Mike

The Black and White photo is what inspired it all. Although not exactly the same, as it would have been much larger, I feel it represents the look and feel. Also leaves me room in the showcase for other projects. Hope you enjoyed following me and thanks for viewing.

I set up the back drop and lighting and began photography. It came out OK. The clear parts came out pretty clear considering gluing. Hopefully the overall presentation is balanced yet interesting.

Everything in it's place. Everything secured. Final pictures to be taken later this week. The long road of this project is near an end. A little different from what was in the box, but it is unique for sure. Atleast I feel it is. Now to get the lighting in place and snap some shots.

With the brass brackets mounted and her eyes painted a light Grey, as White is to stark, the figure is completed and ready to be mounted on one of the clear steps of the base. I created a template, as her feet are at a slight angle from each other. Printed on the FDM printer and taped in place, I drill the holes. The holes are slightly under sized intentional so I can use the rotary tool to little by little, enlarge the hole for a tight fit. I will now use this silicone adhesive to secure her in place. The adhesive looks pretty clear to me. I think this will work pretty good.

The delicate parts. The kit connectors for the ear and shoulder plate were very frail and being molded plastic needed clean up. I decided to create the base and print it in resin. For the connectors I used brass wire to connect the two points. Since brass doesn't take paint well, I used metal burnishing fluid to blackened the metal and allow it to take paint. Than super glued the parts and paint them Tungsten Steel. For now I have the ear connectors in place. Tomorrow, I'll create the shoulder connectors.

I went with the acrylic cement for the acrylic to acrylic parts, and clear silicone for acrylic to anything else. Came out better then I expected, so I'm pleased with that. Have all the platforms in place. Will need two holes for Maria to mount into. The lighting looks pretty good. It will be the little steps that will bring this project to a close. Still a lot that can go wrong, so can't get comfortable too much yet. This has been a fun project so far.

The chair in the kit is base painted a Dark Grey. Afterwards, colors of Grey, Blue, Beige and White where sponged and speckled. Then I sprayed a diluted Black to blend the tones and give texture to the chair. Now the stands for the acrylic platforms. I gathered clear rubber glides, glass tiles and acrylic squares. I think the acrylic well work best. Now to find a good clear adhesive to secure everything.

Each of the components were painted. Using a base coat, I would then sponge or stencil patterns over the base coat. I light mostly translucent coat would blend everything together, and yet bring interest to the otherwise bland single color. A frosted paper acting as a light diffuser was installed, followed by the plexiglass in the openings for the lights. The wall was fixed into place, followed by the floor. The crown was installed next. I laminated a print of the movie poster. It was installed in the back, as not to have any area be bare. The Black and Gold patches were installed around the base. The Metropolis logo was fasten in place. With this completed, next are the stands on the floor. They will be done in thin plexiglass. The chair will sit on the top layer, and than finally... Maria will be placed.

After painting the back wall, I'm in the process of adhering it to the base with epoxy. I have also started painting some decorative items for the base to add interest to the whole project. Finding and using some art deco online and converting the images to a SVG file that enables me to print them as tiles or 3D items. Basing Black and highlighting Gold. I will need to do some touch up, and it will be time consuming, but I believe it will add to the project. I am also printing a template to help align everything properly. Coming together nicely if I do say so myself.

The wiring is done. Everything is connected and mounted. Two circuits have been installed, each with their on power source. This will ensure the lights stay on. The light filter and plexiglass is fixed and the floor of the scene is base painted. There is still a bit of painting and effects for the tiles to be done. It begins to take shape.