Mitches Flying Aces Busts

[Deleted member 6559]

This will be my next project; three 200mm busts of WW2 flying aces by Mitches Military Models. The aces depicted are Johnny Johnson, Pappy Boyington and Adolf Galland:



As is usual with Pavol Ovecka sculpts, the resemblance is there to varying degrees, though the faces perhaps have more creases and wrinkles than they should have - lets call it character. The visor was missing from the Galland bust, and as Mitches has not got back to me, it looks like I'll have to knock something up myself.

I've bought plenty of buffs and yellows for the life-vests, so here we go......

 

[Deleted member 6559]

These are now ready for paint:



All extremely well cast, and apart from the removal of some mould blocks, very little clean-up required.

I've made a visor for Galland's cap from plastic card - it's a little thin, but otherwise it won't bend to the required shape - it will look fine once painted. Not sure who to start with, though Pappy looks the most appealing.

 

[Peter Gillson]

Im sure you will do a great job on these

Peter

 

[Deleted member 6559]

Fingers crossed Peter.

I've found some uniform reference:

 

[adt70hk]

Looking forward to seeing these come on Peter. I still have no idea how I would approach a bust given how bad I am at 1/72 figures.

ATB

Andrew

 

[Si Benson]

Morning Peter,

Those busts look excellent, I’m sure these will be stunning once you work you magic!

 

[Deleted member 6559]

Hi Andrew - I would say busts are much easier than 1/72 figures - full of admiration for people who work at that scale.

Morning Si - No promises!

 

[Jim R]

Hi Peter
Nice trio. Would look good mounted together with a nice title "Flying Aces"
Jim

 

[Deleted member 6559]

Raring to go Jim, but pole-axed by a stomach bug.

I still haven't mounted my Waterloo commanders busts, so I'll look out a base for them as well.

 

[JR]

Matron has a cure for such things, should you want her to call .Hope you feel better soon Peter and with her intervention.
Great trio, were they in a set or just separate kits, agree with Jim's suggestion.

 

[Deleted member 6559]

Any excuse for matron to call round. If she could just keep me awake I'd be happy.

They are sold individually at £25 each, or as at a set for £55 (sale price) - it's a no-brainer really.

 

[scottie3158]

Peter,
Looking forward to this.

 

[BattleshipBob]

Count me in Peter, good to see Johnny Johnson, what a pilot!

 

[Deleted member 6559]

Scottie - Welcome along.

Bob - I read his book 'Wing Leader' a few years ago. Quite a career.

 

[BattleshipBob]

Managed to buy a signed print, top ace!

 

[Steve Jones]

Nice to see you back on the busts Peter and three for the price of one blog. You do spoil us. Good luck my friend

 

[Deleted member 6559]

Bob - A great thing to have.

Steve - Thought it was about time I did some 200mm work.

Johnny's head:



Oh this was hard! As usual with Pavol Ovecka's faces, the eyes were extremely narrow and hard to get at, and surrounded by a forest of wrinkles which took ages to unravel. I nearly gave up several times, but got somewhere in the end. I'll no doubt fiddle with it a bit more.

 

[Deleted member 6559]

The next stage:



Loads and loads of tiny detail to pick out on the clothing and Mae West. I will need to go over it all and make refinements when the rest is done.

 

[Jim R]

Hi Peter
Quality work as always. That is quite a bargain price - always a nice feeling when you do get a bargain
Jim

 

[Deleted member 6559]

Hi Jim

Though I get the impression that Mitches cast to order, it looks like they're running down the V Bust range, which is a shame.