Martin Philpott
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- Mar 17, 2015
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Stormtrooper Miniatures 1/9 scale Bust, Germanic Frank Warrior, 5th Century BC
Company: Stormtrooper Miniatures.
Catalogue Ref: PPST26
Sculptor: Carl Reid.
Box Art: Ernesto Reyes.
Material: Resin.
Price: £42.00
Availability: Direct from Stormtrooper Miniatures
Forward.
Stormtrooper miniatures offer a huge and contrasting catalogue of high quality resin releases, this Germanic Warrior is a typical example of that. As soon as I saw the box art I was gripped and just had to get my hands on one these wonderful looking busts for review. Stuart Hale is the proprietor of the company and as a sponsor of the pages here at Martins Scale Models kindly forwarded the kit for appraisal, today I publish my findings, kick back and enjoy….. your in for a treat.
First Impressions.
A total of 7 individual pieces of high quality resin are included in order to complete this kit. The main piece (torso) is wrapped in a separate envelope of bubble wrap while the remaining pieces are wrapped together inside a clear plastic re-sealable bag before being further protected by bubble wrap. As you can imagine this level of packaging offers great protection and as such everything arrived in perfect condition with no damage or missing parts.
The box is sturdy and practical being constructed of heavy duty cardboard with a lift off lid. The top of the lid offers some nice artwork along with details of the enclosed piece. Contact details of the supplier are also included. There is a simple text error which reads as Franck Warrior, it should read Frank, clearly not a deal breaker but I did feel it needed highlighting to prevent any confusion.
The Figure.
You could not help but be impressed at the first sight of this magnificent main piece, talk about instant impact, this has that in abundance. A simply outstanding sculpt from the endlessly talented Carl Reid has offered us a magnificently crafted piece that would grace the collection of any serious figure painter. The level of crispness that remains from the casting process is of the highest standard and quality, rich in well defined, beautifully sharp and clean detail forming an excellent foundation for you to lay down your paint. Any clean up required is straightforward and unproblematic following the standard procedures and using the correct tools for resin. Lets take a closer look at all of that detail……..
(photo below) As first impressions go it does not get any better than this….
(photo below) Excellent viewing from the back.
The cape looks sensational from this angle, so much incredible texture with a very natural looking flow to the material thrown across the shoulders. Creases and folds look spot on and will be even more of a feature using highlight and shadow techniques during the painting stages. I also love the way in which the hair lays across the top of the cape giving a positively wonderful three dimensional layering appearance.
(photo below) Incredibly nice facial expression and features.
Facial features are dynamic, some of the very best I have seen, best of all they look awesome no matter what angle they are viewed from. The expression certainly portrays a seasoned warrior that looks to be in full battle cry with open mouth, teeth on show and intensely obvious frown. The platted hair looks incredibly as does the moustache and eyebrows.
(photo below) The level of detail throughout is top drawer.
As explained above, view that face from any angle and it looks simply outstanding, most notable here is the nose with the fantastic looking ‘hook’ appearance, its the smaller attention to detail like this that makes such a difference. Also worth a mention are the profile of the cheek bones, well pronounced and in keeping with the look the sculptor has set about creating.
(photo below)
Some very nice sculpting has created a wonderful head of hair for this character, including those platted pieces on either side. When you see the fully assembled and painted piece at the end of this review you will understand how all of these individually brilliant details combine to produce an exemplary kit.
(photo below) Detail on the clothing is beautifully crafted.
The bandolier and waist belt look stunning, beautifully raised and laying very naturally across the clothing adding a great deal of depth. The buckles on both are superbly crafted and will look fabulous once painted in metals offering good contrast to the leather. The studs on the leather vest type top are incredibly well pronounced and give excellent added interest and well defined detail. The cape looks very convincing laying over the top.
Right Arm with Axe.
(photo below) Wonderful attention to detail in this arm and axe.
Starting with the arm, definition is excellent with the muscle tones showing well in the forearm along with the well pronounced tendons on the back of the hand. The hand grip around the handle of the axe is superbly effective and believable with more sumptuous detailing on the fingers. The fold in the arm as it is drawn back has been captured to perfection. The axe itself has a lot of appeal, the wooden handle should be straightforward to replicate while the axe head is beautifully and authentically shaped. Clearly it is difficult to authenticate against the genuine item but from research and reproduction pieces of this era the axe looks the part and offers a fantastic representation.
(photos below) The two photos below are reproduction axe’s authentic to this time period. The kit part has been well represented in comparison.
Left Arm.
(photo below) Just as with the right arm, the detail remains strong here.
Just as we have seen with the right arm the attention to detail continues here with the left. Again nicely pronounced muscle tones with superbly sculpted fingers. The hand has the shields grip handle moulded in situ and the small hole you see on the upper arm is a locating point for outer edge of the shield thus creating a perfect fit.
Shield.
(photo below) The shield is just awesome, wonderful addition to the kit.
Clearly a standout feature of this piece is the shield, in my opinion it looks incredibly good. Some great contrast on the outer metal rim with those raised studs which are further replicated on the smaller inner rim. The thin metal struts that extend from the inner rim to the outer edge also add interest as does the domed centre. Your creative streak can very much be let loose with the finish you choose here. Just a few casting lugs to tidy and make good but all straightforward. Fitting to the figure should prove easy enough with the locating pin on the arm and the handle grip pre moulded to the hand. A fabulous addition to the kit.
(photos below) Reproduction shields from the era our figure portrays, a great comparison for the wonderful kit offering.
Sword.
(photo below) Great textures and authentic detailing combine to create this awesome sword.
Beefy, great textures and awesome looks give this sword the appeal of a weapon fit for a warrior. The scabbard is just divine showing perfectly formed detail and contrast between the leather sheath and metal locket and chape pieces. The handle and pommel of the sword finish off the look wonderfully.
Dagger.
(photo below) A great amount of attention is given to the small and intricate dagger.
Worn on the left hip of the figure is this beautifully intricate dagger, designed to be as visually pleasing as it is deadly! The scabbard is more subtle in its appearance but offers a great opportunity for replicating either leather or wood. The handle is somewhat more lavish with some fine detailing to pick out and highlight to good effect.
Display Pedestal.
(photo below) I love these supplied pedestals.
The tried and trusted display plinth Stoormtroopers provides always makes for a wonderful and pleasing addition to their kits. Beautifully shaped with those curved edges and awesome textured surfaces all helping to create a pedestal base very well suited to the bust very much in keeping with the overall finish and quality. Just take a closer look at the completed piece in the photo gallery below from Ernesto Reyes to see the excellent effect.
Reference Material.
As ever we have a certain amount of reference material included in the kit. On this occasion you will be able to let your imagination run wild when it comes to choosing the colours in which you paint the warriors clothing and weapons as clearly there is no reference going back to 5BC! A great opportunity to be expressive and artistic in your chosen finish.
Company: Stormtrooper Miniatures.
Catalogue Ref: PPST26
Sculptor: Carl Reid.
Box Art: Ernesto Reyes.
Material: Resin.
Price: £42.00
Availability: Direct from Stormtrooper Miniatures

Forward.
Stormtrooper miniatures offer a huge and contrasting catalogue of high quality resin releases, this Germanic Warrior is a typical example of that. As soon as I saw the box art I was gripped and just had to get my hands on one these wonderful looking busts for review. Stuart Hale is the proprietor of the company and as a sponsor of the pages here at Martins Scale Models kindly forwarded the kit for appraisal, today I publish my findings, kick back and enjoy….. your in for a treat.
First Impressions.
A total of 7 individual pieces of high quality resin are included in order to complete this kit. The main piece (torso) is wrapped in a separate envelope of bubble wrap while the remaining pieces are wrapped together inside a clear plastic re-sealable bag before being further protected by bubble wrap. As you can imagine this level of packaging offers great protection and as such everything arrived in perfect condition with no damage or missing parts.
The box is sturdy and practical being constructed of heavy duty cardboard with a lift off lid. The top of the lid offers some nice artwork along with details of the enclosed piece. Contact details of the supplier are also included. There is a simple text error which reads as Franck Warrior, it should read Frank, clearly not a deal breaker but I did feel it needed highlighting to prevent any confusion.
The Figure.
You could not help but be impressed at the first sight of this magnificent main piece, talk about instant impact, this has that in abundance. A simply outstanding sculpt from the endlessly talented Carl Reid has offered us a magnificently crafted piece that would grace the collection of any serious figure painter. The level of crispness that remains from the casting process is of the highest standard and quality, rich in well defined, beautifully sharp and clean detail forming an excellent foundation for you to lay down your paint. Any clean up required is straightforward and unproblematic following the standard procedures and using the correct tools for resin. Lets take a closer look at all of that detail……..
(photo below) As first impressions go it does not get any better than this….

(photo below) Excellent viewing from the back.
The cape looks sensational from this angle, so much incredible texture with a very natural looking flow to the material thrown across the shoulders. Creases and folds look spot on and will be even more of a feature using highlight and shadow techniques during the painting stages. I also love the way in which the hair lays across the top of the cape giving a positively wonderful three dimensional layering appearance.

(photo below) Incredibly nice facial expression and features.
Facial features are dynamic, some of the very best I have seen, best of all they look awesome no matter what angle they are viewed from. The expression certainly portrays a seasoned warrior that looks to be in full battle cry with open mouth, teeth on show and intensely obvious frown. The platted hair looks incredibly as does the moustache and eyebrows.

(photo below) The level of detail throughout is top drawer.
As explained above, view that face from any angle and it looks simply outstanding, most notable here is the nose with the fantastic looking ‘hook’ appearance, its the smaller attention to detail like this that makes such a difference. Also worth a mention are the profile of the cheek bones, well pronounced and in keeping with the look the sculptor has set about creating.

(photo below)
Some very nice sculpting has created a wonderful head of hair for this character, including those platted pieces on either side. When you see the fully assembled and painted piece at the end of this review you will understand how all of these individually brilliant details combine to produce an exemplary kit.

(photo below) Detail on the clothing is beautifully crafted.
The bandolier and waist belt look stunning, beautifully raised and laying very naturally across the clothing adding a great deal of depth. The buckles on both are superbly crafted and will look fabulous once painted in metals offering good contrast to the leather. The studs on the leather vest type top are incredibly well pronounced and give excellent added interest and well defined detail. The cape looks very convincing laying over the top.

Right Arm with Axe.
(photo below) Wonderful attention to detail in this arm and axe.
Starting with the arm, definition is excellent with the muscle tones showing well in the forearm along with the well pronounced tendons on the back of the hand. The hand grip around the handle of the axe is superbly effective and believable with more sumptuous detailing on the fingers. The fold in the arm as it is drawn back has been captured to perfection. The axe itself has a lot of appeal, the wooden handle should be straightforward to replicate while the axe head is beautifully and authentically shaped. Clearly it is difficult to authenticate against the genuine item but from research and reproduction pieces of this era the axe looks the part and offers a fantastic representation.

(photos below) The two photos below are reproduction axe’s authentic to this time period. The kit part has been well represented in comparison.


Left Arm.
(photo below) Just as with the right arm, the detail remains strong here.
Just as we have seen with the right arm the attention to detail continues here with the left. Again nicely pronounced muscle tones with superbly sculpted fingers. The hand has the shields grip handle moulded in situ and the small hole you see on the upper arm is a locating point for outer edge of the shield thus creating a perfect fit.

Shield.
(photo below) The shield is just awesome, wonderful addition to the kit.
Clearly a standout feature of this piece is the shield, in my opinion it looks incredibly good. Some great contrast on the outer metal rim with those raised studs which are further replicated on the smaller inner rim. The thin metal struts that extend from the inner rim to the outer edge also add interest as does the domed centre. Your creative streak can very much be let loose with the finish you choose here. Just a few casting lugs to tidy and make good but all straightforward. Fitting to the figure should prove easy enough with the locating pin on the arm and the handle grip pre moulded to the hand. A fabulous addition to the kit.

(photos below) Reproduction shields from the era our figure portrays, a great comparison for the wonderful kit offering.


Sword.
(photo below) Great textures and authentic detailing combine to create this awesome sword.
Beefy, great textures and awesome looks give this sword the appeal of a weapon fit for a warrior. The scabbard is just divine showing perfectly formed detail and contrast between the leather sheath and metal locket and chape pieces. The handle and pommel of the sword finish off the look wonderfully.

Dagger.
(photo below) A great amount of attention is given to the small and intricate dagger.
Worn on the left hip of the figure is this beautifully intricate dagger, designed to be as visually pleasing as it is deadly! The scabbard is more subtle in its appearance but offers a great opportunity for replicating either leather or wood. The handle is somewhat more lavish with some fine detailing to pick out and highlight to good effect.

Display Pedestal.
(photo below) I love these supplied pedestals.
The tried and trusted display plinth Stoormtroopers provides always makes for a wonderful and pleasing addition to their kits. Beautifully shaped with those curved edges and awesome textured surfaces all helping to create a pedestal base very well suited to the bust very much in keeping with the overall finish and quality. Just take a closer look at the completed piece in the photo gallery below from Ernesto Reyes to see the excellent effect.

Reference Material.
As ever we have a certain amount of reference material included in the kit. On this occasion you will be able to let your imagination run wild when it comes to choosing the colours in which you paint the warriors clothing and weapons as clearly there is no reference going back to 5BC! A great opportunity to be expressive and artistic in your chosen finish.
