12 SS Grenadier Set

Manufacturer: Alpine Miniatures

Item Code: 35060, 35061, 35062

Scale: 1/35

Material: Resin

Sculptor: Taesung Harmms

Review Publication Date: April 23rd 2008

In 1943, while stationed in an Italy under the administrative control of the SS, Leibstandarte-SS Adolf Hitler seized immense amounts of Italian camouflage clothing. The 1929 Italian pattern camouflage, or telo mimetico ("mimetic cloth"), later used to equip the 12th SS-Panzer Division Hitler Jugend and Leibstandarte’s own recruits, was used in the manufacture of many garments, from suits in the same cut as the “pea dot” suit to tunics in the same cut as the M44 suit. Perhaps the most famous of these garments was the camouflage coverall worn by the 12th SS-Panzer Division Hitler Jugend in Normandy.

35062 – “12 SS Grenadier Set” is set of two 1/35th scale resin figures sculpted by Alpine’s owner Taesung Harmms. The two camouflage clad Hitler Jugend grenadiers are portrayed on patrol in Normandy during 1944. The poses are a departure from Alpine’s traditional more neutral pose. It is also worth mentioning that, as far as I can tell, this is the first 1/35 scale figure set from Alpine to include a MP40 submachine-gun.

Released in January 2008, the box-art is painted by regular Alpine box-art painter Calvin Tan (Calvin’s blog describes the set as being “12.SS Pz.Div HJ PzRgt.25 Normandy 1944”). Both figures are also available individually as figures 35060 12 SS "HJ" Grenadier NCO and 35061 12 SS "HJ" Grenadier.

My review on Historicus Forma

Lord of War 1

Manufacturer: Draconia

Item Code: FAN-01

Scale: 54mm

Material: Metal

Sculptor: Phillip Damont

Review Publication Date: April 8th 2008

Draconia is a relatively new figure company brought to us by Jose Jarque, who also brought us Ares Mythologic. The range of figures currently comprises of 30mm and 54mm fantasy figures, the first of which (and the subject of this review) is the 54mm “Lord of War 1”, or “Lord of the North, Brother of the South, East and West, Maestro of the Magic”.

FAN-01 “Lord of War 1” is a 54mm white metal figure sculpted by Phillip Damont with box-art by José M. Palomares. The warrior is portrayed wearing garb with a mixture of Asian influences standing feet astride holding a pole-axe type weapon.

My review on Historicus Forma

Climbing back on the horse

As you might have noticed, possibly due largely to the fact that I have yet to actually make my first editorial on HF, I've not had much time for modelling these past few weeks. This is mostly due to getting the house ready for sale. That is now done and our house is on the market, but now my brother-in-law has arrived from the UK for a surprise visit. It’s been almost 4 years since we last saw him so it’s good to have him around. Oh, and to top it off, I have been sent back to JPMorgan – this time I have not been spared the pains of OneDesk and I have virtually no ‘net access. Despite all these goings on, I have managed to steal a few minutes here and there, for real modelling mind you, not the virtual kind - i.e. reviews, editorials, or even simply surfing the model sites.
But I digress so slightly. I'm back on the Sertorial Legionary horse after rushing and taking a fall. No matter though.
- The figure was stripped down, and primer applied again.
- I took on the face again, and although not really satisfied with it, I guess it's passable.
- The neck scarf has again been blocked in and the first highlight put on - next will be a wash and then a series of highlights.
- The helmet is being painted using Danilo Cartacci's bronze technique. This time I used Tamiya clear orange instead of mixing my own orange using Citadel inks.
- I've blocked in the hair as well as the plume.
This is were it's at:

I'd say more soon... but we'll see - history has proven otherwise... ;-)
p.s. since taking these pictures last week I have since attempted the eyes and done the final shadows and highlights to the face.

Panzergrenadier ‘Hitlerjugend’ 1944

Manufacturer: Platoon
Item Code: PT-030
Scale: 1/35
Material: Resin
Sculptor: Tony Williams
Review Publication Date: March 16th 2008

During 1943, a cadre from 1.SS-Panzergrenadier-Division Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler (LSSAH) provided the basis of 12.SS-Panzer-Division Hitlerjugend made up for the most part of 17 year old members of the Hitler Youth. Led by Eastern Front veterans from the 1.SS-Panzer-Division LSSAH, the HJ developed a fierce reputation during the battles in Normandy during 1944. After fighting their way out of the Falaise Pocket, they were refitted and took part in the Ardennes Offensive. Involved in heavy fighting around Budapest, they later marched west to surrender to US forces near Enns, Austria, in 1945.

PT-030 “Panzergrenadier ‘Hitlerjugend’ 1944” is a 1/35th scale resin figure sculpted by Tony Williams with box-art by Luca Cardoselli. The youth is portrayed walking carrying helmet in hand, with his Kar.98k carbine with attached Gewehrgranate Schiessbacher slung over his right shoulder.

My review on Historicus Forma

Spartan

Manufacturer: Yedharo Models
Item Code: Bu001
Scale: 1/10
Material: Resin
Sculptor: Fausto Gutiérrez
Review Publication Date: March 7th 2008

The 2007 historical fantasy film adaptation of Frank Miller’s graphic novel 300, a fictionalized retelling of the Battle of Thermopylae, broke box office records, yet also managed to divide critics over its look and style. While some chastised it for placing a greater value in visuals over characterization and its contentious portrayal of Persians, others revered it as a creative masterpiece.

Undoubtedly one person who felt this film was a masterpiece must have been Fausto Gutiérrez, the owner, designer and sculptor of Yedharo Models, as the movie has served to inspire the addition of 3 products to the Yedharo stable, namely two 1/10 scale busts and a 54mm figure.

Bu001 Spartan is a 1/10th scale resin bust sculpted by Fausto Gutiérrez with box-art by Jesús Martín. The figure represents King Leonidas, as played by Gerard Butler, during the early stages of the film when the plot is being set – possibly consulting the ephors or oracle.

My review on Historicus Forma