Hi everybody

Well this time we are looking at the bust version of the latest release from RP Models , of course set up by our very own Hugo Pereira .

There was of course a 75mm full figure which I reviewed here :

http://www.planetfigure.com/threads/harald-hardrada-from-rp-models.99304/ *

The bust release was announced here and in social media

http://www.planetfigure.com/threads/1-10-harald-hardrada-bust.99069/


RP as a company and especially Hugo are also known for the fact that they listen to suggestions and idea's from the market and the potential customers and that has been acknowledged by this on the box itself ...a nice touch and thank you to Hugo ....for me I enjoyed the research I did and am pleased it was of use and I certainly learnt a lot !!!

As I reviewed the 75 mm figure I would suggest you use the link marked * above to have a look at the information I included to avoid repetition here.

RP are well known and respected for the quality of details and textures that they strive to get into every release ..........

I ask myself would this continue with this release .....well a most DEFINATE & RESOUNDING YES !!

I have taken a lot of pictures to do this review slightly differently ...allowing the pictures to do the talking with my own personal thoughts where appropriate

Details of the release:

Title: Harald Hardrada ( Ancient World Series)

Reference: HRP - B -01-0001

Scale: 1/10th

Material: Gray Resin

No of parts: 13

Sculptor: 3D

Casting YS Castings ( Yiannis )

Box Art: N/A


After looking at the figure I was intrigued with the box size in front of me of the bust ....the first thing to say is ...its a big box for sure !!!

Contents are the same as the figure in the same configuration of main torso , 2 arms , head , neck mail , cloak , Sword in hand , bird in hand , burning cord , scabbard, axe ,dagger , shield , no base is included .





Nice to see the sword blade in a protective covering as well

We also have a insert with the history and a picture

The figure is cut off at the lower torso in a straight line

As this is a 3D sculpt the details all over are of course the same but very much more seen

Prep

This is an easy thing to do with small remnants of casting on the lower torso , small casting posts at the upper arm on the torso and one on the underside of the cloak , when fitting the cloak a small amount of filler was needed on my review piece.

You will need to fit the arms , hands, scabbard, dagger and burning cord together with neck mail and head ....again all easy to complete with the minimum of fuss and work.


In this part we shall look at the largest of the body parts

The Main Torso

Looking this screams skill using 3D and skill in casting to ensure all the fine work is cast correctly

Even more noticeable in the bust is the textures of the belting , wonderful to say the least ...you will certainly enjoy the painting here ...but not only here ...the whole look of the armour is so accurate that you could almost take it off .

At the neck the lucky amulets and charms are more defined and showing great detail

The front part of the cloak is cast on and looks even more quilted in appearance

The buckle work is good , sharp in definition ,with the small pouch/purse so full looking its tempting to cut it off the belt for the gold inside ...lol , the surface texture again is clearly seen .

The mail shows up even better in this scale here's an imprint of this in blu tac...good eh!!!

Lets look at the pictures ....




Detail shots:



One word really....WOW!!!!!

Continued in next post

Nap

Now to some the remaining pieces

Again I will use the same format as before looking at the head , neck mail , arms , and the cloak

Head & Neck Mail

This is without doubt a veritable musical of detail all over the helmet , stunning designs are to be seen even more here in each of the sectioned helmet , all well cast and absolutely no miscasting , we can admire the craftsmanship not only of the artists involved but also the ancient armourer and the skill they knew to make helmets like this , we are also able to be amazed at the central piece running fore and aft as well as the eye and nasal protectors both again showing lovely details.



The facial work shows up even more here with the beard being almost needing cutting its that lifelike and no blemishes or air holes or defects anywhere.

The mail itself sits well into the cutout at the back of the neck and snaps into position accurately and with ease , again we have the same detail on the actual mail.



Arms

These are in the same position as the figure and again excellent detail work on the mail , with the lower arm protection being well defined and the backing of the plates having the texture m the ties are well done and look so good you can almost see his servant putting them on

Fit is not an issue with no filler needed .

Cloak

Again we see a very luxurious garment the quilting is even more noticeable , there is a slight casting line on the left edge but easily dealt with and I only noticed it with my optivisor . The pattern continues on both sides and both with the same amount of care., the sections are all held in place by stitching , folds are natural and there are the belt ends of the shield ...again textures are the word of the day and what good to see is that they are all in scale thickness

Fit is the same format as the figure , sitting onto the shoulders well and in place by a male/female piece on the inside.



Continued in next post

Nap

On now to the remaining parts

Shield

This is a large and very strong looking piece of his armoury , the designs are first class and all shout out ..." look at me I am Harald Hadrada...attack if you dare"

The definition of the design is very very good , proud from the shield and I love it really looking forward to getting some paint on this .

In the centre we have the heavy boss of metal , dented and cut by combat again textured , held in place by well worked studs a total of 6 .

Looking at the actual shield surface ...2 words ..TEXTURE, TEXTURE ...with the growth rings of the donor tree trunk being clearly seen .

Turning it over on the reverse we are given even more textures this time of the cross wooden pieces ...really well done again.

The shield is a statement of the power of Harald and his prowess as a warrior respected and hard fighting

Fit is simple with the outline shape of the cloak worked into the rear of the shield , in place it matches up perfectly with the straps cast onto the cloak .



Scabbard/Dagger

These are again nice pieces the scabbard again having textures between the securing bands that run along its length , the heel has a metal shaped piece on it



Fit is by a small plug that fits well into a cutout

The dagger is sheathed in the scabbard with fit being the same as the sword scabbard , the details on thedagger handle are entwined with swirls and loops , the actual scabbard also having the same , 2 securing straps are in place which fit cleanly to the belt pieces .


Sword with Hand

Another good bit of work here , the pommel of the sword has a design on it , the grip being held tightly into the hand itself , the cross guard is typical of those found , moving to the blade this is a very good shape and not needing any work to get it straight ... like that ...its has sharp edges as well!!!

The hand is again good with the veins straining at the gripping of the sword , finger work is good with the nails being nicely sculpted , fit again is simple to effect .

I might consider putting the handle to the actual sheath and replace it by the long axe when I get mine to the bench!!!




Axe

This is very long and very much in use in battle feared by all who came against it and I don't blame them , the wooden handle is heavily worked with the wood effect , the axe head ...again we see textures and a rather sharp and knocked blade edge ..I wonder how many heads this sent to Valhalla !!

Bird with hand and burning cord

This is even better in this scale the details on the wings are very sharply done each feather being clearly visible , this bird could almost fly away , the detail continues on the tail and the head , beak as well as the body feathers.

The hand that holds it securely but gently is almost open ready for it to fly ....to his next but then to death with the fire he carries in fear . The work on the slightly open fingers are as I look at my hand , ..excellent positioning in respect the bird.

The cord and flame again is good and fits easily ..a challenge to paint this correctly and effectively but what a result you will have.



Final Thoughts

What to say really but this is in my opinion the best I have seen RP do , details and textures are everywhere , casting is really very good indeed , fit and the thought that has gone into it is excellent ...I can do nothing more that say get one while you can ....I am off to prep mine up !!

Congratulations to Hugo and all the team at RP and that includes you dear readers so have a pat on the back for helping along the journey

For more details contact:

www.rpmodels.pt

sales@rpmodels.pt

www.facebook.com/RPmodels

or you can contact Hugo via this site

Thank you for looking in on this little viewing up hope you found it of use and interest

Nap

Hi Mike

The sword is based on original examples from Norway as for axe it's a big piece and doesn't actually fit anywhere on the figure , think Hugo added it as its a weapon used and seen ..option of using it within the base possibly ..mine ..I have plans !

The surface texture could easily be taken back a bit by sanding if you wish ....or just put it in the spares !

Appreciate your comments always

Nap

Hi Guys

Thanks for the comments as always comments will be noted and Hugo will welcone them

I believe when Hugo says SOLD OUT he means to his trade customers and pre orders so go to your nearest trader like SK Miniatures and El Greco Miniatures in UK

Remember when the traders have some out that's it no more

Happy painting

Nap

Hi Wayne

Glad you like the review everybody is entitled to their thoughts of course but I am sure Hugo woukd be interested in your thoughts as I would

Nap

Hi Wayne

Thanks for your thoughts I am sure Hugo will appreciate your personal thoughts and it's good you do so ...always learning as I am sure Higo will say .

Nap