It's a small world after all! Looking good Dave. Rick H.
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Not much extra at the moment. I got a few half built but I'm waiting on paint. Added some cargo to my little maultier which helps.
Back to my 15mm figures .... only about 15 to do - until the next batch arrives. Pics soon.Comment
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They always look better if untarped, as long as there is plenty of crapintheback. Rick H.Comment
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You're right, an empty truck just doesn't look right. I got another one on order which I'll build as the standard truck but I'll probably put the tarp on that one just for variety - maybe open the back flap like I did with the Zis. While I'm waiting for paint, I'll open up the windows on the Mercedes cab that came with this one, so I won't have two blitzes.
I also have the tarp left over from this one and there's a small flap moulded on the back so I'll just open that up. Unlike your poor guy left peelin' all those spuds though, I won't have anything inside mine!Comment
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Still waiting on paint for tanks so caught up with most of the figures for my planned dio:
Assorted Russian and German figures from Plastic Soldier Co - about 80 so far. I've got a few more to do for crew figures for guns etc. so I should end up with around a hundred.
I'm very impressed with the level of detail and poses - far superior to the old Airfix figures even though they're quite a bit smaller - although as always there are some repeat figures. All will have their bases either removed or covered when I place them.
Now I know how Ron felt when he painted all those b****y zulus!
I do have a question though.
I've looked into a lot of figure painting sites and I'm surprised at what I've found. I put one coat of each colour for the different areas then add a rough coat of matt varnish to protect the paint.
Most figure painters start with a primer, then a base coat, then individual colours, then one or more highlight coats (lighter or darker) for the main colours, then drybrush colours for more highlights, then washes and varnishes. Their figures in close up look like clowns with overdone make-up after a paintball battle in a muddy pond!
Why? These are 15mm figures so even at 2ft viewing distance, you're only seeing what they would look like at 200ft in the real world. How much detail can you see on a figure 200ft away?!
Having said all that, I have tremendous admiration for a lot of figure painters who do the fantasy stuff. Some of those are truly fabulous!Comment
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Dave, nice Russian armour and truck :nerd:.
As to painting those figures I agree, I can't manage a lot of facial detail, but rely upon the wash Tim Marlow recommended. They give give the right amount of shadow for me.Comment
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Did someone mention Zulus? 570 still has nightmares about Zulus....Hundreds of them! So Dave, your not going to give us a close up view of your painted figures. Hmmm.Comment
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Excellent collection, Dave.
At last, someone who really does appreciate what I went through with those 400 odd Zulu figures. I'm still getting then charging out of my wardrobe at some ungodly hour. And all I have for protection is a feather pillow!
Re. figure painting. I totally agree with you and John's comments about figure painting. I admire most work, but there are plenty that do look like clowns with huge creases on their faces. I just don't understand how folks think such gross looking chops look natural. But hey, its their model to do as they like and that's how it should be.Comment
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Dave,
Now your just showing off with the figures lol.Comment
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In my opinion 15s are too small for anything more than block painting and colour washes. Gamers typically use several hundred at a time for an army, so doing anything more becomes a real chore....more than 15 minutes a figure being too long. On the other hand, 28mm are typically used for smaller armies and need a bit more work, block painting, highlighting, washing, and edge highlights are all needed to bring out the character of the sculpt. Anything less doesn’t really cut it for me at that scale.
Your 15s look good Dave, but I think a flesh wash would bring out the individual character a little more. Don’t use the “dip” method though, it kills the finish, just making them look muddy.....use Vallejo flesh wash, it’s just right to give instant shading, taking very little time to apply.
As to Zulus, I have an army of about 400 in 15mm, so know what you mean. They are a bit boring to paint, the only variation being the shields.....Comment
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Some great work. There are some great unit decals available for this scale. PaulEComment
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Absolutely right Tim. I can't see the point of over-egging stuff in 15mm scale. 28mm does give painters a much better opportunity to show their skills, and the larger figures are more likely to be subject to greater scrutiny. Like I said, I've seen some really amazing fantasy figures in 28mm.
I don't have that flesh tone wash you recommend although I'm prepared to give a simple wash a try as it's not likely to add much time to my figure painting. Any suggestions how I could mix something suitable from my collection of acrylics?Comment
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Hi Dave
The colour you need as a base is a red brown. The problem is going to be getting the consistency right.....just using dilute paint won’t work. Properly made washes don't act like pin washes on armour, they shade the creases gradually. You can make washes using Klear and paint, but it is very hit and miss, I think it is honestly easier to buy some Vallejo game colour 73204 Flesh wash. Think of it as the secret ingredient in the secret ingredient sauce that is figure painting in the small scales.....Comment
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