discussion Rehashing Hurtgen forest diorama

[rtfoe]

I cleaned up the figures by smoothening areas where the folds were too stark for the jacket I was to make. Also the gruesome task of decapitating limbs to fit properly.
At present the fellas are in the early pattern uniforms and not in tank outfits. All the harnesses would have gotten caught in the turret fixtures. There will be a mixture of overalls and jackets, winter covers under their helmets made.

I had to bend his knee and ankle so that his foot could rest on the shell rack. Previously it was left dangling. Test fitting was good...
The other three also need major surgery as well and proper clothing. All traces of glue removed and positions cleaned for figures to be reinstated later, as for now they are loose.

Cheers,
Wabble

 

[rtfoe]

Hi All, the two guys on opposite sides of the turret have a bit of putty added to making the tankers jacket. I did a short mix of Magic Sculpt so fell short of the jacket for the second guy and what was left I worked on the collar.
I need to add scarf around their necks and maybe add tankers head covers as well.
The officer that had his leg amputated is also puttyied up but will get his jacket next...
Lots of clean up ahead to smoothen things over. It would have been better if I had thinned the overall figure so more accurate folds could be sculpted for the trousers but I anticipate that these will be hidden in the turret.
The close ups show so much seamlines I missed in my early days of figure building and the sleeves look moulded to the hands. Not attempting to detail the boots either 'cos I read there were boot over covers for winter and they look like the oversized Tamiya boots on the old figures anyway.
Any comments so far welcomed.

Cheers,
Wabble

 

[Jim R]

Figures are coming on nicely. Adjusting figures is very hard. I have only ever done very simple stuff like adjusting an arm, nothing as complex as this.

 

[rtfoe]

Figures are coming on nicely. Adjusting figures is very hard. I have only ever done very simple stuff like adjusting an arm, nothing as complex as this.

Thanks Jim, I'm starting to get the hang of curing times for MS and when to add folds which is the fun part. Applying putty at the initial stage can be messy.
Simple stuff is a good start. Just be aware of measurements and proportions to the anatomy when practising surgery. Exaggeration depends on how the limbs can stretch.
Here's the next crew member with tank overalls...
And where he is stationed in the turret... watching that the tank can negotiate the coming bend on the road.

Two more crew to convert...

Cheers,
Wabble

 

[rtfoe]

Hi, third crew member getting his jacket done...ran out of pre kneaded putty for the cuffs and scarf.
I will part down his shoulder back that seems to protrude too much. The next batch of putty will be used to buff up the arms too.
I can't wait to add a coat of primer to even things out 'cos the patchiness prevents the folds to be seen. Seam lines on the fingers also need clean up. Will start working on the fourth crew member before attacking the other tank crew.

Cheers,
Wabble

 

[rtfoe]

Third crew member with sleeves done and extra winter face covers...
And the fourth crew and one more crew member from the M36 with head turned and overalls added...
I had only enough mixed putty for the front of the overalls. In two minds as to complete the bottom half of the figure as it's hidden behind the massive 90mm gun breach block. What do you think?

Cheers,
Wabble

 

[rtfoe]

Now they look nice and comfy with winter jackets and overalls. Next to prime and repaint.


Cheers,
Wabble

 

[minitnkr]

Looking very good.

 

[scottie3158]

Wabble, great figure work really jealous of your skills when it comes to your figure work.

 

[rtfoe]

Thanks Paul.

 

[rtfoe]

Wabble, great figure work really jealous of your skills when it comes to your figure work.

Thanks Scottie, I'm actually envious too for your patience in super detailing. I confess I draw the line with that when I do dioramas...just no time...too many on the bench or shelf of shame.

Cheers,
Wabble

 

[rtfoe]

I've just finished with the other crew from the M36 Jackson and will start priming.

Cheers,
Wabble

 

[rtfoe]

I just couldn't resist adding the iconic helmet straps that is often seen secured to the back of the helmet using left over Magic Sculpt...

Cheers,
Wabble

 

[rtfoe]

As you will notice, I'm working on similar figures that I have to make look different from each other. Some are reposed and some have different clothing. This one is WIP and will have a long open coat for the left figure.

This one needs ammo pouch slings for the right figure.

And these are quite there...

Notice I haven't changed the left figures leggings as it would be hidden in the tank turret.

Cheers,
Wabble

 

[rtfoe]

Just added the bottom blouse and wait for it to harden before adding the heavy coat.

Cheers,
Wabble

 

[Jim R]

Truly excellent work on the figures.

 

[rtfoe]

Truly excellent work on the figures.

Thanks Jim, working on the coat just now was a challenge. Good thing I only mixed enough to work on one side of the coat 'cos it was starting to cure as I was doing the final shaping and folds.
Here are the images before final detailing...


Cheers,
Wabble

 

[rtfoe]

Hi,
Confidence in sculpting the second half of the coat was less stressful. Now I have two different figures marching in step from the same mold.

On checking with references on the coat, it didn't have a belt but a short strip of belt and buttons to hold the coat in shape on the back...

I need to work on that a little more.
Fingers on both figures have been adjusted to hold the weapons properly and putty added to Sculpt the missing portions.

Cheers,
Wabble

 

[Steven000]

This is amazing sculpting work Wabble, very nice!

 

[rtfoe]

This is amazing sculpting work Wabble, very nice!

Thank you Steven, I'm improving with every figure I modify. Have gotten used to the characteristics of Magic Sculpt...plonk it on when just mixed, smear it around with a wet finger, wait a few minutes as it starts to stiffen and then press in the folds. TET is used to blend the putty edge to the plastic for a seamless bond.

Cheers,
Wabble