Thank you Malc, appreciated.

Brilliant work Marcus, keep running up that hill (as Kate would say....)

How to use putty my way.

NOTE THIS IS TEXT FROM A FB MEMBER AND Marcus
Nap (Kevin) asked if I could share the following from Facebook, it might help someone re sculpting and putty.

From Marcus

Three full days of sculpting, time to sit back reflect then refine each figure.

Happy how each has turned out so far, taking elements of various photographs of the expedition to depict the character of each man on the last leg of the fateful journey to the South Pole. Of all the characters I’ve researched for the project, Doctor Wilson is my favourite. An artist, scientist, explorer and gentlemen. Captain Scott said of Wilson, he was the finest of men and at his end Scott was found, arm outstretched over the dead Wilson, frozen forever embraced in that final moment of humanity.


FB member Gad Zooks

Three full days of sculpting . It would take me months and still wouldn't come close to such beautiful work. Excellent sculpting and a great subject to. Awesome job Allround.

Marcus reply

Gad Zooks thank you for your kind words of support. Using a number of putty’s in the blend (Greenstuff / Apoxy) does speed up the curing time, so you need to work quickly. Luckily it suits my style of sculpting. I do work in sections and layers, as it’s easy to damage an area already sculpted and smoothed. You can speed up the curing in an oven and others do this, but I’m not that brave.

FB Member

Hi Marcus. Are you blending greenstuff and Apoxy sculpt together. Or using them in different ways and or places. I'm returning to modelling after over a decade away. So I'm just converting figures at the moment. It's a shame how badly my eyesight and dexterity diminished. But it's nice being back at the bench again. And again those figures are beautiful mate.

From Marcus

Gad Zooks In a word yes. I mix the Greenstuff first (yellow/blue) then mix the Apoxy A/B, then blend the two putties together. All by twisting and kneading between fingers. The Ratio depends on what you're doing, add more Apoxy or magic sculpt if you are using for architectural areas like drapes, flags etc as it will hold the shape like stone. Greenstuff on its own stays flexible. Also, one of the best tips I picked up from Bill Horan from one of his tutorials was mixing with Vaseline and using for tools to reduce surface contact. The Vaseline will blend into the putty so wont effect painting. Smooth the surface with a soft brush dipped in 50/50 water IPA. Good luck

FB Member

Thanks for the tips Marcus. I didn't realise Greenstuff stayed flexible. I used it for the first time when I converted some figures to an Israeli tank crew. I thought I was mixing it wrong. In the end I had to take it all off and use Epoxy sculpt. I'm also trying to repair and convert a 76 mm confederate figure. So I will definitely try mixing the two putties to make the flag. And probably some parts of his uniform. I had no idea of using Vaseline. I've been trying powder and even water. Thanks again mate.

From Marcus

Gad Zooks the elasticity of Greenstuff makes it great for adding intricate detail, it’s best to do this when it’s a bit firmer, but you need to be precise. The other tip I can give you. Roll the putty on glass (use Vaseline as barrier) if you are making a flag or draping cloth, use silicon tipped tools for the sculpting, black being firmest (I tend to use black, grey and white).

From FB Member

Marcus White I'v been rolling putty out on glass to make flags and tarps in the past. But I've always used powder for the barrier. And I picked up a set of silicone tools after watching a guy on YouTube. But I don't know their was a difference between black grey and white. I have the grey ones but will get the black ones next.

From Marcus

Gad Zooks yes, the colour of the silicon denotes the firmness. Get a selection and your own style will dictate what you prefer. Good luck.

A BIG THANK YOU TO MARCUS

Nap

I’m not sure that even the mega star Kate Bush, could run up that hill.

Refining each figure. I’ve added the wick for the mittens, a simple strapping used during the arctic expeditions to save the large fur gloves from being lost in the snow, a lifesaver in such a harsh environment.

Added some snow goggles. And sun compass to Captain Scott and Oats.



Some rope to support the man-hauling lines to be added later.

Thanks mate, will be working on the base in the next week. It’s going to be a challenge getting the glacier snow/ice scene looking right but I’m looking forward to the challenge.

Looking really good, and I'm really looking forward to seeing how you do the snow and ice.......

I’m in the process of purchasing various products. From what I’ve read and can see, modelling ice and snow is a process of layering. I’ve spoken to a few explorers of the Antarctic and they have given me some useful reference and detail for modelling the glacier. Blue ice is interesting as will be attempting deep snow. Cheers mate.

Just stay away from the yellow snow........

My god you're a machine!
This is just outstanding, Marcus!

Thank you mate. Will be working on the glacier scenic base this coming week, looking forward to doing that.

Amazing so far, are you aware of the Ben Fogle programme that starts on the 2nd October at 9 on channel 5? Endurance: race to the Pole. It might interest you.
Scotty.

Thank you Scotty,

I’ve read mixed reviews on the Ben Fogle programme, will watch it and have the tv series set to record, hopefully he makes it his own journey and not compare too much with the Terra Nova and captain Scott expedition which was more of a scientific venture than race. Amundsen focus was to be first to the South Pole and turned it into a race, with Scott’s notebook he was more interested in beating Shakelton’s records. When I see modern recreations of historical events I’m always slightly nervous for those trying to compare with the privelage of modern technology, hindsight and nutrition. Even with navigation Scott had a sun compass and Sextant with no backup crew GPS and rescue plane on standby. Just knowing Ben and the team have the luxury of a backup team would create a different mindset. Also, from what I’ve read Ben Fogle had to contend with temperatures reaching -25, when Scott and Amundsen navigated to the South Pole the coldest recorded was -75. So just with weather and temperature Ben and the crew had it comparatively easy. Fingers crossed it is a well made programme and gives some insight, but we will see.

Thank you Rick, very kind of you to say.

This is impressive, to say the least, wow!

Thank you very much Steve, appreciated.

At this moment, I can only say. WOW!. awesome work...... and there's no paint on it yet.

Malc