So, about the District 9 Mech Model

[Max Challie]

I did some searching and coudn't find a similar thread. I know this movie has a bit of age, but I love this mech. It's got all the functionality and sharp geometry, while scaling at a size perfect for general warfare. Reminds me a lot of the Tau Battlesuits of Warhammer 40k (so did the small arms weapons, actually), only a lot more real. The only thing it's really missing is a jet pack. The "Exosuit", as it's officially titled.

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Purchase Link
(http://wetanz.com/the-exosuit/):)

I was complaining about the price earlier, but now agree with the multitude of clearminded people. Just wanted to put this in the first post so those wishing to respond will stop replying to the first post only, thank you.

[Black Spot]

Three months work? And what would you expect to be paid for 3 months work?

[Dusty]

Seen collector's pay more for things. Only you can decide how much of a collector you want to be. :)

[goldilockz]

If it's a hand-crafted, not made at all from a machine statuette, then the price tag is far too low, IMO. If it's mass-produced (or even limited series) and built by machine, then you're right.

[hippl5]

Weta makes some cool stuff. Look at what they made for Valve:

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[s.ketch]

Problem with collecting stuff is that it's only worth what others are willing to pay. So if you buy it, it may not rise in value. That is unless in thirty years D9 emerges as a cult-classic and lots of people want it.

But you're paying $600 for a statue. You can't even play with it. If you could pose it and switch weapons and if it lit up then maybe that's worth it. Consider there's plenty of fine collector mech toys from Japan that can do those things for a lot cheaper.

Better yet, buy the materials and make one for yourself. It would be learning process and you'd get what you want.

[Pavel Sokov]

Yea it is really cool, and the designer looks like Zach Galifianakis, but wouldn't you rather put that towards a vacation?

It is not a fine arts statue that can be bought as an investment. I don't know, I grew out of toys when I was 13, so spending 600$ on a statue like that seems crazy when I can put it towards a vacation or a PC upgrade, or saving for another car because mine is 11 years old and doesn't really work anymore.

[Max Challie]

Black Spot and goldilockz, you're right about the price. And really, if i was rich, i wouldn't hesitate to buy it. And i agree with s.ketch... Buckweisel, is that you?

Better yet, buy the materials and make one for yourself. It would be learning process and you'd get what you want.
Best statement of the thread, i reckon. Just that it'll take years of practise and etc, might as well start soon.

Pavel - yeah, no sane person on a working budget would buy it. It would be fantastic to sit on the shelf, but i'm not in that class, at least not yet :P
Thanks for your feedback, everyone!

[MikeMakesMonkeys]

I grew out of toys when I was 13, so spending 600$ on a statue like that seems crazy when I can put it towards a vacation or a PC upgrade, or saving for another car because mine is 11 years old and doesn't really work anymore.
Liar - your preferred choice of toys just evolved. :P

(Damn I want to work for Weta, but NZ immigration is a cock to get through :( )

[Rusty]

Well priced if you ask me, remember they are collectibles not for kids to be playing with in the sand box (not to say i wouldn't, I would so be pew pew's kill the baddie in the sandbox! hah!)

[Ccs]

I know people who regularly drop hundreds on statues based on the Berserk manga series made by Art of War in Japan. Really neat stuff but I agree, I'd never buy a collector's statue unless I suddenly came into a whole bunch of money.

Still, pictures of them are awesome. Good reference material.

[Meloncov]

If it's a hand-crafted, not made at all from a machine statuette, then the price tag is far too low, IMO. If it's mass-produced (or even limited series) and built by machine, then you're right.

Pretty sure it's somewhere inbetween. The parts are produced from molds, but they're hand assembled.

For that quality of model, I don't think it's overpriced. Now, I'd be far more likely to buy a cheaper model, even considering the cuts in quality they'd have to make.

[MikeMakesMonkeys]

Pretty sure it's somewhere inbetween. The parts are produced from molds, but they're hand assembled.

For that quality of model, I don't think it's overpriced. Now, I'd be far more likely to buy a cheaper model, even considering the cuts in quality they'd have to make.

The master will include some or many CNC'd or RP'd parts, but even with machine involvement there, they always need cleaning up and fixing by hand and eye. The parts will then be moulded by a skilled moulder and cast by a skilled caster, assembled by hand and painted by hand (and with some skill).

So no, no overpriced by a long chalk - although no shame in knowing its out of our price-range :P

[PetarB]

So do what I do and build your own maquette. I plan to do this one day soon.

FYI, I have been at one stage a full time model builder. To build this for you, with all weathering, base etc, - from a kit - I would have charged this approximate figure and not blinked an eyelid. It's a lot of work to be honest.

I loved the work of Relic's art studio, and always wanted a Taiidan Interceptor to build from their 'Homeworld' game. I gave up waiting and built my own from scratch. I just won first prize in the Starship Modeler 'Interceptor' competition. I'm not saying this to big note myself, but to let you know that there are other benefits from doing it yourself. But the big one is that I look at it everyday and think 'I did that'. The other is that during the construction process, you actually come to know and love every damn curve, angle and detail on the subject. Either that or you learn to hate it! ;)

As mentioned, I plan to build one of these soon. It's to cool for words. I love the team at Weta who designed this. I can't wait to see what they're up to in MiddleEarth again...

[Max Challie]

So do what I do and build your own maquette. I plan to do this one day soon.........
That's awesome! I need to get some materials. Also, hello fellow Homeworld fan! I'd love to build myself some Kadesh, Multi-beam frigates on! :)
Do you intend to make your exosuit articulatable when you build it? I remember seeing a Metroid Samus suit model in the 3D section a few years ago, i think the artist used socket-ball joints. Which i imagine would be extra difficult to create.

Who'd want to pay top dollar for art? I mean, c'mon, you just look at it and it isn't like artists deserve that much money.
Your sig doesn't kid'

[nonameowns]

district 9 is my favorite modern sci-fi movie.

that mech is best mech i seen in a while. sharp, wicked, and dangerous.

but i wouldn't buy the statue. I'm poor, not a materialistic person, and fond of usage for space.

[PetarB]

That's awesome! I need to get some materials. Also, hello fellow Homeworld fan! I'd love to build myself some Kadesh, Multi-beam frigates on!

Hi Max, here's a couple of pics for you:

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w239/PetarB/Taiidan%20Interceptor/DSC07812.jpg

More pics here. (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=215309)

Rob Cunningham saw this and gave it his seal of approval - which is better than any award, to be honest.

As for the exo suit, I doubt it I would make it completely poseable - a fine paint finish does not agree with poseability, too many paint chips, etc. But I might put ball joints in the legs so I can get the final pose 'just right'.

[DENDROTTO]

one of the best moviescenes i have ever seen :D i cosplay it in 20 years XD

i hope they make a continuation of this movie.

[Max Challie]

Yeah! I've heard a sequel is planned. Might be set in New Zealand, maybe not.. scifee Lord of The Rings if it is lol! Hopefully they'll reveal more about the aliens and include the Slaver race as originally intended - the final design for that was freaky! (super ruthless :D)