WWII Pilots - Posable, Multiscale

[Tirick]

I'm breaking this design thread off of the main Paper Protagonist thread, as several members who may have not had an interest in prior projects in the Protagonist line of figures may in fact be interested in this new design. This also allows me to fork design comments and suggestions relative to this series.

I've been keenly following many of the build threads of WWII fighters since I have joined the site, and have finally worked up the courage to build one of my own. However, I hate to see an unoccupied cockpit. Fortunately, having a figure skeleton design already, I can readily adapt it to suit. As such, I present the first in this series: the RAF pilot.

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/RAF-001.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/RAF-007.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/RAF-006.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/RAF-005.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/RAF-003.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/RAF-004.jpg

As with my other figures, much of the detail will be laminate, rather that textures. The figures are fully posable, and the hips for this figure will incorporate a newer more realistic design. I intend to offer with this figure full flight gear (helmet, radio, mask, webbing, life jacket, parachute (pack only) as well as a number of uniform options, including the combat jacket shown, the uniform 'dress' jacket, the overcoat, cold weather jacket, gloves, airman and officer hats, and boots. I will also release all uniform elements in the tropical coloring. As with my other figures, this will be released in 1:50 and 1:35, both of which are easy enough to modify to obtain most common scales.

I am not, nor have I ever been in the RAF (although my grandfather served in the RCAF). While I attempt to be diligent in my research, I expect some things will be incorrect. I mean no disrespect if any of the design elements fall short in terms of accuracy. In fact, I would greatly appreciate constructive feedback while this design develops.

I expect this will take a few weeks to complete, then another week (or more) to lay out and make instructions.

Enjoy!
Tirick

[The Orange]

Awesome! I'm working on a few WWII Aircraft and I've been looking for pilot figures. I think the only one available is Mr. Griffin's pilot, but it's static. Your work on these series of posed figures are really ground breaking. The design is simply innovative!

By the way, you mentioned you're building an aircraft. How about showing some pictures :D

Keep it up!

[Tirick]

By the way, you mentioned you're building an aircraft. How about showing some pictures :D

Keep it up!

Not building yet (my workbench has been torn down for house renovations), but will post a build thread as soon as I start. I plan on starting with the Spitfire Va designed by Andrew Inwald, and available here. I do have my eye on the Bf-109E available at GreMir's site, or maybe the T-1 as it has a cockpit, although I'll wait until I have at least one complex build under my belt. I will likely move on to a Luftwaffe pilot once I'm done the RAF.

Thank you,
Tirick

[Loui]

can't wait to see the pilot progress... great design. -Loui-

[Werner Smuts]

I'm watching this thread with great interest! Thanks!

[Uyraell]

I am also interested in a pilot figure, RAF or Luftwaffe or USAF.
Doubtless other Airforces' personnel will at some stage be suggested, which would seem to provide opportunity of add-on packs, perhaps.

It certainly looks to be a very neat design, admirably executed.

Kind and Respectful Regards, Uyraell.

[hawkman67]

Very Awsome Tirick;
To have pilot figures of different times will be very nice! I love all of your work, I look forward to more. Any possibilities for Viet Nam era to present USAF Helio crew figs?? In OD Green and International orange?
Jeff

[Tirick]

I am also interested in a pilot figure, RAF or Luftwaffe or USAF.

That is precisely the order I hope to design these in(GreMir has a P-38 I have my eye on as well). Most of that era's uniforms are fairly similar, and depending on time/modeling changes I may just release 'packs' instead of full releases.

;) Hawkman, I think I owe you a Clone Trooper first, but yes, 1960's-70's era USAF 'copter pilots are a possibility. Time constraints are all that really keeps any of these back. WWII figs will come first though, at the least RAF, Luftwaffe, USAF and SAF, although I'll entertain more if enough request it.

Thank you all for your interest. I'll keep you updated as I progress!

Tirick

[hawkman67]

LOL, yes, yes you do when ever you can get to them....;).
That would be great if and when you could do the USAF pilots, I am mainly wanting them to go with the 1/50th scale HH-3 repaints I am doing it would be sweet to have a crewman in the door guiding the winch cable, and pilots up front. But am really looking forward to the WW2 pilots. They will make a big difference in displays..
Jeff

[The Orange]

Now look at that, I have my eye on the P-38 from Gremir too ;) It really looks like a beauty, especially from Michael's build up of it.

Since it comes with a cockpit and you're a master of designing figures... :)

That is precisely the order I hope to design these in(GreMir has a P-38 I have my eye on as well). Most of that era's uniforms are fairly similar, and depending on time/modeling changes I may just release 'packs' instead of full releases.

;) Hawkman, I think I owe you a Clone Trooper first, but yes, 1960's-70's era USAF 'copter pilots are a possibility. Time constraints are all that really keeps any of these back. WWII figs will come first though, at the least RAF, Luftwaffe, USAF and SAF, although I'll entertain more if enough request it.

Thank you all for your interest. I'll keep you updated as I progress!

Tirick

[Vermin_King]

but Tirick, I thought you had a clone trooper on your website

[Tirick]

I do, but it is using an older figure design; it works, but I don't like it. I intend to release most of the major 'trooper' designs using bodyglove base of the Paper Protagonist Stormtrooper, with laminated armour, although I will likely update the hip to match the one designed here.

[Tirick]

Irvine Jacket. Hard to see in the model but it is designed to be fully opening (the combat jacket shown above does as well). There is a fully textured interior to the Irvine 'body' so leaving it open is an option. From what I can find, the Irvine was worn over the combat jacket, but there is just not enough room in the lamination planning to model that correctly, so if you are planning on leaving the Irvine jacket mostly closed, I would recommend omitting the combat jacket.

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/RAF-009.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/RAF-008.jpg

Enjoy!
Tirick

[Tirick]

Flying helmet, face mask and communication gear. There are so many variants, some with straps surrounding the helmet, some with straps attaching, that I have tried to accommodate all. They are laminate in any case, so judicious trimming should achieve whatever look you are going for. I've not modeled the hose, and may not. I find small bendable components rarely look good out of paper. I would advise thick thread or wire.

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/RAF-010.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/RAF-011.jpg

Enjoy!
Tirick

[The Orange]

Brilliant design work! All the headgear looks fantastic on an already great figure design.

Can't wait to see more!

[Tirick]

Well, now that my PC is back from the shop, setup and most of my major-use programs reinstalled, I've finally taken some time to get this figure reworked to where I was when the computer crashed. Thankfully I had most of it backed up.

Not much to see extra; Boots and Gloves mostly. I have five major elements to complete and then it should be ready for testing: greatcoat, uniform jacket, uniform hats, floatation device, and a parachute. If I'm feeling ambitious I might make/release a fully opened parachute to go with it.

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/RAF-012.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/RAF-013.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/RAF-014.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/RAF-015.jpg

Enjoy!
Tirick

[Vermin_King]

glad the computer is back ... whew!

[Leif Ohlsson]

This is a most valuable enterprise. I wish you luck, and a good final result! - L.

[Tirick]

Alright, this part took a lot longer than I expected; mostly because of my unfamiliarity with the subject. So, here I present my interpretation of the Irvine seat-type parachute, as used by the RAF fighter pilots. I expect I've made some errors, and this is in some ways an amalgamation of the design. I honestly did not expect the sheer variety of different variations of this type of 'chute in use during that time. I feel that I have captured the essence of the design, although if any of you have any recommendations, please feel free to note them. I should note that the presented 3D model is not precisely as it is intended to be assembled. The lower straps should feed through the looped end (that is simulated as though fed through the seat). I've positioned it to approximate the positioning as I did not want to model it deformed.

I am mostly in the dark as to how the parachute itself extends out of the bag; I've modeled twin straps leading from the shoulders to underside of the bag (held in place with tearaway tabs) in what I think is the design, but I would appreciate any advice on this.

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/RAF-016.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/RAF-017.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/RAF-018.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/RAF-019.jpg

Onto (I hope) easier elements.

Tirick

[Leif Ohlsson]

Hello,

The harness would be, I believe:

Lower part:
1 strap around the waist, like an ordinary belt
A pair of straps just slightly lower, and slightly angled, 1 strap around each thigh

Upper part:
A pair of shoulder straps, much like you have them

At least that's how my glider-type parachute was harnessed.

Still very much rooting for this project.

Leif

[Tirick]

Its hard to see in the 3D model, but here is an edited shot showing the direction and placement of the straps (as I've envisioned it). The red/blue is for clarity, and really represents a complete strap in the 'real' world, looping through the seat and around the legs to clamp into the harness buckle.

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/RAF-018-join.jpg

I hope that clarifies the intent. I've seen some shots showing a 7-point harness, but most have been 5 (including the main strap holding the buckle).

Thank you!
Tirick

[Leif Ohlsson]

OK, if you're sure this is how it is done. If not, someone with better knowledge had better chip in. I don't quite recognize it.

The first photo I found (http://www.butlerparachutes.com/seatharnadjust-web.htm) after searching for "Parachute harness". Plus the two next (http://www.vintageparachutes.com/pageDisplay.jsp?pageid=8466), of the "vintage type" and "seat parachute type", respectively. These I recognize (and I now see that I described them incorrectly - goes to show you what memory's worth). The last photo is a classic Irvin Spitfire parachute (http://www.spitfirespares.com/spitfirespares.com/pages/Whats%20New.html). It tallies with all of the preceding and would be my choice for a vintage pilot figure, and any seat parachute pilot figure:

99831 99832 99833 99834

I do appreciate what you're trying to achieve. Just trying to help. - L.

[rbeach84]

Tirick, the 'trick' here is to realise that 1) parachute straps must be snug when "ready for action" and 2) when the straps of a seat-pack are snugged up, you cannot walk around upright. Many pictures of standing pilots with their chute on are undoubtedly with the straps loosened and hence hanging a bit. That is what is sometimes confusing.

If you visit this 'PDF' site:
http://www.butlerparachutes.com/PDF/Harness%20adjust.pdf
it can help explain how the straps work together. I remember in flight training of being taught to 'squat' a bit to tighten the thigh straps, and even then further tightening was needed after getting into the cockpit. Then, on top of the chute harness, the seat belts made for a very tight feeling when all was "right".

The seat pack actually creates a cloth & belt 'seat' for the wearer so when the chute opens, and the risers orient vertically, the shock is spread across the buttocks and not just around the thighs. These old style chutes have been superceeded by integrated harnesses, for the most part, within the 'fast mover' community. Of course, you are modeling a different era.

Primarily, the lower straps you've depicted appear incorrect since they should more likely pass from the rear between the legs, over the thighs to attach to the pack's short corner straps near the hip. Different designs may have used more strapping and back packs use slightly different strap arrangements but the thigh straps should be pretty standard across the board.

Did you find a specific reference image that you are working from showing the hanging straps?

EDIT: I found this view of a 1940-period "pilot's" seat pack chute & four-point harness (at: The Historic Flying Clothing Company (http://www.historicflyingclothing.com)) that looks closer to your design depiction. It lacks the clips or adjustments over the thigh - apparently it is adjusted at the buckles near the quick release in the middle of the chest. This would be awkward to adjust due to the looping of the strap back onto itself, unless there is another point of adjustment that is not evident from this view. Does nicely show the wide 'strap' for the D-ring that would come in from under the left arm - which is *not* a part of the suspension webbing. Note how the shoulder straps hook directly into the quick release fitting.

As you've already noted, there are several different kinds of chutes, so... looking at the second image of an observers, chest-clip style harness you have some standard features such as the riser straps (on the front in this case) plus the 'tangle' of the butt & thigh straps that form the 'basket' in which the body sits. Variations abound, but it appears the RAF didn't figure out to use an "H" strap arrangement (per your original depiction) to take some of the shock load off the quick release until later.

Hope this helps withyour research and doesn't make things more confusing!:eek:

[Tirick]

That is a great reference source for the intent of the seat-type design at the very least, even if it is contemporary, it should help, thank you!

Here are (some) of the references I've used, although this discussion thread has encouraged me to rethink my model of it.

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/463.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/377077238_o.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/RAFElectricalheatedirvin1jpg-for-web.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/RAFElectricalheatedirvin2jpg-for-web.jpg

Today I also found another, somewhat clearer line drawing of the seat:

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/191792.jpg

Info is sparse on this design, with several grainy photos from the era that do not really help with specifics. It also makes it a bit confusing as the RAAF uses a slightly different design, along with the Luftwaffe and the USAF.

The best 'in situ' photos I've found:

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/lieutenant-schofield-796385.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/lt-schofield-and-lt-sargent-spitfire-v-307th-fs-31st-fg-mx-795401.jpg

Thank you both for your thoughts on this. I think I will redesign the strap portions at the very least.

Tirick

[rbeach84]

Tirick, to be clear, I am really surprised by your figure designs. Very clever and creative engineering. I am glad you are using good research (which I expect makes it easier to design, knowing how the real objects go together...)

Thanks for sharing your efforts with us!

[Tirick]

Thank you for your comments! I try very hard to be accurate, or at least as far as I am capable.

I am almost giddy with excitement! I've figured out the harness. I just need to figure out how to model it.

See below:

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/RAF-Seat-Type-001.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/RAF-Seat-Type-002.jpg

I've color coded the straps to highlight the positioning and generally show how they attach. For clarity I've removed the thin seat cushion, leaving only the parachute bag, although assume the uncolored center strap is fed through the center of the cushion to hold it in place. All the straps currently modeled here (I've modified it a little from before) are correct.

What I need to add is the strap where I've marked in purple, which loops under the butt/legs, slide-splices over the side/kidney strap (yellow), then crosses at the back to feed through to the parachute. Along the back, holding the parachute straps in place against the support are tearaway (buttons) loops, that I assume release when the parachute opens. The loops over the shoulder (red) are clipped to the parachute strap near the top of the support.

Thank you both for your advice! Now I'm off to try and model that.

Tirick

[Leif Ohlsson]

I'm glad for you. Speaking for myself I would be quite happy with something simple which merely looks alright, mostly from the front. (The pilot, in most cases will be seated and hiding the back anyway).

But I respect your striving for accuracy. As long as it doesn't hinder you from getting there...

-L.

[Tirick]

Part of the impetus is certainly a desire for accuracy, but also, I have a massive thirst for knowledge, and my ignorance in this was getting me a little down. Also, I want at some point to make a parachute for this set, and having a strap design that actually 'works' would be beneficial. Nevertheless, 'tis done. I'll be moving on to the floatation vest, uni jacket and the hats next. I may call it quits on this design then, despite my desire to make a greatcoat.

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/RAF-020.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/RAF-021.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/RAF-022.jpg

Enjoy!
Tirick

[marksolo]

nice Job Tirick! i can smell the leather :)

[rbeach84]

Tirick, I think your arrangement in post #21 was most correct, with the 'crotch' loop strap going around the two lower vertical straps. I don't see where there are 'waist belt' straps in your reference images (the pilot getting into the Spit does not have all his straps 'hooked' so the lay of the straps is loose and might be misleading.) Perhaps you are seeing the flight jacket waistband (lighter colored material)?

[Tirick]

It's possible the ones they are wearing do not have it, but its there on most of the references I have, including the ones in post #24. The first two are hard to see, although you can see the ends of the waist strap sewn or attached to those straps along the side. In the 4th and 5th pic you can see it most clearly. in pic #5 it is marked with a '6'. The straps should be attached below the groin loop however, which I've not modeled. As each strap is modeled individually it will be easy enough to build it however you prefer at any rate.

Tirick

[Tirick]

Caps!

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/RAF-023.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/RAF-024.jpg

Uniform Jacket and floatation device remaining. I hope to start to prototype printing this week.

Enjoy!
Tirick

[rbeach84]

It's possible the ones they are wearing do not have it, but its there on most of the references I have, including the ones in post #24. The first two are hard to see, although you can see the ends of the waist strap sewn or attached to those straps along the side. In the 4th and 5th pic you can see it most clearly. in pic #5 it is marked with a '6'. The straps should be attached below the groin loop however, which I've not modeled. As each strap is modeled individually it will be easy enough to build it however you prefer at any rate.

Tirick Right, I see what you mean now. This is the strap I have been referring to as the "seat" or "butt" strap. Between the #6 strap (that is less ambivalent;)) and the 'thigh' plus groin straps, a basic 'seat' is formed that spreads the shock and the weight across the buttocks and thighs. It is like those harnesses used by climbers... at any rate, you are correct - the pieces are there and the builder can arrange as desired for best effect.

Nice caps, BTW!:)

[Tirick]

Thank you rbeach, your advice was of great assistance in the design!

I've started to put together the prototype build, and you can see progress pictures below. I've built all the pieces at 1:35 (1:33 for cockpit builds is an easy scale from here). What you see below are the officer's cap, some progress shots and final shots of the seat-type parachute and the body part of the combat jacket (the arms are the figure's arms, so are not attached until final posing). All have been touched up with paint at the edges, although some do require a few more touches. It is hard to see in the shots, but the 'seat' part of the parachute is not glued or attached to any of the straps. The center strap is merely threaded through the center of the seat.

I hope to put at least one figure together today, although after that I may start on the Ingwald Spitfire, as I want to see how the parachute-seat fits into the 1:33 seat. I plan to build at least two standing figures for demonstration, and then likely a final 'sitting' once once I have the Spitfire built.

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/IMG_0730.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/IMG_0738.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/IMG_0741.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/IMG_0745.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/IMG_0747.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/IMG_0748.jpg

Enjoy!
Sean

[Leif Ohlsson]

Hey, that looks like a really great - and complicated - parachute! - L.

[Tirick]

Thank you! I was careful to take a lot of pictures during the build so that the instructions are clear.

I finished the first pilot, and the Irvine jacket, which will be worn by the second pilot once I'm complete the headgear.

All in all, this figure has worked out quite well.

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/IMG_0749.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/IMG_0751.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/IMG_0755.jpg

Enjoy!
Sean

[Tirick]

And now the second pilot is built. The elements on the head gear are a little tricky, and at 1:35 still very small. All in all I think the figure assembled well. I will hopefully finish the final elements for modeling this week, and then at least another week for instructions.

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/IMG_0757.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/IMG_0758.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/IMG_0759.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/IMG_0760.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/IMG_0761.jpg

Enjoy!
Sean

[Nemesis7485]

Wow, these are great! A lot of detail in such tiny models. I likes 'em!

[rbeach84]

Cool engineering on these, T!

[Tirick]

So a bit of a delay as I built up a cockpit and canopy to test fit the figure into, but here are some fitted shots. I've finished the design of Mae West life vest, shown below, and the seat-type parachute fits nicely in the cockpit/seat I used (Andrew Ingwald's Bader Spitfire, available here in the Download section). I had a bit of squishing to do on the parachute, and I may fit the seat in a little lower, but most of that I suspect is paper thickness stack-up and my own build errors (on the pilot and the cockpit). I would however recommend building 1:35 pilots for a 1:33 scale plane. I scaled this one up to 1:33 and the difference in size is probably enough for a clean-fit compared to a tight fit.

Obviously I have a lot of touchups on the figure (as well as the helmet/arms/legs) to complete it, but I am certainly satisfied enough that the figure is suitable for use in a cockpit.

The canopy is a little foggy, so it is hard to see in some shots. The former worked really well, but I sealed the putty with white glue and I think it discoloured the clear styrene. I'll make a new one for the final build, but for fit up is works well enough I think.


http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/IMG_0777.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/IMG_0776.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/IMG_0785.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/IMG_0779.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/IMG_0781.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/IMG_0783.jpg

Enjoy!
Tirick

[Vermin_King]

I'm always in awe of these builds. My efforts have been less than spectacular.

[Art Deco]

Cleverly engineered! Great idea, and well executed!

[Nemesis7485]

This is an excellent idea and I'm sure will be in great demand.

[Tirick]

Thank you all for your comments, they are very encouraging!

While you've seen the 'Mae West' assembled, here are shots of it, as well as the final part for the figure, the uniform jacket. I've included rank stripes (enough for Air Marshall, if you wish) but not the braid slides as even at 1:35 they would be very small. As with the combat jacket, the uniform collar can be assembled open to display the collar/tie of the dress shirt.

I will be making instructions soon, starting tonight most like. I intent to try a much more visual (and less wordy) instruction with these. Pepakura Viewer 3.0 is a brilliant tool for viewing portions of models, and I hope to leverage this for the instructions.

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/RAF-028.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/RAF-025.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/RAF-026.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/RAF-029.jpg

Enjoy!
Tirick

[Tirick]

The RAF Pilot is now released, and in the store section of my site: TCF Gaming – Portal (http://www.tcfgaming.com)

At the advice of a random stranger (thank you G+) I added a small element; Officer braiding options to the peaked hat:

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/RAF-030.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/TCF-paper/RAF-031.jpg

I have abandoned the idea of adding different zoned coloring. The tropical uniform includes short sleeve shirts and shorts, neither of which I'm prepared to add at this time.

The set does include both the service coat and the war service coat, as well as the Irvine jacket, Mae West life vest and the seat-type parachute, most of which has been demonstrated in posts above. There are full detailed instructions included with the two scales 1:50 and 1:35.

Thank you all for following!
Sean

[Tirick]

Here are some completed 'in cockpit' shots of the figure. The plane is (as I've mentioned above) Andrew Inwald's Bader Spitfire. I've made a few minor errors in the fuselage build (the cockpit is not perfectly parallel, for example), and dropped the back half of the fuselage in wet paint, but I'm happy with it thus far. I may make a separate build thread for this, although there are already a few, so I don't know what I can add to the topic. I did have to move the adjustable pedals out a fair ways to accommodate the pilot's legs, but it was easy enough to accomplish. The canopy bubble (not yet glued in) sits a comfortable bit above the head, which is great.

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/Paper%20Modeling/IMG_0788.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/Paper%20Modeling/IMG_0787.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/Paper%20Modeling/IMG_0790.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/Paper%20Modeling/IMG_0792.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm191/Aelfric_Pics/Paper%20Modeling/IMG_0793.jpg

Enjoy!
Sean