YPRES 1914

[krow113]

Contest results:

 

[anstontyke]

very well deserved

anstontyke

 

[Chrisr]

Congratulations on the award. Very nicely painted, and superbly crafted groundwork so you are able to save your life! A lovely tribute to your Great Grandfather, who was, I presume, one of those wonderful and incomparable "Old Contemptibles" who fought so valiantly and were largely destroyed at First Ypres. Well done.

On the matter of accuracy raised earlier, there are some issues that cannot be dismissed lightly. The figure is wearing the standard issue leather jerkin and on his pack has a French M15 Adrian helmet. Neither were available in 1914: the M15 Adrian helmet was introduced in 1915, and the leather jerkin in late 1916. Whether barbed wire was used during the Battle of First Ypres is uncertain. I have yet to see any photos or references to its use at First Ypres, but as it was available in the British Army it may well have been. However, the screw picket, or corkscrew picket, shown holding the wire up did not enter service until around mid-1915, to replace the wooden stakes initially used. The duckboard the figure is standing on was not in use during the battle; according to the IWM they were first used after it, in December 1914 at Ploegsteert Wood, which is in low lying ground south of Messines. Not meant as a criticism of the diorama but offered as observations.

Again, congratulations on the award and well done on the painting.

Cheers
Chris

 

[peedee]

So very well deserved.

P

 

[Dan Morton]

Congratulations on your win!!

The spent shell casings looked so perfect I went looking for Mission Models and found they are more or less not trading. Not exactly out of business apparently, but... If anyone can speak for them and clear up their business status and product availability, please feel free to comment.

Fortunately Live Resin makes this product which may be suitable.
LVRLRE35093 1:35 LiveResin M2 Browning .50 cal MG Cartridges and Spent Shells Set

All the best,
Dan

 

[krow113]

Anston , Chris , P , Dan - Thanks for the remarks. Glad to have a good finish for this piece.
As far as the accuracy goes everyone has their own opinion. If I listened to all the comments over a number of forums there would be a boot stuck in the mud and it would still be 'inaccurate'. A number of observers have expounded their knowledge , the interesting point is that none of them have the same observations as the others , no two have the same observations!
So adding up all the 'inaccuracy's' is folly for me , and as stated would result in an uninteresting ,detail devoided waste of modelling time. There are some glaring omissions that are not mentioned by any of the accuracy observers , so hmmmmmmm!
Thanks though...

The Mission Models shell casings are not castings, they are actual brass tube with ends on them, shaped perfectly and well worth finding if possible. I have some of the Live Resin castings, they are superb but are not even close to the brass from MM. I found the MM on ebay.

Thanks for all the comments and critiques , WW 1 modelling needs nerves of steel and sometimes blinders to ward off distractions!

 

[Dan Morton]

James - My little opinion...the few of us who make military miniature figures seem to be in two camps.

Camp # 1: If a modeler wants to be highly accurate in depicting a given time and setting, for 20th century and many 19th century conflicts, there should be ample material available to do the research and then it's a matter of modeling skills. Do the research, understand the potential realistic variations and press on. Expect and get involved in peer review to include historical accuracy.

Camp # 2: BUT, historical accuracy just isn't for everybody. Some folks could give a toss. Fine. Some folks seem to see the pursuit of historical accuracy in making figures as being the equivalent of 'rivet counting' in armor models. I don't see it that way personally, but I think I can understand the point of view.

If a modeler consciously decides to thumb their nose at both camps, well...staying out of trouble and avoiding pissing people off sometimes can be greatly over-rated. Be prepared for the flak. Again, my little opinion.

Whichever camp you choose, enjoy the hobby, pursue your art!

Rats - I cannot find Mission Models product in stock anywhere. Apparently, the Live Resin product is out of production and no longer available from three suppliers I checked. I'm trying e-Bay next.

All the best,
Dan

 

[krow113]

I have said my piece on the accuracy issues , no harm , no foul, I press on!
Dan :I suggest you cut brass tube and solder on brass washers. MIG sells a set of washers and blank discs - # 35-505 . I have also seen 'curls' of brass shavings pass for shell casings, these would be made with a parting tool on a lathe.

 

[MCPWilk]

Very nicely done and very evocative. I note the comments regarding accuracy. My only critical comment is that he is far too clean!

Well done on the award.

Mike

 

[Dan Morton]

"Dan :I suggest you cut brass tube and solder on brass washers. MIG sells a set of washers and blank discs - # 35-505 ." Good idea - I might try that!!

All the best,
Dan

 

[John Bowery]

I like the results and congratulations on the win. You honored your grandfather and that is the important thing.
It was your decision as you are the artist/modeller. You are the one to be made happy.
Cheers
John

 

[Nap]

Hi James

My apologies thought I had posted ....what a great tribute to such a brave family member , there is a heck of a lot of work gone into this , and detail wherever you look .

I really like the presentation very effective

Well done on the award well deserved

Thanks for sharing this

Nap

 

[Chris Ribchester]

Deserved award, the detail in the base is superb.

Chris