Peter D's Tamiya Luftwaffe Pilot

[Guest]

I've cleared this with Neil, as I didn't want to step on his toes, but the act is that I've been so inspired by his own excellent build that I had to have another go at this one. This will be my fifth version of this figure and the first where I may (only may) use the kit head.

Sprue shot:



A fine sculpt and the usual high standard of moulding by Tamiya.

[Guest]

Morning Peter.
Looks like it will be a warm one to day.
Front seat near the window please.

[Neil Merryweather]

you say the nicest things Peter
I shall be following of course

[Jim R]

Hi Peter
I seem to remember this one. I reckon it's gonna be too hot to paint today. They say 29 degrees here.
Jim

[Guest]

John - I'll get the fan from Owen's room. He's gone to his sister's for the weekend, so now we can all us it..

Neil - All true; you're doing a cracking job on yours.

Jim - The heat has now defeated me. 34 degrees predicted here, and it feels like it..


The thing built and ready to paint:



An easy build and only a tiny bit of filler needed. I've got around the cuff-title problem by completely removing it - cheating I know, but there is no was I would attempt to paint the lettering. I've also included a flare pistol, which I may not use. I'm going to have him holding the cap behind his back.

I decided to give the Galland head a go:



Hmmmm, not sure. It looks like him, but it is a bit of a caricature and not that realistic. I'll see if it grows on me over the next 24 hours.

[Neil Merryweather]

looks good t o me,Peter

[Steve Jones]

Nice to see you doing this one again Peter. What will you be doing different this time around?

[Guest]

Neil - Thanks.

Steve - Hi. Probably the head. I don't think I can live with the kit one, so I've prepared two otters, one capped and one bareheaded.

[SteveH]

Morning Peter.
Heatwave over, back to normal service!
Dont you think Galland's post war publicity and his very distinctive looks are part of making his head look a little "different"?
Good job though, even if you dont use it.
The next few days painting will be a familiar journey and the same palette too, always a comfort when things get busy.
Its weekend and lots to do, as ever, hopefully some vampire time too?
If it does happen, I'll pm you!
There will be loads of metal work too!!
Enjoy the cooler day and getting stuck into the uniform, version 5!
Regards
Steve H

[Guest]

Morning Steve

Galland had a very distinctive face, but not that distinctive. I feel that Tamiya have created a caricature which spoils an otherwise excellent figure. I've stripped down the head that I used on the version that appeared in all it's glory in a certain modelling magazine (reproduced too big, warts and all) and will have a go at that today.

Not sure that it feels that much fresher here. Yesterday was torture, the humidity being the worst thing. Hope you get those pale vampirish flesh tones started after all of the chores.

[Guest]

The second head:

[ATTACH alt="100_7951.JPG"]394537[/ATTACH][ATTACH alt="100_7957.JPG"]394540[/ATTACH]

I decided to go for this Dragon spare, which I found very, very difficult to paint - the eyes were very narrow and really hard to get at. However, as I've stuck it on the figure, I must be reasonably happy with it.

Normally, I wouldn't bother with the Knight's Cross, finding the Tamiya ones a bit prone to flash, but here I'd thought I'd give it a go. I painted the ribbon on the knot of the tie first before sticking it on. At least that's the fiddly stuff done.

[Guest]

Forgot to mention that the RAF sent over a photo reconnaissance Spitfire to have a look at this chap while I was working on him today:



Sorry for the lousy photos. I missed the first pass which was much closer - a fly-over of the Kent and Canterbury Hospital to thank the NHS. I believe it's this aircraft based at Biggin Hill:



We normally get up to four Spitfire fly-overs a day here - expensive day trips from Biggin Hill - but this was much lower.

[Guest]

Agree about this heat Peter, I've been painting for around 30 mins and its enough, even with a through draft.
New head is certainly less of a caricature and will look better. Nice photo of the Spitfire, any photo is worth seeing.
Not seen any this year from the BBMF, only a short distance from here for them, normally see them coming back from a fly by.

[Guest]

Cheers John - Much cooler and fresher today, thank goodness.

I've decided not to carry on with this one. The second head is rubbish too and I really can't be bothered to start another. Instead, you can marvel at Neil's great rendition - his fine finish says all that need to be said about this figure.

I did make a version of this a year ago anyway:

[ATTACH alt="100_4846.JPG"]394582[/ATTACH]

[Lee Drennen]

Peter. I’m lost for words but the flyby was good you’ll find your grove in a minute