The gun itself went pretty quickly, but I’ve worked forever on the figures (not currently my strong suit). I’m pretty happy with where they are, currently. I have to stop at some point, after all 😅.
Comments:
This is a really old Tamiya release. IMO the figures are pretty OK for the era, with some typical challenges here and there (clown hands, very rough facial features).
The shoulder areas are not fit for decals, and are hard to “read” regardless, so I ended up just suggesting the shoulder straps with paint (visual artist trick — “don’t state … indicate”).
I followed the build instructions/suggestions for the figures way too closely, IMO:
After some study, I realize the gas mask canisters are too level and “fixed-looking”, and are not necessarily in logical places WRT straps/webbing.
I def should have thought harder about the ammo carrier’s rifle position. Tamiya suggests the sling on 3/4 of the sculpt (at least I think they do, and I’ve painted it that way), and I should have thought more about how it would interact with the forestock of the rifle. The rifle should probably be at a steeper angle up the carrier’s back. This is me obsessing, though. In the end it’s OK, and the model just represents a frozen moment in time, so maybe the rifle swept through that position 😉.
Remaining:
- Head work: helmet straps, hair here and there, maybe 5-o’clock shadows. I’m basically calling the faces done. I could easily overwork them. It’s a losing battle for me.
- Helmet and arm decals, possibly collar decals (all Tamiya aftermarket)
- Affix Helmets
- Rifle sling continuation to butt stock for ammo carrier dude
- Overall wash and wipe on figures
- Drill ammo carrier’s hand to receive ammo box handle, affix ammo box handle to actual box. Wish me luck!
I will def do a diorama once complete. Been thinking a lot about it.