1/16th scale armatures and stuff for a two figure vignette of a WW1 British and a German soldier in hand to hand combat. Still working on the poses and other things. Opinions - thoughts? Tips?

The British gas mask is an early 1915, P or PH type. I managed to break off the flutter valve on the end of the central tube, but I'll replace it. I've done nothing so far about how the gas mask fits down over the neck and into the shirt collar. The German mask is an early Draeger version and I need to finish straps and hair and also how it fits on the neck, etc.

Weapons - I'm thinking about the British soldier holding a Kukri knife. Or possibly just a hand made trench mace. There will be an SMLE lying near by. The German will have a rifle and bayonet near by, but otherwise isn't armed.

For groundwork, I've done a simple circle with dirt so far. I may add a little grass, but that will be about it. Nothing to detract from or contrast with the scene's violence.

All the best,
Dan

looking good

Certainly got dynamism. I notice you're starting off with the boots like Bill Horan

Kukri is a cracking idea Dan nice one
Steve

Really like this idea... I love full action dioramas!!!
The kukri is a lethal looking blade for sure but a trench mace is an absolutely brutal weapon, really symbolizes the whole trench warfare mindset.
For my own info, was the kukri common with the Brits? I always thought it was strictly a Gurkha (?) weapon.

I will be following this project closely

Colin

Thank you Ralph and Sippog! Working up an armature, I invariably include the head and boots. In this case I've put on arms, but I usually would not. The purpose for doing this is to show you the anatomical lay-out and check if I've got everything right.

If the arms get in the way when sculpting the torso (and they usually do), then I'll remove them.

Thanks Steve - I need to check the "historical accuracy" of the Kukri knife however. I think it would be fine, but I'm also not doing a Gurkha figure in a gas mask. The British figure is based on a 1:1 height a little short of 5'8" and the German figure is a little more than.

I'm particularly interested in hearing a critique of the anatomy and positioning of both figures. Looks OK to me, but NOW is the time to critique. I've bent the whole British figure at the waist to follow the raised arm. The shoulder is bent back about as far as it could or would go, I think.

Opinions?

All the best,
Dan

Hello Dan, This vignette looks really action packed, looking forward to following your progress. I like your mock-up so far. I also like your idea with the Kukri knife, but a trench mace, was a little more common. There was quite an assortment of clubs and maces used by all the armies of WWI. This will be a great piece, best of luck with it. I've included some photos of trench clubs, nasty looking weapons. Regards, SG P.S. also thought this looked great to set the mood.

Dan, first of all it looks that this is going to be a very dynamic scene.
Although by no means I can be considered as an "expert" in WW1, this is my main modelling interest especially the German imperial Army.
Schiffer has published a series of books about WW1 ( I have all of them) where you can see any-and I really mean it- kind of weapon ,device etc. that was used especially in the western front.
I have to agree with the aforemntioned opinion that it was not very common to see a knife like this in trench warfare, the club was a far more common "weapon" in hand to hand battles.
For example, Hecker Goros and recently Master Club have issued WW1 germans with these clubs.
I would like to express my appreciation for showing your works step by step, it is a valuable help especially for me but I think the same applies for a lot of the people in this site.
Looking forward to see it finished!!!!
Fokion

Thank you SG and Fokionas! Many thanks for your comments. I'll work on a trench club or mace also.

All the best,
Dan