The 1st Figure Release from LZ Models

Introducing the first of a new line of figures from LZ Models. Many more are to follow, of not only rail-themed subjects, but those of military and civilian historical as well. This first guy, sculpted by Pavel Svejda, represents a hard-working, hard drinking train operator applicable to several decades and several countries, but was done chiefly with 30's-40's Germany in mind, and you'll note he doesn't have the lean build of most of our figures of military origin, this chap is just as home in beer halls and schitzel-dives as he is in the cab of his Locomotive!

more coming.....

The kit :

Pretty simple parts breakdown in 4 parts with some usual light flash, clean up didn't take long but a lot of care needs to be taken at the tops of the arm attachment, if careful no putty is needed.

I attached the arms with medium Zap C/A and as usual drilled and doweled the head and boot with piano wire. I gave the figure a very light spray of Tamiya primer after a little cleaning up

Now I needed to get this done in a pretty good hurry, to provide some boxart to Libor, and I used a familar approach using Vallejo acrylics, similar to my methods found here in my S.A.S. blog

The train caps seem to vary from peaked to crushed and soft a lot like Military officers caps, but nearly always seem to have the patent leather brim. The caps themselves can be wool,cloth or leather

The whites of the eyes were done in an off-white enamel mix, being far easier to edit than Vallejo. This as left to dry before adding any more eye detail. The rest was painted in use Tamiya Nato black, as this is easy to edit with ISO without lifting the dried enamel whites.

I went for a sort of salt & pepper [as we tend to imagine it anyways] for the hair
You know the guy has a big mustache if you can still see it from the back!!

I gave his upper face a bit of flush with a lot more 814 Burnt Camium Red than I'd usually use, and tried to keep the effect uneven, to try to hint at the shoddy blood system of a heavy drinker

more.....

Edited By Adam Kuller on 29/07/2012 18:48:59

The shirt I figured for denim, and is lightened 962 Flat Blue--the same colour I used for the coat, though I tinted that with MA 018 Cam. Black Green and detailed with 950 black, as soot is the primary weathering consideration in a coal Loco

The coat colours vary with each reference you'll find [if you manage to find any!] but I headed for what I felt LAR [Looked About Right] The big buttons came in brass or nickel. I weathered teh lower coat and trousers with a bit of dry black & umber pigments, and sealed the job with Vallejo Matt Varnish.

 I painted the oiler in a big hurry after making a handle for it with some flatenned copper wire. I used Tamiya flat Red over grey primer, adding oil made from a mix of Floquil Engine Black  and Testors Rubber enamels and adding some graphite to edges.
The oiler came to me in some seperate parts LIbor sent.I'm not actually sure the oiler will be included with this guy, I hope so-- I like it, though he could be reaching for a variety of controls inside the cab of his Loco or just as likely reaching for the handle of a beer stein

I liked this guy a lot, definately not what I'm used to painting, and I do like my comfort zone
I think Pavel did an excellent job with him and I look forward to more from him and LZ Models.
For a more thorough look at Pavels many talents, have a tour of his many many great builds HERE

Thanks for reading along and please share any comments for Libor, Pavel or myself as we value your feedback highly.
...Best,

..................Adam

5

Edited By Adam Kuller on 29/07/2012 19:06:28

Cool figure, looks very good! Nice that Libor does also figures now! He must be really busy the last time with so many new items!

And I had to lough whn reading that this figure is a hard drinker! ;D

Hi Adam

Good for Libor You have made a cracking job of this guy. Just put a smile on my face - a portly, heavy drinker with walrus whiskers

Jim

Hi Adam,

This is good news. Well done Pavel and Libor, good luck with the new series.

Robin

Always good to see stuff from Libor and nicely painted by yourself Adam

but

for me there looks to be something anatomically wrong in the shoulder / head departments

Neck too long, face not fat enough, shoulders too square, head to body ratio??? Not sure

I know I can't do any better but something doesn't look right and you did ask for feedback

SimonT

Edited By SimonT on 29/07/2012 22:05:36

I think the neck is too thin Simon. Hold a finger over it and the head seems to fit the body.

Guys, thanks for all the comments and well-wishes. Simon I agree some of the geometry of this figure is a bit strange, this has been discussed some already, but it's worth noting that some of these trainmen were a bit odd themselves & out-of-shape & some of them[even more-so]Your remarks are appreciated, believe me

Adam