Robin Model Build.wmv

Robin the Boy Wonder-- Batman's youthful ward-- as rendered by Aurora models in 1966 and re-released by Revell in 1993.
Very strange model. The "set" looks like a child's nightmare, with kicked over chemistry bottles and a radio set from WWII, plus a control panel that belongs in a low-budget movie. Robin looks like he's slipped on a banana peel or is swinging from a jungle vine.
The figure work is wacky, with monstrous seams between parts and odd choices for part break-downs. Plus he's got no pupils-- no eyes. Oh well, can't have everything.
I made a new base, full of mad scientist equipment. Those are real optical lab lamp housings with precision lens alignment aids-- they almost look perfect. The heavily modified control panel now blinks like a Christmas tree.
I made this for a good friend's young son who is a fan of the 66 Batman TV show. It may serve as a nightlight.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Robin
• Batman
• Aurora
• Revell
• plastic
• model-making
• model-lighting
• modeling

[MrChief101]

My half-remembered account of the history of the original model was that each weak aspect of Bats and Rob were the result of some prior "turn" in the decision making path. Different characters for both "scenes," different props, etc. Must be a better account of it somewhere online! The re-pop had to be "fixed" a little; that trick needs a lot more time/money. But thanks-- I hope to share more. It's a lot of "side work" to take pix at the same time.

[Cadwaladr]

Wow, great job on that!

[MrChief101]

@Cadwaladr Thanks, Cad-- haven't finished one in a while. Spending too much time on YT (aheh)

[ModelManTom]

Great presentation! I gotta do turntables for my work.

I don't know the kit, but it looks like you set the bar! You should post it over at HT when you have the chance. Perfect for a lighting tutorial! Would like to have seen the lights in realtime, but that's ok.

It's otherwise perfect for a kid!

Hand brsuhing that ''R' must have been an exercise in nerves.

That rubber band must have hurt Robin some... Oh wait, this is Robin we're talking about! lol.

Congrats on a fine build!

[MrChief101]

@ModelManTom To the best I can determine, that is in realtime; no foolin with the speed. I should have shot tighter close-ups.

There was very slight body accents, but I was going for a flat-color comic look.

Everything can come apart-- cape, cabinet back, the base unscrews to access wiring-- I made the whole thing "explosion proof" by soldering and shrink-wrapping every connection. If the lad sits on it, it won't short. By coming apart, it could be repaired some fine day...

Thanks, ModMan

[brandohim]

Super cool re-do. I'm workn on the Robin and Batman models as we speak. The changes in models from the 60's suck. No "R" on chest, no "start, stop" on switch plate, Robins head re-sculpt, poor detail work. And Batman, no owl on tree, no raised "Batman" on tree, chest emblem different and head re-sculpt. But the way you did this model, is incredible. Thanx for sharing

[anoncritic]

Needless to say, this is awesome! I'm sure the person you gave it to will treasure it for a long time.

[MrChief101]

I think it's sweet that you wanted the figure anyway and solved the problem with the materials at hand. Your imagination filled in the rest.

I think you'd be surprised how forgiving the modern day glues and paints are-- if you're willing to live with visible seams, you can brush paint on and get very good results.

Thanks for the kind words. I did go a little too far on this one.

[OriginalTessaMessa]

Dang!!  Nice work eliot! That is really awesome. You are the champion of this model! -Joe (too lazy to sign out of tessa's name)

[ModelManTom]

I had thought the turntable shots were a stop-motion effect, thus my idea that the lights weren't real time.

Are those functional dip switches in the back?

And is that the main power push-button on the front right panel between the two clear plastic sticky-outty-things?

Now, just set up a tesla coil to arc lightning between the two stand alone metal pieces, to amp up the drama, and this soars beyond an A+! lol!!!

Again, great job!!!

[ModelManTom]

Nice job on the child-proofing -and the accessibility-finishing! The flat colors make total sense in the comic-book styling. Perfect!