First is the Darth Vader Sculpture puzzle. The pieces are numbered in 5 different lots, each lot representing one set of layers. I had already completed lots 1 and 2 so this thread will show the work on lot 3.
Firstly, we scatter the pieces, about 200 or so and try to find segments that seem to match.

Next we start to assemble the layers.

Here you can see that the backs of the pieces are numbered as Lot 3. Without this, we'd effectively be looking at a 1000 piece puzzle, which would require a lot more space than I have here right now.

Here's a view of the Bust with the first two lots completed. As you can see, there are 48 layers so far.

Here's another view of the first 48 layers of the bust assembled.

Once the layers start to take shape, this accelerates quickly. With a better idea of what you're looking for the pieces are easier to find. Also, there's less of them now


Here's lot 3 completed. Each of the layers now has to be assembled on the bust in order.

And here's the bust with the layers from Lot 3 added.

Here's the finished product.

And in 3/4 profile.

I enjoyed this puzzle. The images on each layer, and the numbered lots made this a much more manageable project. I completed this in three fairly long sittings. I suppose about 8 hours in total.
Gandalf took me a lot longer....

Gandalf was made from coloured foam and each layer had no image aside from the pattern made by the different coloured foams. I'd say it took me at least twice as long as the Vader puzzle, if not more. The eyebrows are actually painted in for some reason, but the rest is simply contours and 3 shades of foam.
Here are the two pieces side by side...

Anyway, there you go. I hope you enjoyed it!
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