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RP Models 'Mad' Jack Churchill 100mm Limited Edition Bust WWII Series

Discussion in 'Reviews , Video Reviews and Open Book' started by Martin Philpott, May 2, 2015.

  1. Martin Philpott Active Member

    Country:
    England
    RP Models ‘Mad’ Jack Churchill 100mm Limited Edition Bust WWII Series


    Catalogue Ref: RPM-B-08-0003.
    Number of Parts: 14 resin.
    Price: £45.00
    Availability: (UK) Historex Agents, El Greco and SK Miniatures.
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    (photo above) The beautiful artwork that adorns the top of the box.
    Forward.
    I make no apologies for including a brief but informative section that gives just a small glimpse into the military exploits of this most extraordinary man known as ‘Mad’ Jack Churchill.
    While much has recently been printed and reprinted giving a wonderful insight into this characters colourful military career it is more than worthy of repeating the highlights here. Men such as this are a rarity, they are the stuff of legends and they remain hero’s in the depths of history, quite frankly they should never be forgotten……….
    Born John Malcolm Thorpe Fleming ‘Jack’ Churchill on 16th September 1906 in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) ‘Mad Jack’ is well known for his extraordinary accomplishments during WWII. One of his more noteworthy actions is the topic of this bust review today as RP Models release this magnificent limited edition piece that records the remarkable moment in military history when ‘Mad’Jack became the only combatant in WWII to kill an enemy soldier with an arrow shot from a long bow!
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    This quite unique and perhaps eccentric action took place during May of 1940 as Churchill led his Manchester Regiment (part of the British Expeditionary Force) in an ambush against a German patrol near L’Épinette France.
    Held up in a tower he told his men that he would ‘shoot the first German with an arrow’ and this would be the signal to attack the remainder of the patrol. He took the shot felling the German NCO and killing him with the arrow skilfully unleashed from his longbow.
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    After fighting at Dunkirk he went on to join the Commandos. On the 27th December 1941 he was second in command of No3 Commando during operation Archery, a raid on a German garrison at Vågsøy in Norway. As the ramp fell from the landing craft he was in he leapt to the front playing ‘March of the Cameron Men’ on his bagpipes! He went on into battle with his men and was awarded the Military Cross and bar for his actions at Dunkirk and Vågsøy.
    In July 1943, and now the commanding officer of 2 Commando Churchill was ordered to capture a German observation post outside of the town of Molina in Sicily. From their landing site Churchill led with his trademark Scottish broadsword on his waist, his longbow and arrows around his neck and his bagpipes under his arm. Remarkably with the help of his Corporal the post was captured and in doing so they took 42 prisoners including a mortar squad. Leading his men and the prisoners with the wounded being carried on carts pushed by the German prisoners he commented that it was “an image from the Napoleonic Wars” For this action he received the Distinguished Service Order.
    Introduction.
    RP Models are focused entirely on producing the highest quality products of historically important subjects. They do this with the full cooperation of their loyal consulting team and most importantly with us, the modellers.
    Involvement of their followers is valued and indeed vital to the focus of the company, it is core to the whole ethos of everything they believe in and the figures, busts and accessories it produces. Based in Portugal the company is establishing itself very well in the market with some very nice early successes.
    First Impressions.
    Quality clearly starts right from the word go where RP Models are concerned. The presentation is of the highest order with a quality of service to match.
    (photo below) The boxing is rather special and appealing.
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    My review sample arrived in first class condition with no damage or defects, I believe this in part is down to the excellent and practical boxing and packaging. The box itself is ample in proportion being made of a heavy duty and appropriately thick cardboard.
    Covering the entire top and opening front side is the 3D rendered figure printed in all of its glory, a most appealing and eye-catching impression it is too, instantly captivating its audience. Printed information is also included detailing the contents and of course the title, this extends to the two end sides of the box where there are links to both the RP Models website and Facebook pages.
    Being stylish is one thing, but a box needs to be practical also, does this get the thumbs up here? You bet it does.
    Upon opening the box the contents are extremely well protected and secure.
    (photo below) A whole box of delights arrived very well protected.
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    There are four individual bubble wrapped parcels containing various parts. The first is the curved longbow, the second is a small bag containing the arrows and quiver, the third is a similar sized bag containing sword and webbing bag and the fourth is considerably larger containing head, torso, helmet, arms, water bottle, right hand, pistol holster, leather pouch and the swords guard. Each of the bags are clear plastic and re-sealable, pieces of foam are used to surround these protecting the contents even further.
    Also included is the very nice addition of a certificate of authenticity. This is a limited edition release with only 200 ever to be made and available worldwide. The certificate confirms which number is unique to your purchase and includes the life time warranty which covers damage to parts.
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    On the reverse of the certificate is a very detailed account of Churchill highlighting key moments of his life. A really nice addition that should be noted is the fact 5% of each and every purchase of this kit is donated to the British Marines Museum, a very generous and thoughtful gesture from the owner and founder of RPmodels.

    CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE.............
  2. Martin Philpott Active Member

    Country:
    England
    The Figure.
    Head.
    Magnificent facial features have been captured with startling accuracy, highlights and lowlights should be employed with great effect when painting the flesh tones bringing out all of that wonderful natural detail that has been so beautifully sculpted. The casting really is something to behold, definition looks pretty much perfect as I see it, nothing garish or over emphasised and nothing so soft that it simply diminishes into a blur.
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    Expressive muscle tones have been accurately reproduced giving a notable sense of realism in the face and neck with eyes, ears, nose and mouth all looking perfectly proportioned. That distinctive moustache that Churchill wore so well is a clear feature that adds real character, the head hair will stand out well too.
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    Moulded onto the sides of the face is the elasticated strap that forms a part of the separate Brodie style helmet. By comparing the photo I have included below you get a real sense of the astonishing detail found in this release.
    (photo below) An elasticated strap as used on this style of ‘Brodie’ helmet.
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    Clean up should be straightforward with the small casting lug on the rear of the head where there is a seam line to clean also. I found no presence of flash.
    Helmet.
    Here we have the highly distinctive and easily recognisable Brodie style Helmet. The rim has been cast thin enough to keep the appearance accurate while the domed crown will sit perfectly upon the head matching up well to the straps previously mentioned.
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    There is a locating pin on the inside of the helmet that allows the part to sit perfectly upon the head with a precise and snug fit. Clean up will be minimal with just the single small casting lug to remove and minute seam around the rim.
    (photo below) Reproduction ‘Brodie’ style helmet that shows well the accuracy and fine casting of the kit part along with the elasticated strap.
    [IMG]
  3. Martin Philpott Active Member

    Country:
    England
    Main body.
    Simply stunning, the depth and level of detail is superb. Beautifully sharp and crisp with a great deal of depth and definition. The webbing straps and sword harness really show this very well indeed appearing to lay naturally over the uniform as opposed to merely blending into it.
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    The battle dress jacket is exquisite with more gorgeous detail including the buttons, collar, breast pockets and epaulets all very nicely represented in great accuracy.
    (photo below) Reproduction P37 battle dress uniform and webbing of WWII as worn by our bust.
    [IMG]

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    The cravat worn around the neck under the open collar of the battle dress jacket looks fantastic. You will note from the photo above the locating hole for the pin from the head, another fine match and fit is ensured with this system.
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    Other nice details include the lanyard leading to the holstered sidearm along with the excellent webbing buckles.
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    (photo below) shows the P37 webbing pouches perfectly copied on the bust.
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    The clean detailing continues around to the back where the jacket shows yet more beautiful detail in the ruffled appearance of the material. The straps of the webbing and the swords harness continue to show wonderfully deep definition.
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    The clean up will be a little more intensive here as there are some large casting lugs to remove, a resin saw will serve you well here! Other than that just a little more in the way of seams to deal with before you can be moving on.
    Arms.
    Both left and right arms are separate pieces, they both hold lots of detail. The left is posed almost straight with just a small angle at the elbow as the arm braces the longbow.
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    Worn on the lower arm is the leather arm guard that has been wonderfully replicated. The stitching and texture is superb as are the straps that hold it in place. The uniform sleeve is impressive, the ruffled lay of the material very convincing and the Manchester Regimental shoulder insignia lettering clearly visible.
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    (photo below) shows a typical style of leather arm guard as replicated on the figure.
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    Just below the Manchester shoulder insignia is the famous cross keys patch, the crossed keys are the emblem of the Archbishop of York and distinguishes the 2nd Battalion of the Manchester Regiment that Churchill was attached to at the time of the BEF 1940, again the insignia is very well highlighted on the figure.
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    (photos above) show the Manchester shoulder insignia along with the Cross keys patch worn on the sleeve.
    The right arm is posed bent at the elbow as it pulls back the lowbows powerful string with arrow loaded.
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    The Manchester Regiment shoulder insignia once more present and with good entail and the uniform material looking superb.
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    Cuff, button and material detail remains strong. Clean up will involve the removal of seam lines and tiny casting lugs. Once more we have the bonus of locating pins on both arms resulting in a tight and accurate fit to the torso.
    Hands.
    The right hand is completely separate while the left is moulded as a part of the longbow. The leather archers ‘tab’ (used for pulling back the powerful string) forms a part of the right hand and is accurately reproduced here as can be seen by the reference photo I have included below.
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    [IMG]
    The tab sits nicely above the palm with the index and third finger showing the leather rings used for attaching to the hand. The actual hand detail is very good showing great bone structure and veins along with fingernails.
    (photo below) The leather finger rings of the tab are clearly visible.
    [IMG]
    The left hand is equally well formed being moulded onto the longbow as will be seen further down the page. Clean up is required to remove seams and flash but this should prove very easy and straightforward.
  4. Martin Philpott Active Member

    Country:
    England
    Longbow.
    What an impressive an imposing piece of casting this is as can be seen in the photo below. Creating this as a one piece longbow that is in the drawn position certainly cannot have been an easy feat but its been achieved here brilliantly. There is no material included in the kit to represent the string but any number of materials readily available would suit.
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    (photo below) Black and white sketch of a typically styled British Longbow.
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    The hand grasping the longbow is very nicely cast with delicate features showing great detail on the bone, muscle, nails and veins. Again we have a locating pin on the end of the hand that will make for a perfect fit to the arm. The grip material wound around the bow where the hand sits looks great.
    [IMG]
    Clearly you will need to take quite some care in he removal of the bow from the block but with care and patience the end results will be well worth the effort.
    (photo below) Churchill was a highly accomplished and skilled archer. He represented Great Britain in Oslo 1939 at the World Archery Championships.
    [IMG]
    Arrows and Quiver.
    The traditional type leather quiver (used for holding the arrows) has lovely rich detailing in the stitching and holds two spare arrows (moulded in place) The arrows themselves are fantastic with intricate fletching (fletchings are the fins) feather details.
    [IMG]
    (photo below) A typical stitched leather longbow quiver.
    [IMG]
    The photos really don’t do justice to the fletching detail but looks awesome in front of the eye along with the nock.
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    (photo above) Close up of the fletchings in the quiver.
    (photo below) The single arrow used on the drawn longbow.
    [IMG]

    [IMG]
    Care will certainly need to be taken in removing the single arrow from the casting block and with its subsequent tidy up. The Quiver should prove easier with just a small casting lug on the base and the arrows moulded in should also prove easy enough.
    Hugo Pereira likes this.
  5. Martin Philpott Active Member

    Country:
    England
    Holster.
    Lovely detail is moulded into the holster particularly in the stitching of the canvas material.
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    Clean up is minimal with just faint seam line. There is a locating pin on the back of the holster for a perfect fit to the body.
    (photo below) A pattern 37 holster. The detail has been well reproduced in the kit part.
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    Canteen.
    I just love the texture and detail in this piece. The camera (or my lack of skills with one) struggled to capture the texture but trust me it’s there. The rest of the detail is there in equally good measure with the webbing and straps. Very little required with the clean up, basically just the seam removal will see you ready to progress.
    [IMG]
    (photo below) A replica standard pattern 37 canteen as seen with the figure.
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    Binocular Case.
    The case is another lovely piece of moulding with more than enough detail on show, replicating well the authentic item.
    [IMG]
    (photo below) A pattern 37 binocular case as seen on the figure.
    [IMG]
    Sword.
    The sword carried by Churchill was the traditional Scottish Broadsword. Recognised by the beautiful baskets that encase the hilt what is offered here is just brilliant.
    (photo below) Archive photo that shows ‘Mad’ Jack leading the assault with his trademark Scottish Broadsword.
    [IMG]
    Coming in two separate pieces the actual blade is cast enclosed within the scabbard so no blade is visible. Also forming a part of the same piece is the pattern 37 webbing stowage bag.
    [IMG]
    The intricate hilt basket is really very nicely cast indeed, comparing the design and appearance to that of the replica in the photo below the kit part looks every bit as fine and decorative.
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    [IMG]
    Even the inside is lavishly detailed showing the handle of the sword in all of its finery.
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    The decorative tassel was a distinctive feature of these swords, the kits offering is well defined and adds further authenticity.
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    The clean up of the basket may prove time consuming but when you are finished the end result with be extremely worthwhile and majestic.
    Synopsis.
    It seems like an eternity ago since I first found out this beautiful bust was being produced by RP Models, the moment I saw the stunning 3D renders my jaw hit the floor and I just knew I had to get me one. Has the wait been worthwhile? You bet it has, and then some!
    Quite simply this bust is sublime in every possible way, it surely ranks as a ‘must have’ in anyone’s eyes. From start to finish it exudes quality of the highest order and just keeps on pleasing. It’s not just good in certain areas, its positively OUTSTANDING in ALL areas and I have found it almost impossible to stop getting it out of the box to admire it. Price wise I believe it offers incredible value for money.
    Make no mistake, 3D is here and it’s here with a real purpose. This release should dispel the myths and rumours that have gone before and surrounded the whole 3D world in controversy, it sets the bar extremely high for others to follow. I take my hat off to Hugo and the team at RP Models for leading the way with this technology and sharing with us the opportunities it offers. I see no reason why traditional and modern practices cannot work perfectly well side by side, there is a market for both and I firmly believe 3D has a positive future ahead.
    Having read my review I’m sure it will come as no surprise at this stage that without hesitation I gladly award ‘Mad’ Jack an extremely well deserved very highly recommended along with a must buy rating. I shall be taking the bust on tour with me to the various shows I’m visiting this year, if you are present at any of those shows and would like to see it for yourself please do not hesitate to let me know. Just remember this is a limited edition release strictly numbered to just 200 pieces worldwide, miss this opportunity at your peril!
    My sincere gratitude goes to Hugo and Kevin along with the rest of the team at RP Models for this exciting opportunity and the review piece. To find out more about the company along with information on other releases you can use the links I have provided below for their website and Facebook page.
    Martin Philpott.
    RP Models Media Sites:
    Website: http://rpmodels.pt/presta/index.php?
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/RPmodels?fref=ts
    Please note that at the time of writing this review the RP Models website is under construction, but still accessible.
  6. ACCOUNT_DELETED A Fixture

    Country:
    Canada
    Super review of a superb looking kit.

    Colin
  7. cimeterre de figurines Active Member

    Country:
    France
    Many thanks Martin for this great report and the historical datas provided, very helpful !!.
    I juste received mine a few days ago!
    Cheers
    Xavier
    Hugo Pereira and Martin Philpott like this.
  8. Martin Philpott Active Member

    Country:
    England
    Thanks guys, much appreciate the comments ;-)

    Martin.
    Hugo Pereira likes this.
  9. Mike - The Kiwi A Fixture

    Country:
    New_Zealand
    Amazing review Martin.
    Like the head & helmet particularly, can see details faithfully reproduced.
    Still see scope for some "errors" to get naturalness of real equipment, especially when compared along actual examples you've shown here.

    Thanks for taking the time to post this for our learning.

    Mike
    Hugo Pereira and Martin Philpott like this.
  10. Martin Philpott Active Member

    Country:
    England
    Thanks Mike, really appreciate your feedback my friend, always welcome and encouraging;-)

    Martin.
    Hugo Pereira likes this.
  11. Hugo Pereira A Fixture

    Country:
    Portugal
    Good Morning Mr. Martin...

    In first place I want to express my gratitute to your review... This review give me streight to keep trying to do better pieces, with more quality... I will try to do best models in the future... I can assure you that... Im very happy because you like the piece, and thank you for all your comments and critics... In my opinion, I believe its very important listen people, because with all this opinions, ideas, critics and comments, I will do better models in the future... So, for me, its very important all this feedbacks... RPmodels will grew up with all your help...

    Once again, Thank You for your review...

    With best regards
    Hugo Pereira
    Martin Philpott likes this.
  12. Hugo Pereira A Fixture

    Country:
    Portugal
    Hello Mr. Xavier...

    I hope you like your piece... And thank you for your support and comment...

    With best regards
    Hugo Pereira
    Martin Philpott likes this.
  13. Hugo Pereira A Fixture

    Country:
    Portugal
    Hello Mr. Mike...

    Thank you for your comment... Im very happy because you liked... About gear, I will try to better in the future...
    In RPmodels I try to do a big reserach, and there are many people working on that... RPmodels will try to do better in the future...

    With best regards
    Hugo Pereira
  14. MCPWilk A Fixture

    Country:
    United-Kingdom
    Outstanding sculpt of one of life's great truly eccentric true heroes. I'm also very impressed how comments made before this kit was released were taken on board to produce an accurate rendition of man and equipment.

    Mike
  15. Martin Philpott Active Member

    Country:
    England
    Mike, thanks for the comments and feedback. I totally agree regarding the comments taken on board by RP Models, one of the many reasons I love the whole ethos of the company by including its followers and fans ;-)

    Martin.
  16. Modellismo48 Active Member

    Country:
    Italy
    hello, I join the congratulations for the work done for the review, I remind the Italian forum writers that in Italy the brand RP Models I treat him.
    greetings
    paolom48

    www.modellismo48.it info@modellismo48.it
    Martin Philpott likes this.
  17. Martin Philpott Active Member

    Country:
    England
    Thanks for the kind words Modellismo48 ;-)

    Martin.
  18. Hugo Pereira A Fixture

    Country:
    Portugal
    Hello Mr. Mike...

    In first place I want to express my gratitute to your comments... And if the piece is outstanding, its thank to you and the another comments of thr forum... So you are in congratulations too... And thak you for believe in RPmodels... We will try to improve in the next lauch... Believe me...

    Once again, THANK YOU...

    Mr. Martin, Thank you again for this fantastic review...

    With best regards
    Hugo Pereira
    Martin Philpott likes this.
  19. Hugo Pereira A Fixture

    Country:
    Portugal
    Hello Mr. Paolo...

    Im very happy because you believe in RPmodels and our produts...

    Thank you for your comment... You are very kind...

    With best regards
    Hugo Pereira
  20. Martin Philpott Active Member

    Country:
    England
    It was a pleasure to review Hugo, the piece is of such quality the words almost wrote themselves ;-) Looking forward to a successful and prosperous future for RP Models and its fans.

    Martin.

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