Chris Chulamanis Ill [Archive]

Sentry1

01-05-2008, 03:13 PM

pjam

01-05-2008, 03:47 PM

Thanks Sentry1

Chris is in my thoughts and prayers. He is one of the good guys...

Recover soon Brother.

uscmhicks

01-05-2008, 04:02 PM

i hope he will be ok , my thoughts are with him at this sad time.

tigerfeet

01-05-2008, 04:37 PM

This is not good..............I have been dealing with Chris for the last week or two and found him to be an excellent source of info and help.....I hope he pulls through.

Les Walker

01-05-2008, 05:10 PM

Ah man. I hate this news. Prayers and thoughts for you Chris. You have helped many a fan get closer to their ALiens figure dreams.
For a while there, Chris was the only guy outfitting Marines.

Best wishes to you and your family. I will be praying for you all.

Les

JediMike71

01-05-2008, 05:29 PM

OH.....NO! Wow, what a shock! I hadn't heard anything about that dreadful news. My prayers are with Chris and his family. I hope he has a speedy recovery. He's always been a great help to me. I had talked to him a few weeks ago, and he sounded fine from his e-mail. But, I know that a heart attack is a sudden thing anyways and can strike at any time.

Yeah, I discovered Chris's incredible work a few years ago, and only recently in the last year got that great set of fabric USCM patches, the Gerber knives, Hudson's skull bone bolo tie clip, and a Hudson head sculpt from him. I love his work! He's one of the best. A very creative and talented person.

I hope and pray that he's going to be okay. Does anyone here know how old Chris is? I am 36. I saw some pictures of Chris on the "Aliens Legacy" board a few minutes ago, but still can't tell how old he is.

uscmhicks

01-05-2008, 10:36 PM

I posted up a link about this over at the hunters lair as well , the predator costuming forum. Also a link to the fund raising part , i will be sure to drop something in there.

tigerfeet

01-06-2008, 02:21 AM

I was only talking to him last week about an order I had placed with him, shocking news......seems such a top guy a very passioate about the good old uscm....

Mudshark

01-06-2008, 02:44 AM

I'm sure many of you guys must know Chris Chulamanis of 1/6th Colonial Marine kits and 1/6th APC fame, apparently on Wednesday morning Chris suffered a major heart attack and has been in the hospital since…..his wife said it didn’t look good…. You can get more up to date info on the Aliens Legacy Board.

http://forum.alienslegacy.com/viewtopic.php?t=3385

I'm sure well all be thinking about him and praying for his recovery.

Sentry1

Wow. I hardly know what to say, this is such shocking news. What a major bummer. I did some business with Chris last year and had some very enjoyable exchanges with him about our favorite subject. He's really a good guy and I wish more than anything else that he recovers as soon as possible so he can get back to everything he loves most. My prayers are with you, Chris!!!

Stendec

01-06-2008, 05:36 AM

I am utterly shocked by this terrible news!!

Having bought some of his gear and exchanged emails over the past six months, I can easily say he is the nicest guy I have ever done business with. He always has time to chat and is very eager to share his passion and knowladge on the USCM. If it wasnt for him, Hot Toys might never had developed their own line of Aliens figures and his 1/6 APC has got to be the best Aliens collectible ever made!

My thoughts are with you Chris and hoping you pull through and recover quickly.

cornhelium

01-06-2008, 06:48 AM

My thoughts and prayers are with Chris and his family. What a great guy.

Cheers,
CH

icruise

01-06-2008, 11:58 AM

I never met or really interacted with him, but I did buy that Hudson head from him and was planning on getting some other stuff later on. To read the messages on that other forum, he must be a great guy. I really hope he pulls through.

JediMike71

01-06-2008, 01:39 PM

Does anyone know if there is an update on Chris's condition at the hospital? Please post here if you know anything. Thanks!

icruise

01-06-2008, 04:01 PM

Well, if you read the last posts in the thread linked to in the first post, you'll see there are some updates. He appears to be doing a little bit better -- stable, but still very serious condition.

JediMike71

01-06-2008, 04:37 PM

I just read the upate on Chris over at Aliens Legacy.

P@CK@R@CK

01-06-2008, 05:20 PM

There are not enough good things that can be said about Chris. Hang in there brother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family...

DarkArtist81

01-06-2008, 05:29 PM

This is horrible news.... I hope Chris can pull through this. He really is a nice guy and it's always terrible to hear things like this happening to good folks.

JediMike71

01-06-2008, 06:19 PM

You're SO right Josh! I was corresponding with Chris in e-mails about a custom Hicks shotgun holster/sheath he was helping me make for my custom Hicks I made from a Hudson. I got lots of great items from him, and his invaluable support and friendship. :D

Here's something Chris always told me in closing his e-mails. He would always say, "VBR" (meaning Very Best Regards). I thought that was very cool and always gave me a warm feeling of mutual respect and friendship when he said it. I have "borrowed" that VBR from him sometimes in closing my e-mails to friends and family. :o :D

icruise

01-10-2008, 11:23 AM

I read on the onesixthwarrior forums that Chris passed away. I really feel for his family. :monkey2 :monkey2 :monkey2

pjam

01-10-2008, 12:15 PM

God rest your soul Chris. You were loved by all.

Prayers Sent.

Shropt

01-10-2008, 12:20 PM

Can someone post some of his work? I'm sure I know of him but not his real name.

Stendec

01-10-2008, 03:38 PM

Rest in Peace Chris.

Grange Wallis

01-10-2008, 04:09 PM

I'm not familiar with Chris Chulamanis, or had I seen some of this work. But I do hate hearing this kind of news. I wish the best for his family and am proud to be apart of the 1:6 community. Especially after seeing how everyone rally for another member of it so passionately and quickly. Godspeed...

uscmhicks

01-10-2008, 04:29 PM

OMG I just got back from a friends who told me my uncle has just died and now this , God rest your soul , rest in peace.

screamingmetal

01-10-2008, 05:07 PM

This is very sad news. I didn't really know who he was until I confirmed it on his website. His kits were amazing and probably the best thing to ever happen to 1:6 collecting Aliens fans.
I hope his family is doing well. RIP.

Shropt, here's his webite:
http://members.aol.com/M56SG/uscm.html

The Chaver

01-10-2008, 05:22 PM

I never new you man,but were ever your headed,I know it's a lot better place than this.Live free and forever on your journey
to the TRUTH

jaynesgal

01-10-2008, 09:18 PM

As you've already heard Chris Chulamanis passed away earlier this morning.

Chris was a great man, a true friend and one of the nicest and most welcoming guys I have ever met.

His website has been down for a while due to personal issues before he became ill. I was lucky enough to personally know Chris through the Colonial Marine costuming forums and sites and met him at Dragon Con many times.

http://www.colonialmarines.net

Please raise a glass for him and if attending Dragon Con 08, be sure to find the USCM group and join us in a toast.

God speed Chris.
Your fight is over, rest in peace soldier.

Tony
(Jaynesgals husband)

Mudshark

01-11-2008, 01:14 AM

This is very sad news indeed. I really hoped Chris would pull through somehow. The 1/6 scale community has lost one of its very best.

I hope you've moved on to a much better place, Chris. Your RC Drop-ship APC is still the best damn scratch-build I've ever seen!!! I truly appreciate all the tips you shared with me, and for supplying me with all of the great uniforms and equipment for my squad of USCMs. I'm sorry you won't get to see them when they're finished, but you're a part of them now and they will always be there to remind me of you. Vaya con Dios, bro.

tigerfeet

01-11-2008, 01:49 AM

I can't believe that iwas only dealing with him the other week, getting some top items form his store.....he said he has thrown in some extras given how much i was spending now I wont be able to thank him properly for them.

cornhelium

01-11-2008, 12:41 PM

Rest in Peace Chris.

bagelsncheesey

01-11-2008, 12:46 PM

What a sad loss. I was just looking at his website the other day in fact. Very dedicated to the hobby. RIP Chris, you'll be missed.

Les Walker

01-11-2008, 01:43 PM

:monkey2

:duff

We all owe Chris so much, we collectors of 1/6 ALIENS Marines.

You will be missed brother. This is a better hobby because of your involvement.

THANK YOU SO MUCH! :rock
You will not be forgotten.

JediMike71

01-11-2008, 03:57 PM

I just got a PM from Chris and Joy's close personal fried, Lara.

Wow, I am floored! What an incredible guy. What a huge loss not only to his family and friends that knew him, but also to all of us that wish we had known him better. I always wanted to meet him person someday.

I respected him and his work, and enjoyed getting the great custom ALIENS marines stuff from him. I will cherish everything I have got from him right down to the Gerber knives for my marines. My Hicks proudly wears the armor clasp on his chest made by Chris...over his painted heart. Here's a picture showing it on my custom Hicks' armor after I painted it and glued it on over the heart.

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z104/JediMike71/100_5334.jpg

Here's a picture of the Hick's heart armor clasp/hinge, the Hudson "flying Skull" bolo tie clip, and a Gerber knife in its sheath, and a special unsheathed knife I asked Chris to make for me for my custom Bishop to hold for the "knife trick".

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z104/JediMike71/cliplockboloandknivesnicepic.jpg

Here's a more closeup picture of me holding the two knives...

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z104/JediMike71/Gerberknivesinmyhand.jpg

A closeup of me holding Chris's Hicks armor clasp/hinge for the chest armor (unpainted resin)

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z104/JediMike71/Hicksmetalclipandpadlockinmyhand.jpg

One last picture of Chris's work of the "winged skull" bolotie clip for my Hudson's armor...

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z104/JediMike71/Hudsonswingedskullboloinmyhand.jpg

I'm fighting back tears now and that's the truth. Yeah, I'm a big "softy" and I'm really going to miss Chris.

Rest In Peace Chris! Godspeed, and I'll never forget you.

Stuntman Mike

01-11-2008, 04:43 PM

My most sincere condolences to Chris' family. I didn't know Chris, but this truly a great loss. He will be missed.

Perhaps this is a little fitting. Here is Dillon's speech from Alien 3:

"Why? Why the innocent, punished? Why the sacrifice? Why the pain? There aren't any promises. Nothing certain. Only that some get called, others saved. She won't ever know of the hardship and grief of those of us left behind. We commit these bodies to the void with a glad heart. For within each seed, there is a promise of a flower, and within each death, no matter how small, there is always a new life. A new beginning."

Ironman1188

01-12-2008, 06:44 AM

Wow!! Don't know how I was missing this thread. Now, having found it and reading through all the posts, I found hope when Chris was stabilized and sudden sadness at the news of his passing. I have dealt with Chris a few times and last year he helped me get together the parts I needed to convert an extra Apone into Hicks' armor. Always a gentleman and a great man who would take the time to answer and explain things to us USCM deprived minds.
I hope you are in a better place Chris, for you sure made this place better for us.
:monkey2

Les Walker

01-12-2008, 06:59 AM

I had to post a memorial to him on my site. Just was too down about this not to. And I sort of dedicated my ALIENS collection to him too. Especially my few Marines. He was a one man Hot Toys for a while there. Great memorial post Mike, and love that use of the prayer from ALIEN 3, SM. Very appropo.
I wish there was more we could do.
:monkey2

Rogue Trooper

01-12-2008, 07:05 AM

What a *****, this guy rocked. His 1/6 APC was amazing and marines where tip notch.

Ironman1188

01-12-2008, 07:55 AM

Does anyone have a pic of Chris sans helmet? I plan on making Pvt. Chulamanis my next 1:6 colonial marine. I have some extra pieces and, afterall, who better to add to the ranks.

Les Walker

01-12-2008, 08:37 AM

abake

01-12-2008, 08:49 AM

Damn!
This is very sad news. I never contacted him personally, but he was, as Les said, a one man Hot Toys and a great inspiration for all of us Aliens fans.

My thoughts are with him and his family in this sad moment.

Stendec

01-12-2008, 08:56 AM

Given how dedicated Chris was to sixthscale and the USCM in general, a figure made in his image would be a very fitting tribute, great idea guys.

As Les said it would be nice to include as much of Chris' own gear as possible. Maybe this should be mentioned on the Al;ien legacy Forum, maybe it could be presented to his family or his friends in the USCM costuming group.

I have a spare set of his bdus and patches I can donate.

Mudshark

01-12-2008, 09:00 AM

Just a thought, but if you guys are serious about making a memorial tribute to Chris as a 1/6 scale USCM figure, it might be a nice gesture to offer it to his family at some point later on, as a token of our respect for him... or do you think it would be somehow inappropriate? Again, it's just a thought.

In any case, I'd be honored to contribute whatever I can to any such project.

Mudshark

01-12-2008, 09:07 AM

Stendec, I see we had almost the exact same thing in mind. If anyone else thinks this might be a good gesture, why don't we get together on it and make a definite plan. I think we have almost everything we'd need except a portrait of Chris without his helmet at this point. What say you all?

Stendec

01-12-2008, 09:07 AM

I was thining the same but it a tough call to judge whether it woud be appropriate to present to his family. Thats why i think it would be a good idea to mention this idea to the guys on the AL forum first. Been looking just now and I have some spare HT stuff I could give too, VP-70, pouches etc.

Yeah Mudshark, I am definately in.

Les Walker

01-12-2008, 09:07 AM

I wish I had more gear to contribute, but I would paint his head, provided we can find one that looks close to him (I don't even know what he looked like...), but if we can do that, I would paint that. Maybe Ironman wants his own figure, so I don't want to "volunteer" it to this cause, but if we can gather up enough stuff, certainly we can offer it to whomever is most appropriate.

I would think a fully done up, armored figure, battle weary and grimy (Cue some hardcore Darkartist dirtyn' maybe?) and set him on a nice base, with a plaque that reads something cool??? And lists all the contributors to the figure maybe?
I could get the plaque and base also. I know a good engraver here locally.

I would do my part in this. Just discuss it and let's do something. Chris deserves it. :rock

Ironman1188

01-12-2008, 09:12 AM

Hey Steve, I'd be willing to contribute to that figure, headpaint, whatever, if you wanna make him a sho nuff memorial figure. Let me know. I'd like to be a part of that if possible.
Be really cool if you had parts, knife, etc. from Chris' supply catalogue to use on it. Just a thought.

Thanks Les!!
I would welcome the help. I actually have uniforms from Chris as well as some patches, knifes, hasps & locks and his shotgun/sheath combo. A photo of him sans helmet and his height if anyone knows would be of great help.

Mudshark

01-12-2008, 09:16 AM

Here's a photo of Chris in full gear that I borrowed from the USCM Charter... I hope they don't mind. Perhaps if we explain our idea they would be able to furnish us with a portrait you could use, Les.

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w245/Mudshark_Album/chrischulamanis.jpg

Stendec

01-12-2008, 09:17 AM

People have been posting lots of photos of Chris on the Alien Legacy Forum, plenty of them show him wihtout his helmet. The Forum is down temporarily as amark of respect to Chris but it will be back online soon so check there buddy.

Les Walker

01-12-2008, 09:19 AM

Damn, he was a cool looking dude! :monkey2
I wish I coulda met him.

Anyway, yeah, send me pics and I will look for a head match. I think a sculpt might be too hard to come by, but a close head, with all the heads out there, is possible, and just tweak it to look more like Chris.

Thanks and Ironman, send, anything. Let's pool up HIS gear. As much of what he wore as possible.
Cool. This is do-able.

(and thanks Stendec. Maybe you should broach this to the AL bunch. I am not a member...)

Ironman1188

01-12-2008, 09:19 AM

Les Walker

01-12-2008, 09:24 AM

I think firstly, we should work on getting the figured parts together, then we can decide the best "look" for him on what we have. Once assembled, and some time to consider where he would best sit, he can be presented to his family or whomever is decided on.
Perhaps, if all goes well with it, should anyone desire one for their own collection Les could make a cast of the head before the figure is assembled.
Les, is that ok?
I think this will work out well.

I guess. I don't mind making cast of the head. I just want to get the memorial figure done first. Whatever works. I will do.
Let me know what I can do here. Most of you guys have my email, so email me pics, and whatnots. My PM box stays full. :o
But, I am all about this. And yeah, whoever should get the figure, can be worked out. And in tandem with the AL guys. Whatever is cool.

Mudshark

01-12-2008, 09:24 AM

Sounds like we have a good start already. Gotta log off now, but I'll check in again tomorrow to get up to speed. Good night all. Mudshark out.

Les Walker

01-12-2008, 09:29 AM

To better follow this, should a new thread be started?
The Chris Chulamanis Memorial Figure Project? Either here or in Customs?
That way, we keep attention on that project alone there, and allow further respects to be posted here.
And, in the first post, maybe we can keep a running log of gathered parts? Something centrallized?
Just a thought. Be nice for first post in it to have the running/updated list of gathered gear or contributions. Be a lot easier to keep up with.

Stendec

01-12-2008, 09:31 AM

Creating a seperate thread is a good idea Les.

DarkArtist81

01-12-2008, 09:31 AM

I would also be available to do anything that needs to be done, so you have my weathering brush for this project should you need it.

Chris was a great guy, he's been filling that 1:6 USCM void for many years. I've long respected his work and it's helped me convert so many Hudson kits into Hicks armor. His tireless effort was such a help and his kindness to others a testament to who he was. He will be sorely missed. :monkey2

I only wish I could have met him, shook his hand.... But at least I can contribute to a memorial figure, anything to honor his memory.

Ironman1188

01-12-2008, 09:34 AM

I guess. I don't mind making cast of the head. I just want to get the memorial figure done first. Whatever works. I will do.
Let me know what I can do here. Most of you guys have my email, so email me pics, and whatnots. My PM box stays full. :o
But, I am all about this. And yeah, whoever should get the figure, can be worked out. And in tandem with the AL guys. Whatever is cool.

Absolutely the memorial figure should be the primary effort. I only mentioned the casting as we don't know yet how hard it may be to find something similar.
As soon as we get a decent headshot I'll look thru my many boxes of heads and see if I have something close. As of now the only day I won't be able to give any time to this is Monday as my little guy has surgery that day.
I will try and go thru all of what I have and see what else would be needed to match the above photo. I want to get this done but don't want to rush it and compromise how well it could be.
And, like Les, please email with any inquiries, suggestions, ideas or pix. The email gets checked much more often than the PM box.