WIP Critique Jeff Shiu Totenkopf MG42 Gunner Kharkov 1943

[Rompy]

Took a short break and got distracted by World of Tanks

Getting back into the groove by starting on this 1/16 figure from Jeff Shiu. It's from the 2 figure set (the other guy is the ammo carrier) It's slighly larger than the 1/16 Tamiya ones so do bear that in mind if u plan to use parts from Tamiya.

Going for a simple early/mid autumn scene. Clocked some time over the weekend and the face is about 70% done.

 

[Vaux]

Go man!!!

 

[Karlosfandango]

Looking forward to this.
Following.
Karl.

 

[Sturm Grenadier]

Hello Ben, Great choice with this figure. All of Jeff's Kharkov range of figures are excellent. Looks like your off to a great start. I'll keep an eye on this one. Best of luck with it. Regards, SG

 

[Rompy]

@SG: Jeff's figures have rather dynamic poses, which is great ! The casting could be cleaning though, had to fill a few gaps and file off the mould lines

Thanks guys Hope to get some time to work on it tonight

 

[Sturm Grenadier]

Hello Ben, I have the Totenkopf, Kharkov 43 pt.1 #120021, w/mg42 and haven't had any mold line problems, or large gaps to fill. It could be because this is one of Jeff's earlier releases? I have some great reference photos on the Kharkov Parka, if you should need some. Regards, SG

 

[Rompy]

Hi SG

sure ! can't go wrong with more.references

 

[Rompy]

Managed to find some time to paint tonight

Did the inner tunic and basecoated the parka. On 2nd look i think the buttons on the inner tunic needs a tad more highlight.

 

[Sturm Grenadier]

Hello Ben, This is an Osprey print of the figure your doing, only with a cap instead. Jeff also has it in his range. Your figure is progressing nicely, best of luck the rest of the way. Here are a few more reference photos, hope they can help. Regards, SG

 

[fabrizio1969]

Greath work,very nice the skin

 

[Rompy]

Thanks for the reference pics SG

 

[Rompy]

Another WIP for tonight

1st pass of highlights and shadows.

 

[Rompy]

Tunic almost done. Going on to the accessories next

 

[Sturm Grenadier]

Hello Ben, The highlights and shadows on the parka look great. Are you planning to soil, and dirty up, the parka and pants? Regards, SG

 

[Rompy]

Lovely collection of photos SG

Yes i plan to stain the pants and the lower portion of the parka I stained the elbows on the parka but i guess its hard to see in that small photo

 

[Rompy]

Attempt at giving the parka a muddy look. Any comments on how to improve it ? 1st try at this

 

[Sturm Grenadier]

Hello Ben, From your photo, there doesn't seem that you have to improve on anything, the muddy look on the parka is terrific, and looks very realistic. To me, there is no set way of showing dirty, and mud stained soiled uniforms, they are varied, as are the techniques to produce them. Some painters work in there mud colors with the base coat, while others add them after the base coat has dried. The pigments, pastels, and washes, that are now available for armor modelers, are an excellent choice to replicate this effect, but others still prefer oil paint for the weathering process. I have tried all of these methods with some good, some bad, results. I do apply these techniques to a scrap figure for practice before trying them on my main figure that I'm working on. One tip or suggestion that I can give you, dirty colors on uniforms and equipment, also have shadows and highlights, subtle in appearance, unless your painting a wet-dry combination. Ben, as you can probably tell by now, I'm very interested in the Kharkov Parka. Besides the more common grey-green variant, there are also a brown, and even a blue style that was produced. The blue style is the one I'm trying to research right now, with not much luck. My first impression is maybe they were worn by Luftwaffe field divisions, but not sure. So far your figure is really taking shape with your painting, looking forward to seeing your next posts. Regards, SG

 

[Rompy]

Hi SG as always appreciate the fine pointers Will prob work on the shadows a little more then move on to the pants.

I have not seen a blue style parka, will be an interesting subject. good luck with the research !

 

[Sturm Grenadier]

Hello Ben, Here is the blue parka I mentioned. I've never seen a ww2 photo of german soldiers wearing it. It might be just a copy of the Kharkov Parka, and maybe never was produced. It is a very interesting question though. Regards, SG

 

[Rompy]

Interesting color SG.

Added some "mud" to the elbow and sleeves. I think the parka can do a little more with some lighter shades of brown for variation.