Taisho by Ray Lamb

[blaster]

Hello Felix,

That is one iconic kit, in my opinion. Great memories. Thanks for this.

Rgds Victor

 

[kevininpdx]

While I must say, your painting is fantastic, the sculpts have clearly come a long way since then. I have only been in this hobby about 5 years mind you.

 

[raymond evans]

Many thanks for the explanation as to why I have different boxes. I have enclosed pictures of the one I will sell which is featured in Military Modelling 1973. All the pieces are exactly as depicted in the magazine. I look forward to painting it but my skills will have to be honed up before I attempt to do it any justice. How did you manage to paint the flowers?

Finally is the your figure the one shown on the front of How To Make Model Soldiers by Philip O. Strearns?

 

[pgarri27]

A blast from the past. Pure military modeling history!

 

[yellowcat]

Many thanks for the explanation as to why I have different boxes. I have enclosed pictures of the one I will sell which is featured in Military Modelling 1973. All the pieces are exactly as depicted in the magazine. I look forward to painting it but my skills will have to be honed up before I attempt to do it any justice. How did you manage to paint the flowers?

Finally is the your figure the one shown on the front of How To Make Model Soldiers by Philip O. Strearns?

Thank you for all your comments!

My Taisho was not the one on the cover of How To Make Model Soldiers by Philip O. Strearns.

Regarding the flower pattern, this was layout on tracing paper. I first decided on the appropriate size and set the distance between the two flowers. I did couple rows of the flower pattern on tracing paper just to see the overall design. I then painted the first flower on the clothing with the least amount of folding. From there onward, I used the set distance and adjusted accordingly on different folds by eyeballing and lots and lots of patience. No stencil was used. All painted by freehand with a fine watercolor brush.

Here is the break down for painting the figure.
The figure was primed with white primer and painted in sections. Most parts of the figure were painted in artist oil. The helmet and armor plate was painted in black enamel. The different color of lacings on the armor plate was a custom mixed of enamel to produce a satin finish. Same mixed was used for the red lacing with tassels on the back of the armor. The maedate/demon face and horns on the front of the helmet was airbrushed with metal plate brass and gold lacquer. Oil paint was used for all basic shadowing. The tachi sword scabbard was painted with gloss transparent orange enamel. The front chest armor, the two sides on the helmet and the upper inside of the arms armor plate were lined with soft leather. Cream color artist oil was used to duplicate these parts. Oil paint was also used for the arrows’ bamboo shaft and feathers.
Five minute epoxy and cyano glue was used to put the figure together. Then final and detail shadowing was added.

I went through my grey armies and I found this old drawing on parchment paper that I did for the chest armor and helmet pattern for this figure. I hope this would help you to put this complex figure together. Just let me know if you need any more information.

 

[kagemusha]

The one on the cover of the book is Ray Lamb's original painted piece.

Ron

 

[raymond evans]

Struth ! I be in the early learning stages with my air brush having just bought it. I have tried to paint a Ray Lamb Mongolian horse using oil paint and the stripped it down because it was too glossy. I painted the horse 5 times with acrylics and still not satisfied hence buying the air brush. I have spent hours watching YouTube painting techniques. So hopefully I will live long enough to become competent. As long as I come across sites like this I will remain inspired if not intimidated by the perfection displayed by Yellowcat.

The sailing season is starting soon which takes precedence unless we have a miserable summer!

Looking forward to reading your comments, excellent site, excellent members.

Cheers

 

[Gary D]

Thanks Yellowcat for the SBS. I'll keep this in mind.

Gary