New UEM Dracula bust?

[Mongo Mel]

Hi,
I got my new Amazing Figure Modeler magazine yesterday. In the Dracula kits article, they state that United Empire Miniatures may be releasing another in their Dracula bust series. It's described as "the young Dracula". Could this mean the version with him wearing the top hat and frock coat? That's about the only other version I can think of from the movie.
I sure hope this is true. I've done the old man and the armor versions and this one would nicely round out the pair.
Anyone out there have any more information? You out there John? I looked on your site but I didn't find anything about it. If true, any chance you'd have it in time for MFCA?
Thanks,
Craig

 

[JohnLea]

If you read it in AFM it is probably true. I don't know it as Young Dracula (I swear I will watch the movie soon). It is the guy in the top hat & glasses.. And I am told that one or two others from the movie might be on the way.

As far as MFCA goes I don't know. I expect the master shortly but I am up to my ears in casting work and haven't had a lot of time for UEM work.

 

[fsdesimone]

Originally posted by JohnLea@Mar 10 2005, 04:00 PM
If you read it in AFM it is probably true. I don't know it as Young Dracula (I swear I will watch the movie soon). It is the guy in the top hat & glasses.. And I am told that one or two others from the movie might be on the way.

As far as MFCA goes I don't know. I expect the master shortly but I am up to my ears in casting work and haven't had a lot of time for UEM work.

I think this is kinda funny - if you don't release the news yourself as the manufacturer, who does?? I guess it was the sculptor himself.

Francesca

 

[JohnLea]

It was probably me in a chat with the editors. I don't think I knew it as Young Dracula though and timing has never been my strong point.

 

[Mongo Mel]

Hey John,
Thanks for getting back to me. I appreciate it.
Young Dracula is actually how they described it in the magazine. But that's an appropriate name for it.
I can't wait to see how it looks. The likeness of the two I mentioned was dead on to Gary Oldman.
Whether you have it ready for MFCA or not, you are still going, aren't you?
Hope to see you there. I'm just about done painting your dragon bust. Man, it's relly a great piece. I'll be bringing it to MFCA with me.
This got me to thinking. I believe that I have more UEM figures in my painted collection than any other single manufacturer. The two Dracula busts, the Dark Knight Batman bust, the WWI Marine and now the dragon. Next closest might be Andrea.
Keep'em coming John!
Thanks,
Craig

 

[JohnLea]

Craig,

I am going up on Thursday and look forward to it. I am remolding the Dragon and should have some with me.

It sounds as if you have more Maddox than any other sculptor and if you like Super Hero types, let me know [email protected]. I think he is releasing 7 of them by himself. They might be a limited run though.

 

[Lou Masses]

Craig,

Yeah, I think UEM is my major supplier too.

I buy lots o resin from John. He and Mike Stelzel are two of the best casters around.

 

[Mongo Mel]

I agree with you Lou. I've always had little to do in the way of seams to clean up or air bubbles to patch on the figs I've gotten from John.

Jim Johnston used to live here in Pittsburgh and I got to watch his casting process for his Fort Duquesne Miniatures. I can only assume that John must use a very similar process for his. Pour...de-gas...pressure pot for final curing. Very time and labor intensive but the results can't be argued with.

Craig

 

[Lou Masses]

Jim was another great caster-also one of the best.

There are some kits out there, some of which get reviewed positively that are absolutely atrocious to work with. Bubbles, poor fitting parts, cast-in finger prints, tool marks, rough finishes, etc. These days, these things cost too much to have to spend hours or days "cleaning up a kit".

That's why I think these guys are among the best-superior casting quality and a very reasonable price.

 

[PJ Deluhery]

John -

Save me one of those new (old?) dragon busts! I will be at MFCA, and will be by to pick it up. I e-mailed you a week or so ago inquiring about it after I saw Craig's piece here.

I would say that I too am a "repeat offender" when it come to UEM products. I have quite a few. Great subjects, OUTSTANDING castings and fair pricing. What more could I want?

Please keep up the fine work, John!