The Imperfect Modeller

Work on the Great War project continues and at the moment I reckon I’m about a third of the way there. The only problem is ideas for other models and dioramas keep popping into my head and the project keeps growing. In truth I really haven’t got a clue how many more are in the pipe line. This is partly fuelled by my idea to create a timeline of models, the aim being to reflect the start, the very big middle bit and the end of the war.

So as far as the timeline goes the first model in the sequence is this one. I needed something to kick-start the war in figure terms and although I had other ideas I couldn’t find the figures. Civilian figures are hard to find in 28mm scale (is that a niche in the market?) but then I got lucky and found this newspaper man figure from Black Pyramid Gaming. The figure is one of a four piece set which goes under the name of Jack the Ripper. It’s an excellent figure, well cast and perfect for my needs. Definitely a site I will use again.

The figure itself painted up nicely and I managed to find a Post Box to provide a bit of street furniture. The newspaper images were made from downloaded images of real newspapers scaled down and made into small bundles.

A small contribution but in the sequence of the timeline a crucial one and one that overall I was pleased with. Next in the sequence will be a model reflecting the enlistment programme that was put into place immediately following the announcement of war. I’ve managed to find the figures and all being well I hope to provide a progress update on my next post.

Thanks for looking.

TIM

When I decided to do some WW1 figures and dioramas for next years centenary one thing I was keen to do was produce a few models that were relevant but (hopefully) different.  When ever I see models for this era they are almost always trench scenes with or without tanks.  Don’t get me wrong there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, in fact it’s highly relevant but too my mind there are many other images to be portrayed and I guess that’s where I come in.  That said, and before for I dig a hole for myself, I will (and have) do some models which will conform with convention (but no tanks, I don’t do tanks!).

So first up is my 28mm diorama which I have chosen to call “Gone but not Forgotten”.  Appropriate as today is Rememberance Day.  In modelling there is a side to war which can some times be forgotten – death!  I don’t know how many dead soldiers were brought home but as far as I can establish most, for a variety of reasons (body identification being but one), were buried where they fell.  Having said that a great many soldiers who enlisted early were repatriated having been seriously wounded and unable to fight on.  Sadly a return home did not guarantee survival and many soldiers died of their injuries before and after the 1918 armistice.  It’s this scenario on which the diorama is based.

The figures are all stock figures and were purchased from a couple of suppliers, Footsore Miniatures and North Star Military Figures, all excellent castings.  I’m not sure how accurate the clothing for the civilian figures actually is for the era but on balance I’m not sure it really matters, not to me at any rate.  The scene is a simple one.  In addition to the grave we have the gravedigger in the background, the vicar/priest, the dead soldiers mother/wife and his soldier brother.

Ground work was straight forward but looked a little flat so I built another tree to provide some height and a little more interest.  The finishing touch was a small wreath made of twisted wire with Noch leaves added.

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.

TIM

So who is James Newton Langley?

James was born in Brixton, London in 1876, enlisted in the Middlesex Regiment on the 7th June 1915 and died in 1935. He went through the war until he was demobbed in 1918. With his regiment he saw action at Ypres and the Somme as well as numerous other encounters.  James was my Great Grandfather and below is one of a few pictures which were handed down to me.

When I was searching for WW1 figures I came across a 28mm mounted soldier by North Star Military Figures which got me quite excited. The figure itself was of an officer (James was a humble Private) but with a couple of minor alterations I felt I could produce something a little closer to the photo above.

The first change was to remove the upper part of the figures boots and turn them into gaiters.  Next up was to add white braiding to the horse harness and to the figures left shoulder.  Minor alterations which made a considerable difference but about as much as I could realistically achieve given the casting of the figure and my own ability.

The next thing I did was to take the photo and flip it so that the horse and rider were facing the other way.

Finally all that remained was to paint the figure and add it to a plain base. As a model this falls a long way short of being my best work. As a meaningful figure it sits top of the pile.

TIM

This week saw my second mini WW1 Diorama completed and off the work bench.  The good news is I now have two items for next years Plymouth show, the bad news (or I guess good news too as I enjoy my modelling) is that I’ve got about another 10 exhibits to do!

Not a great deal to say about this model.  The figures were all purchased from Empress Miniatures (Mutton Chop WW1 range) and are some of the best figures in 28mm scale that I have seen.  I’d recommend these figures to anyone else out there who is interested in WW1 they really are excellent.  No adjustments were made to the figures, just the simple case of painting, composing and a bit of base work.  The enamel badge, actually a remembrance lapel badge, was bought on Ebay for a couple of pounds to complete the base.

I did paint these figures slightly different from my other WW1 diorama.  In both instances I put down base coats in Vallejo acrylics but on the first diorama I added a top coat in oils.  On this model I applied a second coat of acrylic followed by an oil paint wash, the oil paint diluted using White Spirit.  I’ve tried using water based washes but personally I’m not a big fan.  It might be the way I use them but the water based washes run off too much for my liking whereas an oil paint wash is absorbed into the acrylic and in my opinion gives a better looking finish.  Each to their own I guess.  In any event I’ll leave those that look at this post to judge for themselves.

Pictures of the final diorama appear below.

TIM

Well at long last the various models I had ordered have all arrived and I have been able to commence work on the first of what will be a few 28mm WW1 dioramas.  If all goes to plan then I should have half a dozen or so models complete over the coming weeks.  However, we all know that nothing goes to plan so in reality it will probably take longer and involve obligatory swearing and cursing.

I decided to start with some of the figures I bought from Empress Models, their Muttonchop WW1 range.  The detail in these 28mm figures is simply outstanding.  Painting the figures is underway with some finished and others almost there.  Base work has also started and all things being well then by the end of next week I will be able to post images of the end result.

TIM