PERSPECTIVES IN MINIATURE: May 2023

ARTIST STATEMENT

In the words of Wilbur Smith "War is the game played by old men with the lives of the young". The pawn in this game is the combat soldier, represented by the miniature toy soldier; an insignificant being on the battlefield. Combat is the most intense moment of war, where life and death balances on a knife's edge. The results are terrifying and reveal the worst part of our human nature. Conversely, there are moments when it exudes the best of our human spirit. Most of the miniatures you see here are diligently researched from historical sources and handcrafted between scales of 1/35 to 1/16 (approx 50mm to 120mm). The intricate rendition of human expression and fine details not only demonstrates the level of craftsmanship but also serves as a reminder of the fragile nature of human life. I represent no political bias though my miniature creations. My aim is to portray humanity through the chronicles of military history and thus it is my pleasure that I present to you my weblog Perspectives in Miniature.

Calvin Tan

WWII GERMAN UNIFORMS - PERSONAL MIXES BY CALVIN TAN

In conjunction with AK Interactive, this exclusive Gen 3 acrylic paint set is specially composed with the essential colours that I use to render WWII German Uniforms. It contains 18 colours and a small pamphlet with my personal colour mixes. If you are keen to acquire all the colours on my palette to paint a field grey tunic, a splinter pattern zeltbahn, an oak-leaf pattern smock or the Kharkov anorak, look no further, this is the set for you to get started.

CALVIN TAN'S BASIC GUIDE TO FIGURE PAINTING

This instructional DVD published by Model Art magazine was primarily developed for the beginner armour and diorama modeller in mind. The video presentation will feature a variety of easy to master techniques used to render a 1/35 scale plastic injected moulded figure.Topics include proper paint application techniques, choice of brushes as well as some little tricks for painting fine detail. It is fundamentally a showcase of some of my methods and techniques for painting military figures and I am certain it will prove beneficial for any modeller who wishes to improve on figure painting. It is currently available in both Japanese and English.

CALVIN TAN'S GUIDE TO CONVERTING AND PAINTING FIGURES

In this third instalment, I will share my techniques and materials to customize and detail an inexpensive stock plastic figure. Watch as I take you through the steps on how I modify a pose, model details such as hands, belts and webbing and insignias. Learn about working effectively with epoxy putty as well as plastic styrene and paper. As a continuation from my first two DVDs, I will demonstrate how to model and paint a simple groundwork as well as an alternate approach using a monochromatic underpainting to render both a field grey tunic and the World War 2 German Splinter Camouflage pattern on a helmet cover. If you have enjoyed and benefitted from those previous titles, this edition will be a welcome addition to your journey in scale figure modelling – regardless of your current skill level. It is my sincere hope that this could inspire you to embark on your own creative adventure in this fantastic hobby. .

Saturday, 27 May 2023

Late WWII German Infantry Set from Tamiya

The fourth figure has been completed ahead of next weekend's show in Penang.

This set will officially launch in Japan on June 17.

https://www.tamiya.com/japan/products/35382/index.html

Cheers,

Calvin

Monday, 22 May 2023

Late WWII German Infantry Set from Tamiya

Labels: Tamiya Posted by Calvin Tan at 12:37

Here are some work-in-progress (WIP) shots of the commander figure from Tamiya's upcoming German Infantry Set (Late War), scheduled to be released on June 17. In order to enhance the appearance of the experienced Oberfeldwebel, I have added the Crimean Shield, Close Combat Clasp, Tank Destruction Badges, and Infantry Assault Badge from Rado Miniatures (RDM35PE04).

Cheers,

Calvin

Wednesday, 10 May 2023

All Engines Go for the 2023 Shizuoka Hobby Show

Labels: Tamiya, Tamiya - German Soldiers at Rest, Tamiya - US Tank Crew Set (ETO), Tamiya German Infantry Set (Late-WWII), Tamiya US Infantry Scout Set Posted by Calvin Tan at 03:57

Compact travelling for this weekend's show.

Cheers,

Calvin

Sunday, 7 May 2023

20. Waffen-Grenadier-Division der SS (estnische Nr. 1). Battle of Tannenberg Line, 1944

Labels: Tamiya, Tamiya German Infantry Set (Late-WWII) Posted by Calvin Tan at 23:38

More images.....

Cheers,

Calvin

20. Waffen-Grenadier-Division der SS (estnische Nr. 1). Battle of Tannenberg Line, 1944

Labels: Tamiya, Tamiya German Infantry Set (Late-WWII) Posted by Calvin Tan at 00:56

I have finally placed the finishing touches to this figure ahead of next weekend's Shizuoka Hobby Show.

Cheers,

Calvin

Friday, 5 May 2023

20. Waffen-Grenadier-Division der SS (estnische Nr. 1). Battle of Tannenberg Line, 1944

Labels: Tamiya, Tamiya German Infantry Set (Late-WWII) Posted by Calvin Tan at 01:08

This is a 1/35 scale conversion based on Tamiya's upcoming release German Infantry Set Late WW2. I replaced the original face with the one from the US Tankcrew Set (ETO). The collar tabs are taken from Rado Miniatures whereas the eagle patch and chevron on the shoulder are from Archer Transfers. The sleeve shield is made from thinly rolled putty and painted with Estonia's national colours of blue, black and white. The belt buckle is sculpted from Miliput Super Fine. Painting is done with AK Gen 3 acrylics.