Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => Future Wars => Topic started by: Grimjack on 30 March 2010, 07:37:10 PM
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The sculpter I am working with has completed his first sculpt and sent the attached picture
(http://i949.photobucket.com/albums/ad340/urban_beat_minitures/patrol1.jpg)
More to follow fairly soon, let me know what you think.
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Looks OK to me details wise - It may the angle of the picture but are the legs are a liitle short?
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are the legs are a liitle short?
at least not beyond the normal proportions
I like the figure very much - it looks very realistic and the movement is masterfully caught.
will there be an entire range of this type?
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I think it looks good! Nothing I'm interested in myself, but it's a nice sculpt.
His "leg to torso" ratio is higher than mine... so I guess it shouldn't be a problem, as people come in the most bewildering shapes and forms. =)
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As seen at most UK airports...........
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Really nice, I like it
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Looks good. If I have money when you release it, I'll buy one (or more). But the cap looks a little tall, narrow and rigid somehow.
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Is that Reg Hollis? Excellent likeness.
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Very well proportioned, I think.
Very well done figure. I like how movement is captured, but not over exaggerated.
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The legs do look a touch short but not enough to bother me. I like it.
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Looks a bit under equipped to me, no cuffs, no ASP pouch, or ammo pouches. There should be a pouch for the Glock and a pair for the MP5. He should be wearing a utility belt with all gear on. The pistol should have a retaining wire on the butt attached to his belt, actually the pistol should ride a little lower and have a bit more heft. The radio is more prominent, think a slightly larger mobile phone, usually clipped onto a loop on the the left hand top of the body armour. Or am I being too picky?
Having carried all that crap around for a while, you do have a bit more of a bulky appearance.
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This is the sort of thing I meant.
(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg223/timhall1955/stock-photo-armed-british-police-of.jpg)
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Not a bad start but sloppy sculpting on the trousers and arse! Hair and hat could do with sorting out, looks more sally army than police currently.
;)
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Me being picky again, but I have had another look, the hair is too long, and in common with some of the previous comments, that cap is too small, and is missing the cap strap across the visor. Its your project buddy, but personally I don't think the sculpt is there yet, and the legs are definitely too stumpy. The MP5 is quite nice, but slightly oversized. As a total, its just not working for me yet. Sorry.
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now aren't we picky these days ;) ;)
apart from everyone being entitled to his own oppinion,
could it be that we all are more critical when it comes to miniatures that we are very aware of the prototype, either because we have a well researched idea of it or because it is a today, real life object we see all the time (as in this case)?
only an impression of mine, without counting me out ;)
in this case, I see the point about the haircut and the "missing" equipment.
However, a belt full a stuff might look normal on a human 1:1, but possibly a bit overstuffed on a 28 mm model and concealing the pelvis area. After all, it is only a prototypical interpretation of an armed security agent, or not?
Could it be that we accept something from earlier times more easily because we are used to simplified interpretations we see in media (of any kind?)
I recall how roman soldiers and their equipment were reconstructed before people started to do experimental archaeology and the picture changed a lot....
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I agree. I think its a perfectly fine and usable figure. Perhaps not 100% spot-on if youre intimately familiar with the equipment, but fine for most.
I particularly like the pose/stance.
The only modern British police figures I have are the Hasslefree ones. I wonder how it would compare in size?
(http://hasslefreeminiatures.co.uk/catalog/thumb%20a034%20neil%20web.jpg)(http://hasslefreeminiatures.co.uk/catalog/sam%20ford%20thumb%20web.jpg)(http://hasslefreeminiatures.co.uk/catalog/officer%20nick%20thumb%20web.jpg)
http://hasslefreeminiatures.co.uk/range.php?range_id=33 (http://hasslefreeminiatures.co.uk/range.php?range_id=33)
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now aren't we picky these days ;) ;)
Yes former user you are quite correct, perhaps I am being too nit picking on this, although Grimjack did ask me for some technical advice. I hate to criticise a figure sculptor, because I can't do it myself, and I admire those who can. But I will admit to being very interested in this project because of my previous professional connection with the subject matter, and therefore perhaps my desire to get it right is greater than most.
Actually, I thought the Hasslefree figures were absolutely superb and got it spot on!!
My defence rests Sir. :) :) :)
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Although the figure looks good at first glance with a good pose and a decent feel for the subject I must say that I would prefer if the equipment was added to to make it more correct. I'm also not convinced by the hair or the back view of the legs.
I would like to get a range of decent modern police, I had high hopes for the No Go Zone figures (the game is good) but they've all been sub par so far so I've avoided them.
This is already better than them but could, with just a little tweek or two, be perfect :)
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like it and wwill purchase when ready I want a few different poses, I agree about the equipment and maybe the hat but still a good figure thats not available elsewhere , thanks for filling that gap when no one else would (except the hot fuzz ones from hasslefree)
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Thank you for all your comments, I have e-mailed the sculptor and suggested he have a look here on LAF.
There are more on the way. The average cop carries so much kit that we had to make a trade-off between the 28mm sculpt and reality. We will try to provide the best minis we can to fill a gap.
I hope to have more pictures to show you fairly soon.
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Random question from the US:
I always thought that British Officers were not allowed to carry firearms. Are they now required to be armed due to concerns for safety? Are these special "SWAT" type officers?
Thanks for enlightening me.
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The ordinary 'cop on the street' is not armed on the whole but we have seen an increase in specially trained armed officers at airports, coastal ports and, scarily for me, my home city of Nottingham at times. They are known as Armed Response Unit officers and are used to support other officers.
Having said that, many parts of the police service have 'standard' officers carrying pepper and CS spray, plus tazers whilst on patrol. Back in my brief day, we had a radio, torch, gloves, cuffs and a truncheon (shortened version of the American billy club-type). Interestingly, we avoided using our truncheon due to the fact that we had to fill out a lot of paperwork if we did, as it was technically classed as an offensive weapon!
As part of the new range, we are including members of the CO19, London's premier armed response unit - now, those people look more like SWAT and have vehicles, weapons, etc. to match.
Hope this helps, whether you see armed officers over here depends upon where you visit, etc. Most of the time, the ' British Bobby' still predominates.
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scarily for me, my home city of Nottingham at times.
Didn't realise you hung around the same haunt as me :)
The only time I see the armed guys in Nottingham these days is when there is a high profile court case on. Then the transfer routes will be guarded, as will the streets around the court house. However as the court house is between the train station and the bus station, a short distance from one of the shopping centres, they're still seen fairly often :)
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(http://i949.photobucket.com/albums/ad340/urban_beat_minitures/patrol1.jpg)
looking at it, I think it's the arse that is putting the proportions out... from the front, the legs look ok as the groin is hidden by the pose/crease of the trousers, but from the back the arse/thigh crease (for want of a better word) looks too low... perk the cheek up a bit and it should be ok... I'll defer to others about the kit...
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Looks good to me, more kit would be a nice addition.
It's already looking far better than the No Go Zone minis I picked up last year.
Great project there Grimjack, it's also great that we have people like Trooper here who can give real expert advice on the subject, I'm looking forward to seeing this range develop.
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At some point, some folk are going to see a magnificent new miniature and look back and reflect that they contributed to its creation by their detailed knowledge of policemen's bums. Some may find that worrisome but I say no, embrace diversity! And anyone who spends the amount of time required, admiring Plod's posterior is an unlikely candidate to be lobbing rocks at them next time the G8 rocks into town.
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Grimjack, I take your comments on board, but you've invested a lot of effort in this project, not to mention money, so I wanted it to be right. Some compromise is obviously required, if only to accommodate casting etc. Besides, you are filling an important gap in the market with these figures. So I'll keep quiet about the missing back pockets on the trousers then.
I await the finished products eagerly. Sorry to be a pain.
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now aren't we picky these days ;) ;)
apart from everyone being entitled to his own oppinion,
could it be that we all are more critical when it comes to miniatures that we are very aware of the prototype, either because we have a well researched idea of it or because it is a today, real life object we see all the time (as in this case)?
only an impression of mine, without counting me out ;)
in this case, I see the point about the haircut and the "missing" equipment.
However, a belt full a stuff might look normal on a human 1:1, but possibly a bit overstuffed on a 28 mm model and concealing the pelvis area. After all, it is only a prototypical interpretation of an armed security agent, or not?
Could it be that we accept something from earlier times more easily because we are used to simplified interpretations we see in media (of any kind?)
I recall how roman soldiers and their equipment were reconstructed before people started to do experimental archaeology and the picture changed a lot....
It's just a long wanted figure/concept so my comments are only aimed to help to get it perfect, (or as near as dammit)
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:-X
I'm sorry if I was misunderstood - I had hoped to give a reflected and differentiated comment...
As it happens, I realized myself how picky I tend to get when it comes to stoneage and cavemen ;)
I'd call it professional malformation ;) ;)
Anyway, may I add to the other constructive contributions in suggesting that the huge amount of equipment might be cast separately, thus allowing everyone to add the personally fancied amount, and also giving the option for Near Future equipment and increase the target group of buyers? Maybe separate heads too?
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I like him a lot, as said I think tighten up the arse cheeks and seat of his pants will remove the short leg look :)
The hat is fine as you will see coppers who wear them some of which look a little big and other small on their heads
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Looks good to me. Nice posing and I'm happy to say that the putty work isn't as soft as I'd feared it would be.
I'd agree about the extra equipment, but wouldn't even have thought about it until it was mentioned.
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Hello everyone,
I'm new here - my name's Michael Lovejoy, and I'm doing the sculpting for Grimjack for the police figures.
First up, thanks for all the comments and criticism; it's always useful. There are a few things on the figure that I'm stuck with, for casting reasons etc, but I've tried to alter the figure in line with al your comments as much as possible.
Still struggling to take a decent pic of it though - I just can't seem to photograph ProCreate at all... it's hard to see in the pic, but there is more equipment on the belt, pouches and cuffs etc. It looks better in real life, honest!
Anyway, here's the fixed version - hopefully it's an improvement.
(http://www.michaellovejoy.com/cop-new-version.jpg)
Cheers,
Michael
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Welcome, Michael. That's gone from "will buy if I have the money" to "will find the money to buy"!
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(http://i949.photobucket.com/albums/ad340/urban_beat_minitures/patrol1.jpg)
(http://www.michaellovejoy.com/cop-new-version.jpg)
just comparing...
I think it's better :)
Lots like this please, and some ruffians for him to admonish too if possible.
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I also think it looks better - much better, in fact it is surprising how much difference the few changes make!
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Much better, I can see the trademark pertness of the British Bobby's arse shining through in the later version.
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That is sooooooooooooo much better, I'm glad I was a pain in the backside about it now. Thank you both for bringing this to the LAF public.
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I think that looks excellent. Congrats.
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Hello everyone,
I'm new here - my name's Michael Lovejoy, and I'm doing the sculpting for Grimjack for the police figures.
I don't suppose you have considered an eponymous range of figures covering dodgy antiques dealers by any chance? :)
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Perhaps Michael would like to Tinker with that idea, Carlos? lol
Thanks to Michael for his rapid changes, good to have such an adaptable chap to work with.
I do actually have some concept sketches of a variety of gangs but that may be a range for the future. Depends how things go once castings, costings and sellings(?) are all happening.
In the mean time, both Michael and I will try to keep you updated here and I shall hopefully have either an ebay shop or website to look at soon.
We are going for the name Urban Beat Miniatures, with the emphasis on BEAT for the police and URBAN for any gangs. Have researched this and found some unique links. Just out of interest, what do we think of this as a name?
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Up Beat maybe? ;)
Much improved sculpt hat looks loads better, keep em coming.
JUST DON'T PUT IT ON A SOLID BASE!!!!!
(They're an arse to remove for mounting on resin bases/slottas).
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wow, lots of small improvements, really bring up the total quality of the piece to a new level. Great job to the scupltor and all the 'consultants'!
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Up Beat maybe? ;)
And a range of zombies to go with them called Dead Beat.
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I like the sculpt, but the MP5 is to large, looks more like an assault gun. Compare the photograph.
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And a range of zombies to go with them called Dead Beat.
And then a range of Glaswegian police, called Bronski Beat?
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I need this figure! I am planning a Superhero campaign set in Birmingham, England, and I need some cool looking bobbies- Well done Lovejoy, and well done Grimjack- when will it be available? How will it compair, size wise, with the hasslefree minis?
Up Beat maybe? ;)
Much improved sculpt hat looks loads better, keep em coming.
JUST DON'T PUT IT ON A SOLID BASE!!!!!
(They're an arse to remove for mounting on resin bases/slottas).
Second that- I like to mount my super hero figs on resin bases- I hate clipping off solid bases- what is all that about?
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I like the sculpt, but the MP5 is to large, looks more like an assault gun. Compare the photograph.
Agreed. It's the only part I could really point out as a fault.
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I need this figure! I am planning a Superhero campaign set in Birmingham, England
Ok, just before I say anything else - I grew upin Birmingham, but really superheroes in Birmingham of all the places on the earth?
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Ok, just before I say anything else - I grew upin Birmingham, but really superheroes in Birmingham of all the places on the earth?
You mean you've never heard of Birmingham Man?!
[Insert a bad joke about Birmingham here. I'm sure you can think of plenty.]
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Birmingham Man must then fight with his trademark comment 'Iyall just 'ave a kipper tay'
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Are adenoids a form of super power?
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Quote from: Rob_bresnen on April 04, 2010, 09:38:28 PM
I need this figure! I am planning a Superhero campaign set in Birmingham, England
Ok, just before I say anything else - I grew upin Birmingham, but really superheroes in Birmingham of all the places on the earth
Seconded!
Brummagem Man more like. Black Country Boy sounds better, or Wolverhampton Wolf Man, Aston Villain,
Bilston Bloke, Solihull Superguy, etc ...............
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Beware, villains! For I am ... the Rotunda!
(Steve F, late of Coventry)
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Very nice sculpt, definitely improved by the additions made. Look forward to seeing some more figures to go along with it. :)
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Beware, villains! For I am ... the Rotunda!
Wan't that demolished?
Formerly of Birmingham and Willenhall................... :-X
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And a range of zombies to go with them called Dead Beat.
liking that! ;)
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Wan't that demolished?
Formerly of Birmingham and Willenhall................... :-X
no- it's still there, but they havn't fixed it yet.
Beware, villains! For I am ... the Rotunda!
(Steve F, late of Coventry)
Nice name- I might use that. One of my players wants the Rotunda to be the location of the Superhero base.
Seconded!
Brummagem Man more like. Black Country Boy sounds better, or Wolverhampton Wolf Man, Aston Villain,
Bilston Bloke, Solihull Superguy, etc ...............
Amazingly Aston Villain is one of the regular villains in my campaign, allong will Bulldog, Amber Wolf and Zulu (All football reference, in case you missed the joke). Lets not forget the mighty Balti King, with his power-granting Balti-belt!
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I hope one of your heroes is armed with the traditional Birmingham screwdriver ;)
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Nice ;)
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I hope one of your heroes is armed with the traditional Birmingham screwdriver
That's a hammer for our American and European friends. Brummagemware was a disparaging remark about the shoddy goods coming from Birmingham, a hammer was used to bang in screws to save time and speed up production. I heard the same tale about the manufacture of washing machines in communist Hungary.........
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Ok, so, have been told that my master and production molds have 16 spaces but I only have 12 miniatures so far.
Option 1: What I would like are some teenage gang members in hoodies, baseball caps, etc. with handguns. Ideally, one male figure with hoodie, baseball cap and scarf covering face with two auto-loading handguns, one figure with hoodie up, carrying large caliber revolver and big knife, one figure in baseball cap and hoodie with Mac-10 and one figure firing auto-loading pistol 'gangsta style' (weapon at arm's length held sideways). This means one torso, one set of legs, 3-4 heads and 4 arm sets, all stuck together to make 4 miniatures. Now, I am actually after greens to buy rather than another commission BUT PM me if you like.
Option 2: The ebob way, quite fancy some skeletons or the german shepherd dogs. What do we think?
Option 3: Greens of zombies, cos that's how I would use my coppers.
The deadline I am looking at is end of April / 2nd week in May. Am willing to negotiate on price but have a limit due to other commitments.
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Not Zombies - there are so many out there already. Something more interesting...
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Zombie versions of some of the police figures would be good.
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A few 'Firm' figures would be great – Lock, Stock-style hardmen with sawn-offs, pump shotguns and pistols. It would be a useful alternative to the 'Hoodie/Chav' gangsters. Could always diversify into ethnic-type mobs (Triads, Yardies, Russians etc.) later on.
Incidentally, sign me up for any and all of this range!
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criminals and civvies are best for me- I like zombies, but there is no shortage of the net. Zombie dogs, however, are always in short suply.
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More zombies, especially undead versions of the coppers themselves.
And whatever you do, on tags please! ;)
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I could use several of these though I would do a head swap on him as I don't need any British cops.
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The figures are now available from Northstar Military Hobbies, please contact them to purchase and browse the full range.
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that's a big website- any clues as to where I can find them?
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that's a big website- any clues as to where I can find them?
British armed cops here: link (http://www.northstarfigures.com/prod.php?prod=2836)
The range is Urban beat: here (http://www.northstarfigures.com/list.php?man=104&page=1)
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Thanks Leon. I can see another purchase coming on.... o_o
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British armed cops here: link (http://www.northstarfigures.com/prod.php?prod=2836)
The range is Urban beat: here (http://www.northstarfigures.com/list.php?man=104&page=1)
Sadly, the pictures are darker than Batman himself ! That don't sale these beauties.
I recognize HF G36 but MP5 is from TAG (could explain the fact it's too big), RAFM or ???
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No, MP5 is also from HF, thanks to Kev. Yep, piccies are dark but all I had, I handed over to Northstar because I did not have the cash to keep doing the job myself. The figs look nicer than the photos!