GB members :

Mike91978 - 1/16 Alpine's BAR Gunner

M1 A1 A2 Tanker - Alpine 1/16 D-Day

Archangel Shooter - Dragon 'Feldwebel'

AirborneDrop36 - 120mm Verlinden SS Infantry

Blunderbus

Irish3335

DaveB -  Eduard's Richthofen

PNGbrat

Ajlafleche

racedriver

igeratic

spiralcity - 120mm Verlinden German WWII Nightfighter

Looking forward to this one. I have never painted a figure before. I have several on the way will let you know which one I will butcher......... I mean try to paint.

Ok Race, as soon as you know please post it here so i can add it to your name.

I never built a figure either so this should be fun.

Since I'm envolved with 2 other group builds I like the no end date on this end so count me in too. The kit will be the Dragon 'Feldwebel'  

I'm all set to start.  Painting Alpine's BAR Gunner

[View:/themes/fsm/utility/:550:550]

Ok Archangel Shooter, I'll add you to the list.

Mike thanks for the heads up, I'll update the listing with your kit. I also need to get mine listed.

  I have it narrowed down to three figures.  I'll let you know as soon as I decide.  Didn't realize there were so many choices in 120mm.  I found a knight in full battle dress,  but want the challenge of painting a large scale face--I think.  Thanks for hosting.

                                                            g. knox

OK PNG, just post your project once you decide and I'll add it to the board.

Happy New Year's all!  First day of the group build and I'm ready to get going.  As stated above, I'm building and painting Alpine's BAR Gunner.  This is only the 3rd 1/16 figure I've done.  That said I'm going to try to focus on blending my highlights and shadows more convincingly with this project.  Here's what comes in the box:

I'm very impressed by the casting.  No gas holes and very little in the way of mold seam lines.  You also get 2 heads, one with camo netting on the helmet and one without, so you get a very nice head for the spares box.  The left sleeve has a circle for the 29th ID patch. I'm going to sand this off and use decals for a GI of the 34th ID in Northern Italy.  Would be nice to put him in a pair of shoepac boots, but I have seen photos of 34th guys wearing paratrooper boots.  Going to starting putting him together and post progress pics soon.

Mike,

I see the hands are molded to the weapon. I wonder if Alpine does this to most of their kits.

I'm not sure.  This is the first figure of their's that I've worked on.  The other 2 figures I've done were from The Regimental S4 and Lost Battalion Miniatures. The one figure was not holding a weapon, but the other was and the hand was molded to the rifle.

I have quite a few on the shelf from which to choose but think I'll go with Eduard's Richthofen figure.  All the  leather on this guy will be a challenge.

Hey dave, nice to have you onboard. I'll add you and the kit to the list.

intresting GB

i scratched some milliput figures in the past, 54 70 and 90 mm and something in 1/72  but actually out of practice

Will follow and eventually join in future

bsyamato, feel free to jump in when ever your ready. I would be nice to have you onboard.

Is it too late to join?  I am waiting on my first 120mm to come in the mail..can't wait to start it..  it's Verlindens SS Infantryman.  Look forward to seeing all of your work, it will be my first 120mm, should be fun!

AirborneDrop36, nice to have you with us. I'll add your name and kit to the roster. ENJOY!

Got a start on the Eduard Richthofen figure. The halves (body and boots) are joined and sanded and everything awaits a primer coat.

Looking good so far, Dave!  I'm interested to see how this turns out.  I'm not real familiar with colors for WWI stuff.  Are you using Vallejo, oils, or something else?

I've got my figure in sub-assemblies and have some base coats and shading done.  I'm not a master figure painter by any stretch of the imagination, but I enjoy it and try to improve with each one.

Probably a combination of Vallejo acrylics and oils. I haven't done any extensive "leather work" so it will be a learning experience with lots of experimentation.  This figure offers the chance to do brown (jacket),  black (boots) and patent leather (cap bill.) Should be fun.

Mike Looking great. Did you use oils on the face?  I think you nailed the reasons why we do it.

Hi guys - nice variety of figures here.

If I may suggest, for  those that cannot resist from using a wash to bring out details, hold the figure upside down and let it dry in that position as well.  Reason being is to allow the dark wash to accumulate in the top areas of wrinkles and folds.  Even so you will end up with the centers being darker as washes tend to recede from edges.

Here is something I quickly put together as how to best arrive at discerning light and shadows for a figure.

1. - spray the whole fig in a dark shade, you can go jet black but I prefer the base colour mixed as a darker shade.

2. - spray the base colour at a 90 degree angle as well as from up top.  This will leave the the darker shade still visible in shadow areas.

3.- spray a mixed light shade of the base coat from a direction directly from up top - this represents the highlight area.

Now you can go in with a brush and create more contrast to your liking.

If interested here is an eye tutorial: http://www.planetfigure.com/articles/eye_tutorial-mark_benette/eye-tutorial.html

regards,

Jack

Hey guys, everythings looking great.

jgeratic, thanks for the helpful info. I need all the help I can get, this is my first figure so I dont expect great results but it will be a learning process.

I will post some pics of my figure shortly. Right now it is in the process of being cleaned up.

Here's a pic of the kit.

Hey guys, I have a question about attaching the limbs to the figure.

Do you normally use a filler between the fitting? I noticed the two pics above seem to have some putty between the limbs and torso. Is this just for pre-fit or a permenant solution to attaching limbs?

I was all set to just cement my limbs to torso with no filler. My fit seems smooth enough to accomplish good results.

Any help would help.

Thanks

Dave B: Thanks for the kind words.  I'm using Vallejo for everything.  The pics of the face are pretty extreme close ups and unforgiving.  I'm still experimenting with my technique and did some drybrushing on the face which left a little chalky effect that I don't really like.  Won't be doing that again!

Igeratic: Thanks for the mini-tutorial and links.  I've read about airbrushing figures, but I haven't been able to pull it off yet.  One problem is I have all these Vallejo paints and haven't had much luck spraying them.  Guess I could buy all new Tamiya paints and use those. It's only money right? :)

Spiralcity: That's just a little poster putty holding the arms in place for the sake of the photos.  I paint the arms seperately because they go across the figure and his chest and ammo pouches would be hard to paint with the arms attached.  I'll also stick them on temporarily to make sure the shading matches the rest of the figure.

The biggest problem I've had with this build is getting colors I like for the Highlights and Shadows.  I wanted cool colors to reflect the winter setting.  I'm still somewhat experimenting with this figure and I wouldn't be surprised if I didn't strip the paint and start over.  That said, I'm fairly happy so far.

Thanks Mike, thats what i thought it might be (pre-fit). I just thought I would ask, I want to make sure I get the best results i can.

Regarding airbrushes and figures - although I don't know every single modeler on the planet,  I'm not aware of anyone that uses exclusively just the airbrush, at least not on these small scale figures.

For me anyways, the airbrush gives a good even prime coat and some initial colouring.  This way I'm not sitting at the workbench with a naked figure in one hand,  a 000 brush in the other and wondering where to start.    The paint brush is still very much important for the painting of the figure.

Another hint to pass on, if your figure is cast with it's head separate, leave it so and paint it and the body before attaching together.

regards,

Jack

One of the problems I've had with this airbrushing technique is I'll spray the whole figure with a dark basecoat then spray a highlight color at an angle.  When I go to put on the main color with a brush I'll do this in layers with pretty thin paint.  But in order to keep this coat from looking streaky and blotchy, I have to put so many layers that the initial airbrush coats are no longer visible.  Any ideas on what I may be doing wrong?  I know it's hard to pinpoint without seeing it in process.

Igeratic: OK.  I see that the base color should be sprayed with the airbrush at a 90 degree angle. Any thoughts about getting Vallejo to spray better?  maybe thinning with alcohol instead of distilled water? Probably like all other things model related it's a matter of blood, sweat, tears, trial and tribulation.

Here's a quick update: Most of my parts are clean with the exception of the gear, so I guess I can start adding a base coat and move the project along.

Yes, the main colour should be sprayed on as the second step.  You should spray from the top and move down to about 90 degrees but not past this point, otherwise you will lose the shadow areas. 

With the paint brush you should not have to lay down large swaths of the main colour again, unless you are doing a camou pattern.  The brush is just to refine/add more contrast to the lights and shadows of wrinkles and folds of the cloth.  Then you progress to other details such as buttons, insignia, belts and equipment.

I haven't tried thinning Vallejo so you'll have to experiment there.  Sure, try the alcohol as well as future.  I've seen on the forum here that Testors acrylic thinner works well too.  I'd suggest just mixing with a brush on a small patch of glass or similar surface to see how the paint reacts first - no point in gumming up the airbrush.

regards,

Jack

OK, I have another question: The finish coat on a figures face? semi-gloss? the clothes also, semi-gloss?

When I look at my clothes they look flat. So what's the suggestion?

Thanks in advance.

Leave the face in it's original paint, but definitely the uniform give it a flat coat.

Things like leather boots and belts, also do not gloss up - use  lighter paint shades for highlights to give the impression of a "shine" if required. 

For the weapon metal parts - paint flat black and then dry brush gun metal.

Reason against using gloss of any type is that for models it tends to look tacky and/or toylike.  Using flat colours to create highlights just looks more professional.  Although for your kit you can make an exception for the lenses for the special sniper equipment - a drop of gloss would be alright.

regards,

Jack

Thanks for the reply Jack.

Herr Richthofen has been assembled and primed. My primer of choice is airbrushed Floquil grey primer. Thinned with about 25% lacquer thinner, it goes on nicely and has some "bite" on the plastic. I hope to airbrush the acrylic base colors on tomorrow in preparation for doing the face, jacket and boots in oils and the hat and pants in Vallejo acrylics.  After priming, I noticed the slight gap between the boot and right leg. I'll hit that with some putty before painting.

[View:/themes/fsm/utility/:550:0]

Im waiting on some Vallejo paint, probally going to take 5 to 7 days.

As far as oils, what is a good brand and do they sell flesh tones or do you need to mix.

thanks

nice pieces here

Spiral what's about the subject? the gb is limited to military subjects? in mind to eventually scratch some fantasy figure

  I have narrowed my choices to two- a WW2 marine or a Napoleonic figure.  I can't start yet cause I need to get a new camera, but when I do I'll post and start.  I've enjoyed the pictures and information posted so far.  Hope I don't lower the curve too much when I start.

                                                                                              g.knox

Spiral: I think most people use Winsor & Newton or Grumbacher oils.  I've never used them myself, but would like to try someday.  Check out various figure painting sites, such as Historicus Forma and Planet Figure for various oil mixes.  If you can get a copy of Shep Paine's book How to Build Dioramas there's a tutorial of how to paint faces with oils.

PNGbrat: Don't worry about lowering the curve!  It seems like we have a good mix of skill levels in this GB.  I know I'm not going to win any golds for my figures anytime soon.  It's all about having fun and above all learning and improving as modelers.

Quick update:  I stripped the paint off the figure body to attempt airbrushing. I started with the trousers and I'll be damned if I didn't get the Vallejo to spray without much trouble.  After spraying I went back and added more highlights and shadows.  I think it turned out much better and looks much more convincing as far as zenithal lighting goes.  I'll post pics in the next few days hopefully.

PNG, just let me know when you decide what you will build. Dont worry about skill level, I have ZERO skill in modeling figures, this is my first and i dont expect great results but I do hope to learn something along the way.

Mike, thanks for the info. I actually looked at a few art store sights and found all kinds of oils I just have never used oils for anything but I do hope to learn as I continue my figure.

bsyamato

nice pieces here

Spiral what's about the subject? the gb is limited to military subjects? in mind to eventually scratch some fantasy figure

Hi bsyamato, the figure can be anything you want as long as its a figure of 1/16 - 120mm scale. Sci-fi and fantasy stuff is welcome same with animals of any kind, just keep to scale.

i was thinkin some warrior elf from the old warcraft videogame inspired, but is too soon now to start too busy but wishing to do

following the gb for now .. sigh

When ever your ready bsyamato, theirs no end date on this GB, so no rush to complete projects here.

I wanted to get this GB up and running so I could learn how to build and paint figures. Hopefully the longer the Gb runs the more info it will produce.

thanx Spiral, i will take my time so. asap i'll post some finished/unfinished previous work

using milliput putty means  space and clean workbench and actually these requirements are not mets LOL

Excellent, most of my paints arrived. I'm still waitng on my flesh tones, once they get here I'll start smearing my figure...

What kind of paint did you end up getting? Oils?

mike91978

What kind of paint did you end up getting? Oils?

Hi Mike, I ordered the Vallejo Flames Of War German SS paint set, also picked up some Game Color Dead White. Still waiting on the flesh tones.

I havent ordered oils yet, although I may.

Anyone moving along with their firures?

I plan some bench time for this Sunday.

Yeah I've been working on mine some.  Been too busy to take pics though. Hopefull this weekend I'll be able to post some progress.

WOW!

Slow going here. I havent heard a peep from anyone one in days...

Has anyone made any progress?

peep...

Just finished the Spitfire GB and now on the Italian one as it ends in May. 

Lurking here in the background, ready to answers questions as best possible.

regards,

Jack

Still working.... Just need to take some pics.

Here are a few pics I took this morning before I got started.  The sling was shaped by softening it in some hot water.  I was surprised at how well the resin bent!  Here goes:

?action=view¤t=101airborne001 2.jpgok here is my 1/16 entry into the fray - Dragon's 1/16 Arnhem "Red Devil" British paratrooper.  I have made several of the figures before and I have to say for the price and with a little work they turn into excellent figures.  I started with opening the flaps on the pockets, the jacket, and cuffs.  after getting the seams cleaned up I cut off the neck wrap and replaced it with an actual cloth one soaked in white glue.  It laid down better and had nicer detail.  I cut off the hands in hopes of getting them to line up better (more on that in a moment).  I then turned my attention to the base and decided to build it up.  The way the figure is stepping and the look on his face made me think of what is going with the situation - stepping down from house to house fighting, reloading on the run.  Still working on the face to get the righ look (again, limitations with the plastic).  The base is made with sheet styrene and the steps are made with cork and model bricks.  The rest is scraps and bits from my parts box (lets hear it for being a junk pack rat).  More when I get the face and hands up to standard!

Looking really nice so far Irish! I'll have to check out some of those Dragon figures.  Your base looks convincing as well.  I'm just starting to think about what I want to do for my base. Never made one before so I'm a little leery of how it will turn out. 

hey guys, everying is looking great. Nice work!

spiralcity

hey guys, everying is looking great. Nice work!

Got a little more done the last few days.  Glued the head and arms to the torso. Still some highlighting and shading to be done and the division patch and rank decals. He's starting to look finished!  I'll post more pics in the next few days. Oh... I also turned a base out of mahogany.  Need to come up with some groundwork for him to stand on.

Finally founded an old modelling book with human proportions that could really help me, now need to draw some sketch on paper to start something

something i started, draw some body proportion on paper and used sprues for the skeleton

this night hope to put some milliput filling, but lots of thing again to draw and decide

Mike, Im looking forward to seeing pics of your progress.

bsyamato, thats looking pretty cool. I cant wait to see what takes form.

I havent had time for any bench work. I do have all my paints and my figure is cleaned and ready for primer. Once I get a little time to myself i will get it moving along.

I just started the Verlinden 82nd airborne SAW gunner.

First figure in this scale.

Is it to late to ask for permission to play in this sandbox?

blunderbus, your more than welcome to join the group.

Thanks for the welcome aboard spiralcity. Here is the head so far. Working with oils for the first time.

I've got some putty and glue coming in today so I hope to get a little farther along with the build.

I'm having to do some custom detailing on the M249 to get it to wear I want it to be.

Excellent idea! Happened to come across some spectacular 1/16 figs recently at waaaay too good prices to pass up. At the very least, I'd love to follow along to pick up some tips...hopefully I can find some time to do some actual painting as well!

Looking for some cheaper stuff to practice on - have any of you done Tamiya's 1/16 stuff? Looking specifically at this cat:

36308 TAMIYA Modern US Army Infantryman Military Figure Model Kit 1/16   Returns: Accepted within 7 days

Hey,
         Spiralcity

       Could I jump on this band wagon with this one?

http://www.alpineminiatures.com/imagepages/16004.html

It's a 82nd Airborne Paratrooper from D-Day.

Thanks

Scott

Scott, feel free to jump in . Everyones welcome as long as the build a 1/16 or 120mm figure.

Welcome aboard.

Dupes,I have that kit in my stash. I normally dont build figures and I havent touched that kit so I really caqnt comment either way on it.

Feel free to jump into the group, your more than welcome.

Blunderbus

Thanks for the welcome aboard spiralcity. Here is the head so far. Working with oils for the first time.

I've got some putty and glue coming in today so I hope to get a little farther along with the build.

I'm having to do some custom detailing on the M249 to get it to wear I want it to be.

Looks like your project is comming along nice.

Making slow but steady progress. Going with woodland camo on the vest and 3 color desert camo on the BDU's.

Also modified the M249 to ad the barrel change handle and a more pronounced charging handle.

Come on fellas. I know I'm not the only one making progress. Lets see some updates.

I'm plugging away on assembling some figs - picked up this guy at Squadron cheap:

http://www.tamiyausa.com/product/item.php?product-id=36301

Also turns out that I've got their 1/16 Rommel fig from the DAK Kubelwagen kit (as well as a driver, but I can't finish assemby until I can test-fit the Kubel around him!). These will be the last plastic figs I do...I've spent more time cleaning up mold seams from 2-half torsos than I ever would sanding pour plugs from resin casts. Good practice, anyway.

Finished. Comments and critique welcome.

Nice job Blunderbuss.. ! Liking..

Magnific paint work Blunderbus great!!

@ p38jl and bsyamato: Thank you for the kind words.

I'm looking forward to seeing the other builds.

Nice work Blunderbus!  Like the camo and the face looks very realistic!  This was done entirely in oils?  I've wanted to give them a try, but I'm still trying to get the hang of acrylics.

OK here's my completed figure.  Would have liked to have posted some more in-progress pics, but at least I finished it! Made the groundwork from Oil-Dry and gravel and turned the base on a lathe and finished with clear gloss.  Comments and critiques welcome.

Since this group build is on-going, I picked up 2 more 120mm figures.  Both are from Thunderbird Historical Miniatures.

Ho ho, those guys aren't cheap! Really like the 2nd Marine fig, though.

Blunderbus - definitely like the fig. If you're using all oils, does that mean that you mix all of your own colors?

Picked up a couple of the less expensive Verlinden 120mm figs on Ebay...like what I'm seeing compared to the plastic Tamiya stuff for sure.

Beautiful job on the BAR gunner Mike. And turning the base yourself adds a lot.

I am using a combination of enamels and oils. In some cases mixing them.

I am totally winging this. It has been a long time since doing this with Humbrel enamels

and I am here to learn. I tried acrylics and did not like them, so I am in full experiment mode.

I am really liking the connection this site enables and look forward to sharing information. 

dupes

Ho ho, those guys aren't cheap! Really like the 2nd Marine fig, though.

Unfortunately, no, not cheap. Don't tell my wife....

Blunderbus - Thanks for the praise!  And great job on mixing those colors!

Blunder and Mike, nice work on those figures they turned out great!

Thanks spiralcity.

@Mike: Looking forward to seeing the new purchases once you work your magic.

I picked up another Verlinden. The Spec Ops, Afghanistan figure.

Lets keep this thread rolling.

Finished the Spec Ops figure.

Wow, that's HOT!

You blew through that guy pretty fast, too. Nice work!

Holy freakin cow, Blunder!  I especially like the contrast that you gave the figure.  And the camo looks great as well!

Thanks for the kind words gentleman.

Thinking about Alpine's USMC sniper with the .50 cal. Barrett as my next one.

After that I will be looking for something from another era.

Looking forward to seeing some other figures from other artists in this thread soon.

WOw.. nice ! reminds me of a modern Wildman from the old Sgt Rock comics.. nice job

I'm hoping to get some pics up this weekend.  I wasn't liking how the highlights were looking on the 45th division infantryman, so I stripped the paint and started over.  That's becoming pretty standard procedure lately...

Thanks p38jl.

Looking forward to seeing your figure Mike.

I went an ordered the Alpine USMC sniper from Colorado Miniatures. Should have the kit next week.

Let's keep this ball rolling.

this is how paint figures guys some hope to see the various steps from anyone?

I'm just getting back into this hobby after many years away so I don't really feel qualified to instruct others.

However, If there is interest I will try to document the Alpine figure a little more thoroughly.

Maybe Mike will do the same on his next piece.

Hey guys, finally got some pics up, sorry about the poor camera quality...

[View:/themes/fsm/utility/:550:0][View:/themes/fsm/utility/:550:0][View:/themes/fsm/utility/:550:0]

and sorry about the rotated pics....i tried to fix it twice, but I give up...don't hurt your necks.....

I guess the pics fixed themselves...

Blunderbus

I'm just getting back into this hobby after many years away so I don't really feel qualified to instruct others.

However, If there is interest I will try to document the Alpine figure a little more thoroughly.

Maybe Mike will do the same on his next piece.

I have a basic skill in painting figures all possible tips, includes various steps can really help

Airborne nice piece there, your camera seems not good with close ups, try to get far pictures and resize with some picture manager software

Airborne - is that a Verlinden dude?

Love the 5 o'clock shadow.

Thanks dupes! Yes he is verlinden, my first 120mm figure...the camo might have been a bit too ambitious for me in such a big scale but it was fun.  Like almost all of my german 1/35 figs, I just can't resist putting on camo, the germans had some great patterns.

Nice job Airborne. You need to get that guy on a base.

Just received my Alpine USMC sniper from Colorado Miniatures. Great service and fast shipping.

I will gladly order from Gray again.

Very impressed with the quality of the Alpine kit. This should be a fun one.

Progress photos and updates to follow.

Thanks Blunderbus, working on a base now....Looking forward to seeing your photos/updates

Thought I recognized that guys mug!

Question - are you going to flat coat him at all? His clothes look a bit...shiny.

here he is with a shot of dullcote and a base

[View:/themes/fsm/utility/:550:0]ok 

[View:/themes/fsm/utility/:550:0]

Gerat work on your figure, Airborne!  Camo looks really nice.  I haven't had the guts to try camo yet.  And the five o'clock shadow and skin tone looks good too!

thanks mike!  i do most of my german figs with camo...they had some great patterns and are fun to try.  It is not as hard as it might seem, just takes a little patience.  This was my first attempt at camo on this big a scale and I think it turned out ok.

Hope to see some pics from the rest of the guys in this build, keep em coming!

Well guys, I've definately hit a brick wall with my fig.  Let's see wasn't happy with the base colors the first itme around.  I never would have thought that the shade of OD for the woolen shirt and trousers that was so common place during the Italian Campaign would be so hard to nail down.  Put on another base and had the joy of having my 3 year old daughter to tell me one day: "Daddy I painted your model sooo pretty!"  Haha.... Stripped the paint again... So I got bases painted and now the highlight color looks chalky and muddled... Very frustrated at this point. I'm using Vallejo English Uniform as a base with Iraqi Sand for highs and Chocolate Brown for shadows. I've tried different thinning ratios to no avail.

Sorry to hear this one is giving you fits Mike.

Thinking maybe you should try experimenting with oils and enamels.

I have been so busy with other things I have not had the time to work on mine very much. Just now at the point where its ready for a good scrubbing and then some primer. Will try to post a few picks with some hopefully helpful tips soon.

Went to the MFCA shown at the Valley Forge Convention center this weekend. The artwork was incredible. Really inspired me to pursue this hobby an maybe compete at next years show.

I picked up the Regimental S-4 Marine Flame thrower Iwo Jima figure to start a WW2 group once I am done with the modern desert war figures.

This is going to be a winter / hot summer months hobby for me though. Fishing, target shooting and vegetable gardening are taking up all of my time now and I am finding it very difficult to devote the time needed to this endeavor.

Still looking forward to seeing the other members figures that are part of this group build.

Hey, Blunder I've painted Regimental's Doc Bradley figure.  Went together pretty well.  Not a whole lot of clean up. The flamethrower guy looks pretty cool.  Looking forward to yours.  Did you get to speak with Nick Majerus when you bought your figure?  He's the owner of Regimental S4.  He's a really great guy and figure painter too.  I think I've overcome my slump on my figure and am now well on my way.  I should be able to get some pics up tomorrow.

Hi Mike,

No, I didn't meet Nick at the show but there were some amazing displays and it was very inspirational.

Glad to hear your moving along well on your figure again. Between the beautiful weather and my current work load with my clients I'm afraid I'm not getting anywhere fast with mine.

Looking forward to seeing your pics.

     I hear ya about the weather!  it's hard to be inside modeling when the weather starts getting this nice.  Plus I have 2 young kids keeping me busy.  Here's what I did with my figure this time around.  I took Tamiya Olive Drab XF-62 and started mixing in drops of Tamiya Drak Yellow XF-60 until I got a brown shade of OD.  I sprayed this as a base over the whole figure.  Then I added more Dark Yellow and a little Tamiya Flat Flesh XF-15 for the highlights and then sprayed straight down from the top of the figure.  Unmixed OD XF-62 was sprayed from the underside for shadows.  I then mixed up some second highlights and shadows from Vallejo and unfortunately didn't keep track of the mix.  I just kept adding color until I got what looked right.  I painted the web gear and boots, which still need highs and shadows done.  Plus the whole figure needs outlined to add some contrast to the different elements.  Also I still have to start on the face.  At any rate I'm alot happier this go round. Third(?) time's the charm!  On to the pics....

I'm still a beginner to figure painting, but I thought I'd pass along some advice to the others watching this thread.  The first rule of figure painting( and modeling in general) is to keep trying until you get results you're satisfied with.  The last 2 figures I've painted were stripped multiple times until I got the look I was going for.

mike91978

I'm still a beginner to figure painting, but I thought I'd pass along some advice to the others watching this thread.  The first rule of figure painting( and modeling in general) is to keep trying until you get results you're satisfied with.  The last 2 figures I've painted were stripped multiple times until I got the look I was going for.

Well said Mike. Compromise may work for politicians but it doesn't work for artists.

Your figure is looking great, Looks like you nailed the colors and the shading looks very natural. Looking forward to more photos as you progress.

Main part of the figure is just about finished.  Should have pics up tonight.  Still have to paint the face and rifle.

OK here's my figure as of this afternoon:

Still a little shading and highlighting to do, but things are coming together finally.

He is looking terrific Mike.

You are inspiring me. I've got to get back on mine soon.

Thanks for the compliments!

Ready for primer.

I use CRC Brakleen on a q-tip to clean the surface before spraying with Rustoleum Plastic Primer.

Small pieces get a small hole drilled in the back with a pin vise and a bent paper clip is pushed into the hole. I then staple the paper clip to an old cork board to spray with primer. The paper clip becomes a nice holder for later painting.

I also fashion a base from plastic sheet for the figure before I begin painting. This gives me something to hold on to during painting and will later be attached to a nice wooden base and be covered with ground cover of some sort..

The head is also drilled  and a larger rod is inserted then place in an old jewelers vise for painting.

Thanks Mike for the artistic kick in the ass to get back to this project.

You're welcome for the motivation, Blunder, but I have to say I never thought I'd be inspiring anyone at my current skill level.  I'm flattered!  That sniper should look pretty tough when you get him painted up!  I'm looking forward to it.  Your builds have made me want to try some modern stuff.  My Thunderbird GI is finished.  It's been gray and rainy here, so the outside lighting doesn't make for the best picture taking.  Hopefully I can get some taken and posted tomorrow.

OK here are some pics of my finished figure. I still need some groundwork and a label for the base.

Just noticed this post. Nice job Mike.

I am slowly working on my Marine sniper but the spring is getting the best of me.

Still waiting to see some of the other guys work.

Thanks for the compliments,Blunder. Summer has been taking it's toll on me as well.  I haven't had much modeling time either.  I have been working on my Wana Ridge Marine, though. Got him all assembled, primed, and I have his USMC utilities base coated. I'll post some pics soon.  I too hope to see some of the other guys work! Happy 4th of July to those celebrating!

good updates guys 

i'm too busy for now to work me too

Hey everyone, I'm still lurk'n about... very good builds coming through here.

I've got my figure set, just one last item ordered the other day.  The subject will be an SS infantryman from the Germania regiment during the 1940 French campaign.  A Tamiya kit will be the basis of the build, but the head will be replaced with a spare from Alpine.  The kit comes with an Mg 42, but that is out of sync with the time period so ordered a resin MG 34 replacement.  I'll post pics soon once everything is in.

I noticed there is no Group Badge proposed, so I put a little something together.  At first I was going to try and include various time eras, but even keeping it down to 3 or 4 made it too clunky.  So I thought maybe Sgt. Rock would do as he is pretty well known figure, at least here in the west.  Let me know what you think, changes or  otherwise.

regards,

Jack

I think it looks awesome!

+1 on the Badge Jack.

My Marine sniper is moving along but very slowly.

Hope to post some progress pics soon.

althought I'm not building on this GB.. I am lurking.. Like the badge !! (psst.. there is a Haunted Tank WIP going on in the Armor section.. w JEB Stuart, Rick, Slim, and Gus.. )...for you comic book junkies..

Resurrecting this thread. Finished the USMC sniper.

double post. Oops

Blunderbus, that turned out great, awesome job. 

Myself, I just haven't been able to find bench time for any projects.

regards,

Jack

Really good panting Blinderbus

Excellent figure Blunderbus, oils or acrylics ?

I could be enticed into joining this GB if there is any other interest. I've got quite a a large stash of figures, and haven't done one for a while.

Is there any other interest in getting  this thread going again ?

Cheers

Tony

A combination of oils and enamels. I will be starting a WW2 marine flame thrower figure soon.

I'm hoping that as the weather gets colder the other fellows will start to post some work.

Thanks for the kind words gentleman!

Anybody else still working on a figure for this GB?

Started the Regimental S4 USMC flame thrower figure.

I am!  I just finished my 1/16 Dragon Arnhem British Paratrooper!! Only took two years - pictures to follow

tamiya 120mm fighter pilot