Hi folks.
I've had some time off work so have finally found time to clean & catalogue my figure collection, once again emulating the Kenner style:
















(Don't worry I've not taken pictures of every single figure.. just the ones that, when starting out, would've been my dream collection)

Thanks for looking
T'shot

Wow. Thanks for sharing. I may have asked before but what kind of setup do you use? Your pics are awesome.

Thanks

I just used my camera (a Canon Power Shot SX710 HS) mounted onto a cheap tri-pod in a (preferably) naturally well lit room at home for these. A simple sheet of coloured A4 sized card for a backdrop & add a nice frame when I upload to flickr.

I find it helps if you don't treat the subject matter as being a toy.. imagine that you're taking a costume continuity/production reference picture, subtly pose the character to look natural using the face (looking directly at the camera) as your main focal point.

M.O.C. collectors may see what I was trying achieve, with each figure, regarding the choices of coloured backdrop used.

Superb pics Tshot, they came out really great

Many Thanks

WOW WOW WOW!!

Those are amazing!!! That's Kim Simmons level quality right there.

Really amazing, seriously

I have to agree with JP wholeheartedly!

Thanks for taking all of the time to capture these. They paid off!

O.K. folks..
I'm a bit apprehensive sharing these pictures of my X-Wing restoration here as I've used reproduction stickers, but all the plastic components are %100 genuine vintage.

Now before anyone starts shouting unclean or accusing me of selling my soul to the devil, please let me explain that unused vintage sticker sheets are way too rare & valuable for me to even contemplate using, besides, I've absolutely no intensions of selling it on or ever passing it off being as pure vintage... so please be gentle with me

Any-ways here goes:
 






It's suffering from "yellowing" far more than these pictures suggest but I think it just adds character.

Cheers
T'shot

Time to hang him, someone get the rope.

Just kidding, it looks great and though it may not be all vintage, I agree that intact sticker sheets are rare and would be just as bad if not worse to destroy one of those sheets than to use these.

I preferred this X-Wing in its original state when you first picked it up (assuming it's the same one). I know the stickers were tatty on it and would have made poorer photos, it's just my purist side liking to keep things original. I agree with you I would'nt have used vintage stickers either, yet I think adding shiny new repro stickers to a shell that's yellowing looks odd. Is the canopy repro? Looks too 'new', but might just be the light. Also looks like the darker version canopy more commonly seen on the Pali/Euro grey X-Wing.
I'm not bashing   just adding my thoughts as you stated in the post you were apprehensive due to using repro stickers. You know I'm a fan of your photography. It's a dilemma for some though - having authentic parts that are tatty against repro parts that are pristine.

Hi Artoo,
that's O.k. we're all adults and have different opinions & thoughts about such matters.
I thought, knowing some peoples views on the subject, it better to lay my cards on the table about the stickers being repro's straight out... I'm not out to deceive, start a debate or get into any arguments with anyone.

It's the X-Wing I purchased at the N.E.C., the canopies vintage and has a few scratches on it plus the usual problems with worn hinge posts.. as you say the lighting probably, and giving it a good clean & light polish, makes it look a lot better than it actually is.
I've had it for years, can't exactly remember when or where I got it from but I'm certain it was from car boot sale find mixed in a box of assorted broken toys.  

In retrospect, I shouldn't of even attempted to remove the battle damage stickers, they were pretty dried up & I thought I could get away with carefully peeling them off and re-gluing in the correct places  
 
This is the first time I've ever resorted to reproduction & not something I intend to make a habit of.

Better pictures of the cockpit, Artoo, these reflect the true condition of the canopy:

In situ & natural sunlight:


(excuse use of the flash, it's a typical mid January day here in England)




Hard to make out, there's a number 4 moulded midway along the top underside edge of the glass:


T'shot

I didn't know you guys were in a movie together.

I'll let you decide who's T'Shot, and who the rest of the Vintage community is.

And....go!

T'Shot's DIY Punishment kit has just been posted from TIG head office.




Hi T'shot, the canopy still looks like the darker version to me but could be the light. Aging is a good indcator, especially if it has yellowing on the clear canopies. Numbers can appear on both fakes and originals sadly. The only difference is a slight change in weight. Check out our entry on the main site for comaparisons: http://www.imperialgunnery.com/vehiclesplaysetsother.htm

Hi Artoo,
Yep, you're perfectly correct about it being the dark version.

I've had the piece sitting in my spares box for a decade, if not longer. In natural sunlight it clearly shows signs of yellowing.. besides, it's "feel", general condition & knowing the circumstances of how it came into my possession I, myself, am pretty convinced of it's authenticity.

Sadly, not being a cook (or drug dealer ) I've not got access to a truly accurate set of weighing scales to hand but I did a quick float test this morning:



.. don't know if it should or shouldn't float, hopefully, someone will be able to enlighten me on the subject.

If anyone's willing to foot the expense I'll happily willing to have it carbon dated