This sounded like a great Campaign, Special Ops units and similar units are a favorite of mine. My original idea was a Minuteman from the American Revolution. Well, that didn't pan out so I went with a sniper...
I had a pic from Iraq as my model (Pic #1) as a go by. I looked around and decided, partly a budget issue, to use the old DML/Dragon U.S. Sniper Team as a basis for this dio.
I decided to make my own walls from plaster of paris so I made forms and "cast" the basic walls- Pic #2. This was the first time I have used P of P. It took forever to dry but worked out OK.
I made a concession to the real thing and decided to use the Barrett .50 sniper instead of the 7.62mm rifle in the real pic. The figure in the Sniper kit also had incorrect body armor so I decided to make my own. I used some "lead" foil to fashion a new vest. I am not really happy with it so far so I may re-do it with the time extension. Pics #3-5 show the figure w/ the "body armor"...the sheet plastic on his back is to add bulk. The vest conformed too closely to the figure and looked too thin.
Next I went back to work on the base. (Pics #06-#12) I scribed the block pattern into the walls, put the plumbing in, added damage and tried to add texture. Painting was an experiment (well this whole project was an experiment but...). Washes, drybrushing and dealing with the mega-absorbency of P of P was an learning thing. I'm not really overjoyed with the outcome but will live with it.
Assembly of the base was next. I trimmed the pieces and made a BIG mistake in sanding. Faulty sanding techniques led to non-flat edges. Elmers Glue was used for putting it together. Another so-so decision. Since I had created NON flat edges I had to fill the gaps- more plaster of paris! As I worked it into the cracks I busted one of the glue joints loose. Also I noticed that the blocks do not line up correctly- I hurried too much and failed to pay attention to the details.
The final two images show the sniper (partially done) in the base. I need to add debris, "stuff" and obviously finish the figure.
The figure is turning into a project...its been WAY too long since I painted a figure and it shows. I am not happy with the second color for the 3 color Desert DCUs, or the Woodland pattern on the vest. I'm also not happy with hard demarkation between colors. I'm going to apply a wash over the figure to try and tone down the demarkation.
The Barrett is coming along as are the various accessories for the figure.
Well, I'm (re)learning a lot, having fun and now with the extension I may be able to finish it with a spotter as well.
Comments & criticisms are welcomed and encouraged!
Jim
PIC #1
PIC #2
PICS #3-5
PICS #6-12
