Mitches Models 200mm RAF Pilot

[Twokidsnosleep]

Ok WOW
This is really impressive

[privatepete]

Hi David, awesome job so far, the eyes turned out great! I know eyes are really difficult to do, "that's where the life is", so painting them correctly is important. You did a great job on them And the colour of his uniform are spot on . Awesome job mate. Have you thought of what type of base your go to put him on yet ???

[Stokesy44]

Hi David, awesome job so far, the eyes turned out great! I know eyes are really difficult to do, "that's where the life is", so painting them correctly is important. You did a great job on them And the colour of his uniform are spot on . Awesome job mate. Have you thought of what type of base your go to put him on yet ???

Thanks Pete, much appreciated.

I think I'm going to make a simple base using air drying clay, probably about 3 by 3 inches and 1/2 inch deep. I don't want anything bigger as he's big enough already!

He doesn't actually stand up properly on his own (a combination of the kit and my sawing skills) so when I make the base I will have to make holes for wooden dowels that he will be fixed to. He already has dowels inserted in his feet to keep him upright on the paint stand so I just need to fashion shorter ones which I will insert in the base when I make it.

[Stokesy44]

Ok WOW
This is really impressive

Stokesy...... he is looking great!

Thanks Guys. I've definitely caught the bug for figure kits. I was in the shop where I bought the kit this morning and the guy asked me if I wanted him to order in any more? I had to fight the urge like you wouldn't believe. Mitches models do a 200mm British Airborne trooper in full jump rig and apparently they've got a new US Airborne trooper on the way. My wallet just ran across the room and locked itself in the toilet.

[Stokesy44]

Started work on the oils yesterday. But before then I started on the base.

I don't want anything fancy, just something simple but heavy enough that he will stand up without any problem. I used DAS clay and rolled out a base about a cm deep. I added extra clay at the corners which I will square off once its all dry. I made new wooden dowels for the feet and positioned the pilot on the base while the clay was still wet, making sure he was upright in his final stance. He tends to lean to the right too much so I deliberately offset that when I 'planted' him

It will take a couple of days to fully harden so I'll leave it alone for now, once its ready I'll use filler and sanders to get rid of any imperfections. I don't want it perfect, just something that will look good once its painted and varnished.




Then on to the oil work. First up was a brown wash applied to the face, just to add a touch of colour. I'm loathe to do anymore in case I go too far.



Using dot filters and good old fashioned painting I got some nice tonal differences and fading on the flying helmet.




Same for the parachute




Then I moved on to the body, working on dirtying up the Mae West and adding fading to the leather.





Applied a wash around the straps and buckles for the harness



Applied filters and highlights to the trousers




And some minor work on the shoes.




I need to work on the back of the harness and the Mae West but he's getting there

[rcfanuk]

Looking good mate

[Stokesy44]

Looking good mate

Thanks mate. Almost there now.

Thursday's efforts

Dirtied up the Mae West with more shading and washing, also attached the oxygen hose, it needs a dry brush to highlight the texture on the hose.




More washing and texture on the back of the harness



Attached the rip chord using lead wire and used plastic rod for the microphone cable that runs from the mask into the helmet connector.




Yesterday

Attached the main radio cable using lead wire. On the real thing the cable comes out of the base of the back of the helmet but on the model it only needs to go as far as disappearing under the front of the helmet on the right hand side. I also attached the head, connected the microphone lead and painted both cables. I also dry brushed the oxygen hose





He's pretty much done. Just need to add washes to the connectors on the ends of the radio lead and oxygen hose and its done. Just the base left now - which is still drying!

Full up 360

[exmoor]

I would be very proud if i could get any where near your standerd just awsome

[Stokesy44]

I would be very proud if i could get any where near your standerd just awsome

Wow, that's a compliment and a half. Thank you kind Sir, it is very much appreciated.

[Muzrik]

Great job that looks Awesome

[Kevthemodeller]

Lovely work mate the leather effect on helmet and jacket is amazing

[Stokesy44]

Great job that looks Awesome

Thanks mate

Lovely work mate the leather effect on helmet and jacket is amazing

Thanks Kev

I cant really take credit for the leather work. The texture on the cast (particularly on the jacket) is superb. I used Vallejo Model Colour for the jacket and helmet, its superb paint, beautiful consistency and with just a little sheen when it dries, its perfect for a leather finish. A little shading and washing was all it needed on top.

I primed the little clay base yesterday, it just needs a coat of black and a gloss then its done. I'll post the final pics after that. I may do a separate set for the gallery too. I always say that but never end up doing it!

[Stokesy44]

Painted and glossed the base today so I'm calling this done. Really enjoyed my first figure, I've learned a lot and had an absolute ball




Thanks for looking in and for your kind comments.

[Kevthemodeller]

Fantastic job mate

[SergioSolo]

Outstanding job there! Lots of details to look at

[privatepete]

Hi David stunning workmanship, you have picked out all the little details that brings him to life,10/10 in my book

[Twokidsnosleep]

Perfection, absolute perfection

[rcfanuk]

Great job mate, must get back to mine after a few days away

Steve

[Stokesy44]

Fantastic job mate

Outstanding job there! Lots of details to look at

Hi David stunning workmanship, you have picked out all the little details that brings him to life,10/10 in my book

Perfection, absolute perfection

Great job mate, must get back to mine after a few days away
Steve

Thanks Gents. Its probably the most fun I've had at the bench in a while. Maybe it was the subject or learning new processes, I don't know. Working with resin was also a challenge but it was well worth it. Once again, thanks for all the comments, you're all far too generous!