Kursk. II S.S. Panzer corps slowly claw their way toward Obayan

[Guest]

Hi Paul the material looks about right just use a hair brush and brush the material against the grain and it will all stand up. nice work mate.

scott

[tr1ckey66]

Scott

Thanks for getting back to me. That all makes sense. I'm assuming that once you've got some paint on it it kinda stands up on it's own? I'm going to try shaving it in parts (ooher, missis!) for the more barren patches and possibly 'plant' some longer grass in places with bristles from a brush.

Just wondering if you'll be joining us? You may be busy and this is no pressure at all but it would be great to have you building one of your dios.

Cheers

P

[Guest]

Hi Paul yeah best thing is prime get the grass standing up first then prime it all with a grey paint once thats dry the grwill stand up then paint it green or whtever colour you require. As for my joining the GB i have an idea in mind but not sure how or if it is workable yet so will need to do some further planning on that, i am flattered you think the long grass idea is good enough to try out cheers mate and i will be looking forward to seeing this develop.

scott

[tr1ckey66]

Scott

This is a fabulous tip - no way am I 'planting' a whole field full of brush bristle grass - it'd take the whole GB build time! Anyway, it works great for you - I'm gonna give it a go!

Cheers

P

[Guest]

Thanks Bobby/TonyAbout the Grass: this is really Scott's tip, I'm giving it a go for the first time. I've asked him for some advice on this but he may be away or busy. I'm sure he'll put us right once he gets the time and I'm a long way from starting the grass anyway. I think our dioramas will be quite different Bobby as I'm depicting a battle during high summer and you're tackling the winter scene. You've got some great opportunities to create some real muck and filth there, with the contrast of the snow it should look fab.

Paul

ha ha haaa, yeah, i thought to myself after writing the post "ehh? hang on, the only things really the same is german troops and a tank?!" and half of the G.B. is doing that, thats the eastern front for u. i am lookin forward to doing lots of muddyness. i like how you said to paul about shaving some of the fur (ooh er?! now ave done it too), i'm gonna steal that tip.he he. then i'll spread dirty mud over the bare areas (where is this sentance going?!) it's all turning a bit franky howard. anyhoo, if you know how to do mud effect or anyone else does, let me know.

[tr1ckey66]

Right then...

I've got an update on the first SS figure. Since my last post I added lead-foil straps, the equipment and a bread bag made from putty (so I could push the water bottle into it whist still soft). I then sat down and started to paint... Going against my original plan, I decided to paint the figures in acrylics as apposed to oils. The chief reason for doing this was the shorter drying times but did mean I'd have to give up some of the blending properties of oil paints.

I primed the figure first with Halford's grey primer and then set about the camouflage. After finishing this I then turned my attention to the flesh tones and then completed the rest of the figure.

You may notice a gap in the shoulder of the right arm - I haven't yet attached this arm properly yet (it's pinned) and some painting restoration will be required once it's filled.

After completing the camouflage the first time I wasn't happy with the base colour nor the pattern so repainted it again. After some localised washes made from thinned oil paint (black and burnt sienna) I dry brushed some highlights and dirt onto the boots and trousers. I've simulated the chipped paint from the gas mask and the cup over the water bottle and highlighted the MP40 with some gun metal.

Overall I'm quite happy with it. I've learned a lot from this figure and that can only be good for future projects. It's not in Tyrel's league but It'll do for my dio and I'm pleased with both the result and the kowledge I've gained. Any comments/feedback is welcomed and I hope you like my first attempt at figure alts.

Cheers

Paul

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[spanner570]

I'm quietly watching all the builds, and this Paul is summat else. The work you have put into this is of the highest order, and painted so very well. my congrats. to you.

Ron

[yak face]

superb figures paul, i wish i could do mine as good as this, excellent work , keep it up cheers tony

[Guest]

OK Paul, I have posted all my figures to you to paint and I have included a couple of quid to buy yourself a pint for doing them. Don't tell anyone else on the forum so that when they see them they will all think I am a genius.

Just superb mate, really good.

[Guest]

Paul, thats a cracking job youve done there mate, well done you should be really chuffed with the results...have to say the camo stands out very very well, love it. All the extra work and effort you have put in has paid off fully. All the best bud, regards Martin :-)

[Guest]

Paul your figure painting skills are of the highest order my friend most beautiful you have a talent there and if the rest turns out this well iam very keen to ses this develop further, very well done indeed my hat is off to you sir.

scott

[tr1ckey66]

Thanks guys for the comments it means a helluva lot.

Graham: I know you don't need any help with your figure painting, although you do seem to have quite a few to complete! How many is it exactly?!

I've got 9 altogether and the one I've nearly finished took me a week and a half! 4 months doesn't seem that long a time period now does it!!!

Ron, Tony, Martin - thanks again for the support. The encouragement here helps to maintain the enthusiasm levels! I hope that my comments do the same for you.

Paul

Ps. For the next part of the build I'm concentrating on the diorama base!!!? as I need this in place for parts of the build later on.

[tr1ckey66]

Cheers Scott

I was writing my previous reply when you made the last post. Thank you too and I do hope that when you've finished your masterpiece Dora you'll have time to join us.

All the best

Paul

[Guest]

I dare not count them at this stage Paul but it is around 16 I think. I am getting the vehicles done up to the weathering stage first as I need to shuffle them around on a base board to get my positions right before I plan out the landscape. At that point I will decide which if not all to use.

[jspitza]

OK Paul, I have posted all my figures to you to paint and I have included a couple of quid to buy yourself a pint for doing them. Don't tell anyone else on the forum so that when they see them they will all think I am a genius.Just superb mate, really good.

Yes, Yes what Graham just said. I'll pay you in oil........... Just kidding, Jeff (in USA)