Making a 1/12 scale horse – part 2

Continuing work on the 1/12 scale model horse.  Once I removed the mane last time and saw the slit in the neck, I thought it might be easier to leave the slit to add the mane.  I could glue the hair deeper into the body for a more secure bond.  The slit does go to the top of the head, so I’ve cleaned it out and widened it to the withers.

I used the Dremel to remove the tail nub left behind from breaking it off.

I then sanded the tail area.  I’ll be repairing the area when I attach the tail support so I didn’t worry about the exact shape.

Here are the three bits I used in the process.  The Dremel did melt the plastic as I worked, so I was sure to use protective glasses and a mask.  I also made quick cuts and pulled the melted plastic as I worked.

I drilled holes in the nostrils with a pin vise.

The one on the left has been drilled and the one on the right is original.  You can already see a difference in the realism.

I fine-tuned the mouth with an X-Acto blade.

I sanded the few bad places from the deconstruction and then wet sanded the whole horse by hand with 320 grit.  The finish on the plastic was very smooth and I wanted to make sure I had a good grip for the primer.  I also removed the molded copyright from the inner thigh, random mold lines, and any other imperfections in the manufacturing process.

Categories: Animals and birds, Ivy Hollow RFD
February 11, 2019 | 0 comments

Making a 1/12 scale horse – part 1

I’ll be starting with a 1:12 scale Breyer Thoroughbred.  Adding flocking or fur adds bulk, so I thought I would start with the leanest horse model available.  Of course, you can scrape down a model before flocking as well but I’d rather keep it as simple as possible.

I picked up a set of diamond burrs for my Dremel to help with the deconstruction (as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases).

I found a great tutorial about removing the tail and building up with Apoxie Sculpt, so I picked that up as well even though I plan on having a mohair mane and tail (as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases).

After the deconstruction and any necessary remodeling, I will begin with painting.  I’ve always had a fondness for roan horses, so I might give that a go.  A friend sent me a fabulous set of brushes and clay tools called a Bundle Monster that will be invaluable here.

In the time since I bought the horse, the plastic mane had lifted from the neck.  It made it easier to wedge in some pliers to pry off the mane.

One thing I didn’t like about the plastic mane from the beginning was that it was formed on the side away from the direction of the horse’s gaze.  Removing it for a mohair mane means I can style the hair toward the side I prefer.

The nostrils might benefit from drilling in a deeper hole and the mouth could use some fine-tuning.  I’ll need to sand the mold line on the tip of the snout.

The eyes are great, so I will take care not to paint over those.  The front mane has come detached from the small contact points as well.

I cleaned up the spine with a utility blade and will fine tune by sanding.  The gap will need to be filled, though it might be a good way to add the mane more securely.  I’ll think on that a bit.  I need to replace the putty I bought three years ago since I don’t want to take the chance that it has gone bad.

The tail was easy enough to lift and break off since it had no contact points with the legs.  I’ll need the Dremel to cut away the remaining excess, but that’s for another day.

Categories: Animals and birds, Ivy Hollow RFD
February 4, 2019 | 0 comments