Mark Donald from Forres adds more characters to the Star Wars garden he hopes to open in May
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A science fiction fanatic has added memorabilia to a display he aims to open to the public this summer.
Castle Street resident, Mark Donald (46), plans to show off the themed garden he has spent years creating on May 4 – AKA Star Wars Day – including new life-sized character models and a pistol he made himself.
“I made three new characters and a blaster in seven weeks,” he said. “I shall be taking a breather for a few months now then my focus will be landscaping ahead of the grand opening!”
Mark has added a Kuiil figure to his sizeable collection of props and models. Kuiil first appeared in Disney+ television series The Mandalorian. The alien is a former servant of the Galactic Empire living alone when he encounters the show’s title character and assists him.
Mark’s version of Kuiil is made of plastic, latex, leather, wool, nylon and suede – it received a positive reaction from Star Wars social media groups.
He said: “I made him from scratch. I sourced out each piece of his costume and made his waistcoat. He’s got a realistic face sourced from abroad. All of his clothing replicates that of The Mandolorian.”
He added: “He is an underrated character. It’s certainly rare for him to be part of a life-sized collection!”
Mark has also introduced hero Obi-Wan Kenobi from the first Star Wars movie A New Hope. In the original trilogy, the Jedi Master is portrayed by actor Alec Guinness. Obi-Wan is a mentor to Luke Skywalker, to whom he introduces the ways of the Jedi. He is frequently featured in other Star Wars media including mini-series Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Mark said: “My model was part made/part bought. He is made from plastic and latex with cloth material for his clothing and leather on his belt and boots.”
Mark has also added a droid to his collection. B2EMO, also known as Bee-two or Bee, which first appeared in the Andor Disney+ television series.
Mark explained: “My B2EMO was made entirely with scraps I found lying around. I started him a few days before Christmas and slowly built him up over five weeks whenever I could. He is made from plastic, rubber, foam packaging, half a tree bobble, a head torch, a small shelf frame, wood and a bin!”
Finally, Mark has made the blaster used by main character Princess Leia in the original trilogy, adding to a collection of weapon props which also includes daggers and lightsabers.
The fictional gun that appears in the Star Wars universe mirrors the appearance, functions, components, operation, and usage of real life firearms.
Mark said: “I found a gun in my grandad’s belongings from the old days. It was not screen accurate to Leai’s gun body but pretty close. I sourced materials to extend the nose, colours and shapes before cutting, drilling, painting then gluing it together. Finally, I used my 3D printer to make the gun stand and name plaque which I also painted.”
Mark intends to finish his display over the next few months.
He said: “I’m looking forward to seeing the entire garden set up, all at the same time. Also, seeing the reaction from my visitors – I hope as possible!”
