Tuesday 22 January 2008

Whatever is produced in haste goes hastily to waste

The medieval Persian Sufi poet Saadi (1184 - 1291) said it best: "Whatever is produced in haste goes hastily to waste." This was certainly true when it came to attempting to paint the Sertorian Legionary for The Missus in a single day. But let me start at the beginning - or rather just after my last post.
Provided you read my previous post, you will know that I decided late in the day to paint a 54mm historical figure for The Missus' birthday in basically a week. To recap, by last Tuesday night I had basically cleaned up the figure, primed it and started basecoating the skin and neckscarf - this was revealed in my previos post.
What was not revealed, largely due to continuing work after posting, was the preparation of the base for the groundwork (see the next 2 pics below).
I started by gluing the vendor supplied groundwork down onto the base, which was scavenged from an old football (soccer) trophy. After positioning and epoxying some stones on the side to imply a rock face, I placed masking tape around the sides where I wouldn't want spillage (be it glue, putty, sand or paint) later.
Next I would be building up a slightly sloping ground with plastic ceramic clay, but I first wanted to give the clay something to hold onto. Probably unnecessary, but I decided to do it anyways. I drilled a series of 1mm holes into the wood base, and cyno'ed short pieces pieces of brass wire into place. This would also give me an idea of the contours I was planning.
I let that set overnight, and the following day proceed to build up the groundwork with the plastic ceramic clay, placing the odd rock here and there. While the clay was still setting I also pressed some fine sand into place so that I could get an idea of of what it would look like later.

While I was quite knackered toward the latter part of the week, I didn't want to lose the momentum I had built at the start of the project. So I decided to continue working at the groundwork. Using Woodland Scenics terrain glue (basically watered down white glue) I glued down some GW sand and stone mix for texture and then covered that with a fine sand I had collected from the garden a few months prior.
The two sides of the base that would not be the main focus, the left and rear, were coated with a textured sandstone acrylic paint which I bought from a arts and crafts store. Once all of this was dry I removed the masking tape. You can see the result of this in the next 3 photographs. Please bear in mind that I haven't autolevelled these photos so the lighting isn't that great...


Okay, so up until now Saadi's quote isn't really appropriate becuase everything is more or less going to plan... the base is looking good, the figure is ready for painting and I've organised with the outlaws to spend the day with The Missus and keep her out my hair while I try this "speed painting" thing. But then Saturday happened...
After shipping the lassie off I finally sat down to paint at about 9 AM. To be honest I have no idea where I went wrong. Sure, I tried a new fleshtone mixture, and a different method of painting bronze. I can only attribute the (quite frankly) shit finish due to 1) my haste in painting and 2) a lack of practice of acrylic painting throught the year. So... a long story short, due to my haste, I will now be stripping the figure down and starting again.
Thank goodness The Missus isn't too phased - she's just chuffed at the prospect of getting a figure that has been specially painted for her. That and her main present was an iPod! LOL


Wednesday 16 January 2008

First figure for 2008 underway

At the last minute this past weekend, in true "Rudi fashion", I decided that I would paint a figure especially for The Missus' birthday. So what's the big deal you say? The big deal is simply that her birthday is on Monday 21 January, and I normally take weeks - okay, okay, months - to finish a single figure. So for me this is a real case of speed modelling. That said, if I finish it: cool. If not: no worries, I have other gifts for her. But... I really do want to finish it for her.

So what's the figure already? El Viejo Dragón Miniaturas’ CG130 Roman Legionary, Sertorian Army, North Hispania, 74BC Why this figure? Not reason other than that when looking through my box of review samples she said she liked this particular figure the most. Don't think I need a better reason.

With every figure I undertake I like to try at least one new technique. And, since my copy of Danillo Cartacci's Painting Miniatures arrived last week, I've decided to try 2 of his metal techniques, namely bronze and mail. These should be interesting to try.

Another new technique I'll be trying to painting a Meditteranean skintone. I picked up a list of different fleshtone "recipes" off CMON a few months ago, and have been itching to try them.

Enough about what I want to do, and onto the job at hand...

I started the cleanup and polishing the helmet and mail coat last week Thursday at "Model Thingie".The helmet and mail were then masked using Humbrols Maskol (gawd the stuff reeks!) before priming the figure with Tamiya Light Grey Surface primer.



Started painting last night. Flesh basecoated using AV Cork Brown. Not that it's visible from this photo, but the neck scarf has been basecoated with GW Scab Red.



And that's pretty much how far the figure still is tonight. I started working on the groundwork tonight as I am a bit too tired to paint a 54mm face. At this point Monday is speeding towards me and I have no idea if I'll recover enough time to finish the piece. Maybe, just maybe, I can steal a few more hours during the week. I'll have to chat to the in-laws and get them in on the conspiracy to get her out the house on Saturday for a few hours. As it is I still need to charge and load her pressie - and nope, I ain't telling nobody what I bought her ;-) :-p

Ci

Thursday 10 January 2008

Validating one's work

So you'll notice I've entitled this post "Validating one's work", so you should be warned that this is just a little rant. So this is how the story goes...

On Saturday evening I published my review of Alpine's 1/35 scale "WW2 German Officer Set". Now what many don't realise is that it takes time to put a fairly decent, or even a fairly mediocre, product review. I worked on the review on and off over about 10 days, I'd say total time including photography - which itself takes me about 1.5-2 hrs to take the pics
with my crappy camera and resize and fix them. Now let's talk upload time... it's weekend, the review needs to get published, I have no choice but to use my home dial-up (our older readers may remember those - well in darkest Africa most of us still use these due to parastatal monopolies - but that's another rant for another time). So add another 1-1.5hrs for the upload of the photos.

K... so we're talking max 12hrs working time for a review which takes a reader about 10 minutes to read and browse the pics. And here's my main gripe... after the 12 working hours, and the 10 minute read, and (at time of rant) 464 times the review has been read.... I get one comment... sheesh people, give a reviewer some feedback! How are writers supposed to know if the other 463 readers found the review useful? If you think the review sucks, or is unfair, or is just another product endorsement like some other reviewers I could mention give.... for heaven sake say so!

Now please, don't get me wrong. I really love doing figure reviews. I love it from the moment the moment I first open the box through the research (and how I love the research - it's probably my favourite part) through the photos (pain in the arse they may be to me) to the final publication and seeing my opinion in print. (I get the same feeling from being a business analyst and doing the requirements stages)

I just really want some validation for my work.I don't think that's too much to ask is it?

Rant ends here

BTW, I'd added the link to the review to my list of reviews.

BTW2, I finally got the Platoon 1/35 Panzer Assault Gunner published last night as well. Gawd, it took me long enough to get that one out...

Cya later

Wednesday 9 January 2008

Panzer Assault Gunner, 1944

Manufacturer: Platoon
Item Code: PT-029
Scale: 1/35
Material: Resin
Sculptor: Yoshitaka Hirano
Review Publication Date: January 8th 2008

Germany’s distinctive Panzerbekleidung is normally associated with the Panzer division’s tank crews, or with the SS. Furthermore, it is easy to forget that this service dress was not only issued in black or camouflage patterns. It was also issued to other branches within the Panzer divisions in feld-grau, such as the Assault Artillery (Strumartillerie).

PT-029 “Panzer Assault Gunner, 1944” is a 1/35th scale resin figure sculpted by Yoshitaka Hirano with box-art by Luca Cardoselli. The gunner is portrayed in a casual pose seated pose mid-cigarette - the box-art shows the gunner seated on the turret of an unidentified vehicle.

My review on Historicus Forma

Saturday 5 January 2008

WW2 German Officer Set

Manufacturer: Alpine Miniatures
Item Code: 35054, 35055, 35056
Scale: 1/35
Material: Resin
Sculptor: Taesung Harmms
Review Publication Date: January 4th 2008

Initially issued to motorcyclists and military police, from 1944 the rubberised motorcyclist greatcoat was privately acquired by many officers and senior NCOs in the frontline. This recent release by Alpine Miniatures is an excellent example of how the garments were worn.

35056 – “WW2 German Officer Set” is set of two 1/35th scale resin figures sculpted by historical miniature sculptor Krisztian Bodi (a misprint on the box insert states that the figures were sculpted by Alpine’s owner Taesung Harmms). The two German Officers, both wearing rubberised motorcyclist overcoats, are portrayed in a casual stance – the first leans against an unseen object with documents in hand, while the other poses with his hands in his trouser pockets.

Released in October 2007, the box-art is painted by regular Alpine box-art painter Jaume Ortiz Forns. Both figures are also available individually as figures 35054 WW2 German Officer #1 and 35055 WW2 German Officer #2.

Review on Historicus Forma

Friday 4 January 2008

What a day...

Sheesh, what a day! Ever have one of those days when you were incredibly busy but feel like you accomplished nothing? Well, I have those a lot, and today was definitely one of those.

I started the day by forgetting to copy the Alpine pictures I resized last night from my laptop to my memory stick - so that's kinda delayed the publication of the review for a day or so.
The day at work started off really slow... then sped up to such a rate than no sooner had I finished lunch than I was going to fetch SWMBO from work.

I must admit my first day back from leave yesterday was okay... but today was just a drag! Feel like I need leave again...

So... I didn't get to publish the Alpine review... but it is done (honest) and should be tomorrow night. Then I start on the LAH set. Actually started researching Max W.... last night. Will be interesting to see how close Taesung managed to make the likeness,

BTW, you'll notice I've added a list of links to all my reviews down the side. Feel free to either comment on HF or mail me about them. I'm always open to constructive critique.

Cheers

Wednesday 2 January 2008

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!! May 2008 bring you fair winds and calm seas.

So... 2007 is done... Hmmm, all those unfinished projects... oh well, no use groaning over what's done - or this case what's not done.

I've set myself the personal goal of completing all those old projects by June (that's 2008 in case anyone asks ;-) ). Reason? You'll find out later in the year ;-)

I managed to put in some more work on the one Alpine review, the WW2 German Officer Set (guess I let the cat out the bag, eh? Consider this a head's up of a forthcoming review ;-) ), and the review should be published toward Thursday. The photography is done, just to resize and watermark, and the review itself is about 75% of the way. Unfortunately I'm back to work tomorrow so it's back to modelling by candle light while Eskom continues to loadshed. Best make sure the laptop's batteries are charged.

Well that's all from me tonight... still trying to recover from the party at my brother's place... those shots of Jack and my sister-in-law's awesomely wicked punch are still taking a toll :-D LOL

Have a great 2008 everyone!

Carthaginian Infantryman, Hannibal’s Army

Manufacturer: El Viejo Dragón Miniaturas
Item Code: CG131
Scale: 54mm
Material: Metal
Sculptor: JR Arredondo
Review Publication Date: December 4th 2007

El Viejo Dragón Miniaturas’ CG131 ‘Carthaginian Infantryman, Hannibal’s Army’ is a 54mm white metal figure sculpted by JR Arredondo. The figure is briefly described by the historical reference accompanying the kit as being a soldier from Hannibal’s army, prior to their crossing the Italian Alps.

My review on Historicus Forma

WW2 US Tank Crew Set

Manufacturer: Alpine Miniatures
Item Code: 35051, 35052, 35053
Scale: 1/35
Material: Resin
Sculptor: Taesung Harmms
Review Publication Date: September 7th 2007

The one piece coverall was part of the Army clothing inventory throughout the war. Initially issued only to mechanics and armor crews, the comfortable and economical garment was later used by truck drivers, signal corps linemen, and also for general infantry use, especially the jungle version for troops in the Pacific.

There were two main types issued to the Army prior to and through World War II: “Suit, Working, One Piece, HBT 1938”; and “Suit, One Piece, HBT OD Special 1943”.

Alpine Miniatures’ 35053 WW2 US Tank Crew Set, a 1/35 scale resin figure set sculpted by Taesung Harmms and box-art by Artur Miniszewski, masterfully displays both the coverall types as worn by a pair of members of the US Armored Forces. Both figures are also available individually as figures 35051 WW2 US Tank Crew #1 and 35052 WW2 US Tank Crew #2.

My review on Historicus Forma

Scottish Highlander, 17th Century AD

Manufacturer: Seil Models
Item Code: SH54046
Scale: 54mm
Material: Metal
Sculptor: Yury Serevryakov
Review Publication Date: August 27th 2007

Seil Models’ SH54046 ‘Scottish Highlander, 17th Century AD’ is a 54mm white metal figure sculpted by Yury Serevryakov, with the box-art by Wang Yue Fang. The figure stands proudly in a stereotypical Highlander pose, perhaps surveying a battlefield or enemy.

Review on Historicus Forma

Field Approach #2 (with Cut-Stone Culvert)

Manufacturer: Custom Dioramics
Item Code: CD 6133
Scale: 1/35
Material: Resin
Sculptor: Ben Jakobsen
Review Publication Date: August 16th 2007

CD 6133 ‘Field Approach #2 (with Cut-Stone Culvert)‘ is a 1/35th scale resin vignette base marketed under the Custom Dioramics brand of The VLS Corporation. The patterns were designed by Ben Jakobsen with the box-art done by Bob Letterman. The base represents a climbing dirt road over a cut-stone culvert which perhaps spans a gully surrounding a field.

My review on Historicus Forma

Roman Legionary, Sertorian Army, North Hispania, 74BC

Manufacturer: El Viejo Dragón Miniaturas
Item Code: CG130
Scale: 54mm
Material: Metal
Sculptor: JR Arredondo
Review Publication Date: August 13th 2007

El Viejo Dragón Miniaturas’ CG130 ‘Roman Legionary, Sertorian Army, North Hispania, 74BC’ is a 54mm white metal figure sculpted by JR Arredondo. The figure, representing a Republican Roman legionary with some Iberian influences, assumes a classical figure pose.

My review on Historicus Forma

Field Approach #1 (with Stone Culvert)

Manufacturer: Custom Dioramics
Item Code: CD 6132
Scale: 1/35
Material: Resin
Sculptor: Ben Jakobsen
Review Publication Date: August 8th 2007

CD 6132 ‘Field Approach #1 (with Stone Culvert)‘ is a 1/35th scale resin vignette base marketed under the Custom Dioramics brand of The VLS Corporation. The patterns were designed by Ben Jakobsen with the box-art done by Bob Letterman.The base represents a dirt road over a low stone culvert which perhaps spans a gully surrounding a field.

My review on Historicus Forma

Roman Tribune, Lake Trasimene, 217BC

Manufacturer: El Viejo Dragón Miniaturas
Item Code: CG129
Scale: 54mm
Material: Metal
Sculptor: JR Arredondo
Review Publication Date: July 3rd 2007

El Viejo Dragón Miniaturas’ CG129 ‘Roman Tribune, Lake Trasimene, 217BC’ is a 54mm white metal figure sculpted by JR Arredondo. The figure stands wounded and bleeding, poised to make his final defence on the banks of Lake Trasimene.

My review on Historicus Forma

Celtic Horn-Player, Northern Italy, IVth Century BC

Manufacturer: El Viejo Dragón Miniaturas
Item Code: CG128
Scale: 54mm
Material: Metal
Sculptor: JR Arredondo
Review Publication Date: June 19th 2007
El Viejo Dragón Miniaturas’ CG128 ‘Celtic horn-player, Northern Italy, IVth Century BC’ is a 54mm white metal figure sculpted by JR Arredondo. The figure is featured climbing a hill or mountain, possibly the Alps on the advance to sack Rome, carrying a plain long horn.

Pacific Island Girl

Manufacturer: Custom Dioramics
Item Code: CD 4050
Scale: 1/35
Material: Resin
Sculptor: Gordon Stronach
Review Publication Date: June 9th 2007
CD 4050 – “Pacific Island Girl” is a 1/35th scale resin figure sculpted by Gordon Stronach and marketed under the Custom Dioramics brand of The VLS Corporation.The figure is portrayed as a topless Pacific Island girl, of a slightly shorter stature, strolling casually wearing only a grass skirt and a tropical flower in her hair.

WW2 British Tank Crew Set

Manufacturer: Alpine Miniatures
Item Code: 35048, 35049, 35050
Scale: 1/35
Material: Resin
Sculptor: Taesung Harmms
Review Publication Date: June 2nd 2007

The RAC’s “Oversuit, Tank Crews”, or “Pixie suit”, is perhaps one of the British Army’s most distinctive items of clothing. This recent release by Alpine Miniatures is an excellent example of not only how this garment was worn, but the bulkiness of it.

35050 – “WW2 British Tank Crew Set” is set of two 1/35th scale resin figures sculpted by Taesung Harmms, the owner of Alpine Miniatures. The two members of the Royal Armoured Corps (RAC) are portrayed in a fairly casual stance – the first stands upright, while the other leans against an unseen object. Released in April 2007, the box-art is painted by Samuel Perez Sanchez.

Both figures are also available individually as figures 35048 WW2 British Tank Crew #1 and 35049 WW2 British Tank Crew #2.

My review on Historicus Forma

Tuesday 1 January 2008

2cm Flak Crew with Sd.Ah.51

Manufacturer: Dragon Models
Item Code: DR6368
Scale: 1/35
Material: Injection Plastic
Review Publication Date: April 26th 2007

DR6368 – “2cm Flak Crew with Sd.Ah.51” is a set of four 1/35th scale injection plastic figures. The set is described by vendors as being “four highly detailed figures in action poses, clad in typical Luftwaffe uniforms”. Released in February 2007, the box-art is by Ron Volstad – and is that of DML’s 2cm Flak 38 with the gun blanked out. Dragon Models’s released their 2cm Flak 38 back in the first quarter of 2006. This is the long awaited crew for that anti-aircraft gun.

My review on Historicus Forma

Postscript: DML didn't particularly appreciate my honesty in basically calling this release rubbish, but then they are not exactly well known for taking criticism well. I should add that they are currently still my favourite plastic injection model manufacturer.

Late War Waffen-SS Panzer NCO Set

Manufacturer: Alpine Miniatures
Item Code: 35045, 35046, 35047
Scale: 1/35
Material: Resin
Sculptor: Taesung Harmms
Review Publication Date: March 26th 2007

Waffen-SS tank troops were distinctive in making extensive use of leather clothing; a large amount of which was surplus navy engine room crew clothing. This release by Alpine Miniatures is an excellent example of how the garments were worn.

35047 – “Late War WSS Panzer NCO Set” is set of two 1/35th scale resin figures sculpted by Taesung Harmms, the owner of Alpine Miniatures. The two Waffen-SS Panzer NCO’s are portrayed in a fairly casual stance. Released in February 2007, the box-art is painted by Calvin Tan.

Both figures are also available individually as figures 35045 Late War WSS Panzer NCO #1 and 35046 Late War WSS Panzer NCO #2.

Unterfeldwebell with dog, 1942-43

Manufacturer: Platoon
Item Code: PT-028
Scale: 1/35
Material: Resin
Sculptor: Yoshitaka Hirano
Review Publication Date: March 6th 2007

PT-028 – “Unterfeldwebell with dog, 1942-43” is a 1/35th scale resin figure sculpted by Yoshitaka Hirano. The figure is very simply portrayed in a casual stance holding a scrap of food for his begging dog. Released in June 2006, the box-art is painted by Luca Cardoselli.

My review on Historicus Forma

Cuirassiers, 1807

Manufacturer: Infinity Shape
Item Code: ISUV-005
Scale: 54mm
Material: Metal
Sculptor: Ho Seo
Review Publication Date: March 1st 2007

ISUV-005 “Cuirassiers, 1807” is a 54mm scale white metal figure sculpted by Ho Seo. The figure is dismounted with sabre drawn, and other equipment discarded, pointing at the unseen enemy position. The time period places him during the period of the Napoleonic Wars referred to as the Fourth Coalition (1806-0807), and Bonaparte’s Prussian Campaign.

My review on Historicus Forma

TNT Lethal!

Manufacturer: Trifon Miniatures
Scale: 150mm
Material: Resin & Metal
Sculptor: Guillermo Centeno
Review Publication Date: January 1st 2007

TNT Lethal! was one of the first releases by Argentine company Trifon Miniatures. The 150mm figure, sculpted by Guillermo Centeno, represents the character Trinity from the 1999 movie The Matrix, as portrayed by actress Carrie-Anne Moss.

My review on Historicus Forma

Portuguese Paratrooper (Guinea 1966-1974)

Manufacturer: Viriatus Military Miniature Figures
Item Code: 54G008
Scale: 54mm
Material: Metal
Sculptor: Vitor Ribeiro de Almeida
Review Publication Date:
Viriatus Military Miniature Figures item number 54G008 represents a Portuguese Paratrooper of Battalion BCP12, CCP121 Company with a war dog. Sculpted by Vitor Ribeiro de Almeida, the pair is portrayed in Bolama, during the preparation of operation ‘Cyclone II’ (February 25th, 1968) in Portuguese Guinea.

German Heer, 1943-45

Manufacturer: Platoon
Item Code: PT-027
Scale: 1/35
Material: Resin
Sculptor: Tony Williams
Review Publication Date: October 3rd 2006

PT-027 – “German Heer, 1943-45” is a 1/35th scale resin figure sculpted by Tony Williams. The figure is very simply portrayed casually leaning against a pole (not included), although this could really be anything, with hands sunk deeply in his trouser pockets. Released in June 2006, the box-art is painted by Emiliano Iacobacci.

Alexander

Manufacturer: Infinity Shape
Item Code: ISUV-002
Scale: 54mm
Material: Metal
Sculptor: Ho Seo
Review Publication Date:

ISUV-002 “Alexander” is a 54mm scale white metal figure sculpted by Ho Seo. The figure depicts the character of Alexander the Great as portrayed by Colin Farrell in Oliver Stone’s 2004 movie “Alexander”.

Review on Historicus Forma

SS Tank Crew, 1944

Manufacturer: Platoon
Item Code: PT-026
Scale: 1/35
Material: Resin
Sculptor: Yoshitaka Hirano
Review Publication Date:

PT-026 – “SS Tank Crew, 1944” is a 1/35th scale resin figure sculpted by Yoshitaka Hirano. The figure is very simply portrayed in a casual stance with hands in pockets. Released in April 2006, the box-art is painted by Luca Cardoselli.
Review on Historicus Forma

Soviet Tank Officer, 1940-42

Manufacturer: Platoon
Item Code: PT-025
Scale: 1/35
Material: Resin
Sculptor: Kwangyeol Lee
Review Publication Date:

PT-025 – “Soviet Tank Officer, 1940-42” is a 1/35th scale resin figure sculpted by Kwangyeol Lee. The figure, wearing winter gear, is portrayed in a casual stance with clipboard or map in hand, perhaps issuing orders at a field briefing. Released in April 2006, the box-art is painted by Davide Decina.
Review on Historicus Forma

SS Grenadier with Panzerfaust, 1944-45

Manufacturer: Platoon
Item Code: PT-023
Scale: 1/35
Material: Resin
Sculptor: Tony Williams
Review Publication Date:


PT-023 – “German Grenadier, Germany 1944-45” (or, as per the Pegaso Model website, “SS Grenadier with Panzerfaust, 1944-45” ) is a 1/35th scale resin figure sculpted by Tony Williams. The figure is portrayed kneeling on one knee clutching a Panzerfaust anti-tank grenade launcher, perhaps waiting for a target. The box-art is painted by Luca Baldino.


Review on Historicus Forma

Motorradfahrerkuriere, 1942-45

Manufacturer: Platoon
Item Code: PT-024
Scale: 1/35
Material: Resin
Sculptor: Yoshitaka Hirano
Review Publication Date:

PT-024 – “Motorradfahrerkuriere, 1942-45”, or Motorcycle Courier, 1942-45 is a 1/35th scale resin figure sculpted by Yoshitaka Hirano. The figure is portrayed studying a map, dispatch, or perhaps orders. The box-art is painted by Luca Cardoselli.

SG/F1. Sergeant, US Army (1846-48)

Manufacturer: Seil Models
Item Code: SH54007
Scale: 54mm
Material: Metal
Sculptor: Tomas Castano
Review Publication Date:

The US-Mexican War has got to be one of the USA’s most ignored campaigns from a modeling point of view. When searching several online modeling stores, I think I came across perhaps three or four 54mm figures commemorating this war.

One of these figures was this one: the Seil Models Co. Ltd SG/F1. Sergeant, US Army (1846-48) SH54007.
Review on Historicus Forma