THE CAULDRON

Glider Pilot Regiment 70th Anniversary 2012

2012-01-12T16:09:00.002Z

Click on the image (to increase its size)

May I Direct You To Our New Blogsite?

2011-09-15T13:58:00.006+01:00

Been absent from the sculpting scene for some time now, but for good reason (or I think so anyway). As some of you might know I also swim in the pool of living history and earlier this year a friend of mine and myself started a new venture, a new living history group called Chalk. Our main 'impression' is the Glider Pilot Regiment, although we also 'dabble' in other units. Anyhow heres a link to the Chalk blogsite and whole collection of recent pics that we've put together over the Summer event season. Hope you like, please leave comments if you've got anything to say. Cheers all, Matt.

www.chalknumber.blogspot.com

Photoshoot: Foreign Legion, Dien Bien Phu

2011-04-28T12:55:00.000+01:00

Recent Living History photoshoot for your reference. All shots are property of: Studio Solaire no reproduction without prior permission. Enjoy.

Ooooh... What could this be...?

2011-01-05T09:58:00.005Z

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2010-12-22T12:58:00.001Z

Just so you all know I'm still alive, I thought I'd better post some seasonal greetings to one and all!! I've made absolutely no progress with the 'Slit Trench' dio, not because I'm a lazy ass (well, not totally anyway) but because my 'real' work has been keeping me unfairly busy and I've started another little side project which has grabbed my attention... more of this later... ;)

I hope you're all well and looking forward to the holidays...

Cheers all

Matt

New Project Idea - At Last!!

2010-10-23T15:56:00.000+01:00

I've been wracking my brain for a couple of months now, trying to get some idea of what I want to work on next and at last I've come up with something that feels... 'right'. Firstly, I've decided to shelve the 'Angel of Arnhem' project until I'm 100% happy with the composition of it - this is something I'm struggling with, but I know it'll come eventually.

The piece I want to work on next will be a 120mm vignette of two British soldiers (Infantry, Commando or Airborne, I haven't decided yet), in a typical slit trench scenario, based around the Normandy area of July/August '44. These men have been dug in, in the same area, holding the line for a several weeks so the slit trench has a covered 'sleeping' area at one end and will have bits of kit and rubbish strewn around. They say to always include a little bit of yourself in what you create so my idea is to have one chap shaving (cleaning his weapon, writing a letter etc) and another chap sketching a picture! A nice, typical scene for the time. Now I know that many people are sick of the British being shown standing around drinking tea or pointing into the distance, but the scene I wish to depict is a part of the Normandy campaign that tends to get overlooked; that of thousands of men simple 'holding the line'. If any of you have any feedback I'd love to hear it, as always. Cheers all. Matt

Latest Sculpt for El Greco: D-Day Commando!

2010-09-15T15:39:00.006+01:00

No more secrets! My latest sculpt for El Greco is now ready, and is available at this years Euro Militaire Show in Folkstone (it will also be available from the El Greco website after the show). I put my heart and soul into this one; the bl**dy Bergen was a project in its own right!! As usual I've added a selection of reference pics over in the 'Reference Images' section on the right of this blog. If any of you need to know anything or just feel like getting in touch then please do so. I won't be including a step-by-step of the sculpt as you all know how I work after the Chindit SBS. I am wanting to have a crack at painting this Commando myself though - so watch this space!! Cheers all, roll on Euro! Matt

Finished at last!!

2010-07-26T22:30:00.001+01:00

Good news, my latest commercial sculpt is now finished and has gone off for casting, so keep your eyes peeled at Euro 2010!! This not only means that I can now give some attention to other sculpting projects but I can also indulge myself in my one of my other hobbies; living history. This week I was fortunate enough to attend the War & Peace show at The Hop Farm in Kent. From Wednesday through to Sunday I lived in a slit trench, forgave shaving and washing, ate period army rations and tried to recreate the Oosterbeek perimeter outside Arnhem, 1944. I've attached a couple of photos for your interest. Watch this space for more sculpting updates but I'm taking a little break first... Matt

Head Sculpt Casting Solution?

2010-04-09T16:23:00.004+01:00

Hi all, a few weeks ago I asked for some head sculpting advice on the Planetfigure forum, many of you were extremely forthcoming with help and I'd like to show you how I progressed. As some of you will know I'm currently working on a commercial project - details of which I can't divulge at the moment - however, I can show you some of the work on the head (which will give you a clue, but my lips are sealed). I wanted to offer two alternative heads for the figure and this presented me with an interesting challenge; would I need to sculpt a second head from scratch or could I try and cast a copy of my own?

Hmmm... I'll try a cast methinks. Firstly I took some ProCreate, mixed it 50/50 with some MagicSculp which I then let stand for about an hour so it wasn't too soft, I then painted the face of the sculpted head (minus beret) with Vaseline and pressed it into the block of PC/MS putty taking care to lift it straight out and not 'wiggle' it. The block was then left on the radiator overnight to harden fully.

After experimenting with different mixes of PC and MS I found that pure MS worked best,so the next night I painted the inside of the now hardened mold with Vaseline, mixed up some MS, left it to stand until it was starting to firm up, then pressed it very firmly into the mold and again left it on the radiator overnight. The following night I simply prized the 'face' out of the mold (it comes out pretty easily with the Vaseline), cleaned up the flashing and affixed it to a faceless head (a ball of old Milliput from the putty scrap box) with more MS, cleaned it up and sanded away the join once the MS had set. The face itself then needed a bit of refining and I also removed the moustache and sculpted some new ears, sawed off the top of the head and added the helmet.

All this sounds like a lot of work but this is definitley something I'll be doing in the future as it nicely provides the basic features; nose, brow, cheeks, chin etc which can then be changed, added to or refined where necessary to create individual faces.

Anyhow, see what you think. Cheers for looking, hopefully more soon. Matt

Ground to a Halt!

2010-03-05T13:32:00.003Z

Sorry guys this project has ground to a halt due to work commitments over the past few weeks and the fact that I've picked up a new commercial sculpt to be completed for later on in the year (Top Secret I'm afraid - watch this space). The pause in production has also lead me to rethink the base build, I really think it needs to be something far more simple and understated so that the figures take centre stage. I've gone someway to filling out the armatures and will try to get some pics up this weekend just for the SBS fans amongst you. Cheers. Matt

Progress for 'Angel of Arnhem'

2009-12-24T18:02:00.005Z

I've made some progress with the base at last! The walls and steps are constructed from foamex board glued together with PVA. They then have a 'wash' of Polyfilla made with PVA - not water, smooth for the steps and textured for the walls. I'll add cracks to the walls along with details. The stone floor tiles/flags are made from 'everyday' Milliput, textured with a stone from the garden. Merry Christmas all. Matt

Further Developments for 'Angel of Arnhem'

2009-12-10T11:00:00.007Z

Just in case I decide I'm mad enough to work on two more figures I've sketched out these chaps! They'll sit either side of the cellar steps and be surrounded by items of uniform, weapons and kit etc. Matt

Character Design for 'Angel of Arnhem'

2009-12-07T11:43:00.004Z

I started work on the character/figure design this weekend. I'm wanting the whole piece to have an almost classical feel to it, almost like the Great Masters' crucifiction paintings. The Kate ter Horst figure will be central with the figures around her. There will be three main figures; 'dying in the arms of a comrade' will be two and 'the medic' will make three. I'd really like to have two other figures in the background - but I might go mad!! Matt

Designs Underway for 'Angel of Arnhem'

2009-12-03T13:08:00.005Z

Hi all. I've been giving this project some serious thought over the past couple of weeks as its very important to me that I get it right. Before I can give the figures any attention I felt I needed to get a good idea of what the base would be like. I'm referring to the base as the 'set' from now on as that is really what it is, with the figure of Kate ter Horst playing centre stage with a supporting cast of wounded soldiers and medics. I'm unsure at this time if I should include any of Kate's children in this piece?

As the Ter Horst house was actually the old vicarage next door to the Oosterbeek church (sometimes known as Lonsdale Church), and Kate would read passages from the bible to wounded and dying soldiers, I wanted to capture some of this in the sculpt without it being a notably religious piece. So I've designed the 'set' as a series of three arches; one for the back wall of the cellar steps, one for the cellar wall and one for the floor. I hope the arch reflects the doors and windows of the church whilst still giving me the elements of a cellar. Anyhow, click on the image if you want to see a larger version and watch this space for the next 'installment'. Cheers. Matt

New Personal Project Underway(?)

2009-10-27T15:51:00.003Z

For some time now I've been wanting to create a sculpted piece of work depicting the 'Angel of Arnhem'; Kate Ter Horst. I've spent some time collecting as much reference material on the lady herself and now feel its time to put this project into production. I'd like it to be a large scale piece perhaps 120mm, as I plan to have at least four figures a larger scale would take me far too long to complete! If anyone has seen the film 'Theirs is the glory' then there is a scene where Kate plays herself reading a passage from a book to the wounded soldiers in her cellar, I'd like to replicate this scene but with some tasteful artists' license. Attached is a quick sketch I've just completed as a starter, more will follow so please watch this space and please give any feedback you might have. Many thanks. Matt

120mm Chindit Sculpt Slideshow

2009-10-03T10:04:00.007+01:00

Hi all. I've just had time to create a new slideshow of all the bits and bobs that went into the 120mm Chindit sculpt; sketches, armeture, close up detail shots etc, etc. Just click on the '120mm Chindit Sculpt' link on the right of the page.

I'm hoping to start my next project soon so watch this space! Matt

'Enemy Sighted' Chindit Initial Sketch

2009-09-14T18:48:00.002+01:00

This is my initial sketch for the new El Greco Miniatures release of a 120mm British Chindit, Burma 1942-45. For those of you with a good memory you'll remember I started a larger scale,one off sculpt of a Chindit last year, and after talking to El Greco it was decided that it would be nice to offer a similar figure in a slightly smaller scale. Over the next couple of days I'll be posting up some of the progress pics of the sculpt. For those of you who are interested I've also created a new Webshots folder with some colour images of typical Chindit uniform and kit should you need them (see the link opposite). I really hope you like the figure as I hope to do some more. I'm off to Arnhem next later on in the week for the 65th Anniversary of Market Garden where I hope to get some decent reference pictures and maybe even improve my sketching skills! Cheers all.

Interesting Photo of Jim Wallwork

2009-07-29T11:54:00.014+01:00

Surfing around the 'net the other day unearthed this picture of SSgt Jim Wallwork.

"Staff Sergeant Jim Wallwork DFM was a member of the Glider Pilot Regiment who achieved fame as the pilot of the first Horsa glider to land at Pegasus Bridge in the early hours of 6 June 1944. This remarkable achievement was described as "the greatest feat of flying of the second world war" by Air Chief Marshal Sir Trafford Leigh-Mallory.[1] Although most famous for his part in the Battle of Normandy, Jim Wallwork flew gliders in every major British airborne operation of the second world war. These also included the Sicily Landings, Arnhem and the Rhine Crossings. He now lives in Vancouver". Courtesy of Wikipedia

In this shot No.1 Platoon's glider (piloted by Jim Wallwork and John Ainsworth) is in the foreground, just behind is No.2 Platoon's glider and out of shot in the distance is No.3 Platoon's glider. Copyright: Airborne Forces Museum

A Scrapbook of Ideas!

2009-06-10T07:55:00.005+01:00

I've managed to put together a pretty good library of books and reference material regarding the Burma Campaign all of which is extremely useful from a collecting point of view and also a creative, sculpting point of view. As I have a interest in the Border Regiment, namely the 4th Battalion 23rd Brigade (Chindit) I'm always on the lookout for any literature dealing specifically with this battalion. Unfortunately there is very little information about, especially printed material, so I started to collect odd bits and pieces from the 'net and eventually put it all together in a small, handmade book 'The Forgotten Chindits' this contains a brief overview of Chindit operations, units, formations and a couple of memoirs of 4th Battalion veterans. Once this was completed I started to find more information, mainly photographs and realised I'd have to make a bigger book to accommodate all this new information! So I did. Below are a couple of photos of the resulting scrapbook which includes a pocket to hold the original booklet and page after page reference pictures, not only of Chindits but the Burma campaign as whole; Merrills Marauders, 1st Air Commando, Natives, Aircraft, Strongholds etc, etc. Its amazing what you can find on the 'net when you take the time to look! This will be a valuable addition to my reference library for future projects that I hope to pursue. Watch this space. Matt

Battle of France Marker Stone

2009-06-01T21:24:00.006+01:00

Hi all, I've just got back from a week's holiday in France just south of Paris. Most of the holiday was actually spent at Disneyland Paris (some giant diorama ideas there!) but we spent one day walking in the Rambouillet woods near to where we were staying and quite by chance I came across this marker stone marking the death of two Frenchmen 69 years ago almost to the day. The inscription reads - loosely translated :-

Died For France: Lepage Gaston, Pilot Adjt-Chief. Petriconne Pierre, Sgt-Chief 60th Infantry Group of the Air whose aircraft was shot down here on June 12, 1940 by the luftwaffe.

I haven't posted for a while due to work commitments but hopefully will have something soon. Keep well. Matt

New Year. And he's finished!

2009-01-25T14:41:00.005Z

Sculpting is finished, well at least the main figure. I need to start the groundwork, plinth and the japanese items that are to be strewn at his feet. I took these pictures this morning when the light through the window was perfect, of course once I'd set everything up; the light changed! Oh well. This is how he looks before a basecoat is applied. I can't wait to start painting this and see it 'come to life'. Cheers for looking. Matt

Christmas Update!

2008-12-18T22:09:00.029Z

Hi all. Its been over a month since my last update but that's because I've been working on his equipment. I needed to get this done before I work on the shirt and equipment straps. I've also finished work on the Thompson SMG complete with hand! Below you can see the full kit consisting of: 2 x ammo pouches, small compass/ammo pouch, waterbottle and carrier, mess tins (in spare waterbottle carrier), small pack, large pack (with added ammo pouches and toggle rope), Machete, Kukri and rolled poncho, left hand and Thompson SMG. I've also included some close ups.

For those of you that are interested, I've also shown a pic of my buckle making factory! Basically, I carved a buckle (there needed to be about 16!), pressed it into a piece of hardening putty and let it set overnight. Then I took small pieces of putty that were just past the 'sticky' stage, painted them and the mould with a thin coat of vaseline and pressed the pieces into the mould, removed them immediately, set them to dry by a radiator then cleaned them up with a scalpel. Time consuming but not as bad as having to carve them all one-by-one!

Again, for those who are interested, this is a picture of my work room. A Tamiya work station on the coffee table which gets packed away after every session! I see pictures of other sculptors studios/workrooms and eye them with jealousy, but I suppose this is proof to us all that you don't always need masses of space and equipment to take part in this hobby? It works for me. Cheers all have a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. 2010 already!

Trousers, Thompson and Machete

2008-11-01T22:41:00.010Z

Hi all. Been a while since my last post but I've not been idle! Got his trousers done (to afford him some decency). Worked up a machete and scabbard out of some spare putty and made some progress on the Thompson (just need to add the fire selector, safety catch and sling). Shirt and equipment next so keep checking! Cheers.

I know his head and hand look a little out of scale, but the torso is still only armature and will be filled out when the shirt is added.

Boots and Puttees

2008-10-04T11:36:00.003+01:00

Just wanted to get these pics up before I go on holiday! Worked on his boots and puttees this week. The laces are fuse wire 'staples' glued into pre-drilled eyelets. Hope you like. Cheers.

Chindit Head Sculpt Update

2008-09-25T22:53:00.008+01:00

Ok, been busy at work as sometimes happens so this has been delayed a wee bit, plus I messed up the Pugaree around the hat and had to start again! The hat is copied from one in my own collection and I found it invaluable. I've sculpted the face very much with painting in mind as I have a clear idea of how I want the finished figure to look. I enjoyed sculpting this head although I must admit it was a struggle at times and the eyes were worked over a number of times! I've fixed it to the body now as I need to sculpt the neck muscles before working on the shirt, I have a feeling I might regret this. Cheers.

Chindit Sculpt Update

2008-08-30T11:50:00.005+01:00

This week I started work on the armature and basic body sculpt. I haven't shown images of the wire framework as I followed the basic 'tried and tested' method which has been shown many times before by other sculptors. Once I was happy with the wire armature I started to apply green Milliput; roughly at first in order to hold the wire limbs together then once this had dried (overnight) I applied more Milliput, this time to loosely represent the torso, arms, legs etc. I'll then be able to drape the shirt and trousers over the top of this rather than trying to 'bulk up' and sculpt folds and creases at the same time. Only the forearms, neck and a little bit of chest will be visible on the finished figure so muscle definition is not paramount at this stage although changes/modifications are being made all the time. The head is next; and as this is my first full head/face sculpt I'm not surprised that three attempts have ended up in the 'bin' already! Interestingly the overall height of the figure is going to be around 150mm which I think is about 1:10th scale which is rather bigger than I originally intended, Oops!

Updated Chindit Sketch

2008-08-22T13:15:00.003+01:00

I've done some more work on the sketch for the Chindit sculpt and started the armature, more to follow. Cheers

My Burma Campaign Reference Material

2008-08-09T16:17:00.005+01:00

Just thought some of you might be interested in seeing some of the bits 'n' pieces I've collected together which will help with the sculpt. This is only a small part of the collection (I also collect British Airborne uniforms and equipment - I'm a big hit in our house... at least it sounded like 'hit'). I find having as much reference as possible always helps to create a more accurate sculpt and final paint job. As well as actual uniform and kit I also have an extensive library of books and DVDs as well as the internet of course. I've got some holidays and living history events coming up but plan to make some progress with the sculpt as winter makes an appearance (unlike summer!). Cheers.

Time for a change?

2008-07-17T12:52:00.007+01:00

As promised here is a 'first stage' sketch of the new sculpt idea I mentioned in the last post. As some of you know, I moved house last year and have ended up with less room than I had before. This has meant that the 'Hartenstein' diorama has had to be shelved until I can get more space! Anyhow I still want to sculpt and paint so my idea was to move up in scale (90 - 120mm) and do one off figures or small vignettes (one of which is to be an Arnhem piece, but more on that later). My first piece is to be a single 120mm figure of a Chindit circa '44-45 a fascinating subject I've recently become more interested in. Although the sketch only shows the top half I intend to sculpt a complete figure, carrying full kit, and a Thompson SMG whilst scanning the skies for the resupply Dakotas. The Chindit columns were resupplied exclusively by air whilst on operations as they had to carry most of their kit on their backs, heavier kit like ammo, radios etc were carried on mules and sometimes by native porters. More sketches and ideas to follow, thanks for your patience and please leave feedback as its always nice to hear from you chaps. Cheers.

Retouching Service

2008-07-02T16:25:00.006+01:00

Hi all, its been a while but I've been extremely busy at work recently and have also been indulging in my 'other' hobby of Living History. I collect the uniforms and equipment of the WW2 British Airborne soldier and also the same for British Burma Campaign (visit the VERAblog link to see the group I'm a member of). I initially started collecting to help with my sculpting but during the summer months the Living History events tend to take over from the sculpting (although I have couple of new ideas to work on - watch this space!).

Anyhow, the reason for this post is firstly to keep in touch with everyone who thought I'd 'done a runner', secondly to point out the 'LiveMap' I've added at the bottom of the page (I pinched the idea from Talvin's blogsite) this lets me see where you all live around the world (I don't actually know who is visiting but its good to see you're all over the place!). Thirdly, I recently bought this old SEAC book about the Burma Campaign (ebay purchase) and as it was published in 1946 it's in a very delicate condition, as you can see the front and back cover is falling to bits so to correct this I scanned in the surviving bits, put them back together in Photoshop and cleaned up all the creases and blemishes, click on the example below to see a larger version. This got me to thinking; if any of you have old book covers, family photographs or wartime photographs that need to be retouched, then why not scan them in, contact me and for a very reasonable price (pay via PayPal) I'd be more than happy to get them back to their former glory! I can then print them out and post or email them back to you... let me know what you think? Cheers all. More soon.

Jeep Complete

2008-03-22T21:37:00.005Z

The Jeep and casualty are now finished! Really enjoyed doing this although I'd been putting it off for some time. If you refer to my original sketches you will see that the Jeep will be parked in front of the rear entrance to the hotel, one casualty is being helped inside the hotel and I'm thinking of having a medical orderly stood next to the dead chap in the back of the Jeep. Now, I know its dirty, some might say too dirty, but its been in action for almost a week ferrying ammo and wounded back and forth from the LZ's/DZ's to the Div HQ, I believe it rained towards the end of the week turning well used tracks and grassland into mud, and the air would've been full of black smoke and rubble dust. I'm also wanting to capture the grime and filth of this battle so rightly or wrongly have used some 'artistic licence'. :) Hope you like it. Follow the 'Arnhem' link for more. Cheers.

2008-03-07T11:45:00.006Z

Figure #2 of the 'looking skywards for resupply' couple (although there will probably be more than two).

Not much to say about this chap as he has appeared before in unpainted form. All of the painted figures shown so far, when fitted to the diorama base, will receive a coat of matt varnish and a dusting down with pigment powders to blend in with their surroundings. Check the 'Arnhem' link for more photos. Cheers.

2008-03-07T11:36:00.004Z

At the end of every sculpting session I bet everyone has bits of putty left over, rather than throw these away, I try to use them to make little bits and pieces like packs and such. This is better than wasting putty and also beats using items from the scrape box which can get repetitive.

UPDATE!

2008-01-28T13:02:00.000Z

Just to let you all know that I DO have some more images to upload but I've been very busy at work of late and so haven't been able to get any work done on the figures or diorama since New Year! Thanks for your patience and hopefully over the next couple of weeks I should be back on track! Cheers, Matt

2007-12-09T16:59:00.000Z

The first of many wounded and dead studies for the Hartenstein dio. The corporal above is a 'kit bash' of Dragon, Hornet and Milliput and will be laid accross the back of a jeep (see previously shown sketches and build shots in the Arnhem link). The seated private is an Ultracast figure with a Hornet head (nasty head wound) and paper insignia depicting a soldier of the Border Regt. Thanks.

2007-11-17T13:18:00.000Z

Completed these two recently for the Hartenstein diorama. Hope you like 'em.

All Painted Up And Nowhere To Go...

2007-10-21T18:12:00.000+01:00

The first figure to be painted for the Hartenstein diorama, but as yet there is no diorama base for him to go on! My first attempt at painting with Acrylics, they're tricky little beggars and act so much differently to enamels or oils. I know I should have used a 'scrap' figure to work on but I couldn't wait to get some colour on this one! Still not very good photo's I afraid, I need to set up an area for photography and space is an issue at the moment. Anyhow, time to eat. Click on 'Arnhem' to see a couple more images. Cheers

Resupply No.2

2007-09-30T23:54:00.000+01:00

At last! I have my internet connection and as promised here are some images of my most recently completed figure. This one will be stood by the jeep, looking skyward at the resupply aircraft, shielding his eyes from the sun with a bandaged hand. This whole diorama is a 'practice ground' for different techniques of sculpting etc and on this figure I made the sten sling brackets from fuse wire, except they're so small I'm not sure that it is totally necessary. The helmet is a DML spare which I added camo strips and liner including the chin straps which he is holding the helmet by. Of course by photographing the figure one can see flaws, namely the seam line running down the back of the boots plus some other minor bits n bobs which will need cleaning up. Check out more images in the Arnhem link, hope you like, more to come. Matt

Still Not Online!

2007-09-24T12:49:00.000+01:00

Well, I've been living in my house for almost a month and as yet BT (British Telecom) still haven't been able to sort me out with a working Broadband connection. Luckily, I'm able to access the 'net from work which enables me to keep you up to date with the Hartenstein Hotel project. I've managed to pack away most of my stuff (into a much smaller area!) and even complete another figure (photo's to follow this week hopefully). I've also managed to come up with an idea for another figure; Stanley Maxted (I'll have to find an image to show you) the canadian BBC reporter who was based at the Hartenstein and famous for his audio reports made directly on to a portable disk recorder (I plan on making this also!). Anyhow, watch this space. Cheers for looking and please feel free to leave comments, its always nice to know what people think (good or bad...). Matt

Movin' House!

2007-08-27T08:46:00.000+01:00

Hi all have been decorating the new house for the last week and today is the day of the big move! I don't have an internet connection set up yet so will be off-line for a few days. See you soon. Matt

House Move Prompts Sale

2007-08-10T08:25:00.000+01:00

As I'm moving house shortly, I've decided to sell the dioramas which are on view in my Webshots albums (not the Arnhem one yet, as its not finished - but watch this space). My new house is much smaller (but has better views) and there is no space to store or display large dioramas. The Goodwood and Normandy dioramas are the items for sale and I'm open to serious offers only! If anyone is interested or knows anyone who might be, please contact me by leaving a comment here or on my Webshots page. I have no idea how I would get them to you, but where there is a will there is a way... Thanks. Matt

Things Are Lookin' Up 1

2007-07-29T17:43:00.000+01:00

Hi all
I didn't do any sketches for this guy as I knew what I wanted from studying photos. He is one of a pair that will be standing by the jeep looking skyward at the resupply aircraft flying overhead. This one is dressed in helmet and smock but is not wearing any kit. The head is Hornet with the helmet taken from a damaged Resicast para head, I added the unfastened chinstrap with Magic Sculp. I also made the smock 'tail' but forgot to attach it for this photo. Thanks for looking, more in the Arnhem folder. Matt

Brother Officers 3

2007-07-10T09:19:00.000+01:00

At last! I've been so absorbed in this sculpt that I haven't actually kept a step-by-step log (sorry John), once you're 'on one' and all that... Anyway here they both are almost at completion, just a bit of tidying up to do, the banana fingers on the reading chaps hand will be parred down a little, I might actually re-sculpt them, but they could look ok when painted so I'm not sure. Remember that these two are sat in a shell hole so the reading chap will have his back to the lip of the crater and they'll both be 'bedded' down in the loose soil. As usual you can view more by clicking the Arnhem link opposite and please feel free to leave comments. Cheers all and hope this finds you well. Matt

Brother Officers 2

2007-06-15T10:04:00.000+01:00

After consulting with my creative team (cheers John) I revisited the positioning of these two officers to create a more personal mood. Click on the Arnhem link to see the full sketch, hope you like. Matt

Brother Officers

2007-06-13T11:30:00.000+01:00

Just completed this sketch the other night and wanted to show you. My idea is that two junior 'brother' officers are sat together at the edge of a shell hole or slit trench. One unfortunate chap is slowly dying whilst the other holds his hand and reads aloud from the bible. A medic will be sat to one side re-packing his aid bag ready to move on to the next casualty. These will be placed in the grounds of the hotel along with the other figures I'm working on. Please take a look at the full size sketch by clicking on the Arnhem link on the right and feel free to let me know your thoughts. Thanks again for looking. Cheers all
Matt

Hartenstein Hotel UPDATE

2007-05-31T13:20:00.001+01:00

These two wounded figures are now finished (except for the rifle slings) and primed ready for painting. I think I've spent enough time on these guys as I've got approx 10 other figures to produce! Please click on the Arnhem link to see more images. More soon (ish). Cheers Matt

Operation Goodwood 1944

2007-05-24T10:53:00.000+01:00

Hi all

I'm just taking a break from work to show you some images of my first diorama completed about 18 months ago. I know its not an airborne subject but I thought some of you might appreciate seeing it... The buildings are actually Italeri Church Ruins but I bought them off the 'net and didn't realise they were hollow inside and had to fill them with plaster and scribe in the stone and brick details (I'll stick to building my own from scratch!), the road is made from lentils (seemed like a good idea but I don't really like it - they're too large), the tank is Tamiya (OOB), the figures are a mix of DML, Royal Models and Verlinden.

I've built models since I was a boy but after a long break to have kids and start a career I came back to it a year or so ago and this is my first attempt. Hope you like it, please feel free to leave any comments or email me. As usual just click on the link 'Goodwood 1944' opposite to view more images.

Cheers

Matt

Hartenstein Hotel UPDATE

2007-05-16T11:59:00.001+01:00

At last I'm able to show some updates of the Hartenstein Hotel diorama! So far I've been working on the figures, some are converted Ultracast and DML, whereas the two wounded Paras are my first attempt at sculpting from scratch (exept a pair of DML legs, Ultracast and Resicast heads, various bits of kit and a pair of Verlinden feet) but at least some of it is my own work!

I made sketches first and then hit the reference books before starting to sculpt Milliput on a wire frame. As these pics are of the work in progress you'll notice that they still need certain bits cleaning up and adding but I'll try to keep up with the updates! To see more images of this build just click on the Arnhem link opposite to visit my webshots albums.

Cheers

Matt

Normandy 1944

2007-05-14T16:25:00.000+01:00

Here are some images of my recent (completed) diorama, which features British paratroopers taking the village of Breville on June 12th 1944. The groundwork, buildings, rubble, gates and the pig were all built from scratch. The vehicles are Tamiya (251) and Italeri (jeep), the figures are a mix of VP, DML and Tamyia some have been helped along with Milliput.

To see more images you can visit the Normandy link opposite.

Hope you like and thanks for looking.

Matt