NYCC 2015: Machination Studio, Codename: Colossus
Machination Studio’s Codename: Colossus 3D printed mecha toy is the single coolest thing I saw at NYCC 2015!
As my day at NYCC was winding down, I was thinking that I had seen all of the cool new stuff I was going to see. I was working my way through some of the less crowded middle aisles of the convention center when I spotted something at a small booth. It was large and awkward, with a highly detailed model kit finish. I had to stop and learn more.
Codename: Colossus is the first output from Machination Studio, founded by Michael Sng, previously the lead product designer for STIKFAS. If you’re unfamiliar with STIKFAS, Google it. The short of it is that STIKFAS was a small, creator-driven toy company far ahead of its time. STIKFAS is what taught me that toys could be weird and personal, and didn’t have to be made by big-name companies or be based on existing licenses. It’s wonderful to see that Mr. Sng has continued to make creative toys that are far from the norm, and Codename: Colossus is no exception.
That’s a lot of backstory, but what exactly IS Codename: Colossus? Well, for starters it’s a massive, currently one-of-a-kind, mecha toy, made out of 3D printed parts, and painted to a level of detail and finish that would make most model builders blush. The very friendly rep at the booth let me come around the back to take extra pictures and closeups. My crappy cell-phone pics don’t do Colossus justice; it’s a gorgeous piece. Colossus is conceived as some kind of alt-history war machine, with British military markings and an appropriately Brit-green color. The whole thing is weathered and rusty, just the way I like my mecha!
Up close, it’s more obvious that Colossus is the output of 3D printers, with a bit of a rough surface to some parts. Still, it was apparent just how much work had gone into this thing. The toy is covered with detail, from rivets and handles, to crew figures and myriad weapons all over. There is interior detail behind some of the opening hatches, as well. The whole thing really feels like the dream project of someone who’s always been at the forefront of toy technology. STIKFAS were like nothing else at the time and changed the landscape of toys, so it’s no surprise that someone involved would go nuts when given the freedom that modern consumer-grade 3D printing affords. Apparently, Mr. Sng currently uses an UP! 3D brand printer, the same brand that I use to make my own toys.
When I got around the back, I learned there was more to Colossus than just superb detail and 3D printed wizardry. The whole toy is animatronic, powered by an Arduino board and loads of servos. The toy was not running at the booth, but a video display showed that the mecha can walk, move its weapons, and light up in all the right places. How cool is that?
Colossus is currently a one-of-a-kind, hand-built item, but the rep was quick to tell me that it was for sale, and it sounds like Machination plans to make more. The current asking price is in the thousands of dollars, but I can’t say it wasn’t tempting. I will certainly be eager to see what comes next, as they are apparently thinking about offering kits or simpler versions of the toy that are more accessible. Until then, I assume the first Colossus will continue making the rounds at shows, unless someone buys it!
Posted 16 October, 2015 - 07:10 by Prometheum5 |
|