Viking vignette

Originally posted by Vikingz@Jan 30 2006, 11:13 AM
Kinda sorta.. The climbing branches is just some scotch brite pad that I've painted brown and shreded. Ive had the same large pad for over 10yrs I just tear little pieces off now and then.

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This ole dog would like to learn that new trick........can you elaborate some more on this? what does it look like shredded before you apply it on the base?

Excellent work on the base. I look forward to seeing it all come together.

Yes believe it or not it works. They sell different thickness anywhere from very fine to coarse I believe... So its best to find coarsest possible as less bushy clean up trimming needed. But here's a pic of whats left, use to be about twice the size. You basically just cut little pieces off and pull it apart to your liking.

Have I earned my own vbench yet pleeasey pleease........I'll be good from now on.

You will get your work benchg very soon, please be patient.


Nice work on the base.

Cheers
Roc.

Hiya. Wow these all look so great. I've never seen these figures before, we basically only get the Verlinden down here in New Zealand.

I wonder if you'd be kind enough to explain how you got the effect for the helms, the mail, and the rims of the shields on the two pics on the bottom right of this link you showed me. I'm doing this kind of thing and it's just the kind of look I want. Can you be specific about the kinds of paint you use?

http://photos.kitmaker.net/showgallery.php...00/ppuser/13655

I hope it's not inappropriate to bring up another topic like this in these threads. Sorry if it is, I'm new.

Thank you kindly. Vikings rule.

Phil As mentioned in my other post to you I used Testors Model master series enamel paints they have about 7-10 various metallic shades. I'm guessing your referring to the 3 figures in the bow of the boat. Here's the problem I painted these about two yrs ago but just assembled everything last week or so. Just by looking at the figures Id have to guess the base was probably burnt metal, medium highlights would be stainless steel and highlights would be aluminum plate, not 100% certain but relatively 80-90% sure as to these shades. The base is applied which is a relatively dark metallic then I sorta go row by row with a highlight color where needed just paint the tip and not allow any paint in the cracks. The helmets and smooth shield areas are painted the same but the smooth areas allows me to use the metallic powders I mentioned in the other post . With the powders your allowed to buff the color in to get the shine.

Just by chance the three figure where on Ebay last week two ended Saturday but one is still there today. The figure which is still there is the 120mm Jaguar Berserker which is the one jumping off the bow. The figure up front is a 120mm from Fort Duquesne which is no longer in business, but as mentioned was on eBay last week. The figure in the back is 120mm celt conversion from Fort Royal Review which is also out of business, but was also on Ebay last week. This figure may be sold by The Lost Battalion as they now own the Fort Royal Molds and have started reproducing some figures. I get my figures from all around the world I've only been collecting for a short time but I have between 200-300 misc viking figures in various sizes 35mm to large liquor decanters. Most are old outta production figures but you can still find about 50-70 of the ones I have thru these few vendors Red lancers here in the states has about 50 or so and Berliner Zinnfiguren in Germany has most of the same but about 12 additional figures from other mfg. Michigan Toy Soldiers as has a Russian casting line with about 10 vikings in it 54mm. So combine all these and you come up with 70 or so. The only real source for old kits is Ebay and other modelers.

Thanks for you comments and again welcome.

Originally posted by Vikingz@Jan 30 2006, 02:11 PM
Yes believe it or not it works. They sell different thickness anywhere from very fine to coarse I believe... So its best to find coarsest possible as less bushy clean up trimming needed. But here's a pic of whats left, use to be about twice the size. You basically just cut little pieces off and pull it apart to your liking.

Click to expand...

Thanks David..........I shall have to try this. I like the effect you got.

David, Thanks for the little trick using a Scotchbrite pad for the climbing branches/vines...who knew? The wall and archway are going to frame your piece rather well.~Gary

Here's an update as to where I'm at, Thought I was done with the 1st figure but after taking these pics I might need some more work. I guess I'm alot rusty at 54mm or my eyes are shot. While I'm painting everything looks fine but when I take the pics I can see all the flaws picture worth 1000 words I guess or camera doesn't lie. I just ordered a magnavisor and a new light w/ a magnifying glass, along with a tripod for my camera. I'll try a some touch ups tomorrow if all fails may have to strip and start over. I think a major problem my be the figure itself as I can see all my flaws in the conversion.

Here's a pic from the rear

One more

Originally posted by Vikingz@Feb 2 2006, 04:47 AM
Here's an update as to where I'm at, Thought I was done with the 1st figure but after taking these pics I might need some more work.

While I'm painting everything looks fine but when I take the pics I can see all the flaws picture worth 1000 words I guess or camera doesn't lie.

I think a major problem my be the figure itself as I can see all my flaws in the conversion.

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David, Been there, done that, and will be there and do it again at some point. You're not alone, be it painting or sculpting we all experiencce some sort of obstacle(s) along the way. When your done doing your conversion work, go over the areas that may need some clean up with fine sandpaper and or fine steel wool. After this shoot a light coat of primer over the piece and let it dry thoroughly. If you still see problem areas hit them again with the steel wool or sandpaper. A couple of other valuable tools you have in your favor are your camera and this website. I feel both have helped me considerably. Regardless of what direction you go with this figure, make the most of these other tools in your arsenal.~Gary

Looking good David..........keep at it as Gary says............you'll get it.

Here's the 2nd figure.... again after pic able to notice some spots that need work.

Couldn't resist just had to jump in the gun abit.....

Another one for ya...

One more..

Need your guys help the 3rd figure as far a color palette. Can't really make out his colors from the plate as the figure is in the shadows. I believe the tunic is a salmon peach color(36), cape is a sandy brown(124), and the trousers a khaki green(79). Just need some assurance I'm on the right path. I originally had the cape a mauve/taupe(38) and his tunic a light yellow (13) trousers the same, but as a whole just didn't sit right with me. If you have suggestions don't hesitate. The color references are the Vallejo acrylic numbers.

Skipped the 3rd figure and am working on the 4th. In hind site would have left the sticker trim on and painted around it. Didn't know if that would be frowned upon so removed and tried to repaint best I could.

Fantastic scene David. I like how you have placed the figures. Keep us posted.