See Part 1 of these 1000AD Predators here.
Before NECA started re-releasing their Predator figures with improved articulation, many releases suffered from limited articulation, despite having great inset swivel shoulders, elbows and knees.
Utilizing low cost/high quality UFC wresting figures for their smooth hip and torso articulation, I developed a system of splicing out the limited mushroom-peg cross-cut joint hips and torso joints in favor of something more dynamic. Here's a few different approaches I used back in 2012 when splicing the UFC articulation into the static portions of NECA Predator figures:
Utilizing low cost/high quality UFC wresting figures for their smooth hip and torso articulation, I developed a system of splicing out the limited mushroom-peg cross-cut joint hips and torso joints in favor of something more dynamic. Here's a few different approaches I used back in 2012 when splicing the UFC articulation into the static portions of NECA Predator figures:
Structural work and articulation testing is always necessary to avoid limitations later: Ensuring all joints held proper tension and can support the figure standing or in a static pose is a necessary step. Afterward, the entire surface area of the figure would be resculpted using Aves Apoxie Sculpt, clay shapers and a variety of steel leather punches to simulate organic shapes needed for the figure's skin texture.
Additional pre-sculpted material was integrated from other figure sources. These components would typically be ABS injection moulded parts for rigidity, or formulations of semi-flexible PVC for areas closer to the figure's areas of articulation:
Many of the figures utilized Neodymium magnets to allow for swapable accessories without sacrificing posability. Finished version of this particular figure can be seen below and at FigureRealm.
