Q: That Otterman, is he mental, or something, like the Rainman?
A: Yes, but not as smart. Probably has a touch of Asperger's Syndrome, definitely has a lot of stuff going on.
Q: Such as?
A: He's the head software engineer for a 100+ person company, has shared custody of a sarcastic 7 year old girl, is a boyfriend of a brown Asian hotty, toy maker, mold pourer, and metal spinner.
Q: Why is he always asking for my address?
A: You would be surprised how often people move and don't tell me. Or tell me, and I forget to update my address list. At any rate, it's always easiest to have it in a recent PM chain.
Q: Why don't you make a proxy for (insert favorite toy soldier here)?
A: I'm sorry, what? Can you speak up? I'm a little deaf in that ear.
Q: Why does it take so long to make toys?
A: For a jillion reasons. Mainly, it's not my day job, and as you can see from above, not much spare time is available.
Additionally, there are a lot of steps:
1) Make 3D design.
2) Submit for plastic 3D prototype print. This used to be fast, but Fineline stopped making the good stuff, and Shapeways is SLOW.
3) Evaluate prototypes by making a silicon mold, and trying test casts. This helps reveal problems in the design, such as with undercuts.
3A) If necessary, revise and repeat steps 1, 2, and 3.
4) Submit 3D design to Todd Boyce NinjaMagic. He's usually also super busy with Real Life, and I have various competitors for his time.
5) Fix problems with the design that previous steps didn't catch.
6) Print the design at super high resolution.
7) Get a jewelsmith to perform an investment cast.
Correct problems in steps (6) and (7).
9) Once bronze masters are available, sweet talk a local metalsmith into making molds.
10) Wait 1d20 + 4 weeks.
11) Victory!
Q: Where did you learn how to do this?
A: I taught myself how to use the 3D program Moment of Inspiration (
http://www.moi3d.com), as well as how to make silicon molds.
The Ninjamagic / metalsmith connections were formed by keeping my ears open.
