As you can see in the pictures my frame was very loose and uncontrolable. When plastercine was applied I could pose it alright, at least until the limbs snapped. In the end the whole thing collapsed. This was due to the wire shredding the plastercine around it. So next I was going to try covering the wires to reduce this. I tried masking tape which works well at covering the wire. The problem was that even though the figure was flexible it was still very loose. I then decided to revise my tactics.
I asked my lecturer to recommend some books on the subject. Th next day I got some of the books and skimmed through them. For figure modeling the best one was "Stop Motion Craft Skills for Model Animation" by Susannah Shaw, this one had caught my eye because on the cover was a figure sketch and a person making a frame by coiling two strips of wire together. On page 52 is the beginning of the modeling section, where it explains how to make the figure and how to cover it.
I admit I didn't go exactly by the book though I did take segments from it. I began coiling the wire which gave my figure more strength and stability. I wrapped more wire around the lower and upper arms taking care to avoid the elbows. I did the same fore the legs avoiding the knee joints. Though the book calls for an alluminum cover on the arms and legs I decided to go with masking tape which thankfuly worked well.
When constructing my figures I used a scale drawing of a man I had drawn for 3D to ensure a good strong shape. I am very pleased with the end result. To the point where I'm considering not coating the figure in plastercine which is funny becuase my lecturer had suggested that scenario in our last class.
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