The Phantom Tribute kit

[Dirtyhorse]

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

Uploaded with ImageShack.us Did a custom 2-head option on this piece...

[Mord]

DH, I really like your take on these tribute kits. You go against the grain and give them a more realistic paint-job (rather than the garish, exaggerated look of the original box art). I can't decide how I like them best.

[Dirtyhorse]

Thanks Mord. It's usually the direction most of my client base goes. They like realism over a stylized
rendering. Those bright colors work in a painting but on a 3 dimensional object, unless it's a superhero
or a Scooby-Do kit, it just 'reads' weird. Had one of the guys I know do up a box art style rendering on
one of the Revell Mummy kits and everyone that came by at that show asked why the Mummy was blue.
It's different strokes, though. Everyone likes them done a certain way which keeps it interesting.

[Mike Scott]

Great job, DH! Love the purple lighting effect! Models would look so much better with dramatic lighting!

[Python]

I've never seen that kit done so well.  Nice work!

[Dirtyhorse]

Again, greatly appreciate the comments. The next "TRIBUTE" piece being worked on in the mix
is Dr. Jekyll as Mr. Hyde.

[hammerfan]

Great job. 

[Opera Ghost]

awesome work DH

[Mord]

Wow, I hadn't noticed the Billiken head variant. Did you make it so you could switch heads at will?

[Dirtyhorse]

Yes, the heads are interchanging so you could display him with either look.

[Dr Wolfenstein]

Another great build Dh.Looking forward to seeing Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde tribute kit.By the way what brand of paint do you use and do you seal your kits?Thanks.
Gab

[Dirtyhorse]

Thanks Dr. W. I use a variety of water based acrylics (Folk Art, Apple Barrel, Delta, Freak Flex, etc.). I still
have a ton of Horizon's old paints as well. For a sealer I use Testors Dull Coat but you have to really
be subtle when spraying coats of sealer, otherwise you get that shiny look to clothes, etc.

[Kenneth]

Hello Mr. Dirtyhorse. I enjoy looking at your beautiful work and your take on the notorious MIM Tribute Kits is outstanding. You are churning these things out, man! Your daily schedule must be "work at your job for 8 hours, build and paint model kits for 8 hours and (hopefully) sleep for 8 hours" !!    I have been  working on the Dracula Tribute kit now for over a year off and on! Obviously my model building passion is not as intense as yours    It is the first kit I have tried to build in about 15 years. I'll post a picture when and if I ever get it finished.  Looking forward to seeing your Dracula Tribute kit (if it ever gets on your 'to build' list). Keep up the brilliant work and thanks for sharing...

[Dirtyhorse]

Thank you, Kenneth. It's just worked out here, recently, that these tribute pieces are getting finished in the
order they are. I usually have 6-7 pieces going at any given time. After the Mr. Hyde kit, it'll be a little while before
the next tribute piece is ready. The Forgotten Prisoner will be next in line when that happens. Yep, aside from
my other biz ventures/work, I have to be very strategic about my deadlines and calendar dates. This time of year
really starts to get extra busy as clients are wanting pieces now for Christmas delivery plus I always get more activity,
around Halloween, from my monster client base. Hey, there's no harm in taking your time on a kit. Look forward to
seeing your finished piece when that anticipated day arrives. You'll have to reward yourself when it's finished. Keep
chipping away at it, brother, and most of all...just have fun!

[Carts]

Magnificent!