Semper Fi War in the Pacific

G, I would guess it had a lot to do with which factory it was produced in and how far along in the production run they were in?

Rob , ok , sounds like your not interested in the Italeri set so that means i wont go looking at it . Looks like the figures that you have are pretty versatile.

OH no Carl, didn't mean it that way.  I'm actually quite intrested in the Italeri set.  Pull it out and lets take a look.  I'm intrested in any USMC sets. 

I think what I was saying in a round about way was my lack of ability to make figures look the way I want them.  All of these different figure sets (old and new) look great when the hands have the skill to do them.

Well i'm not any good at doing figures either Rob . I'll get the set out and post some pics .

Rob- 15-20 figures?!?!?!  Oh I am going to enjoy this GB... I only did five figures at once and it took me more than 3 weeks.   I am with you about using Dragon figures over resin... $$$.  I won't mind using resin only for tank commanders for now because there are not many choices out there.  I really like the latest Dragon figures... they came out better than older ones. 

Nice shotgun!  It is the first time I have seen one from Dragon...

I am surprised that I haven't been able to find upgrade sets for M8 Howitzer.  I already have the stowage set from Verlinden.  They also offer interior set but I am not sure if I am interested... you won't be able to see much inside with limited view.

Carl- I count only 12 girls... Rob said he is going to do 15-20 figures.  So you still owe us few more girls. LOL  That second girl from the right is my pick.

agentg- Since you are from Las Vegas, he could use your help finding more showgirls...

Andy here are some upgrades you could choose from:

1. Yanks Miniatures Set# 9711
2. Eduard  # 35509
3. Eduard  # 35530
4. Verlinden # 1635
5. AFV Club T16 tracks

Now will try to find some USMC figures??

Really like the shotgun that came with the figure but think it might be to skinny to fit in the hands properly.  Going to try to get it in there though.

Rob , there are 6 figures plus equipment .

Carl- Those Italeri figures don't look that bad!  Just softer edges... maybe its perfect for PTO.  You can always use the rear of exacto blade to create better edges.  I am impressed with the eye detais... better than Tamiya you can say. 

Rob- You are AWESOME did I ever tell you that?  I looked everywhere... google, eBay, Amazon, & three major online vendors such as Great Models, Sprue Brothers and Squadron and I didn't see them... only Verlinden sets.  It looks like I have to order those Eduard PE sets oversea from a supplier in UK.  I will do that after the holidays... maybe I will keep eyes on eBay for few weeks.  Thanks!

Andy , well they might look better if painted properly , dont know if i will be able to do that but i'm going to try .

CARL Those guys will work for your idea of a field shop, bit more relaxed environment.  Surprised with the one guy even has the USMC on the pocket.  Thats not the kit I was thinking of.  There is another older figure set that I think I used to have?

I was looking for some figures that were involved in action.  Spent some time looking for some sets and came up with quite a few, I was surprised!  Theres two particular ones by Dragon that I may order after the holidays, the wife will not be here  There is another set by Dragon that I really want but its a pre-order and looks like it's not due out until June, will get it then I guess.

Warriors had quite a few sets but they are pricey   Still biggest problem, can't seem to find some that would work for manning the MG's on the LVT.  Thats what I really need at the moment so that I can build them into the LVT.  The other figs disembarking can always be added at any time.

Broke one of my favorite small drill bit trying to open up the sleeves on the flame thrower guy  His sleeve came out good though.

ANDY - Glad I could help   Wasn't sure what you would want for sure so just listed everything that I could find.  YES, keep an eye on Ebay.  The Eduard sets show up on there all the time.  I had trouble finding the Eduard set for my Somua and did not really want to order from overseas, I called Great Models because was not listed as having in stock but they had it just a couple days after that and received it pretty fast.

I'd practice on one of figures you plan not to use or something like that.  I would focus on the edge where the shirt/collar and skin meets.  It shouldn't be that bad... once it is done you will be pleased with the result.  Just a thought... no need to buy me another . LOL

I did that to my old Dragon figure... edge was too soft for my taste.

Scripted...

 Result...

With deeper depth, it allowed me to dark wash using oil paint Burnt Umber or so.  Just a thought... you know how much I enjoy painting figures. 

Hi Guys,,,,      I will be adding some figs to my build as well,, as soon as I get to that point of course.    I have that Italeri Marine set too,, they are not all that bad.   I built this scene many many years ago using one of the figs. Today, I probably would have replaced the head (maybe)....    but the fig set cleans up ok really.

Nothing done on the model today . Moved fire wood to the wood shed While the granddaughter was here . That takes a while when your answering questions from a 5 year old ..............."Granpa , why did you cut down the trees ? " Why do you have to put it in the wood shed ? " Can i ride in the wheel barrow ? "I'm cold , can we go in now ?"........................................I love it !

Then tonight she was in a Christmas play so the wife and  i went to that and i video'd it .

Guys , Here's an idea i came up with recently for the dio . I was thinking of the scene being at a field shop still . With the hood of the jeep open .The A frame hoist is set up . The Sherman dozer would be parked in the area, close . Maybe it is in the process of leveling the area .These guys are all relaxed , behind the front lines . All of a sudden a sniper is firing at them . They hide under the jeep and behind the blade of the dozer . Thats the only cover . Some  guys have grabbed their M1's and a helmet . One guy is stuck under the jeep . I'll have the hatches open on the Sherman .

Rob , if i really get into this dio i may end up ordering some of those figures you mentioned . Did you get your bits from Micro Mart ? Them little bits are dang expensive ! I've broke a few also .

Andy , thanks for the tutorial . i'll give it a try when i get to the figures . and

Bill , that figure turned out pretty well really . There is something about their molded faces that doesnt make me think "Marine " right away . The faces are actually too round and the eyes are angled . I'm going to seee what i can do with the faces by trying to recarve them a little . If i ruin it , oh well .

Later my friends .

BILL - That fig came out really nice, much better then I would have expected   The overall molding is pretty nice.  That Stuart looks like it would be nice to.  Also like the texture on the trees.

CARL - I want a wheel barrel ride!  Bet the wife will be watching the video over and over, have the popcorn ready

That sounds like a great idea for a dio  The Sherman could have been used to flatten the work area out as you said but also maybe it would have pushed up a berm around the shop?

Get a lot of my tools from Micro Mark but think I got this set of bits at the hobby store in Cape Cod. 

Good thing ANDY is here to watch our figures

I do agree those guys faces are a bit round but Bill has showed they can work well when done properly.

The sets I am looking at getting are these (I'll pick up a set at a time, slowly throughout the duration of the build).

Set # 6272

Set # 6379

The one not available yet, the one I really want Set # 6554

Just go to the dragon site and you can see all the details.  Found a bunch of really good Warriors figure sets and their figs are in much more action poses but they are $20 - $30 for two in a set

The set I'm working on now is Set # 6408

Rob , this dio will be a challenge for my abilities . Now i'm picturing the Sherman stopped while  in the process of pushing a burm . Good idea .

I'll give you a wheel barrow ride if you split the wood ...............its down hill and i may spill the load , meaning you .

Thanks for the info .

G - Thats a really good point about that Guadacanal set.  I have plenty of Grands, carbines and thomsons to replace their '03's and if I can get enough figs some may have lost or not had the helmet covers.  Could also try using tissue to make helmet covers?  Biggest problem I see with all the sets, except the 6554 Peleliu one, is they do not have their sinature packs on   If I was to use them, I may have to move inland where maybe some may have staged their packs somewhere.  Will see how things go, had really wanted to stay on the beach.

Have any of y'all built Master Box figures?  I have not.  Seen quite a few people building there Afican Corps set and they looked to be pretty good.  I ask because these sets look very intresting.

Set #3542

#3543

#3544

G and Rob , i never thought of any of that when doing accurate figures . How would it look if the helmet covers camo was only painted on the helmet and no material used to simmulate the cover ?

And you know i havent used M B figures .

G - Those are very nice looking.  Will use the tissue as you if i get any of those kits.  What colors did you use for the camo?  It looks perfect!  About to paint my helmets and was trying to come up with proper colors.

Wow , impressive figures G .

I've used the tissue that you use for wrapping presents and such and think I will try that unless I buy myself a suit Thanks very much for the color lay out. I was afraid you were going to say that you used Vallejo.  Have never used these but see so many are.  Think I should get some of these paints one day and try them out.  I have only MM enamels and about 4 jars of tamiya, have never tried anything else.

Your figures are BREATH TAKING!  Really looks nice!

Bit embarrassed to show what I have done so far but here goes.

First painted a base coat with skin tone shadow tint.  Next painted in the eyes and went around them and the nose and mouth with skin tone dark tint.  Then highlighted/ painted the bulk of the skin area with skin tone warm tint.  Finally highlighted with skin tone light tint.

Head one

Head 2

They looked a lot better before I took pictures of them. LOL  Will give them a wash and see if that helps blend the colors together.  Have also painted the hands in the same manner.

Rob , what paints are you using for the flesh colors ? I like the looks of the heads already .Like you i mostly am invested in MM enamels with a few Tamiya acrylics .

WOW,,  great "figure-fodder" guys,,,,    some excellent info and awesome figure assembly / painting...   A+

Rob,,,  I have built some MB figures.    They are a little rough, but acceptable. They do offer some alternative types of figs...  

You might remember this dio I built fairly recently...  the two figs on the wagon are MB and the 2nd marching soldier (pointing) is MB as well.

CARL - The flesh colors are all MM enamels and are of their figure colors.  There are 4 of them and I used all 4 as described in my last post. colors- skin tone tint base - light # 2001,  skin tone tint base - dark #2002, skin tone warm tint # 2003,  skin tone shadow tint # 2004.

Not doing to many figures I have found these colors very useful in lightening and darkening on my normal builds, tanks.  So they may be useful to you not only with the figures

How is your jeep coming along?  Have up-dated the roster and added the jeep to your build list.

G -I have some authentic pieces and agree there were many tones with year, manufacture, and wear / weathering.  But was mainly impressed with the shade of green you used.  That color has to be the closest to the real thing that I've seen.  Will try out a few different greens of MM and see what can come up with.

BILL - You always surprise and impress me with the variety of your subjects, nice dio!

The MB figs look fine to me.  Looking at all of their kits, they do offer very alternative figs.  Think I will get one of those sets and try them out.  Thanks.

G- Love your figures!  I want to marry them and take them to Las Vegas for honeymoon.

Rob- Heads are looking good!  Yes dark wash helps especially around the eyes, nose and mouth.  Of course ears too... unfortunately my ears are "broken".  If you can, add just little lighter tone on nose or edges of cheek where sun reflection would come.  It is hard to describe what I am trying to say...

Bill- Always remember those great diomara you created earlier... never tried figures from Matchbox but one day I will especially the Pz III crew everybody has been using especially Pvt Mutt (Tony).  

Carl- I am with you about the holidays... very hectic time for me and my family.  

Guys- Unfortunately my vacation has officially started today so it means I will have limited access to internet for next 5-6 days.  My family and I are in Orlando now... that may explain why I have been absent for last two days.  Flew in last night... we are with my parents.  We will hit Universal Studio for two days or so.

Will do my best to take pictures of ladies in bikinis for y'all...

Thanks Rob,,,   I am thinking about some those additional MB figure sets too......

Thank you too Andy,,,  and have a great time in Orlando.    When you go to Universal be sure to try the Dueling Dragons rollercoaster,,,  they may have renamed it,, but you have to try that one,, it is awesome.   The Spiderman 3-D ride was fun too...    (they have a load of fun stuff there).......  so,  HAVE FUN my friend!

Rob ,thanks for the info . i'll need some good colors for the figs . Gotta do them Marines justice . I did a little painting on the jeep . You got it on the roster , good .

Billi havent seen your dio before . I like the German pointing at the wagon ............the goat ?

Andy .........another trip .......whats the local beer is down there ? Have a good time .

Hi Rob, thanks ,,,      yeah the goat was also part of a Master Box set,,  farm animals I believe.       I think I posted the dio as a non-vehicle diorama,,,  turns out the wagon sort of   IS    a vehicle, somewhat. The dio is called "To the Farm,,,  To the Front"          It was a fun build,,  mostly,,   attaching the reins and hardware to the horses was a true test in patience.....       but, it turned out ok.

G - Thanks again for the color.  Will give that formula a try

ANDY - Thanks for the pointers.  Went back and touched up the faces.  What do you use for the wash, Raw Umber, Raw Sienna?  Do you just pin wash or wash the whole face, uniform and all?

SWEET...Ladies in bikinis...dont get caught

Have a good time and a great Christmas

BILL - This is the first I've seen of this dio also.  That was Carl asking about your goat, better keep your goat away from him.  The scene is VERY NICE and the horses and goat really does grab your attention.  These are better shots of those MB figs and this has defiantly made my mind up on getting those MB sets.

You're right,, meant to address to Carl.           And will lock up the goat    ha

I'm also looking into some additional MB fig sets....    some good selections for this GB

Bill, nice close ups .I bet that farmer cant wait to get past them Germans ! I guess the scene would be in Belgium or France ? Nice details all over .

Good looking dio