Custom LEGO post-apocalyptic flight-soldier

When I saw this custom LEGO minifig from PEDRO, I knew I had to share it with you! I introduced you to PEDRO’s custom LEGO creations some time back (read here: Featured LEGO-Fan: PEDRO). This latest LEGO custom from PEDRO is a post-apocalyptic flight-soldier he made for a friend.

You can click on the picture for a better view. Also, please note that the image above is a composite of the same custom minifigure from different angles. Although it would be nice to have a whole army of these guys!

Here are the specs on the custom LEGO flight-soldier:

• Wings: jointed and movable (the wings are third-party)
• Minifigure arms: jointed (meaning the arms can move in more angles than back and forth like normal LEGO minifigure arms – see picture)
• Helmet: modified LEGO helmet
• Visor: custom opening visor (sculpted)
• Armor: modified and part-sculpted Amazing Armory armor, using BrickArms items for enhancement
• Vambraces: part-sculpted BrickForge vambraces
• Weapons: modified BrickArms weapons
• All custom painted to create a rusty and weathered effect

Amazing, huh? PEDRO also freely shares some of his tips and tricks to create this amazing custom LEGO minifig:

FOR SCULPTING parts and enhancements PEDRO uses Milliput. Milliput is an epoxy-putty available at hobby and home improvement stores, and great for all kinds of repair work. And of course hobbyists love it too! Milliput is initially soft and pliable, then gradually hardens to a rock-solid state  (at this point it can be drilled, filed, sawn, sandpapered and painted). If you can’t find Milliput locally, you can also try another brand called Green Stuff. You can also pick up both of those brands on Amazon:

FOR PAINTING the parts Mr. Color paint in Dark Iron was used as the base color. For creating the rusty effect PEDRO used Citadel paint; using a mustard color in the deep cracks, then mixing in some brown and a little orange (not completely mixed to keep some of the orange and brown separate). PEDRO used a small sponge dipped into the paint (and dabbed on the side of the pallet to loose some of the thick paint) and applied at the minifigure randomly, focusing on the deeper cracks to keep the effect more realistic.

FOR THE GUN some LEGO and BrickArms parts were cut, then glued together using Superglue and smoothed out with modeling-clay.

One of the wonderful things about LEGO customization is the collaboration of LEGO customizers. They share their LEGO customs, critique each other and also give suggestions for improvement. This process makes LEGO customization an exciting and always evolving hobby.

In regards to the custom LEGO flight-soldier, PEDRO got some feedback that the LEGO bone attached to the bladed-weapon looked too white; clashing with the overall rusty look of the minifigure. In response to this PEDRO tried something new. He didn’t want to paint the bone, as paint would easily rub off once the weapon is attached to the minifigure’s hand. So instead, he lightly scorched the LEGO bone using a flame to see if he could make it look more realistic. Below is the result. As I have said; minifigure customization is an incredibly creative and always evolving hobby!

So what do you think? Are you inspired to create your own LEGO customs? Let me know in the comment section below. Also, if you are interested in LEGO customization you may want to head over to the Forbidden Guides section, or check out the following posts:

• Featured LEGO-Fan: PEDRO
• Essential Guide to LEGO Customizing – Part 1
• Custom LEGO Armor Tutorial by Lamanda
• LEGO 4-Juniors Minifig Customization
• LEGO Friends Undergo Plastic Surgery