88th New York Volunteers, 1863

[garyjd]

Here is the initial application of putty for thr right trouser leg. This is my second attempt as a lot of the folds added later on the first made no sense. After the trousers are complete I'll move on to the brogans (boots) and gaiters.

 

[Aeronaudts]

you is really a very good sculptor! I await the continuation with a great impatience!!!!

 

[garyjd]

The right trouser leg after adding the folds. I'll wait fir the putty to cure and then clean up the folds and take some off the "baggy" look out of the trousers.

 

[garyjd]

I want to work the folds in the back a bit. They look a little too "lumpy".

 

[JCOX]

Sweeeet Gary! Thanks so much for sharing your expertise with us.

-jim cox

 

[y_wong]

Dear Gary, your sculpting is superb but I have just one concern. I feel that there may be too much creases on the side of the top right thigh. The reason being that the right leg is slightly bent.

regards

 

[Kreston]

Gary, he's looking very nice. The tuft of hair is a great touch and really helps capture the look. I don't think the brim of the forage cap is too long. As you create the folds, keep in mind that the fabric is wool. Sometimes less is more.

When you get around to adding the additional equipment, remember to keep the canteen high on the body. The haversack at the waist and the canteen a bit higher. It didn't flop around so much when it was worn up. Also, don't throw a knot in the canteen strap either, I've noticed that Pegaso has done that on a couple of their ACW releases. Soldiers took the time to stitch the strap to the proper length since the canteen was a fairly permanent part of their equipage.

 

[garyjd]

Wong, Thank you for your comments.~Gary

 

[garyjd]

Kreston, Thanks for your comments. I intendend on having the equipment worn properly. How often do some manufacturers get this wrong? I have read several articles by the "hardcore" reenactor" crowd and the really seem to have done their homework.

This photo was taken from Uniforms of the Civil War by Robin Smith and Ron Field. Note how high up on his waist he is wearing his waistbelt.

 

[Jason W.]

Originally posted by garyjd@Mar 16 2004, 06:56 AM
I intendend on having the equipment worn properly. How often do some manufacturers get this wrong?

Note how high up on his waist he is wearing his waistbelt.

So true, oh so true.

Kreston made an good point about the canteen strap. That used to be a pet peeve of mine.

EXCELLENT image Gary! Our waist lines today differ alot from that time period. Trousers were worn high (about belly button level) and the rear even higher, about mid back. So any belt should be about elbow level. Looks funny, but accurate.

 

[gordy]

The photo brings to mind at how the ACW is such a great point of reference for several reasons, it showed the common soldier and the imagery at times is candid, being one of the first wars to be photographed. Prior to the camera, we had artists renditions of militaria and although the artist was superb, it was still a rendition: inert, staged, and static. Along comes the camera and captures the essence and the presence along with the foibles and imperfections. The heroic nobility of canvas rendered accounts and portraiture to the stark reality of film.

 

[garyjd]

I can't wait to do the jacket, but the gaiters need to be completed first. Though mostly worn by zouaves and as a trademark item for many of the members of the Iron Brigade, this was one of the reasons for doing this figure. Civil War figures need not be just blue or gray, there are mant diffferent uniform and equipment items that make them interesting.

I start by just laying in the overall shape and lay of the material over the top of the foot and shin area. This is left to set up a bit before working in the folds.

 

[garyjd]

Here are the gaiters with the folds worked in. The remaining details will be worked in after this cures.

 

[garyjd]

Here is a profile of the figure with the gaiters.

 

[RobH]

Hi Gary

He's coming along nicely

Thankyou for posting such invaluable images.

cheers

Rob

 

[garyjd]

I have completed the bulk of the jacket. I have made indentations where the belts and straps will be placed. I will sharpen the folds with some fine files once the putty cures.

 

[garyjd]

Here is a profile. As this figure is coming together fairly quick (for me anyway), I decided to do a Confederate as well.

 

[JCOX]

Great progress shots Gary! Your piece is shaping up nicely.

-jim cox

 

[LCoote]

YEH, that's looking excellent Gary can't wait to see the other one as well

 

[homellop]

Hi Gary.
Really stunning!
I want to see more