Merman Marinus SLOW Extended Tail Project

[Marinus Mortimer]

So people of MerNetwork Land I've decided to go ahead and start a thread about my extended tail project, this will be a slow moving process cause i attend college and work so bare with me, for now I'm stocking up on clay and other materials except silicone.

[Yes my good Merfolk I know how impractical these tails are for the average Mer and that there way too heavy for land and all that but im still making it. Im sure ill be safe I am a certified lifeguard and licensed open water scuba diver plus i practiced free diving most of my life, i lived in an island surrounded by the sea so water sports were the best option to escape the tropical heat.]

How I plan to make my tail:
Its nothing we don't know already, basically like the H2O tail making process, tail will be sculpted on top of a fiberglass cast of my legs with added extension piece to sculpt full tail, fluke will be sculpted separately, double mold of tail body and fluke.

After the tail body is cured and made one piece its time for scaling, individual scales will be added in the PearleMae method but without the powermesh backing because the tail body is silicone i think the powermesh is not necessary bevause silicone bonds with itself.

The first one will be a simple dark to light blue color scheme like the mako merman tails only because i feel safer swimming in the ocean with a camouflaged tail the secund will have vibrant yellow to red stripes and blue body.

Here are some pics;
38268

The purple tail is for my mom that wont be extended and the first is my original color scheme...38269



Then for the extension mechanism, i have designed around 5 ways of creating a functional extension but I've decided on one, the one ill be using is basically a triangular footplate to avoid the downward angle of the back of the feet and keep the tail straight if y'all look at my sketch maby y'all can understand what im talking about, so the top part od the triangle is one piece from footplate to monofin tip. Here have a look...38051

I'll post lots of pictures of the progress for all to seeb wish me luck.

[Becoming_A_Mermaid]

I'm so excited to see how this all turns out!!!!!:D Good luck!!!!

[Lili]

Ahh I'm excited you finally created a thread, I'm definitely following your process...I wish you good luck with this :D

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[Marinus Mortimer]

So i started to make the real size base drawing of my fluke or caudal fin its looking pretty big 24L by 38W inches im thinking it needs to be big to look proportional with the extended tail.38267

Heres my fluke design.38076

[Lili]

I love the shape you chose

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[Trident True]

This looks good. love your designs, what are you going to make your foot pocket out of? for your triangular piece i would suggest you create it in fiberglass. I have used fiberglass for some attempts on my tail. depending on how thick you make it will depend on how it feels in the water. it will not shatter at all, which is great for things that require high performance. I hope your extension works. I started my tail 7 years ago, and i'm finally on my last attempt of the extension. i will state this to you though. its not as easy as you might think to create. I wish you luck.

[Marinus Mortimer]

This looks good. love your designs, what are you going to make your foot pocket out of? for your triangular piece i would suggest you create it in fiberglass. I have used fiberglass for some attempts on my tail. depending on how thick you make it will depend on how it feels in the water. it will not shatter at all, which is great for things that require high performance. I hope your extension works. I started my tail 7 years ago, and i'm finally on my last attempt of the extension. i will state this to you though. its not as easy as you might think to create. I wish you luck.

I've never worked with fiberglass could you give me some tips? Plus i was thinking of the triangular footplate like a three piece set the blue for support and the brown one single piece of lexan all the way to monofin fin.382703827138272
In addition Ive been thinking of making a (double shoe) made of clealr resin molded in silicone. Basically its a footpoket the triangular footplate base would be encrusted into the clear resin and scrued to secure in place.

[Marinus Mortimer]

Also I finished the real size base drawing of my fluke shape! I hope I can start sculpting soon but with all the college assignments and my part time job I dont have the time, not even to just sit down and draw my friend some tail design sketches.

He it is: I think its too big might cut it down about 10 inches.
38284

And here is the original sketch:38279

[merwandering]

It seems like the extended tail sketches tend toward the smaller flukes, but I gotta say-
I love a big fluke;)
cool project!!

[Trident True]

I've never worked with fiberglass could you give me some tips? Plus i was thinking of the triangular footplate like a three piece set the blue for support and the brown one single piece of lexan all the way to monofin fin.38270

I used fiberglass bandage with a fiberglass resin or harder. bandages are extremely strong and will not crack, shatter etc under pressure. ive never used the fiberglass matting. is the triangle simply designed for the rod to be attacked to? if so I would just do the triangle in one piece.


3827138272
In addition Ive been thinking of making a (double shoe) made of clealr resin molded in silicone. Basically its a footpoket the triangular footplate base would be encrusted into the clear resin and scrued to secure in place.

your foot pocket must be low cut profile. in order to get your feet into it. applying these tails is different to a standard monofin. meaning you can't just pull your feet into the pockets. this is my personal experience. do you mean you will make your pocket out of resin or silicone? you say molded in silicone which im getting a mental picture of the pocket actually being silicone.

[Lili]

I mean it makes sense to do a silicone molded footpocket, but you have to think about attaching it to your footplate, if you screwed bolts through that, you'd tear the silicone most likely, you can make the footpocket out of fabric and glue + screw that to the footplate, that way it stays put, you can add silicone on top of that, since silicone will stick to neoprene and neoprin, I haven't tested spandex..lycra should work since most neoprene is backed with lycra

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[Marinus Mortimer]

I mean it makes sense to do a silicone molded footpocket, but you have to think about attaching it to your footplate, if you screwed bolts through that, you'd tear the silicone most likely, you can make the footpocket out of fabric and glue + screw that to the footplate, that way it stays put, you can add silicone on top of that, since silicone will stick to neoprene and neoprin, I haven't tested spandex..lycra should work since most neoprene is backed with lycra

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your foot pocket must be low cut profile. in order to get your feet into it. applying these tails is different to a standard monofin. meaning you can't just pull your feet into the pockets. this is my personal experience. do you mean you will make your pocket out of resin or silicone? you say molded in silicone which im getting a mental picture of the pocket actually being silicone.

No im talking about (clear plastic resin)
This38286

It will be cast inside a silicone mold to be a footpocket.

[Lili]

Ohhh..I understand, that's an interesting approach

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[Marinus Mortimer]

It seems like the extended tail sketches tend toward the smaller flukes, but I gotta say-
I love a big fluke;)
cool project!!

Thank you Merwandering currently the size of my fluke design is 34 inces wide and 28 long i also love big flukes!

[JustCOS]

Just to double check, you're using the Casting Resin for the mold or for the finished pocket? I'd be worried about using it as the finished pocket as the resin can shatter. It's mostly meant for jewelry type things, and I've cracked my fair few dropping them on concrete.

[Marinus Mortimer]

Just to double check, you're using the Casting Resin for the mold or for the finished pocket? I'd be worried about using it as the finished pocket as the resin can shatter. It's mostly meant for jewelry type things, and I've cracked my fair few dropping them on concrete.

Thank you for the tips JustCOS.Im thinking of using it as the footpocket lined with soft silicone inside. I hat thought about it braking thats why ill do some tests first.

[GulfMerman101]

Hi Merman Marinus,
I was wondering where to find tubs of clear silicone?
and Clear Flexible Urethane?

[Marinus Mortimer]

Hi Merman Marinus,
I was wondering where to find tubs of clear silicone?
and Clear Flexible Urethane?

Im thinking maby you can make the tubes yourself and buy the urethane at Smooton.com
Or if by tubes you mean the ones you buy at hardware stores you can get good ones at Wal-Mart

[Lili]

The tube you're referring to is probably caulking, I found a pretty good deal at lowes: http://m.lowes.com/pd/GE-10-1-oz-Clear-Silicone-Window-and-Door-Caulk/3078887
I used this stuff to create my dorsal

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[GulfMerman101]

Thanks, :) sooo i've checked Smooth On's Clear Urethanes, im probably most likely going to stick with Clear Flex 30, it seems to be the most flexible super strong clear urethane they have.
Another Question for you Merman Marinus or any Mers is? How much should I need to supply myself to have enough for the Fluke, its going to be 3ft X 2ft, basically if you've ever seen the BTS on H2o or Mako Mermaids, that's what i'm going for? all they have is 1, 5,and 55 gallon units, for sure 55 is out of the question, but yeah?



Select a Product Below
Mix Ratio By Weight
Mix Ratio By Volume
Hardness
[TR]
› Clear Flex® 30 (https://www.smooth-on.com/products/clear-flex-30/)
100A:94B
1A:1B
30 A

[Marinus Mortimer]

Im sure that at least 2, 5 gallon units will be enough to safely build your fluke mold

[Lili]

I will measure my fluke, but I used one gallon for mine, maybe a tiny bit more, but I used 4 kilos of silicone

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[Marinus Mortimer]

:yay:Quick update: I've decided to go ahead and change my fluke design Im going to keep the same size but the design will not be the same post pics tomorrow.

P.s: got bad headache still got three more papers to write :headdesk: :fallover: :help: once im done with all that then bed time... :bed now:

[Lili]

I'm excited to see it :D

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[GulfMerman101]

i know!! XD its going to be great, ive been checking your thumbnail all day non stop, im so thrilled to see it. :)

[GulfMerman101]

also ive finished my drawing of my fluke, and the whole body. so yeah yall are right lol, 2 gallons will be just enough thanks, merman marinus, and mermaid Lili:) i'll post my drawing today hope you all love it <3 :)

[PearlieMae]

Thanks, :) sooo i've checked Smooth On's Clear Urethanes, im probably most likely going to stick with Clear Flex 30, it seems to be the most flexible super strong clear urethane they have.
Another Question for you Merman Marinus or any Mers is? How much should I need to supply myself to have enough for the Fluke, its going to be 3ft X 2ft, basically if you've ever seen the BTS on H2o or Mako Mermaids, that's what i'm going for? all they have is 1, 5,and 55 gallon units, for sure 55 is out of the question, but yeah?



Select a Product Below
Mix Ratio By Weight
Mix Ratio By Volume
Hardness
[TR]
› Clear Flex® 30 (https://www.smooth-on.com/products/clear-flex-30/)
100A:94B
1A:1B
30 A



You can't get clear flex 30...it's for industrial use only. I can't get it and my company deals with Smooth On all the time. (And if you DO get it, I think one gallon should be more than enough.)

CAUTION: NOT FOR HOME USE. THIS PRODUCT IS FOR INDUSTRIAL USE ONLY. Wear safety glasses. Proper ventilation, A NIOSH Approved Respirator and Protective Clothing (gloves and long sleeves) are required to minimize the risk of inhalation and dermal sensitization. If breathing is affected or a dermal rash develops, immediately cease using this product and seek medical attention. Read SDS before using.

[GulfMerman101]

thank you Peraliemae for the tip, ill still try though lol, I am looking for a somewhat clear urethane rubber for my fluke, but when I searched online all I got was smooth on, and other websites that distributed the same product as smooth on, so that got me wondering if there's a urethane rubber resin that's out there that I can use? Barnes is another well heard shop that jmb fx uses, but as we all know its in Australia. i would stick to silicone, but its not stiffer than urethane, and lacks any tear & wear. and ive seen so many great silicone tails made by you and other mers <3, but I feel like ill give the urethane a shot and try something new, and see how it goes. no regards GulfMerman

[GulfMerman101]

38401so here's my sketch and size of my fluke, I think I might make it alilttle bit larger, maybe add 3 1/2 more inches around. what do you all think?http://mernetwork.com/index/images/icons/icon5.png:confused::thinks::headdesk:

[GulfMerman101]

38402
and heres the whole tail, this is my goal, and hopes it comes to reality :) !!!!!
plus drawing the scales took forever, lol

[Lili]

Looks exciting gulf merman, I love your fluke design [emoji14]

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[Marinus Mortimer]

Looking great GulfM :dance: keep it up, about the size id say a bit bigger wouldn't hurt.
:yay: PearlieMae saves the day with amazing insight thanks, I two was thinking of using Urethane for the fluke.

On a side note id like to share a revelation that came to me while looking at these pictures.
38414
38415
(In this pic the tails seem skinny/thin wich led me to believe in the [ layering technique ] )

I thought that all the tails are slightly different from each other, each tail had diferentes proportions so o thought that instead of casting the tail in two pieces they (jmbfx) was building up the thickness of the tail body by adding individual sheets of silicone to get the shape the smooth it out with a layer of silicone evenly brushed on top with a thiker vicocity...

Personally for me this method could work it minimizes the need for tens of pounds of clay and hundreds of dollars to sculpt out the tail body, I mean its a time saver I think.
38416
What are the opinions you guys have un this idea?

[Marinus Mortimer]

Also I've decided on the shape o want for my scales its simple but I love them.
Here's a pic:38417

[GulfMerman101]

I love the scale design !! and yes jmb fx did use layering's of silicone on the suit, as well as fabric, and well more silicone lol.
I really have the slightest of clue, but thinning the silicone just enough so its brush able to coat on, and enough so it wont clump up is my tip, I feel as though if simply have squeezed 10 silicone tubes in a bucket, then brushed it on the suit, wouldn't give you a lot of control and detail work, or smoothness of your project. plus the more you keep brushing and mangling with silicone, bubbles have a tendency to appear.

[GulfMerman101]

Another quickie that I just wanted to point out is that in the last photo that you put, when they are painting the suit, the fluke is made from urethane, yet its not clear like the ones from SmoothOn?? it has a tint of cloudiness, I personally wasn't looking for the clearest of urethane, just one that is strong and flexible. and I just simply want to have a clear guide where urethane to that extent may be. lol
I literally feel like getting the urethane is like a needle in a hay stack. that's the only thing that has me put down from continuing on my tail making process.:cry::headdesk::jelly:

[Lili]

Also I've decided on the shape o want for my scales its simple but I love them.
Here's a pic:38417
Those look really great! :D

[Marinus Mortimer]

I love the scale design !! and yes jmb fx did use layering's of silicone on the suit, as well as fabric, and well more silicone lol.
I really have the slightest of clue, but thinning the silicone just enough so its brush able to coat on, and enough so it wont clump up is my tip, I feel as though if simply have squeezed 10 silicone tubes in a bucket, then brushed it on the suit, wouldn't give you a lot of control and detail work, or smoothness of your project. plus the more you keep brushing and mangling with silicone, bubbles have a tendency to appear.

Thanks for the tip GulfM, but i don't need a perfectly smooth surface just the overall shape and extra thickness I will keep in mind that bubbles could form so ill find the best way.

Also this may sound crazy but theres this abandoned ware house, I was thinking of using the spaceous place to cast my molds and stuff like that. Of course its a Berry stupid idea as the place is also used by street Vegeta or bums (dont get offended) so storing things there two would be out of the question, but during the day theres no-one there not a soul so o could find a way to transfer my things there work and store them nearly in my small apartment. What do yall think its a very big place

[Lili]

Oh my gosh that sounds so awesome, go for it, it's sketchy, be careful but yeah I mean working in a small apartment with all those fumes is definitely not a good idea

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[AnnaAbyss]

Am definitely watching this thread from now on! Btw you're a great drawer Merman Marinus. Very nice detailing.

[Marinus Mortimer]

Im deff going with the abandoned ware house to avoid any hazardous fumes in the small confines of my apartment.

Thank you AnnaAbyss that means a lot :yay:

Also I finished the real size base drawing/outline of my legs and tail body it also shows the new fluke shape. I did a video lets see if I can get it to up load... I had to upload it to my youtube account so yeah now herez the vid:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=euEBGSDsiEA

And some pics;38434
LOL i drew in my Trient tattoo to the base design.
38435

[Marinus Mortimer]

Update : The outline I made of the tail thickness is still not the actual thickness because I'm going with idivudual silicone scales PearlieMae style the scales will be somewhat thick wich means the tail will be even thicker. LOL :yay: yay for extra thickness...

[Trident True]

38402
and heres the whole tail, this is my goal, and hopes it comes to reality :) !!!!!
plus drawing the scales took forever, lol

Love your fluke. mine is the same fluke design. now in regards to size of fluke mine measures in inches. 36X29X16, 3ft wide is the largest you should go. i'm quite slender and that size is more than enough. you also want it to be proportioned to the size of your body. I have used Urethane to cast my fluke but it needs to be tested once my extension is done.

the Urethane that you have suggested please DO NOT use its only suitable for people that know how to used it safely. the urethane i used was called https://www.smooth-on.com/products/smooth-cast-45d/ you will notice you can tint it to the colour you desire. semi rigid means that it is stiff but flexible. do not get a rigid urethane as there will be no flexibility and it may shatter.

[Trident True]

Thank you for the tips JustCOS.Im thinking of using it as the footpocket lined with soft silicone inside. I hat thought about it braking thats why ill do some tests first.


Sorry for delay in replying. i've only just seen it. the casting resin is too rigid once it cures and under pressure it will snap or shatter. its like making a monofin out of Acrylic which will snap no questions. the foot pocket needs to be able to take weight of the extension and your completed fluke. ive finished my foot pocket but i don't wish to post pic as i don't want to Hijack your thread.

Ive been attempting to create an extended tail for the last 6 years the hardest thing for me is the extension itself. i've wasted 2.5 grand on this project on materials. fuckups etc. and i don't want to watch someone else do the same. if I know it's not going to work i will give my opinion and insight :) or you are more than happy to test your theories.

[GulfMerman101]

Trident True:
I found this website called Ploytek.com, their Poly GlassRub 50A Clear Liquid Rubber, looks great as well wither its flexibility, and its not too pricy as much like smooth-on. I haven't ordered any urethane yet im just getting a feel to understand the resins and such, so I can make a wise choice for my fluke.
you can check it out and see if its a good quality rubber?
cause in my understanding with urethane? this is the chart?...38505, anything that's 00 is really flexible, A is simi flexible, and D's are really Stiff, or even Hard for that matter.

[GulfMerman101]

im sort of debating in between (Shore 00: 30, 40, or 60) or (Shore A: 10,20,or 30), theres so many but I just need one lol, what are your thoughts about it?

[Trident True]

im sort of debating in between (Shore 00: 30, 40, or 60) or (Shore A: 10,20,or 30), theres so many but I just need one lol, what are your thoughts about it?

ok, so for the Liquid rubber 50A stand for 50 Shore hardness on the scale. so if you look on the chart where it says shore A then go over to the 50 it says medium soft. this would be fine to cast a fluke in but the fluke would need to be quiet dense/ thick around the sides centering down to the middle. this only applies if your not using a monofin in between.

Urethanes usually go on the scale of Shore D but can sometimes fall in the shore A hardness. it depends on the brand of urethane your looking at.

Most Silicones and rubber go under shore A

I found it. are you looking at having this clear??? it states it will yellow overtime in uv but that could be easily overcome if you tint it.
https://www.polytek.com/products/liquid-mold-rubbers/polyurethane-mold-rubbers/pourable-polyurethane-mold-rubbers/glassrub/

[GulfMerman101]

Thank you Trident True :)
and yeah its clear but not super crystal clear like the ones from smooth-on. which is pretty pricy lol.
this type of clear resin, is something that ive been looking for.
what do you think? is it ok to use
.....

[GulfMerman101]

By the way I forgot to ask, if you might know how they made the spinal fin? like I know what they used as far as the silicone, but do you think they placed plastic rods inside the silicone? or that the silicone was casted out of a sculpted mold, giving that impression . Hmmm

38528

[Trident True]

By the way I forgot to ask, if you might know how they made the spinal fin? like I know what they used as far as the silicone, but do you think they placed plastic rods inside the silicone? or that the silicone was casted out of a sculpted mold, giving that impression . Hmmm

38528

The fins are sculpted in a clay or plasticine, so all detail is added into the sculpt. they are made to be around 3 to 4mm thick so they are a reasonable thickness.

As for the clear rubber, i've never worked with rubber and rubber tends to be more denser than silicone. the 50A seems to be a reasonable density even for silicone. i do however have a suggestion, if you are making a fluke that has no monofin inside of it. you will need to make it quite dense around the edges and taping down to the centre of the fluke. this way once the two are brought together it will actually act like a monofin. which will push water away, you won't be kicking water. if this make sense.

as you have never worked with it. i would buy a trail kit and see how you go. do up a small fluke create a mold then do a test. you will get a rough idea on what the density of the rubber is. then you can create your larger one taking that into account.

[Marinus Mortimer]

OMG you guys thanks for all that info and sorry I havent posted in a while, Ive bern busy working.
Soooo I ordered the last of the clay but I think I now have too much, looking forward to begin sculpting soon...

Id like to ask for ideas for my leg double. I was thinking of plaster bandeges and wood supports, then the leg double could be an outer shell of fiberglass or something like clear plastic resin then filled with expanding foam(with enough empty space for growth) would that work any suggestions?

[Marinus Mortimer]

Sorry for delay in replying. i've only just seen it. the casting resin is too rigid once it cures and under pressure it will snap or shatter. its like making a monofin out of Acrylic which will snap no questions. the foot pocket needs to be able to take weight of the extension and your completed fluke. ive finished my foot pocket but i don't wish to post pic as i don't want to Hijack your thread.

Ive been attempting to create an extended tail for the last 6 years the hardest thing for me is the extension itself. i've wasted 2.5 grand on this project on materials. fuckups etc. and i don't want to watch someone else do the same. if I know it's not going to work i will give my opinion and insight :) or you are more than happy to test your theories.


Thank you very much for your wisdom I wish there were more people like u guys out there cause yall is always so helpful, I will heed your words and shall not make those mistakes thanks for the advice...

[Marinus Mortimer]

Love your fluke. mine is the same fluke design. now in regards to size of fluke mine measures in inches. 36X29X16, 3ft wide is the largest you should go. i'm quite slender and that size is more than enough. you also want it to be proportioned to the size of your body. I have used Urethane to cast my fluke but it needs to be tested once my extension is done.
I know my fluke is BIG its like 4' feet wide but i like it big and all, I drew a smaller one but I did not like it even though its the proportional width, I think its because of my fixation with a merman book I read and the guy grows a BIG fin like bigger then every one elses fluke so I decided to be like him... The book is called "Of Poseidon" there are 3 books in total.

[Trident True]

OMG you guys thanks for all that info and sorry I havent posted in a while, Ive bern busy working.
Soooo I ordered the last of the clay but I think I now have too much, looking forward to begin sculpting soon...

Id like to ask for ideas for my leg double. I was thinking of plaster bandeges and wood supports, then the leg double could be an outer shell of fiberglass or something like clear plastic resin then filled with expanding foam(with enough empty space for growth) would that work any suggestions?



for my leg casting I used water activated fiberglass bandage. the stuff the doc have when you break your arm. you should be able to buy it on ebay. i then filled the mold with expanding foam to give it more density.

you will need to have someone do this for you as it will be difficult. you will only need one layer over the legs this is to ensure you can cut yourself out of it. cut down the front of your body this way you can ensure you can get it straight. when you spay your expanding foam in, use some string to pull the cut seam together.

NB. your ankles of your leg casting needs to match up with the width of your foot pocket. eg. if you decide to use a pair of shoes for your foot pocket, you will need to have those shoes on when you are casting your legs otherwise your ankles won't match up with the width of your foot pocket. speaking from experience. ps it will help if you get your heels in the casting this way you will have a good idea on where to put the foot pocket into the tail.

[mermaidenspins]

Have you seen the extended monofins that already exist? I saw how much $$ you say you've spent already. These are pricey and not clear, but they have the extension you want and are built, as far as I can tell, with the angle built in that you are trying to achieve. I thought it was a great idea for lengthening a tail, looks similar to the fluke mechanism that they show built in the H2O tail making videos on YouTube. The only additional costs are cycling shoes ( I think) to fit into the fluke. That makes them comfortable to wear. I'll attach a link to the ones I've seen online. If you don't have to spend so much time engineering and building practice models- it may even save you money in the long run. Anyway, just trying to help in case you hadn't see these yet-
This one is $$ but
https://www.deeperblue.com/dol-fin-pilot2-one-month-funding-completion/
Here's the one I first saw, looks good-
https://www.ultimateswimfin.com/
and one more page for the Lunocet
-http://freedivewire.com/freediving-fins/
This site has a diver comparison to both models pros/cons
Maybe this can help you in your quest!
Building a monofin that's extended will take a lot of time, trial & error, & material to build one from scratch. Not that I'm not for releasing the inventor in all of us- but, I know how hard $$ is while you are a student! I hope you won't be offended with me suggesting checking these out.. I am truly just throwing it out there if you hadn't seen them


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[Trident True]

Have you seen the extended monofins that already exist? I saw how much $$ you say you've spent already. These are pricey and not clear, but they have the extension you want and are built, as far as I can tell, with the angle built in that you are trying to achieve. I thought it was a great idea for lengthening a tail, looks similar to the fluke mechanism that they show built in the H2O tail making videos on YouTube. The only additional costs are cycling shoes ( I think) to fit into the fluke. That makes them comfortable to wear. I'll attach a link to the ones I've seen online. If you don't have to spend so much time engineering and building practice models- it may even save you money in the long run. Anyway, just trying to help in case you hadn't see these yet-
This one is $$ but
https://www.deeperblue.com/dol-fin-pilot2-one-month-funding-completion/
Here's the one I first saw, looks good-
https://www.ultimateswimfin.com/
and one more page for the Lunocet
-http://freedivewire.com/freediving-fins/
This site has a diver comparison to both models pros/cons
Maybe this can help you in your quest!
Building a monofin that's extended will take a lot of time, trial & error, & material to build one from scratch. Not that I'm not for releasing the inventor in all of us- but, I know how hard $$ is while you are a student! I hope you won't be offended with me suggesting checking these out.. I am truly just throwing it out there if you hadn't seen them


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I've looked into these some time ago. they look good however i found out that the shoes need to be taken off the monofin and cleaned in fresh water and allowed to dry this way it prolongs the shoes life. also they are an actual sneaker which will make it hard to get your feet into. As i'm aware the extended tails are put on belly down, backside up so it would make it hard to get your feet into it. not saying that a tail can't be designed to allow you to get your feet in more easily, just with my experience you need to have a low cut profile in order to slide your feet in.

[Marinus Mortimer]

for my leg casting I used water activated fiberglass bandage. the stuff the doc have when you break your arm. you should be able to buy it on ebay. i then filled the mold with expanding foam to give it more density.

you will need to have someone do this for you as it will be difficult. you will only need one layer over the legs this is to ensure you can cut yourself out of it. cut down the front of your body this way you can ensure you can get it straight. when you spay your expanding foam in, use some string to pull the cut seam together.

NB. your ankles of your leg casting needs to match up with the width of your foot pocket. eg. if you decide to use a pair of shoes for your foot pocket, you will need to have those shoes on when you are casting your legs otherwise your ankles won't match up with the width of your foot pocket. speaking from experience. ps it will help if you get your heels in the casting this way you will have a good idea on where to put the foot pocket into the tail.

Thanks TridentTrue i was thinking of doing a full leg cast including my feet "pointed". For this I thought of suspending my self with ropes attached to a life jacket then letting my mom do the casting with my bro she already knows how it goes with the plaster bandeges cause she was a nurse. Back to topic... With the feet in the leg double all os have to do is build the first layer or neoprene tail make the extension prototype attach it to the neoprene tail base. TEST the extension mechanism if it works ill order the silicone an begin to build up the tail thickness...

[Marinus Mortimer]

Have you seen the extended monofins that already exist? I saw how much $$ you say you've spent already. These are pricey and not clear, but they have the extension you want and are built, as far as I can tell, with the angle built in that you are trying to achieve. I thought it was a great idea for lengthening a tail, looks similar to the fluke mechanism that they show built in the H2O tail making videos on YouTube. The only additional costs are cycling shoes ( I think) to fit into the fluke. That makes them comfortable to wear. I'll attach a link to the ones I've seen online. If you don't have to spend so much time engineering and building practice models- it may even save you money in the long run. Anyway, just trying to help in case you hadn't see these yet-
This one is $$ but
https://www.deeperblue.com/dol-fin-pilot2-one-month-funding-completion/
Here's the one I first saw, looks good-
https://www.ultimateswimfin.com/
and one more page for the Lunocet
-http://freedivewire.com/freediving-fins/
This site has a diver comparison to both models pros/cons
Maybe this can help you in your quest!
Building a monofin that's extended will take a lot of time, trial & error, & material to build one from scratch. Not that I'm not for releasing the inventor in all of us- but, I know how hard $$ is while you are a student! I hope you won't be offended with me suggesting checking these out.. I am truly just throwing it out there if you hadn't seen them


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Thanks a lot for talkimg the time to suggest that but I aswell looked into those monofins before but found oír that if I were to incase the monofin into silicone it will slightly inhibit its functionality plus there is the issue of the shoes with having to take them out with each use plus getting into them skype be hard too...
They doo work for fabric tails though si maní a silicone spamdex/neoprene tail with one of these monofins doble look wikked. Again thanks for your idea.

[Trident True]

Thanks TridentTrue i was thinking of doing a full leg cast including my feet "pointed". For this I thought of suspending my self with ropes attached to a life jacket then letting my mom do the casting with my bro she already knows how it goes with the plaster bandeges cause she was a nurse. Back to topic... With the feet in the leg double all os have to do is build the first layer or neoprene tail make the extension prototype attach it to the neoprene tail base. TEST the extension mechanism if it works ill order the silicone an begin to build up the tail thickness...


that sounds like a good idea. before you do anything else i would suggest just working on the extension. all the other stuff can be done later. that's what i'm currently doing as things tend to get in the way or you have stuff lying around all over the place.

[Marinus Mortimer]

I've been planing and thinking about doing this for so long I watched you and some other Merfolk succeed and also fail I'm a person who looks at others mistakes and triumphs and learn all I can, so thanks for helping me out and giving me advise cause I know there are some people who rather not share with others (not saying that they "have to") but as a community we should help each other out so I thank you for that.

[theMerFanc]

Ooooo following <3 I have been really interested in an extended tail.

[Marinus Mortimer]

So my grandpa heard about me making a tail and decided to go ahead and buy some silicone tubes from Wal-Mart I think that o wont use this for my Extendo tail because i was thinking of using strictly Platinum Cure Silicone... Soo o cant let his gift go to waste and for so I've decided to go ahead and start a fabric/silicone hybreed tail with it, the only problem is that the silicone he bought is white but I'll work it out.

My test 38692


The silicone. 38693

Note; I will not stop the construction ir my ex. Tail for this, the hybreed is only so I can have something to swim in while I build mr long john...

[moniee]

Aw he is so sweet to think of you! I love when families are so supportive towards something that is usually frowned upon (or just not being understood).

you can tint the caulk by adding pigment powder into it before you apply it, or dab the pigment in after you've applied the silicone (let it sit for around 5 minutes before you dab the pigment in but it shouldbe still sticky). Check out my thread in my signature for tips! I'm using caulk too.

[Marinus Mortimer]

Mionee thanks alot for the tips, and I've read your thread let me tell you, your artwork is amazing when I saw how you made the fins I was amazed great Job btw the tail looking good.

[GulfMerman101]

Love your fluke. mine is the same fluke design. now in regards to size of fluke mine measures in inches. 36X29X16, 3ft wide is the largest you should go. i'm quite slender and that size is more than enough. you also want it to be proportioned to the size of your body. I have used Urethane to cast my fluke but it needs to be tested once my extension is done.

the Urethane that you have suggested please DO NOT use its only suitable for people that know how to used it safely. the urethane i used was called https://www.smooth-on.com/products/smooth-cast-45d/ you will notice you can tint it to the colour you desire. semi rigid means that it is stiff but flexible. do not get a rigid urethane as there will be no flexibility and it may shatter.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160827/915102e7e6182a0c89640e26e822fc98.jpg
Hey Trident True,
So I was thinking to go a little larger on the fluke, if I stand correct? 36" is the length, and 29 is the width, but what is the 16"???

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[Trident True]

38886

the Width really doesn't come into it has its an odd shape.

[GulfMerman101]

Ohhh that makes more sense, lol😂 because the way I measured mine was, i traced the shape of the fluke over a computer image on a clear over head sheet, then I projected the image on my wall, with a projection screen.

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[Moonchild]

Following!! I've always wanted a tail like the h2o ones, they're my all-time favorite so if you guys manage to make one, I'm a fan.

I have a question though, as you've probably noticed, the h2o tails are way thicker than the legs in some areas (eg. the shins) so the leg shape is totally concealed... How do you think they do this?? A thicker layer of silicone? Neoprene?

Enviado desde mi Aquaris X5 mediante Tapatalk

[GulfMerman101]

Hi Moonchild!!!!
A good friend from the studio there, once said that they used and glued water resistant foam, and shaped black medium foam to rid the tail of the showing of the feet. Then of coarse silicone and nylon fabric with more silicone over is then layered on the suit, colored, scaled, detailed, then colored again.
Hope this helps 😁🐋🐬🐟

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[GulfMerman101]

And yes we all are so forward in the making of our own awesome extended tails, so If you have any questions, we are all here to help you out! 😀

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[GulfMerman101]

Following!! I've always wanted a tail like the h2o ones, they're my all-time favorite so if you guys manage to make one, I'm a fan.

I have a question though, as you've probably noticed, the h2o tails are way thicker than the legs in some areas (eg. the shins) so the leg shape is totally concealed... How do you think they do this?? A thicker layer of silicone? Neoprene?

Enviado desde mi Aquaris X5 mediante Tapatalk
Hi Moonchild!!!!
A good friend from the studio there, once said that they used and glued water resistant foam, and shaped black medium foam to rid the tail of the showing of the feet. Then of coarse silicone and nylon fabric with more silicone over is then layered on the suit, colored, scaled, detailed, then colored again.
Hope this helps 😁🐋🐬🐟

Sent from my SM-J700T1 using Tapatalk

[Marinus Mortimer]

Following!! I've always wanted a tail like the h2o ones, they're my all-time favorite so if you guys manage to make one, I'm a fan.

I have a question though, as you've probably noticed, the h2o tails are way thicker than the legs in some areas (eg. the shins) so the leg shape is totally concealed... How do you think they do this?? A thicker layer of silicone? Neoprene?

Enviado desde mi Aquaris X5 mediante Tapatalk

From what I've learned they built up layers of silicone on top of fabrics to get the desired thickness that's how I'll be doing it atleast.

[Marinus Mortimer]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160827/915102e7e6182a0c89640e26e822fc98.jpg
Hey Trident True,
So I was thinking to go a little larger on the fluke, if I stand correct? 36" is the length, and 29 is the width, but what is the 16"???

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Personally I'm not so worried about my Fluke size cause it's gonna be BIG and when I say big I mean 51in↔️ and 31in↕️ Yes I know about proportions but I just can't help it I want and love big Flukes

[Moonchild]

Must be so hard swimming in those tails... But damn do they look good!

Enviado desde mi Aquaris X5 mediante Tapatalk

[GulfMerman101]

Must be so hard swimming in those tails... But damn do they look good!

Enviado desde mi Aquaris X5 mediante Tapatalk
Yes! I agree with you all the way. They look so majestic and unique, plus I've heard they are easy to swim in, but others say it can get quite exaughting, another thing is that I have the slightest clue if they are ocean ready, due to the currents, but if your lucky that the seas are calm then go for it, even lakes and pools are great too 😀👌

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[Trident True]

A few things i wanna discuss. firstly I believe that in h20't tails or you could say earlier tails. a dense silicone foam was used to fill in where the rod was so that it wouldn't sink in once the neoprene was placed over it. now it is evident in mako mermaids tails from season 1. as i do believe that the tails in 2 and three were made shorter so the foam wouldn't of been necessary. Remember over the course of the show the tails have gotten better in regards to performance. I noticed in season three that the tails have now become shorter with the extension. if you look at the pic below you will see clearly where the feet are then it kinda tapers off. notice how its flat, this got me thinking that perhaps silicone foam wasn't used.
38891

another thing are the flukes. if you look at the earliest tails, from H20 you will notice that they aren't as thick as mako mermaids. My reasoning behind this is, they had some sort of nylon casting in them to help push water away. In mako they don't, the tails are made more thicker to act like a monofin. it's evident in season 3 that the flukes are cast in a silicone rubber or rubber. so in order to get good propulsion the density of the fuke on the sides and mid may down is reasonably thick.

38892

season 1 tails
38893


Merman Marinus, in regards to your fluke size, its important to decide on which route you will go down. if you make it dense at that size it's most likely you will have trouble lifting it in the water. this will depend on how the extension is made.

[Mermaid Whisper]

38891

38892

season 1 tails
38893

.

that is NOT my BABIES

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160828/e7f1b5e8390aabcc93c679c3b1f3b3a5.jpg

^the ONLY h2o tails I don't hate

(I still won't watch Mako Mermaids)


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[Moonchild]

Yes! I agree with you all the way. They look so majestic and unique, plus I've heard they are easy to swim in, but others say it can get quite exaughting, another thing is that I have the slightest clue if they are ocean ready, due to the currents, but if your lucky that the seas are calm then go for it, even lakes and pools are great too 

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Yep!! I live in Mallorca and there aren't many currents here so I think I'd be okay. But I've never worked with silicone or lexan or any of the materials you guys are using and I have to admit that the language barrier doesn't make it any less intimidating hahaha I need to google pretty much everything just to know what you guys are talking about (caulking silicone, etc.)
I'll probably end up making an hybrid tail, like the one Lili is making. I'd still need to figure out how to extend my tail though... I hate the mechanical part of the process tbh, especially since I wanna be sure it won't snap while I'm using it!!!

[Marinus Mortimer]

I know MarkF Ive made some size changes but I just keep coming back to the original but i still got time to deliberate km the matter.

Moonchild I recomend you test out the materials on small scale just to get to know how they work. And read all you can...

[Lili]

It definitely took a lot of designing, like I mentioned in the beginning of my thread, it's taken me about 2 years to figure out the correct design, I watched jmbfx studios create the tails and another mer on YouTube (I believe her name was jinx) she made her rod very stiff and that got me thinking...I had tk find some sort of material that would allow me to move my tail sideways and up and down, so a stiff rod wouldn't help, can't get my hands on a nylon rod (I looked everywhere and alibaba shipping is just crazy) anyways, at the end of my thread I think I'll include specifics on certain parts of my tail, once I get it in the water again fully done to test out the movement (since i used plastic scales it kind of restricts movement a bit, makes the fabric stiffer) but it's a fun adventure honestly, it wracked my brain a bit but I think I came up with a good alternative to the design, I know for future tails I need to improve on some things for sure (I found out during the process and I think I'll include that as well at the end)

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[GulfMerman101]

It definitely took a lot of designing, like I mentioned in the beginning of my thread, it's taken me about 2 years to figure out the correct design, I watched jmbfx studios create the tails and another mer on YouTube (I believe her name was jinx) she made her rod very stiff and that got me thinking...I had tk find some sort of material that would allow me to move my tail sideways and up and down, so a stiff rod wouldn't help, can't get my hands on a nylon rod (I looked everywhere and alibaba shipping is just crazy) anyways, at the end of my thread I think I'll include specifics on certain parts of my tail, once I get it in the water again fully done to test out the movement (since i used plastic scales it kind of restricts movement a bit, makes the fabric stiffer) but it's a fun adventure honestly, it wracked my brain a bit but I think I came up with a good alternative to the design, I know for future tails I need to improve on some things for sure (I found out during the process and I think I'll include that as well at the end)

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I actually found some websites that have nylon on the perfect sizes, but nylon its self can be pretty pricy hmmm

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[GulfMerman101]

Ive heard about the spring supposedly used by have no idea how it'll look like in the footplate and even how it connects to the fluke itself

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[Marinus Mortimer]

It definitely took a lot of designing, like I mentioned in the beginning of my thread, it's taken me about 2 years to figure out the correct design, I watched jmbfx studios create the tails and another mer on YouTube (I believe her name was jinx) she made her rod very stiff and that got me thinking...I had tk find some sort of material that would allow me to move my tail sideways and up and down, so a stiff rod wouldn't help, can't get my hands on a nylon rod (I looked everywhere and alibaba shipping is just crazy) anyways, at the end of my thread I think I'll include specifics on certain parts of my tail, once I get it in the water again fully done to test out the movement (since i used plastic scales it kind of restricts movement a bit, makes the fabric stiffer) but it's a fun adventure honestly, it wracked my brain a bit but I think I came up with a good alternative to the design, I know for future tails I need to improve on some things for sure (I found out during the process and I think I'll include that as well at the end)

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Just as you I've watched a lot of people making their tails not just the (Extended) stuff for me is about incorporating different techniques that I've seen work for others and learn all I can.

Yes Jinx she used a PVC tube for her extension and I think silicone caulk on top of neoprene, the tail looked cool it is a full body piece but in the video it did not look very functional and the doy was a little off but that aside a great tail.

38908

Merman Jessie also made one H2O inpired and also a hybred dont know what he used to make it bulk.
Personally I think the tail would have sealed the deal with a bit bit bigger
38909

[Marinus Mortimer]

GulfMerman about the springmech on the Mako Mermaids tails I've thought aloooooot about it Imean loot.
Here's a pic of the thing hope it helps!

38910

[GulfMerman101]

GulfMerman about the springmech on the Mako Mermaids tails I've thought aloooooot about it Imean loot.
Here's a pic of the thing hope it helps!

38910
I assume it could be a stainless steel spring, so that isn't a problem, but have the slightest clue how it even would connects to the fluke???

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[Trident True]

guys there is a flat bar that you can't see in the photo, the spring is attached to that. the bar is cast into the silicone or urethane.

[GulfMerman101]

guys there is a flat bar that you can't see in the photo, the spring is attached to that. the bar is cast into the silicone or urethane.
Can you draw a diagram of it for us?? Pleaseeeeeeeeee

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[Marinus Mortimer]

Up date: finally got the fkn clay I thought the 4.5 lb would be bigger Im going to need like 5 more to sculpt the fluke, so got working on some scales which I love.
38953


Decided not to post non of my partial silicone tail on this thread mor make one for it I'll post lots of pics once I'm finnished with it for all to see.
Thanks to the labor day thing i hi5 to work on the tail a little.

[Moonchild]

Good luck with your tail then!!! :D can't wait to see it finished already ;)

Enviado desde mi Aquaris X5 mediante Tapatalk

[Marinus Mortimer]

Thanks MoonChild, ill post on my extended tail as i go. I decided to shrink the fluke a lil bit ill post pics of that once i start sculpting.

[Rett]

Wow, I haven't watched Mako Mermaids past season 1 (and a bit of two) and the change in the tails is quite drastic... I don't think I like it :( I feel like it shows the feet bump too much. I'll have to watch an episode and see it in motion before I decide though. It might look a little different then. Just from the comparison though I prefer the look of the season 1 Mako tails to all the other H20 and later Mako ones. It has the perfect blend of being thinner than the earlier H20 ones in an aestetcially pleasing way but still hiding the feet really well and having a very believable extention.

[Marinus Mortimer]

Finished with the scales at least didn the first 10.
For now ill show yall my progress on my fluke sculpt... 38982

[Marinus Mortimer]

Progress on fluke...

38984

[Merman Ordep]

WoW!! I love your fluke design:drool::drool: Can't wait to see more progress :thumbs up:
Your extension concept is also amazing!!

[Marinus Mortimer]

Almost done with the first half of the fluke.I've decided to doo the fluke thick because thelexan sheet sold at home depot is too thin, on the mako tails the flukes are thicker because the have nothing within the fluke. So seance i dont want a flowie fluke un making it thick so it dont bend too much.

Progress shot.38999

[Merman Ordep]

Are you using plaster for making the cast of the fluke?

[Marinus Mortimer]

I am yet to decide but mostlikely using plaster yes.


UPDATE. 39000

[Marinus Mortimer]

I thought id be good to show yall the tools un using.
Basic 10 piece clay tool set. Clay extruder with 20 different (mouth pieces) for "shapes".
Van Aken Platilina 5 blocks of 4.5 lb.
And a candle to roll out flat peaces.

39001

[Merman Ordep]

Thank you for posting your progress! you're helping me with my tail :D

[Marinus Mortimer]

No problem Merman Ordep glad I could be of any use, but keep in mind that the extension mechanisms posted on here have not been tested yet.

Here's another progress shot of the fluke sculpt: 39003

[Moonchild]

Looking great so far!!! Love it! Are you going to use a different material for the "skeleton" of the fluke?

Enviado desde mi Aquaris X5 mediante Tapatalk

[Trident True]

if you decide to use plaster here is a tip: have a partner and yourself mix up the quantities in separate buckets. eg if you decide you need 4 kg to cover the fluke for the initial mold then get your partner to mix up 2 Kg then both pour together from the one point. this will ensure that you cover the entire mold without having uneven sides. speaking from experience here. NB any unlevel mold can resort in silicone pooling on one side of the mold or even spilling over the edges of the mold. this usually only happens in the thinner spots. ENSURE WHEN MAKING ANY MOLD to create the mold on a LEVEL Surface. you will be looking at a thickness of about 2 to 3cm for the mold to ensure it won't crack upon lifting.

fluke thickness, ive created mine to be around 3cm thick at the top once the halves are put together and midway down is about 1 to 1.5cm the bottom is left around 3mm. you won't most of the thickness up the top and centre in order to act like a monofin. NB something to think about, the thickness you do your fluke needs to be taken into account in order for your extension to be able to take the weight of the fuke.

what are you casting your fluke in? silicone or silicone Rubber?

your fluke looks good. just a reminder your fluke needs to be symmetrical on both sides in order to add up.

[Marinus Mortimer]

Thanks alot Moonchild , actually im not making a skeleton like on the original H2Ó tails in using lexan as the monofin.

Thanks for the tips on mold making I didn't know all that. As for the thickness of the fluke I've made it just as you said except for the size and stuff. The lexan available to me at Homedepot is not stiff enough to me so i made the fluke like the upgraded Mako Mermaids tails the way the fluke acts like a monofin without one inside it I need that. As for materials I've been thinking about using a Urethane thats a bit harder than the Dragon skin silicone because of my obsession with my fluke not beying too flowy dont get me wrong I don't want a stiff fluke but it cant be flowy like Ariels fluke LOL...
39004

[Trident True]

I thought about urethane but i was thinking that once the halves are bought together it would be too stiff. Im casting my fluke in rubber as its more denser than silicone.

[Marinus Mortimer]

What kind of rubber ? I'm going with the Silicone for the fluke because I have more experience with it. Plus the extension also haves or is a Monofin, I'm also sculpting the fluke thick.

[Trident True]

Ive chosen to do my fluke in rubber becuase most silicones are softer in that department. its a smooth on rubber but i can't remember its name. you can dye the rubber to any colour and from what i can remember it has good tear strength and wearing resistance. of course i will buy a trial and test before casting my fluke. most silicones ive found don't go past 30 shore A im looking for something the the 40 to 50 shore A range.

[SIF]

Whisper, it doesn't hurt to watch the series. I found them entertaining. In my personal opinion they weren't as great as H20, but for being able to watch Mermaids and stuff it filled the gap. The first episode COMPLETELY captures what it feels like to swim for hours and then try to legs. My guppies and I laughed SO HARD that Cyan had a gummy worm go up his nose and he had to blow it out. And the new approach they had to when a half-mermaid gets a cold was tickling.
For me it was good to fill the void left by H20 and also look at all the new FX I may be able to reproduce at home. I am not a fan of the new tails, and definately NOT the tops, but the thicker flukes give a nice smack and i wouldn't be worried about fishing hooks.

[Marinus Mortimer]

I was looking at the urethane sold by smoothon so seance urethane is harder then silicone is the shore 30 or 40 good for my fluke?

[Trident True]

if your looking at a stiff fluke then 50 or 60 would be better.

have a look at the scale of shore A 50 to 60 is medium soft to medium hard. if in doubt go the 60, if you want flexibility or a flowy tail i would go 40. deciding on these products is hard because you can't feel the product before you buy so you just have to go off the information.

https://www.smooth-on.com/product-line/vytaflex/
39018

[Marinus Mortimer]

So my fluke sculpt broke I'm not sad cause I can fix it but I wasn't happy with it any ways so I'm starting the fluke again back to paper...39023

P.S. it broke while I stupidly tried to change locations by lifting it without beying able to support the whole thing.

[Trident True]

you could sculpt it on some card or a piece of board to avoid it from breaking.

do you know how you're going to add your fluke to your extension?

[Marinus Mortimer]

I already figures out how I'm going to connect the fluke to the tail body, I'll get some cardboard from work thanks allot Trident True.

[Trident True]

Glue some glad wrap over the cardboard this way your plasticine won't stick to it.

[Marinus Mortimer]

Yeah that's what my mom told me to do thanks bro.

[Rett]

Excited to see more progress! :)

[PearlieMae]

Get some of this: http://www.homedepot.com/p/24-in-x-36-in-Twinwall-Plastic-Sheet-COR-2436/202090128

I sculpt my flukes on it...there's a 72" option as well, I get those and cut them in half. I tape mine to a piece of pegboard, but any lightweight plywood works, and resin doesn't stick to it.

[Marinus Mortimer]

Thanks so much PearlieMae that's a great idea you've saved all my future sculpts :yay:

[Marinus Mortimer]

Looking at my fluke design sketches I feel like it looks somewhat like Zac's fluke and I want to be original so yeah new fluke shape in the works...3905539056

Just some ideas.

[The Water Phoenix]

I like the first one :) It doesn't look like Zac's fluke, it's your own design :)

[Marinus Mortimer]

I like the first one :) It doesn't look like Zac's fluke, it's your own design :)

I guess you misunderstood me sorry thats my fault. I meant my old design is similar to Zac's fluke so I drew some but still undecided...

Here is my old fluke design sketch the one that's similar to Zac's:39059

[Marinus Mortimer]

Almost decided on this one but im thinking about refining it once more... What do y'all think?

[MerEmma]

It's really cool! I like the jagged edges, very fishy without being overwhelming I think.

[Marinus Mortimer]

Thanks Emma for ur kind words. After I get home from work I'll do a better version of that fluke...

[Trident True]

Looking at my fluke design sketches I feel like it looks somewhat like Zac's fluke and I want to be original so yeah new fluke shape in the works...3905539056

Just some ideas.

I like the 2nd one for a male its seems more muscelean and natural. BTW, your first fluke was fine it didn't give me the sense of zac's fluke at all. :)

[Marinus Mortimer]

I like the 2nd one for a male its seems more muscelean and natural. BTW, your first fluke was fine it didn't give me the sense of zac's fluke at all. :)

Thanks TridentTrue I'm probably going with the 2nd one like you said its simplistic masculine and realistic.

[Marinus Mortimer]

After an EPIC Battle between two polar opposites the make up my brain I've decided to follow Mr. Trident True's advice and go with the simple fluke style for my tail.

Designated fluke shape:39062
I can almost guarantee that I wont change the fluke shape again as for my old fluke design I may use it in the far future if I ever decide to make another tail but for now im only spooning up what i can eat no need for gluttony...

[Merman Ordep]

Wow your drawings leave me speechless! You're such a good artist! Your fluke looks awesome :D

[Marinus Mortimer]

Thank you Ordep

[Marinus Mortimer]

:phew::headdesk::fallover::eye twitch::eyepop:So I began sculpting process on the new fluke shape hopefully ill have it done in at least 48hrs. 39094:rollover::shark::bulldozer::saynothing::doh: :eyepop::headdesk::bulldozer:

[Marinus Mortimer]

:bulldozer::headdesk::biting nails::confused:OK I got four different types of scales but I can't decide on one shape so I'll be needing the opinions of my fellow Mers all types of cemment accepted.:confused::biting nails::headdesk::bulldozer:39113

[Merman Ordep]

They all look awesome but I really like the 1st and 3rd scales :D

[Mermaid Aria]

I like the ones with the 3 points the best

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[Marinus Mortimer]

:bulldozer::bulldozer::headdesk::bulldozer::fallov er:Clay is not very nice today cause it's cold. I'll heat it up, I really want to finish it by tomorrow night.39114

[Marinus Mortimer]

finished the fluke drawing for the sculpting base.39115

[Marinus Mortimer]

:bulldozer::headdesk::eye twitch:Progress on fluke sculpt #2... 39116:bulldozer::headdesk::eye twitch::eyepop::yay:

I'm going to update on the fluke sculpting process on this post for now ( I just don't want to see 7 posts in a row all me) until I start the dorsals and some decorative spines...
39123:phew::bulldozer::eye twitch:

These are the measurments for my Extended Tail Fluke.... Hope y'all understand.39133

[Marinus Mortimer]

I think there too thick....
39134

[Merman Ordep]

^I like the way they look together :thumbs-up:

[Trident True]

cause your fluke is more realistic than fantasy, i would go with a more plain shape of scale but add detail to it.

this is what i came up with some time ago. they are about 0.1mm thick, looked good once cast in silicone.

39150

[Marinus Mortimer]

cause your fluke is more realistic than fantasy, i would go with a more plain shape of scale but add detail to it.

this is what i came up with some time ago. they are about 0.1mm thick, looked good once cast in silicone.

39150

I'll be seriously taking that^ into consideration thanks Trident True :hug:
And I love those scales by the way! :swoon:

[AnnaAbyss]

Nice new fluke shape! :D

[Marinus Mortimer]

:bulldozer:^Thanks I'm working on it right now!:bulldozer:

[Marinus Mortimer]

Im so happy to say that I'm almost done with the datils on my fluke and I'm solo in love with it, even though it's not the shape I originally intended on using but it's the best shape in the ocean for swimming found on some of the fastest deep ocean fish like the tuna and the sail fish... Also stay toined for my new dorsals coming soon.

[Marinus Mortimer]

I've noticed that I usually sculpt at night time LOL 39159

Experimenting with some spikes to decorate the big ass space on my back side I figured the H2O and Mako tails could've had more done in the dorsal section, so I'm making sure to stand out ! :bulldozer:

[Merman Ordep]

^those look awesome :D :D Can't wait for more progress :yay:

[Trident True]

what dorsal design are you going with?

[Marinus Mortimer]

Basically like a chiclid or whatever they're called for the center dorsal and smaller ones on both sides inbetween the spikes I'll draw a diagram of the design later. 3916639171

Diagram or sketch on dorsal placing, six dorsals in total the spokes are not drawn in.
39177

[Marinus Mortimer]

This is kinda what I'm going for with the spikes on the back just a bit different cause I'll have 3 doesals in total but no worries they won't be an issue with the drag.
39170

[Marinus Mortimer]

Got a few scales done the other ones were not matching with my new fluke design so new scales even though they are the most comon or generic scales out there LOL So yeah taking all day today to sculpt, need more caly!!! I'm no longer building up the thickness of the tail in layers im making a double mold for the whole tail body. Like Linden Walberts tail...
39178

[Marinus Mortimer]

The work does not stop...:bulldozer:39181
39182

[Marinus Mortimer]

New tools .

39184

[Trident True]

if you want to get your scales the same size, create the scale in the thickness you want, put in detail then create a mold. You can make multiple ones using that mold. As you're using plasticine a little bit of release agent in the mold will help with demolding if you create the mold in plaster. Place the plasticine in the mold and using a knife or similar scrape the plasticine away so that's its level with the mold.

[Marinus Mortimer]

Before I hat the cutters I was making them ontop of a scale drawing so they are all the same any way one makes scales it still turns out tedious to do I just want to make 20 of each size cause my tail will be big so ill need more scales per pour

[Merman Ordep]

Looking great :D

[Trident True]

Before I hat the cutters I was making them ontop of a scale drawing so they are all the same any way one makes scales it still turns out tedious to do I just want to make 20 of each size cause my tail will be big so ill need more scales per pour

yep that's what i did originally i made 2 X sheets of scales each row had about 10 scales in each by 6 rows. so 60 scales i was casting at one time. the easiest if you ask me.

[Marinus Mortimer]

I bet, with big tails like this the more scales I can cast at once the better. I'm all out of clay ill need to get four more blocks of 4.5lb to continue sculpting scales and top of fluke (where the scales scone in the fluke)...

[Marinus Mortimer]

Sneak peek of the "Lunari" fluke sculpt.39202

[Trident True]

Sneak peek of the "Lunari" fluke sculpt.39202


WOW, i like this, Impressive.

[Marinus Mortimer]

Thanks its been hard keeping the fluke together because I live in a shelter there is inspections and the people that do them have taken a liking on stepping on my sculpt which is clearly visible on the floor this resulted in having to smooth out several areas of the sculpt and having to start that section over again.

[Lili]

It's looking awesome and wow, I feel you with that situation I have dogs and everytime they were let out I was praying no one let them near my fluke sculpt, I purposely tried letting them out myself most of the time just to avoid broken sculpts...but an applause is needed I love the final sculpt design you came up with

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[Marinus Mortimer]

It's looking awesome and wow, I feel you with that situation I have dogs and everytime they were let out I was praying no one let them near my fluke sculpt, I purposely tried letting them out myself most of the time just to avoid broken sculpts...but an applause is needed I love the final sculpt design you came up with

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Thank you so much Lili I can't wait for you to post those pictures super exited...

Heres an update after having to re doo the left side 3 times and once the middle I'm almost done still got some final details and the top scales to add.
39244

[Marinus Mortimer]

So yeah hopefully by tomorrow I can get the clay.

[Atomic_Mermaid]

I love your fluke so much!!!


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[Marinus Mortimer]

I love your fluke so much!!!


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Thank you very much Atomic_Mermaid :swoon: :yay:

[Kunoichi Ribeiro]

Wow Marinus the fluke, scales and spikes looks amazing! Im very anxious to see your tail ready!

[Rett]

Looks great so far! Cant wait to see more progress!

[Keiris]

It's looking fantastic Marinus!!!

[Marinus Mortimer]

Thanks guys:yay: I honestly am exited myself to se this finished, today I went to hobby lobby to buy some clay and the plaster for the scales but unfortunately it was closed apparently they don't open on Sundays.

[Mermaid_Izzy]

Thanks guys:yay: I honestly am exited myself to se this finished, today I went to hobby lobby to buy some clay and the plaster for the scales but unfortunately it was closed apparently they don't open on Sundays.

They aren't open on Sunday's because that are faith based like Chick-fil-a


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[WaterDragon]

your fluke sculpt is looking wonderful.

[Marinus Mortimer]

Thanks WaterDragon, I unfortunately had an accident a window fell on my left hand fingers and one kinda blew up from the impact nails are blackened by blood exept for the nail that cracked and the blood was released so sculpting is off for like a week or two i did manage to go to hobby lobby and got 17 pounds of clay so im ready to go once my hand is healed.

[Mermaid Alea]

Oww I hope you heal quickly and it doesn't hurt too much! :hug:

[Marinus Mortimer]

Oww I hope you heal quickly and it doesn't hurt too much! :hug:
Thanks alot Mermaid Alea!:hug::mermaid kiss:

[WaterDragon]

ouch, I hope it heals quickly and that it doesn't give you problems once you do start sculpting again.

[Marinus Mortimer]

Thanks WaterDragon im sure it wont Im healing rather quickly but my nales are still brused, I've done some scales with my renaming hand so at least im doing something for progress, I can't stop.

[Lili]

Wow you've made so much progress, it's unfortunate about that finger of yours though and dang 17 pounds of clay [emoji33]

[Marinus Mortimer]

Yes i think I may still need a bit more but maybe not because I plan to sculpt the shape of the tail on top of a fiberglass cast of my legs and feet so that i can get the perfect shape at once rather than building up the thickness, and even though sculpting and smoothing all the tail sculpt will take me a while it's the better way to go for me,:crazy: I plan on making a two part mold with plaster, reinforced with steel pipes can't afford any cracks.

But before all that I still have to mold my legs and feet...:eye twitch: :fallover:

[Trident True]

Yes i think I may still need a bit more but maybe not because I plan to sculpt the shape of the tail on top of a fiberglass cast of my legs and feet so that i can get the perfect shape at once rather than building up the thickness, and even though sculpting and smoothing all the tail sculpt will take me a while it's the better way to go for me,:crazy: I plan on making a two part mold with plaster, reinforced with steel pipes can't afford any cracks.

But before all that I still have to mold my legs and feet...:eye twitch: :fallover:

ok, your plan of action is to scultp around the legs and feet with clay to create the thickness, then are you going to add the scales that you have sculpted to that then cast to make a mold?

for your 2 part mold as it will be so bulky, plaster may not be the best way to go as you will need a fair bit to make it dense enough. the steel poles may not be enough to support it. fiberglass cloth would be a better option as it light and pliable and you can work on it in batches, with plaster you have to work quickly even with bandages.

[Marinus Mortimer]

I spent all day today searching and watching videos about resin and fiberglass I'll follow your advise on this and use the fiberglass matting method for the tail mold.

No im not going to culpt the scales into the tail sculpt because I want individual scales that lift from each other.

[Marinus Mortimer]

Ok so I need some advice.

I've been thinking about making a foot pocket. My goal is a soft interior for comfort and a hard outer shell for support. Like this.39268
The other thing is materials I'm thinking ither soft silicone for the inside and fiberglass resin for the outside but having to drill holes I don't know how the fiberglass will hold up, then I thought about Urethane, a shore OO: 40 for the inside and a shore D: 90 for the outside shell But will drilling holes into the hard side if the urethane make it crack?
39269

[Trident True]

You can get urethane's that have the hardness but not the flexibility. for a piece like this fiberglass is the better option, Yes once cured it's hard but it does have flexibility even under heavy loads unlike urethane. if you like i can PM you a photo of what i have done.

[GulfMerman101]

This is just a suggestion. Why not use a neoprene Interior inside the foot pocket, it's smooth enough, light, and won't trap more water than there's already gonna be inside the suit.

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[Marinus Mortimer]

This is just a suggestion. Why not use a neoprene Interior inside the foot pocket, it's smooth enough, light, and won't trap more water than there's already gonna be inside the suit.

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It's a good idea But Im worried the so much neoprene in one place may cause my tail to float fluke first I'll have to test that. Plus there will be a drainage tube from tip of toes to center base of fluke so no water will stay trapped inside the tail.


You can get urethane's that have the hardness but not the flexibility. for a piece like this fiberglass is the better option, Yes once cured it's hard but it does have flexibility even under heavy loads unlike urethane. if you like i can PM you a photo of what i have done.

Not sure what u mean. I don't need the urethane or fiberglass for the "extension fin" its only for the foot poket. And my main concern is having to drill holes into it.

[Trident True]

It's a good idea But Im worried the so much neoprene in one place may cause my tail to float fluke first I'll have to test that. Plus there will be a drainage tube from tip of toes to center base of fluke so no water will stay trapped inside the tail.



Not sure what u mean. I don't need the urethane or fiberglass for the "extension fin" its only for the foot poket. And my main concern is having to drill holes into it.


Ok, are you looking at screwing your extension to the foot pocket? if so urethane is not the way to go imo. most urethanes are hard and you can get some with a softer shore A. Unless the pocket is completely solid then in most cases it will crack upon movement, especially if its a ''shell'' pocket. meaning the pocket is thin and hollow which is basically what your going for.

Fiberglass is a better option as once its cured its hard and can withstand a lot of pressure. you also don't need a lot of it to create a durable casting and its light in the water.

this is what i have come up with. a pair of crocs, so, so comfortable on the feet. will not decay or go mildew.
39277

[Mermaid Alea]

Wow crocs are a good idea. I can't say I have used them in a mermaidy way, but I have been leaving a pair of camo crocs outside in the Florida sunlight for 7 or more years now for when I go into my aviary and need to put on shoes that can get dirty. I keep them right by my aviary outside. They are still in good condition after all of those years of being outside in the heat, rain, etc. :)

[Marinus Mortimer]

Yo Crocs float, did you know that? Thanks for all the useful info.
Thin is not what i an aiming for I would make it at least 1 inch thick with the urethane but if drilling it is not a good idea then. But drilling fiberglass would be bad two.

[Trident True]

really? crocs are made with a thermo plastic not foam, yes they are light weight but they shouldn't float. once encased in fiberglass then the extension added to that which is dense, then the weight of the fluke, i doubt i will be risen. Once I test mine i will let you know. yes fiberglass is ok to drill.

PS. i have to wear weight belts in the water. i place them around my ankles. also the suit will have places were the weights will be added.

[Mermaid_Izzy]

really? crocs are made with a thermo plastic not foam, yes they are light weight but they shouldn't float. once encased in fiberglass then the extension added to that which is dense, then the weight of the fluke, i doubt i will be risen. Once I test mine i will let you know. yes fiberglass is ok to drill.

PS. i have to wear weight belts in the water. i place them around my ankles. also the suit will have places were the weights will be added.

I don't think it will be that big of a issue with all that, but they actually do float...I have worn them in the lake and let them sit on top of the water...


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[GulfMerman101]

True yes.. But remember the fluke is going to have all the weight so it should pull it down?? No??

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[Trident True]

this solution if any will need to be tested. what I liked about the crocs is that they were comfortable, light and it had the low cut profile i was after. As they are made with a plastic floating didn't cross my mind.

Now depending on how people wish to make their tails will depend on whether this is suited to you. Most people that have swam in neoprene will tell you that they float. i don't know if this is for everyone but on this note i float without it, so wearing weight belts should counteract any floating of the crocs, please don't dismiss the idea because the crocs float because most likely there is a way around it.

Ps the mako tails float in water but the fluke end is more submerged due to the weight.

[MerEmma]

Yeah, they always say in the behind the scenes videos that the H2O tails aren't neutrally buoyant. I've seen images of the actresses wearing a (weight?) belt before.
Crocs definitely float--my sister uses them when swimming or wading in the lagoon because they're easily retrieved, but I imagine in a heavier tail, it won't be much influence.

[Trident True]

Ok ive just done a test with my 1.5KG ankle weight belt it holds it under. i used two of these while swimming. please keep in mind that this is simply a test, however so far so good.
39288



http://mernetwork.com/index/attachment.php?attachmentid=39292&stc=1

[Lili]

I don't think there's a chance for your tail to float with the extension, my extension alone weighs way too much so like I wouldn't be worried about floating at all

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[Marinus Mortimer]

Alright thanks guys thinking about it the crocs dont affect anyrging. After deliberating within my self ive decided to use sheet metal. There's a manufacturer next to my house they sell thin and bendable sheets which the cut into any shape I want. There so good i was cosidering using that istead of lexan for the extension but i have to consider waight.

[Lili]

Are you going to be insulating it in any way? So th metal doesn't rust?

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[Marinus Mortimer]

It wont ever get wet because it's inside the silicone and the inside is also going to be silicone for comfort, so as you say insulated I'll test it firts.

[Lili]

I see so if it's encased in silicone essentially then it should be fine that's how I did mine

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[Marinus Mortimer]

Yeah Lili yours should be fine:D

[Trident True]

ok here is a Q. how are you going to get the silicone to stick to the inside of the pocket? is the silicone going to cover the front and back of the pocket, then a piece connected from the outside to the inside so basically its all in one.

also one thing to remember is, metal will add weight to that area of the tail.

[Marinus Mortimer]

ok here is a Q. how are you going to get the silicone to stick to the inside of the pocket? is the silicone going to cover the front and back of the pocket, then a piece connected from the outside to the inside so basically its all in one.

also one thing to remember is, metal will add weight to that area of the tail.


Q1. The same way would with the monifin (glue powermesh to metal and silicone sticks to powermesh.
Q2. Yes once the extension piece is screwd in to the footplate tge silicone will be added.
I know that but the matal um usind is thin sheet metal so it wont be heavy but i will test this method first.

[Marinus Mortimer]

I can now finally finish sculpting my fluke. :dance: :bulldozer:

39320

[Trident True]

looks :jawdrop:

[Marinus Mortimer]

Thanks alot I've worked verry hard in this so that means alot.

[Trident True]

yeah, i know what you mean. I will be making my mold of my fluke hopefully this weekend.

[Marinus Mortimer]

yeah, i know what you mean. I will be making my mold of my fluke hopefully this weekend.

Im glad that you havent given up on making your exyended tail.
Im now in the process of adding some finishing touches to my sculpt.

[Merman Ordep]

I love your sculpt so much :jawdrop:

[Marinus Mortimer]

I love your sculpt so much :jawdrop:
Thanks for your kind comments

[Trident True]

Oh, no I never gave up i've just got to order some urethane then my extension is done. Fluke is nearly done, in the past I nearly decided to give up as the process i've gone through so far has rattled my brain. 7 years anyone would call me a screw loose. I'm doing my mold in fiberglass, if your interested in doing yours like this let me know and i will let you know how mine goes.

[Marinus Mortimer]

Any one who tries to make something as ambitious as this has more then likely lost all screws LOL.
I'd love to see how yours tens out I'm still undecided about what to do with that area...

[Mermaid_Izzy]

I think you guys are pretty awesome and the best people have some screws loose...lol


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[Marinus Mortimer]

I think you guys are pretty awesome and the best people have some screws loose...lol


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Thanks a lot Izzy :mermaid kiss: .
On another note my Mom just got me some awesome books and one of them is about Selkies !39346

[Marinus Mortimer]

Just got back from a Halloween party and I'm felling like skulpting.
Working on making my fluke a bit thicker so I'm smoothing this out and making it the exact same size. I'll post pics of the top par of the fluke soon I'm working on that separately to avoid messing it up plus working this on the floor gets uncomfortable with time... :bulldozer:39351

[Trident True]

Mold is complete, I done mine in fiberglass. Light weight, however there are some pro's and cons to using it. ill post a pic later. if your looking at going down this route and you want more info let me know. mold is half clean

39366

[Mermaid_Izzy]

Just got back from a Halloween party and I'm felling like skulpting.
Working on making my fluke a bit thicker so I'm smoothing this out and making it the exact same size. I'll post pics of the top par of the fluke soon I'm working on that separately to avoid messing it up plus working this on the floor gets uncomfortable with time... :bulldozer:39351

A really quick questions and I hate to interrupt your thread but how many pounds of clay did it take you to sculpt your fluke?


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[Marinus Mortimer]

A really quick questions and I hate to interrupt your thread but how many pounds of clay did it take you to sculpt your fluke?


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It took 6 packs of 4.5lbs each that's 27 pounds of clay so far, im using Van Aken Plastilina and buy it at Hobby Lobby.


Mold is complete, I done mine in fiberglass. Light weight, however there are some pro's and cons to using it. ill post a pic later. if your looking at going down this route and you want more info let me know. mold is half clean

39366

I definitely would like your input on the matter as I plan to make the tail mold in fiberglass also, so any info would be greatly appreciated, feel free to private message me if you'd like.

[Marinus Mortimer]

Yay finally done with the fluke sculpt made a few changes but I'm not changing the style. Sneek peek and mold coming soon...

[GulfMerman101]

Mold is complete, I done mine in fiberglass. Light weight, however there are some pro's and cons to using it. ill post a pic later. if your looking at going down this route and you want more info let me know. mold is half clean

39366
Omg its so gorgeous, you really out done your self im super happy for you !!

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[Keiris]

Great job!!!

[Rett]

Cant wait to see it!

[Marinus Mortimer]

Sneak peek.
Full tail sculpt coming soon.
Thanks guy's.
39442

[Trident True]

this looks good :)

[Marinus Mortimer]

Couldn't resist. I'm going to add the lines that go down again cause I had to smooth it down again and reposition the"spikes" or ribs on the fluke to be more symmetric, I won't add scales to this cause the scales will be individually added later, plus if I doo add them now seaming the fluke to tail would be harder I'd rather connect the fluke pics to the tail body the add the individual scales on top completely covering any seams that lay beneath.39451

[Trident True]

how things going with this tail?

[Marinus Mortimer]

I'm re-adding al the details because once I attached the part above the fluke or as I like to call it "tail end" I noticed it wasn't symmetric so I had to rearrange the bones or spikes or whatever to get them centered and the details next to buy the lexan to build the extension

[Suzy Specter]

I cant wait to see what happens! This thread and some others are like... Its like watching a show on tv and I just saw the season finale and I have to wait for the conclusion! AHHHHHH BTW You're sculpting is incredible :swoon: I am SO HAPPY there are mermen in the world... It gives me hope for some people... Not really a lot but some *^_^*

[Trident True]

ok, good to hear. my next move is to cast my two halves. my mold has been degassing from about 2 weeks now.

[Rett]

Can't wait to see the finalized sculpt!

[Marinus Mortimer]

39527 Still sculpting the fluke currently added the ridges going up as seen on the picture lot's of more work to be done, I noticed that some of the ridges along the fluke weren't the same thickness and that the majority were thicker so adding more thickness to the ridges to make sure they're all even, after I'm done I'll lay the fluke drawing beneath and cut away any UN eveness or symmetry...

Edit: also made the outer ridges thicker at the beginning getting thinner down.39528

[Trident True]

things are looking good. How thick are the sides of your fluke from the top? being that yours is a large fluke they will need to be significantly thick in order to create structure to the fluke.

[Marinus Mortimer]

Your exactly right I considered that the outer ridges from top are 2 inches tall and one inch in diameter keeping in mind this will double I think it's just enough.39529

[Suzy Specter]

Amazing! It's good to know others value the finite details heh! ITS LOOKING AWESOME!


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[Marinus Mortimer]

For a better look go watch the vid in YouTube and don't mind my breathing LOL.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=IMJan_7qUAw

[Marinus Mortimer]

Here's another video in this one I talk a little bit about what I plan to do and where I'm at...
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=h0LCqaTsGrU

Subscribe to my account for more updates on this...

[Marinus Mortimer]

Fins fins fins...:bulldozer::bulldozer::bulldozer::bulldozer ::bed now:

[Marinus Mortimer]

:bulldozer::bulldozer::bulldozer:I finished designing my pectoral fin so time to sculpt untill the fingers hurt...:bulldozer::bulldozer::bulldozer:
39572
39571
3956839569

[Marinus Mortimer]

So I ran out of clay but got a little bit of the clay wall done, next week I'll go buy some plaster and get 22.5lbs of more clay for the dorsal and tail sculpt. Don't know if I mentioned this before but I still will, I won't sculpt the entire tail body in sculpt I plan to make a leg double with ducktape fill it with that spray foam thing that expands (please do this a little at a time otherwise I'll expands way too much and mess up the leg double) after that I'll use the foam found in side mattresses and build up the shape securing each layer tightly with more ducktape after I got the general shape stick thick sowing needles so when I place the clay it'll have a stronger hold (won't fall off if turned over) the tail will be sculpted 360 degrees around then once it's all smooth make a double mold of it...

Here is another pic of my cute pectoral fins sculpt.39577
And a video on me working on it...
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JloHNhJSuZo

[Marinus Mortimer]

More clay yay. Dorsal coming soon...39580

[Moonchild]

Love the pectoral fin!! So detailed!! :D

Enviado desde mi Aquaris X5 mediante Tapatalk

[Marinus Mortimer]

Love the pectoral fin!! So detailed!! :D

Enviado desde mi Aquaris X5 mediante Tapatalk

Thank you very much, I'm currently working on it, cleaning it lots of work but today I got the day off so it's sculpting day! :bulldozer:3958139582

[Lili]

Oh these look so beautiful !!

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[Marinus Mortimer]

Oh these look so beautiful !!

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Thank You Lili :yay:
This is where I'm at I'll work on it some more tomorrow.:bed now: 39583

[Mermaid_Izzy]

Those look amazing...and I agree, I am ready for sleep too...I have been working on my fluke sculpt since 2:00pm


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[AnnaAbyss]

Your sculpts are so realistic and beautiful!

[Marinus Mortimer]

Those look amazing...and I agree, I am ready for sleep too...I have been working on my fluke sculpt since 2:00pm


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I feel you I sculpted all day yesterday and today is going to be the same, my goal is to have all my extra fins and dorsal done by the end of next week, cause I want to start sculpting the tail body already.



Your sculpts are so realistic and beautiful!
Thanks Anna :dance: I try to make sure it looks as organic as possible, plus I'm pouring my love and passion into making my tail, and like many others I've wanted this for so long that now that I finally let that creativity pour out it's working great.

:bulldozer:

[Marinus Mortimer]

Also for anyone interested in seeing the process of how I sculpted the fins and more following the link below and subscribe to my channel
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JAKTbfxy1kg. Part 2.

And part 3 enjoy my craziness...
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LFpAAm7JAJ4

[Marinus Mortimer]

I bought resin today although I'm not going to use it until I get a hang of it then test it out on some scales and then test some more until I know I won't fuck up any important sculpts plus I doubt that I'll use it in this small not so ventilated apartment I'll have to ask the landlord if I can cast and mold in the basement.39585

[Marinus Mortimer]

Dorsal design laid out now to sculpt it...
:bulldozer:
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[Marinus Mortimer]

Progress on Dorsal Sculpt3960339604

[Mermaid_Izzy]

It's looking great! I never realized how hard it was to sculpt that clay until I started [emoji23]...so hats off to you because it looks so good...


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[Marinus Mortimer]

It's looking great! I never realized how hard it was to sculpt that clay until I started [emoji23]...so hats off to you because it looks so good...


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Thank you very much it can get very tedious but I just keep it up and continue sometimes my fingers hurt but nothing I can't handle still sculpting ill get some rest once I finish this half tomorrow I do the other half Then start on more pectoral fins the ones for the front...

[Mermaid_Izzy]

Thank you very much it can get very tedious but I just keep it up and continue sometimes my fingers hurt but nothing I can't handle still sculpting ill get some rest once I finish this half tomorrow I do the other half Then start on more pectoral fins the ones for the front...

I notice that the clay works better when it get warm...



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[Marinus Mortimer]

I notice that the clay works better when it get warm...



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Indeed I grab small amounts and play with it untill it gets soft or warm then apply it to the sculpt makes it easier I used to use the microwave but I can't get it right last time it melted and I burned myself LOL

Back to work now...:bulldozer: