Just in time for the new Black Widow movie, I can finally start sharing the worklog for my Black Widow project. It was originally build for the promotion of the latest Marvel´s Avengers video game. But now its a good time to write everything together. It was my aim to create a mod that was representing Black Widows character, and also fits into the Marvel universe. Thats why I am going to include some of her most iconic design features and weapons like the gauntlets and tonfa into the mod. I started with some basic paper sketches. After the design was finalized, I transferred it into a 3D model with the correct measurements.
First, I made a cut list, so I dont forget anything and all the parts are in the right size. Cut all the pieces from plywood on my table saw and miter saw. A good amount of wood already. Started with the lower section. I cut in small slits that will be filled with acrylic glass later. All panels were glued together and fixed with some pocket screws. That way I dont have to deal with a lot of filling at the end. Looks ok from the inside. Almost done with the lower section. Now letting the glue cure over night.
Kept working on the lower section. Cut some wooden stripes with 45° angles and sanded down the edges to make them fit around the base. Then I cut another panel for the top, that I glued in from the inside. As the glue was cured, I used my router to cut away the wood along the outer edges. In this lower section, I want to place the PSU and the pumps for the water cooling. So I cut in a couple more holes to get access to that areas later one. They will get covers later, also most are on the bottom side and will n0t be visible later on anyways. In addition, I added all holes for the water cooling and sockets on the outside.
Now it was time to work on the upper section. I started with the front panel that should get the typical Black Widow hour glass cut out and shape. First, I cut in some lines for the light effect. Then I made the cut out in the middle. For the side pieces, I cut out all the areas needed for the fans and light effects. Then, everything was glued together, and I made a first test, if everything will fits.
Next, I cut the excess material from the front panel. And the basic construction of the top was done. Before gluing both parts together, I sanded the lower section and got rid of any bumps and imperfections in the surface. Got get a bigger gluing surface, I attached wooden strips to the inside to ensure a good bond between both half's. Before starting with the paint job, I had to hide the typical wooden structure from the plywood surface. First I applied a couple layers of spray filler. Then I covered everything with spot putty and sanded it down afterwards. Not I got a smooth and even surface.
After I sanded down the filler on the outside, I started painting the inside in black. The back panel and the sides were covered with black carbon vinyl. Before gluing the back panel in to place, I Installed the fans and some LED lights. Made a quick light test and put the back panel into place. Before starting with the paint job on the outside, I test fitted the sockets and the cover for the water cooling.
I gotta say i get really bored with movie themed case mods. But i never get bored of your amazing modding skills
And now it was time for the paint job. Started by laying down another layer of spray filler which was sanded down slightly. Put on 3 layers of black paint followed by 2 layers of clear coat. After drying, the first sockets were installed. Next, I made a short test on what kind of acrylic glass to use. transparent or opaque one. I decided rather quickly for the opaque one on the right. After cutting, the edges were polished for a good light transmission. And yes, I need a polisher at some point in the future. Looks good so far.
Next, I made the bottom panel with all the cut outs for the cable management and water cooling. I also needed a quick mounting for the radiators behind the fans. I have slightly changed the design for the water tank covers. In addition, I also made some more details for the outside. Like always, sanded, spray filler, paint job. Next, the details were glued into place and I also put the water tanks into the build. I designed the fan covers in the same design as Black Widows belt parts. Printed everything in resin to cut down some time on the post processing.
Next, I prepared the hardware for the water cooling. Put in the tubes and it was ready to go. Now for one of my favorite parts. To get an even better connection to the MCU and the Black Widow character herself, included some of her most iconic pieces. I started with the Tonfa, I made a 3D model to match the design of the game and then 3D printed the parts. Paint job and clear coat followed. For the handle I used some textile tape to get more structure. To simulate the rest of the structure of the Tonfa, I used a wide electrical tape. For a light effect, I soldered some SMDs on a base. At the end this effect should shine in a blue light, so I made castings in blue resin for that. You will see the finished Tonfa in the final pictures later.
The last detail I wanted to add was the gauntlet of Black Widow to put it right next to the Tonfas on the back. So, I made a 3D model and printed the base. Sanded down, and hit it with a couple layers of spray filler. After priming, I dabbed on a couple layers of a golden acrylic color to give it already a slightly used look to begin with. I needed the bullets that are attached around the gauntlet 32 times in total. Thats why I decided to make a mold and cast them in resin. Started by resin print four masters. For making the de-molding process easier, I made a twp part mold. Started with embedding half of the bullets in clay and poured over silicone for the first half. After the second half was done, I could start casting. Each casting took about 90 minutes. To avoid any air bubbles, I let the resin cure under 60 PSI in my pressure chamber. Just cut away the air vents and pour spouts. Finally painting and gluing them into place. As a last step before taking final pictures, I needed to install Windows to program the fans and light effects to fit my color scheme.
