I've posted pics of this in other forums, but I'm really interested in having it critiqued. This figure is Dragon's 1/16th "Screaming Eagle" 101st Airborne, Normandy 1944. The original figure has this pose...

I was dissatisfied with this pose and converted the figure to a firing position and scratchbuilt the pistol holster. I also added hair to the head because I'm not so keen on the mohawk and I want to put a helmet on him.



So far, I've painted only the basic uniform pieces using Tamiya Acrylics. I would appreciate comments on the work so far...

Excellent work, you've got the pose nailed. I'm just wondering what that thing is attached to the left wrist? I hope you will post more pics as you progress.

Oh right! I forgot about those. On his left wrist is a scratchbuilt wrist compass issued to Paratroopers. On his leg is a smaller disk. It will be a luminous disk. The luminous disk is basically a "glow in the dark" disc issued to troopers for easier identification in the dark. They were most commonly worn either on the boot (as in this picture) or on the back of the helmet. I found both of these items during my research on 101st AB equipment and history. I was able to get pictures of these things by searching for them on eBay, of all places. I've actually found eBay to be a great resource for finding pics of WWII equipment and uniforms.
God bless you, eBay!

Great work on the conversion. Its hard to believe its the same figure!
Its not easy offering tips as you have it looking pretty good so far. The only improvement that comes to mind is the addition of a rifle strap. Good luck with the rest of the paint work!

Wow man, thats incredible. wow. i agree.... the mohawk thing looks awful. Your reworked pose is very well done too. nice one
I would buy this kit if it had a helmet in it. Does the kit come with a US helmet?

Really, really good. I'm with you on the mohawk foolishness.

The only criticism I can offer, and it's truly minor, is that the butt of the rifle appears (in the first photo) to be just a touch too far out on the figure's right arm. It's almost like he's got it braced against his bicep, not his shoulder. I don't know that you should be able to see any space between his chest and the side of the rifle butt.

Beautiful work, notwithstanding that nit.

coltm4:

This kit does not come with a helmet. I purchased the Warriors head set #1, which includes 4 heads, 2 german helmets and 2 us helmets.

Part-timer:
Yes. the rifle's too far out on his arm. It's just a bit, but I could not get it any closer. So he's prepping to fire. At least, that's my cover story .

Phantom_major:
I think it's the color of the hands that makes them look so big. White actually makes objects look larger than they are I think it's about 10%. Based on photos I've seen the actual size of the hands look right to the rifle. I don't discount I could be wrong on this one...

Funny.
I was trying to decide which part of the right arm looks somehow weird, but all I can say is that the wrist and hand have quite uncomfortable angle. Having made a couple of figure modifications myself, these are very hard to get right, especially if you use some parts from the kit that had different pose.
But after reading your "cover story", it makes perfect sense: the guy just raised his heavy rifle and it hasn´t settled down yet. So maybe the wrist area could be bent like that.
Besides it only shows when looked at from right.

Impressive work, you really don´t have to use that much $$$ to make a detailed, top class figure!



Cheers,
Toni