Barnabas Collins
(Jonathan Frid)

Model: Barnabas Collins (Jonathan Frid)
Scale: 1/6
Material: Resin (and metal)
Produced by: Action Kits International
List Price: $89.95
Sculpted by: Bill Merklein
Box Illustration by: Kevin Butterfield
Assembly Instruction Line Art by: Anthony Carpenter
Mold Making and Casting by: Matt McWhirt
Box Art and Instruction Layout by: Ken Cox
Updated: Jan 10 01:46 1996

Box Art

BEFORE YOU START!

• Set your "game plan" by carefully reading this instruction guide and studying its diagrams.
• Apply all glue, primer and paint according to manufacturer's instructions.
• Be patient! Remember the adage, "Slow and steady wins the race."

TOOLS FOR ASSEMBLY

• Super Glue or 5 Minute Epoxy glue.
• Craft Knife (X-Acto).
• Finishing grade wet/dry sandpaper.
• Milliput, A+B or any other water soluble 2-part Epoxy putty.
• Mild detergent.
• Old toothbrush or scrub brush.
• Acrylic primer paint or a sandable primer, such as Krylon.
• Water based acrylic hobby paints, such as Pactra, Polly S or Liquitex.
• Gloss and/or matte finish lacquer.
• Paint Brushes.

  INVENTORY OF PARTS

  A) Head

  B) Collar

  C) Body

  D) Main Cape Section

  E) Small Cape Section

  F) Right Arm

  G) Cane

  H) Left Arm

  I) Left Hand

  J) Left Leg

  K) Right Leg

  L) Left Foot

  M) Right Foot

  N) Base

  O) Gravestone

  

  MODEL BUILDING INSTRUCTIONS

  Preparation

  Step 1

  Refer to the Parts Inventory List to verify that you have all parts you will need for assembly.

  Step 2

  Mold flashing may be trimmed from parts by gently scraping along the mold line with the dull edge of your X-Acto Knife. Mold lines and other surface imperfections can be removed by wet sanding or by gently buffing with a finishing grade sandpaper.

  Step 3

  Test assemble all parts to check for proper fit. Trim and adjust fit with sandpaper, hobby file or Dremel tool.

  Step 4

  Scrub all parts in warm soapy water. Oil, dirt or mold release can impair the model's paint job.

  Assembly

  Step 5

  Assemble the unpainted parts as shown in the diagram. Use 5 minute epoxy or super glue for all connections. Use glue sparingly and avoid getting it on your hands or on the surface of the model. This kit may be completely assembled prior to painting or can be done as a series of sub assemblies. Sub assembly of parts for painting purposes may be done as follows:
  Sub Assembly 1: Attach Main Cape (D) to the Body (C). Now glue the Collar (B) to the Body /Cape assembly where indicated. Next, glue the Left Arm (H) into the socket on the Body. Place Left Hand (I) in the wrist opening of the Left Arm, position the fingers into the impressionson in the Cape so they appear to be "clutching" it. Once you have achieved suitable positioning, apply glue. Finally, glue the Small Cape (E) to the Main Cape along the seam line.
  Sub Assembly 2: Attach the wooden Cane (G) to the Right Arm (F) with a droplet of Super Glue.
  Sub Assembly 3: Glue the Gravestone (O) to the main Base (N).
  

  Step 6

  You may fill seams or surface imperfections with 2-Part epoxy putty. Mix the putty according to the instructions on its box and press it into any seams gaps or holes in the surface. Wetting your fingers or using a wet toothpick will give you a smoother finish and prevent the putty from sticking to your fingers or tools. Do not proceed with painting until all putty fill has hardened and been finish sanded.

  Painting & Finishing

  Step 7

  Coat the entire model with surface primer. This will fill small pin holes, highlight flaws in puttying and sanding and provide a uniform surface for painting.

  Step 8

  Make sure the primer has completely dried before applying color. We recommend water based acrylic paint, which should be available at your local hobby or art/craft store. Refer to the box label for a suggested color scheme or create your own. We suggest use of an inexpensive watercolor paintbrush for paint application, a quality fine point brush for detail work and an older or cheaper brush for dry brushing. Rather than applying one heavy coat of paint, it is preferable to apply several thin coats. This will minimize the appearance of paint drips and brush strokes.
  The following methods will help to "professionalize" your paint job...
  Shading wash is a technique that will achieve a sense of depth, define wrinkles and textures and will help to give Barnabas the slightly "weathered" look of a 200 year old vampire. After applying base coat mix the base coat color with a small touch of black (or other dark color). Now thin this new color until it reaches the consistency of milk. Apply this wash to the model only where the effect is desired. Note how the thinned paint gathers in the crevices and textured areas. Continue to apply coats of wash until desired effect is achieved but be sure to allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next. Dry brushing will allow you to highlight bumps and wrinkles. This may work to highlight the herringbone design in Barnabas' coat. This effect is achieved by first applying a base coat of your selected color. Now mix a lighter version of the same color by mixing in some white (or other light color) paint. Soak an old paintbrush with the new color. Immediately begin rubbing it on a paper towel until all paint seems to have been removed, rendering the paintbrush almost dry. Briskly sweep the brush over the desired area and notice the wonderful highlights that begin to appear.

  Step 9

  Complete final assembly, as follows: Mounting figure to base is best accomplished by gluing the painted feet to the Base Assembly (Sub Assembly 3). Next, set the pose by positioning the legs between the feet and the Main Body Assembly (Sub Assembly 1). Once you have achieved a positioning you are happy with. glue the legs in place. Finally, glue painted Head (A) into the collar socket and Right Arm Assembly (Sub Assembly 2) into the arm socket provided under the cape.
  

  Step 10

  Spray the completed model with a matte finish lacquer. This will protect the paint on the model from rubbing off. Gloss lacquer can be used to "spot" details such as eyes and teeth.
  
  

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