Hello everyone,

this is my latest project, a 1914 Gordon Highlander private. It's sculpted in Chavant Beau Touché ΗΜ. So far I've more or less completed the lower portion. The upper body will change: it will bend forwards a little and be turned slightly to the right - right now it's rigid for symmetry purposes.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Elia

Thanks, Nap! I'll post more pictures as it progresses.

All the best,
Elia

Hi Elia,
Great start on a subject close to my heart.
I am really looking forward to your progress on this figure.
All the best of luck to you,
Keith

Thank you, Keith!

All the best,
Elia

Hi Elia,
I have looked at your figure again and would like to ask what size you are working to?
Also, I know that this is a work in progress but when I was making one of these one thing that I had difficulty in getting good information for was the flashes thfit into the socks. I notice that you have put a single plain flash on your figure. for the Gordon Highlanders this should be 2 flashes with a bell (loop) on each.
I hope that you do not mind me saying this and I hope that this is of some help,
Cheers,
Keith

Hello Keith,

thank you very much for your input and the photo! I'll make the necessary correction. (Also, I think I may have to add the pleats on the back of the kilt.)

Of course I don't mind feedback & ideas about how it can get better! After all, this is why I posted it here .

Right now the figure is 14cm in height but it's missing the head (obviously ) & I still don't know what sort of base/surroundings he'll be in. I have no idea what scale this is.

My sources are a Europa Militaria book called "World War I Infantry in colour photographs", Osprey's "British Army in World War I" and some photographs from the Imperial War Museum's website (http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/search). None really explained the flashes but as I'm a newbie in regard to uniforms I must have missed the info. There are a few pictures on http://gordonhighlanders1914-18.co.uk/ - I just noticed this - which clearly show the double red flashes.

All the best,
Elia

Interesting method you are using Elia - I always start with head but you seem to be going feet up.

Colin

Hi Elia,
I know the the people at The Gordon Highlanders 1914, they are a very good re-enactment group.
Here is a better website that I use for WW1 subjects, this link should take you to some of the pictures that I collected.
http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=172915&st=0
You are correct in saying that there are pleats at the rear of the kilt. Not too many pleats are showing as you have the rear kilt cover that hides most of the kilt.
I also have a copy of the webbing regulations for the 1908 pattern equipment that would have been worn in 1914 if you would like a copy or any other information that you may need on this subject.
Cheers,
Keith

@Colin: I've made a lot of headless torsos/bodies as exercises in order to learn the basic proportions so I guess this is why I started from the feet up! Funny, I never thought about having a method ! BTW, loved your Young Somme bust & was very moved by the story & the letter.

@Keith: thanks for your offer to help & for the link - I'll definitely check it out.

All the best,
Elia

I profess no knowledge of the correct kit of Gordon Highlander. These photos came from a militaria site and were labeled when I scarfed them. Hope you find them helpful.

All the best,
Dan

Thank you, Dan!

All the best,
Elia

Hi Elia,

No problem, if you need help just drop me a line.
Another point to note; the sporran was not worn in the great war.......you have it correct on your sculpt, the kilt cover with a pocket at the front replaced the sporran.
Cheers,
Keith

Elia - yep definitely loosen the torso and perhaps look at the figures right leg. Perhaps reduce the section that curves from the knee cap to the sock top. Looks to bulge a little to much and does not not match the width of the left.

Congrats on a great start will look in soon to see how your progressing.

-Rich

@Rich,

thanks for the feedback - you're right, it needs a bit of adjusting.

All the best,
Elia

Hello everyone,

the figure is progressing & I am taking into account all your helpful feedback - thank you!

Yesterday I sculpted the head. Looking at the photos I took the eyes are a little uneven, but overall I'm pretty happy with the result, although it will probably need some adjustments when it's attached to the body.

All the best,
Elia

Hello everybody,

this is the final sculpture. Now I need to mould it, cast it, paint it and build his surroundings. I was thinking of an estaminet type of scene but there's a lot of work still to be done so I have plenty of time to figure it out.

Once again, thank you for all your helpful feedback.

All the best,
Elia

Dear Nap,

thank you for your kind comments and suggestions. I'm glad you like it.

As this is my first scratchbuild figure I thought I'd keep it simple and concentrate on pose & proportions. The idea was to have him be in a relaxed situation where he doesn't have to wear all his kit. He is leaning slightly to the right and his right hand is resting on his seat or a bench. It looks a bit awkward now but once I've built the surroundings hopefully it will all come together and look more natural. The proportions are correct, I've measured them several times during sculpting - perhaps it's the angle of the photos (they are pretty bad, I know ). Also, my sculpture teacher confirmed it so that's all I need !

As for further details, I'll & check with period photos & if needed I'll add them in Milliput later. I've not perfectly smoothed down the surface so that it looks a bit worn - I thought that it will create subtle shadows and add to the effect: I have no idea how this will translate on the final casting but it's worth a try. If the result is poor I can always improve it with some Milliput.

All the best,
Elia