Salut

I'm building a pilot with an Eduard pilot from "Aeronautique Militaire Francaise 1916" for a small diorama.





This figurine have too long harms and legs, chest is too small so I must cut!!!

I removed 1mm from the top of the legs so the size is the same as Heker Gorros figure.



The clothes and other detais are made with milliput and tin part.










A+

Awesome Louis ! This is something I could never do very well . I'll be watching this one

Louis your talents always amaze me!

I'm currently painting my 1/48 Mosquito crew and find the job you've done
on that other piolt amazing.
Will be following intently. Thanks for demonstrating your build
JP

Thank you.

You make quarter scale look good.

Hi,

do you know that, too old milliput does not dry (never dry) and it remains soft.
So I make it again with new milliput.








Smith et Wesson 1909.







A+

Excellent Louis !

Cheers Nick

Hi,

JackFlash wrote to me that the official side arm for American officers in 1918 was a Colt 45 cal. a clip fed pistol. Not a revolver.


I dont know that. I dont find any picture about pilot with his arm.... My figure looking into the cylinder of the revolver and I can't not change that. It's true that I asked me how he can fly with this very very big revolver...


Next time I will be more careful.

Thank you very much to Jack for his help.

Regards.

Hi Louis:

The 'official' weapon authroized by Table of Organization, (T.O) if they had that in WWI may have been the .45. However, that would not preclude a pilot from obtaining a .38 for his personal use. Being a Marine in Vietnam, my T.O. weapon was the M-1911 A-1 Colt .45 semi automatic pistol; however, I did 'procure' a .38 revolver as it was puported to be more accurate than the obscenely inaccurate .45. So, your figure could still use a revolver that he had procured outside of official supply channels.

Thank you Mark.

If an American pilot had served with the French he may have been issued a revolver and would have had someone in the fabric repair shop manufacture or he would obtain a shoulder holster for it. The fear with the 1911 45 Cal was misfeeds and thus from that jambs. A revolver would not jamb. Though bad ammunition could cause misfires. Hence the reason the pilot is looking at the cylinder.

Thank you Stephen. I'am agree.


I'm using a magnifying glass for this job.

I'm using Humbrol 94 for the first coat (the upper of the flying suit). When dry, I'm using oil paint (on the trousers). Hu 62 for choes.











The head with Hu 61 and oil paint:





Details will be done when dry.


The cylindre for Smith & Wesson is engrave through a magnifying glass.



Regard.

Great progress. Although the head on a stick looks a little bizarre as does the headless torso. I am looking forward to the completed project.

Luis!
you do a great job indeed!
I'am facsinated on how much detais you are able to add... also your Spad build was eyes popping!
You are working at a level I just can't reach. Really super!

Ciao
Edo

Thank you Mark and Edoardo.


Smith & Wesson model 1909:



...."armed and painted" with plastic wire and gold and silver painted.

A+

He looks a "little bizarre". The hand with the revolver is poorly-positioned. He can not see the cylindre very well.







Glasses must be finished and the figure varnished.


The visual effect (desired?) is not very good. When you lookink the figure it's not easy to understand. It's difficult to see the revolver is open.

Regards.

I will give you an "A" for effort and a "B" for effect. The figure is outstanding as is your work on the revolver. You did a great job on this figure. I guess the question is, now what? You could have him with another pilot as if he was explaining why he was checking the cylinders to ensure they were empty, or bragging to a pilot how he came across this particular weapon as his T.O. weapon would have been the ubiquitious .45. This may be off topic, but I knew of a few Marines who killed themselves by playing with an "empty" .45. This could be a topic of discussion in this vignette. Just my thoughts. I am looking forward to what you do with this guy, now that he is done.


As an aside. You have to bear in mind, that these officers in the great war, were probably very amused and amazed at the weaponry that they were associated with. Like most junior officers, they are big kids with a lot of responsibilty thrust upon them, and they grew up quick. This guy could be very curious about the workings of the .38 revolver. Just my thoughts here in the great upper midwest.

Actually Louis, I might suggest one further element that would intensify the scene. On US military bases anytime a hand weapon is to be cleared or visually checked this has to take place infront of a "clearing barrel."

This is a steel drum in an above ground frame (usually metal) that holds the barrel at a 45 degree angle. Its either filled with dirt or sand should the weapon discharge a round. Part of the inspection is to see if the barrel is obstructed in any way. By the way that shoulder holster I mentioned earlier would most likely be under his flight suit. I really like your modifications to this figure.

Can you suggest any general or specific modifications that we all could apply Eduard 1:48 figures? You do seem to have the knack for it.

Thank you for your suggestions Stephen. It's very interesting.

I'm going to find a "steel drum" photo on the net.

My first idea was he checks his gun for the last time before boarding the plane (my Spad XIII).
The holster is in his suit and the gun is tied around the neck by a string.

I cut the hand to place the cylinder of the gun up. I believe It's better .

Regards

That is lovely, great idea and the pose and expression are very emotive. The discerning frown sets it off.

Last checks before flight, or checking his weapon after being forced down behind the lines?

Shame he is wearing a Manchester City scarf I like the other pilot cos he has a Glentoran FC scarf.

Thank you John-Paul

Glasses (very big) and painting are finished.





Next time with his plane.

Fine bit of work Louis!