Wednesday, December 12, 2007
The Jackal Revisited
Here are details of my most recent project posted on AMHQ...
"For those who recall, my first project was a custom VAM figure from the movie ‘The Day of The Jackal’. As I always intended, I have revisited this movie and made a second version of ‘The Jackal’. However, this time he is dressed in his war veteran’s disguise from the latter part of the movie.
If you’re a fan of the movie, I won’t need to explain the figure. However, for those that haven’t seen the movie (or read the book for that matter), the figure may look a bit odd! Spoilers below!
Essentially, ‘The Jackal’ is an assassin-for-hire, who at one point during the movie, conceals his identity by disguising himself as a WW2 French war veteran – complete with crutches and an amputated leg!
The pin-striped suit, white shirt, tie, sock, etc. were obtained from Ebay and complimented with a black waistcoat from my spares collection. The black beret started life as a green Dragon beret, which I dyed. The two crutches are original VAM/G I JOE in origin (slightly shortened in length and painted silver). The single boot is VAM in origin. The three medals he is wearing were constructed using images I found on the net. The medals I used are the same as those portrayed in the movie, namely:
1. Order de la Liberation (the second highest French order)
2. Croix de Guerre (same as the VAM one and awarded to commemorate a mention in dispatches, etc.)
3. Insigne du Blesse Militaire (Military Wound Badge – nice choice considering he lost a leg in the war!)
It was kinda cool that the makers of the film used the appropriate medals, etc.
The only downside to the project is that I didn’t have a nice Parisian backdrop for the photos! However, I was able to track down some nice French war posters on the net which you can see in the background of some of the photos.
For those interested, I have four additional VAM projects in various stages of construction. Whilst I still enjoy customising/kitbashing the figures, the process of making the retail packaging for each successive project has become a bit repetitive. For this reason, I’ve decided to retire the current packaging design after the next project and try my hand at something different. The changes won’t be too radical, but I think the original design has run its course."
Photos to follow...
"For those who recall, my first project was a custom VAM figure from the movie ‘The Day of The Jackal’. As I always intended, I have revisited this movie and made a second version of ‘The Jackal’. However, this time he is dressed in his war veteran’s disguise from the latter part of the movie.
If you’re a fan of the movie, I won’t need to explain the figure. However, for those that haven’t seen the movie (or read the book for that matter), the figure may look a bit odd! Spoilers below!
Essentially, ‘The Jackal’ is an assassin-for-hire, who at one point during the movie, conceals his identity by disguising himself as a WW2 French war veteran – complete with crutches and an amputated leg!
The pin-striped suit, white shirt, tie, sock, etc. were obtained from Ebay and complimented with a black waistcoat from my spares collection. The black beret started life as a green Dragon beret, which I dyed. The two crutches are original VAM/G I JOE in origin (slightly shortened in length and painted silver). The single boot is VAM in origin. The three medals he is wearing were constructed using images I found on the net. The medals I used are the same as those portrayed in the movie, namely:
1. Order de la Liberation (the second highest French order)
2. Croix de Guerre (same as the VAM one and awarded to commemorate a mention in dispatches, etc.)
3. Insigne du Blesse Militaire (Military Wound Badge – nice choice considering he lost a leg in the war!)
It was kinda cool that the makers of the film used the appropriate medals, etc.
The only downside to the project is that I didn’t have a nice Parisian backdrop for the photos! However, I was able to track down some nice French war posters on the net which you can see in the background of some of the photos.
For those interested, I have four additional VAM projects in various stages of construction. Whilst I still enjoy customising/kitbashing the figures, the process of making the retail packaging for each successive project has become a bit repetitive. For this reason, I’ve decided to retire the current packaging design after the next project and try my hand at something different. The changes won’t be too radical, but I think the original design has run its course."
Photos to follow...
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Sandbag Accessory Pack
Here are some details of a side project I have just finished. Again, the text is from the AMHQ site.
"Following my recent obsession with sandbags, I thought I’d try my hand at an ‘official’ VAM accessory set.
I needed to make a new batch of sandbags, as the ones I made a month or two ago were permanently glued together for the Gurkha newsreel project.
The retail box was not scratch-built this time. I found a nice pre-made one that was the perfect size. All that the box needed was a coat of green paint. It holds the forty new sandbags quite nicely."
Photos to come...
"Following my recent obsession with sandbags, I thought I’d try my hand at an ‘official’ VAM accessory set.
I needed to make a new batch of sandbags, as the ones I made a month or two ago were permanently glued together for the Gurkha newsreel project.
The retail box was not scratch-built this time. I found a nice pre-made one that was the perfect size. All that the box needed was a coat of green paint. It holds the forty new sandbags quite nicely."
Photos to come...
Monday, November 12, 2007
5th and 6th projects nearing completion...
As the title suggests, I'm currently working on my 5th and 6th projects (plus a couple of side projects). I'll post the results when I can. Cheers, Craig.
Fourth Project - Mad Max
I've finally completed by fourth project. Below is my post from AMHQ.
"Here’s one for the Aussies on the forum!
For my fourth project, I wanted to try my hand at a customised/kitbashed VAM ‘Mad Max’ figure, from the film of the same name.
Although the sequel is probably more famous (and is certainly a great movie in its own right), I never get tired of watching the original. Again, it has a quirky nature all of its own - similar to ‘The Day of The Jackal’ and ‘Cross of Iron’. In my opinion, the vehicle chase scenes have never been bettered and the dialogue between the characters is still wonderful to listen to. If you haven’t seen the film and are keen to watch it, make sure you track down a DVD copy with the original Australian voice-track – not the dubbed US version (blasphemy!)
To make this project slightly different, I designed the retail packaging so that the item was an Australian & New Zealand exclusive, limited to 500 pieces and only available to those two countries. Back in the day, Australia and New Zealand always seemed to miss out on promotional offers – this is my way of getting revenge! Instead of the dark green packaging that I have used on previous projects, I went for black this time (to signify that the item was an exclusive).
I purchased the leather jacket/pants on Ebay. The jacket is not a perfect match to the movie one, but it was the best I could find, and is pretty close. I customised the jacket by adding scratch-built badges and leather patches. The sawn-off shotgun is also scratch-built, using aluminium tubing, sheet metal and Sculpey. All other items were obtained from Ebay or were already in my spares collection (such as the boots). The t-shirt under the jacket was originally white, which I dyed eggshell blue to match Max’s t-shirt from the movie.
The weather in Queensland hasn’t been too flash in the past few days, so I was restricted to taking photos around my home."
Photos to come...
"Here’s one for the Aussies on the forum!
For my fourth project, I wanted to try my hand at a customised/kitbashed VAM ‘Mad Max’ figure, from the film of the same name.
Although the sequel is probably more famous (and is certainly a great movie in its own right), I never get tired of watching the original. Again, it has a quirky nature all of its own - similar to ‘The Day of The Jackal’ and ‘Cross of Iron’. In my opinion, the vehicle chase scenes have never been bettered and the dialogue between the characters is still wonderful to listen to. If you haven’t seen the film and are keen to watch it, make sure you track down a DVD copy with the original Australian voice-track – not the dubbed US version (blasphemy!)
To make this project slightly different, I designed the retail packaging so that the item was an Australian & New Zealand exclusive, limited to 500 pieces and only available to those two countries. Back in the day, Australia and New Zealand always seemed to miss out on promotional offers – this is my way of getting revenge! Instead of the dark green packaging that I have used on previous projects, I went for black this time (to signify that the item was an exclusive).
I purchased the leather jacket/pants on Ebay. The jacket is not a perfect match to the movie one, but it was the best I could find, and is pretty close. I customised the jacket by adding scratch-built badges and leather patches. The sawn-off shotgun is also scratch-built, using aluminium tubing, sheet metal and Sculpey. All other items were obtained from Ebay or were already in my spares collection (such as the boots). The t-shirt under the jacket was originally white, which I dyed eggshell blue to match Max’s t-shirt from the movie.
The weather in Queensland hasn’t been too flash in the past few days, so I was restricted to taking photos around my home."
Photos to come...
Friday, September 28, 2007
Further projects in development...
Just a quick update. Further projects are in development, I just haven't been able to find the time recently to complete them. I have about four projects that I am currently working on - one of which should be posted in the next few weeks. Cheers, Craig.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Third Project - Gurkha Rifleman
I've just finished my third project (a Gurkha Rifleman) and posted the results at www.actionmanhq.co.uk. Again, I've pasted my original explanation below. I hope it makes sense :) Photographs to come shortly...
"As promised, here is my third VAM custom project.
I apologise for posting details so soon on the heels of the Steiner project. It’s a long story, but I’m heading overseas for a number of weeks and I was keen to post details before I fly out.
As I have mentioned previously, I wanted my third project to focus on a fictitious ‘Military Series’ (as opposed to my first two projects that were ‘Cinema Series’). My intention for the ‘Military Series’ was to concentrate on military uniforms not covered in the original VAM line.
For my third project, I decided to customise/kit-bash a World War 2 Gurkha Rifleman (circa 1941/1942, possibly serving in Malaya or Singapore).
As with my first two projects, the retail packaging is hand-made, with minimal use of computers, etc. I did make a subtle change this time, with the inclusion of a photograph of the uniformed VAM figure on the rear of the box.
With regard to scratch-built items, the most interesting component was the design and construction of the kukri. I was determined to scratch-build my own and I am happy with how it turned out. The blade of the kukri is made from metal. I sharpened the blade edge, so it’s certainly not for kids. The hilt is made from Sculpey. To enhance the kukri blade, I adhered stickers that have a mirror finish to catch the reflection of the sun. Additionally, using a diamond-edged saw, I cut two notches at the base of the blade to represent the kaura. Depending on who you speak to, these notches have a number of applications – preventing blood from reaching the hilt, catching a combatant’s blade and snapping it or representing the Hindu Goddess Kali. Take your pick!
The kukri sheath is made from two pieces of cardboard, which I stitched together with thread to represent leather, etc. Essentially, I wanted the sheath to look like it had been well-used and perhaps constructed by the Rifleman whilst in the field to replace an original damaged one. I also constructed the karda and chakmak (the small knives on the front of the sheath). Both were made from metal and Sculpey. For those that aren’t aware, the karda is essentially a utility knife (think Swiss Army knife) and the chakmak is used to burnish the main blade of the kukri. My versions of the karda and chakmak are larger than they should be. For the purposes of VAM, I wanted them to be slightly larger and useable.
The Gurkha hat (which started life as a BBI Australian Slouch Hat) was also modified. To remove the ‘curl’, I reshaped the hat by soaking it in boiling water. It was then repainted and I also attached a custom chinstrap and insignia.
The socks are repro VAM in origin. To make the socks slightly more authentic, I also made a pair of customised garter flashes. You might be able to see them in some of the photos.
I decided against adding any further insignia, as I wanted to keep the figure relatively simple.
The rest of the uniform and accessories are either of Dragon or BBI manufacture. I went a bit overboard on the included weapons/equipment, but for a reason (see below).
As with my Sergeant Steiner project, I have included within the retail packaging a VAM Collector Star Booklet and a fictitious Collector’s Club application. To make the ‘Military Series’ slightly more distinctive, I also designed and incorporated a ‘Facts & Figures’ card to compliment the package. I envisaged that these cards could be collected by the ‘purchaser’ to make a larger reference set. A similar set of reference cards were actually produced back in the 1970’s and as I remember they were quite popular with kids (although they weren’t connected with VAM).
Whilst I have been working on this project, I have also been constructing a Gurkha diorama (hence the need for lots of weapons and equipment!). I will post photographs of the diorama in due course.
The ‘woodland-style’ photos posted below were taken on the side of the mountain where I live. The ‘jungle-style’ photos were taken in a remnant of rainforest about three minutes drive from my house.
Hope you enjoy!"
"As promised, here is my third VAM custom project.
I apologise for posting details so soon on the heels of the Steiner project. It’s a long story, but I’m heading overseas for a number of weeks and I was keen to post details before I fly out.
As I have mentioned previously, I wanted my third project to focus on a fictitious ‘Military Series’ (as opposed to my first two projects that were ‘Cinema Series’). My intention for the ‘Military Series’ was to concentrate on military uniforms not covered in the original VAM line.
For my third project, I decided to customise/kit-bash a World War 2 Gurkha Rifleman (circa 1941/1942, possibly serving in Malaya or Singapore).
As with my first two projects, the retail packaging is hand-made, with minimal use of computers, etc. I did make a subtle change this time, with the inclusion of a photograph of the uniformed VAM figure on the rear of the box.
With regard to scratch-built items, the most interesting component was the design and construction of the kukri. I was determined to scratch-build my own and I am happy with how it turned out. The blade of the kukri is made from metal. I sharpened the blade edge, so it’s certainly not for kids. The hilt is made from Sculpey. To enhance the kukri blade, I adhered stickers that have a mirror finish to catch the reflection of the sun. Additionally, using a diamond-edged saw, I cut two notches at the base of the blade to represent the kaura. Depending on who you speak to, these notches have a number of applications – preventing blood from reaching the hilt, catching a combatant’s blade and snapping it or representing the Hindu Goddess Kali. Take your pick!
The kukri sheath is made from two pieces of cardboard, which I stitched together with thread to represent leather, etc. Essentially, I wanted the sheath to look like it had been well-used and perhaps constructed by the Rifleman whilst in the field to replace an original damaged one. I also constructed the karda and chakmak (the small knives on the front of the sheath). Both were made from metal and Sculpey. For those that aren’t aware, the karda is essentially a utility knife (think Swiss Army knife) and the chakmak is used to burnish the main blade of the kukri. My versions of the karda and chakmak are larger than they should be. For the purposes of VAM, I wanted them to be slightly larger and useable.
The Gurkha hat (which started life as a BBI Australian Slouch Hat) was also modified. To remove the ‘curl’, I reshaped the hat by soaking it in boiling water. It was then repainted and I also attached a custom chinstrap and insignia.
The socks are repro VAM in origin. To make the socks slightly more authentic, I also made a pair of customised garter flashes. You might be able to see them in some of the photos.
I decided against adding any further insignia, as I wanted to keep the figure relatively simple.
The rest of the uniform and accessories are either of Dragon or BBI manufacture. I went a bit overboard on the included weapons/equipment, but for a reason (see below).
As with my Sergeant Steiner project, I have included within the retail packaging a VAM Collector Star Booklet and a fictitious Collector’s Club application. To make the ‘Military Series’ slightly more distinctive, I also designed and incorporated a ‘Facts & Figures’ card to compliment the package. I envisaged that these cards could be collected by the ‘purchaser’ to make a larger reference set. A similar set of reference cards were actually produced back in the 1970’s and as I remember they were quite popular with kids (although they weren’t connected with VAM).
Whilst I have been working on this project, I have also been constructing a Gurkha diorama (hence the need for lots of weapons and equipment!). I will post photographs of the diorama in due course.
The ‘woodland-style’ photos posted below were taken on the side of the mountain where I live. The ‘jungle-style’ photos were taken in a remnant of rainforest about three minutes drive from my house.
Hope you enjoy!"
Friday, August 17, 2007
Third Project...
My third project will be delayed slightly. Will post photos here and at http://www.actionmanhq.co.uk/ when I get the chance. The weather hasn't been good in this neck of the woods, so I haven't been able to take any photographs yet. Cheers, Craig.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
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