Hi all,
This is something i started a couple of months back and has been an ongoing project.
i dont normally buy Armor kits but i actually bought this one with the intention of using it to see how many figures i could sculpt to fit on it,i managed 13 in total and could have probably fitted another 2 or 3 but decided enough is enough.the driver is not included in the pics as he needs more work yet.
Some of the figures are totally scratch some conversions using stock figure legs,all heads are hornet with a couple of DML.
The final dio will depict this group of Russians arriving into germany aboard their captured german krupp Protze.
title will be.. `Return To Sender`.

All critique and comments welcome.

Steve

Wow, Terrific idea and execution Steve. The truck is a good choice because of the different levels on it. I'm sure you could fit two more on the front mudguards

Thanks Pat,to be honest the reason i didnt want to do any more is having to sculpt all the hands,i only used 5 stock hands on the figures and sculpting the rest made it a tedious job.
I will post more pics once they are all painted up.

Steve

Great idea, and the figures look fantastic. I'm loving it. Can't wait to see them in paint.

-YL

This is AWESOME. I really like the idea, and your sculpting is very good.

The only constructive critique I have is about the guy riding on the rear bumper. I'm not sure someone could stay on there by trying to grip the edge of the locker like that. I would think he would lose his grip and fall backwards when the truck began to move forward.

Can he have his SMG slung across his back, and be holding onto some stowage that is lashed down to the truck with that hand? This is nit-picking at its finest - do with it what you will.

I can't wait to see the finished product!

Great work!

@..Yoni..Thankyou the painting will hopefully follow soon.

@..Matt..Yeh i see where you are coming from,i will see if i can do something with him and the figure on the other bumper,if too difficult i might have to carry on as they are though.Thanks for pointing out though as it shows you have studied the work well.

Steve

Very, very cool idea. I wish I had your sculpting talent. If I may make one small critique, some of th efigures look like their arms are too long for their bodies. That may just be due to the angle of the photo; I'm not sure. Regardless, this is a terrific idea well-executed. Reminds me of the time we loaded 27 guys on two jeeps.....

Hi Steve,

The sculpting is great! The faces have great expressions too.

You've done a Krupp job on the truck. Nah, it looks great!

Hope to see more soon,

Chas

Great job
love the figures


Smithy

Danny,Chas,Smithy thanks for the response i will update once painting starts.

Steve

That's some amazing sculpting - I wish I had that skill! I can't tell you how many times I had a good idea for a diorama, but couldn't find any kits on the market that were even remotely what I was looking for. Looks like it would have been hard sculpting the Russian padded jackets too. Can't wait to see the end result - awesome work Steve

Sorry - forgot to ask... What material do you use for your sculpting?

Hi Nick thankyou for the compliments,the material i use for sculpting is Magicsculpt.

I seriously believe anyone is capable of this type and level of work,the thing is people assume it is a born skill,i believe it is not.I actually tried to convert a figure for the first time about 3 years ago and it was a complete disaster.I have found that it is knowledge that is needed to sculpt and skill comes with practise.
I found all my knowledge for sculpting at Historicus Forma and in 2 years this is the result.

Give it a try you never know


Steve

Great work! What a great concept. Looking forwad to seeing this complete!

Awesome work Steve, truly amazing! WOW! Am also looking forward to seeing your progress/completion with this one.

Cheers!

Tim

very,very cool,Steve...Damn good job....I am trying my hand at figure conversion and when I see articles like this it really inspires me..I am awaiting the arrival of "Converting and Detailing Plastic Figures" by Bill Chilstrom ( it was in the latest Squadon flyer) and then I am going in head first. Its my belief that the figures are the most important element in a dio and I really want to improve in that area. I cant wait to see your troops painted.

Hi again,

The hands look great by the way. I've never attempted hands but today I tried to sculpt some feet and it ended up a complete disaster.

Chas

Looking nice. If you can sculpt like that you should start to make money with it.

Lars

Thanks guys for the kind remarks it is much appreciated.

Mike i havent heard of the book you mentioned but it sounds interesting,i have `conversion and scratchbuilding`by andrea press which is a good book for this purpose.
Hope to see how you get on with your figures and if you need any help drop into Historicus Formas sculpting section for some help,plenty of guys there with the knowledge to get you on your way.
Remember every sculpters first figure looks like a poor take on Frankenstein but with each figure you will get better.

Steve

Hi Steve,
Mate...it has been great watching your sculpting unfold over the past few years and you seem to be really nailing 1/35 figures right on the head.
There are a few body positions that i would alter slightly, but i guess that's just my personal preference.
Looking at the amount of soldiers on the Krupp, i can't help but think that at least a few would be smoking a ciggie or two, making the most of there captured ride?
Just to throw something else into the equation, it would be funny to have the captured German driver stuck inbetween all of those Russians!
Cheers,
Shay

Steve,

How's it going mate, Well what can I say that is a great job, the varity of interest in the different poses is fantastic, I like the way you have sculpted some of them wounded very authentic, the scene reminds me of red army accounts really really great work. do you think the Krupp needs a bit off battering ?

thanks for you pictures

Best wishes,

Jerry

@..Shay.. hi mate how are you,i like the idea of a captured german amongst them and i would have definetely gone with that if i had known from the beggining,maybe tied and bound as a play thing for the triumphant russians.

@..Jerry..thanks mate for the reply,looking at the krupp i think i could do with a bit of battle damage so i will have a go,still a lot to learn when it comes to vehicles.

cheers guys,all the best

Steve

Steve, really too cool man. Great sculpting too.

Steve, Absolutely fantastic. You're sculpting is just getting better and better and your ambition knows no bounds. Love the idea and love the execution.

GB

Bob many thanks,

Gary hi mate how are you,thanks for the comment.I am loving the sculpting still and have a few things in the pipeline with 120mm figure and 1/10 bust.Working in 1/35 is still kinda new to me but im enjoying it.

All the best

Steve