[Spockr]

This has been completed for a while and I wanted to get this posted before the Deluxe kit comes out.

The Project:
Over the last few years I've found myself wanting to customize almost everything I build. The Broadway Dracula was no exception especially because of how many options it presented. Moebius gave us a beautifully theatrical scene and I thought it deserved to be done up in style. Here is the short list of custom mods I included included in the build. (Note: If you prefer visuals you may want to skip down to the video links at the bottom.)

Head- Mounted with neodymium magnets so that Mr Lugosi could pose any way he wanted.
Magnets are located in the base of the head/neck and in an armature I made for the upper chest.
http://i876.photobucket.com/albums/...way/Moebius Bela on Broadway WIP/P1030980.jpg
http://i876.photobucket.com/albums/...way/Moebius Bela on Broadway WIP/P1040019.jpg

Base- First I added a basswood plaque for the stage floor. Second, Aves Apoxy Sculpt was added to the edges of the stone walls to enhance their texture. This was done by using a rubber 'stamp' made from Amazing mold putty. I made an impression of one of the stones in the front wall in the AMP and then used it to press against the Aves while it was still soft. I was pretty happy with the results but would like to find a less costly material to use instead of the Aves which I like to reserve for more detailed sculpting.
http://i876.photobucket.com/albums/...way/Moebius Bela on Broadway WIP/P1030958.jpg
http://i876.photobucket.com/albums/...way/Moebius Bela on Broadway WIP/P1030960.jpg

Torch – A custom flame was created to add the look or fire to the torch. The torch flame was sculpted, molded and then cast in clear epoxy resin. I used two 'flickering' led's to enhance the look of the flame. The name plate was accomplished in a similar way.
http://i876.photobucket.com/albums/ab324/Spockr/Bela on Broadway/IMG_5532.jpg

A resin Gargoyle that I picked up on the bay was added to the model base to take up the void Moebius left for the soon to be released Deluxe kit.
http://i876.photobucket.com/albums/ab324/Spockr/Bela on Broadway/P1040308.jpg

I made four custom foot-lights and added them to the sub-base to simulate stage lighting. A flickering foot-light was placed behind the nameplate to provide 'extended toch light' for Dracula's face. I also made one red and two warm white footlights to light up the Gargoyle and to brighten/enhance the scene. They are mounted to a base that rotates and pivots. To view them please see the video links.

Power – The lighting power comes from two switched battery pack which mount with hook/loop tape on the rear of the wall.

Videos:
To see it in action -

For more info about the build -

I know this post was a bit long but the project was pretty big. I appreciate you taking the time to check it out.

Your comments, advice and opinions are welcome. How did I do?

Thanks for stopping,
MattL

 

[mcdougall]

Spooky and Fantabulous:thumbsup:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_sVBj-3yws&feature=youtu.be


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdQ4j81zYX0&feature=youtu.be
Denis

 

[The Batman]

Great! ( But I'd still like to see what it looks like in broad daylight ).

- GJS

 

[hal9001]

A really truely wonderful build! The special effects are outstanding. And the Broadway lighting was very creative.

Thanks for putting this on video too. I may just have to 'steal' some of your ideas like a thief.

HAL9001-

 

[septimuspretori]

Wonderful work!


Ben

 

[MonsterModelMan]

Love it Matt! These add such another dimention to the static kits!

Great creativity!

MMM

 

[Mark McGovern]

Great! ( But I'd still like to see what it looks like in broad daylight ). - GJS

Spock,

Sorry, but I have to agree with Bats. You have a cool video, lots of neato effects and all - but I couldn't see your model.

 

[rhinooctopus]

Broadway Drac

I LOVED IT!!!
Great job with the video. I don't need to see "the model". The video speaks for...your talent! Kepp up the great work!

Phil K

 

[Trekkriffic]

Spooky! Very evocative of the character and mood of Dracula. Great job. Loved the video.

 

[Spockr]

Thanks for all the good words guys. They mean a lot. I'm glad if it gave some of you different ideas for ways to consider approaching your own builds. I had a great time building this model and designing the effects. I thoroughly enjoy the whole process from planning the build to painting to weathering all the way through photographing and filming. You only get out of this hobby what you put into it and for me all the steps just add to the fun.

Great! ( But I'd still like to see what it looks like in broad daylight ).

- GJS

C'mon everybody knows vampires don't go out in "broad daylight" (unless of course its Broadway daylight)

Bela on Broadway circa 1927

But since you asked...
The whole premise of the project was based upon the idea of this being Bela Lugosi (an actor) playing a role on a stage in a theater. The paint job I did on him was supposed to look like an actor wearing make-up and wearing a costume while appearing on a stage surrounded by props and lighting effects.

I like this shot best of all the portrait pictures I took.

If you'd like to see more please checkout this slideshow:
http://s876.photobucket.com/albums/...us Bela Lugosi Portraits/?albumview=slideshow

Also, don't know if you guys caught it on your first read but there is a second video that describes the build (and has plenty of daylight shots. Here's the link in case you'd like to check it out:

Regards,
MattL

 

[rkoenn]

Very nice Matt, definitely most unique. The build is great by itself but then with all the lighting and effects it really stands out. Or course for the most effect visitors must see it in a dark room.

 

[Spockr]

Very nice Matt, definitely most unique. The build is great by itself but then with all the lighting and effects it really stands out. Or course for the most effect visitors must see it in a dark room.

Thanks Bob. :thumbsup: You are correct that this looks best in dimly lit rooms, much like the darkened theaters where these stage shows and classic movies are played.

I use leds with fairly high candle power ratings to maximize brightness. So that the normal ambient lighting in a living room or den setting won't drown them out too much. They still give a nice effect just a little more subdued.

For the hobby and trade show I do I made "Haunted Stages" for displaing my lighted models. They do a good job of blocking out much of the surrounding room lights which these days are usually some solar simulating halogen or xenon bulbs. Here's a few picks of my 'Bride' and I from this year's Monster Bash showing the stages fighting off the room's giga-lumen lights

Regards,
Matt

 

[rkoenn]

Very nice Matt. I wish we could get up there to the Bash. We made it once about 3 and a half years ago but the drive up from Florida is just too far for normal travel. The Bash has a really nice small town air to it and it was fun. We even stayed at a nice B&B in town that year. Maybe sometime again in the future.