Generated geometry is not automatically model-ready.
The generated data still needed scale and shape corrections. A form that works on screen still requires hands-on editing before it works as a physical model.
299 MODEL WORKS / JOURNAL 016 ARTICLES / AUG–OCT 2026
AI / BLENDER / 3D PRINT / FIGURE / 1:12
Building the299 Black Cat Racerin 1/12.
An original 1/12 racing figure created to stand beside a GSX-RR build. This six-part record follows character design, AI-assisted image and 3D generation, Blender corrections, resin printing, painting, custom decals, and the separate helmet — all the way to a finished physical model.
1/12299 BLACK CAT RACER
ORIGINAL FIGURE
ORIGINAL FIGURE
CHARACTER DESIGNCHATGPTTRIPO STUDIOBLENDERELEGOO MARS 5PAINT & DECALSHELMETFINISH
01 / PROCESS
AI can create the starting point.
The model still has to be made.
WORKFLOW
01CHARACTER DESIGNDefine a 1/12 racer designed to stand beside the GSX-RR.
02AI & 3D GENERATIONPrepare front and rear source images and generate the base mesh in Tripo Studio.
03BLENDER EDITCorrect scale, proportions, geometry, and part structure for model-making use.
04RESIN PRINTCheck split parts, thin areas, print surfaces, and test fitting in the physical output.
05PAINT & DECALSPaint the suit, skin, hair, and eyes, then apply custom-made decals.
06HELMET & FINISHFinish the separately generated helmet and complete the 1/12 figure.
This series is not just about showing AI-generated images or a 3D mesh. The goal was to see what it takes to turn generated data into an actual 1/12 model: correcting it, printing it, checking the real object, painting it, applying decals, and finishing the separate helmet.
02 / FINDINGS
What became clear over the six-part build.
FROM THE BUILDAt 1/12 scale, there is less room to hide weak forms.
Faces, suit details, hands, legs, and equipment are easier to notice than at 1/24. Body proportions and final physical size had to be checked more carefully.
Small equipment can be easier to manage as separate parts.
The helmet was generated separately instead of being fused to the figure. That made it easier to adjust, position, paint, and finish as its own model part.
Some 3D problems only become obvious after printing.
Part splits, thin areas, surface marks, and fit are easier to judge in a physical print. Printing and returning to Blender for corrections became part of the workflow.
03 / ARTICLES
Read the six build posts in order.
READING GUIDE012026.08.19
PART 1 — PLANNING & GENERATION
Plan a 1/12 racer to stand beside the GSX-RR, define the character direction, prepare front and rear source images, and generate the base 3D data in Tripo Studio.
- Racing-suit character design
- Front and rear generation images
- Separate helmet concept
022026.09.01
PART 2 — BLENDER EDITS
Correct the generated mesh in Blender, determine the final 1/12 size from body proportions, and adjust the figure and helmet as practical model parts.
- Set scale from body proportions
- Correct generated geometry
- Adjust helmet position and structure
032026.09.07
PART 3 — RESIN PRINT
Resin-print the corrected 1/12 figure and check split parts, thin areas, print-surface marks, and test fitting in the physical output.
- Verify the corrected geometry in resin
- Inspect thin areas and print surfaces
- Test-fit the separated parts
042026.09.14
PART 4 — PAINTING
Build the racing-blue scheme with silver, red, and white details, then work through the hair, skin, eyes, and surface finish.
- Paint the racing suit
- Finish hair and skin tones
- Adjust eyes and surface sheen
052026.09.19
PART 5 — CUSTOM DECALS
Apply custom decals prepared in Illustrator to the suit, protectors, boots, and even the eyes, working with relatively thick UV-printed decal film.
- Prepare custom decal artwork
- Apply decals to the suit and gear
- Finish the eyes with decals
062026.10.02
PART 6 — FINISH
Finish the helmet with paint, decals, and its visor, then bring the 299 Black Cat Racer together as a completed original 1/12 figure.
- Paint the helmet
- Finish decals and visor
- Complete the 1/12 figure
CONCLUSION
From AI-generated data
From AI-generated data
to a finished 1/12 model.
WHAT WORKED
The project connected character design, AI-assisted 3D generation, Blender corrections, resin printing, painting, custom decals, and the helmet into one completed original 1/12 racing figure.
WHAT THE MODEL NEEDED
The generated result was only the starting point. Scale, shape, printed test pieces, painting, decals, and physical assembly all remained part of the model-making work.
WHAT THIS BUILD ESTABLISHED
AI, Blender, and a resin printer worked best not as isolated tools, but as connected stages in a practical scale-model workflow.