The Great Escape Posted February 9, 2021 Share Posted February 9, 2021 As the title suggests, I’d be interested to hear (and maybe even see) if anyone has painted italeri 7407. Google image searches don’t bring out anyone’s painted efforts. If anyone has it, what’s it like? Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Troy Smith Posted February 9, 2021 Share Posted February 9, 2021 17 minutes ago, The Great Escape said: As the title suggests, I’d be interested to hear (and maybe even see) if anyone has painted italeri 7407. Google image searches don’t bring out anyone’s painted efforts. If anyone has it, what’s it like? Thanks I saw a diorama on an old Military Modelling cover, with the 1/9th BMW and 3 figures, stated all converted from the same base figure, so I assume it was this one, I was curious so I looked at the cover caption ( I was given a huge stack of model mags a few years ago if I sound a bit vague) I can have a look later for the exact issue, I'm sure the cover will be online. Looked good though. HTH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Great Escape Posted February 9, 2021 Author Share Posted February 9, 2021 That would be ideal! Thanks. I (accidentally) bought the 1/9 bmw R75 as it was an absolute bargain. I wasn’t intending for this to be my next build as I’m really into figure painting but I couldn’t turn it down. The italeri infantryman isn’t specifically in motorcycle gear but I wanted to know if he’d look fitting to display alongside the bmw. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Troy Smith Posted February 10, 2021 Share Posted February 10, 2021 17 hours ago, The Great Escape said: The italeri infantryman isn’t specifically in motorcycle gear but I wanted to know if he’d look fitting to display alongside the bmw. I'd say yes. This is the mag cover, the figures have been heavily modified, HTH 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Great Escape Posted February 10, 2021 Author Share Posted February 10, 2021 Wow! Thanks for this. That’s some work! I appreciate you making the effort to find this picture for me. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harls Posted February 17, 2021 Share Posted February 17, 2021 The first time I saw this kit (made then by Esci) completed, was in my local hobby store back in the late 70's and knew I had to have it! However, as a young and inexperienced figure modeller, I wasn't prepared for the amount of work involved in building the kit, especially with the very dark green plastic, but got it done eventually and was quite pleased with the results! Fast-forward 40-odd years and a loooong break in figure modelling and guess what? I once again have the original Esci kit sitting on my table, ready for building. I intend to change the shape of the face as I was never satisfied with the original, and add deeper creases to the folds of the cloth. If I find the time, I'll post photos of the work in progress. I wish you good luck in your endeavours with this kit - I do remember that it took a lot of patience! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Great Escape Posted February 17, 2021 Author Share Posted February 17, 2021 (edited) Would love to see a picture. It’s curious that I really just can’t seem to see anyone’s photos on the internet, despite this kit being so old. I’ve now completed the R75 and I must say that I’m very happy with the paint job. The kit went together really well and was quite forgiving at times as I’m not used to working on this scale. I’ve also bought a Scheich German shepherd dog (which happened to be appropriate size) to sit in the sidecar, which I think will finish the display off well. Edited February 17, 2021 by The Great Escape 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Great Escape Posted February 17, 2021 Author Share Posted February 17, 2021 ...even just tried googling it with Esci but still no painted pics. Just a couple of photos of the green plastic and LOTS of filler! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harls Posted February 17, 2021 Share Posted February 17, 2021 (edited) Sometimes it's worth using a different search engine - I've just found this set (click on image) of pics on DuckDuckGo (I normally use Google). I must stress that this isn't mine: Having seen this, I'm even more determined to change the face - on all the ones I've seen previously, including my first one, they all have the same expression... Edited February 17, 2021 by Harls Update 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Great Escape Posted February 17, 2021 Author Share Posted February 17, 2021 Thanks @Harls i appreciate you taking the time to search. To be honest, I didn’t know the kit was so old. Up to now, the oldest kit I’ve built was Tamiya’s kettenkrad from 1988. I hope I’m not disappointed and that I can get a decent finish. I ordered the figure at the weekend so it should arrive tomorrow and I’ll immediately get stuck in. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Great Escape Posted February 19, 2021 Author Share Posted February 19, 2021 He arrived today. It went together ok although quite a bit of filling was needed and lots of rubbing down seams. Lots of flash. The box art looks nothing like the actual figure! He’s quite a bit fatter than the image on the front. His uniform is less fitted. But I think it’ll paint ok. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harls Posted February 20, 2021 Share Posted February 20, 2021 11 hours ago, The Great Escape said: He arrived today. It went together ok although quite a bit of filling was needed and lots of rubbing down seams. Lots of flash. The box art looks nothing like the actual figure! He’s quite a bit fatter than the image on the front. His uniform is less fitted. But I think it’ll paint ok. Yes, I remember I had quite a few fitment issues and for someone who's supposed to be a fit, lean soldier, he seems rather 'blocky'. I was also disappointed that the 'Y' harness of the webbing wasn't included. With regard to your second point, a guy on Planet Figure sculpted a 3D version of the box art and it makes for a much better looking figure. Unfortunately, Italeri won't entertain any idea of selling his figure, and the guy can't either because he'd be in breach of copyright. See below - I'm sure, like me, you'll be blown away by the detail: https://www.planetfigure.com/threads/1-16-german-solider-1-9-itareli-boxart-sketch.294223/ Regards. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harls Posted February 20, 2021 Share Posted February 20, 2021 (edited) Here's another (rather bland) paint job for reference: https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/esci-9th-scale-german-gd-soldaten-137808431 The eyes! The eyes! Edited February 20, 2021 by Harls Update 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Great Escape Posted February 20, 2021 Author Share Posted February 20, 2021 Thanks for the links. That’s such a great sculpt. Not that it would have put me off buying the kit if I had read them first, but I agree with all of the sentiments mentioned. I’ve been painting for several hours but have found that the lack of definition and texture in the mould is resulting in a blocky figure. The creases in the uniform are non-existent so highlights and shadows are hard. My conclusion is that I’ve made Action Man. He looks like a toy soldier in terms of pose, uniform and definition. Will post some photos later... On the plus side, I paid £25. The only other figure that would have worked was £65. You get what you pay for. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harls Posted February 20, 2021 Share Posted February 20, 2021 1 hour ago, The Great Escape said: My conclusion is that I’ve made Action Man. He looks like a toy soldier in terms of pose, uniform and definition. 😆😆 Yes, I must admit that I'm having second thoughts about building it myself now. Nostalgia is a wonderful thing at times, but I'm wishing I had remembered all the bad things about this kit before I bought it again! Still, I'm sitting here awaiting delivery of glue and filler so I can crack on with it. I suppose I could make a start on removing flash, etc., but I'd rather wait until I have everything together. Looking forward to seeing your pics - what paints are you using? I'm thinking about acrylics this time around; I did the original in enamels and the face/hands in oils as I preferred a longer drying time, but it's been so long and I've been out of the game for many years, so I'd appreciate any recommendations... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Great Escape Posted February 20, 2021 Author Share Posted February 20, 2021 It’s not going well, I’m afraid. Painting went ok using Vallejo. However, I noticed with normal handling, paint easily rubbed off. Used my usual primer so not sure why. But the big issue came from the cursed belt. The pins won’t hold it in place and nothing glues it! I carefully threaded all the equipment onto the belt, but securing the belt around his waist has caused so much damage that all my hard work is ruined. I’ve absolutely ruined the paint job in the uniform. I have not enjoyed any part in making this one I’m sad to say. I’ve had to leave it for now as I’m so cross with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Great Escape Posted February 20, 2021 Author Share Posted February 20, 2021 Look at the mess the belt has made! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harls Posted February 20, 2021 Share Posted February 20, 2021 Sorry to see that after all your hard work! To be honest, I was contemplating using thick cartridge paper (layered, if necessary) to replace the polythene(?) straps because I knew they were going to be a problem - I'm sorry I didn't mention it earlier. I remember buying an enamel primer in a rattlecan especially for this which held the paint well. Due to the large size of the figure, it was the first time I used a primer. I never cared for the facial expression either, so I put a cigarette in his mouth to give it more character,which worked, after a fashion. Take some deep breaths and go back to it after a while... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Great Escape Posted February 21, 2021 Author Share Posted February 21, 2021 I’ve persevered today and nearly finished. Or at least I feel that I’m done with this. For anyone else considering making this kit, despite my best efforts, I’ve ended up with a dolly. I’ll just leave this in your imaginations before I post some photos later: imagine a Barbie Ken doll dressed as a Nazi - that’s what mine looks like! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Great Escape Posted February 21, 2021 Author Share Posted February 21, 2021 Introducing Nazi Ken doll: 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Great Escape Posted February 21, 2021 Author Share Posted February 21, 2021 Although if I hide him behind the BMW, he looks a bit better! Sent from my iPhone 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harls Posted February 21, 2021 Share Posted February 21, 2021 A valiant effort on a particularly nasty kit! As you say though, he does set the BMW off - very good detailing on that, by the way! I'll add some pics of mine when I eventually get it done... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Great Escape Posted February 21, 2021 Author Share Posted February 21, 2021 Yes - please build yours! I’d love to see someone else’s efforts on this. Maybe it was just me and my lack of experience. As I’ve not been modelling long (lockdown newbie), I don’t yet have the skills to deal with anything out of the ordinary or have the knowledge to know what to do when I encounter a problem. From that magazine front cover, evidence shows that a more experienced modeller can turn this kit into something cool. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harls Posted February 21, 2021 Share Posted February 21, 2021 I'm returning to modelling after a VERY long hiatus, so don't expect miracles but I'm happy to share my knowledge - hit me up if there's anything you think I may know the answer to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tcoat Posted February 25, 2021 Share Posted February 25, 2021 On 2/21/2021 at 9:44 AM, The Great Escape said: Yes - please build yours! I’d love to see someone else’s efforts on this. Maybe it was just me and my lack of experience. As I’ve not been modelling long (lockdown newbie), I don’t yet have the skills to deal with anything out of the ordinary or have the knowledge to know what to do when I encounter a problem. From that magazine front cover, evidence shows that a more experienced modeller can turn this kit into something cool. You did a great job since figures can be rough at the best of times. At least your eyes and face look human as opposed to the other pics where it looks like the poor guy just realized it wasn't a fart! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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