I did plan on whittling him down a bit but remember,the Ramcke Brigade was mostly pre or early war Paras. Actually real paratroopers,not like the later German formations that had the name only. This old soldier is supposed to look different than the other guys in this vignette and so,I would think he would still look a little bad-ass.
Remember the pre-war Paras had guys like Max Schmelling,the one time heavy weight boxing champ and these guys didn't mess around.
J

Thanks guys for keeping up with this deal here. I respect your opinion Romain because the areas you outlined in photoshop are the exact areas I agree need more work.
Here is a different angle after a bit more whittling.


And there you see the neck is OK,it was just the angle of the previous shots. I did take a lot off his back though,and will take more,as well as more from the arms.
The next guy will be a young NCO but he is a little buff in the shoulders as well.

This is coming along very nicely, Jer.

I think you have a good range of different characters developing for this scene, and it should be quite interesting when it's done. The variety and personality between the figures adds a lot of life and realism that's not apparent in the "cookie cutter" boxed figure sets until you see it in a vignette like you have here.

Sorry to hear about your eyes, and I hope you're back to painting soon.

I really like those MP40 pouches you've got on the first para. What kit did you get them from? The detail looks good and they sit conform perfectly. Well, ALL of the gear you've got on these guys sits perfectly, the MP40 pouches just stood out to my eye. The new officer fig looks good as well, he looks like I would expect a German officer to look like hahaha. The definition on the number one gunners arm looks great too. Did you do that?

Great figures sir.



-Conor

I've been watching this thread develop over the past few days, not really wanting to interrupt the fantastic flow of ideas between you guys- its been great to read it all and see how things are turning out. Again, Jerry- sorry to hear about further eye problems- I hope you get it sorted soon mate.

I'm really digging the squad leader and the Number 3 at the minute- they both look dog-tired and weighed down- I must say that K59 drum carrier is a beauty- I've used some of their stuff in the past and it is always top class although ultra-delicate. The gunner looks pretty damn exhausted aswell, the stance and pose really convey that well. Nice to see another figure added to the mix too- I'm looking forward to seeing how he turns out. I have to agree with Romain about his shape though, the shoulders and chest and legs seem out of proportion to the waist- but he looks to be at an early stage and if there's one guy who can sort a figure out Jerry, its you!

Hi Jerry,

sorry to hear about further eye problems!! I keep my fingers crossed that you will feel better soon!!

Now as to the Offizier...try something an art teacher of mine told me (you probably heard of it too!):

take the waist belt as the basis and draw 90° (vertical) lines upward from the outer edge...and you will find out the relation (in width) between waist and shoulder belt.

For "normal" people the difference should not be too big.
This figure also shows a bit of an hourglass shape, doesn't he (extremely slim waist to huge chest and bulging pelvis).

I know from experience that tight fitting clothes are not the ideal choice for desert activities. The photos you posted confirm this.

Not easy to handle, but I fully trust your modelling abilities!!

Take care of yourself m8...and get well soon!!

Cheers

Romain

just love these deep folds and creases!! They provide opportunities all over!!

The back view shows the problem clearly! Twice (or more?) as wide as the waist.
Enough to make Rocky envious!

Paratroopers are strong, but wirily so. More Bruce Lee than Schwarzenegger, right!?

But as I said...I fully trust you'll do OK!!

Cheers

Romain

P.S.: oh yes, the guy receiving the medal....his helmet is ....well exactly like I know the para helmets..(almost) level at the bottom edge, hence my question regarding the guy on page 1 with his "fritz" helmet!

Karl and Mike,
Thanks as always for looking in. Good ideas and comments as usual from you guys. I did have more planned for the officer when I posted the initial pix. I should have made it more clear he was a work in progress maybe?
But I like the comments because the end result is,it proves that you guys know your stuff 'cause you were looking at the same areas I saw needed looking into. This way,I know I can trust your opinions. I hope that didn't sound egotistical because it wasn't what I mean or am??
I am trying to give you guys credit is all.
I made some adjustments in the torso,as much as I could do before adding any putty. The clothes were baggy but did have a air filled puffy look so I thought the best thing to do was to add some deep creases here and there where they would make sense. Here he is as of now



There is still stuff to alter of course.
Karl,yes those were Dragon binos and very delicate to handle for sure. Nice though.