Older Sideshow Figures upgraded to be on par with Hot Toys

[echo1126]

I've been meaning to start this thread for sometime now. Many of the older human Sideshow figures just have not aged well. (Heck even some of the current Sideshow figures haven't aged well, lol.) And next to the current Hot Toys figures they stick out like a sore thumb. But simply changing out the head sculpt and/or the body can make all the difference in the world. I have to thank forum members Chakaman and Cocoboloboy for giving me the inspiration to go ahead and upgrade these figures myself. It was you guys that gave me the idea.

Here's my Rebel Fleet Trooper

 

[echo1126]

Imperial Officer

 

[echo1126]

Endor Rebel Soldier

 

[echo1126]

All 3 together

 

[DCFett]

Looks good. Can you list the formula?

 

[Stryker2011]

Nice upgrades. I might have picked a slightly older HS for the Imperial Officer, but he still looks good.

 

[Johnny6666]

But the problem doesn't lie entirely with the head sculpts. It's the far lesser fit and tailoring of the costumes/clothing that compromises the figures in comparison to Hot Toys. There's a real art to it that was lacking from the older Sideshow figures (although they have very much improved in recent years).

 

[Wor-Gar]

Yeah, putting a modern head on a Hasbro-level outfit doesn't really make it HT quality.

With a few basic tailoring tricks, you can make those outfits a lot better though, and if you don't want to pick up a needle and thread then at least try the water treatment to help shape the clothing more naturally and avoid the ballooning.



I actually thought this thread was going to list the Sideshow figures that can hold their own amongst an HT display. That would be an interesting list, although subjective.

 

[SilverStar17]

I actually thought this thread was going to list the Sideshow figures that can hold their own amongst an HT display. That would be an interesting list, although subjective.

Snowspeeder Luke, Darth Maul, ANH C-3PO and ANH R2-D2 I think can. R2-D2, if LED lights and having a die-cast dome are inconsequential to you, that is. Detail I think is there though on the SSC one.

 

[Wor-Gar]

Snowspeeder Luke, Darth Maul, ANH C-3PO and ANH R2-D2 I think can. R2-D2, if LED lights and having a die-cast dome are inconsequential to you, that is. Detail I think is there though on the SSC one.

This is all true, though the more modern ones I expect would hold up mostly.

I meant of the older figures. Most would instinctively say "creatures and robots" will hold up, but not all. Like personally I don't think Greedo holds up... but the Tusken Raider does, with a few little mods. IG-88 v1 also hold up. I don't think the Gammy works without a repaint. Bib Fortuna is so close, a bit on the fence for me, but at least a repaint is necessary. The older alien Jedi likely hold up given their simple attire. Plo Koon, Ki Adi... not so much Kit Fisto though.

 

[echo1126]

Looks good. Can you list the formula?

Sure

Rebel Fleet Trooper:
Sideshow clothes, accessories & blaster
Dam Toys body & Head Sculpt
HT Han Solo ANH MMS261 Hands
Deagostini Helmet modded with SS Helmet Chin Strap

Imperial Officer:
Sideshow clothes
HT Grand Moff Tarkin Body - cut away lower portion of fat suit
Dam Toys Head Sculpt
Neck Peg
Luke Skywalker ROTJ MMS429 Hands
HT Grand Moff Tarkin Boots & Code Cylinders

Endor Rebel Soldier:
Sideshow clothes & accessories
Dam Toys body and Head Sculpt
SS Endor Trooper Hands

 

[Cocoboloboy]

Great thread! I think several of the older figures prove to be great stand ins with a little work.

 

[echo1126]

Nice upgrades. I might have picked a slightly older HS for the Imperial Officer, but he still looks good.

I actually was going for more of a slightly younger officer. I had the Imperial Officer from the Detention Block in mind, although the rank badge is incorrect.

 

[Creighton]

On a side note, can that Endor Rebel helmet work for a custom Endor Luke? Or is there some hidden widows peak I don't know about?

P.s. Coco, that Tusken Raider is sic!

 

[echo1126]

Snowspeeder Luke, Darth Maul, ANH C-3PO and ANH R2-D2 I think can. R2-D2, if LED lights and having a die-cast dome are inconsequential to you, that is. Detail I think is there though on the SSC one.

I completely agree.
SS R2-D2 & C-3PO are great.
IG-88 Version 1 is very nice too.

And like Wor-Gar said, some of SS alien characters are still good too. Tusken Raider, Momaw, Greedo, Figrin D'an, and Gamorrean Guard are my person favs.

 

[Creighton]

I completely agree.
SS R2-D2 & C-3PO are great.
IG-88 Version 1 is very nice too.

And like Wor-Gar said, some of SS alien characters are still good too. Tusken Raider, Momaw, Greedo, Figrin D'an, and Gamorrean Guard are my person favs.

SS Greedo and Hammerhead are still holding up.

 

[Wor-Gar]

Hammerhead yes, but Greedo reads dated to me in outfit and vest. The sculpt is great though still.

Believe me, I'd love to have all these updated, especially Greedo most of all.

It's amazing how well the alien Jedi hold up. I wish I liked them.



Coco, can't you find a reasonable painter like you did a tailor? I want my Gammy repainted now that I think about it.

 

[Chakaman]

Cool stuff guys.

A few of my favorite "upgrades"...

 

[Wor-Gar]

That face for Ozzel is perfect!

You got to get ahold of a Tarkin uniform though.

 

[Chakaman]

That face for Ozzel is perfect!

You got to get ahold of a Tarkin uniform though.

It really is.

The problem with the Tarkin outfit (besides the cost) is there is no HT officer hat and the Sideshow one won't color match.