Check out the Geo Gallery Click the Pic Below

 

Geometric Designs accepts Paypal at phoenix2@uplink.net or you can order by credit card by calling 570-457-2691.  Shipping is an additional charge based on weight and calculated at the time of purchase.

Return to the Forbidden Valley: 
Geo's Gwangi Bust

Valley of the Gwangi was the first movie I remember begging my parents to stay up late to watch. Those were the days when local TV had lots of films and I recall seeing the promos run all week and being blown away. I mean dinosaurs AND cowboys?!?!?! What more could you want?

 Maybe a kit based on the movie, eh?

This one comes from Geometric Design and was sculpted by the talented Joe Laudati. It comes in three resin pieces and can be done in a weekend . . . or maybe less. Here is a quick look at how this kit was done to get you started.

   
PREP THE KIT:  First clean off any visible flash with a hobby knife, test fit and trim the kit, and then wash all parts in soapy water and allow to dry.  This removes the oils for easy painting.

The top set of teeth are made so that they slide into a groove in the roof of the mouth.  This could use a little trimming to improve the fit.  In the photo to the right, you can see that this just  requires the use of a regular old hobby knife.

It is a simple process, but I do advise sharp blade.  Not only does it make the work easier, but you are actually less likely to hurt yourself because a sharp blade is less likely to jump as you apply pressure.

PRIME THE KIT:  You can use regular gray sandable auto primer, but I like spraying FW Ink’s Cool Gray through an airbrush for increased control and priming in stages.

 

   
DO THE MOUTH FIRST:  This will save you some painting headaches.  To paint the mouth I sprayed in Badger Freak Flex Jezabel Pink and base coated the teeth in Freak Flex Bleached Bone.  When that was dry, I applied Lifetone Amber Oxide Transparent to the base of the teeth and drybrushed Createx flesh over the interior of the mouth to bring out the highlights.  A little Americana Buttermilk was brushed on the teeth and a Indian Red oil wash was applied to add depth in the mouth.  When done, seal it with Testor’s Dullcote.

   
ASSEMBLE THE JAW:  Glue in the upper row of teeth and then insert the lower jaw and adhere with superglue.  The way the teeth set in and the fact that their position is concealed makes putty optional here.

However, your really need a two part putty (like Aves or Wonder Putty) around the joining edges; shape with a little water and a toothpick or other tool. 

You can paint over two part putty pretty quickly, so you can cover the interior mouth with painter’s tape to protect the work and prime the new putty areas and allow to dry.

   
BASE COAT THE KIT:  Gwangi can be done in an array of colors--at various points in the movie he ranges from vibrant blue to violet to green.  I am going for the bluish tones here, obviously.

First, I base coat Lifetone Payne’s Gray on the body and FW Inks Raw Umber on the base.  When that dries, I mottle in a little FW Inks Marine Blue and Purple Lake to give some undershading to the dinosaur and seal with Dullcote.

HIGHLIGHTS:  To bring out the skin texture, I used a favorite color, Createx Pearlized Blue, using a drybrush technique.  To drybrush, put a little paint on the end of a flat brush and pull off the paint until only traces remain.  Then pull the brush lightly over the surface, which will leave a light coat of paint on the raised details.

I drybrushed Applebarrel Sandstone on the base and a little white on the skull.  The chest is done with Applebarrel Dolphin Gray.  (See final pictures below.)

THE EYE:  The eye is simple.  First I painted a white background and when that dried, I put in a large black pupil.  When that dried, I applied Tamiya Transparent Yellow and a coat of Future Floor Wax for a gloss.

FINAL TOUCHES:  Seal the kit with Dullcote and then apply a dark gray oil wash to even out the tones and darken the recesses.  The mouth, teeth and eyes get a couple coats of Future.

TO ORDER UNBUILT KIT:  Contact Al at Geometric Designs at phoenix2@uplink.net or you can order by credit card by calling 570-457-2691.  The price of the kit is $54.99.  Shipping is an additional charge based on weight and calculated at the time of purchase.

TO ORDER BUILT KIT:  Contact editor@creaturescape.com.  You can purchase this very build up or request a special build up.  The price is $120 payable through Paypal or check/money order.  Includes USA shipping; add $20 for overseas shipping.