WIP Minuteman

[John Ballard]

I got the bug for American War of Independence figures with my little North Bridge dio, so I decided to have a go at one a little larger. This is a 150mm sculpt of a minuteman from early in the war. This is my second attempt at a full figure sculpt so still learning really.

I decided to try to build his fowling piece from wood and metal rather than painting it. Just the lock is fettled from plastic.

John

 

[John Ballard]

Sorry still trying to get the hang of posting pictures.
John

 

[yeo_64]

Very Nice rifle, John ! The details are just exquisite . Looking forward to the next steps in the construction .
Cheers!
Kenneth.

 

[Jazz]

That's a good looking weapon.

 

[Scotty]

That looks great, what medium are you sculpting in?

 

[Zastrow.cuirassier]

Great satrt, and wonderfull rifle !

 

[John Ballard]

Gentlemen thanks very much for your kind support. He is sculpted in Magic Sculpt with Sculpey firm for his face. Eventually his arms will be across his body more but in order to sculpt his jacket etc I will be leaving his arms to last. I'm learning a lot with this guy.

Regards
John

 

[John Ballard]

This is what I hope to go for in the end.

John

 

[garyhiggins]

Looking good John, very natural looking pose, well done.
Best wishes, Gary.

 

[Wings5797]

Awesome work John.
This sculpt is really brilliant Mate.
The musket is an obvious way to go that it is amazing that more of us have not tried it before. You's here is an absolute peach, great work.
A good start to 2015.
Keith

 

[megroot]

That rifle is awesome

Marc

 

[chailey]

The Rifle is a work of art in itself!
This will be a mighty impressive looking figure when its finished...........well done!

 

[garyhiggins]

Anyone wanting to go with John's idea on the musket, the best wood to use is lollypop sticks. Very tight grain and if you glue 2 or 3 together they are perfect for musket stocks.
Best wishes, Gary.

 

[John Ballard]

Gary, Keith, Marc and Chailey Thanks for taking the time to post your encouragement. I think my wood was a small length of oak, although any tight grain will work well and take a stain.

So with the snow falling today I cracked on and just about finished the sculpt on this one. I have left his hand holding the gun as a separate piece for the moment so I will have to adjust a little there, plus lots of clean up to go. Anyway I hope you like it.

John

 

[garyhiggins]

It is coming along very nicely John.
Best wishes, Gary.

 

[balder]

Very nice. The rifle is fantastic.
Gerald

 

[John Ballard]

Really appreciate the encouragement gentlemen.

I have been getting on with painting this in acrylics and oils. The flow and retarder have added a little gloss to the finish so I will need to give him a good coat of matte varnish when everything is fully dry. Meanwhile here he is just waiting some final touch up and a nice base from Oakwood studios.

John