The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #395: Making the Hunter From A Shadow in the Moonlight in 3.75″ Form Part 1!

The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #395: Making the Hunter From A Shadow in the Moonlight in 3.75″ Form Part 1!

https://archive.org/download/podcast-395/Podcast%20395.mp3

This week, I’m taking a motorcross figure I got from Aliexpress to make the unnamed hunter from The Thirteenth Hour prequel, A Shadow in the Moonlight (read it free in the US!).

Last week, we talked about making the same character but in miniature form, so this week, I figured he deserved to have a larger version as well.  It’s actually a very simple design but I’ve always meant to do something more with it since there are only a few illustrations I ended up doing and something about the hood, cape, and lack of any distinguishing facial features has always been evocative.  

These motocross figures came with the other ones I discussed last week. I couldn’t tell from the pictures, but they were quite differently constructed and much more difficult to disassemble.  Luckily, the huge tolerances on the loose joints will make painting it easier, since I can’t get it apart to make sure the joint parts do not scrape on each other.  I figured the overall wiggle factor of the figure (high) would work for a character that spends a lot of time gliding through the moonlight sky.  

The face sculpts on these guys are hilarious!

Painted black …

The hood as been sculpted on …

At the time of this writing, I have sculpted the hood.  I initially thought of sculpting of the face but instead just turned the head around so the back of the head is now the front.  I think the only facial features I will paint on are eyes.  After pairing it black with an airbrush, I moved the main joints around to see which areas the paint wore away from, then tried to Dremel those areas Dow. I think that is the best I will be able to do since the rest of the figure is held together with rivets I can’t easily remove.  

Thanks for listening!

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The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #394: More Experimenting with Making Articulated Figures and Making the Hunter From A Shadow in the Moonlight

The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #394: More Experimenting with Making Articulated Figures and Making the Hunter From A Shadow in the Moonlight

https://archive.org/download/podcast-394/Podcast%20394.mp3

This week, I wanted to continue seeing if the Aliexpress motocross action figure I found would work well as an articulated figure for both the Rocketeer and Logan from The Thirteenth Hour.  I’ve been quite impressed by this humble, unbranded, inexpensive figure marketed (depending on the seller) as a motorcycle rider, soldier, or “worker.”  I decided to keep the figure as intact as possible and just add epoxy clay to parts I wanted to modify since I tend to find sculpting easier than finagling with joints and sourcing parts, as the joints are much better than anything I could create from scratch.  As mentioned, this figure I found really is quite versatile, and for Cliff, all that was needed was to add the chest bib, jodhpurs, and sleeve cuffs.   Here he is after some sanding:

For Logan, I think all that will needed will be the front and back halves of his tunic, the scarf/hood neck piece, the belt as part of the pelvis, and perhaps a bit of volume to his (rather parachute-like) pants.  I would like to make an Aurora as well, but sourcing female figures is more difficult.  I may actually modify this male one to have a female torso (the strategy the 80s GI Joe 3.75″ toys used) since then I could keep the joints intact.  The main challenge with Aurora will probably actually be her skirt if her legs are really mobile – I probably won’t be able to get away with the sculpted one I did for legs that could only move forwards and backwards – perhaps cloth?

In the meantime, I decided it was high time that the hunter from The Thirteenth Hour prequel, A Shadow in the Moonlight (read it free in the US!), needed his own figure.  This one was made from two modified Hero Construx figures with the addition of some clay, black paint, a cape, bow, and quiver.  

Lastly, I finished up the mini Rocketeer made in episode 389 (the sculpt along).  Here he is solo and with a clear translucent buddy.

Thanks for listening!

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The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #393: Is There a Way to Work Smarter Rather Than Harder to Make Custom Articulated Action Figures?

The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #393: Is There a Way to Work Smarter Rather Than Harder to Make Custom Articulated Action Figures?

https://archive.org/download/podcast-393/Podcast%20393.mp3

This week, I’m sharing a bit of a possible shortcut to making articulated custom action figures.  I recently discovered a source of inexpensive GI Joe style figures (minus the pesky O-ring) that can be disassembled easily.  I found these motorcross guys on the website/app Aliexpress.  Bought one on a whim wondering if I could modify it.  Turns out, it was quite easy!

Here’s the motorcross rider with a different set of legs I took from a figure from The Corps line.  I wanted to see if they could be made to fit.  With some modification, yes.  Within seconds, I took out three screws and motorcross guy was in pieces!

Said modifcation referenced above is widening the joint space on the new leg to fit the bigger joint pegs on motorcross guy.

The neat thing about this style of legs (that GI Joe and its competitors used and now replicated with motorcross guy and his pals) is that a single screw holds it all together.

Next stop – adding clay to modify this body into a Rocketeer.

I’m curious to try this method to make a new wave of more articulated Rocketeer and Thirteenth Hour figures!

Thanks for listening!

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The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #379: Making a Thirteenth Hour VHS Cover

The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #379: Making a Thirteenth Hour VHS Cover

https://archive.org/download/podcast-379/Podcast%20379.mp3

This week, I’m discussing the cover art for the custom Thirteenth Hour action figures I’ve been working on.  In an effort to reduce plastic (which I also can’t easily work with), I decided to package them in recycled styrofoam cases made to fit inside a VHS paper sleeve.  This is the cover art I’m planning on the front:

I have been experimenting how to arrange the figures to fit inside with all their accessories:

More to come as I figure this out.  Thanks for listening!

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The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #378: Revising “I’m Here, You’re Not” (for The Thirteenth Hour Soundtrack) and Updates on Toys and Future Episodes

The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #378: Revising “I’m Here, You’re Not” (for The Thirteenth Hour Soundtrack) and Updates on Toys and Future Episodes

https://archive.org/download/podcast-378/Podcast%20378.mp3

This past week, I worked on finishing a track started back in Episode 364 accompanying a short segment from The Thirteenth Hour where Logan meets his crewmates again in a dream.  When I finished the episode, I put it aside since it didn’t quite feel done, but I couldn’t put my finger on what it needed.  I tossed around a number of ideas for a time, but it was not until recently that I hit on the right sound – the additional of a choral backing track and modifying the bell-like lead with a wah-wah sound to make it sound more ethereal.  I do think this is the last track for the second Thirteenth Hour soundtrack!  Now, I have to put it all together, make sure it has the finishing touches, and make the packaging.  I think the Thirteenth Hour action figures (basically done!) and the magnet dolls will be accompanying this album.

Aurora in her original outfit

 

Logan has magnetized feet to stick on Lightning

Thanks for listening!

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The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #374: Finishing Dragon Fall, Part 9

The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #374: Finishing Dragon Fall, Part 9

https://archive.org/download/podcast-374/Podcast%20374.mp3

This week, we are finishing Dragon Fall (1984) by Lee J Hindle.  This was a fun one.  I have a few of similar vintage that I may read on the show.  Stay tuned =)

Did you check out the podcast exclusive bonus episode preview with actress Catherine Mary Stewart (about Night of the Comet)? 

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The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #373: Tweaking the Thirteenth Hour DnD Combat System 1 (The Warlock of Firetop Mountain) and Dragon Fall Reading Part 8

The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #373: Tweaking the Thirteenth Hour DnD Combat System 1 (The Warlock of Firetop Mountain) and Dragon Fall Reading Part 8

https://archive.org/download/podcast-373/Podcast%20373.mp3

This past week, we did our first Patreon Thirteenth Hour DnD session using a homebrew role playing system made from hybrid Dungeons and Dragons / Quest RPG rules.  I thought we’d read some of the combat rules used in this game book, The Warlock of Firetop Mountain by Steve Jackson and Ian Livingstone, just to review one way they do combat with one person and 2 six sided dice.  I thought it’d be interesting to see how these gamebooks employed combat game mechanics since their emphasis was primarily interactive story telling, just like our Thirteenth Hour DnD system.

The combat rules used in The Warlock of Firetop Mountain.  As with many of these rule sets I’ve seen, there is not much emphasis on the nature of the attack or where it is targeted – more of an assumption that the attack happens in a binary sense – it is either successful or it is not. 

The example we went through in the episode.

In the second part of the pod, we are reading Chapter 6 in Dragon Fall (1984) by Lee J Hindle.  One more chapter to go!

More from Dragon Fall next week!  Did you check out the podcast exclusive bonus episode preview with actress Catherine Mary Stewart (about Night of the Comet)? 

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The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #372: Making more Rocketeer Figure Castings, Dragon Fall Reading Part 7, and More

The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #372: Making more Rocketeer Figure Castings, Dragon Fall Reading Part 7, and More

https://archive.org/download/podcast-372/Podcast%20372.mp3

This week, I’ve been casting Rocketeers using the mold I made recently.  Working on the third copy now.  Surprisingly, I’ve been pretty happy with the mold, especially since the resin I am using to cast the limbs (Smooth On 65D) has a working (pot) life of only about 2.5 minutes before hardens, so you have to work fast.  Here is the latest guy to come out of the mold with parts from the first one post priming scattered around.

I think part of the difference here was that I used a base figure that was a little easier to work with and I got a better mold to be begin with.  

In the second part of the pod, we are reading Chapter 5 in Dragon Fall (1984) by Lee J Hindle.  

More from Dragon Fall next week!  Soon – stay tuned for a podcast exclusive episodes with actress Catherine Mary Stewart (about Night of the Comet) coming this week.

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The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #371: Making a Rocketeer Figure Mold, Thirteenth Hour Figure Updates, Dragon Fall Reading Part 6, and More

The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #371: Making a Rocketeer Figure Mold, Thirteenth Hour Figure Updates, Dragon Fall Reading Part 6, and More

https://archive.org/download/podcast-371/Podcast%20371.mp3

This week, I’ve been finishing up the Thirteenth Hour action figures.  I’ve gotten almost all of them put together and am now putting on the finishing touches.  I ended up revising the color scheme when I had to redo all the limbs so be simpler and now am glad I did – no shading, brighter colors – simpler, just like the original 5 points of articulation Kenner figures of the 70s and 80s.  Logan and Aurora on Lightning below.  Aside from some finishing touches, I just need to add some clear blue-green resin to the console on Lightning the hoverboard’s front.  You can see a slight depression there at the front, near Aurora’s feet, where the clear resin will go.

Hopefully, some of the knowledge gained there will help when making 5 points of articulation Rocketeer figures.  I just finished the mold this week.  It’s always exciting to see if your hard work and planning will pay off when you crack open the mold for the first time.   

In the second part of the pod, we are finishing Chapter 4 in Dragon Fall (1984) by Lee J Hindle.  

More from Dragon Fall next week!  Soon – stay tuned for podcast exclusive episodes with actors Catherine Mary Stewart (about Night of the Comet) and Billy Campbell (about the Rocketeer) that you can unlock!

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The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #370: A Look Back at 80s Choose Your Own Adventure/Endless Quest Style Books, DnD, and Dragon Fall Reading Part 5

The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #370: A Look Back at 80s Choose Your Own Adventure/Endless Quest Style Books, DnD, and Dragon Fall Reading Part 5

https://archive.org/download/podcast-370/Podcast%20370.mp3

This week, I’m taking a little trip down memory lane, talking about some of the Choose Your Own Adventure style books I recall liking as a kid. 

One of the show’s previous guests, Chad Derdowski (on episodes 107, 108, and 119), wrote and illustrated his own (hilarious, I might add) 80s inspired Choose Your Own Adventure style fantasy books, Fortune Favors the Bold and its sequel that are brilliant.  Look up his work on IG here!

I’ve been reminded of books like these since I’ve been working on something specific for Patreon members – a Thirteenth Hour specific Dungeons & Dragons style series of scenarios.  I’m modding an existing rpg platform called Quest and adding some additions to the combat system to allow for more nuance there and hopefully make it less dependent on pure luck.  Patreon members – stay tuned.

My brother, Jeremy, wrote an article on his blog about the one issue of Dragon magazine we had as kids.  We read it often (even though we didn’t understand what it was about) due to the great fantasy art and the fact we knew it was about games, and though we couldn’t really comprehend what role playing games were, the game books, the imagery, the rep (Satanic panic and all), and the miniatures all made it an alluring mystery.

And another Jeremy!  Shout out also to a different Jeremy – Jeremy Lesniak from Whistlekick.  We’ll be recording a show this week about his martial arts-themed novel, Faith.  Maybe we’ll even get to discuss some of these things in the context of his story.

In the second part of the pod, we are starting Chapter 4 in Dragon Fall (1984) by Lee J Hindle.  

More from Dragon Fall next week!

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The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #369: Rocketeer Custom Action Figure Updates and Dragon Fall Reading Part 4

The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #369: Rocketeer Custom Action Figure Updates and Dragon Fall Reading Part 4

https://archive.org/download/podcast-369/Podcast%20369.mp3

This week, I finished a prototype of a 3.75″ Rocketeer figures made from adding clay to an Iron Man action figure I found in Walgreens.  A few pictures:

This picture shows the almost completed prototype on the left and on the right, the second one which I succeeded in taking apart before adding the clay.  I also modified the right hand to be able to hold a pistol.  The black thing on the floor is an EVA foam so the pistol can slide into it:

These are the things I used to make the head.  I cut the Iron Man head off at the neck (sorry, Iron Man) and inserted a screw into the base.  I drilled a hole in the resin Rocketeer helmet and screwed the red base into it.

This was for the second version, since in the prototype, I wasn’t able to get the parts apart first, but the process was basically the same.  Speaking of which, here’s the completed prototype:

In this version, there is no functional Mauser holster; it’s just sculpted on.  Of course, in the Dave Stevens comic (aside from a few covers) and in the film, the Rocketeer has no holster.  I think it the movie, he uses his pants pocket.  But I figured, eventually, he might opt for a holster as being more secure and convenient.  I drew him as having a holster in the game as well.

 

I have also made some sow progress on the Thirteenth Hour figures of the same size (3.75″).  I had to recast most of the arms and legs, repaint them, and then individually fit them to the torsos again after the last mishap, so at this point, hopefully that learning experience will help when making the Rocketeer figures.

In the second part of the pod, we are reading Chapter 3 in Dragon Fall (1984) by Lee J Hindle.  

More from Dragon Fall next week!

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The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #368: Rocketeer Custom Action Figure Updates and Dragon Fall Reading Part 3

The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #368: Rocketeer Custom Action Figure Updates and Dragon Fall Reading Part 3

https://archive.org/download/podcast-368/Podcast%20368.mp3

This week, I give some updates on the making 3.75 inch Rocketeer figures from the 3.75″ Iron Man toy as reading the next part of Dragon Fall (1984) by Lee J Hindle.  

A few pictures of the process of painting the figure.  The next to last photo shows a duplicate I’m sculpting except this one should be able to be dissembled for resin casting.  

More from Dragon Fall next week.

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The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #367: Custom Action Figure Updates, Final Faction, and Rocketeer Video Game Updates

The Thirteenth Hour Podcast #367: Custom Action Figure Updates, Final Faction, and Rocketeer Video Game Updates

https://archive.org/download/podcast-367/Podcast%20367.mp3

 

This week, I talk a bit about a few concurrent projects such as making 3.75 inch Rocketeer figures from a 3.75″ Iron Man toy as well as the Rocketeer video game I’ve been working on.

The Rocketeer prototype so far with the mold for the pack as well as one of the resin casted packs and the helmet (ironically, the same size helmet that I used for the Lego Rocketeer minifigures).

I did successfully get a separate stock figure cracked open and will be sculpting some clay over these parts to look like the prototype to allow for making a resin copy.

Looking forward to painting this guy and adding some details.  Speaking of painting …

I’ve been repainting The Thirteenth Hour figures (even parts that didn’t need to be painted) to reflect a simplified color scheme with more bold, primary colors.  Also reworked Logan’s arms to hopefully fit better and be more stable.

I recently went to a Dollar Tree and found the Final Faction line of toys – only $1.25 each!  It’s a surprisingly good value for the price.  There are accessories, comics, and apparently, even a cartoon show.  They may be good bases for making future Thirteenth Hour figures if I can get them apart (which I think should be easier than something like the Iron Man figure since there are screws in the back).

This is the first issue of the comic …

Someone writing it clearly had a sense of humor having a back page like this … 

Just like in GI Joe, the back of the packing has a short bio and some stats.  There’s also a QR code for the cartoon!

Progress of the Rocketeer game …  Did a bunch of pixel art and story creation this week, adding to aspects of the world of the game, like this NPC enemy, a German foot soldier.

I finally figured out flying and shooting straight and added some backgrounds.  There is now a full fledged short story behind the game as well.

More coming soon!  Will get back to reading Dragon Fall next week.

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