Martin Philpott
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- Mar 17, 2015
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Elan13 Miniatures 1:32 (54mm) Manfred von Richthofen and Dog Moritz.
Company: Elan13 Miniatures.
Catalogue Ref: Richtofen and Moritz.
Material: Resin with Brass rod.
Sculptor: Robert Lane.
Box Art: Edward Sage.
Price: £14.00
Availability: Direct from Elan13 Miniatures here.
Forward.
Certain archive photos receive iconic status, they become so embellished on the mind that they are instantly recognised as one of the greats, timeless and classic. This superb historical photo seen below is one such example and is the subject of the very latest release from the excellent Elan13 Miniatures.
(photo below) Timeless archive photo of Richthofen and Moritz.
First Impressions.
The figure comes packaged in a clear plastic re-sealable bag with colour photo insert. The set has instant appeal and would very easily suit being part of a vignette, larger diorama or simply as an impressive stand alone display piece as I first saw it.
Whilst at the famous Euro Militaire show last month I was able to collect my review sample direct from Robert Lane, proprietor of Elan13 Miniatures and sculptor of this magnificent piece. In the competition room I had the opportunity to photograph the completed figure courtesy of the extremely talented figure painter Edward Sage. I was blown away with the beautifully exquisite sculpting detail, not just in Richthofen but of course in Moritz too. As for the painting, Edwards talents are plain to see in the photograph I captured below…..
(photo below) The superb display piece at Euro Militaire. A stunning combination of sculpting and painting skills from Robert Lane and Edward Sage.
(photo below) Meeting the man himself, the superb sculptor and proprietor of Elan13 Miniatures Robert Lane (right) at Euro Militaire.
The Kit.
This is a resin and brass kit requiring assembly and painting. There are a total of 6 individual pieces, main body, head, two arms, brass cane and Moritz the dog. The quality of the resin is excellent throughout being neither to soft or brittle. Just the minimum of clean up is required to remove any flash and seams. The only piece needing extra care will be Moritz who needs to be removed from the casting block, here I would strongly recommend the use of a good quality resin saw.
The Body.
(photo below) Seen from the front shows well the individual pieces of detail sculpted into this piece. The up turned fur collar of the coat shows tremendous depth of detail that once painted with a wash added will be a real stand out feature. The coat has further excellent detailing in the buttons, pockets, epaulets and the material with those awesome folds and creases looking so natural. The trousers show further the excellent sculpting skills with detail holding up well in the moulding process. As for the leather boots and garters, lets just say they look incredible as you will see in detail further down the page.
(photo below) The main body seen from the back. The turned up fur collar of the coat sits perfectly. The seam running down the length of the coat adds great definition while the creases and folds of the material look very natural. The britches are very convincing tucked into the leather garters.
(photo below) Looking at the archive photo at the top of the page and seeing the figure photographed here from the side highlights just how well Robert has perfectly captured the pose of Richthofen. The insignia on the coat epaulets shows good detail as does the side pocket. As for the boots and leather garters, just sensational.
(photo below) You will have noticed the locating pins on the sides of the figure, these work very well indeed for ensuring an accurate and snug fit of the separate arms. Although there is the inevitable mould seam line running down both sides of the figure they will take minimal effort and time to make good. That up turned fur collar just looks fantastic from every angle , the leather fastener can be seen nicely from this view. The laces on the boots can clearly be seen as can the buckles on the leather garters., excellent definition and attention to detail.
Head.
(photo below) The head comes as a separate piece but for the purposes of this review and photography I have loosely fitted it to the body here. In doing so I should mention that the fit is excellent and precise. The facial expression has been captured incredibly well and clearly shows a man happy to be reunited with his loving and loyal companion. The face is often the make or break deal in a figure for me, given the context of this sculpt in relation to the original photo I would say Robert has completely nailed this. The Imperial German Model 1916 Wool Crusher Field Cap (Schirmmützen) is equally superb with the tiniest details such as the cockades and piping showing through nicely.
(photo below) That excellent detail in the expression of Richthofen can be seen from every angle, a real joy to see in this wonderful sculpt. Anatomically everything is perfectly proportioned and shows great depth of detail that once painted will be highlighted wonderfully.
Arms.
(photo below) The right arm is a perfect fit onto the body, this is the one that when in situ will be seen with the extending hand stroking the snout of Moritz. There is some fine natural looking folds and creases in the coat material covering the arm while the hand looks perfectly formed in order to adopt that pose with Moritz. The left arm is he one that accommodates the hand holding the cane at the side of the body, once again looking natural in its pose and authentic to the archive photo. The only difference being the cane is held pointing downwards in the archive photo but pointing upwards in the figure pose. Another perfect fit to the body is assured using that locating pin and recess.
Moritz.
(photo below) Wonderful archive photo of Richthofen with Moritz. Probably a Danish Hound with the most notable and stunning brindle coloured coat.
(photo below) Another fantastic archive photo, Moritz with Richthofen and comrades. Wherever Richthofen was, Moritz was never far away. That fabulous brindle coat showing a treat here.
(photo below) Moritz the hound, Richthofen’s loyal and loving companion, described by many as his ‘best friend’. Clearly with Moritz being such a crucial part of this figure set It was vital Robert was able to do him justice, and justice most certainly has been achieved. The sculpt has really brought out the strong muscular definition with the most fantastic pose mimicking perfectly that seen in the archive photo at the top of this page.
(photo below) Absolutely superb sculpting skills have achieved a first class finish for Moritz. Anatomically everything looks perfectly proportioned and realistic.
(Photos below) These first two photos come courtesy of Robert Lane and can be found on the Elan13 Miniatures Facebook page. I think you will agree they show the exceptional quality of this fabulous new release from the company.
(photos below)
The following 3 photos highlight the superb painting skills of Edward Sage. Richthofen looks incredible, the face and uniform have been captured incredibly well. The way he has detailed that brindle coloured coat of Moritz is sensational. Again these photos can be found on the Elan13 Miniatures Facebook page and website.
Synopsis.
What a magnificent addition this is to the growing number of excellent releases from Elan13 Miniatures. I can see this being a massive success for the company, It will surely be a ‘must have’ for many modellers. Based on such an iconic and historical photo only heightens its appeal, the fact Robert has done such an enormous justice to it in his sculpt merely makes it that much more desirable.
Every aspect is as good as the other and seeing the completed piece painted with such exquisite skill really shows its potential to be a best seller. Congratulations Robert, you have a certain winner on your hands here.
Author and Publisher.
Martin Philpott. Martin’s Scale Models on Facebook here.
Thanks.
My sincere thanks to Robert Lane, proprietor of Elan13 Miniatures and official sponsor of Martin’s Scale Models for this opportunity and review sample.
Elan13 Miniatures Media Sites.
Please be sure to click on the links below in order to keep right up to date with all that happens on the Elan13 Miniatures website and Facebook pages.
Website: Elan13 Miniatures Website here.
Facebook: Elan13 Miniatures Facebook here.
Company: Elan13 Miniatures.
Catalogue Ref: Richtofen and Moritz.
Material: Resin with Brass rod.
Sculptor: Robert Lane.
Box Art: Edward Sage.
Price: £14.00
Availability: Direct from Elan13 Miniatures here.
Forward.
Certain archive photos receive iconic status, they become so embellished on the mind that they are instantly recognised as one of the greats, timeless and classic. This superb historical photo seen below is one such example and is the subject of the very latest release from the excellent Elan13 Miniatures.
(photo below) Timeless archive photo of Richthofen and Moritz.
First Impressions.
The figure comes packaged in a clear plastic re-sealable bag with colour photo insert. The set has instant appeal and would very easily suit being part of a vignette, larger diorama or simply as an impressive stand alone display piece as I first saw it.
Whilst at the famous Euro Militaire show last month I was able to collect my review sample direct from Robert Lane, proprietor of Elan13 Miniatures and sculptor of this magnificent piece. In the competition room I had the opportunity to photograph the completed figure courtesy of the extremely talented figure painter Edward Sage. I was blown away with the beautifully exquisite sculpting detail, not just in Richthofen but of course in Moritz too. As for the painting, Edwards talents are plain to see in the photograph I captured below…..
(photo below) The superb display piece at Euro Militaire. A stunning combination of sculpting and painting skills from Robert Lane and Edward Sage.
(photo below) Meeting the man himself, the superb sculptor and proprietor of Elan13 Miniatures Robert Lane (right) at Euro Militaire.
The Kit.
This is a resin and brass kit requiring assembly and painting. There are a total of 6 individual pieces, main body, head, two arms, brass cane and Moritz the dog. The quality of the resin is excellent throughout being neither to soft or brittle. Just the minimum of clean up is required to remove any flash and seams. The only piece needing extra care will be Moritz who needs to be removed from the casting block, here I would strongly recommend the use of a good quality resin saw.
The Body.
(photo below) Seen from the front shows well the individual pieces of detail sculpted into this piece. The up turned fur collar of the coat shows tremendous depth of detail that once painted with a wash added will be a real stand out feature. The coat has further excellent detailing in the buttons, pockets, epaulets and the material with those awesome folds and creases looking so natural. The trousers show further the excellent sculpting skills with detail holding up well in the moulding process. As for the leather boots and garters, lets just say they look incredible as you will see in detail further down the page.
(photo below) The main body seen from the back. The turned up fur collar of the coat sits perfectly. The seam running down the length of the coat adds great definition while the creases and folds of the material look very natural. The britches are very convincing tucked into the leather garters.
(photo below) Looking at the archive photo at the top of the page and seeing the figure photographed here from the side highlights just how well Robert has perfectly captured the pose of Richthofen. The insignia on the coat epaulets shows good detail as does the side pocket. As for the boots and leather garters, just sensational.
(photo below) You will have noticed the locating pins on the sides of the figure, these work very well indeed for ensuring an accurate and snug fit of the separate arms. Although there is the inevitable mould seam line running down both sides of the figure they will take minimal effort and time to make good. That up turned fur collar just looks fantastic from every angle , the leather fastener can be seen nicely from this view. The laces on the boots can clearly be seen as can the buckles on the leather garters., excellent definition and attention to detail.
Head.
(photo below) The head comes as a separate piece but for the purposes of this review and photography I have loosely fitted it to the body here. In doing so I should mention that the fit is excellent and precise. The facial expression has been captured incredibly well and clearly shows a man happy to be reunited with his loving and loyal companion. The face is often the make or break deal in a figure for me, given the context of this sculpt in relation to the original photo I would say Robert has completely nailed this. The Imperial German Model 1916 Wool Crusher Field Cap (Schirmmützen) is equally superb with the tiniest details such as the cockades and piping showing through nicely.
(photo below) That excellent detail in the expression of Richthofen can be seen from every angle, a real joy to see in this wonderful sculpt. Anatomically everything is perfectly proportioned and shows great depth of detail that once painted will be highlighted wonderfully.
Arms.
(photo below) The right arm is a perfect fit onto the body, this is the one that when in situ will be seen with the extending hand stroking the snout of Moritz. There is some fine natural looking folds and creases in the coat material covering the arm while the hand looks perfectly formed in order to adopt that pose with Moritz. The left arm is he one that accommodates the hand holding the cane at the side of the body, once again looking natural in its pose and authentic to the archive photo. The only difference being the cane is held pointing downwards in the archive photo but pointing upwards in the figure pose. Another perfect fit to the body is assured using that locating pin and recess.
Moritz.
(photo below) Wonderful archive photo of Richthofen with Moritz. Probably a Danish Hound with the most notable and stunning brindle coloured coat.
(photo below) Another fantastic archive photo, Moritz with Richthofen and comrades. Wherever Richthofen was, Moritz was never far away. That fabulous brindle coat showing a treat here.
(photo below) Moritz the hound, Richthofen’s loyal and loving companion, described by many as his ‘best friend’. Clearly with Moritz being such a crucial part of this figure set It was vital Robert was able to do him justice, and justice most certainly has been achieved. The sculpt has really brought out the strong muscular definition with the most fantastic pose mimicking perfectly that seen in the archive photo at the top of this page.
(photo below) Absolutely superb sculpting skills have achieved a first class finish for Moritz. Anatomically everything looks perfectly proportioned and realistic.
(Photos below) These first two photos come courtesy of Robert Lane and can be found on the Elan13 Miniatures Facebook page. I think you will agree they show the exceptional quality of this fabulous new release from the company.
(photos below)
The following 3 photos highlight the superb painting skills of Edward Sage. Richthofen looks incredible, the face and uniform have been captured incredibly well. The way he has detailed that brindle coloured coat of Moritz is sensational. Again these photos can be found on the Elan13 Miniatures Facebook page and website.
Synopsis.
What a magnificent addition this is to the growing number of excellent releases from Elan13 Miniatures. I can see this being a massive success for the company, It will surely be a ‘must have’ for many modellers. Based on such an iconic and historical photo only heightens its appeal, the fact Robert has done such an enormous justice to it in his sculpt merely makes it that much more desirable.
Every aspect is as good as the other and seeing the completed piece painted with such exquisite skill really shows its potential to be a best seller. Congratulations Robert, you have a certain winner on your hands here.
Author and Publisher.
Martin Philpott. Martin’s Scale Models on Facebook here.
Thanks.
My sincere thanks to Robert Lane, proprietor of Elan13 Miniatures and official sponsor of Martin’s Scale Models for this opportunity and review sample.
Elan13 Miniatures Media Sites.
Please be sure to click on the links below in order to keep right up to date with all that happens on the Elan13 Miniatures website and Facebook pages.
Website: Elan13 Miniatures Website here.
Facebook: Elan13 Miniatures Facebook here.
