Darn, dropped it!

Started by martin goddard, April 23, 2020, 07:14:49 PM

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martin goddard

Just tidying up an SMG for the German paras. Ping! Spent an hour looking for it. I know exactly where it dropped. Amongst a pile of wire and metal cuttings , easy.  Nope, nothing.  Until I looked behind where I sit and it had shot over my head and travelled a  metre back.  Moral is that martin is hopeless at reconnaissance :-[


martin

Leslie BT

Just shows how we perhaps make the search roll to simple in our games!!

martin goddard

Next the MP40 SMG must be cast in a vertical position in a mould on Saturday.
It takes quite a while to get to the stage of a first para pack release.


I have to cast it vertically so that side to side compression on final figures is compensated for by vertical compression at the master stage.
In the Saturday mould there will be a nice bread bag with water bottle, plus two para helmets. One helmet smooth and 1 helmet with cover.
Then next week if these press up Ok the first two packs of paras will be sculpted. I think it will be a rifle pack and another rife pack.  After that I am thinking of a rifle pack.


Will keep you updated. :)



martin

Colonel Kilgore

Thanks for the insight and update, Martin.

Don't forget to do a rifle pack too!

Simon

pbeccas (Paul)

I really enjoy learning about the detailed work it takes to sculpt a figure range.

Matías

Hearing the descriptions I would love to see some pictures of the workshop.

martin goddard

#6
Here are some notes for those that might be interested. ???
I sculpt the figures at my desk in the lounge.
It is small desk with a powerful overhead angle poise type lamp.
To the right ( i am right handed) is a stack of abrasive/sand papers. Accompanied by super glue and a wire applicator (to apply tiny amounts of super glue).
Central is a blue foam (thin craft foam in a nice clear/contrast blue) working area so that figures do not get scratched or damaged whilst being worked over!
Beyond this are the sculpting  tools (about 8 of). Along with files, drills, pens etc.
On the left are raw putty packs.

Now for the trimmings.
1. The far (24") desk face is covered in propped up books, pictures and written notes.Usually about 4 books and 5 A4 sheets as most projects have other parallel projects going on at the same time. Som eof these sources are hard won as they show the rear of uniforms, ammunition containers  and the like
This is because drying time stops rapid advancement on any particular piece.
2.Then add about 5 tiny Japanese MUJI boxes (there are 160 in the desk area)with components in them (weapons, heads, spacers).
3. Then mix in selections of brass and other wires.
4. Top of with a liberal sprinkling of comparison figures, resin casts needed trimming, brushes, water etc.
5. Find space for a glass and wood slab when firm surfaces are needed.
6. Here and there contrast the scene with lengths of tubing and a Dremel drill.
7.Surround the piece with various pairs of spectacles, snips (x 5), pin vices (9 of) and special fluids.
8. Over the whole ensemble sprinkle a thick layer of house dust, metal filings, putty pieces lego and things that have sprung off (German MP 40) never to be found again.

9. Occasional visitors to this scene are from my collection of DRAGON equipment and plastic kits. Better place a mug of tea in there somewhere and a household object that requires my repair.
10. I sit using a posture type chair. This way i can look out the window and see the local drug dealers plying their trade 10 metres away too. >:(


martin :)

Colonel Kilgore

Martin - that's fascinating, thanks.

What are you listening to while all this is going on?

Simon

martin goddard

I always listen to audio books or the radio 4 stuff.
I get through 3 books a month although many more lately!


martin

Radar

Quote from: martin goddard on April 24, 2020, 08:44:08 AM
i can look out the window and see the local drug dealers plying their trade 10 metres away

A handy resource if you decide to expand the fantasy range

Colonel Kilgore

The surge in productivity from the PP sculpting room is possibly the best thing yet to have come out of the present crisis  :)

Antioch (Bob)

#11
Fascinating to read Martins approach to sculpting.

So while we all are after a particular piece or figures I have a different question for Martin (not being anywhere to close).....  trying to put the buisness aside for a few minutes....  What game or period do you like to play yourself? What figures do you enjoy painting?

Just curious from afar.

Bob

Sean Clark

Having seen the desk in question, I can vouch that it is a sight to behold where magic happens and teams are made.

Also, I would challenge any rules writer to say they play test more than Martin and the Weymouth crew. In full flow it's several games per week!

Matías

That is a great description Martin, thanks!

martin goddard

Thanks all.
Sean i am indeed missing by 4 games a week.  Very difficult indeed (impossible) to move ahead without play testers.
Luckily BB had just finished and PBI Enemy has only just started.

martin