Dioramas
Do you love dioramas & vignettes? We sure do.
Ramckes' Iron Men
SdAufKla
Visit this Community
South Carolina, United States
Joined: May 07, 2010
KitMaker: 2,238 posts
Armorama: 2,158 posts
Posted: Thursday, October 10, 2013 - 04:09 AM UTC
I think you've got it now, Jerry.

The additional folds were what was needed. He now looks like what I think you were after - a lean young man wearing baggy cloths.

Well done. Can't wait to see how you finish these guys up.
jrutman
Visit this Community
Pennsylvania, United States
Joined: April 10, 2011
KitMaker: 7,941 posts
Armorama: 7,934 posts
Posted: Thursday, October 10, 2013 - 04:32 AM UTC

Quoted Text

I think you've got it now, Jerry.

The additional folds were what was needed. He now looks like what I think you were after - a lean young man wearing baggy cloths.

Well done. Can't wait to see how you finish these guys up.



Thanks as always Mr Mike,
Now I have to think of ways to make Afika Korps kahki look interesting.
I got the flashlight done and hung it from the metal stud on the squad leaders' ammo pouch. I also added some nice clothing details to some of the other guys but I want to let that dry and sand it before I post piccies.


Anyway,coming along.
Romain,I think you will be happy when you see the officer next.
J
panzerconor
Visit this Community
Massachusetts, United States
Joined: February 08, 2012
KitMaker: 1,271 posts
Armorama: 1,253 posts
Posted: Thursday, October 10, 2013 - 05:48 AM UTC
As always the sculpting looks great! I always think you've finished the construction part but there's always something more to do hahaha. I guess your eye for detail is far more refined and trained than mine. Looking forward to see how the Afrika Korps khaki looks.

-Conor
jrutman
Visit this Community
Pennsylvania, United States
Joined: April 10, 2011
KitMaker: 7,941 posts
Armorama: 7,934 posts
Posted: Thursday, October 10, 2013 - 07:44 AM UTC

Quoted Text

As always the sculpting looks great! I always think you've finished the construction part but there's always something more to do hahaha. I guess your eye for detail is far more refined and trained than mine. Looking forward to see how the Afrika Korps khaki looks.

-Conor



It doesn't always work out for the better Conor. Sometimes it's better to leave well enough alone!!
The Wehrmacht kahki looks more mustard than ours does.


Notice this NCO has the northern europe type shoulder straps in Luftwaffe blue. The desert version were hard to get and mostly not used. The troops in Afrika led a very very austere existence
jrutman
Visit this Community
Pennsylvania, United States
Joined: April 10, 2011
KitMaker: 7,941 posts
Armorama: 7,934 posts
Posted: Thursday, October 10, 2013 - 07:49 AM UTC
Nice display of an early pattern jump smock,gloves,knee pads,chute and all of the cool stuff.
1stjaeger
Visit this Community
Wien, Austria
Joined: May 20, 2011
KitMaker: 1,744 posts
Armorama: 1,727 posts
Posted: Thursday, October 10, 2013 - 10:09 AM UTC

Nice pics Jerry!!

I just googled "Wehrmacht afrikakorps" and the pictures leave you somewhat perplexed, don't they!
The uniform colours could hardly be in higher contrast!!

Google search for "fallschirmjäger brigade ramcke" tends to confirm the diversity!

Fine for you! You have options to make things more interesting in colour!!!

Now we just need your eyesight to improve!!

Keep my fingers crossed!!!

Cheers m8!

Romain
jrutman
Visit this Community
Pennsylvania, United States
Joined: April 10, 2011
KitMaker: 7,941 posts
Armorama: 7,934 posts
Posted: Friday, October 11, 2013 - 04:31 AM UTC
Romain,
Now that I checked it out there shouldn't be too much trouble getting some nice contrasts going after all.
Worked a bit more on the shirt. Pretty close now.

1stjaeger
Visit this Community
Wien, Austria
Joined: May 20, 2011
KitMaker: 1,744 posts
Armorama: 1,727 posts
Posted: Friday, October 11, 2013 - 06:45 PM UTC

Quoted Text

Romain,
Now that I checked it out there shouldn't be too much trouble getting some nice contrasts going after all.
Worked a bit more on the shirt. Pretty close now.




Hi m8!

your efforts bear fruit! Just look at the guy now and compare with the first pics...wow!!

to get rid of the blow up effect, you must alter the shape of the (only!) upper half of the fold. If you make it concave instead of convex, it does not look like there is "fat" bulging it out.
Hope you get my point. I hate to sound like the oracle of Delphi, but I don't find any other words!

And thinner folds would be better!! Tropical shirt remember! Look at the reenactor, and that's a jacket!

You do that..and you can paint the guy right away!!

your figures count among the very best on the forum, but this vignette is going to top everything!!

Well done Sir!!!

Cheers

Romain

P.S.: how's your eyesight doing??? All the best for a prompt and full recovery!!

jrutman
Visit this Community
Pennsylvania, United States
Joined: April 10, 2011
KitMaker: 7,941 posts
Armorama: 7,934 posts
Posted: Saturday, October 12, 2013 - 02:55 AM UTC
Thanks for the kind words Romain,
I did pick up the problem with the folds. That is why I like to post on the web because I see the mistakes a whole lot better there. Also other pairs of eyes(and good ones too)can notice things I didn't notice.
I picked up some mre Vellejo paints last night. Sand and yellow ochre and gold kahki and buff. I think there colors will mix and combine very well for the afrika kahki.
I am looking forward to painting but I am getting a bit afraid to start! Fear of failure after all of that construction work.
J
1stjaeger
Visit this Community
Wien, Austria
Joined: May 20, 2011
KitMaker: 1,744 posts
Armorama: 1,727 posts
Posted: Saturday, October 12, 2013 - 06:41 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Fear of failure after all of that construction work.
J



I know exactly how you feel m8! I hate to spend too much time on one task (building OR painting). For that reason I climb over the fence and vary my occupations.

Glad I could be of assistance anyway!

Cheers m8!!

Romain

SdAufKla
Visit this Community
South Carolina, United States
Joined: May 07, 2010
KitMaker: 2,238 posts
Armorama: 2,158 posts
Posted: Monday, October 14, 2013 - 01:10 AM UTC

Quoted Text

... I am looking forward to painting but I am getting a bit afraid to start! Fear of failure after all of that construction work.
J



Hey, Jerry, like Romain, I can sympathize with your trepidation at getting started.

I don't know about you, but what works for me is to paint a practice figure or at least a practice head and face before I start on the guys I'm really working on. Very few of these "practice" figgies ever see any public exposure, but they do help me get warmed up.

(Since it's almost Halloween, I can say that they're kind of like the little skeletons in my model-building closet!)

At any rate, I'm looking forward to seeing some of your on-going projects getting some paint, to include this vignette.
panzerconor
Visit this Community
Massachusetts, United States
Joined: February 08, 2012
KitMaker: 1,271 posts
Armorama: 1,253 posts
Posted: Monday, October 14, 2013 - 04:17 AM UTC
I know how you feel. I'm always a bit nervous when starting the painting process. @Mike that's a good suggestion, I would have never thought of that.

Not sure if this is of any help, but I happened to chat with this gentleman on Saturday. I don't know just how accurate that color is seeing as it could be a reproduction, but it could make a good reference:

IMG_1545

Unfortunately he was the only para dressed in khaki, the rest were more suited for NW Europe.

IMG_1495

Don't mean to blow up your thread here, just thought you might like the photos.

-Conor
1stjaeger
Visit this Community
Wien, Austria
Joined: May 20, 2011
KitMaker: 1,744 posts
Armorama: 1,727 posts
Posted: Monday, October 14, 2013 - 07:05 AM UTC

Jerry, Mike is absolutely right!! A practice run shows where you presently stand!

Cood luck m8!

Cheers

Romain
jrutman
Visit this Community
Pennsylvania, United States
Joined: April 10, 2011
KitMaker: 7,941 posts
Armorama: 7,934 posts
Posted: Monday, October 14, 2013 - 09:35 AM UTC
Thanks guys,for the comments and suggestions. I will give the practice face painting a go but first have to let my eyes get back up to speed. Thanks Conor,for the color piccies.
I felt good enough to start trying out some basic colors. It doesn't take a lot of finesse to paint that.
I think this is pretty close,a mix of ochre and kahki

Here is the real deal again. Nice to see a reenactor that is not middle aged and well fed.

jrutman
Visit this Community
Pennsylvania, United States
Joined: April 10, 2011
KitMaker: 7,941 posts
Armorama: 7,934 posts
Posted: Monday, October 14, 2013 - 09:37 AM UTC
Now that I see them together my color is too green and too dark. Maybe a bit of dry brushing to tone it down?
J
panzerconor
Visit this Community
Massachusetts, United States
Joined: February 08, 2012
KitMaker: 1,271 posts
Armorama: 1,253 posts
Posted: Monday, October 14, 2013 - 12:30 PM UTC

Quoted Text


Here is the real deal again. Nice to see a reenactor that is not middle aged and well fed.][/URL]




Hahaha that's true, I totally forgot you posted that picture. There were quite a few guys like him at the reenactment I saw, but unfortunately none were paras
1stjaeger
Visit this Community
Wien, Austria
Joined: May 20, 2011
KitMaker: 1,744 posts
Armorama: 1,727 posts
Posted: Monday, October 14, 2013 - 05:14 PM UTC

Quoted Text

Now that I see them together my color is too green and too dark. Maybe a bit of dry brushing to tone it down?
J



Unfair of course (daylight etc) but true. No worries though m8!
As you said...drybrushing will do the trick. Lighter colour more "reddish" (sounds funny doesn't it) and shadows darker anyway. It's the desert, so the lighting is rather harsh

The figure looks fantastic by the way!!! Congratulations Sir!!

Cheers

Romain


P.S.: like the reenactor a lot! He could actually pass as a german officer. Nice details like his AK Erinnerungsstock!!
Karl187
#284
Visit this Community
Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Joined: October 04, 2006
KitMaker: 3,094 posts
Armorama: 2,942 posts
Posted: Monday, October 14, 2013 - 10:44 PM UTC
I don't think you have the 'wrong' color Jerry but I think its currently too vibrant for something that would have seen a good bit of wear and tear in such a climate as North Africa, not to mention the bleaching by the sun. Drybrushing and washing will certainly do the trick as already suggested.

I get the same trepidation when beginning to paint a project (I think most people do)- you just hope to yourself that you don't mess up the work you've done so far!!
Paulinsibculo
Visit this Community
Overijssel, Netherlands
Joined: July 01, 2010
KitMaker: 1,322 posts
Armorama: 1,239 posts
Posted: Monday, October 14, 2013 - 11:29 PM UTC
Hi Jerry,

Do not worry too much about the clothing colors.
For many reasons:
1. The batches of clothing did vary in shade already directly after the production process, due to the fact that the interaction clothing quality and paint was different for each batch. Furthermore, several companies were ordered to supply the same type of items, thus creating (minor) variations. Though rules and high technical requirements and standards excisted, the technology of those days was not able to avoid differences.
2. Clothing, after it had been issued, was treated differently by each man. The frequency of cleaning, the way clothing is washed, temperature, detergent etc., each item creates a variation in shades in one batch.
3. Climate influences cause a variation of shades as well. Sunshine will bleach clothing.

Looking at my own uniform I do see great differences in shades of the camo, but also in the monochrome clothing.
New items have the print 'bright and shiny', as ordered by the ministery to the producers. After 25 times being in a washing machine, colors have faded away (and thus rising your status as an old soldier ).

A good impression of this variation of the same kind of dress item in color can be seen in a very good book about Russian clothing:
The Soviet Soldier of WW2, bu Histoire&Collections, ISBN 978-2-35250-100-8
jrutman
Visit this Community
Pennsylvania, United States
Joined: April 10, 2011
KitMaker: 7,941 posts
Armorama: 7,934 posts
Posted: Tuesday, October 15, 2013 - 02:12 AM UTC

Quoted Text


Quoted Text


Here is the real deal again. Nice to see a reenactor that is not middle aged and well fed.][/URL]




Hahaha that's true, I totally forgot you posted that picture. There were quite a few guys like him at the reenactment I saw, but unfortunately none were paras



Ah well,I suppose us fat guys like to have some fun as well as the next guy!! What can I say,I do love my groceries! Hahahahahah,
J
jrutman
Visit this Community
Pennsylvania, United States
Joined: April 10, 2011
KitMaker: 7,941 posts
Armorama: 7,934 posts
Posted: Tuesday, October 15, 2013 - 02:20 AM UTC

Quoted Text


Quoted Text

Now that I see them together my color is too green and too dark. Maybe a bit of dry brushing to tone it down?
J



Unfair of course (daylight etc) but true. No worries though m8!
As you said...drybrushing will do the trick. Lighter colour more "reddish" (sounds funny doesn't it) and shadows darker anyway. It's the desert, so the lighting is rather harsh

The figure looks fantastic by the way!!! Congratulations Sir!!

Cheers

Romain


P.S.: like the reenactor a lot! He could actually pass as a german officer. Nice details like his AK Erinnerungsstock!!



I will hopefully get a handle on this painting after a while!
This reenactor was one of a whole bunch of really good ones at the Reading Pa WWII weekend. Quite well researched and authentic. The 82nd Abn guys were specially good!
There was a very accurate WSS contingent there as well,complete with a beat up Ford truck and when they were done with the battle they came back to base camp and I saw one of the most attractive women that I have ever seen in my life,dressed exactly perfect in period civilian clothing along with some kids dressed the same way. Seriously,as a life long admirerer of good lookin ladies even I was impressed. And that ain't easy.
I took some great pics that day but was so open mouthed at that point I failed to get a pic so I missed the lady,the WSS guys but I did get the truck.
Sorry,bit off topic here,
J
jrutman
Visit this Community
Pennsylvania, United States
Joined: April 10, 2011
KitMaker: 7,941 posts
Armorama: 7,934 posts
Posted: Tuesday, October 15, 2013 - 02:22 AM UTC

Quoted Text

I don't think you have the 'wrong' color Jerry but I think its currently too vibrant for something that would have seen a good bit of wear and tear in such a climate as North Africa, not to mention the bleaching by the sun. Drybrushing and washing will certainly do the trick as already suggested.

I get the same trepidation when beginning to paint a project (I think most people do)- you just hope to yourself that you don't mess up the work you've done so far!!





Karl,
That you for the support. That is my view as well. My experiments with getting the correct color will work out as it will provide a nice variation in colors and tones between the different guys? Anyway,that's my story and I'm stickin to it.
J
jrutman
Visit this Community
Pennsylvania, United States
Joined: April 10, 2011
KitMaker: 7,941 posts
Armorama: 7,934 posts
Posted: Tuesday, October 15, 2013 - 02:25 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Hi Jerry,

Do not worry too much about the clothing colors.
For many reasons:
1. The batches of clothing did vary in shade already directly after the production process, due to the fact that the interaction clothing quality and paint was different for each batch. Furthermore, several companies were ordered to supply the same type of items, thus creating (minor) variations. Though rules and high technical requirements and standards excisted, the technology of those days was not able to avoid differences.
2. Clothing, after it had been issued, was treated differently by each man. The frequency of cleaning, the way clothing is washed, temperature, detergent etc., each item creates a variation in shades in one batch.
3. Climate influences cause a variation of shades as well. Sunshine will bleach clothing.

Looking at my own uniform I do see great differences in shades of the camo, but also in the monochrome clothing.
New items have the print 'bright and shiny', as ordered by the ministery to the producers. After 25 times being in a washing machine, colors have faded away (and thus rising your status as an old soldier ).

A good impression of this variation of the same kind of dress item in color can be seen in a very good book about Russian clothing:
The Soviet Soldier of WW2, bu Histoire&Collections, ISBN 978-2-35250-100-8



Thanks Paul,for the insight and views. I think we are all on the same sheet of music here with the variations in color. I too liked to wear my old uniforms way past their prime as a badge of service. I think the equivilent in the German Army would be the old style officers cap? A badge of long service and respect?
Thanks for weighing in on the thread,I appreciate it.
J
jrutman
Visit this Community
Pennsylvania, United States
Joined: April 10, 2011
KitMaker: 7,941 posts
Armorama: 7,934 posts
Posted: Wednesday, October 16, 2013 - 02:50 AM UTC
Got some fairly good variations going now.

J
1stjaeger
Visit this Community
Wien, Austria
Joined: May 20, 2011
KitMaker: 1,744 posts
Armorama: 1,727 posts
Posted: Wednesday, October 16, 2013 - 09:13 AM UTC

Hu Jerry,

thanks for posting this pic! Finally we see the group as a whole.

Colour-wise I find the trousers on the ammo bearer the best. It looks quite bleached out without losing a "colour" touch.

Please look at the NCO again. Compare his cap and the way it is seated on his head with the gunner's, Don't you think it sits too far up (interval ear lobe to cap bottom)???

I like the gunner a lot better!

What is the ammo bearer to get for a headgear?? If cap, he might have the same problem as the NCO.

You know I don't want to be picky, don't you!

Cheers

Romain