WIP French infantry at Dunkirk

[nig-g]

I haven’t posted for a while as I seemed to loose my modelling mojo and hadn’t been near by bench for some weeks. I think my Chindits/Gurkha (the subject of my last post) was dragging on and I got a bit I bored. So the Gurkha has been put to one side for the moment...but I will return to shortly. However in the meantime I was inspired when I was watching the film Dunkirk where there were a couple of shots of French infantry wearing their distinctive great coats with the front skirts buttoned back. So out came the reference books and several internet searches. At the same time I saw advertised on eBay a 120mm french infantry man . I’m sure the manufacturer won’t mind me saying that the kit is a bit basic, but was good value for money and was perfect for what I had in mind.
This is something really different for me....it’s not British and it’s a long time since I’ve done anything this small.
More to follow.

 

[nig-g]

My inspiration

 

[nig-g]

The source figure:

 

[nig-g]

Yer tiz....

 

[nig-g]

 

[nig-g]

Now to reduce those bulky straps , add the buckles etc, the entrenching tool head etc etc etc. You can see that I cut the lower legs off as they need reworking.
I must I enjoying this but it’s a bit of a challenge working in 120mm scale after 1/6 or 1/9 th scales.

 

[callmehobbes]

Ive bought a few of these figures as well (about £12 each I think). They need quite a lot of work but are great as practice figures and for simple conversions. Following with interest.

 

[nig-g]

Been doing a little more. Added to his load by adding the entrenching tool head in its leather carrier and am now working on the gas mask case. Head has gone on.

Some of the detail is a little chunky and will need to be toned down after the construct is finished. Will also have to get around to adding some of the finer detail like buckles, strap ends etc etc.

 

[nig-g]

He’s now got legs and two arms! Tried to replicate the plus four look of the trousers and have started extending the coat. Next job is to make the very distinctive buttoned back skirts.
Thinking about the base......I anticipate him standing on a typical french pave’ road next to a typical french way marker/road sign giving directions to Dunkerque with him pointing (well he would be if I hadn’t knocked his finger off!) in that direction thinking it’s his way to safety.

 

[Nap]

Hi Nigel

Good to see the mojo is back and a good challenging piece of rework as well which is coming along nicely

The guy is certainly loaded up with equipt !

Following with interest

Happy benchtime

Nap

 

[nig-g]

Turn backs done. They’re a bit chunky so will need reducing. Base coming along.

 

[Nap]

Turn backs done. They’re a bit chunky so will need reducing. Base coming along.View attachment 415872

Looking good Nigel ...once taken back a bitvtgectirnvbacks will look spit on

Thanks for update

Happy bench-time

Nap

 

[nig-g]

ITS FINISHED! ………..Well apart from the painting that is………….!
I enjoyed modelling this. As I’ve said before I haven’t made anything this small for a while or something that isn’t British.
Right then on with the painting (oh yes and finishing that Chindit!).

 

[Nap]

Hi Nigel

Good result on the build ......don't forget the right hand !

Look forward to the painting both of this and of course the Chindit

Thanks for the update

Happy benchtime

Nap

 

[nig-g]

Painting continues…..

 

[nig-g]

The wraps are off and we enter the final home straight. Just a bit of touching up to do. Really enjoyed this, especially scratch building the equipment. And I like the way I’ve managed to get him leaning into the weight of that equipment.

 

[1969]

Nice original figure, you have done a great job on this one.
Steve

 

[nig-g]

Thanks Steve……that’s one of your Martini Henry’s converted to a Lebel!

 

[1969]

Thanks Steve……that’s one of your Martini Henry’s converted to a Lebel!

Nice job on the weapon conversion, I would not have known.
Cheers
Steve