165th Signal Photo Company, France 1944

Some different for a change. A couple of weeks ago I received a production sample of some injection molded figures from AK Interactive portraying photographers from various time periods. I have always wanted to model a WW2 US combat photographer and this was the perfect moment to do so. 

As far as injected molded figures goes, the pose for this figure came together rather nicely - unlike some others which look great on the sprues but an absolute horror when the parts come together. I did however could not resist adding some enhancements to the figure. First off, I decided to modify the  jacket on the original figure to a flannel shirt which I felt complimented better with the rolled up sleeves and open neck. 

The Speed Graphic 4 x 5 camera did require some additional work. I deepened the flash reflector with a drill burr, undercoated it with clear gloss and created the reflective surface with Molotow chrome paint. The flash bulb was rebuilt with a piece of clear plastic rod turned on a hand drill and polished shine with grit 2000 sandpaper. The Plexiglass  is a small piece of microscope slide cut to size with the sharp tip of a diamond file. 

Other enhancements include remodelling the shape of the shoes and the laces on the leggings. To finish off the presentation of a celebratory mood, I added some confetti to the cobbled ground and some roses sculpted from White Super Fine Milliput dyed with red and green ink. 

In all this was a rather fun project with several new challenges encountered along the way. I might take a stab at the PK (Propagandakompanie) cameraman from that set when time permits.

Cheers,

Calvin