WIP Critique Kill Em All, Alpine 120mm, USMC Sniper Afghanistan

[tonydawe]

Hi guys,

I've been working on this superbly sculpted and cast 120mm figure from Alpine for the past couple of weeks, and I can honestly say that I'm officially over USMC desert MarPat.

The concept behind this figure was to show a young Marine sniper in Afghanistan, with a rather vacant, haunted and nihilist expression on his face, as if he's seen and been through too much and doesn't give a **** anymore.

I liked the idea of adding the Metallica logo on his beanie as I wanted to play on the idea that he was an angry American teenager with a .50 calibre sniper rifle in a warzone. The logo took two goes to get right.

The title of the Metallica song "Kill 'Em All" seemed an appropriate summary of the attitude this young Marine gives off, and a cool title for the figure.

Painting MarPat is a painter's nightmare. It's certainly the most technically challenging camouflage pattern I've ever attempted, and I wouldn't choose to paint it again. If I was to start this figure again, I would probably create some templates of shapes with masking tape and spray the pattern on with an airbrush.

These are still WIP pics, and there's still a lot to do, but I thought it was time to show you what I've been doing lately.

 

[smudger1960]

Hi guys,

I've been working on this superbly sculpted and cast 120mm figure from Alpine for the past couple of weeks, and I can honestly say that I'm officially over USMC desert MarPat.

The concept behind this figure was to show a young Marine sniper in Afghanistan, with a rather vacant, haunted and nihilist expression on his face, as if he's seen and been through too much and doesn't give a **** anymore.

I liked the idea of adding the Metallica logo on his beanie as I wanted to play on the idea that he was an angry American teenager with a .50 calibre sniper rifle in a warzone. The logo took two goes to get right.

The title of the Metallica song "Kill 'Em All" seemed an appropriate summary of the attitude this young Marine gives off, and a cool title for the figure.

Painting MarPat is a painter's nightmare. It's certainly the most technically challenging camouflage pattern I've ever attempted, and I wouldn't choose to paint it again. If I was to start this figure again, I would probably create some templates of shapes with masking tape and spray the pattern on with an airbrush.

These are still WIP pics, and there's still a lot to do, but I thought it was time to show you what I've been doing lately.
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Hi tony,that cameo looks a real nightmare,great job on it though

 

[Scotty]

Your work on the Cam has certainly paid off, the face looks great as well. I won't be going anywhere near that pattern.
Thanks,
Scotty

 

[Jamie Stokes]

......so after you get this done, you'll do something nice and relaxing, like the hearts and bunnies Auscam??

maybe not straight away, maybe I can send you a spare girlie figure to paint up??

Looking at the figure as he stands, are those hints of freckles on his face?
Nice face sculpt you've bought to life.

I think once you layered on some weathering, that will unite and tone things in a bit....

Cheers

Jamie

PS, will this be a Model Expo?

 

[billyturnip]

That is really impressive work Tony. I thought the same as Jamie, might be an idea to paint something a tiny bit easier next to wind down and for the sake of your sanity.
The effort was worth it for this finish though.

 

[Andrew Perren]

That pattern has got to be tough in a large scale figure - is it all blocky square edges? - yuk.

 

[Gellso]

Pretty stunning Tony.
Cammo was defo worth all the hard work.
Gells

 

[Chris Ribchester]

Well done on attempting that camo and then succeeding with it , very nicely done.

Chris

 

[NickM]

Looks awesome so far, Tony. Great idea to have him wear the Metallica beanie, and top job on the camo

 

[Windy]

You've nailed that Marpat. I've tried painting MTP and it was bad enough, but that looks an absolute nightmare!

These guys are 28mm and I nearly went blind!

 

[peedee]

First class approach again Tony.

Love it all including the freckles.

Psul

 

[T50]

How cool!!! Great idea the Metallica skull cap.

 

[Oda]

Great work,I love the psychological profile.It brings the figure to life.

Oda.

 

[Joe55]

Nice one Tony!

You have my admiration for tackling such a difficult pattern to replicate !

Joe

 

[arj]

Very effective looking camo.
I admire your tenacity and attention to fine detail.

Cheers,
Andrew