Friday, 16 January 2015

Special Forces, Downed Heli Pilots & British Infantry.


I recently painted some 'Empress Miniatures' figures from their excellent Modern Range. First up is four figures from one of their Special Forces packs. I have painted these in a mix of different camo and not too uniform in appearance as you would expect. The vehicles are a couple of die cast toys that I repainted a while ago. 



   
A couple of 'Downed Helicopter Pilots' from Empress. I have painted one of these in a plain flying suit and body armour so that I can use him for both my British and American collections if need be.





Next up, I have painted up some more British Infantry to fill out the platoon. I have changed the way I have painted the Multi Cam on these, as the original ones that I did I felt probably had a little too much green in the pattern. I will show a few comparison shots of these in a moment but first, here is my latest attempt at the modern camo.



 
The platoon and supports so far.

I will be adding to these in my next post with more support options, including medic, mortars, HMG, mine clearance and dog handler. I have also done some 'Jump Off Points' specific for CoC 'Fighting Season' which I shall post.

A comparison shot of the original Multi Cam that I painted on the figure on the right, next to my latest version on the left.
    
Whilst we are on the subject of camo, I was quite surprised how effective even a painted representation of camouflage is on a toy soldier when placed in the appropriate terrain. After viewing some of the pictures I had taken, I found all I was looking at was the terrain and it was only on closer inspection I noticed the figure. (Then again, maybe it is my age and eyesight)

Same again, old painted style camo on right and the latest batch on left of the picture. I have also put in a couple of non camo figures for comparison.


     
Just a couple of pictures of the latest Brits to finish off.



 

30 comments:

  1. As ever, amazing work! I am currently working on a 6mm project in order to cover the invasions of Afghanistan from 1878-2010 with minimal outlay, and your pictures & tutorials have been my primary inspiration.

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    1. I am really pleased what I have done has helped you. Likewise finding the period from NWF through to the recent conflict very interesting.

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    2. There are a lot of period sources available for free here: http://pahar.in/books/

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    3. Thanks very much for the link. A huge amount of reading material there.

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  2. Pat, it's always a real pleasure to look at your gorgeous pictures, so realistic and so beautiful...really excellent!
    Best,
    Phil.

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  3. Another cracking post Pat, love the new Cammo look, but the variations in the troop just add to the authenticity of the piece. Stunning shot of the helicopter coming down.

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  4. Excellent work Pat. I agree with Michael the new cammo is spot on. The diecast repaints (which look great) did you paint as is or take apart to paint the body work? Trying to decide whether or not to repaint some of my 1/72 diecast vehicles or just 'dust up'.

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    1. Thanks Mark, love your recent post on terrain for this period.
      I took a shortcut with the diecast vehicles and didn't bother taking them apart and just sprayed them with a black primer and worked up from there. With any future diecast 's I will just go along the lines of weathering and matt varnish unless I want to change the actual colour of the vehicle. The matt varnish has an unusual effect on the plastic windscreen but I quite like how it turns out. (see the rusty pick-up truck in earlier post)

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    2. Thanks Pat. Painting the 1/72 diecast is low priority at the moment, though they will add another feature to the game board, having 'shiny' toy cars may look out of place. I'm tempted go with weathering them up rather than I complete re-paint.

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  5. You are like a gaming god mate. Im always jealour you get to play with such good toys and terrain :(

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  6. Very Black Hawk Down... Great stuff Pat..

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  7. Wonderful work again Pat! Just stunning!

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  8. Amazing work yet again Pat and I really like that downed chopper! Wonderful!

    Christopher

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  9. Fantastic work altogether - great minis, amazing scenario!

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  10. Hi Pat - these really are fantastic and I particularly like the shot if the chaps running throught the fields!
    Always a pleasure visiting mate and very much looking forward to the CofC take on this as Force on Force isn't really cutting the mustard for us at present for this theatre of war.

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  11. As always l'm green with envy. That platoon shot is most impressive. I'd love if you could provide a little run-down on how you did the multi cam? Have a figure on the table right now I'd like to try it on.

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  12. Thanks again chaps.
    Moiterei, I used the following to paint the Multi Cam.
    Light grey primer.
    basecoat - Foundry Rawhide 11C
    Horizontal splodges with Foundry Phlemg Green 28C
    Horizontal splodges with Vallejo Russian Uniform 924
    Horizontal splodges with Vallejo English Uniform 921
    Little dash with Vallejo Iraqui Sand 819
    Little dash with Vallejo Choc Brown 149
    Finish with a glaze of Vallejo Iraqui Sand.

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  13. Great looking shots, Pat. The realism of the photography coupled with the superb figures and terrain make it look almost too real. Amazing as always.

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  14. These are fantastic. Great job. Loving your terrain as well top notch looking table.

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  15. They are terrific. You've definitely made we want to buy Empress moderns.

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  16. Beautiful! On the topic that camo "works" even in small scale I found it difficult to photograph our ww2 game, being used to medievals and napoleonics. All blended very good to the background and more often than not miniatures were huggning cover so the mini had its face against a wall or in some hedgerows. Abit frustrating really as the visuall impact is really important to me - and 20th c and modern warfare is all about not making a visual impact. At all. :-) I must confess I didn't forsee that aspect of modern wargaming. It Will be interesting to see how you handle this. Awesome so far thats for sure. And with your beautiful terrain you really don't have to see any miniatures to enjoy the pictures! :-)
    /Mattias

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  17. Thanks chaps for your remarks, much appreciated.

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  18. I am lost for words, amazing collection

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  19. A fantastic collection Pat with your skills showcased in splendour :) Particularly liked the Platoon 'group' shot with the entire assemble including SF folks & Support vehicles on show... keep up the good work - drooling :)

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  20. Great work ! Did you use Force on Force rules ? (ambush alley)

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    1. Thanks chaps.
      Hi Stef, This wasn't an actual game so I didn't use Force on Force but I will be using the Chain of Command rule adaption for this period when it is released. 'Fighting Season'.

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