John - He's quite heavy, but I'm actually finding painting him slightly easier that the smaller scales. The larger size means that you can work on individual folds and creases while still wet and get some decent blending going.
Steve - Morning. Yes, he's shiny as hell. Sometimes Vallejo paint is like that unfortunately. I painted the boots last night, so the next task is to do some weathering, stick him on a base, then give him a good matting down with Daler Rowney. After that it's on to the equipment - ammo pouches, entrenching tool, water bottle, bayonet, rolled rain cape, grenades, and of course the M16.
Seems to be getting hot again, with 30 degrees predicted for moving day, dammit.