Powerloader from the movie “Aliens” - 1/12 scale

“I offer my services for moving...”

A few years ago, Halcyon released a well-made 1/12-scale plastic model kit of the loader from the movie "Aliens." The only thing is, the Ripley figure lacks realism...

Technical diagram of the Powerloader with red annotations correcting the positions of the left and right actuators

There is a significant error in the drawing that needs to be corrected: the hydraulic cylinders on the arms are installed in the wrong orientation...

Assembled gray Powerloader subassemblies: gripper arms, cylinders, and central frame displayed on a light-colored backgroundModel of the Aliens Powerloader being assembled; legs and hydraulic cylinder primed in gray

First thing:
Glue all the two-part pieces together, then fill the joints. It’s a long and tedious process, but the result is worth it. After an initial sanding, apply a liquid filler to bring out any imperfections and make the joints completely invisible...

 Model of the Aliens Powerloader being assembled with hydraulic hoses and a gray primer coat Model of the Aliens Powerloader currently being assembled with black hydraulic hoses and articulated arms

Assembly doesn't present any particular problems, but before gluing the part to its base, make sure Ripley is positioned correctly relative to the craft's legs and arms... Installing the main hydraulic lines. Thorough documentation is required...

 Front view of the Aliens Powerloader model with articulated arms and cables, on a base Close-up of the legs and feet of the Aliens Powerloader model during assembly

Des détails sont rajoutés, manquant sur la maquette: les câbles d'hydraulique des pieds...

We install the photo-etched plate for the protective harness, and two pieces of tubing are cut to accommodate the vertical and horizontal lighting—two lengths of clear plastic...
Electrical wiring not included in the kit is added to the harness, along with the power supply for the flamethrower...
Everything in place—see the photo on the left. All that’s left is to sand down the light tubes...

 Model of the Aliens Powerloader in a gray finish with visible red and blue hydraulic hoses Front view of the Aliens Powerloader model: gray exoskeleton with claws, colored cables, and weathered finish Model of the Aliens Powerloader under construction, with red and blue wiring and articulated arms Model of the Aliens Powerloader currently under construction, with exposed cables and lifting arms

 Four photos showing the final assembly, ready for painting...

The figurine

Unpainted model of Ripley standing in front of the gray Powerloader exoskeleton, which is currently being assembled

 Ripley figurine in a Powerloader harness, currently being painted in light colors on a base Painted figurine shown in profile, depicting Ripley in a tank top and green pants on a gray base

Model of the yellow Powerloader piloted by the Ripley figure, detailed close-up of the cockpit

Painted figurine of Ripley strapped into the yellow Powerloader exoskeleton from the movie *Aliens*Ripley's current face (the first three photos) has been modified, but even so, since the result was disappointing, it was decided to remove it and replace it with a much more realistic sculpted head...

Painting

Front view of the Aliens Powerloader model, primed in yellow, with its claw arms extendedModel of the Powerloader from *Aliens* with a yellow primer coat, front view showing articulated arms and claws
The paint used is Humbrol oil-based paint. The base coat is 63, followed by 69 yellow. Once dry, the part is given a very diluted wash of 33 + 133...

 Model of the Aliens Powerloader primed in yellow, mounted on a painting base Unpainted Aliens Powerloader model, exoskeleton with claws and protective cage on a base

 Deux autres vues: à gauche la peinture, à droite, le jus ombré...

Once it's dry, apply a dry brush using HC6 Marker Yellow mixed with white to soften certain areas...

Model of the yellow Aliens Powerloader, assembled with claws and wiring, on a base

Another view...

Front view of the yellow Powerloader from *Aliens*, with its arms and claws extended

The "seat" is painted in matte black 33. It will then be dusted with graphite powder to give it a faux-leather look...

Model of the yellow Powerloader from *Aliens* with claws and cables, three-quarter view

The torch, cables, and metal harness guards are also painted black. They will be dry-brushed with dark and light gray...
The hydraulic rods and certain parts are chrome-plated with Silver 11...

 Model of the Aliens Powerloader with a weathered yellow finish, close-up of the torso with an orange rotating light and articulated arms Aged, yellow legs and feet from the Aliens Powerloader model, featuring detailed hydraulic cylinders and cables

 Deux vues de détails de l'ensemble fini. Des écaillures métalliques simulent l'usure du matériel mais doivent rester discrètes...
De la peinture argent est utilisée, atténuée avec du noir...

Model of the yellow Powerloader from *Aliens* with hydraulic arms and grippers, featuring black and yellow warning markings

Decals

Decals
: There are many of them. Tip: For decals with a transparent film, apply a coat of gloss varnish to the area. Then, once it’s dry, place the decal using Microsol to secure it. After it’s completely dry, apply a coat of matte varnish, and the transparent film will disappear!

Model of the yellow Aliens Powerloader, with gripper claws featuring black and yellow warning stripes

No matter how careful you are, you might still overlook something... For example, these six large bolts on either side of the clamps. They’ll end up being painted and weathered...

Yellow Powerloader manipulator arm with an open mechanical gripper and detailed hydraulic hoses against a light-colored backgroundModel of the yellow Powerloader from *Aliens* with a Ripley figure at the controls on a baseA few photos of the finished model...

Model of the yellow Powerloader from *Aliens* with a pilot figure in the cockpit

Model of the yellow Powerloader from *Aliens*, featuring a pilot, articulated arms, and a painted base  Model of the yellow Powerloader from *Aliens* with a Ripley figure at the controls, side view



Model of the yellow Powerloader from *Aliens*, side view with pilot figure and orange rotating beaconModel of the yellow Powerloader from *Aliens* with a Ripley figure at the controls, front viewModel of the Aliens Powerloader in front of a hangar set under construction with white panels

Construction of the white foam board set piece is underway on the workbench, with cutting tools scattered around it

The loader will be included in a scene depicting the Sulaco's cargo hold and the battle with the Alien Queen, which will be the subject of two other tutorials...

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