Lots of sculpting happening

[John Long]

Been busy experimenting with some different techniques. These are the results.

Devil's Brigade wiping knife. It will be on of two figures in a vignette. The second subject will be the victim, a German sentry. He will be wearing the annorack popular with the 10th Mountain and the 1st SSF during the Italian campaign.

This is inspired by a photo I saw of the Australians operating in New Guinea. The figure will only show from the abdomen up, and there will be some vegetation creating a canopy over him.

 

[garyjd]

John, That's great stuff. I love the pose and folds on the Devil's Bigade guy. The Aussie is gonna be really neat. I can instantly imagine a canopy of vegitation over him. Please give us an update when you have time.~Gary

 

[Dan Morton]

Very nice, John! I particularly like the idea for the Aussie. I could even see that guy wading through a creek with water up to his waist. The folds on the Thompson gunner's trousers are excellent! What scale are you working in?

All the best,
Dan

 

[Christos]

Both figures look natural!
keep up
christos

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Looks promising, John!

As usual I like your poses.

Cheers

 

[KeithP]

I am the first to admit that I don't have an encyclopedic knowledge of units from WW2. OTH, I DO have one for movies.
Is the Devils Brigade figure based on the Cliff Robertson and Bill Holden epic or is this a real WW2 unit?

Keith

 

[John Long]

Originally posted by KeithP@Jul 17 2006, 06:13 PM
I am the first to admit that I don't have an encyclopedic knowledge of units from WW2. OTH, I DO have one for movies.
Is the Devils Brigade figure based on the Cliff Robertson and Bill Holden epic or is this a real WW2 unit?

Keith

This is a real unit. The movie you mention is based on the 1st SSF. A lot of the movie is accurate, but most is not. Characters are amalgamated into one, operations are made up, so on and so on. The climax of the movie did happen pretty much as depicted without the Hollywood grandstanding. A very interesting little known unit.

 

[garyjd]

John, I've heard of the movie but like the 1st SSF know nothing about them. Were they tasked with a specific mission(s)?~Gary

 

[John Long]

They were conceived to carry out hit and run missions in Norway. They were later used to spearhead many operations, such as Anzio, and Southern France. Not unlike Rangers and Paratroopers, their selection process was rigorous.

1st SSF Reenactor site

A well put together site that has all you might care to know.

 

[Robert Dominick]

Gary,

The 1st SSF is what the Green Berets and the Special Operations Forces have become.

 

[MAB]

Hi John
Compliment interesting job.... delicious the head with helmet........ good continuous

MAB

 

[vergilius]

very good. Keep it up

 

[John Long]

The 1st SSF lacks a few details to the webgear and a hood. I hope to be painting in week or so. Sometime in the near future I will sculpt a victim for the 1st SSF. I hope to have both done in time for Chicago.

 

[Von Luch]

Hi John,

Great sculpting! Can't wait to see him painted. John, i was introduced to you by my modeling peer Michael Bedard back in 2004 at the Chicago Show, you probably don't remember me. I'll introduce myself this year. I really like your work. The SBS you did on Time lines called 'Get a Grip' made life alot easier for me sculpting hands. Thank You! James.

Jimmy El Greco's Military Miniatures

 

[Von Luch]

Damn it Jim i'm a Military Miniaturist not a computer programmer!!

Jimmy El Greco's Military Miniatures

 

[Dan Morton]

John - Superb sculpting on that figure! I really, really like the folds on that tunic. It looks unusual - don't think I've seen one with seams like that. Looks like it is worn over a fatigue shirt. Is it like a jerkin - worn over the shirt and with the shirtsleeves showing? Could you show us a pic of the tunic, preferably being worn?

All the best,
Dan

 

[John Long]

Thanks guys.

James, I should be at Chicago again this year, be sure to grab me and show me your work.

For Dan, here's the anorak being worn. It's a pullover jacket. It was specific to the 10th Mountain and 1st SSF. This site actually has some very good reenactor photos.

 

[Dan Morton]

John - Many thanks. I've never seen the anorak on a US WW2 soldier before - or on a figure and that explains it! I always think it's "extra" fun to sculpt a garment that hasn't been seen on a figure previously. I assume you're not finished with the collar, right? Also, not trying to be picky, but you did sleeve cuffs on the figure and those aren't shown on the anorak photo.

All the best,
Dan

 

[Sambaman]

John, great stuff! I like the new placement of the knife. A good touch of arogance and indifference with this new pose. Keep us posted!

Jay H.
OKC

 

[garyjd]

Originally posted by Dan Morton@Aug 1 2006, 07:32 PM
Also, not trying to be picky, but you did sleeve cuffs on the figure and those aren't shown on the anorak photo.

Dan

I'm guessing those are the upper portions of either gloves or mittens.~Gary