Need inspiration for next project!

[Gavalaar1980]

Hi all,

Just asking for some advice about figure projects besides the Tamiya 1/16 scale range (I've done 3 but none of the others in the range really interest me). There are some excellent looking resin models on Ebay/Amazon in the same scale; are these desirable to build and paint or a pain in the arse? Also I'm guessing you have to 100% research/source the paint scheme because these figures are shipped without manufacturers assembly/paint guide like Airfix/Tamiya?
Would consider doing some smaller scale figures but virtually all the kits in smaller scale have multiple figures; why is this so? For war game purposes I'm assuming. I prefer to paint a singular figure without doing an entire platoon. Are there any buying options out there for a single 28mm metal figure or are you basically forced to buy an entire army (not keen on that idea because it would take ages to complete the project)?

 

[Tim Marlow]

Hi Gavin.
For inspiration on single larger figures try looking through something like this…

Historex Agents

Historex Agents, based in Dover, are world-wide suppliers of high quality hobby materials and magazines for modellers. Historic, Military, and Fantasy kits and accessories by major designers and manufacturers.

www.historexagents.com

There are many companies making figures in a bewildering variety of materials, scales, and periods. The best way to get inspired is to simply browse through and see what bites….

If you are interested in 28mm figures then something like this may help…

North Star Military Figures - Home Page

The official site of North Star Military Figures

www.northstarfigures.com

Most metal figures come in packs of several sculpts and are aimed at gamers building units. For plastic figures I would look for what interests you, then find a single sprue on EBay (there are lots of sellers). The cost won’t be prohibitive.

If you are looking for WW2, for example, Perry figures are very good.

Perry Miniatures

Many thanks to all who voted us Best Miniature Manufacturer 2023 in the Wargames Illustrated Awards! Perry Miniatures is run by well known 28mm sculptors Alan & Michael Perry.

www.perry-miniatures.com

The sculpts are excellent. However, some of the metals need a fair bit of clean up. The plastic figures are better in this respect.

Hope this helps…

 

[wotan]

Hi Gavin

There are a number of Companies that make 1/35 scale figures particularly in resin. Alpine are noted for their quality and they do have colour pictures to help with the painting guide. In larger scales take a look at Pegaso for metal cast historical figures, and Young miniatures for large scale resin busts. Finally take a browse on Planetfigure.com to see the range of stuff available,

John

 

[Dave Ward]

Hi all,

Just asking for some advice about figure projects besides the Tamiya 1/16 scale range (I've done 3 but none of the others in the range really interest me). There are some excellent looking resin models on Ebay/Amazon in the same scale; are these desirable to build and paint or a pain in the arse? Also I'm guessing you have to 100% research/source the paint scheme because these figures are shipped without manufacturers assembly/paint guide like Airfix/Tamiya?
Would consider doing some smaller scale figures but virtually all the kits in smaller scale have multiple figures; why is this so? For war game purposes I'm assuming. I prefer to paint a singular figure without doing an entire platoon. Are there any buying options out there for a single 28mm metal figure or are you basically forced to buy an entire army (not keen on that idea because it would take ages to complete the project)?

Gavin,
have a look at the ICM 1/16 figures https://icm.com.ua/catalog/?type=figure- the 'guards' series are a bit pedestrian, but the Viking, Gladiator, Centurion & SWAT members are worth a look ( and Game of Thrones dead, if you're that way inclined ) - figures to avoid in this scale are any of the MiniArt figures, they are very poor, and need a lot of work, even before you can start painting.
I've done the ICM Viking, and the SWAT Team Leader, and although my figure painting skills aren't very good, I was happy with the result.
One cautionary note about buying resin figures off ebay - it's too easy to buy rip-off copies - if it's very cheap, then beware!
Dave

 

[Gavalaar1980]

Hi Gavin.
For inspiration on single larger figures try looking through something like this…

Historex Agents

Historex Agents, based in Dover, are world-wide suppliers of high quality hobby materials and magazines for modellers. Historic, Military, and Fantasy kits and accessories by major designers and manufacturers.

www.historexagents.com

There are many companies making figures in a bewildering variety of materials, scales, and periods. The best way to get inspired is to simply browse through and see what bites….

If you are interested in 28mm figures then something like this may help…

North Star Military Figures - Home Page

The official site of North Star Military Figures

www.northstarfigures.com

Most metal figures come in packs of several sculpts and are aimed at gamers building units. For plastic figures I would look for what interests you, then find a single sprue on EBay (there are lots of sellers). The cost won’t be prohibitive.

If you are looking for WW2, for example, Perry figures are very good.

Perry Miniatures

Many thanks to all who voted us Best Miniature Manufacturer 2023 in the Wargames Illustrated Awards! Perry Miniatures is run by well known 28mm sculptors Alan & Michael Perry.

www.perry-miniatures.com

The sculpts are excellent. However, some of the metals need a fair bit of clean up. The plastic figures are better in this respect.

Hope this helps…

Many thanks for your input Tim, that website has a plethora of options!

 

[Gavalaar1980]

Hi Gavin

There are a number of Companies that make 1/35 scale figures particularly in resin. Alpine are noted for their quality and they do have colour pictures to help with the painting guide. In larger scales take a look at Pegaso for metal cast historical figures, and Young miniatures for large scale resin busts. Finally take a browse on Planetfigure.com to see the range of stuff available,

John

Thanks for your advice John. Will have a look at these recommended manufacturers offerings.There are some nice looking 1/16 scale resin figures on Amazon, Xingcheng are the makers? They are quite expensive so i assume good quality. Ever heard of them?

 

[Gavalaar1980]

Gavin,
have a look at the ICM 1/16 figures https://icm.com.ua/catalog/?type=figure- the 'guards' series are a bit pedestrian, but the Viking, Gladiator, Centurion & SWAT members are worth a look ( and Game of Thrones dead, if you're that way inclined ) - figures to avoid in this scale are any of the MiniArt figures, they are very poor, and need a lot of work, even before you can start painting.
I've done the ICM Viking, and the SWAT Team Leader, and although my figure painting skills aren't very good, I was happy with the result.
One cautionary note about buying resin figures off ebay - it's too easy to buy rip-off copies - if it's very cheap, then beware!
Dave

Dave,

Thanks for the reply. That's a nice catalogue, very extensive selection. Also I agree about the MiniArt figures, they do look a bit rubbish I must admit. The resin figures on Ebay/Amaxon are going for about £40 each so i assume they are genuine at that price? G

 

[Dave Ward]

Gavin,
I was perhaps a bit dismissive of the MiniArt Models - some of them can be made presentable
This is the MiniArt 1/16 Athenian Hoplite - he needed extensive surgery under his kilt, and under his helmet before I could get bits to fit! If you can find one at a bargain price, it'd be worth it, just to practice on!!!!
Dave
ps the build log of this is herehttps://www.scale-models.co.uk/threads/1-16-miniart-athenian-hoplite.34677/#post-487195

 

[wotan]

Never heard of that maker but at 40 quid they are probably knockoffs. Only buy from the well known manufacturers.

John

 

[Dave Ward]

John is probably correct, Chinese copies of Andrea sculptures ( and others )
can be found everywhere. Aliexpress is full of these knock-offs.
Have you considered busts? There are some very nice 1/9 or 1/10 examples around................
Dave

 

[Dave Ward]

Gavin,
I've bought from this UK seller a few times https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/m.html?_trkparms=folent:mitches-military-models|folenttp:1&_ssn=mitches-military-models&_sop=15 He does full figures, as well, but the price shoots up
Dave
has a website, as well https://www.mitchesmilitarymodels.co.uk/

 

[Gavalaar1980]

Gavin,
I was perhaps a bit dismissive of the MiniArt Models - some of them can be made presentableView attachment 443628
This is the MiniArt 1/16 Athenian Hoplite - he needed extensive surgery under his kilt, and under his helmet before I could get bits to fit! If you can find one at a bargain price, it'd be worth it, just to practice on!!!!
Dave
ps the build log of this is herehttps://www.scale-models.co.uk/threads/1-16-miniart-athenian-hoplite.34677/#post-487195

Dave,

That's an excellent well painted figure, very neat. You're undoubtedly talented. Best MiniArt completed figure I've seen yet. G

 

[Gavalaar1980]

Gavin,
I've bought from this UK seller a few times https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/m.html?_trkparms=folent:mitches-military-models|folenttp:1&_ssn=mitches-military-models&_sop=15 He does full figures, as well, but the price shoots up
Dave
has a website, as well https://www.mitchesmilitarymodels.co.uk/

Thanks Dave, will give that a peruse. I have considered busts but the subject always has to grab me. I would love to do a figure/bust of the drill sergeant from Full Metal Jacket! Does such a thing exist? These manufacturers should do a movie figure series....G

 

[wasdale32]

Gavin - Mitches do a series of Vietnam era busts that might inspire https://www.mitchesmilitarymodels.co.uk/product/v-bust-set-vietnam/
Or you can get each individually.

 

[Dave Ward]

Gavin,
the busts from MItches are pretty good
This is a Russian pilot Ivan Kozhedub Hero of the Soviet Union

You have to source your own base & mount. I did this in acrylics - I know most figure painters use oils, but I can't get on with them mysellf!
Dave

 

[Gavalaar1980]

Gavin,
the busts from MItches are pretty good
This is a Russian pilot Ivan Kozhedub Hero of the Soviet Union
View attachment 443716
You have to source your own base & mount. I did this in acrylics - I know most figure painters use oils, but I can't get on with them mysellf!
Dave

That's very good Dave, some neat detail there. I always use acrylics.
Usually Tamiya acrylics with a few drops of paint retarder for everything on the figure except the face and Vallejo acrylics for the face.