Sunday 29 September 2013

The Demon Biker

The Demon Biker


Today's post will be a short one, as I have only a single model to show.  He's a conversion from one of the 28mm Human Biker Gang figures from Westwind Productions.  These models are potentially very useful as there aren't many bikers on motorbikes available in 28mm, though there are plenty of such figures on foot.

However, the Westwind models are a real pain to assemble.  I've had to do quite a lot of work to make the separate arms and bodies fit together (and to hold on to the bike at the same time!)  This is well documented else where, so let's move on.

Having already put quite a lot of time into this model, I decided that it would be worth the extra effort to convert it into something special.  I had vague memories of a superhero/villain who rode a flaming motorcycle (I'm not really a comic book geek), so a little research led me to my version: The Demon Biker.

I added a bit of green stuff to the wheels and head in order to make the flames.  This wasn't at all hard, though I think I did a better job on the tyres than the person.  Rather than use one of the supplied (human) heads, I substituted a metal skull that I had in my spares box.  I had to build a bit of neck for the skull to sit upon, but again it wasn't much effort.


For the right arm, I carved away the existing weapon and drilled a hole for the haft of the "whip".  The handle was just a short length of plastic rod.  Surprisingly, the most difficult part was obtaining the chain for his weapon.  It took me many months of searching before I discovered that really fine chain was stocked by Hasslefree Miniatures, hidden under their "Accessories...Steampunk Stuff" category.  Once I had fixed the chain in place, I coated it liberally with super glue to make it hold in the right position.  Nevertheless, this may be a weak point on the model and I'll need to be careful not to collapse it with excessive handling.

Painting the main part was straightforward.  The bike was done in gunmetal and the rider in dark grey (2 or 3 different shades, depending on the piece of clothing).  Then I washed the entire model with black.  After all, most of this model is intended to sink into the background, so it shouldn't have a lot of detailing.

The flames were a different matter, however - they really had to draw the eye if the model was to work.  I spent a lot of time working up from reds and oranges through to pale yellow.  I'm still not really happy with the outcome, though I've given up tinkering in case I make things worse!

So, how will I use this model in a game of All Things Zombie (or indeed in any other game)?  I've no idea - but it must be possible!  Is he a force for good?  A damned soul bent on fiendish destruction?  Or completely neutral and even-handed in mowing down anyone who gets in his way?  What are his powers and motivations?  Does he have any vulnerabilities or weak spots?

21 comments:

  1. That's a really good conversion C6 and very effective, though I would have liked to see just a tinge of red in the flames.
    As for his use in a game, I'm sure you'll come up with some devilish scenario to feature the model.

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    1. Thanks. I did have more red in the mix before, but it just didn't seem bright enough.

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  2. I have to agree with Joe's comments. It is a great conversion but I feel that the flames are a bit too yellow. Demon bikers in ATZ? Why not? I used a demonic clown in my first ATZ campaign.

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    1. Now I'm wondering if I should try touching up the flames again...

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  3. Fantastic! Perhaps not the most useful, but it is one of the most interesting models for sure. I have to say I don't miss red too much myself. It might help, but as they are now, the flames really pop out and I can guarantee they attract the eye!

    You've coated chain in superglue and the glue didn't make that hard shell around it or anything?

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    1. I agree, there are not many occasions on which I could use this model, but he was fun to build!

      The superglue has filled in the links of the chain and therefore it looks more solid than it was before, but the glue doesn't really make the chain any thicker.

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  4. I think he looks pretty cool the flames look good to me they look like they are burning hot!

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    1. Thanks - I was trying for a high contrast between the shadowy bike & rider and the bright flames.

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  5. What a pleasure to see something this interesting. The flames coming off of the wheels is a very nice touch.

    I have a pack of these to do and have to agree about the assembly. You never know I might try this conversion as well now that I have seen it. Very nice indeed.

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    1. Glad you liked it. I've assembled most of my bikers (they're sitting, primed, on my painting desk), but I think I gave up before building the last one as I just couldn't face them any more!

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  6. Brilliant model, right down to the brooding eye sockets.

    Like others, I initially thought the flames a little too yellow, but then remembered that many light metals burn with a white or yellow flame - perhaps this lost soul has some sodium alloyed into his wheels. How could that possibly go wrong.

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    1. Thanks, Steve. I don't think it's my finest work, but he does seem to have sparked some interest.

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  7. Now if we could find a way to project a life size image of this fellow onto the mirrors of middle lane hoggers...
    Well we might get the traffic moving a little faster.

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    1. Or it might just panic them into crashing, perhaps!

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    2. Some might call that a win-win option. I couldn't possibly comment.

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    3. Some might call that a win-win option. I couldn't possibly comment.

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  9. Just chiming in. Great conversion to make Ghost Rider.

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    1. Thanks Sean. You're the first person to actually mention the name of the character that inspired this conversion. Surely he's not *that* obscure :-) ?

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  10. Great work! As to incorporating the figure into ATZ, do you have a copy of ATZ- High Rise to Hell? It has rules for adding monsters other than zombies to your games. Again, a great conversion!

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    1. No, I don't have High Rise to Hell. Hmm, perhaps I should get it; previously I had thought it was just about buildings. Must learn to pay more attention!

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