My first serious foray into 54mm

[Graham]

With a view to the future, I need to scale down the size of my painting projects (for size read cost....). I do like painting busts but I am not so much of a fan of the bigger figure scales however, the cost of good quality busts is, like everything, on the rise and I simply cannot afford to buy the top end ones anymore.

So, much encouraged by Phil (Airkid) and his work with 54mm figures, I have decided to have a go. I think they are too small for me to paint but I need to try as I would really like to be able to paint to a fair standard in this scale. Also, the smaller figures allow small scenic bases which adds further modelling value to the figure.

So I decided to get a decent figure which is not too complicated to paint and just give it a try and decided on this metal figure by El Viejo Dragon which I got from El Greco Miniatures.

I have seen mixed views on these figures but I can say that this one is very nicely moulded in one piece apart from sword and base. I know nothing about this period of Spanish history, the Carlist Wars, but this company have a few more figures from this period which may tempt me if I get this painted well enough.

Here is is then, a officer figure of unknown, to me, regiment, side or period of the three Carlist wars. A WIP will follow soon.

 

[DaddyO]

Good choice Graham - look forward to seeing how it progresses

As you know I've a particular soft spot for 54's which I started with for much the same reasons you outline. (If fact looking at the cabinet I completed about 45 before venturing into any other scale) I like the fact that you can make a small vignette without needing a house extension (or a bank loan) and if you want something changing Historex have a great range of spares which can easily be adapted if necessary. They also don't take too long to paint up (Bigger figures are more popular with my wife because she can see they better so I've been doing a few 75's recently and it's surprising how much longer they take)
Cheers
Paul

 

[Graham]

Good choice Graham - look forward to seeing how it progresses

As you know I've a particular soft spot for 54's which I started with for much the same reasons you outline. (If fact looking at the cabinet I completed about 45 before venturing into any other scale) I like the fact that you can make a small vignette without needing a house extension (or a bank loan) and if you want something changing Historex have a great range of spares which can easily be adapted if necessary. They also don't take too long to paint up (Bigger figures are more popular with my wife because she can see they better so I've been doing a few 75's recently and it's surprising how much longer they take)
Cheers
Paul

Thanks Paul, and I will definitely have to put a stronger lens into my magnifier

 

[Airkid]

Hi Graham

Good choice ! When I got back into figures I started with a couple of EVD ones as I'd done a few back in the day. They are a tad larger than "true" 54mm (see Metale Modeles for real 54mm scale) - that said, they are neatly done, competitively priced, and there are some unusual subjects. The Carlist Wars were civil wars in Spain that also drew in troops from other countries, particularly England, France and Portugal. I have done a few EVD Carlist figures now. I will watch your WIP with interest.

Phil

 

[Graham]

Hi Graham

Good choice ! When I got back into figures I started with a couple of EVD ones as I'd done a few back in the day. They are a tad larger than "true" 54mm (see Metale Modeles for real 54mm scale) - that said, they are neatly done, competitively priced, and there are some unusual subjects. The Carlist Wars were civil wars in Spain that also drew in troops from other countries, particularly England, France and Portugal. I have done a few EVD Carlist figures now. I will watch your WIP with interest.

Phil

Bit easier than trying to paint a kilt at this scale but really looking forward to getting started. I have my last big bust on the bench at the moment so this will be done at the same time while waiting for paint to dry etc.

Are your Carlist figures posted on here on PF Phil? Would like to see how they should be done

 

[Airkid]

Bit easier than trying to paint a kilt at this scale but really looking forward to getting started. I have my last big bust on the bench at the moment so this will be done at the same time while waiting for paint to dry etc.

Are your Carlist figures posted on here on PF Phil? Would like to see how they should be done

No, but I'll snap a few when I'm doing the ACW finished figure, and pop them on this thread Should be good for a laugh......

Phil

 

[Chrisr]

Hi Graham,

The EVD figures are great value for money - nice castings, simple to assemble and an unusual range. I am sure you will do it justice.

Cheers
Chris

 

[Blind Pew]

Good luck Graham, I hope you enjoy your new foray. You'll find the scale a challenge, yes. Really though, each scale has it's own facets that make them tricky. I would suggest, initially don't get bogged down with getting it 'perfect'. Just enjoy. Be mindful that occasionally colour mixes may very slightly. I say that as sometimes highlights and shadows have to be emphasised more to make up for the smaller surface area of the figure. I hope that makes sense!

PS I've got a load of 54mm figures I keep meaning to sell on here, and I don't want a lot for them. Let me know...

 

[Nap]

Hi Graham

Good on you for going for this , I presume your using the box art as a reference

Look forward to seeing this progress and the final bust you doing at same time

Here's the link to the 54mm WIP https://www.planetfigure.com/threads/carlist-officer-evd-54mm.294326/

Happy benchtime

Nap

 

[Graham]

Hi Graham,

The EVD figures are great value for money - nice castings, simple to assemble and an unusual range. I am sure you will do it justice.

Cheers
Chris

Thanks Chris, I am very impressed with the figure

Good luck Graham, I hope you enjoy your new foray. You'll find the scale a challenge, yes. Really though, each scale has it's own facets that make them tricky. I would suggest, initially don't get bogged down with getting it 'perfect'. Just enjoy. Be mindful that occasionally colour mixes may very slightly. I say that as sometimes highlights and shadows have to be emphasised more to make up for the smaller surface area of the figure. I hope that makes sense!

PS I've got a load of 54mm figures I keep meaning to sell on here, and I don't want a lot for them. Let me know...

Thanks Pew, yep having fun and enjoying the process is my only driver. My painting will never be perfect so I don’t worry about it.

May be interested in getting more 54mm soon. I don’t follow a particular period or type, I just paint what takes my fancy at the time so would be interested to know what is about

Hi Graham

Good on you for going for this , I presume your using the box art as a reference

Look forward to seeing this progress and the final bust you doing at same time

Here's the link to the 54mm WIP https://www.planetfigure.com/threads/carlist-officer-evd-54mm.294326/

Happy benchtime

Nap

Cheers Nap. Yes, the box art is the only reference I have plus, thankfully, I have found a side view of the box art figure as I wasn’t sure about the stripe down the trouser leg which appears to be a simple white stripe. Tricky bit will be the red squares on the shoulder belt.

 

[Graham]

Double post sorry.....