By: Rich
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My version of the DML Private Arthur Barnes on Infantry Patrol. 9th Commando, Italy, 1944. This figure was extremely sparse straight out of the box, and the few pics, and a small color plate that I found bore this fact out. Obviously on a short patrol, this figure is dressed lightly for quick movement in some of the Italian mountainous terrain. I did manage to find a few things to change and add to the figure.
A pair of Risistol goggles from an earlier DML tanker were added because this showed up in a couple of the photos and the color plate. I also added a King & Country version water bottle slightly modified to accept the water bottle strap from the very early DML Commando Mark. His water bottle still had the elastic holder, so the D rings were removed and added to this one. My opinion is no mater how short a patrol is expected, never go without water. Photo etched brass strap tips were added to the front cinch straps of the skeleton vest. You have to look close to see them. These are a very nice Armorpax product and available from Toy Soldier Brigade. The original hands were replaced with brown gloved hands. BTW, Arthur arrived with the left hand's wrist shattered in the box. Thanks to Monkey Depot who sent a replacement pair immediately. The ammunition boots were replaced with a pair of DML German Gebirgsjager mountain boots. From photos the British mountain boots looked almost identical. The "metal" cleats were touched up with gun metal from the Tamiya Weathering Kit C. Then lightly dusted with a mix of brown and tan powdered pastels. The knees and elbows were also dusted. All of the hanging straps, and uniform cinch tapes were heavily sprayed with hair spray then alligator clips were attached to hold them straight down until dry. This makes them more natural looking for the effect of gravity. The cap, rolled hood, and other shaped parts of the uniform were treated with hair spray as well. The stuff works great for shaping cloth and can still be worked even when dry. While the light gray version of the wind proofs perplexed me, I suppose they provide some camouflage properties in very early thin snow or late season melting snow. These wind proofs were also made in khaki, white, a shade of OD that I have not yet seen, and the same camo pattern from the Dennison smock. If you guys noticed, I put the binoculars under the water bottle strap to help keep them from flopping around while Arthur is on the move. |
| A very cool looking figure here Rich! I think I might have to pick up ol' Arthur if I get a chance. Of course you've done some great little upgrades on him, it definitely bucks the figure up. Special thanks for sending this cool project in and sharing it with us. - GL |
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