I have not been actively purchasing or procuring of "kitbash fodder" through the years, much less the absolute lack of availability in-stores through the years, although I have not trawled through the www for "loose parts" (as we used to say)... :p
And as long as the cost justifies the purchase (you decide on that yourself :p) = then it's all good! BUT remember the rule of toy-thumb: "Kitbashing will always inevitably cost more than getting an original boxed figure"..
STEP TWO: DECISIONS, DECISIONS
I decide what I want to keep and what I don't, from the initial chosen figure. Again, this might be trial-and-error from after buying the figure, so do your research** carefully before buying and know what it is you're buying and what you intend to do with them ... although my toy-mantra (which will lead to my eventual downfall) is: "If it's cheap, why not buy it first? Sure got use later one!"
Dun be like uncle me, yah? Know what you're buying before you do :)
**Research: May mean checking out different shops and retailers (for price comparison), different existing products and items (brand integrity, quality of tailoring, accessories etc) and/or even feedback on toy-forums. Check from "brands" down to their individual products - to easier categorize and to eventually source out what you want/need.
STEP THREE: CHOOSE WISELY!
I've then decided to use another base-action-figure, which is this (Dragon Figure/DML) "Wesley Snipes"-lookalike; that is more articulated then the previous dude and much better looking too :p
(*Articulation* or points-of-articulation, means how many joints in the toy-body can be moved/swivelled. less articulation, ie: Barbies - are less desirable. more articulation means can execute more poses).
Modern articulation in this day and age ranges up from 30+ over points of articulation (Hot Toys etc), down to the basic 6 points-of-articulation in a Ken doll. (Neck, both arms, both legs and possibly a hip swing).
Each and every collector has their own preference of figures and materials, subject to spending power and ingenuity, IMHO. I might like this headsculpt but others might not, or some would trumpet the virtues of a Hot Toy-figure articulation. again, all is valid - to each own's opinions. so again, do your "research" first, then decide on your plan of action.
... And besides, he has nice gloves (which of coz is not "era-accurate", but I'm not known for my accuracy-skills in military-kitbashing, mind *HAH*)
STEP FOUR: PUTTIN' ON THE RITZ
The basic uniform fitted the new figure decently, except for his sleeves = the wrist-sleeve is too big, so i've decided to roll them up instead ~ gives a "tougher-look", no? (*heh*) ... Now all he needs are shoes and a whole lotta other accessories. Again, "fit" of uniforms or clothing is subject to the "make" of uniform and the body it is used to dress-in.
There are different types (not too varied sizes tho) of body-forms on the toy market - from both Older brands to current makers. Some are slim-fit and there are some buffed-dudes. "Trial-n-error" comes after experience, unfortunately (Which I will one day attempt to do a feature with photo-comparison of bodies, which might well never happen :p) ... but then again, differing folks have differing opinions and "tolerance-levels" ... so nothing beats going out to buy a fig to start for yourself! LOL
Although seriously though, since my first blog-feature in 2006, I have no idea WHERE to search for these parts, but at the same time have lived through an era where loose accessories were made and sold at (what I think is) an astronomical price(s), which understandably is what would keep businesses afloat, but I'd felt kept the hobby from sustained growth, not least from myself when my buying power dwindled to nothingness in a few years after my initial blog-post :p
STEP FIVE: ALL DRESSED UP AND NO WAR TO GO TO
Soldier-boy is now kitted-out with new primary weapon, gear and back-pack :)
The thing about "kitbashing" is the option of utilizing various parts and accessories from different other brands, to finally form a figure. personally, that is one of the main factors for me: *satisfaction in your own creation* (IMHO, of coz).
STEP SIX: ALL BRANDS ALL DAY
Kitbashing is basically/primarily about mix-n-matching different items from different brands to finally form your "own" version/interpretation of a figure, regardless of genre. Some folks might understandably be loyal to a specific brand, or want to have a figure kit bashed only from specific brands = its all good either way anyone chooses!
In my own specific instance, as a hoarder of multiple pieces from older brands (some of them no longer operate said-brands), I have my own trove of pieces to choose from, and cannot be "picky" lor ~ LOL
(Above image) Bash Breakdown: (is what we call the breakdown of individual items in a kitbash)
A. Combat Knife in Sheath set from DML/Dragon
B. Vest-rig and Pouches from DML/Dragon.
C. Torchlight from 21st Century Toys.
D. Smoke Grenade from Hot Toys.
E. Camo-Net from DML/Dragon.
F. Black Combat Knife in Sheath from 21st-Century Toys.
G. M16 Carbine (i think it's called :p) from SideShowToys.
H. Combat Boots from SOTW (Soldiers Of The World)
STEP SEVEN: I REMEMBER THE GOOD OLD DAYS
NOT! "Accuracy" is sometimes a bugbear to toy-collectors / kitbashers, although I personally have no such issues as "accuracy" is not as important to me, as it is supposed to be fun (but that's just me). I had remembered being involved in shared (toy)forums where the accuracy of your chosen items/parts/accessories where put to question, and that to me diminishes the "toy-fun" (as it were, but that's just me) ... But needless to say, research and reference would definitely help in realizing a more "realistic" kitbash, thanks to basic www searches and the constant visual archival aspects of the internet (*I still have that notion, even when I scroll through images, thinking: This'll make a great kitbash reference!" :p).
(Above image) Bash Breakdown:
A. OD-Green rolled-up cloth is actually a 1/6th green tee-shirt, from DML/Dragon.
B. Head-scarf/Camo Net from DML/Dragon.
C. Smoke Grenade from Hot Toys.
D. Parang (Big A$$-Knife) from 21st-Century Toys.
E. Vest-rig and all pouches from DML/Dragon.
F. Gun in Holster from DML/Dragon.
STEP EIGHT: DO IT YOUR OWN SELF
Sometimes you may not get what you want, or it is out of your physical or financial reach. No problems - you just have to utilize the "toy-survival" skills of yours (honed thru years of kitbashing, no doubt *cough-cough*) and make-up items! ie: the "rolled-up tarp" at back of backpack is actually a 1/6th-tee shirt in OD-green; rolled-up.
It's okay to think yourself "clever", just don't end up sharing this thought with everyone else when you are not sure.. :p
(Above-image) Bash Breakdown:
A. Foldable Shovel (moulded) from 21st-Century Toys.
B. Smoke Grenades from Hot Toys.
C. OD-Green Backpack - Unknown Brand :p
STEP NINE: STYLE-MAKER DREAM-MAKER
Once you have your (basic) items in place ("Accuracy" notwithstanding, mind), you can actually decide how you want your character to look like. "With or without boonie-hat?" ... "With or without facial camo?" etc (*That's why when folks baulk: "Like playing with girl's dollies!" I will not deny :p) ... Of course this could all be decided even prior to start of kitbashing, but somehow the partial joy of adaptation in mid-bash is quite the kick too. Although some might end up in "agony" instead as they go rummaging thru their loose-parts/accessories bin to look for that particular item to complete a look, for which they can't find or don't have ... that is something i've experienced many a times and it is not fun.
A. WITH hat?
B. NO hat?
**Organization of loose parts/accessories is vital to a smooth kitbash process, IMHO :)** .... I have them in multiple plastic food takeaway containers, al stacked up neat, tidy and unfortunateky "unlabelled" :p
STEP TEN: REBASH+REHARSH
Adaptation of differing styles is also encouraged. Why just stick to one type of uniform or look? Further mixing-n-matching is always possible, especially if you intend to "upgrade" your figures with whatever new-fangled/detailed parts that might come off the toyshelves.
As toy-technology and the current market gets more and more detailed in their interpretation of gears and weapons, it is surely a never-ending hobby that which is kitbashing :)
(Above image) Bash Breakdown:
A. Fabric/Cloth slip-on gloves from 21st-Century Toys.
B. Gun from DML/Dragon.
C. Blue Denim Jeans from DML/Dragon.
ROUND-UP: PROS
01. Satisfying to create your own figure from out of many other parts.
02. Sometimes saving money and having your own "poor man's version" of a figure instead, which is not really a step-down, as compared to an off-the-shelf-boxed fig (NOT that there's anything wrong with THAT as well, mind).
ROUND-UP: CONS
01. Sometimes it's just frustrating to NOT have a particular loose item that you'd like to complete your bash. Either it's too expensive to be bought loose? Or it's not available loose in the market, which means you might need to buy and ENTIRE box to get that item. Sounds "foolish"? Men have been know to do just that, as long as they know they can sell/get rid of the rest of the loose items, then the choice is yours to make or take.
02. That having loose parts instead of a pre-bought complete boxed-figure might be more expensive ~ subject to conditions and quality of items/set.
Example: My previous kitbashed S.W.A.T.-officer costs around SGD$90 (with nude and Saturday Toy's S.W.A.T.-set and existing loose primary weapon), as compared to a Hot Toy's S.W.A.T. going for a minimum SGD$135 initial shelf-price? QUALITY versus QUANTITY is very subjective to the individual collector, I insist :)
And after all that is said and done, you take your pictures and post them for all to see (and critique :p) ... and eventually you'd consider enhancing your figures/poses with photoshop or mayhap a diorama? As long as it's fun = IT'S ALL GOOD!
ENJOY YOUR KITBASHING ADVENTURE, FOLKS!
The Next Stage in Kitbashing was a planned "Weathering" feature that never came to be, as I'm not as skilled as I assumed myself to be (LOL), although re-living this article now, a more "logical step" would be "Weathering & Environment Creation"...?
Things would be much easier if I still had the figure (showcased above), but I have a feeling his parts have been reused for another group kitbash of Vietnam war figures: BRAVO-SIX" - whom I really should take a closer look at one day...
DLSICLAIMER: If you have noticed by now, brand names like "DML/Dragon" and "21st Century Toys", in addition to currently more well known "Hot Toys" and "SideShowToys", had been evoked, as they were the key brands available during that generation/era, including names like "BBI" = all of whom I miss, quite frankly speaking - not just because of the price-point (I am still a "cheap-sake"), but because of the variety it offered, back in the day, IMHO.
I had one day hoped to do a breakdown of the brands, but that also depends on what I am able to excavate from my own toy-hoard lah ... so, "KIV in Perpetual Eternity"!
Have a Great Toy-Day Ahead, folks!
Andy TOYSREVIL
The blog-feature in question is specifically for my ANATOMY OF A KITBASH from 2006 (which in turn was a continuation of my "LIVING THE ONE-SIXTH WORLD" series following KITBASH VS CUSTOM, and the by-now-barren-of-images 2012 blogpost "KITBASHING 101" = an entirety of a year's images "lost" thanks to Flickr) ... That said, here is a TOYSREVIL 10-Step Guide to Basic Kitbashing (Military); to start you off on your (new) hobby!
STEP ONE: CHOOSE YOUR POISON
I (had) intend to kitbash a Vietnam-Era soldier using the base uniform ("tiger stripe"-print) of this Elite Brigade-figure which I'd picked-up with a huge discount, back in the day...
One of the fun aspects of kitbashing (for me anyways) is the spotting of "potentiality" for kitbashing-fodder (*which can be as fulfilling, as it is a addiction, I'm not going to lie). this entire figure might not mean much when you first set your eyes on it - in fact it looks downright sad, as compared to current hyper-detailed+realistic standards of the 1/6th-scale hobby today (no offense to EliteBrigade-collectors, mind) - but to me, there are parts which can be used (*one man's poison is another collector's manna from toy-heaven*).
The avbovementioned notion remains the same for me now in 2021, as it did in 2016 when I first published the blog-feature, especially so since I have not been actively purchasing or procuring of "kitbash fodder" through the years, much less the absolute lack of availability in-stores through the years, although I have not trawled through the www for "loose parts" (as we used to say)... :p
And as long as the cost justifies the purchase (you decide on that yourself :p) = then it's all good! BUT remember the rule of toy-thumb: "Kitbashing will always inevitably cost more than getting an original boxed figure"..
STEP TWO: DECISIONS, DECISIONS
I decide what I want to keep and what I don't, from the initial chosen figure. Again, this might be trial-and-error from after buying the figure, so do your research** carefully before buying and know what it is you're buying and what you intend to do with them ... although my toy-mantra (which will lead to my eventual downfall) is: "If it's cheap, why not buy it first? Sure got use later one!"
Dun be like uncle me, yah? Know what you're buying before you do :)
**Research: May mean checking out different shops and retailers (for price comparison), different existing products and items (brand integrity, quality of tailoring, accessories etc) and/or even feedback on toy-forums. Check from "brands" down to their individual products - to easier categorize and to eventually source out what you want/need.
STEP THREE: CHOOSE WISELY!
I've then decided to use another base-action-figure, which is this (Dragon Figure/DML) "Wesley Snipes"-lookalike; that is more articulated then the previous dude and much better looking too :p
(*Articulation* or points-of-articulation, means how many joints in the toy-body can be moved/swivelled. less articulation, ie: Barbies - are less desirable. more articulation means can execute more poses).
Modern articulation in this day and age ranges up from 30+ over points of articulation (Hot Toys etc), down to the basic 6 points-of-articulation in a Ken doll. (Neck, both arms, both legs and possibly a hip swing).
Each and every collector has their own preference of figures and materials, subject to spending power and ingenuity, IMHO. I might like this headsculpt but others might not, or some would trumpet the virtues of a Hot Toy-figure articulation. again, all is valid - to each own's opinions. so again, do your "research" first, then decide on your plan of action.
... And besides, he has nice gloves (which of coz is not "era-accurate", but I'm not known for my accuracy-skills in military-kitbashing, mind *HAH*)
STEP FOUR: PUTTIN' ON THE RITZ
The basic uniform fitted the new figure decently, except for his sleeves = the wrist-sleeve is too big, so i've decided to roll them up instead ~ gives a "tougher-look", no? (*heh*) ... Now all he needs are shoes and a whole lotta other accessories. Again, "fit" of uniforms or clothing is subject to the "make" of uniform and the body it is used to dress-in.
There are different types (not too varied sizes tho) of body-forms on the toy market - from both Older brands to current makers. Some are slim-fit and there are some buffed-dudes. "Trial-n-error" comes after experience, unfortunately (Which I will one day attempt to do a feature with photo-comparison of bodies, which might well never happen :p) ... but then again, differing folks have differing opinions and "tolerance-levels" ... so nothing beats going out to buy a fig to start for yourself! LOL
Although seriously though, since my first blog-feature in 2006, I have no idea WHERE to search for these parts, but at the same time have lived through an era where loose accessories were made and sold at (what I think is) an astronomical price(s), which understandably is what would keep businesses afloat, but I'd felt kept the hobby from sustained growth, not least from myself when my buying power dwindled to nothingness in a few years after my initial blog-post :p
STEP FIVE: ALL DRESSED UP AND NO WAR TO GO TO
Soldier-boy is now kitted-out with new primary weapon, gear and back-pack :)
The thing about "kitbashing" is the option of utilizing various parts and accessories from different other brands, to finally form a figure. personally, that is one of the main factors for me: *satisfaction in your own creation* (IMHO, of coz).
STEP SIX: ALL BRANDS ALL DAY
Kitbashing is basically/primarily about mix-n-matching different items from different brands to finally form your "own" version/interpretation of a figure, regardless of genre. Some folks might understandably be loyal to a specific brand, or want to have a figure kit bashed only from specific brands = its all good either way anyone chooses!
In my own specific instance, as a hoarder of multiple pieces from older brands (some of them no longer operate said-brands), I have my own trove of pieces to choose from, and cannot be "picky" lor ~ LOL
(Above image) Bash Breakdown: (is what we call the breakdown of individual items in a kitbash)
A. Combat Knife in Sheath set from DML/Dragon
B. Vest-rig and Pouches from DML/Dragon.
C. Torchlight from 21st Century Toys.
D. Smoke Grenade from Hot Toys.
E. Camo-Net from DML/Dragon.
F. Black Combat Knife in Sheath from 21st-Century Toys.
G. M16 Carbine (i think it's called :p) from SideShowToys.
H. Combat Boots from SOTW (Soldiers Of The World)
STEP SEVEN: I REMEMBER THE GOOD OLD DAYS
(Above image) Bash Breakdown:
A. OD-Green rolled-up cloth is actually a 1/6th green tee-shirt, from DML/Dragon.
B. Head-scarf/Camo Net from DML/Dragon.
C. Smoke Grenade from Hot Toys.
D. Parang (Big A$$-Knife) from 21st-Century Toys.
E. Vest-rig and all pouches from DML/Dragon.
F. Gun in Holster from DML/Dragon.
STEP EIGHT: DO IT YOUR OWN SELF
Sometimes you may not get what you want, or it is out of your physical or financial reach. No problems - you just have to utilize the "toy-survival" skills of yours (honed thru years of kitbashing, no doubt *cough-cough*) and make-up items! ie: the "rolled-up tarp" at back of backpack is actually a 1/6th-tee shirt in OD-green; rolled-up.
It's okay to think yourself "clever", just don't end up sharing this thought with everyone else when you are not sure.. :p
(Above-image) Bash Breakdown:
A. Foldable Shovel (moulded) from 21st-Century Toys.
B. Smoke Grenades from Hot Toys.
C. OD-Green Backpack - Unknown Brand :p
STEP NINE: STYLE-MAKER DREAM-MAKER
Once you have your (basic) items in place ("Accuracy" notwithstanding, mind), you can actually decide how you want your character to look like. "With or without boonie-hat?" ... "With or without facial camo?" etc (*That's why when folks baulk: "Like playing with girl's dollies!" I will not deny :p) ... Of course this could all be decided even prior to start of kitbashing, but somehow the partial joy of adaptation in mid-bash is quite the kick too. Although some might end up in "agony" instead as they go rummaging thru their loose-parts/accessories bin to look for that particular item to complete a look, for which they can't find or don't have ... that is something i've experienced many a times and it is not fun.
A. WITH hat?
B. NO hat?
**Organization of loose parts/accessories is vital to a smooth kitbash process, IMHO :)** .... I have them in multiple plastic food takeaway containers, al stacked up neat, tidy and unfortunateky "unlabelled" :p
STEP TEN: REBASH+REHARSH
Adaptation of differing styles is also encouraged. Why just stick to one type of uniform or look? Further mixing-n-matching is always possible, especially if you intend to "upgrade" your figures with whatever new-fangled/detailed parts that might come off the toyshelves.
As toy-technology and the current market gets more and more detailed in their interpretation of gears and weapons, it is surely a never-ending hobby that which is kitbashing :)
(Above image) Bash Breakdown:
A. Fabric/Cloth slip-on gloves from 21st-Century Toys.
B. Gun from DML/Dragon.
C. Blue Denim Jeans from DML/Dragon.
ROUND-UP: PROS
01. Satisfying to create your own figure from out of many other parts.
02. Sometimes saving money and having your own "poor man's version" of a figure instead, which is not really a step-down, as compared to an off-the-shelf-boxed fig (NOT that there's anything wrong with THAT as well, mind).
ROUND-UP: CONS
01. Sometimes it's just frustrating to NOT have a particular loose item that you'd like to complete your bash. Either it's too expensive to be bought loose? Or it's not available loose in the market, which means you might need to buy and ENTIRE box to get that item. Sounds "foolish"? Men have been know to do just that, as long as they know they can sell/get rid of the rest of the loose items, then the choice is yours to make or take.
02. That having loose parts instead of a pre-bought complete boxed-figure might be more expensive ~ subject to conditions and quality of items/set.
Example: My previous kitbashed S.W.A.T.-officer costs around SGD$90 (with nude and Saturday Toy's S.W.A.T.-set and existing loose primary weapon), as compared to a Hot Toy's S.W.A.T. going for a minimum SGD$135 initial shelf-price? QUALITY versus QUANTITY is very subjective to the individual collector, I insist :)
And after all that is said and done, you take your pictures and post them for all to see (and critique :p) ... and eventually you'd consider enhancing your figures/poses with photoshop or mayhap a diorama? As long as it's fun = IT'S ALL GOOD!
The Next Stage in Kitbashing was a planned "Weathering" feature that never came to be, as I'm not as skilled as I assumed myself to be (LOL), although re-living this article now, a more "logical step" would be "Weathering & Environment Creation"...?
Things would be much easier if I still had the figure (showcased above), but I have a feeling his parts have been reused for another group kitbash of Vietnam war figures: BRAVO-SIX" - whom I really should take a closer look at one day...
DLSICLAIMER: If you have noticed by now, brand names like "DML/Dragon" and "21st Century Toys", in addition to currently more well known "Hot Toys" and "SideShowToys", had been evoked, as they were the key brands available during that generation/era, including names like "BBI" = all of whom I miss, quite frankly speaking - not just because of the price-point (I am still a "cheap-sake"), but because of the variety it offered, back in the day, IMHO.
I had one day hoped to do a breakdown of the brands, but that also depends on what I am able to excavate from my own toy-hoard lah ... so, "KIV in Perpetual Eternity"!
Have a Great Toy-Day Ahead, folks!
Andy TOYSREVIL
