Ben Thompson Gambler/Gunman/Lawman, Old West - 1870s

Once again I return to painting some of my favorite Series 77 90mm "Americans". I painted this figure to represent Ben Thompson. Here is a short Bio from Wikipedia. I also included a old Photo Of Thompson for reference.

Ben Thompson (November 2, 1843 – March 11, 1884) was a gunman, gambler, and sometimes lawman of the Old West. He was a contemporary of "Buffalo" Bill Cody, Bat Masterson, John Wesley Hardin, and "Wild Bill" Hickok, some of whom considered him a friend, others an enemy. Thompson fought for the Confederacy during the Civil War, and later for Emperor Maximilian in Mexico. When hired in 1881 as marshal in Austin, Texas, the crime rate reportedly dropped sharply. Thompson was murdered at the age of 40 in San Antonio, Texas, in the "Vaudeville Theater Ambush." (Wikipedia)

I made a few minor changes to the figure. The kit head is tilted to the left and lacked that self confident look that I was going for. I straightened the head and raised the chin to give him a more arrogant look. This required a re-sculpting of the Shirt collar. In addition the right hand holding the cane looked a bit smaller than the left hand. I added some bulk to the right hand to bring them in line. A subtle change. Finally, the kit figure appears to lean on his cane. Since, in my view, Ben Thompson treats the cane as a fashion accessory and not a mobility aid, I moved the tip of the cane in towards his body so there was no impression of leaning.

This box art for the figure shows him dressed in black. To be different and minimize the "Undertaker" look, I painted him in shades of brown. It doesn't hurt that brown is infinitely easier to paint than black.

All painting was done in acrylics and very simple groundwork was added to the base.

Thanks for Looking
Ken



Actual Photo of Thompson

Wow Ken, that's a beauty. Lovely painting. The browns are superb and really look good.

Nice figure Ken and great work on the painting.
Steve

Thanks Bob! As I said, much easier than black.

Cheers,
Ken

Much appreciated Steve!

Cheers,
Ken

lovely figure what is excellent painted.

Marc

Thanks Marc! A fun figure to paint.

Cheers,
Ken

Thanks Carl! I appreciate the comment.

Cheers,
Ken

Great work Ken!

That one is a real cracker Ken. Why didn't I pick this one way back when. I am kicking myself now. I don't know anything about Thompson, but the figure does bear a resemblance to him. Good choice. I like the browns as well.

That’s a lovely piece of painting, Ken. You do some fantastic work with these Series 77 figures.

Thanks Matt! Appreciate it.

Cheers,
Ken

Thanks Mike! I still pick a series 77 up on eBay now and then. As to Thompson. If I can find a personality that even remotely comes close to the figure, I like to try and tie them together. It helps me set the atmosphere when painting and/or modifying. Most of the time it requires quite a bit of imagination.

Cheers,
Ken

Thanks Chris! I must admit I have quite a soft spot in my heart for Series 77. So many memories of times and good friends back then.

Cheers,
Ken

Looks great. I have about fifty of these kits (mostly civil war) in my gray army in various stages of completion. I’ve got to start painting them.

That's a very good looking job and nice to have some background as well.

Full of character Ken.... excellent...... Mike

Wow ,wonderful paintwork

Mobo