Any interest in a repro Aquaman vs The Great White Shark set?

[reevefan78]

Hello all,

I am curious if there would be any interest in a repro Aquaman vs The Great White Shark set (if it could be done without damage to my original below)? I have often considered reproducing it if it could be done faithfully and at a price that collectors wouldn't mind paying.

Just wondering a couple of things:

1. Would there be any interest among collectors for a repro mego Great White Shark (if it could be done without damage to my original of course)?

2. If so what would be a good price point that collectors wouldn't mind paying that would allow them to have a repro of one of the "Holy Grails" of mego sets and also allow for the project to be worth investing in on my part?

3. Would collectors want a fully functional shark (would be more expensive) or a static model for display purposes only (it would still look the same, just wouldn't be motorized when put in water.....although I wouldn't put one in water anyway.....but that's just me)?

Please feel free to leave your thoughts/ideas here on this thread. Thanks.

BTW.......I know my box is a repro....I had it done by Anthony Durso.....just forgot to mention that and yes, I know this set came with a T2 Aquaman (without the shoulder seams).......my T2 Aquaman is in storage at the moment and when I took these photos I had the T1 (which is original with exception of his belt emblem) within reach so that's what I used for the photos. I am quite knowledgeable about this set.....just wanted to see if there was any interest in reproducing the Shark mainly.

Without further adieu......here's my Mego Great White Shark set:

http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af256/superfly71/Aquaman%20vs%20The%20Great%20White%20Shark/DSC01019_Lg.jpg http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af256/superfly71/Aquaman%20vs%20The%20Great%20White%20Shark/DSC01020_Lg.jpg http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af256/superfly71/Aquaman%20vs%20The%20Great%20White%20Shark/DSC01021_Lg.jpg

[rche]

I would be into one of these. Cost would probably be up there tho. One would need to dismantle the shark into its main components. Two sides, jaw, and motor assembly. Then mold and cast the sides and jaw for a static model. These would be pretty large molds and casts and the raw materials would be expensive, but definitely less than the real deal. I am sure one of the talented boxmakers around here could recreate the packaging as well.

Are these glued at the seam as well as being attached by screws? I recall seeing some sharks that have discoloration along the seam line.

btw: Awesome shark set!! Thanks for the snapshots.

[Blue Meanie]

Only thing that's original in those shots is the Shark. Box is a repro and the Aquaman is the wrong one for the set. It's a type 1 with what looks like a repro A. Supposed to be a T2 with a Belt that wraps around the back and is loose attached to the outfit by the snaps in the back.

There may be some interest in it...Looks like you are already 3/4 of the way there.

[reevefan78]

Not sure about the cost yet. I would want to do this for all the collectors out there that may never have a chance of getting an original one of these since the price is sky high these days on them. Luckily I got my shark several years ago off ebay right around Christmas when I guess most folks were out shopping. I won it for $626 from a seller in Italy.

Anyway, I have two friends that are mold makers and I know a good deal about mold making myself having done a few repro items in the past. One of my friends works for the toy industry and is an expert mold maker of small items and toys. I have two pressure pots for bubble free casts so that wouldn't be a problem......just have to figure out how best to dismantle my shark without damaging it.

It does have glue along the seamlines and a little discoloration as a result......mostly on the bottom of the shark though and does have screws in it too I believe....have to double check that though by looking at it closely.

Mine also has a few minor melt marks on the body but I can fix that in an intermediate repro cast.

Anyway, just wanted to see if there was any interest.



I would be into one of these. Cost would probably be up there tho. One would need to dismantle the shark into its main components. Two sides, jaw, and motor assembly. Then mold and cast the sides and jaw for a static model. These would be pretty large molds and casts and the raw materials would be expensive, but definitely less than the real deal. I am sure one of the talented boxmakers around here could recreate the packaging as well.

Are these glued at the seam as well as being attached by screws? I recall seeing some sharks that have discoloration along the seam line.

btw: Awesome shark set!! Thanks for the snapshots.

[reevefan78]

Yes, I know the box is a repro.....I'm the one that commissioned it from Anthony Durso. I know the Aquaman is a T1 also with a repro emblem but the figure is original too just not a T2 which originally came with the set. I also know the shark is original and that's what my post is mainly about......seeing if there is any interest in a repro of it made available to collectors who cannot afford an original. Thanks!

K


Only thing that's original in those shots is the Shark. Box is a repro and the Aquaman is the wrong one for the set. It's a type 1 with what looks like a repro A. Supposed to be a T2 with a Belt that wraps around the back and is loose attached to the outfit by the snaps in the back.

There may be some interest in it...Looks like you are already 3/4 of the way there.

[Blue Meanie]

IMHO, I wouldn't disassemble the shark...It's a whole lot of work for the possibility of causing damage to the shark when a) you take it apart and b) if taking it apart is successful...putting it back together. Remember the plastic is already 35 years old...you could strip the threads where the screws go in or you could break the plastic where the screws go in by tightening them too much when you put it back together. Way too much risk IMHO. Either way...good luck.

[reevefan78]

True! Very good points Blue Meanie.....guess I just wish other collectors could have the chance of having one of these in their collection but I don't want to ruin mine in the process. I would make sure that if it could be done that mine wouldn't be ruined in the process so I'll be consulting my friends who are mold making experts about it and figure out if it can be disassembled without any damage or I will not take the chance. Thanks for your kind and thoughtful input......certainly lots to consider.

:wink_y:


IMHO, I wouldn't disassemble the shark...It's a whole lot of work for the possibility of causing damage to the shark when a) you take it apart and b) if taking it apart is successful...putting it back together. Remember the plastic is already 35 years old...you could strip the threads where the screws go in or you could break the plastic where the screws go in by tightening them too much when you put it back together. Way too much risk IMHO. Either way...good luck.

[Meule]

How about making a non-functional copy? That way you wouldn't have to take it apart

[rche]

It would be possible to make a cast of the body halves together and then the jaw. You would end up with one big old paperweight of a shark.

[reevefan78]

I'm going to consider all options open to me without damage to my original copy. I had one of these as a kid and remember seeing many a set on the clearance table at Toy King (my one stop Mego shop when I was little). Unfortunately I wore out my shark and Aquaman never realizing just how valuable it would become one day. Just wish I had had the foresight to have nabbed a few boxed sets back then. Oh well......one never knows about these things until years later.

Anyway, I would love to hear any and all input from folks who'd be interested or like Blue Meanie just want to give me their opinion on the potential project. Thanks.

K :wink:


How about making a non-functional copy? That way you wouldn't have to take it apart

[clemso]

I'm sure there would a lot of interest for something like that, but i'm not sure how original owners would feel about it though, especially if they have jut shelled out $4K + for one

[Meule]

I doubt copies are gonna affect the price of the originals as it would be pretty easy to spot a copy, especially if they're non-functional

[reevefan78]

I'm an original owner of a Mego shark and it wouldn't bother me any more than the Doc Mego repros. It makes a nice display and if a collector is ever lucky and wealthy enough to afford an original they can replace their repro. Besides it won't be hard to spot the repro if you know what to look for and as an honest person I'd never try to pass one off as original to anyone. I just thought it would be nice if other collectors could have a nice display piece if they couldn't afford (or find) an original mego Great White Shark. :smile:


I'm sure there would a lot of interest for something like that, but i'm not sure how original owners would feel about it though, especially if they have jut shelled out $4K + for one

[saucerful]

Maybe it could be branded on the bottom with a disclaimer:
"I am not the shark you think I am."
:-)

Good luck with the project. Copies and reproductions and that discussion can be polarizing. Middle ground might be found only in making new characters that fit into the MEGO Universe.

Bryan

[reevefan78]

Oh yeah! It would definitely have something like Doc Mego's DM branded on it that would distinguish it as not being an original.....but again anyone with any modicum of knowledge would know right away that it was a repro......this project would be more of a novelty item than a serious threat to anyone who has an original Shark (like me). :smile:


Maybe it could be branded on the bottom with a disclaimer:
"I am not the shark you think I am."
:-)

Good luck with the project. Copies and reproductions and that discussion can be polarizing. Middle ground might be found only in making new characters that fit into the MEGO Universe.

Bryan

[starsky]

i think it's a great idea but i wouldnt be interested in a repo. it's the thrill of the hunt for me!

[SlipperyLilSuckers]

I think it is really sweet of you to consider this, you are obviously coming from a thoughtful and generous place...not just trying to make some money. I think it's a great idea and would be thrilled if you can manage it.

[PNGwynne]

Are you kidding!? Of COURSE I'd be interested lol.

For me, the motorized feature is not necessary, just a high-quality styrene copy with hinged jaw...

I do not think, if the shark is clearly maked as a repro & missing the motorized propeller, that many collectors would begrudge it. Reproes are everywhere in the world of Mego & GI Joe...

Nixing the prop. could help reduce production costs, too.


Bless you for considering this:grin:.

[PNGwynne]

i think it's a great idea but i wouldnt be interested in a repo. it's the thrill of the hunt for me!

I'm that weird collector that is frustrated by the hunt...besides, an original GWS is just too rich for my blood.

[reevefan78]

Thanks for your kind words......this was my all time favorite Mego toy when I was growing up. I loved it so much I wore the hinges off the shark's jaws and God only knows what happened to Aquaman......my little brother probably destroyed it somewhere along the way....with more than half my Star Wars collection too.

I was lucky enough to get a second chance and win this loose one on ebay several years ago and ever since I thought it would be a good idea to give others the opportunity to own one even if it is a repro.....a good quality repro wouldn't cost anywhere near an original one and it still would make a nice display piece.

Anyway, I do feel for collectors that want one of these but can't afford or find an original shark. I would make sure that it was known (although it would be obvious to those that know mego products) that these are repros....just thought it would be a neat novelty item to have among collectors that don't mind high quality repros at an affordable price. :grin:


I think it is really sweet of you to consider this, you are obviously coming from a thoughtful and generous place...not just trying to make some money. I think it's a great idea and would be thrilled if you can manage it.

[reevefan78]

Thanks for your input. I think for display purposes, aesthetically speaking of course, it would still be good to include the prop in the back of the shark. But I could perhaps begin with a static model and see if anyone is interested in a motorized version and if so go from there.

If I'm going to do this I want to be as faithful as I can to the original in every way....at least from the outside....but it would still be obvious to anyone who is vaguely familiar with this item that it is indeed a repro.

:yes:



Are you kidding!? Of COURSE I'd be interested lol.

For me, the motorized feature is not necessary, just a high-quality styrene copy with hinged jaw...

I do not think, if the shark is clearly maked as a repro & missing the motorized propeller, that many collectors would begrudge it. Reproes are everywhere in the world of Mego & GI Joe...

Nixing the prop. could help reduce production costs, too.


Bless you for considering this:grin:.

[captact]

I think it is really sweet of you to consider this, you are obviously coming from a thoughtful and generous place...not just trying to make some money. I think it's a great idea and would be thrilled if you can manage it.

Im with you!! This is just a generous thought on your behalf!!!! And YES!! Id be interested in a repro one too!! I even have the B/O propeller thingy that goes with it!!!
Ray

[amby87]

You can count me in too! I may be new here but I'll definitely buy one if you decide to produce a repro shark. :yes:

[BlackKnight]

Make it..., If you have the Means to do so.

[MegoMark71]

It is an interesting idea.

[AJ Collector]

Good luck and please keep us posted, would love to see pics of the process.

[Mikey]

I'd would suggest perhaps vacuuforming the whole thing.
No dissassembly at all.

The buyer would get essentially a model kit of 2 peices (left and right side) to assemble.

I think that would be the cheapest and easiest way to go .. and it allows the buyer to do what the want with it.

Just a thought.

[timb]

I'd totally be interested in buying one. I couldn't ever afford the real thing: )
Motorized function is unnecessary for me. Just having a repro to display would rock.

Do we have any sculptors on the board who'd be interested in sculpting as opposed to making a mold off the original?

[Randy]

I would love to have one!!
:0)

[alex]

Id love one, completely not bothered on the motor, but the propeler, would be a nice touch

[drogge]

I would totally love a Great White/Aquaman set, I would buy one for sure...

[wilbs518]

I would totally love a Great White/Aquaman set, I would buy one for sure...

me too

[ScottA]

I don't think you can do it without destroying the original, at least to make a repro of what it is now. If you just want a giant, solid paperweight - then that's probably another story.

[Richard J. Fowlks]

Wow! What an undertaking and a very generous effort. I am interested, depending on the price point.

[reevefan78]

I don't think you can do it without destroying the original, at least to make a repro of what it is now. If you just want a giant, solid paperweight - then that's probably another story.

Actually, not only is it possible but most likely probable. I am lucky to have a friend who is a mold maker of bronze works and he has a friend that he introduced me to tonight that is one of the best toy mold makers in the business. He makes molds for prototype figures for Sideshow Toys and does most of Marvel's toy prototype figure molds and DC stuff as well.....and the best part of all is he lives about 25 minutes from me. I am meeting him tomorrow and bringing him my "Holy Grail" of Mego sets.....my original Great White Shark for him to study. I spoke with him tonight on the phone and he was very enthusiastic and said "yes we can do anything" and that includes making a mold off my original without damaging it?........and I got a resounding "yes".

This is very good news for everyone who's interested in this project.......I'd love to be able to share my little beauty with as many collectors as I can that don't mind having a faithful repro Great White Shark in their collection. I'll post another message tomorrow night to let everyone know what the mold maker says about reproducing my Mego Shark.

Please feel free to keep writing me and letting me know what you all think about this project that looks very promising so far....I'm flagging names of members who are interested in adding this repro shark to their collection so if you are interested don't be shy.....let me know! Stay tuned, more to follow soon!

Hope all is well!

:wink_y:

[reevefan78]

Don't worry everyone.....my hope is to make this repro the best you'll ever see.....even set side by side next to the real thing (but I'm not trying to pass this off as anything other than a high quality beautifully detailed repro) but still make it obtainable by as many members that would like to have this beloved "holy grail" in their collection as a beautiful repro display piece as possible.

Tomorrow will be the final verdict on whether this can be done or not......it's all up to what the mold maker tells me. My fingers and toes are crossed for all you wonderful fans of our beloved childhood toys from the Golden Age of Mego Toys and playsets! Stay tuned!

K :grin:

[drmego]

When I first read your post, I thought you were looking for someone
to make the mold for you. Given the extreme rarity of this piece,
I did not want to offer my services for fear that something would
happen to the original.

I am very glad to hear that you have an experienced craftsman
nearby and interested. I suspect that you will be able to sell
about 400 in the short term, maybe up to 1,000 overall depending
on the price. Too low a number to go to China, but if you can
do locally, it may work out.

[Merlyn1976]

I'd be interested...

[Sandman9580]

I'd be interested to hear the mold maker's take on it. Nowadays things can be digitally scanned and the "missing" chunks re-sculpted inside a software program, eliminating the need to take apart the toy. It all depends on what kind of tools you can get access to. And your budget. :wink_y:

[clemso]

Will you be able provide the reproduction box to go with the Shark. The one you have looks quite impressive in the pic with exception of the insert.

[reevefan78]

Will you be able provide the reproduction box to go with the Shark. The one you have looks quite impressive in the pic with exception of the insert.

I'm working to try and get some really good high quality pics from a source right now of the outside of an original box and if I can get good hi-res images like I hope to get then I'll have a source for the repro box with better graphics, but unfortunately they don't want to mess with the insert....can't say I blame them. If I had an original box I'd scan it myself.

My repro box was done by Anthony Durso.....although it's just a repro and not perfect by any means (most of the images are low-res due to the rarity of finding an original box to scan directly) Anthony did a great job with what he had to work with and it does make a nice display for the shark and figure. Just know I'm working on getting better images from an original box. More to follow soon.

:wink_y:

[reevefan78]

I'd be interested to hear the mold maker's take on it. Nowadays things can be digitally scanned and the "missing" chunks re-sculpted inside a software program, eliminating the need to take apart the toy. It all depends on what kind of tools you can get access to. And your budget. :wink_y:

Well we're talkin' ol' school mold making'/castin' here......wish I had access to that kind of technology but unfortunately I don't. But if there is any chance it can be done without damaging my original shark then the mold maker will find a way......he comes HIGHLY recommended and is one of the best in the biz.....with regular commissions from Sideshow Toys for prototype molds. :wink_y:

[Hulk]

I'd probably drop a C-Note for a good repro in a display box, beyond that, you're looking at a fairly limited market I think.

[clemso]

I'm working to try and get some really good high quality pics from a source right now of the outside of an original box and if I can get good hi-res images like I hope to get then I'll have a source for the repro box with better graphics, but unfortunately they don't want to mess with the insert....can't say I blame them. If I had an original box I'd scan it myself.

My repro box was done by Anthony Durso.....although it's just a repro and not perfect by any means (most of the images are low-res due to the rarity of finding an original box to scan directly) Anthony did a great job with what he had to work with and it does make a nice display for the shark and figure. Just know I'm working on getting better images from an original box. More to follow soon.

:wink_y:

That insert is crazy cool :cool_y:, perhaps it could be redrawn?

[The Toyroom]

^ The insert is definitely the hardest part of the GWS repro box....At one point I did start to try and redraw the insert design but it proved to be too intricate without an actual photo/scan of a flattened out insert. Coupled with the fact that there wasn't too much general interest in a repro GWS box when there aren't that many collectors with actual Sharks in their possession to begin with.

However a repro Shark would change all that I'm sure and if decent photos/scans could be provided of an actual insert I'd be more than happy to revisit the project. And the box itself is already designed so it'd just be a simple swap of higher-res images if those could be provided as well for the actual box. :wink:

[clemso]

^ The insert is definitely the hardest part of the GWS repro box....At one point I did start to try and redraw the insert design but it proved to be too intricate without an actual photo/scan of a flattened out insert. Coupled with the fact that there wasn't too much general interest in a repro GWS box when there aren't that many collectors with actual Sharks in their possession to begin with.

However a repro Shark would change all that I'm sure and if decent photos/scans could be provided of an actual insert I'd be more than happy to revisit the project. And the box itself is already designed so it'd just be a simple swap of higher-res images if those could be provided as well for the actual box. :wink:

Yeah ..? Now where did I leave my boxed Shark? :smiley1:

[mikeoz]

I'd be interested in a reproduction. I wouldn't be concerned about having a motor inside. A repro box would be great.

[reevefan78]

Verdict's in folks.........my "Mego Great White Shark Meet" went better than expected. I met with the mold maker and he studied my shark and said not only can he duplicate it (in 5 molds) but he can make it hollow just like mine.

The original can and will be dismantled (don't fret, he has assured me he can do it without damaging mine after looking it over carefully)....as I said he's one of the best in the biz and his cell phone log reads like a who's who of the toy, figure, maquette sculpting & mold making industry like you'd have to see to believe. Although I cannot divulge his name or who he knows believe me I have the BEST guy for the job! I am a pretty good judge of character and I know good work when I see it and the stuff he's made prototype molds for would make your head spin "like a kinda top!"

Anyway, when we got down to brass tacks I asked him how much it would cost me and if it could be done.....he said "doin' it is the easy part"........to which I asked what the hard part would be "depends what you are wanting to spend on it".......my heart sank a little but if I can swing this in any way....I will.

I'm supposed to call him tomorrow night when he's had time to figure the costs up properly......I am hopeful that it will be within my budget. I'll post again tomorrow if he has had a chance to give me a quote for the project.

Stay tuned....more to follow soon.

Kind Regards. :grin:

[timb]

That is awesome news man!

[captact]

OH BOY!!!! I hope this project can come true for all us collectors,...and at a price point that all of us can afford! (and reevefan78 also).

Ray

[wilbs518]

Sweet news.

[Meule]

Well, you're already half way there, that's great news. This isn't the first time someone has come up with this idea, but no one has ever gotten this close to actually doing it. :2thumbsup:

[Megotu]

"One Meeeeeelyun Dollars.."

[reevefan78]

Hey all.....just wanted to post here and say I'm sorry to everyone for not calling the mold maker this evening as planned to find out what having my Mego shark is going to set me back. I've had too many late nights and early mornings this passed week so I decided to take a late nap early this evening and I overslept passed three alarm clocks.....I was pretty worn out. When I woke up it was a quarter to midnight.....way too late to call the mold maker.

I will call him in the morning and discuss the cost of molding my Mego shark and post the results here tomorrow by early afternoon assuming I can get hold of him when I call and that he's worked up a price for me. Please continue to stay tuned.

Until then I'm going to continue drooling over the boxed Aquaman vs The Great White Shark set that is currently on ebay right now for $4800+ with 3 days still to go in the auction. I'm sure it has the potential of doubling in price in the last few minutes of the auction....should be entertaining to see those high bidders clamor at the last minute over it.

Take care....will be in touch tomorrow. :grin:

[reevefan78]

Spoke to the mold maker briefly this morning but he was right in the middle of a job. He told me to call him after 5 PM EST today (Oct. 7th) and we'd discuss the cost of producing repros of the Mego Great White Shark. I'll post here again this evening once I have had a chance to speak with him about production costs. Stay tuned! :wink_y:

[SlipperyLilSuckers]

Looking forward to it! Thanks for keeping us posted. Will cross my fingers that the price is not too deadly :)

[LonnieFisher]

You could take orders and money from the people who want them in advance and use that to finance the production.

[reevefan78]

Spoke to the mold maker briefly today (well actually yesterday now that it's after midnight EST) before he had to take another call. There's good news and not so good news.

First is the good news......he's agreed to come to my studio and show me how to make the molds for the Shark and a couple of other small things for another project I have going for a couple of hundred dollars. He's assured me he will show me exactly how to do it with the least amount of work and the best results.

Not so good news......I was hoping he'd agree to do it since I have a lot on my plate currently.....3 art exhibitions at the gallery that represents me between now and the middle of February......plus although I have made molds in the past, understand the process and how it's done.......just don't enjoy making them......personally I'd rather be painting or sculpting. But he said he could show me in one day how to do it and our mutual friend who is also a mold maker wants to assist so maybe between the three of us we can manage to get it done quickly and as painlessly as possible. He never gave me a price on how much he would charge me to do it himself but from what little he said about it I gather his prices are way up there. He wants to save me the money but still show me exactly how to do it for a fraction of the cost since we have a mutual friend in common.

So with that said I'll have to get back with him once he has had a chance to list the supplies that I'll need and see when we can hammer this shark out....."this shark, swallow ya whole......a little shakin', a little tenderizin' n' down ya go!"

I'll keep everyone informed as soon as I know more......it's not dead in the water though so hang in there with me.

More to follow soon.:wink_y:

[reevefan78]

You could take orders and money from the people who want them in advance and use that to finance the production.

Although in theory that's a good idea.....I'm just not a fan of this method as I have seen things go badly for people who've put money on the table in advance. For me it would be a last resort option. I don't like taking people's money if there is even the slimmest chance that something may go wrong or not work out as planned within the projected time frame. I'd rather finance it myself if possible and go from there. Once I have the mold completed and pull the first successful cast from it I'll feel much better and won't mind taking a few orders then. Stay tuned.....more to follow soon. :wink_y:

[livnxxxl]

Although in theory that's a good idea.....I'm just not a fan of this method as I have seen things go badly for people who've put money on the table in advance. For me it would be a last resort option. I don't like taking people's money if there is even the slimmest chance that something may go wrong or not work out as planned within the projected time frame. I'd rather finance it myself if possible and go from there. Once I have the mold completed and pull the first successful cast from it I'll feel much better and won't mind taking a few orders then. Stay tuned.....more to follow soon. :wink_y:

I have seen that happen before to with things going South. It is always a bad possibility. Your idea is as to how to go about the money option is indeed good business practice in which I would think many would agree. :yes:

[Meule]

I have seen that happen before to with things going South. It is always a bad possibility. Your idea is as to how to go about the money option is indeed good business practice in which I would think many would agree. :yes:

Definitely. Asking money up front is always a risk for the buyer.

[PNGwynne]

This sounds awesome!

[AAAAA]

i would find a substitute, in china i would make the set little different, mass market it under soething like
sea king and the attack of the man eating shark
example of one being produced
Amazon.com: Discovery Channel Exclusive Turbo Tiger Shark Water Toy: Toys Games (http://www.amazon.com/Discovery-Channel-Exclusive-Turbo-Tiger/dp/B001U5C322)

[reevefan78]

i would find a substitute, in china i would make the set little different, mass market it under soething like
sea king and the attack of the man eating shark
example of one being produced
Amazon.com: Discovery Channel Exclusive Turbo Tiger Shark Water Toy: Toys Games (http://www.amazon.com/Discovery-Channel-Exclusive-Turbo-Tiger/dp/B001U5C322)

I have a friend that owns his own toy company and he also acts as a liaison between other companies in the states wanting to look for manufacturing companies overseas. A lot has changed in China over the years he told me....gone are most of the little manufacturing companies that would take on production of 1000 or so pieces. Now there is a minimum 5,000 to 10,000 pieces that are required before production begins and that is just not financially feasible for me to do. Plus I just don't think that that many shark sets would sell to make it worth the cost even if I could come up with that kind of money. So doing a small run would have to be produced one at a time....sure it's more work but also more feasible in the short term which I think is all the life this set would have IMHO.:sarky:

[reevefan78]

Looks like the Mego Great White Shark project is moving forward. I need contact info for those who are interested along with answers to the following questions. Please send contact info and answers to the following questions below to my email address at krismeadows@bellsouth.net

1. What would you be willing to pay for a high quality repro Mego Shark? (not looking to gouge anyone, just a fair price that would make it worth the effort but collectible at the same time. I am working on getting a high quality repro box made as well but this is strictly for the shark right now)

2. If a fair price was offered for a high quality repro would you be willing to purchase one? I'm looking for definite buyers interested here. (I am working on getting a high quality repro box made but this is strictly for the shark right now)

3. Would you want it to be nearly indistinguishable from the real thing with a right and left half held together by 3 screws (see pic below) or do you just want a repro shell?

4. Would you want a working model or a static one and if a static model would you want it to appear with all of it's original parts including the propeller?

5. Besides the Mego Museum members and ebay where else could I market this repro in an effort to reach as many collectors interested in it as possible?

Thanks in advance for your time and consideration.

http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af256/superfly71/Aquaman%20vs%20The%20Great%20White%20Shark/26b6_1.jpg

[Mikey]

[QUOTE=reevefan78;624394]

5. Besides the Mego Museum members and ebay where else could I market this repro in an effort to reach as many collectors interested in it as possible?
.

I would say ebay is your best bet (besides here)
It's basically a repro or a custom ... people sell repro's and customs on ebay all the time.

[reevefan78]

I will be getting high res images from an original box both exterior artwork and interior artwork (including the insert) that I am paying to have photographed for creation of a high quality repro box. This is great news as the insert has always been a stumbling block in creating a faithful reproduction box. Things are moving forward.

Tomorrow I will be shipping out my original Mego Shark to my friend so that he can study it and see how to proceed with making the copies from it. This may take some time but I am hoping they can be ready in time for Christmas. :grin:

[reevefan78]

Thanks for all the responses that each of you who are interested in this project have provided. I sent out the Mego shark today (Oct 15th) to my friend to have a look at and see what this project is going to take to reproduce it faithfully. According to the post office he should be receiving it by Monday afternoon (Oct. 18th). He will do an excellent job in producing the most faithful display model from my original that will ever be created.......he's like me too, a real perfectionist.

I'll keep adding updates here on the thread as I get info from him on it and the progress as well as any prototype photos of the first shark pulled from the molds. Stay tuned......more to follow next week.

I'm including 3 pics below out of the over 150 pics that I have coming to me on disc that are high resolution images shot directly from an original box that includes the entire insert as well. These have been reduced in size from the original raw digital files.:grin:

This flap from the insert appears on the left side of the box when looking at it from the front.
http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af256/superfly71/Aquaman%20vs%20The%20Great%20White%20Shark/100_0727_email.jpg

This is part of the logo from the top flap of the box when viewed from the front.
http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af256/superfly71/Aquaman%20vs%20The%20Great%20White%20Shark/100_0737_email.jpg

This is one of the 6 panels from the back of the box showing how to install and remove the battery from the battery compartment.
http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af256/superfly71/Aquaman%20vs%20The%20Great%20White%20Shark/100_0878_email.jpg

[PNGwynne]

^ So cool!

I never get tired og the Mego "marker" house style that you often see on the vinyl-clad playsets.

[ODBJBG]

I'd love one.

I wouldn't pay more than $50 for one, though. :(

No need for motors mate.

[reevefan78]

I'd love one.

I wouldn't pay more than $50 for one, though. :(

No need for motors mate.

$50 Would barely even pay for the resin and supplies necessary to build a repro much less the labor. Remember Mego had access to cheap labor in China in the 70s.....we are doing this in today's market and not by the thousands so they are more expensive to produce. I can guarantee you that these won't be $50. But everyone has to decide on what it's worth to them. It is our hope to make the repro nearly indistinguishable from an original unless you know what to look for. We won't know the exact price until all is said and done and we figure out just how much it will cost to produce each one. :wink:

[Meule]

It is our hope to make the repro nearly indistinguishable from an original unless you know what to look for.
I think you're aiming a little too high. Go a little less faithful and you could make it cheaper. As it is I'm guessing we're talking at least $200 for a repro shark and in todays economy you won't be selling too many of those :no:
Just something to think about

[reevefan78]

I think you're aiming a little too high. Go a little less faithful and you could make it cheaper. As it is I'm guessing we're talking at least $200 for a repro shark and in todays economy you won't be selling too many of those :no:
Just something to think about

We are looking into several versions:

1. A static model that is a basic shell where the body is one piece and not two halves held together by screws, the movable upper jaw and the battery compartment capsule at the back of the shark.....not sure if it will include the prop or not.

2. A static model that is more faithful to the original with two halves, the three screws that hold it together, the movable upper jaw and the battery compartment capsule at the back and will include the prop.

3. A third version like the second one mentioned above but will be fully functional for anyone like myself wanting a completely faithful repro.

Still I think $50 is a bit unrealistic to expect given that everything will be done by hand and not mass produced. But again we won't know exactly what we are looking at cost wise until the molds are made, casts, poured and the labor is figured into it as well. More to follow soon.

:wink:

[toys2cool]

I'm pretty sure most of us understand it was never going to be anywhere near $50 ;)

[Brad]

I'm pretty sure most of us understand it was never going to be anywhere near $50 ;)

Yep, I figured it would be around $63.48 or so.
:wink_y:

[Meule]

I'm pretty sure most of us understand it was never going to be anywhere near $50 ;)

True that, never expected it to be $50 myself either. I'm just saying not too many people will pay $200 or more. If you can make it cheaper and loose a little of the details I think most people will go that way than shell out a lot of cash for a faithful repro

[reevefan78]

True that, never expected it to be $50 myself either. I'm just saying not too many people will pay $200 or more. If you can make it cheaper and loose a little of the details I think most people will go that way than shell out a lot of cash for a faithful repro

Our goal is to provide the highest quality repros at the lowest possible price point without giving these away and/or losing money in the process. We know times are tough (the current economic state of affairs has hit me too as well as my mold maker friend on this project).

Please know that we are not out to gouge anyone or create an inflated price that we ourselves would not be willing to spend for this repro Mego Shark. My hope is that everyone who decides to purchase one of these repros will be happy they did many times over. That is why we are strongly considering several versions of this shark so that those on a budget can still own one but just a more economic version of it. We have 3 versions in the planning stage as per my last post on this thread above.

We are however committed to creating the most faithful reproduction that has ever been done and will probably ever be done. I have one of the very best mold makers in the business and if anyone has any concern as to whether he can pull it off or not then all you need do is look at my Bruce the Shark NTT (Nose To Tail) Maquette that this mold maker has sculpted. Mine has been customized further with a "battle ravaged" appearance and it measures 37" long. It is JAWSTASTIC!!! :grin:

Thanks again to everyone who is posting a comment on this thread. We hope to make a lot of collectors happy with the repro shark who otherwise would never have an example of this AWESOME Mego shark due to the high price they command and the rarity of even finding one for their collection. Stay tuned.......much, much more to follow. :wink_y:

Here's my Bruce NTT (Nose To Tail) 37" long maquette created by my sculptor/mold maker friend:

http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af256/superfly71/Bruce%20NTT%20pics/Bruce%20NTT%20pics%20for%20posting%20on%20forums/DSC03552_crop_posting.jpg

http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af256/superfly71/Bruce%20NTT%20pics/Bruce%20NTT%20pics%20for%20posting%20on%20forums/DSC03560_crop_posting.jpg

http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af256/superfly71/Bruce%20NTT%20pics/Bruce%20NTT%20pics%20for%20posting%20on%20forums/DSC03554_crop_posting.jpg

http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af256/superfly71/Bruce%20NTT%20pics/Bruce%20NTT%20pics%20for%20posting%20on%20forums/DSC03578_crop_posting.jpg

http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af256/superfly71/Bruce%20NTT%20pics/Bruce%20NTT%20pics%20for%20posting%20on%20forums/DSC03579_posting.jpg

http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af256/superfly71/Bruce%20NTT%20pics/Bruce%20NTT%20pics%20for%20posting%20on%20forums/DSC03575_crop_posting.jpg

http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af256/superfly71/Bruce%20NTT%20pics/Bruce%20NTT%20pics%20for%20posting%20on%20forums/DSC03551_crop_posting.jpg

[Mikey]

Nice shark, but the most important thing around here is PRICE ... even more important than quality.

This is a toy board, not a model board --- meaning most people around here aren't very particular to have the thing perfect.

[Meule]

Our goal is to provide the highest quality repros at the lowest possible price point without giving these away and/or losing money in the process. We know times are tough (the current economic state of affairs has hit me too as well as my mold maker friend on this project).

Please know that we are not out to gouge anyone or create an inflated price that we ourselves would not be willing to spend for this repro Mego Shark. My hope is that everyone who decides to purchase one of these repros will be happy they did many times over. That is why we are strongly considering several versions of this shark so that those on a budget can still own one but just a more economic version of it. We have 3 versions in the planning stage as per my last post on this thread above.

We are however committed to creating the most faithful reproduction that has ever been done and will probably ever be done. I have one of the very best mold makers in the business and if anyone has any concern as to whether he can pull it off or not then all you need do is look at my Bruce the Shark NTT (Nose To Tail) Maquette that this mold maker has sculpted. Mine has been customized further with a "battle ravaged" appearance and it measures 37" long. It is JAWSTASTIC!!! :grin:

Thanks again to everyone who is posting a comment on this thread. We hope to make a lot of collectors happy with the repro shark who otherwise would never have an example of this AWESOME Mego shark due to the high price they command and the rarity of even finding one for their collection. Stay tuned.......much, much more to follow. :wink_y:

Here's my Bruce NTT (Nose To Tail) 37" long maquette created by my mold maker friend, Mike Schultz:

http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af256/superfly71/Bruce%20NTT%20pics/Bruce%20NTT%20pics%20for%20posting%20on%20forums/DSC03552_crop_posting.jpg

http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af256/superfly71/Bruce%20NTT%20pics/Bruce%20NTT%20pics%20for%20posting%20on%20forums/DSC03560_crop_posting.jpg

http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af256/superfly71/Bruce%20NTT%20pics/Bruce%20NTT%20pics%20for%20posting%20on%20forums/DSC03554_crop_posting.jpg

http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af256/superfly71/Bruce%20NTT%20pics/Bruce%20NTT%20pics%20for%20posting%20on%20forums/DSC03578_crop_posting.jpg

http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af256/superfly71/Bruce%20NTT%20pics/Bruce%20NTT%20pics%20for%20posting%20on%20forums/DSC03579_posting.jpg

http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af256/superfly71/Bruce%20NTT%20pics/Bruce%20NTT%20pics%20for%20posting%20on%20forums/DSC03575_crop_posting.jpg

http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af256/superfly71/Bruce%20NTT%20pics/Bruce%20NTT%20pics%20for%20posting%20on%20forums/DSC03551_crop_posting.jpg
Oh man, Lou is gonna crap his pants when he sees that shark

[reevefan78]

Nice shark, but the most important thing around here is PRICE ... even more important than quality.

This is a toy board, not a model board --- meaning most people around here aren't very particular to have the thing perfect.

Well you're speaking to a perfectionist here and I won't make anything that is sub-par.......what's the point, if it's worth doing at all it's worth doing well. Even if folks here don't wanna "bite" I'm sure we'll do well on Ebay with the Mego repro sharks.

Remember that old adage......."you get what you pay for!" :wink_y:

[timb]

Very impressive work your friend does. Beautiful sculpt.

[clemso]

Even if folks here don't wanna "bite" I'm sure we'll do well on Ebay with the Mego repro sharks.

Remember that old adage......."you get what you pay for!" :wink_y:

Thanks for keeping us updated, its sounds like your going to do it no matter what. I'm very impress at the speed that you have gone about this and I am sure you will make a great product. I look forward to seeing more pics of the box and Shark.

[reevefan78]

Thanks for keeping us updated, its sounds like your going to do it no matter what. I'm very impress at the speed that you have gone about this and I am sure you will make a great product. I look forward to seeing more pics of the box and Shark.

Yep! I know if it were me "on the other side of the fence" I would definitely want someone to take this project on and see it through to completion. As I stated before this set was my most cherished and favorite Mego set when I was a child. I just wish I had had the foresight to have bought more than one and had my parents store it till I became an adult and could appreciate it more from a collectible standpoint. But then again we didn't think about things like that in the 70s.

I know there are collectors out there that would appreciate what I am wanting to bring them. Those that can't afford an original or find one will now be able to have the next best thing.....a high quality replica that will make a beautiful display piece in their Mego collection.

I sent off my check on Friday to pay the kind soul that photographed their Mego Aquaman vs The Great White Shark set for me so that I could bring sellers a faithful and high quality repro box that will include the ultra rare insert that up until now has never been duplicated.

My mold maker friend will be receiving my Mego shark tomorrow (Monday, Oct. 18th) so stay tuned.......much, much more to follow on this thread with lots of updates in store. Take care all! :wink_y:

[apes3978]

Tell that to the lot that are very particular about the lack of perfection on the new Mattel figures... ;)




This is a toy board, not a model board --- meaning most people around here aren't very particular to have the thing perfect.

[LonnieFisher]

what's the point, if it's worth doing at all it's worth doing well. :wink_y:

I love this attitude! We should see more of it in the 8" universe. (Yes, another slam against Mattel.)

[ScottA]

Enough Lonnie. We all understand you hate the Mattel stuff. We don't need to see it in every post you make. And frankly, I'm getting sick of reading it all the time. Please stop. You've made your point.

[Meule]

Enough Lonnie. We all understand you hate the Mattel stuff. We don't need to see it in every post you make. And frankly, I'm getting sick of reading it all the time. Please stop. You've made your point.

Thank you :yes: :wink_y:

[reevefan78]

In the event that folks are following this thread I will be updating it frequently as I receive information from my friend who will be molding and casting my Mego shark. He received it in the mail today and here is what he wrote me this evening:

Hey, I know Cat wrote you that I received the shark OK, but just wanted you to know that it is well. Very good packing.

It does have quite a large amount of above surface damage from that glue
splatter. Dunno yet which is better, to try a repair or just waste a $100 in silicone to double cast it..

I have yet to take it apart though. Noticed the wedge of styrofoam and the belly weight. Do not know if it can be done in a standard silicone and 2 part resin style run - for the inner shell's

pin and hole/screw mount was designed for pressure/thermo injection casting.
Can definitely do up the outer shell and inner Shell as separate assemblies
though.

I have to call it quits for the night, am really worn out. I am putting
finishing touches on 2 replacement sharks tomorrow. If I can finish them in a timely manor then I will disassemble the Aquashark and study it closer.

Will have better to offer with a fresher brain maybe tomorrow, ganight Kris,

[supes]

This is exciting! I look forward to reading all your updates. Good luck!

[noelani72]

this is verrry interesting. Onboard if price is right. Prolly not needing a working unit since that just adds to its cost.

[ScottA]

I actually wouldn't mind a box.

[reevefan78]

Hello all, below is an email update I received today from my mold maker friend who received my Mego Great White Shark in the mail on Monday afternoon of this week. More updates to follow as I receive word from him on this project in the coming weeks until this project is complete. Please stay tuned. :grin:

"OK, let me break it down for you:

The aqua shark has an upper head piece, a right side half and a left side half.

Now ignore all pieces for a moment except the right side piece. I just use it as an example.

The right side piece has an outside [duh, I know..] but it also has an inside molded to the shell we know as
'the right side'. The inside is what contains the grooves and lans for the weight and foam block,
and some pegs and holes for the assembly of all major pieces.

Were I only to silicone mold the outside of the right side piece, then the lans, grooves, pegs/holes would
not translate over to future castings.
So, what is needed is a 2 piece mold of the right side piece/shell.
This is how the factory replicated the originals.
However; the factory used metal molds and hydraulically injected uber`hot molten thermo-plastic into the VERY thin
gap that existed between the metal molds for the right side piece.

To try and copy this in resin for silicone molds might not work well.
There is no real great -efficient way to inject 2 part resin into the gap area of such a thin walled 2 piece silicone mold in order to replicate the FULL details needed for the inner and outer shell of that right side piece.

That is where I am at for now. I have yet to disassemble it. I may find a really easy way to do this.
Injection of 2 part resins can be done, it is just messy, dangerous, and VERY wasteful of materials.
But I have done it.
And, I have found ingeniously simple ways to do it in the past for smaller items.

So, I will study it more later, and get back to you with some thoughts/ideas.
This is not a shoot down letter, just a progress report. And some progress has been made today."

[wookilar8]

Woow!! The science of toy making. Wait, this is still a toy, right?

No, I'm kidding. This guy really sounds like he knows what he's doing. Thanks for keeping us up to date.

[megojim]

Enough Lonnie. We all understand you hate the Mattel stuff. We don't need to see it in every post you make. And frankly, I'm getting sick of reading it all the time. Please stop. You've made your point.

double triple thank you :yes:

[Meule]

The inside is what contains the grooves and lans for the weight and foam block,

Do you really need this in the repro shark? Then you would only need a 1 piece mold

[AAAAA]

I would contact a a gentle giant type company
and make a Polystone copies in the US

[reevefan78]

Do you really need this in the repro shark? Then you would only need a 1 piece mold

Did the original really need it?.....perhaps....perhaps not. But since it does have it then at least the deluxe versions of this repro shark are going to have it too. There will be an economy version I think as well if you recall from my earlier posts.

I (we) will make this the best we see fit to do and offer perhaps several versions so that people can pick and choose which one they want......sound good? Just leave the rest to us.....we aim to please as many people as we can but we have to also consider our own personal aesthetics and how we want to approach this project and being that we are both very picky individuals and very concerned with quality I think if we're going to do this we need to do it right.

Don't worry though we are listening to all options and figuring out how we can meet high standards but at a price that people will want to pay depending on their budgets and how precise they want their repro sharks to be. Thanks for all the input/suggestions. More to follow so stay tuned. :wink_y:

[reevefan78]

I would contact a a gentle giant type company
and make a Polystone copies in the US

That would be great if:

1. We had tens of thousands of dollars to throw at them to create a repro that would pay them enough to say...."yeah, we can do that for you!".

2. Didn't mind ordering a minimum of 5000 copies that we could never possibly sell......remember most of the originals ended up on clearance tables.

3. Time was not an issue.......even these companies plan months and months ahead of schedule.

4. Didn't care to make an accurate repro in the same or similar material as the originals were produced.

I've already looked into this avenue if you read my earliest posts on this thread and it is simply too expensive and we'd be sitting on thousands of these things even if we had the money. In theory it sounds great but in reality it just isn't feasible. :no:

[AAAAA]

Vac-u-form
and do as a kit?
like garage model kit.

[reevefan78]

Vac-u-form
and do as a kit?
like garage model kit.

My mold maker friend and I are already moving ahead with this project and it will not be a garage model kit or vac-u-formed. Most people do not want to mess with something like this. It is easier for them to unpack it from it's shipping container and put it on a shelf without having to do any work. Plus it makes quality control consistent across the board. :wink:

[sprytel]

The Great White Shark is not my thing, but I do enjoy witnessing the process behind this.

[Van Hammersly]

I can't believe I didn't see this thread until now. My 2-year-old loves, loves, LOVES Aquaman. Many mornings, he wakes up asking about him, wanting to watch Batman: The Brave and the Bold episodes that feature his adventures. He's currently playing with my Hasbro Mego-style Aquaman figure, and now all I can think is, how much he'd love to have this shark!!

So count me as interested. This made me happy!

[GeneralApeGuy]

Enough Lonnie. We all understand you hate the Mattel stuff. We don't need to see it in every post you make. And frankly, I'm getting sick of reading it all the time. Please stop. You've made your point.

Yeah, I second that. Thank you.



Kris, thanks for good infor. but your maroon with bold sentence is really hurting my eyes,

I feels more comfortable to reading with this original black letters.

Can't wait to see new repro Shark comes out!

[reevefan78]

Here's the latest update from my mold maker friend:

"OK, as you can see I have taken the AquaShark Apart here is a brief report, I am
pressed for time so I will be BRIEF.
****
* Shark has been disassembled previously, as smaller guide-pins broken and glued
over.

* Glue is basis for skin scarring, possible polyvinyl type like PVC or other
'home' glue that is solvent based with a plastic base/carrier.

* Minor corrosion in battery compartment.

* Motor seems to be OK, have not disassembled further, or applied power to.
* No, external switch, must have put in battery and then just played with?

* Minimum of 7 molds needed. Possibly cannot do prop, dunno yet.

* Prop and prop gear are only pressed on.

* May want to see if we can just make this look like the real deal but not have
to worry about all the internal pin/slot work and motor?
-- Will look and move like real thing. Just be molded as a rotocast body that
does not break apart with 3 screws and associated pins/slots?

-----
Unsure about what is needed to restore skin for you yet. May be quick and easy,
or a real booger. I'll test to see how deep or shallow the glue melting is into
the surface."


http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af256/superfly71/Aquaman%20vs%20The%20Great%20White%20Shark/100_63bbbbb33.jpg

[rche]

that's a great pic!

[vulcan2074]

This Thread is on a whole other level. I can't wait to see whats next. :beaming1:
Sammy

[Jason73]

I never thought I'd see the inside of that shark. Interesting photo.

[clemso]

Interesting indeed

[wilbs518]

This Thread is on a whole other level. I can't wait to see whats next.

Agreed!

[Meule]

I never thought I'd see the inside of that shark. Interesting photo.

Hear hear

[Bizarro Amy]

My heart jumped a little when I saw that Shark disassembled. I would love to support this project, simply because you are obviously very brave and dedicated. I admire your commitment to quality, but I'd only be able to afford a cheapo option. I wish you'd reconsider the vac-form method, because I'd love a kit to work on, that buyers could customize and make as accurate as they please.

[Donkey Hoatie]

This is one of the coolest threads I've ever read. Thanks for sharing.

[noelani72]

Here's the latest update from my mold maker friend:

"OK, as you can see I have taken the AquaShark Apart here is a brief report, I am
pressed for time so I will be BRIEF.
****
* Shark has been disassembled previously, as smaller guide-pins broken and glued
over.

* Glue is basis for skin scarring, possible polyvinyl type like PVC or other
'home' glue that is solvent based with a plastic base/carrier.

* Minor corrosion in battery compartment.

* Motor seems to be OK, have not disassembled further, or applied power to.
* No, external switch, must have put in battery and then just played with?

* Minimum of 7 molds needed. Possibly cannot do prop, dunno yet.

* Prop and prop gear are only pressed on.

* May want to see if we can just make this look like the real deal but not have
to worry about all the internal pin/slot work and motor?
-- Will look and move like real thing. Just be molded as a rotocast body that
does not break apart with 3 screws and associated pins/slots?

-----
Unsure about what is needed to restore skin for you yet. May be quick and easy,
or a real booger. I'll test to see how deep or shallow the glue melting is into
the surface."


http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af256/superfly71/Aquaman%20vs%20The%20Great%20White%20Shark/100_63bbbbb33.jpg

Wow. This is certainly becoming more interesting.
As long as the museum has your permisson, I'd really like to suggest letting an Admin post that breakdown pic on the official Shark page here at the museum.

http://www.megomuseum.com/wgsh/playsets/aquashark.html

[Jordiway]

Very Cool Indeed!! please post more pics

[toys2cool]

Here's the latest update from my mold maker friend:

"OK, as you can see I have taken the AquaShark Apart here is a brief report, I am
pressed for time so I will be BRIEF.
****
* Shark has been disassembled previously, as smaller guide-pins broken and glued
over.

* Glue is basis for skin scarring, possible polyvinyl type like PVC or other
'home' glue that is solvent based with a plastic base/carrier.

* Minor corrosion in battery compartment.

* Motor seems to be OK, have not disassembled further, or applied power to.
* No, external switch, must have put in battery and then just played with?

* Minimum of 7 molds needed. Possibly cannot do prop, dunno yet.

* Prop and prop gear are only pressed on.

* May want to see if we can just make this look like the real deal but not have
to worry about all the internal pin/slot work and motor?
-- Will look and move like real thing. Just be molded as a rotocast body that
does not break apart with 3 screws and associated pins/slots?

-----
Unsure about what is needed to restore skin for you yet. May be quick and easy,
or a real booger. I'll test to see how deep or shallow the glue melting is into
the surface."


http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af256/superfly71/Aquaman%20vs%20The%20Great%20White%20Shark/100_63bbbbb33.jpg

you're brave dude

[reevefan78]

My heart jumped a little when I saw that Shark disassembled. I would love to support this project, simply because you are obviously very brave and dedicated. I admire your commitment to quality, but I'd only be able to afford a cheapo option. I wish you'd reconsider the vac-form method, because I'd love a kit to work on, that buyers could customize and make as accurate as they please.

That's not a bad idea for folks who are on a tight budget. I have forwarded this idea on to my mold makin' buddy to see what he has to say about the versions listed below and the feasibility of having two versions of the shark both as completed display models and as kits that could be purchased for a lesser price point:

1. Deluxe version that is "showroom ready". (virtually indistinguishable from an original model.....perhaps a running model and/or simply a static display piece....not sure yet.)

2. Deluxe version as a kit that could be less expensive for those that want the ultimate but on a bit of a budget.....this requires skills to complete that a lot of folks on here seem to possess.

3. Economy version that is "showroom ready". (one solid body, not two halves as the original has, with moveable head and no screws on the one side).

4. Economy version as a kit that again could be less expensive for those that have the skill to finish it themselves and are not concerned about their shark being almost indistinguishable from an original model (i.e. no screws on one side and a solid body rather than the two halves with the moveable upper jaw and a static model)

[Dennisandco]

Just read the whole post and all I can say is WOW!!

[MegoNutt]

awesome. I'm in!!

[SlipperyLilSuckers]

Again, I say Thank you.

[reevefan78]

Just a note to let the kind folks on this forum that have been following this thread know that an update will be posted soon. Hope all is well. :wink:

[reevefan78]

Hello all. My mold maker friend is working on several projects simultaneously and will be getting back to this one sometime around the middle of next week. Here's a recent update from my friend regarding the Mego Shark repro project:

"An idea I have is to put what I have (silicone mold making material) into the upper skull to show a proof of concept. It should give you what you need to compare original and prototype side by side in a few photos. My hope is that it will stimulate the boards for you and give us a better idea of how many may ACTUALLY purchase. I want to do them right, but not for only 10 people at cost only..."

More to follow soon. Stay tuned. :wink_y:

[noelani72]

Cool to hear!

[PNGwynne]

Thanks for the update--such a cool project!

[batty]

I'm definately interested. When a final price is known, then I'd have an answer. One way or the other, I would love to see it completed and packaged.

[Joseph_Y]

Not meaning to be the jerk and ruin the attention you're getting here BUT..... If you're making the shark a perfect reproduction of the real thing,I sincerely hope that it'll have a nice stamp in the bottom saying "Reproduction", otherwise it's just screwing over the collectors that care about having legit items and opening the door for less than honest sellers to pass them off as real. Everyone that wants a repro one is going to jump all over me about it, but I'm right. You seem to be a collector that cares about this a lot, if that's the case then don't be disrespectful to the very grail item that you want to help share by making it indistinguishable from the real thing and ruining the fun of those that want the real deal.

If you don't think that it's important to protect the community from frauds and make yours exact and unmarked,then I really hope that I can get the funds together to buy a real one before yours come out as I won't trust any that are out there after they do.

Just my .o2 on the subject.....welcomed or not.
Joe

[clemso]

Not meaning to be the jerk and ruin the attention you're getting here BUT..... If you're making the shark a perfect reproduction of the real thing,I sincerely hope that it'll have a nice stamp in the bottom saying "Reproduction", otherwise it's just screwing over the collectors that care about having legit items and opening the door for less than honest sellers to pass them off as real. Everyone that wants a repro one is going to jump all over me about it, but I'm right. You seem to be a collector that cares about this a lot, if that's the case then don't be disrespectful to the very grail item that you want to help share by making it indistinguishable from the real thing and ruining the fun of those that want the real deal.

If you don't think that it's important to protect the community from frauds and make yours exact and unmarked,then I really hope that I can get the funds together to buy a real one before yours come out as I won't trust any that are out there after they do.

Just my .o2 on the subject.....welcomed or not.
Joe

I'm with you on this Joseph, but I think reevefan78 had already mentioned that he would mark it in the first few pages of this thread as there are several collectors that share your concern.

Clem

[wilbs518]

Any new news on this project?

[Joseph_Y]

I'm with you on this Joseph, but I think reevefan78 had already mentioned that he would mark it in the first few pages of this thread as there are several collectors that share your concern.

Clem

OK, if he did mention that it'll be marked as repro, I didn't see it granted after the first couple of pages I was just in scanning mode. My apologies if I went on mini-rant for no reason.... Carry on...

Cheers
Joe

[timb]

http://megomuseum.com/mmgallery/files/2/6/8/8/greatwhiteshark380_original.jpg

[josephcardone]

I cannot wait to see this!

[reevefan78]

Oh yeah! It would definitely have something like Doc Mego's DM branded on it that would distinguish it as not being an original.....but again anyone with any modicum of knowledge would know right away that it was a repro......this project would be more of a novelty item than a serious threat to anyone who has an original Shark (like me). :smile:

I am not a dishonest person and would never try to pass one off as an original. While I cannot keep someone else from doing the same these will be marked as a repro as stated on page 2 of this thread in post #15 (see post quoted above). While I respect the Mego purists out there not everyone can afford (even if you can find one) a Mego Great White Shark. I don't know many people who have $626 that I paid for my original Mego Great White Shark on Ebay about 7 or so years ago or $5495 as was paid for a boxed one on ebay about 4-5 weeks ago.

With all do respect anyone who has a problem with this will also have a problem with Doc Mego's repro Mego parts. Some of us would just like to own a high quality repro item of things we either cannot find or cannot afford to purchase in an original. A good friend of mine that I have purchased many Mint loose Mego figures from receives at least one nasty email a week for selling Mego figures with repro parts that he purchases from Doc Mego. He ALWAYS makes note of which parts are repros in the description of the auctions when he uses them to complete a figure for sale. I respect your (Mego Enthusiasts) right to your opinion and am asking you to respect mine and those that don't mind owning a high quality repro Mego Shark. :wink_y:

[reevefan78]

Any new news on this project?

Yes, an update will be forthcoming very, very soon!:wink:

[reevefan78]

I'm with you on this Joseph, but I think reevefan78 had already mentioned that he would mark it in the first few pages of this thread as there are several collectors that share your concern.

Clem

For the repro mark......does anyone have any suggestions as to what it should say? Just thought since we are all in agreement on it being marked as a repro that I give collectors an opportunity to write in their opinions. Any suggestions are welcome. Thanks in advance. :wink_y:

[supes]

For the repro mark......does anyone have any suggestions as to what it should say? Just thought since we are all in agreement on it being marked as a repro that I give collectors an opportunity to write in their opinions. Any suggestions are welcome. Thanks in advance. :wink_y:



How about "Holy Grail" ?

[rche]

I like "sharky"

or how about a Mego Corp MC symbol with a big NOT circle around it?


In all seriousness, I think removing the Mego copyright info on the bottom and adding your companies name (or your handle) and a date for year of production would suffice. if I were the manufacturer, I would mark it as 'rche 2011'.

[ScottA]

I would remove the Mego name completly and put an "r" on the belly for "repro".

[bgrimm77]

How about..... REPRO SHARK. That way there is no question

[Meule]

For the repro mark......does anyone have any suggestions as to what it should say? Just thought since we are all in agreement on it being marked as a repro that I give collectors an opportunity to write in their opinions. Any suggestions are welcome. Thanks in advance. :wink_y:

Since you're doing all the work I think you should put your own initials on it. That's enough for anyone to recognize it as repro and you get a much deserved nod as well :wink_y:

[clemso]

Its not what you put on, but how you put it on. The mark needs to be etched quite deep in the body, so that no one can smooth it out. Also if you go with the whole faithful reproduction, perhaps the propeller could be a different shade of red.

[scoth70]

yes id say different shade of red on prop ... and just something like repro 2010 or the the year it will be available..etched deeply maybe on bottom also on inside roof of mouth?

maybe?

[noelani72]

I would remove the Mego name completly and put an "r" on the belly for "repro".

yup. That makes sense.
Can't wait to see where this goes and the costs.

[sprytel]

yes id say different shade of red on prop ... and just something like repro 2010 or the the year it will be available..etched deeply maybe on bottom also on inside roof of mouth?

maybe?

Putting the year on it makes a ton of sense.

[Mikey]

I'd say put you own name on the bottom of it.

Be proud of making the most difficult Mego reproduction ever.

[reevefan78]

Thanks everyone......these are great suggestions all of them. We'll probably go with a company name and year of production and of course remove the Mego Corp. name and add the word "repro". I appreciate all of the helpful advice. :grin:

[Meule]

Is the word "repro" really necessary with another company name and the year 2010? :wink_y:

[Mikey]

Write Charlie Tuna on the bottom

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/77/Tunacharlie.png

m

[reevefan78]

Is the word "repro" really necessary with another company name and the year 2010? :wink_y:

I suppose not. :wink_y:

[SlipperyLilSuckers]

I think you should put Reevefan2010.

[Mr.Krusher]

Write Charlie Tuna on the bottom

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/77/Tunacharlie.png

m

:smiley1:

What about the Vlasic Pickle Stork? I always though that him and Charlie Tuna would be playing chess in the park together and sipping brandy...
:smiley1::cool_y:

[GeneralApeGuy]

Write Charlie Tuna on the bottom

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/77/Tunacharlie.png

m

LOL, good idea! :smiley1:


I think you should put Reevefan2010.

Yeah, that's what I thought. :grin:

[reevefan78]

I think you should put Reevefan2010.

Good suggestion. I'll run that by my mold maker friend and see what he thinks.

Sorry for the temporary downtime here folks....busy time for me (preparing for 2 art shows from now till February with the gallery that reps me) and my friend who's making the mold. But rest assured this project is still "a go" and will resume as planned shortly. Stay tuned. :wink:

P.S. Hope everyone here in the states has a Happy and safe Thanksgiving!

[MEMEGO]

i would like one, if it is cost wise afordible, pls let me know when you have more details. thank you.

[reevefan78]

Sorry for the lack of updates these days. This project is still very much "a go" just a little slow due to the holidays and the fact that money is a bit tight this month.....doesn't leave much room for purchasing mold making materials at the moment but that will change soon. Thanks in advance to everyone for hanging in there and being patient with me in the interim. More to follow in the near future. :wink_y:

[wilbs518]

Thanks for the update.

[reevefan78]

Hello fellow Mego Enthusiasts,

Just a note to let everyone know that the mold maker has the materials to make a silicone mold of my original Mego Great White Shark and he will be setting it up to mold just after the holidays. He will fix any melt marks (there are a few on my original) as well as remove the Mego Corp. logo and year of original production and replace it with a new logo and 2011 as the year of reproduction.

From this master copy he will create a new silicone mold for production of the repros. This way it will look as perfect as the originals (no more melt marks) along with identification that will clearly distinguish it as a repro so that no one will ever be able to pass it off as an original Mego product.

Just wanted to keep everyone updated. It may be a slow process but the payoff will be HUGE and we hope to pleasantly surprise Mego collectors of high quality repro Mego products. Stay tuned! :cool_y:

[josephcardone]

Awesome!! Can't wait to see how he comes out! If you find yourself a bit low on cash maybe consider a Pre order payment :)

(Not too much because we are all having the same problem!!)

[clemso]

Hello fellow Mego Enthusiasts,

Just a note to let everyone know that the mold maker has the materials to make a silicone mold of my original Mego Great White Shark and he will be setting it up to mold just after the holidays. He will fix any melt marks (there are a few on my original) as well as remove the Mego Corp. logo and year of original production and replace it with a new logo and 2011 as the year of reproduction.

From this master copy he will create a new silicone mold for production of the repros. This way it will look as perfect as the originals (no more melt marks) along with identification that will clearly distinguish it as a repro so that no one will ever be able to pass it off as an original Mego product.

Just wanted to keep everyone updated. It may be a slow process but the payoff will be HUGE and we hope to pleasantly surprise Mego collectors of high quality repro Mego products. Stay tuned! :cool_y:

Hey that's great news, can't wait to see any new progress pics.

[SlipperyLilSuckers]

That's so exciting...thanks for the updates!

[bp1701a]

I would love one,, as long as it doesnt break the ban account,,,

[PNGwynne]

Great news & thanks for the considerate updates--really looking forward to the success of this project!

[wilbs518]

Awesome news!

[Wise4671]

Sounds Great how much are these going to be when you have them ready?

[reevefan78]

Sounds Great how much are these going to be when you have them ready?

That is yet to be determined until we have a prototype with time and cost of materials factored in. Then we'll know what we're looking at as far as what it will cost to produce each one. We're not going to gouge anyone so we won't make them unobtainable. As a collector I don't mind paying a fair price for a great product and would expect that others would understand that too. By the same token we are not in the business of losing money either so we won't be able to give them away. I am sacrificing (possibly) my original just a little to have it molded, although the mold maker will reassemble mine once the initial mold is made. The original mego logo will be replaced by ours on the molded master so that no one will ever be able to pass one off as an original. From the molded master with the replaced new logo we will make yet another final master mold and the subsequent repro sharks. I will tell you that we plan on making the repros look as much like the originals as possible but the replaced logo mark will make it well known that these are indeed repros and NOT original Mego Great White Sharks.....as a serious Mego collector I am ADAMANT about this.

The mold maker will begin working his magic in the first few weeks of the new year just as soon as he finishes work on previously scheduled projects. More news to follow very soon. Thanks for following this thread. I am very excited about this project and cannot wait to post photos of the first mold making step once this project commences. Until then stay tuned! :wink:

[reevefan78]

Awesome!! Can't wait to see how he comes out! If you find yourself a bit low on cash maybe consider a Pre order payment :)

(Not too much because we are all having the same problem!!)

Unfortunately things have a tendency to go awry at times and some times (and I can attest to this from personal experience) you just hit a brick wall in a project that hadn't been anticipated or expected. People get real funny sometimes (and understandably so when their money is involved) when things don't go as planned.....even when they are kept up to date on the status of the project. I have learned it is better to fund the project yourself whenever possible to avoid disappointing anyone who expects things to go smoothly with no bumps and bruises in the R&D department. So with that said although the idea is a good one.....in practice I think it is simply better for us to fund the project until we know we can produce the desired results and have a definite system in place for expected turn around times. Don't worry we are both committed to bringing fans of this Mego set the highest quality reproduction they will ever find available anywhere ever! Stay tuned.....there is soooooooo much more to come! :cool_y:

[Wise4671]

That is yet to be determined until we have a prototype with time and cost of materials factored in. Then we'll know what we're looking at as far as what it will cost to produce each one. We're not going to gouge anyone so we won't make them unobtainable. As a collector I don't mind paying a fair price for a great product and would expect that others would understand that too. By the same token we are not in the business of losing money either so we won't be able to give them away. I am sacrificing (possibly) my original just a little to have it molded, although the mold maker will reassemble mine once the initial mold is made. The original mego logo will be replaced by ours on the molded master so that no one will ever be able to pass one off as an original. From the molded master with the replaced new logo we will make yet another final master mold and the subsequent repro sharks. I will tell you that we plan on making the repros look as much like the originals as possible but the replaced logo mark will make it well known that these are indeed repros and NOT original Mego Great White Sharks.....as a serious Mego collector I am ADAMANT about this.

The mold maker will begin working his magic in the first few weeks of the new year just as soon as he finishes work on previously scheduled projects. More news to follow very soon. Thanks for following this thread. I am very excited about this project and cannot wait to post photos of the first mold making step once this project commences. Until then stay tuned! :wink:

Sounds Great and Thank You for keeping us all up to date. I can't wait to add one of these to my collection.

[reevefan78]

Hello all,

Just a note to update folks here on the Great White Shark repro project directly from the mold maker.......

"As a matter of fact I do plan on commencing work within the month. When I do start it, it wil be fast and furious so please be ready. I estimate that I need approx 3 weeks, give or take, to be able to accomplish what needs doing. I wish I was already working on it, as is exciting project. Sorry about that. Just really need to get some (previous) orders filled first is all.
It will be big, i can see it now.."

This is exciting and great news! Thanks for everyone's patience in the interim.....but know that this WILL become a reality and very, very soon. I look forward to sharing all the exciting progress with everyone. Stay tuned....won't be long now. :wink:

[THE FALCON]

Looking forward to this.

[alex]

whats the price point at this moment?

[reevefan78]

whats the price point at this moment?

We won't know exactly until we see what kind of time is involved and factor in the cost of materials. Once we have a prototype we'll be better able to answer the question of price. While we cannot give these away (as businessmen we are not in the business of losing money) we are not looking to gouge anyone either. We will ask a fair price that we feel will cover our costs and cover our time involved. Stay tuned.....more to come. :cool_y:

[alex]

No problem, but can U see this being $75 or $400, just a rough estimate.

[reevefan78]

No problem, but can U see this being $75 or $400, just a rough estimate.

I can safely say it won't be $75.....honestly that would barely cover the cost of materials and time involved.....there'd be no profit margin and we are looking to earn an honest wage for a superior product with the release of this repro. This will be for SERIOUS collectors....but don't let that scare you away either.....we do NOT seek to gouge anyone. Please keep in mind that we are a two man operation....not a sweat shop in China being paid pennies on the hour.....LOL.

My friend who is molding and casting my original takes commissions like this for a living so this is his main source of income. He is a perfectionist like me and that's a gross understatement, LOL. What he and I have in mind is a product that will look virtually indistinguishable from my original that he is molding except it will be marked "reevefan78 2011" and not with the Mego Corp. symbol and date so that no one will ever be able to pass one off as an original. This is to safeguard those that have spent hundreds (as I have with my original Mego shark) and even thousands in acquiring an original Mego shark.

But at this time I cannot say exactly as I have no idea what my friend is going to encounter time wise in reproducing each one not to mention the expense of the molds and materials involved. All I can say is that it will be the very finest repro Great White Shark that will EVER be produced along with the offering of a repro box. The box will be carefully recreated from photos that I have in high res format of an original boxed Aquaman VS The Great White Shark Mego set. I have photos of both the outside display box as well as the interior insert.

No one who will purchase one of these from us will be disappointed....I can assure you of that. We will NOT produce a product that we ourselves would not be willing to buy at the price we ask for one of ours. We will be producing the highest quality repro you will ever find of this Holy Grail of Mego action sets.

I will be updating this thread over the next month or so as my friend begins the process of molding and casting a prototype to show to everyone here on this forum. Stay tuned...lots of exciting photos and info will follow shortly. :wink_y:

[SlipperyLilSuckers]

This is really exciting news...thanks for the update.

[peytiesdad]

Can't wait!!!!!

[GeneralApeGuy]

Can't wait to see a new Aquaman repro box and repro Great White Shark, would like to purchase 'em if both are correct price.

[jacoblb]

I may have already expressed interest in this before. But the high cost concerns me, I doubt I'll be unable to afford it. Still, regardless whether or not I get on board, I wish you much success.

[Grimm Jimm]

This sounds like a fantastic project! I'm sure I'm not the only one thinking of a JAWS custom project.

I'll be watching this for developments!

[reevefan78]

This sounds like a fantatic project! I'm sure I'm not the only one thinking of a JAWS custom project.

I'll be watching this for developments!

I'm waaaaaaaaaay ahead of you on this. We have some ideas we've been kickin' around for JAWS fans......since it is at the top of our list of all time favorite films! :wink:

Stay tuned!

[THE FALCON]

Hope to see remegos of Sheriff Brody and Capt. Quint to go with that Jaws exclusive if it's made.

[reevefan78]

Hope to see remegos of Sheriff Brody and Capt. Quint to go with that Jaws exclusive if it's made.

Oh, the "Aquashark" is going to be made....no doubt about that. I plan to create prototypes at a later date of the three principals from JAWS and go from there....as closely as Mego might have done back in the day. But first things first.....Aquaman VS TGWS set is on the table. Here's a quote just in yesterday from the mold maker:

Just an update. i am still on schedule for mid of this month to begin the polish and molding of Aquashark.

By "Aquashark" he means my original Mego Great White Shark. More to follow just as soon as I hear more on the progress. Stay tuned. :wink_y:

[EmergencyIan]

Thanks for the update!


- Ian

[fallen121]

Any chance of some repro webbed hands for Aquaman? LOL

[reevefan78]

Any chance of some repro webbed hands for Aquaman? LOL

Without original webbed hands to mold off of.....no.....at least not if it can truly be called a "repro". Plus only one specimen is known to exist with the webbed hands so unless the owner wants the hands molded directly off the only one known to exist I'd say there's a better chance of winning the lottery 3 times in a single year. Besides......they're not really necessary as Aquaman was produced with his famous Mego green mittens and I don't think the webbed hands will fit inside them. :wink_y:

[jasonmego1277]

Why is this the first time I am seeing this post ? Very cool and exciting.

[reevefan78]

Why is this the first time I am seeing this post ? Very cool and exciting.

Stay tuned......it's about to heat up near the middle of this month (February) when the mold maker begins to work his magic in bringing this project to life. Personally I can't wait! Lots more to come. :wink_y:

[reevefan78]

We're looking to produce a static model as the first release and then go from there if anyone is wanting a working model.

[Meule]

Any chance of getting in progress pics as this project develops?

[noelani72]

Any chance of getting in progress pics as this project develops?

most definetely would be cool.
this thread has generated over 7,000 views.. :sarky:

[reevefan78]

most definetely would be cool.
this thread has generated over 7,000 views.. :sarky:

I have asked the mold maker if this is possible....to see in progress views. I'll let everyone know what his response will be as soon as I receive one from him. Stay tuned. :wink_y:

[GeneralApeGuy]

We've been waiting for ya for 4 months to seeing new set of 'em.

Hope not wasting our time for delaying......

[Meule]

We've been waiting for ya for 4 months to seeing new set of 'em.

Hope not wasting our time for delaying......

Easy there Pat, he's been constantly updating us. Stuff like this takes time, be patient

[reevefan78]

We've been waiting for ya for 4 months to seeing new set of 'em.

Hope not wasting our time for delaying......

No worries my friend......I can assure you that the resulting repro shark will not be a waste of anyone's time. We are working as quickly as we can so please be patient with us in the meantime. I will be updating this thread as often as I can so that everyone will be made fully aware of the progress we make on it. More to follow.....please stay tuned and thanks in advance for your patience and support of our efforts. :wink:

[reevefan78]

Easy there Pat, he's been constantly updating us. Stuff like this takes time, be patient

Thanks Meule for the support. I've been involved with enough projects (my own included) to know that you just can't rush someone else when you're depending on them to produce a superior product for you. Here is an email message I received from the mold maker this morning:

"Running a little behind due to the weather here. Been trying to primer/paint sharks between snowstorms. Still trying my best to be able to start Aquashark on schedule."

The mold maker is working on finishing up a limited edition project that was years in the making......another shark project and as a proud owner of one of them I can tell you with absolute certainty that the mold maker is a perfectionist and the "Aquashark" will be absolutely perfect! I chose him carefully and wisely for this project because he's a perfectionist. Stay tuned and please be patient.

More to follow shortly. :wink_y:

[PNGwynne]

Seeing as how you've kept us consistently informed & have not asked for $$ up-front, I don't think we have cause for complaint.

I'm in no hurry--I'm just excited you're trying to make it happen.

[reevefan78]

Seeing as how you've kept us consistently informed & have not asked for $$ up-front, I don't think we have cause for complaint.

I'm in no hurry--I'm just excited you're trying to make it happen.

Thank you for your patience and support. Believe me when I say that no one could be more anxious about this project than I am. I've been wanting to do this for years but this is well beyond my level of expertise so I am leaving it in the more than ample hands of the mold maker whom I befriended a year or so ago.

I can assure everyone that once all is said and done......no one will be disappointed in the final results. My friend and I are VERY picky. Please continue to be patient as "all good things come to those who wait". :wink_y:

[GeneralApeGuy]

Easy there Pat, he's been constantly updating us. Stuff like this takes time, be patient

I am but some our members are waiting for his mold maker.


Woh....hold on there Great White hunter....have you ever tried taking on a project like this before? If so then you'll know there is much to consider before rushing in with both hands and feet. This one took some study to figure out how best to approach the mold making to produce the best results without ruining my original. I don't think anyone else would possibly sacrifice their personal Mego shark for a project like this.....at least no one has before me anyway. My friend wants to make sure that he does not damage my original in any way shape or form and in fact he is going to restore it to minty condition.

Four months is not a long time especially given the fact that there were 3 major holidays in the interim - Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. I am not the mold maker here....only over seeing the project like an art director. I am waiting on the mold maker to get a break in the steady stream of projects that preceded this one that keeps him in his studio 10-12 hours a day, seven days a week with little to no family time. Please be patient. We are working as quickly as we can.

I've been waiting on Hot Toys to release their Christopher Reeve 1/6 Superman figure since it was announced in August 2010 (although I had heard about it months before the official announcement). It seemed to take Mattel forever (well over a year) to finally release their Christopher Reeve Superman 12" figure and these are big companies. We are just a two man operation. We are not in the business of rushing a project only to produce an inferior product.

If we are going to do this we will do it right or not at all. I know how impatient folks can become waiting on projects like this......I've experienced it first hand and have watched friends being "burned at the stake" over stuff like this. I do not wish to become another victim of circumstance and more importantly I won't let criticism turn my friend off to producing this product. I do not want to stop updates for all those who are willing to be patient for someone who wants this yesterday but I will say please don't post if you don't have something constructive to add......it only turns things ugly and it's unnecessary. If you read one of my recent posts you'll see where it says the mold maker is scheduled for beginning this project during the second to third week in February.

In closing I want to add that we are not responsible for what you do with your time......if you feel this is a waste then we won't be hurt if you chose not to follow this thread any further. Like the old adage goes, "you can't please all of the people all of the time". :wink:

Sorry about that, Kris. :wink_y:

[reevefan78]

I am but our members are waiting for his mold maker. Sorry about that, reevefan78. :wink_y:

Pat,

No it is I who should be sorry. I didn't mean to be rude to you......you didn't deserve that and I sincerely apologize. I have edited my previous response to you (see above). Things have been very hectic here lately and I've been a little stressed out. I'm just in need of a creative release - a day to paint or sculpt something that I enjoy in my studio. That always makes me feel better and helps me to relax. Please forgive me. Please know that we are doing our best to get this project done as quickly and as perfectly as we can manage in between our other projects. I will continue with regular updates when I have news to share on the progress we will be making on this repro shark. We just want everyone to be more than pleased with our efforts. Stay tuned......much, much more to follow. :wink_y:

[GeneralApeGuy]

You did the right thing all about this, I'm apologized. Of course, I forgive you. :smile:

[reevefan78]

You did the right thing all about this, I'm apologized. Of course, I forgive you. :smile:

Thanks Pat! I'll be sure to update this thread as often as I can. Please continue to hang tight. Take care. :grin:

[reevefan78]

This just in from my mold maker friend on the status of starting the "Aquashark" project:

"Am getting sooo close to starting Aqua. Just a little longer...
Very exciting!"

This message was sent to me at 10:08 PM EST on Feb 9, 2011....won't be long now. Stay tuned folks!

K

[wilbs518]

Thanks for the update.

[noelani72]

reeve - you planning on attending mego meet?

[reevefan78]

reeve - you planning on attending mego meet?

Sure wish I could. I live in Georgia so it's a bit of a hike up to West Virginia (I think that's where the Mego Meet is held...right?) and I've got a busy schedule this Summer preparing for art competitions and art shows that will begin in the fall and continue through the 4th quarter in the year.

Hopefully someday I can make it up there though. I wish there was a mego meet held in Atlanta (only about 25 -30 minute drive from here....as I live in Marietta)....that'd be great and I know there are several well known Mego members that live here.....Chris Johnson DVM lives around here.....Roswell I think. He's a great guy....I purchased a boxed Denys Fisher Power Action Superman 13" figure from him several years ago and it is one of my prized possessions along with my "Aquashark".

I'd sure love to help start a chapter of the Mego Meet here if anyone else is interested....let me know...even if it starts out that we just get together, show off our collection and talk shop....always up for hangin' out with like minds who share the same passion for collecting our little "Mego buddies".

Anyway, I'm just thrilled to be a part of this forum and website and thanks to everyone who has helped make it what it is today. I hope all is well and I hope to meet you someday noelani72. :wink:

[toys2cool]

Sure wish I could. I live in Georgia so it's a bit of a hike up to West Virginia (I think that's where the Mego Meet is held...right?) and I've got a busy schedule this Summer preparing for art competitions and art shows that will begin in the fall and continue through the 4th quarter in the year.

Hopefully someday I can make it up there though. I wish there was a mego meet held in Atlanta (only about 25 -30 minute drive from here....as I live in Marietta)....that'd be great and I know there are several well known Mego members that live here.....Chris Johnson DVM lives around here.....Roswell I think. He's a great guy....I purchased a boxed Denys Fisher Power Action Superman 13" figure from him several years ago and it is one of my prized possessions along with my "Aquashark".

I'd sure love to help start a chapter of the Mego Meet here if anyone else is interested....let me know...even if it starts out that we just get together, show off our collection and talk shop....always up for hangin' out with like minds who share the same passion for collecting our little "Mego buddies".

Anyway, I'm just thrilled to be a part of this forum and website and thanks to everyone who has helped make it what it is today. I hope all is well and I hope to meet you someday noelani72. :wink:

man i'm in Miami, if it was in Atlanta I'd head out there as well :birthday::grin:

[ScottA]

You need to come reeve. I live in Bama and it's only a 14 hour drive for me. Well worth the effort. But I'd love to hook up with you and Chris and anyone else in ATL for something.

[noelani72]

totally bro. I drive 7 hours, course, I gotta plan months in advance with my boss and my budget though haha.
It is a good time; if ya can work it out - ya gotta go.

[reevefan78]

You need to come reeve. I live in Bama and it's only a 14 hour drive for me. Well worth the effort. But I'd love to hook up with you and Chris and anyone else in ATL for something.

Where in Alabama do you live? I'm in Marietta, just outside Atlanta on the north west side.

[ScottA]

^ Montgomery. Only 3 hours away. My brother lives in ATL.

[Hector]

I'd sure love to help start a chapter of the Mego Meet here if anyone else is interested....let me know...

There's always a bunch of mini Mego Meets throughout...we held a little mini one in Oakland, CA just last year...four of us met up...and was lots of fun.

You can easily set one up around your area as well.

[reevefan78]

^ Montgomery. Only 3 hours away. My brother lives in ATL.

We should meet up sometime. Do you have a nice collection of Megos? What's your favorite line, figures or sets?

I enjoy collecting the WGSH line, both 8" and 12.5" and I have some rare 12.5" figures MIB. I always strive to find mint figures in the most perfect display boxes or cards too. I've been collecting since I was about 3 or 4 but I only have some pieces left from when I was about 13 or so. Everything else I have has been acquired since my college days beginning with Toy Shop magazine.....the precusor to Ebay for collectors of vintage toys.

I just love the hunt for new megos to acquire.

So do you ever make trips to ATL?

BTW.....aren't you the guy that makes those amazing Mego WGSH playsets I've seen here on the forum?

[reevefan78]

There's always a bunch of mini Mego Meets throughout...we held a little mini one in Oakland, CA just last year...four of us met up...and was lots of fun.

You can easily set one up around your area as well.

Absolutely! I'll have to find some other mego enthusiasts who live near me so we can meet up and talk shop and see what we may have that someone else may need for their collection or vice versa.

[Hector]

:yes: :smiley13: :biggrin:

[Hector]

BTW.....aren't you the guy that makes those amazing Mego WGSH playsets I've seen here on the forum?

That would be MegoScott...he was one of the four who attended the Oakland mini Mego Meet...

:wink_y:

[ScottA]

We should meet up sometime. Do you have a nice collection of Megos? What's your favorite line, figures or sets?

I enjoy collecting the WGSH line, both 8" and 12.5" and I have some rare 12.5" figures MIB. I always strive to find mint figures in the most perfect display boxes or cards too. I've been collecting since I was about 3 or 4 but I only have some pieces left from when I was about 13 or so. Everything else I have has been acquired since my college days beginning with Toy Shop magazine.....the precusor to Ebay for collectors of vintage toys.

I just love the hunt for new megos to acquire.

So do you ever make trips to ATL?

BTW.....aren't you the guy that makes those amazing Mego WGSH playsets I've seen here on the forum?

Yes, I have a pretty good collection of Megos. I collect all lines and all sizes.

I do make trips to ATL from time to time.

Like Hector said, that's MegoScott who makes the cool Dida displays.

[reevefan78]

Yes, I have a pretty good collection of Megos. I collect all lines and all sizes.

I do make trips to ATL from time to time.

Like Hector said, that's MegoScott who makes the cool Dida displays.

Scott,

If you ever want to meet up just let me know.

I really like MegoScott's Dida displays....hope to add one to my collection some day real soon.

Hope all is well and thanks for supporting this thread and checkin' in periodically.

More to follow soon. :wink_y:

[reevefan78]

I've asked my mold maker friend to send me some more pics of 'Aquashark' in it's dismantled state for all to see along with periodic in progress photos (without divulging any of his mold making trade secrets) and he said he would. Please stay tuned.....pics will be posted shortly. :wink_y:

[reevefan78]

Hello all,

Just a note to let you all know that I sent a disc of hi-res digital images of an original Aquaman vs TGWS box set including the not often seen insert for reproduction. The package designer told me that he is looking into a new kind of printable material that looks even more like original Mego boxes than even his current ones which I think look incredible as is. So this is all good news. Just wanted to keep everyone updated. More to follow soon! :wink_y:

[ScottA]

I am definately up for a repro box of this (I have the shark :grin: ).

[reevefan78]

I am definately up for a repro box of this (I have the shark :grin: ).

Here is the one that I have over 150 detailed hi-res photos of from every angle including mostly head on shots of the exterior as well as interior flattened insert (see pic below). I also have exact dimensions of every graphic from text to images of everything that is printed on the outside of this box. It will be as exact as is possible without being able to scan an original box which was not possible in this case. If I had had $5,495 that the winner paid for this set late last year I would be scanning from my original box. But aside from this it will be THE BEST repro box available.

I will of course have the designer fix all the imperfections (i.e. stress creases from the original scans and clean up the white areas on the box and so on) so that the box will look brand new....as if you had traveled back in time and snagged one of these babies right off the clearance table of your local toy shop.....ahhhh....if only time travel was possible. Oh well, until then this'll have to suffice.

BTW.......love to see your 'Aquashark' ScottA. I'll pm you about it. :wink:

http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af256/superfly71/Aquaman%20vs%20The%20Great%20White%20Shark/000_0030_email.jpg

[Mikey]

Cool picture

[reevefan78]

Just thought you all would be interested in seeing pics of my dismantled 'Aquashark' that I had the mold maker photograph and email me earlier this evening. I'll be posting a couple a day while we're waiting for the "games to begin".....which will be very, very soon.

The mold maker will be repairing my 'Aquashark' as it has suffered chemical melt marks (this is how I purchased it though years ago) prior to molding it for the repros. The repros will appear perfect so no worries there....and I will receive my original back when the mold making process is complete in "like new" condition.

Oh yeah, and to reiterate.....the original Mego copyright will be removed and replaced with my reevefan78 handle and the year of production so that NO ONE will ever be able to pass one of these off as an original...don't forget...I'm also a collector and want original Mego products to be easily identifiable from their reproduction counterparts.

More to follow....but in the meantime enjoy the pics. :wink_y:

http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af256/superfly71/Aquaman%20vs%20The%20Great%20White%20Shark/100_7391_email.jpg

http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af256/superfly71/Aquaman%20vs%20The%20Great%20White%20Shark/100_7394_email.jpg

[Hulk]

You should consider marking all of the pieces with a slight identifiable mark, even if on the inside in a discrete location.

[GeneralApeGuy]

Just thought you all would be interested in seeing pics of my dismantled 'Aquashark' that I had the mold maker photograph and email me earlier this evening. I'll be posting a couple a day while we're waiting for the "games to begin".....which will be very, very soon.

The mold maker will be repairing my 'Aquashark' as it has suffered chemical melt marks (this is how I purchased it though years ago) prior to molding it for the repros. The repros will appear perfect so no worries there....and I will receive my original back when the mold making process is complete in "like new" condition.

Oh yeah, and to reiterate.....the original Mego copyright will be removed and replaced with my reevefan78 handle and the year of production so that NO ONE will ever be able to pass one of these off as an original...don't forget...I'm also a collector and want original Mego products to be easily identifiable from their reproduction counterparts.

More to follow....but in the meantime enjoy the pics. :wink_y:

http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af256/superfly71/Aquaman%20vs%20The%20Great%20White%20Shark/100_7391_email.jpg

http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af256/superfly71/Aquaman%20vs%20The%20Great%20White%20Shark/100_7394_email.jpg

Kris,

What happen to that Shark has slight oily on the top right side of the Shark?

Can that be easy to clean the oily off?

[reevefan78]

Great pics!

What happen to that Shark has slight oily on the top right side of the Shark?

Can that be easy to clean the oily off?

Pat,

Not sure....that's the way the shark was when I purchased him. My friend says it's some kind of glue that caused a chemical reaction with the surface and melted it just a little. He's going to attempt to remove it and sand it very carefully so that when all is said and done you'd never know it had been damaged. I trust him....he's one of the most amazing creative individuals I've ever met. Stay tuned....more to follow. :wink_y:

[PNGwynne]

^Yes, it is prob. possible to wet-sand & buff that out, usin progressive grits of very fine sandpaper.

I had amazing results recently in cleaning up a GI Joe AT ATV, also of polystyrene.

[reevefan78]

^Yes, it is prob. possible to wet-sand & buff that out, usin progressive grits of very fine sandpaper.

I had amazing results recently in cleaning up a GI Joe AT ATV, also of polystyrene.

That's exactly what my friend said......guess great minds think alike, huh? I'm just glad to know that my shark can be repaired to like new condition. Thanks for letting me know of your success with this procedure. :wink_y:

[reevefan78]

Here are a couple more views of my dismantled original Mego shark. Enjoy! More to follow. :wink_y:

http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af256/superfly71/100_7408_email.jpg

http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af256/superfly71/100_7409_email.jpg

[reevefan78]

Hey Gang,

Just wanted to throw something out at the collectors and see what response the following idea garners:

We want to cast the perfected/repaired body halves together instead of
casting each body half separately and then assembling and gluing/screwing them together
for the following reasons:

1. This would ensure each replica is perfect with a clean and straight seam [Higher standard].

2. This would make a stronger replica.

3. This would make our replica Impossible to pass off as an original Mego collectible shark.

4. This would make the replicas CONSIDERABLY more affordable. In fact this is a win win for everyone who is concerned with keeping this replica affordable and very much under a few hundred dollars each.

5. This would be the backbone of trimming production times and filling everyones orders in a more timely manor. Casting the body halves together would effectively eliminate 9 steps of the foreseen 54 step process thus far.

6. There are 2 more reasons I cannot list as they are ancient Chinese secrets... [yes, kidding]

*FEEDBACK IS WELCOME*

[THE FALCON]

If it makes the shark more affordable, I'm all for it.

[Meule]

Yep, go for it. Can't see why this would bother anyone, no one is gonna dismantle their shark anyway

[clemso]

Hey Gang,

Just wanted to throw something out at the collectors and see what response the following idea garners:

We want to cast the perfected/repaired body halves together instead of
casting each body half separately and then assembling and gluing/screwing them together
for the following reasons:

1. This would ensure each replica is perfect with a clean and straight seam [Higher standard].

2. This would make a stronger replica.

3. This would make our replica Impossible to pass off as an original Mego collectible shark.

4. This would make the replicas CONSIDERABLY more affordable. In fact this is a win win for everyone who is concerned with keeping this replica affordable and very much under a few hundred dollars each.

5. This would be the backbone of trimming production times and filling everyones orders in a more timely manor. Casting the body halves together would effectively eliminate 9 steps of the foreseen 54 step process thus far.

6. There are 2 more reasons I cannot list as they are ancient Chinese secrets... [yes, kidding]

*FEEDBACK IS WELCOME*

Sounds like a perfect solution to everyone's concerns :2thumbsup: Now i am really tempted to get one.

[rche]

sounds good to me

[MIB41]

Will this replica be able to do everything the original did? Or will it just hold a static pose?

[noelani72]

affordable reproduction.
Do what you guys find best.

[PNGwynne]

Streamlining construction sounds fine to me!

[reevefan78]

Will this replica be able to do everything the original did? Or will it just hold a static pose?

This first economy version will look like the original in every way only it will be a solid shell body (no right and left half held together by 3 screws and glue). The upper jaw will still be a separate piece held onto the lower jaw by the pegs on the outside of the lower jaw.

There will be a motor shaft coming out the back and a prop on the end of this but no motor inside.....hence the "static model". There are plans to do a motorized version depending on the demand at a later stage but most folks are not going to put this in water so the majority have been okay with us producing a static model first and see how well these sell. Of course a running model will up the price a good bit since all the mechanics and internal working parts have to be molded and in place and working. I hope this makes sense. More to follow soon. :wink_y:

[PNGwynne]

^This static version sounds nice to me: I'd like a propeller, but I'm not concerned if it's actually a working toy.

Will the material be polystyrene, though? I think that's important.

[reevefan78]

^This static version sounds nice to me: I'd like a propeller, but I'm not concerned if it's actually a working toy.

Will the material be polystyrene, though? I think that's important.

The static version will have a propeller....it just won't be motorized, but looking at it from the outside you'd never be the wiser.

As for polystyrene.......don't think that is feasible on something like this, the only real option is polyurethane resin.....but it will be colored to approximate the original Mego Great White Sharks as closely as possible.

More to follow. :wink_y:

[wilbs518]

Thanks for the updates. I can't wait.

[PNGwynne]

The static version will have a propeller....it just won't be motorized, but looking at it from the outside you'd never be the wiser.

As for polystyrene.......don't think that is feasible on something like this, the only real option is polyurethane resin.....but it will be colored to approximate the original Mego Great White Sharks as closely as possible.

More to follow. :wink_y:

But wouldn't resin result in a solid shark? I guess I don't know enough about casting resin, I can't picture the construction.

[justzeg18]

But wouldn't resin result in a solid shark? I guess I don't know enough about casting resin, I can't picture the construction.

You can slush cast or roto-cast resin for a strong hollow shell.

[reevefan78]

But wouldn't resin result in a solid shark? I guess I don't know enough about casting resin, I can't picture the construction.

No, it's like justzeg18 said.....it can be slush cast. In other words resin poured in....slushed (or rather rotocast......the resin is allowed to rotate all around so that it gets into all details) around inside the mold very gently as not to introduce any air bubbles into it and the rest allowed to be poured slowly out. This may have to be done a few times in order to build up a thick enough shell though. Not sure if my friend is going this route or not but whatever he decides to do it'll be the best way to go with it. :wink_y:

[Mikey]

To the layman, many resins (when set and dry) seems almost like plastic.

It's just more brittle so you have to be more careful with it.

Resin sharks should be treated as if they're made of ceramic.

For display, it would be fine

[reevefan78]

Just wanted to let everyone know that work has begun on 'Aquashark'. Below is word from my mold maker friend that I received yesterday and today saying that work has begun and he's in the R & D phase. I'll keep everyone updated as work continues.

"Well, it is and has been begun.
Have some more trials on a few newer resins to try middle of next week too.

The two sets of resin i will be experimenting with next week are made to stay the color you mix.

Aquashark needs to be setting standards from the get go so that the first shark looks just like the last shark that we put out."

Stay tuned.....more to follow soon! :wink_y:

[reevefan78]

Hello all,

Just a note to let you all know that work has begun on Aquashark's box art. The designer that is working on this is going to reproduce it as faithfully as he can from the digital files that I have provided for him. More to follow on this as work progresses. :wink_y:

[wilbs518]

Excellent news.

[TrueDave]

To the layman, many resins (when set and dry) seems almost like plastic.

It's just more brittle so you have to be more careful with it.

Resin sharks should be treated as if they're made of ceramic.

For display, it would be fine

There are resins with different rigidity levels if you want .
I have them but I am not ready to experiment with them. Today is a mold making day.

I have not tried the slush cast with anything so small and with resin " I did fiberglass slush puppet heads a few years back)

Thanks for sharing.
I know artists sometimes can be a bit like Magicians in not wanting to share "secrets'
Anything I learn just helps me to be a better artist.
However I dont want a shark :grin:

[reevefan78]

Hello all!

Just a quick note here to let everyone know that I have hit "the Motherload" today and have secured the opportunity to have an original Mego Aquaman VS The Great White Shark box and insert scanned from which the repro box will be created. The original box belongs to a member on this very forum and they have graciously agreed to have their box scanned in an effort to make this project even better. I cannot thank them enough for the honor. I'll reveal who (later) once I have the scans in hand and the repro box well underway.

I was planning on using pics taken by a somewhat decent digital camera by the owner who sold a box set late last year on Ebay. The photos were going to need some doctoring in order to square up the edges and get the colors more accurate. But now I don't have to have my designer friend fool with all that. While a little doctoring will be necessary to mask stress creases and such from the original it won't be quite the enormous undertaking as it was going to be plus it will be spot on accurate to the original in design and dimensions. More to follow...stay tuned! :wink_y:

[Meule]

Tell your friends to take more pics, we wanna see how this progresses :wink_y::grin:

[clemso]

Wow, sounds great, interested to see how the insert scan turned out

[reevefan78]

Tell your friends to take more pics, we wanna see how this progresses :wink_y::grin:

They're aware of the necessity to share images of the work in progress. However there are some things regarding the mold making process that my friend will not divulge....trade secrets I guess you might say. I can only respect his wishes but once he has made the initial mold and cast the intermediate stage (to remove the Mego trademark and replace it with mine for final molding) he will take pics of the cast(s). So hang in there......I will share as much as I am allowed to while honoring his wishes. You won't be disappointed by his work.....it is among the best I've seen. More to follow soon. Stay tuned! :wink_y: