New to site, new to the hobby and need some guidance

[Dr Force]

Hi

Adjusted the face to add more definition and started to mould with milliput.

I'll tidy the collars with a dremel once dry:-

 

[Dr Force]

Ok jacket foundation done, I just need to add pockets to the left side and one either side of where it rests on the thighs plus the left jacket collar.

I am waiting for it to dry rock hard before tiddying the edges and definition with a dremel. I'll add the straps andd belt out of thin sstrips of old coke tin so its not bulky i'll then add the ammo pouches at the end

Once again they look better in the flesh, picss are not good in my lounge light

 

[Dr Force]

Mod/conversion continues:-

I decided to do away with the left arm as it had an awkward position and a dodgy hand. I also want to create the sense of balance as he prepares to jump off the tank so I have moulded a straight arm which will be clutching the rifle.

I have added the right arm with blutac so i can see how it fits and temporarily put him in position on the tank.

I have moulded ammo pouches along the belt line and need to add the straps, belt and the other items to the rear.
:-

 

[1969]

Looks like this guy is having a major make over Dave, nice work on the clothing details and thing look nice and smooth.
What putty are you using is it milliput white ?

Steve

 

[Dr Force]

Looks like this guy is having a major make over Dave, nice work on the clothing details and thing look nice and smooth.
What putty are you using is it milliput white ?

Steve

Hi Steve

Thanks, yes it is milliput white, it's great to get a smooth finish and reponds well to use with water.

I've done a bit more, I need to add the rifle and thumb, plus the two jacket pockets resting on the thighs and then get busy with the dremel

 

[Dr Force]

primed

 

[Dr Force]

getting started on figure 2

 

[1969]

Dave that first figure has come out really well mate with your conversions, looking forward to seeing #2

Steve

 

[Dr Force]

Dave that first figure has come out really well mate with your conversions, looking forward to seeing #2

Steve

Thanks Steve

I have also decided to scratch build a 3rd figure jumping off the left side of the tank. Both him and the running gunner will be wearing a great coat as the scene is set in January 1943 and I need to reflect the cold in North Africa at this time of year............................never done scratch build before

 

[1969]

Dave just make sure you make a mannequin from wire first to get the proportions right, if you have a commercial head and feet to use all the better, make sure you add these to the mannequin as they are important for setting the pose. Start by sculpting a naked form first and only add clothes when this stage is complete and correct, that way you will keep everything in check.

Cheers

Steve

 

[Dr Force]

re-doing my first attempt at great coat

 

[Dr Force]

Ok much happier now.Trimmed with straps and belt gear added. Most of the dremel work is done (difficult to pick up the creases from the pics). Need to scrub with old toothbrush and then prime.

 

[Harry]

This may sound a bit wet, but perhaps the best bit of advice is to try to recapture the innocent exuberance you felt as a little kid. Try not to think that you have to impress anyone here (although it's always nice to see beginners progressing).

I well remember the first figure conversion I ever did - painting a "getarnter Stahlhelmüberzug" (you'll know what that is if you like WW2 German stuff) on the old Airfix 1/32 scale polyethylene "WW2 German infantry" figures. I'm sure it probably wasn't the right "camo" pattern but it was a groundbreaking step for me. Quickly followed major surgery on the Airfix "multipose" figures filling in the gaps with Humbrol "model filler" (a substance apparently made of chewing gum and sawdust), "Plastic wood", or (*shudders*) expanded polystyrene "melted" with liquid cement (do you even still get that stuff!?).

I also remember once getting hell from my mum because I'd stolen all the parsley and oregano out of her spice rack to make "groundwork" for a 47 samurai diorama!

Beginners nowadays have never had it so good. Great figure kits exhibiting the sort of sculpture that would make Praxiteles blush, free advice from masters at the touch of a key (see upthread for evidence of this), the best paints and putties that modern science can provide and detailed online reference material that beats the best that even the most fanatical anorak of a few years ago could provide.

 

[Dr Force]

Ok I am all done with this after a long time building,modifying and painting over several months.

To get the figures looking even half decent was a real challenge, but I am happy with the modifications of all the figures. I did away with the fourth figure as it just became too much in a relatively short space and so added the running figure next to the Tank.

The photos are very average as I have not had any chance to shoot in the right place with proper sunshine, but as its a while since I posted I thought I would share with you guys

Thanks
Dave