Prototypes and Scale Models:
Projects shown on this page fall into two categories: prototypes for character model kits, and scale models of historic sites in New York State.
The character figures shown here are not model kits that I built – they are the original prototype sculptures that were used to manufacture the models. In almost all cases, I also painted these sculptures; these are the versions that were used for box art and advertising.
Viewers should bear in mind that I am not the original designer of any of the famous characters shown here.
Projects shown on this page fall into two categories: prototypes for character model kits, and scale models of historic sites in New York State.
The character figures shown here are not model kits that I built – they are the original prototype sculptures that were used to manufacture the models. In almost all cases, I also painted these sculptures; these are the versions that were used for box art and advertising.
Viewers should bear in mind that I am not the original designer of any of the famous characters shown here.
Screamin'Products:
Throughout the 90s, Screamin' Products was an Albany-based manufacturer of licensed model kits. One of the giants of the “garage kit industry”, Screamin' acquired an impressive lineup of legitimate licenses to modern horror/sci fi icons such as Star Wars, Freddy Krueger, Elvira, and many more.
Screamin's models were typically vinyl, ¼ scale, and roughly 18” tall. Their models were sold in hobby and comic book shops around the world. I did more prototypes for Screamin' than any other sculptor, and also did technical work on the majority of their line – cleanup and finishing work on prototypes, molding work and wax casting.
Screamin's models were typically vinyl, ¼ scale, and roughly 18” tall. Their models were sold in hobby and comic book shops around the world. I did more prototypes for Screamin' than any other sculptor, and also did technical work on the majority of their line – cleanup and finishing work on prototypes, molding work and wax casting.
Hellraiser Models
These are by far the most famous sculptures I have ever done, but it less well known that I did them. Screamin's Hellraiser Cenobites were their most successful product line – more so than Star Wars. I sculpted 5 of the 7 prototypes – the first two, not shown here, were sculpted by Thomas Kuntz.
The models were enthusiastically endorsed by Clive Barker and Doug Bradley (Pinhead) and sold worldwide. I used to be able to stroll down Broadway in New York and see these sculptures in store windows.
These figures have stood the test of time to an extent I never would have dreamed of. Sculpted in the early/mid 90s, they are still being bootlegged out of Thailand and can be bought on eBay at any time. The success of these models owes more to Clive Barker's Hellraiser than to me; nevertheless, there is an enormous amount of Hellraiser merchandise, and of it all, my versions of these characters are among the most iconic.
The models were enthusiastically endorsed by Clive Barker and Doug Bradley (Pinhead) and sold worldwide. I used to be able to stroll down Broadway in New York and see these sculptures in store windows.
These figures have stood the test of time to an extent I never would have dreamed of. Sculpted in the early/mid 90s, they are still being bootlegged out of Thailand and can be bought on eBay at any time. The success of these models owes more to Clive Barker's Hellraiser than to me; nevertheless, there is an enormous amount of Hellraiser merchandise, and of it all, my versions of these characters are among the most iconic.
Other Model Prototypes
This section contains one of my favorites, “Cylena, Queen of the Night”. Cylena was a rarity for Screamin', in that she was my original design rather than a movie character. Cylena was one piece, 1/7th scale, cold cast porcelain, manufactured in China, and came with a story about the character that I wrote.
Other prototypes shown here include:
Winged Sorceress, 1/5th scale, KDM Models; heads for Mars Attacks line, 1/6th and 1/8th scales, Screamin'; Morticia Addams, 1/6th scale, artist's collection; Penny Robinson (Lost In Space), 1/8th scale, Lunar Models; Luke Skywalker, ¼ scale, Screamin'; Xena, Warrior Princess, 1/6th scale, Screamin': Bettie Page “Playful”, 1.6th scale, resin, Screamin'; and “The Forgotten” wargame miniatures, Excelsior Entertainment.
Other prototypes shown here include:
Winged Sorceress, 1/5th scale, KDM Models; heads for Mars Attacks line, 1/6th and 1/8th scales, Screamin'; Morticia Addams, 1/6th scale, artist's collection; Penny Robinson (Lost In Space), 1/8th scale, Lunar Models; Luke Skywalker, ¼ scale, Screamin'; Xena, Warrior Princess, 1/6th scale, Screamin': Bettie Page “Playful”, 1.6th scale, resin, Screamin'; and “The Forgotten” wargame miniatures, Excelsior Entertainment.
New York State Bureau of Historic Sites:
Beginning in 1989, I won a number of contracts to create scale models of historic places and state parks for the New York State Bureau of Historic Sites. These models are on permanent display in visitor's centers at historic sites around New York State. There are currently 12 models I've done for the Bureau.
In addition to fabricating the models, I also worked with the Bureau's staff and historians in designing these models. In many cases the historic records of these sites were incomplete or contradictory; in some cases it was necessary to do an “artist's interpretation” of specifics that can never be known with certainty.
In addition to fabricating the models, I also worked with the Bureau's staff and historians in designing these models. In many cases the historic records of these sites were incomplete or contradictory; in some cases it was necessary to do an “artist's interpretation” of specifics that can never be known with certainty.
Fort Montgomery Historic Site
The Fort Montgomery State Historic Site is located on the Hudson River, south of West Point. It was the location of two Revolutionary War forts, Forts Montgomery and Clinton. A chain was stretched across the river there to impede travel northward. A little known but crucial battle occurred there in 1777; the Americans were vastly outnumbered and defeated, but the fighting delayed the British forces from reaching the pivotal Battle of Saratoga in time.
Little now remains of the two sprawling, crude forts. In 2006 a Visitor's Center was built at the site. I made 3 models for this site. The central large model was 6' X 8', in a miniscule 1/360th scale; I made 80 cannons for it that all fit in my palm like rice. Two smaller models in 1/54th scale were made to illustrate specific areas; these models used metal soldiers from Imrie/Risley Miniatures which I customized.
The frigate shown here was scratch-built from wood, styrofoam and phototetched brass.
Little now remains of the two sprawling, crude forts. In 2006 a Visitor's Center was built at the site. I made 3 models for this site. The central large model was 6' X 8', in a miniscule 1/360th scale; I made 80 cannons for it that all fit in my palm like rice. Two smaller models in 1/54th scale were made to illustrate specific areas; these models used metal soldiers from Imrie/Risley Miniatures which I customized.
The frigate shown here was scratch-built from wood, styrofoam and phototetched brass.
Sterling Forest State Park
Located in Orange County, Sterling Forest State Park is now a pristine woodland haven, but in the 19th and early 20th centuries, it was a barren industrial wasteland, due to deforestation for iron mining and steel production.
In 2003 the Lautenberg Visitor's Center was constructed in the park; I contributed two models for the Center. One was a 1/87th (HO) scale depiction of the site's 18th century blast furnace and water wheel – the other depicted the watershed system of the region, and included a cutaway to illustrate the flow of water underground.
In 2003 the Lautenberg Visitor's Center was constructed in the park; I contributed two models for the Center. One was a 1/87th (HO) scale depiction of the site's 18th century blast furnace and water wheel – the other depicted the watershed system of the region, and included a cutaway to illustrate the flow of water underground.
Other Historic Models
An overview of other models I created for the Bureau of Historic Sites, NYS Parks and Recreation, and the Natural Heritage Trust. This section also shows several pictures from the New York State Museum, Albany, NY. I served a temporary appointment at the Museum as part of the team that created several of the Museum's well-known Native American dioramas. My primary responsibilities were botanical replicas, hair styling/detailing on mannequins, and custom lighting.
Projects shown here include, in order:
Schuyler Mansion. ca. 1804, 1/192nd scale; Thacher State Park/Helderberg Escarpment, 1/2400 scale; Three Sisters Diorama, lifesized, NY State Museum; Rockefeller State Park Preserve, Carriage Roads, 1/72nd scale; Erie Canal Batteau, 1/24th scale; Fort Ontario, 1/480th scale; Clermont Estate ca. 1900, 1/600th scale.
Projects shown here include, in order:
Schuyler Mansion. ca. 1804, 1/192nd scale; Thacher State Park/Helderberg Escarpment, 1/2400 scale; Three Sisters Diorama, lifesized, NY State Museum; Rockefeller State Park Preserve, Carriage Roads, 1/72nd scale; Erie Canal Batteau, 1/24th scale; Fort Ontario, 1/480th scale; Clermont Estate ca. 1900, 1/600th scale.
All Images In This Site © 2015 Jeff Brower. All Rights Reserved. No Reproduction Without Permission.