I've actually had a largely LBC Red Shadows army assembled for a while, but didn't think the reimagined troopers or Red Laser really warranted their own critiques entries. I'm very happy with them, but don't think they're particularly impressive or special.

Recently, however, I decided it was time to give them a leader.

I'd thought about reimagining Baron Ironblood's look, but it's so iconic and cool that I decided I wanted to preserve it. Here's my best shot at that:

Essentially it's a conversion of a Star Wars Admiral Thrawn figure to increase the range of motion in the legs. It may well be the most dramatic such conversion I've ever attempted and was definitely the most labor intensive.

I chose the unmasked head specifically for how menacing the eyes look through the helmet viewport. But I'm open to other suggestions.

Here's how he looks with his troops:

What do you guys think?

I have that head and wondered what to do with it.

I like the use of the Chap Mei heads for the goons.

It's all cool!

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Wow cool!
For some reason that head reminds me of Dr. Venture.
Anyway the range of motion on the thighs problem is keeping me from completing my custom of the Baron. Perhaps I just need that Star Wars skirt to fix mine.
I know lots of people are using those Resolute Crimson troopers for their Red Shadows. However I just can't commit to that with that sculpted Cobra logo badge on their shoulder.
I love your LBC Red Laser! I was thinking of using that exact same helmet but never thought of using RoC Flash for the rest!

Rock and roll! I'd buy that in a heartbeat.

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The figure is quite good, and well done on the hips! The helmet though... it's utterly massive. It's as wide as his shoulders, and at least 8 scale inches over his head. If it is a metal helmet as depicted in the comics, he'd be completely immobile and unable to fit into most vehicles, or possibly even through doorways.

It does explain his baldness however...

Nice work converting that Thrawn body, and I dig the helmet. I mean, practically speaking, it is probably too big but, aesthetically, it has like a retro British sci-fi look to it, which is quite appropriate.

Thanks guys.

Yeah, the helmet's almost Spaceballs big, but it really is the only welder's helmet I've seen in this scale. Any alternate suggestions are welcome, but I'm not really dissatisfied with the exaggerated look. After all, he is a comic book villain.

And I agree the shoulder Cobra symbols would've made it tough to buy the crimson troops as Red Shadows. That's why I shaved them off and replaced them with Red Shadows insignia.

I hadn't thought of that head for Dr. Venture, but now that you say it I can't Unser it. So I guess I'll belooking for a new head for the Baron oncei repurpose this one.

Well, there's your problem right there, really.


Baron Ironblood didn't wear a welder's mask, he wore a medieval-style cylindrical helmet, similar to a Great Helm or an executioner's helmet.

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Thanks! I had no idea. That will actually help tremendously in right-sizing his helmet.

The skull and crossbones look great on all the figures. Did you paint them or are they decals?

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http://www.joecustoms.com/albums/index.php/NJC%2050/040.JPG?action=big&size=original&fromthumbnail=true&preferredsize=resize

[cough] NJC #50 [cough]



great mods to those SW legs, Spin. Agree that head is a ringer for Venture, but not as much for the Baron. Nice looking crew overall though.

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The Baron and Red Laser are perfect. Seriously great use of parts. The Red Shadows look good as "red shirts" but I love the original design of the Red Shadows so much I cna't get behind these evne though they are well executed.

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That's a decal that I painstakingly cut from its background with an exacto knife. Glad you like it.

Bindy, I love your Dr. Venture. You've inspired me to get to work on one of my own.

The head on this guy (for now) came from a Target knock-off line. I think it's still on the shelves.

Thanks all for the kind words.

The most menacing eyes that I've seen recently are on the X-men: Origins SWAT wolverine. You'd probably only be able to use them if you made the helmet non-removable, but they'd certainly give you the look you want.

Isn't there a half-decent Count Dooku head in the Star Wars line anywhere?

Somehow I'd think Christopher Lee playing the Baron would be just the bee's knees.

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