While waiting on some things to dry from other projects last night I dug out this kit. I was always intrigued by it because of its' complexity. I looked at the parts and they are well sculpted which is surprising considering some of the older MB kits were a bit"soft".
This one has promise. Just tacked together with no clean up yet at all.





It's nice to clear your head with small projects once in a while.

J

Nice! I built a resin Jaguar kit similar to this last fall. I like this kit too but never got around to buying it. I know what you mean about starting small side projects, it's a nice escape from the bigger endeavors. Actually, side projects are usually the only ones I finish....

-Conor

Actually, my 'Ghillies in the Midst' build was me just tinkering with some scrap balsa wood... so I know what you mean with small projects. Look forward to seeing what comes

Jerry, I like the looks of that kit; it's been on my wish list for awhile. I'll be looking forward to seeing what you do with it.

—mike

Hi Jerry,

I like the project: go ahead and keep us posted !

Cheers

Giovanni

Hey Jerry,

It is weird that you happened to start working on this particular kit as I just found mine while going through some stuff yesterday and I was thinking of ways to use it. But knowing me, I will most likely convert them to GIs in Vietnam:)

I look forward to watching how this set ends up going together.

Cheers,
James

Thanks guys for commenting and looking in as always.
James,I had also thought about converting these guys to leathernecks in the "Canal". Might be too much to bite off if I want a simple project. Maybe later,as I actually have two sets!!
J

Yeah. Make this set as is and as practice, then when ready for conversions, make them Marines. That will work:)

Cheers,
James

I will keep that in mind Jim. Been havin a dio about the Canal in mind for years now and it keeps ruminating inside my head. One day!

Quick snal to show what can be done with time on your hands and a number 11 blade. The corner of the poncho and its' folds compared to the kit part behind it.

Jerry, Somehow I knew you wouldn't leave that poncho alone! You are truly a Ginsu Master!

—mike

Hahahaha,either that or I have stock in the Exacto company. I should,given the amount of blades I go through!
J

Looking good, Jerry. I've been working on these figgies off and on for about 6 months or so, and I've gotten about as far as you are. Maybe some day I might actually get them done... Have you tried the #11Z blades? They seem like they last longer than the stainless, but they are more expensive and you can't get them in bulk.

Thanks for looking in and for the tip. I will stick with the cheaper blades as when I buy them by the big box they are fairly inexpensive. So I don't feel guilty about changing them as often as I do.
How do you find this kit to work with? I like the soft plastic but you have to be pretty careful because of it.
J

Some progress today as I wait for the other dio groundwork to dry.
I carved and under-cut the bundle of sorrow. I also updated his uniform to a late war style without the pocket pleats and added the obligatory Hornet head. A very young man.



Did some of the same on the first carrier guy and added a head as well from the Hornetmeister.



When this dries I will carve out some low shoes and gaiters for this guy as well.
J

I agree about the plastic, it's definitely a two edged sword and takes a lighter touch than Dragon's.

I greatly prefer carving Masterbox plastic to Dragon, good detail still and very soft/workable...soft in a good way of course.

I can see this in Normandy. Mainly because I just finished reading Normandiefront, which was fantastic and a must-read. I like this little scene you've got. Simple yet capable of carrying a lot of expression.

-Conor

Looking good so far! Looking forward to more progress!

Hey Jerry,

I like what you did in regards to sharpening the folds of the poncho. It really makes it look better and like it is really being grabbed by the Soldier's hand. The Hornet head you chose for the wounded guy looks good on that figure and I can already imagine the painted figure looking as if he is silently suffering through the pain.

Keep up the great work.

Cheers,
James

Hey John,Conor,Ryan and James,thanks for looking in and for the most appreciated comments. James,yes,I thought this youngster looked kind of dazed and out of it. I was lucky to have him in my frankenstein box of parts.
Here is some more knife work and labor on the first carrying guy. I gave him gaiters and removed the two cross straps from the front. Added the missing straps to his web belt and an egg grenade. I used the breadbag from this kit as well as the e-tool and carrier but I liked the Gen2 messkit and canteen much better. I also made his waist smaller as you never see chunky late war German Infantry for obvious reasons.
Popped a hobnail bottom on the casualties one boot as well. His other foot has just the stocking on it.



I now see some mold marks on the e-tool carrier that must be tended to and I have to repair the attachment straps so they look like they are actually attached!!



Oh well,sorry about typing so much for not so much work!
J

Hi Jerry,

Look forward to developments, nice work so far.

Al

Another nice touch Jerry! Keeps getting better and better!

It just occurred to me ... will the other boot be present somewhere in this scene ... maybe laying next to the casualty?

—mike

Hi Jerry,
Inspiring work as always! I'm particularly interested as I'm working on some MB figures right now too (modern era) - and trying to balance restraint and carving...ugh! Giving me a run for my money! I want to trim off seams etc, but still keep them crisp! Uhhh, like you do!!!!
Cheers
Nick

Great to see more work from your good self Jerry! This is a particularly interesting scene and just changing the heads alone has really brought the figures to life- they are inspired head choices and suit the kit like they were made just for it! As always it is great to see the wonders you work with plastic and a scalpel blade! I know you always like to keep us guessing as to how your projects will be staged but I'm still going to ask what your plans for these figs are?

@Alan-thanks for looking in M8-when do we get to see another Alan Epic?
@Mike-thanks for the kind words bubba.I don't know if the boot will fit in anywhere yet,but nice idea.
@Nick-thanks for the words from the road as it where. Yeah,this plastic is tricky to work on for sure. I am really glad I got the tip about the fibreglass pen for clean up.
@Karl-thanks as always for your inciteful comments. I am now thoroughly obsessed with Hornet heads I suppose. But they do make a difference. I keep trying to stock up on the new releases but sometimes it gets hard to do.
No secret about the context of this group of guys! I really haven't got that far! Heeheehee. I get a rough idea and then am not convinced. I hope I don't get caught up in "mission creep" and this turns into another giant on-going dio project. It easily happens,I'm afraid.
J

Hi Jerry

Yep, flew home yesterday - I'm taking today off to work through the jet lag - a perfect time for building models! I'm currently using the JRutman wine cap rifle sling technique to attach a weapon or two to my figs. Can't help but be thinking about missing our friend Romain - damn....I had to laugh as I was pretending to "not see" some gaps between parts! And about the eventual placement of one of these guys in particular....I feel like he's over my shoulder, kindly, but clearly pointing out that I need more putty...."if I want a credible model", and I should be thinking carefully about placing these guys!!! Randomly, but believably - thanks old friend!

Ok Jer - have a good one!
Nick