I am looking at changing the posture on 2 figures in my next dio, but I'm not sure the best way to do it.

Are there any how-to's anywhere on the net? or can someone on this EXCELLENT forum help!

Hi Paul. The single best item on this subject is Bill Chilstroms book on converting figures. It has it all, and after reading through it, you´ll feel like you can do it as well as he can. Can´t recommend it enough. I got my copy from Ebay.UK, so have a look for it ... not the most expensive book, but money will be well spent!

I have a book that explains this in detail. Recomended for changing waist: Larger cut on the side you are wanting to bend, smaller cut on oppossite side, bend and fill any gaps with putty. I would use two different sizes of razor saws. Or, if you have the patience, a razor saw and a hobby knife. Just be careful you don't take your finger off.
For changing a face, it recomends a file for the mouth. That's about all for the face.
And, for an extra touch of realism, take a hobby knife and cut under the flaps on the pockets.
Hope this helps.

thanks for the replies guys...



The figure with the red ring around him is one of the ones I want to change, I want to show him being shot and arching backwards....

Interesting, i'll follow your job

if i were you i'd use some pics as a reference

Hi Paul. Did a quick search on Ebay and found this book, but unfortunately its in the states. But with postage its £18 all in ... which I consider is worth it for something that is as well written and includes so many images as this does.

Direct link

this is definetely the last one i would try to change like you want as not one single part of his body corresponds to a guy being shot and bending backwards.
How about using the last guy, at least the legs may be good enough, just need to bend the upper part.

The best method is also to make kit bashing, means using usable parts from a few different kits and doing only minor adjustments and putty additions.

One tip: Use pins to fix the parts one to another , always!

Claude

I think the best way is to break down the parts of the figure by joints, then make calculated cuts with a good razor saw and then drilling holes into the pcs. Then insert a metal "pin" that you can bend. Determine the angles you want to make your pose then fill the gaps with putty/filler. Keep inmind you'll have to replace the detail that was lost.
It may also be easier to mock up your figure using a wire frame aka "stickman".

Chris


on the bench:
2004 VW GTI 1.8T Revo stage II, ECS Tuning, BFI motor mount/IC, N75, 42DD 3inch turboback.....

Stug IV early
BTR-40
MEng P/U

Frank - decided to go for the book.... Will always come in useful and may make my dios look better with lifelike figures.... Thanks for the suggestion..

Master Box makes a figure set with a German being shot and in the position you want. Unfortunately the fig is not exactly up to Dragon standards, but with an appropriate Hornet head and Dragon G2 equipment, and a little work with knife and engraving tool, you will end up with an excellent figure.

I agree with the gents above. The Bill Chillstrom book is a good addition to the bookshelves. But I would advice you to find a figure that is as close to what you envision as your endresult and start from there. As Claude already said. The dynamics of the figure you circled is not really suitable for Somebody being hit and tossed backwards. The Masterbox soldier that is being hit is probably a far better option. And it is quite decent. Hornet head on it and presto you have what you are looking for.
It is fun converting figures as you can make them fit in much better in your story and diorama. And you can make them interact even better. Often this lies in small adjustments.
A small example in the following picture of a project I really need to finish one of these days.


They are Masterbox figures. Cut of parts of the arms. Put copper wire in it. Arms will be sculpted. Some replacement hands and resin heads. It will be a fishing scene in the end.

having to create poses out of existing figures is not as bad as it seems. it used to frighten the hell out of me until i did it for the first time. really not that bad...

Here's something that might come in handy. Gary is doing a SBS on converting a plastic figure over on Historicus Forma; check it out and feel free to ask questions: link

Mario

Another good book is The Model Maker's Handbook by Albert Jackson and David Day(Pub. Knopf). It's a bit older, but covers most subjects in detail.

hi!
I've made a falling soldier from a lying soldier from this dragon kit:

my reworked man looks like this:

I've just cut of leg and arms, joined it with a wire in a new position and glued together.

Now that looks classy! I like that!

Great conversion

Thanks guys! I'm trying my best. In a couple of days I'm plannig to start a workshop here with my new dio-project with stug III and these soldiers.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/offer-listing/0897475607/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&qid=1330370294&sr=1-1&condition=new Paul I think I've found the book Frank was on about cheaper Geraint

£19.99 nope, seen it cheaper, you're just not trying hard enough £16.99