Hello Friends on pF.
I would like to share with you a figure that I am in the process of sculpting for Richie (The Chimp Guy) Auton to complete. My first joint venture.
The Field Service Helmet and Head is my part of the deal and Richie will supply me with accurate dimensions of the helmet and everything else.

The figure is intended to be a representation of Colour Sergeant Frank Bourne of the 24th Regiment of Foot at Rork's Drift 187 9 as portrayed by the actor Nigel Green in the 60's film Zulu. I am sure that Richie will give a good full account these two fine fellows but the sad things that stick with me are; I understand that Frank Bourne did not take his Victoria Cross in favour of a promotion and Nigel Green died at the young age of 47 from an (unintentional?) overdose of sleeping pills.

The figure so far is made from entirely from Milliput, Silver Grey (not too impressed with this grade) and Superfine White. It is 1:5 scale and I hope that; you, Richie and more importantly the Chimps like my efforts so far.
Cheers,
Keith

Looks a pretty good likeness to me Keith I'm no sculptor but I can see a definite resemblance
Steve

Thanks for looking in and giving positive feed back Steve.
I am most grateful.
Cheers,
Keith

I don't know the person, but it is a great sculpt so far.

Marc

I can ID the actor immediately with your sculpt, sans a verbal description. I would say that indicates a very good likeness.

Hi Marc,
Thank you for your kind words.
Here is one of many pictures that I used as reference, for you to compare.
Cheers my friend,
Keith

Many thanks Mike.
I am relatively new to sculpting complete figures, especially faces, so it is a bonus when someone can ID your efforts.
Cheers,
Keith

That looks great Keith, caught the likeness of Nigel Green very well. His role in Zulu is truly memorable although it is worth noting that Frank Bourne was only 24 at the time of Rorke's Drift and was the last surviving participant (on the British side) dying on VE day.

Hi John,
Having seen the film, She indoors would say, once a month since 1964 it was not until after I was well under way with the face that I came across that info. It set me thinking that, although Nigel Green played a excellent part in the film, his double chin and 'mature' figure was nothing like Frank Bourne. In photos that I have seen he still looked very fit and trim when he was made Lieutenant-Colonel. I never knew that he lived right up to VE day 1945.
Thank you for looking in and taking the time to make such positive and informative comments. We just never stop learning.

All the very best,
Keith

Hi Keith,

I too have seen Zulu more times than I care to remember (my VHS edition is showing it's age) and I was quite suprised when I found out how young Bourne was. I wonder if it is because of the movies or just history makes us think people older than they were. It always amazes me that von Richtofen and Guy Gibson were only 25 when they died.

Sad isn't it ...just read a book about Medics from Dunkirk to Afghanistan by John Nicholl and Tony Renell which was excellent by the way especially the section on the Falklands...didn't realise that there were two lads of 17 who were killed fighting with 3 para at Mount Longdon and one lad (Neil Grose)who was killed on his eighteenth birthday the night of the battle ...... Makes you think doesn't it? What we were thinking of sending lads as young as that to war ....sad ,sad ,sad ...can recommend the book by the way...nice look to the bust of the "kid" as Frank Bourne was known

Great conversation Guys.
I thought that I was just at a funny age starting to put time lines against my own life. It is hard to think that I was born in the early 50's just a few years after the end of WW2 and there was a guy at that time who survived all wars from 1855 still alive.

Keith

Fu

Funny to think that in my grandmothers lifetime we went from fighting in the Boer War the first world war and WW2 to landing on the moon and then ending with the Falklands war just goes to show that the more things change the more they stay the same...hay ho

Brillaint work Keith,
Like the others, I knew immediately who it was.
Some fine sculpting right there.
Following with interest,
Gells

Cheers for that Grant.
It's always extra pressure when you try to make a figure of a known person. I am pleased that you were able to ID it.
I have added the holes to the helmet; plate holes and ventilation and sculpted the plate.
It is now over to Richie to finish it off.
Thanks again Mate.
All the best,
Keith

Hi Keith,
I remember your first bust and how impressed I was and this is no exception - I LOVE IT. It's a true talent for someone to get a likeness, well done. Can't wait to see this in the flesh.
Somewhere in the grey matter I remember Nigel Green actually went for the part of Lt. Bromhead, but they thought his presence and stature would make a great Colour Sergeant as the part was already Michael Caine's. Actually if you compare Bromhead to Green you can see why he wanted to put in for the part. But then we would have missed an iconic film portrayal of Colour Sgt. Bourne, even though as Jon pointed out they are world's apart in age and stature.


As for the chimps we love it. We are jumping up and down on our tyre's and chains. More Victorian soldiers and Zulu War that's were we cast our banana's

cheers
Richie

One word WONDERFUL
Hope you will make the other actor of this amazing film!
:

Hi Richie,
Many thanks my friend. It evolved purely through your enthusiasm for this period and especially this character. It will be winging its way to you in the next few days
Thanks Chimps I need all the bananas I can get. Guys be careful of those chains a member (monkey) of a similar cart load from my neck of the woods came off second best in your neck of the woods.
Cheers,
Keith

Nice work Keith, looking forward to seeing the end result of yours and Richies efforts, look promising so far and the pressure is on Richie now

Steve

Keith excellent sculpting and I hope Richie has it with him at Sword & Lance

Cheers Ken