Completed Critique Mirage Hobby 200mm U.S Officer Ohama beach.

[TonyT]

This may take a while to do, but have made a start on the Beach base that comes with this kit, the instructions mentioned putting the anti tank defence (ATD) in warm water to straighten them out, but looking at them I liked the distorted look, so have built it accordingly, the base has been painted several shades of buff / sand with a bit of MIG light dust added then sealed, I am awaiting some of the Vallejo sand texture to possibly add an overlay, the ATD has been painted black, then overpainted in Mig standard rust as a base with Mig light dust pigment stippled into it whilst wet to make the textured metal effect, added over this is some light Mig rust, and some soot black and red pigments, couple of washes is Vallejo black and some orange to pick up seams etc and it is as today, pondering adding a minute bit of metallic grey pigment over the top to it, to give it a more steel look, but will sleep on it....... each coat was sealed with my favourite rattle can of Humbrol Matt varnish...... I do love painting rust, but I am rabbiting on, so to the pictures...

 

[housecarl]

Very effective Tony. I'd just give the edges a rub with some pencil graphite, much easier to control.
But that's just me,
Carl.

 

[TonyT]

good idea. have a few too.... was going to use one of those Tamiya make up type things with 3 colours and a brush sponge thingy, as I have a couple, but pencil sounds easier.

 

[housecarl]

Your welcome.
Carl.

 

[kansas kid]

Ohama beach. . . a blood bath. . .

I sincerely wish you well, with this project. You're off to a very good start.

Omaha Beach, for the US was a blood bath. Way too many young
men lost their lives, but yet they perservered and were able to
break thru and get inland.

I will tell you that as an old man, as I think back about that most significant
day in the 20th Century, and most historians agree that for history, the
Normandy Beach landing was the most significant event in the 20th
Century, . . . just think about that fact for a moment. . . that it causes me
to pause for a moment and consider the sacrifice and the terrible nightmare
of it all.

However, that being said, I see what you're doing as a way of remembering
these fallen heros, as we here in the USA get ready to remember their
sacrifices on this coming Monday, Memorial Day. Not only the Americans,
but the other best youth of nations such as the British and the French, the
Poles, etc. Yes, indeed. . . we do know that Freedom is NOT free. A terrible
toll in young men and women's lives has been paid. . .

Wishing you well, with this most touching project,

Rick Brownlee, The Miami Jayhawk

 

[gordy]

@Tony really nice work and effective, thanks for sharing the technique might need a tetanus shot!

@Rick thanks for the poignant words, your flair and segues for the written word are always a treat to read.

 

[TonyT]

Quick question, how do I put a pic in the little title square to the left of the thread......

Ok couple of pics of work in progress, please be honest, I don't have a style as such, I just paint like I do my paintings... so feedback is welcome..... I was going to originally do some decals for the US text and still may, but at the moment they are painted on...

 

[gordy]

Nice progress Tony I like the lettering -

Those little pics are called thread thumbnails, here is how to:

http://www.planetfigure.com/wiki/Thread_thumbnail

 

[Colin_Fraser]

The hand lettering looks far more realistic than a decal would IMO. I wouldn't change it. Can you get a better shot of his face showing the eyes? That would assist in getting constructive feedback. From what I see you have a nice realistic with subdued colours that remind me of SPR.

Colin

 

[TonyT]

Thanks everyone for the kind comments, a little update, have added some more of the equipment and tweaked a few things, realise there are a couple of pinholes, but they will go as I progress, the head is bluetacked on as well, and there are a myriad of touch up's to do as and when i finish it, well down to you all again, constructive critique more than welcome... decided to go with painted on US marks as suggested, so have added the rest.

Managed to find a cork to balance him on for his pictures..... it was in a bottle of wine, so cheers a couple of them look a little glossy, but in real life they aren't

Have taken a pic of the head to see if you think it is ok Colin, what is SPR. btw?

 

[DaveCox]

SPR = Saving Private Ryan?

Great start. These Mirage figures don't get the recognition I feel they deserve, and you're doing it justice.

 

[TonyT]

Finally finished it...... lot of things got in the way, but hopefully you like the final results. tried like heck to get a wet look that appears if it is soaking into his trousers and a few other bits of uniform. Not sure about the belt on the Thompson though, may knock up a base to sit it in as well.

Probably the closest to the true colours in this photo.