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Armor/AFV
For discussions on tanks, artillery, jeeps, etc.
Hosted by Darren Baker, Mario Matijasic
To Figure or not to Figure
GunTruck
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Posted: Tuesday, July 09, 2002 - 12:27 AM UTC
I built one of Jimmy Doolittle's Tokyo Raiders for a regional museum as part of a larger group effort. (Yeah, I know, I do build aircraft models from time to time) For some reason, they didn't want mud on the model - Go figure!

Seriously, most of the museum pieces are pretty clean for the most part - as they're highlighting the subject more than weathering and environment.

Gunnie
Red4
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Posted: Tuesday, July 09, 2002 - 01:08 AM UTC
Good topic!!
I build my models with and without figures. A model that is entered in a contest by itself (This is IPMS rules now) that has a single figure is judged solely on the model itsef and not the figure. An example would be a Tiger tank with the commanders head and shoulders sticking through the hatch or something simular. I'm by no means the best figure painter, but the models I've entered in contests in the past that had a single figure, have won top honors in the respective categorys. I think alot of it has do do with the judging commity. As far as aircraft go, I have rarely seen aircraft with figures for the simple reason that there arent many figures available in 1/48 or 1/72 that are outstanding. (My opinion)
A few years back there was a model built of a Russian Czar. An absolutely giant wheeled thing, monster truck looking vehicle. It had a single figure posed next to it and it really help convey just how big this thing was. This is where I think that figures help. Dioramas are kind of a given. Hard to convey some scenes with out having figures present. Some scenes now, not all. Basically if you want to add figures go for it. If you dont, then dont. I like to paint figures but I wont always inclde them with my models. I guess I'm done rambling now... "Q"
sniper
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Posted: Tuesday, July 09, 2002 - 01:27 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Good topic!!
A model that is entered in a contest by itself (This is IPMS rules now) that has a single figure is judged solely on the model itsef and not the figure.
...
I'm by no means the best figure painter, but the models I've entered in contests in the past that had a single figure, have won top honors in the respective categorys.
...
I guess I'm done rambling now... "Q"


Hey, not rambling but good info.

So you are saying that because of a figure, even a single tank commander in a hatch, might have helped you to win?

I think judges do take this into account even though you mentioned the IPMS rule above.

See, I need to include figures!!!!

Steve
210cav
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Posted: Tuesday, July 09, 2002 - 02:46 AM UTC
I am a wild and crazy kind of guy who spent too much (like way to much) money on figures. I just do not devote the time to completing them. So, I have lots of little people in various nooks and crannies awaiting something. I agree on the facial aspects. I tried painting eye and it looks so terrible, I decided to forego that agony. I paint the faces straight flesh then apply a wash to the area. It suits my purposes.
DJ #:-)
HunterCottage
#116
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Posted: Tuesday, July 09, 2002 - 02:53 AM UTC
I like the Archer's way of doing eyes...they have a decal (or dry-transfer don't remember) sheet of a million eyes...well 50 anyway. They are kind of tricky to put on, but they do help the "deer-in-headlight" and "popeyed" effect.

I personally like to see figures in dios or on single pieces, I don't do it for the fact that I suck at it also, but I like when it is done good. Personally I think the eyes of a figure is what makes or breaks it (maybe that is the start of another subject...)
GunTruck
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Posted: Tuesday, July 09, 2002 - 03:22 AM UTC

Quoted Text


Quoted Text

Good topic!!
A model that is entered in a contest by itself (This is IPMS rules now) that has a single figure is judged solely on the model itsef and not the figure.
...
I'm by no means the best figure painter, but the models I've entered in contests in the past that had a single figure, have won top honors in the respective categorys.
...
I guess I'm done rambling now... "Q"


Hey, not rambling but good info.

So you are saying that because of a figure, even a single tank commander in a hatch, might have helped you to win?

I think judges do take this into account even though you mentioned the IPMS rule above.

See, I need to include figures!!!!

Steve


Heh heh - be careful drawing that conclusion there...

A single, well-done, Jerry Can and Holder could make a difference in a contest. What wins contests is consistent, dedicated, and equal attention to basic construction, painting, and finishing techniques - everywhere on the model evaluated, regardless of whether or not a figure is included

Gunnie
sniper
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Posted: Tuesday, July 09, 2002 - 03:24 AM UTC

Quoted Text


Personally I think the eyes of a figure is what makes or breaks it (maybe that is the start of another subject...)


Ah yes, "the windows to the soul." At least that's how we describe eyes when making a portrait.

Steve
Red4
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Posted: Tuesday, July 09, 2002 - 03:52 AM UTC
Gunny is absolutely correct. Attention to detail, consistent, clean building will win hands down time and again against all the photo etch and resin you can throw on the table. I was merely stating that even with the addition of the figure I dont think it was the figure that pushed it into 1st place over the rest of the models. "Q"
MFord
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Posted: Tuesday, July 09, 2002 - 10:48 AM UTC
This is the first time I've posted a reply on this site. I agree with most here the topic is one of interest to armor builders. I, for one, almost always will include a figure on or next to my finished model(s) to add both scale and life to the model(s). This is merely a personal choice. That being said, I have judged armor models/military vehicles at IPMS contests, up to and inclucing nationals, for many years. I have seen the many extremes of styles both with and without figures. The standard I use for judging was already well stated by Gunnie (hi Jim ) and is based on a directive I heard years ago from Art Gerber, IPMS USA Head Armor Judge. The position he expects all his judges to take while judging is to judge the model and the model alone. He said "do not judge the figures or the base the model is displayed on unless it is entered as a diorama". The people I know who participate in IPMS judging adhere to this rule. So, it comes down to personal choice and either way is good if it suits you.
Mark
GunTruck
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Posted: Tuesday, July 09, 2002 - 10:14 PM UTC

Quoted Text

This is the first time I've posted a reply on this site. I agree with most here the topic is one of interest to armor builders. I, for one, almost always will include a figure on or next to my finished model(s) to add both scale and life to the model(s). This is merely a personal choice. That being said, I have judged armor models/military vehicles at IPMS contests, up to and inclucing nationals, for many years. I have seen the many extremes of styles both with and without figures. The standard I use for judging was already well stated by Gunnie (hi Jim ) and is based on a directive I heard years ago from Art Gerber, IPMS USA Head Armor Judge. The position he expects all his judges to take while judging is to judge the model and the model alone. He said "do not judge the figures or the base the model is displayed on unless it is entered as a diorama". The people I know who participate in IPMS judging adhere to this rule. So, it comes down to personal choice and either way is good if it suits you.
Mark


Hi back Mark - glad you made a post here!

Agreed 100% - and Mark's figures are gems and do enhance his work.

Gunnie
sniper
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Posted: Tuesday, July 09, 2002 - 10:16 PM UTC
[quote]
...and Mark's figures are gems and do enhance his work.
quote]

So how about some figure painting articles guys!!

Steve
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