WIP Great Uncle Walter
- Thread starter Jazz
- Start date
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Just watched a BBC News item about the trenches during WW1. This was refering to the tunnels they dug underground in France and they are quite amazing. Soon to be locked up for the winter and they have possibly miles more to explore next year.
One interesting point was that they showed a piece of newsreel footage of soldiers in the trenches and I believe it shows around 1 in 4 soldiers carrying shovels on their backs. Some with the head up and some facing down but they were definetley there. Perhaps some of the experts on the great war have seen this short film but the soldiers were earing helmets if it helps anyone date them.
Don
One interesting point was that they showed a piece of newsreel footage of soldiers in the trenches and I believe it shows around 1 in 4 soldiers carrying shovels on their backs. Some with the head up and some facing down but they were definetley there. Perhaps some of the experts on the great war have seen this short film but the soldiers were earing helmets if it helps anyone date them.
Don
Richie
A Fixture
Hi Don,
I saw some of that, did you see the great condition of that steel helmet just picked up off the floor.
cheers
Richie
I saw some of that, did you see the great condition of that steel helmet just picked up off the floor.
cheers
Richie
Hi Ritchie, I think like you I was amazed at the condition of the helmet and the stuff laying around. The condition of the tunnels was wonderful and I look forward to seeing more once they let the cameras in for a good look.
Its great to think that they have much more to explore next year.
Don
Its great to think that they have much more to explore next year.
Don
Great start mate.
Carl.
Carl.
billyturnip
A Fixture
Thanks guys. I wanted to get a ruddy battle worn look about him and have included a few cuts to his face. I am mindful that he died in the middle of September and would have had a gruelling march to the Aisne so I guess he may have been a bit sunburnt. I have now painted the red shoulder flashes with white writing "GRENADIER GUARDS". Had to hold a steady hand for that but got there in the end. He seems to be coming along nicely. Now to get the reference books out for the uniform colours. Havent had so much fun for years!
Colin_Fraser
PlanetFigure Supporter
Was the documentary focused on the Glory Hole at La Boisselle? I know they have done a lot of exploring there over the last couple of years. Sounds to me like the filmed scene could be from Malins' famous battle of the Somme film with the 1st Lancs Fusiliers moving up the trench line on July 1.
Colin
Colin_Fraser
PlanetFigure Supporter
If you pulled that off you've done the hard part and it should be clear sailing. I really like this bust after what you two have done to it.
Colin
John....now that's an 'old contemptible' if ever I've seen one. Kudos to you and Carl. Superb
Kevin...am I right in assuming the RMLI cap looks the same as the 'despised' Broderick cap?
The cap is indeed the Broderick cap , worn for a very short time in this period .
Jazz ,
Well young man you have caused quite a stir ..cracking idea mate , hope to see this in the flesh ..keep posting WIP's ...soon
Nap
Jazz ,
Nice start on the shoulder flashes ..don't forget the stitching !!!!..me being me I would have done the uniform colour first !!!! ...good start on the flesh ..is he going to have a dark wash for the shaving areas (its early and I cannot thing of the right word!!)
I agree about leaving the spade off ..although issued not really doing much for the bust IMO
Well done mate ...best get painting I think as we all wait in anticipation .
Nap
Nice start on the shoulder flashes ..don't forget the stitching !!!!..me being me I would have done the uniform colour first !!!! ...good start on the flesh ..is he going to have a dark wash for the shaving areas (its early and I cannot thing of the right word!!)
I agree about leaving the spade off ..although issued not really doing much for the bust IMO
Well done mate ...best get painting I think as we all wait in anticipation .
Nap
Thanks Nap. I dont think I shall be doing a RMLI cap as I have glued mine on now. Carl did a fantastic job of sculpting my cap and its all down to him how well this figure looks now. I agree that it would have been a great idea for Young Miniatures to have included a cap like this as a choice. Hopefully they will see this thread and use the idea in the future. Most of us like a bit of choice in our subjects, and it really does make the difference sometimes. I am currently waiting for the oils to dry off so I can add a bit more detailing to the face, creases and shadows etc. I am quite pleased with the face so far as it looks better than the photos show really. One thing I may have to change is the eye colour. All of Walters family had pale blue eyes. I shall have to experiment to see if it will suit the bust. As for the spade I think I agree with the general consensus and will leave it off. From what I have read about the Aisne conflict the soldiers had to find what they could to do the digging and I believe the spades were given out after the initial battle. The Aisne was the first time in WW1 that trenches were dug and I want my bust to depict the period where he is between the battles just before the Aisne.
Thanks for the comments re the cap.
I know it would be a drama.
But the PH hood wasn't issued until 1915, so he wouldn't be carrying the satchel for it.
Call it a butty bag,
Carl.
I know it would be a drama.
But the PH hood wasn't issued until 1915, so he wouldn't be carrying the satchel for it.
Call it a butty bag,
Carl.
