Verlinden 1/5 Gladiator Bust

[Guest]

This is the biggest yet, a huge 1/5 Verlinden gladiator. The sculptor, Derek Holmes, has depicted a Celt (nb the torque which hides the neck joint, and the moustache) dressed as a Thraex, or Thracian. However, instead of a Thracian sica sword, he's given him an Iberian falcata, which though similar, would have been less likely.

The bust throws up a dilemma in that there is a full face to paint, though the helmet type usually included a face guard, as provided. Assuming the face works out, I thought that it would be a shame to cover it, so I sought around for visorless reference:



I may therefore give him a set of cheek guards and leave the helmet open. The other issue is that the holes in the visor have not been drilled out and would be very tricky to do.

So, on to the box contents:



Nicely broken down so that the weight can be kept down during painting. The mould blocks are huge and will be challenging to remove, especially without damaging the superb sculpting.

[Jim R]

Hi Peter
He's a big guy for sure. Can't figure out whether that means more scope to paint details or less chance to fudge errors - not that you make any of those :tongue-out3:
Jim

[Dave Ward]

Peter,
that looks a real challenge- those casting blocks are in frightening places!
Dave

[Steve Jones]

As Dave says this will be quite the challenge. Looking forward to seeing how you tackle the skin tones. Good luck sir and unleash hell LOL

[Guest]

Jim - I can't quite work it out. You'd think that the larger scale would mean more detail, but actually there is no more on these Verlinden 1/5s than at smaller scales. That may be the fault of the sculptor, though I can't see how they could be more detailed. The main problem I'm finding is getting a smooth finish over large areas, especially on the drapery.

Dave - Really nasty casting blocks, particularly that on the arm, which goes into the recess. A big challenge in all ways.

Steve - ''Unleash hell!'' indeed. The vast areas of flesh are particularly scary.

[Guest]

Cleaned up and ready to paint:



The casting blocks on the head and arm were so thick that I had to take a woodworking saw to them - fortunately they were removed without damage. The only tricky part was filling a nick in the helmet visor at the front where the profile was particularly thin.

[papa 695]

Just got myself a cup of tea, and sat comfortably Peter.

[Guest]

Hi Ian. Thanks for coming along.

The face:



A real pig!

[scottie3158]

Peter,
Great start.

[papa 695]

As pigs go, it looks very good Peter.

[Steven000]

High quality paintwork Peter :thumb2:
Steven

[Mickc1440]

Quality pig that

[Guest]

Cheers chaps. It was difficult to do because of that dirty great visor, more because it cast awkward shadows than that it got in the way (which it did).

[Strenko J]

Some of the great Peter Day magical painting beginning to happen here again… Love it!

[Guest]

Very kind of you Joe. Nervous about tackling the helmet today....