Studio Ghibli Mystery Project(s)!

[zenrat]

I agree with Nighthunter.
Also, I think the tiny car is also from Howl's Moving Castle.  Howl goes through magic doors which open in different locations (so, wormholes?).  One of which is the city with steam cars.

[strobez]

Greg, awesome scratch building and kitbashing! The fuel tank based project, was that supposed to be the "flopter" from Howl's Moving Castle?

Yes indeed.  The one I realized was too big and then restarted work on is an Aero- Kayak from Howl's Moving Castle.

The scratchbuilt car is not though... 

[NARSES2]

I'm going to have to catch up on some of these films. The artwork/animation looks incredible 

[nighthunter]

I'm going to have to catch up on some of these films. The artwork/animation looks incredible 

Chris, all of the Studio Ghibli films are fantastically done, and the dubbing is superb! Everything from Pom Poko (Raccoon Dog movie) to Howl's Moving Castle feature known actors, from Sir Patrick Stewart to Christian Bale as the voice actors. They transcend generations in terms of enjoyment.

[Steel Penguin]

id second the comment on the nature of the Studio Ghibli films, they are wonderfully done, artwork and animation.  In most there will be a scene that takes place in a field with long grass, and you can see the wind move along it, and you almost feel the air movement and smell the scents there  . 

[strobez]

I usually prefer subtitles to dubbed anime, mainly because of the skill/quality of the voice acting over the B- grade English attempts.  However, the Ghibli movies are a notable exception. I can't stand Laputa's voice acting, and Nausicaa is a bit so-so, but the later films, such as Howl's Moving Castle and the Wind Rises are on-par.

Regardless, that's probably more of a personal preference and shouldn't take away too much from the overall enjoyment for a first time viewing.  I highly recommend all the films, but Porco Rosso, Laputa, and Nausicaa are my favourites.... with Princess Mononoke a close fourth.

Incidentally, I love the story that when Princess Mononoke was being released, Hayao Miyazaki, reportedly unhappy with the way Disney had edited his earlier films "for American audiences" sent the President of Disney a samurai sword as a present.  The note in the box said simply, "no cuts".

Mononoke is by far the bloodiest of Miyazaki's films (which are widely known as family friendly) and at first Disney would only release it under their Touchstone label, so it doesn't surprise me that Miyazaki would fear massive edits.  Luckily later re-releases (i.e. Blu-ray era) left all his films untouched and authentic.... and amazing.

[ericr]

 

[strobez]

Alright, so a quick update... I had a bad case of obsessive modelling syndrome and decided that the Totoro mini truck just didn't look right unless it was stack to overflowing with household goods...

Some days I don't know what's wrong with me... 



In between making tiny desk drawers, I was able to make some progress on the Bird-plane.  I had to clamp the engine cowling down, but it seems to work.  I also got some struts for the wheels in place.


Does the cowling looking slightly askew? Oh well, the plane is so organic, I'm calling artistic license!


Also, got some stuff done on the aero-Kayak.  I used strips of thin styrene putty and sanded on one side to simulate the panel lines.  Then I used some brass to start building the spindly wings.

[nighthunter]

Excellent work there, Greg, what's the birdplane from?

[strobez]

Thanks! The bird plane, better known as "Jiro's Bird Plane" is from The Wind Rises.  There is a 1/48th scale offering that I'm referencing as a guide. http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/image/10235545/30/2#

[nighthunter]

Thanks! The bird plane, better known as "Jiro's Bird Plane" is from The Wind Rises.  There is a 1/48th scale offering that I'm referencing as a guide. http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/image/10235545/30/2#

Ah, one of the few I've not seen

[strobez]

For anyone interested in airplanes... it's a "can't miss" one.

[TheChronicOne]

That's really cool. And nice work... I wonder what the wheel on the side does?

[PR19_Kit]

I wonder what the wheel on the side does?

That'll be to ensure that it doesn't roll right over when the driver's REALLY getting on it!. 

[strobez]

I think it's supposed to control the rudder, but I like Kit's explanation better.

Anyway, I can chalk up one more mini project in the "done" column.  I did indeed stack up all the various household items in the cargo bay, and I'm glad I did.  It really makes the model pop IMHO.  After the coat of Future dries, I'll probably give the wheels a bit of a wash to add depth, but that's basically it.








That let me get back to working on my submarine... first off, I checked to make sure the two halves still fit...


Luckily they do, so I was able to finish off the interior, painted and glued in place.


Once the clear coat dries, I'll give the interior a bit of a wash and then attached the two halves.