Dinosaur sculpture: Copyright: Bob Morales
We recently had the opportunity to build a rather spectacular resin kit of Carnotaurus sastrei, produced by Dragon Attack! The figure was created by noted sculptor Bob Morales. The model is about 20 inches long and is approximately 1/20th scale. A detailed base is included in the kit and provides a secure platform for display of the figure without support rods.
The dinosaur arrives in three parts: the main body including the legs, tail, and head as one piece, one of the fore-arms, and the distal section of the tail. There are some fairly prominent mold marks that must be cleaned up or filled prior to painting. We used fine Milliput which was allowed to set up part way. We had made a stamp, using liquid latex , from the skin texture of another dinosaur kit. This tool allowed us to create clean looking skin texture on the model. The trick is to allow the putty to set up part way for the cleanest results
Prior to assembly, small holes were drilled at attachment points. Pieces of a large paper clip (straight) were inserted and the parts were super glued. The wire helps maintain the joint structure and alignment.
Finally, all seams were filled with Milliput and allowed to set up. It has been our practice to use a neutral color as primer prior to adding any color or pattern to a model. This method allows us to see minor flaws in putty work or separation lines that might otherwise be missed. Finally, a base color is applied for the upper body and another for the ventral area. Patterns are applied with an airbrush, and the figure is then washed with several glases of 50% matte medium and 50% gloss medium acrylics with some natural color added. This technique tones down any harshness present in the patterns. Finally, using the finger tip, we rubbed a bit of color from a water color set into the figure, giving it a warmth and variety to the overall coloration.
Kit construction and review: John Rafert
