Poilus... encore

[David Spencer]

A ropey snapshot of work in progress. This is fig no 2 of a two-man vignette representing c.1917/8 French infantry. A favourite subject (WW1 Poilus).
Perfect figure painting weather in the conservatory.
But had better get some proper work done now.
Will take more pics as it develops.

 

[Nap]

Hi David

Nice tidy work bench there

Looks interesting ,the french blue looks good as well

What are the figures your using ?

What are the elastic bands holding on the paints ?

Following with interest

Happy benchtime

Nap

 

[David Spencer]

Thanks Nap.
It's a fold-away Ikea table! Ageing (like me) and somewhat battered (ditto), but still functional (so many analogies). South-facing conservatory is the 'office' - great when it's overcast, but sunny weather means early starts to avoid the heat & intense light.
The figs are ICM - I love their WW1 range and just bought a set of 1915 Italian infantry (beautiful) and German Storm Troops 1918 (also really nice). Well worth investigating; they come in packs of 4, usually, and have some interesting subjects. Mostly come with a sprue of weaponry & accessories. Dioramas beckon...
I found that Humbrol enamel lids have a habit of popping off between uses, with bad results, so now put a bicycle wheel nut in the depression, then strap it all on with an elastic band. Been doing it for years, along with nursing them along using drops of white spirit; that way they last longer.
The horizon blue is mixed from Humbrol's 'WW1 Blue', adding mid grey till it looks right. Fortunately the French army had a wide range of tones during that conflict, so there's room for variation.
Cheers
DS

 

[Chrisr]

Just as well it's not the wife's dining table. Again, super painting on the figure. BTW, just wondering why you don't like the Shenandoah figures.

Cheers
Chris

 

[David Spencer]

Thanks Chris. There's a long way to go yet.

Shenandoah: I tried one a long while ago and found their casting wasn't what I was looking for. It was in the early days of figure modelling and subsequent companies' products (that I tried) were more in tune with what I like. Probably just a personal preference thing.
They do some nice Confederate subjects, but the poses and subjects of Union troops haven't appealed.
...And I want to do some boys in blue!

 

[Chrisr]

 

[David Spencer]

Shading finished. Next up is the vexed issue of highlighting.
Not my favourite job.
White uniforms are a good thing...

 

[Tommy Atkins]

Hi David. At last! Another user of Humbrol....like your idea regarding the nuts and bands. I'll have to try that on my tins of shame. Figure looks good and hope to see more. Regards Pete

 

[David Spencer]

Thanks Pete
Can't use anything else here; enamels are malleable and do what I expect them to do.
Yes, the band-and-nut seal seems to work well. Along with trimming the dried paint from the lids and openings. Worth keeping an old pointed craft knife blade available for that.

 

[David Spencer]

Figs finished except for boots' shading and highlights.
Base work next.

 

[Nap]

Hi David

They look good from what I can see ....the pics are very small so it's hard to see the painting

Even full image

Happy benchtime

Nap

 

[David Spencer]

Thanks Nap. Yeah, just a snap from the phone. I'm still glowering with resentment at the camera and we basically aren't on speaking terms yet, so am painting and keeping the project moving in the meantime and will crack on with the ground work this week.
Eventually ... eventually ... there'll be the finished item to see. And with luck and a LOT of foul language, some decent photos.

(Just bought a 1/144 Vulcan by Trumpeter, and ordered Academy's B47 in the same scale. Am delighted to have found these cos they mean I can make some iconic cold war bombers and still fit them into the limited cabinet space available here. They look really nice. Great Wall Hobbies do an interesting Handley Page Victor too. And I'm on the hunt for a B52 that isn't shockingly expensive ... hint-hint)

 

[David Spencer]

Varnished the barbed wire tonight.
Poilu #2 will be fixed in position next prior to getting the ground work in place. Then accessories (darling!) .
Then more painting.
Their friends are on the left - completed a couple of years ago. Chauchat team c.1916.

J'ecoute a Caravan Palace...

 

[David Spencer]

Hopefully the base is built and can now be painted, washed and highlighted.

 

[David Spencer]

Still plugging away at this. Almost there and hope to have it done by Monday.

 

[David Spencer]

Well, that's another project done.
The hardest part is photographing it. Am undecided whether to call it "On les aura!" or "Ta baionnette est cassee!"
I'll try and get some representative pics on here in the completed figures section.

 

[David Spencer]