Starting a new vbench for my next figure modelling project. Richie (1879miniatures) sent me copies of his recent Arnhem figures. I’m generally not a big WWII enthusiast…with 2 exceptions: (1) the July 20 bomb plot and (2) Arnhem.

The first fig. is a 1/16 recreation of one a figure from one of the iconic photos from the Arnhem battle. This has been identified by Richie as Pvt. Sandy Cortmann of 3 Para patrolling through the rubble of Oosterbeek on Sept 23.

My first go at painting the dreaded Denison smock so wish me luck.

Here’s the assembled and primed figure.

Colin

A great figure from Richie, looking forward to seeing this develop, Dennisons aren't that bad to paint if you imagine the applied colours being done with a broad wall paper brush.

Cheers Simon

I am sure you will be fine with the smock, following with interest

That's a lovely figure, really looking forward to seeing your progress. I'd second the comments on Denison smocks, of all the camo patterns it is probably the one that lends itself to painting best. If you can do eyes, you can do an Denison.

Great references, thanks. Do you know if those buttons on the cuffs/forearm continue all the way round?
Scotty.

Hi mate,
I'm really looking forward to seeing your version, I've always been a great admirer of your work and style.
(Still regually admire your piece in my cabinet)

I would imagine he went together pretty swiftly with minimum work.

As for the denison just find a good reference, no two where the same. The trick is unifying the colours together
and there are a number of ways you could do that. Even good black and white period photo's can be used because
if they are sharp enough you can determine the colours and pattern.
cheers
Richie

Here is a good example of a 1944 denison airborne smock.
cheers
Richie

First to answer Scotties question, no just the two button on the cuff.

Not sure if this will help but when last I painted a Dennison I used Tamiya acrylics to paint the pattern. On many of these garments there is a bleed through where the colours overlap, using well thinned Tamiya acrylics using fairly quick brush strokes you can replicate this quite well. I guess the same can be achieved by alternately glazing the pattern into place.

Cheers Simon

Great figure and subject.. looking forward to seeing how this progresses..

Thanks all. That’s tons of help. I’m planning to use Scale Color tube acrylic and inks. Diluted inks should be perfect for the overlaid greens and browns. We shall see.

Richie he went together very easily. I added too much chin strap and broke the chin cup when I tried to shorten and reposition it. An easy resculpt. I also added the Denison tail to the back of the jacket. I know a lot of men cut theirs off. I like the look.

I’ll start soon and post updates as I proceed.

Thanks again.

Colin

Nap, That's an old article of mine from many moons ago

A bit of work on the face and hands. Helmet undercoated. Denison rear tail added.

That face is a beautiful sculpt of a stressed and tired para.

Hi Colin,
Great start mate. Just a pointer the left hand is actually gloved, but he's yours so do it your way.
Looking forward to seeing more.
Cheers Richie

Nice start, I shall watch with interest.

Cheers Simon

Thanks for that clarification. I thought he had a plaster on the back of his mitt. I’ll make the adjustment.

Colin

Awesome figure to work, Colin. I botched my Denison pattern and ran with it. It's a tough one to get your head around but looks like you've got this licked. Ruck On!

A bit more