Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => The Second World War => Topic started by: Mick_in_Switzerland on January 28, 2017, 08:39:33 AM
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Ten years ago, I wrote a series of painting guides for Artizan and Crusader figures.
Artizan Guides are here
http://www.artizandesigns.com/painting-guides.php (http://www.artizandesigns.com/painting-guides.php)
Crusader Guides are here
http://www.crusaderminiatures.com/painting-guides.php (http://www.crusaderminiatures.com/painting-guides.php)
I also wrote painting guides for Wargames Factory but they are no longer available.
I am thinking about updating them.
I still have the original figures so could photograph them to a better quality.
Also, many paint ranges have changed so I would update the recipes to cover current paint ranges.
1. Do you use the guides?
2. What would you like to see updated?
3. Have you found any errors?
Thanks
Mick
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Simply yes and yes. I refer to your guides whenever I undertake the painting of a new WW2 army.
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I found your guides when I first started with WWII and they were a huge help. My US platoon wouldn't have gotten onto the table without them. It's a big yes from me.
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Have you found any mistakes or would you like to see changes?
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Great resource, still get a lot of use out of them
Maybe fill out paint conversion details to cover other paint ranges?
Cheers
Paul
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Great resource, still get a lot of use out of them
Maybe fill out paint conversion details to cover other paint ranges?
Cheers
Paul
I did a lot of the paint conversion work fairly quickly on the Internet but it's not a bad idea to offer options on the guides. The ones I find most daunting are the camo schemes.
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Having now seen them, have to say thanks for your previous work, and yes, would be great if you did indeed have the time to bring the resource fully up to date.
Regardless, the information in them as they stand is a great resource, thanks due regardless, for your effort in making it available in the first place
Now back to reading more of the old version :)
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1. Do you use the guides?
YES
2. What would you like to see updated?
some new units ( german gebirgsjagers, French motorcycle dragons etc )
3. Have you found any errors?
no major ones, except the French colors, may be a bit too "green" ...
they are great as we see coming to WW2 a lot of new players without any historical knowledge ( and even without a single Osprey lol )
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Hi Mick.
In your instructions there are significant errors in color figures of the Red Army.
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Dear Cuprum,
Do you mean this guide?
http://www.crusaderminiatures.com/guides/Farnworth_Colours_Soviet_Army_WW2_100524.pdf (http://www.crusaderminiatures.com/guides/Farnworth_Colours_Soviet_Army_WW2_100524.pdf)
Or these pictures?
http://www.artizandesigns.com/guides/new/painters%20guide%20russian%20winter%201943.gif (http://www.artizandesigns.com/guides/new/painters%20guide%20russian%20winter%201943.gif)
http://www.artizandesigns.com/guides/new/painters%20guide%20russian%20amoeba%201941.gif (http://www.artizandesigns.com/guides/new/painters%20guide%20russian%20amoeba%201941.gif)
Do you mean the choice of greenish khaki for the uniforms is wrong?
I had debates with people whether the standard uniform colour was yellowish, brownish or greenish.
I based the Soviet forces on the photos in this book.
Laszlo Bekesi, Stalin's War: Soviet Uniforms and Militaria 1941-45, (The Crowood Press Ltd)
A good book with colour photographs showing original uniforms and equipment. Unfortunately, many of the examples are of faded and battered uniforms and there are no camouflage items.
And I also used the 1981 edition of Andrew Mollo: The Armed Forces of World War 2 (Little, Brown and Company)
There are 250 colour drawings and 100 photographs which cover every nation involved in WW2. The original 1981 version is a large format book.
Regards
Mick
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Not at - to specified by you colors of the Russian uniforms have no complaints.
But the color of Russian greatcoat you indicated is incorrect - the regulations was envisaged gray color. Moreover for the officer's greatcoat it was prescribed dark gray color (dyed fabric). For a soldier's overcoat were made of undyed pigeonholed consequently color tone could vary considerably, but still the vast majority of it was enough light gray with a slight brown tone. Overcoat brown color masse appeared in the Soviet Army after the war. But modern re-enactors and costumers feature films often use brown overcoat, because it corresponds exactly to the cut of one that was used during the war and costs much cheaper than authentic.
The lap belt ordinary soldier after the war began began to sew from tarpaulin.
Puttees could be under the rules of khaki or black.
(http://www.telegraf.in.ua/uploads/posts/2015-10/thumbs/1444118031_valenki.jpg)
In winter, often wore valenki (very warm boots made entirely of wool). They can be white or black. During the war the valenki can be from unpainted wool (gray).
From leather sewed only cartridge pouches for ammunition and case for pistol - all other equipment was tarpaulin. Officers bags have also been made of leather.
Badge of ranks could not have only private soldiers. Everyone else wore decals required. At the beginning of the war, they were colorful, later - was ordered to have in the active army insignia painted in olive green. Until 1943, insignia worn on clothing collar (officers, in addition, on the sleeves). After 1943 was introduced shoulder straps.
Source of information - an excellent book Pavel Lipatov "Uniforms of the Red Army and the Wehrmacht".
(http://cs8.pikabu.ru/post_img/2016/07/14/10/1468512445164389979.jpg)
Here describes the options camouflage clothing the Red Army (alas - in Russian): http://siberia-miniatures.ru/forum/showthread.php?fid=13&tid=54
Russian Soldier Uniform in 1941: http://siberia-miniatures.ru/forum/showthread.php?fid=13&tid=169
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I've found them very useful over the years, the only thing I can think of off-hand that I'd like to see would be a conversion table for different manufacturers paints, as suggested by Youngster. I realise that could be quite a task given the multitude of modern companies, but a good guide to how AK, Mig etc measure up to the Vallejo stuff would be really useful.
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Dear Cuprum,
Thank-you for your feedback- I will make the corrections when I update that guide.
Regards
Mick
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Always glad to help, Mick. If you have any questions on the Russian uniform - I'm happy to answer them.
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I haven't used them myself but I have seen your guides and they are excellent so yes, update, expand and refine. It's a genuine contribution to the hobby.
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I realy like and use you guides for the germans, what i would like is better pictures of the painted miniatures and some step by step pics, for someone like me that have a lot of troubles paiting this would help a lot.
And thank you a lot for your work.
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I love your Tutorials. Saved them to my NAS. Used them a lot, but updated them with time and new colors.
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I'd love to see some ACW guides, Napoleonic guides, etc. I've used your WW2 guides religiously and even made one up in the same format for my Slovak force.
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Be great to see the updates of your invaluable stuff
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Dear Muggins,
I have no plans to do ACW or Napoleonic Guides because the periods do not interest me enough to do the research & modelling.
I do have a large number of WW2 and have also Romans, Celts, Spartans, Vikings available on-line (Artizan, crusader & Gorgon).
I have also written guides for the Zulu War but unfortunately they are no longer on-line as they were hosted by Wargames Factory.
I have painted a lot of modern figures (i.e. current US Army, USMC, British, Russians, Chinese) and could also do guides for them.
I have also written articles about Camouflage and about Trebuchets.
If I have a place to publish them, they may become available.
Best regards
Mick
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I'm fairly new to WW2 stuff and no expert but I've found your guides to be incredibly useful. Thanks for doing them! No idea if they need an update.
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I have used them for a number of different armies, I found they are incredibly useful especially with naming the vallejo colours.
There are a number of sites that have paint conversion charts if Vallejo are not your choice of paint
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Thank-you everybody.
If you find errors please post here.
Also if you have a wish list - that could also come here.
Questions
1. For example, if I update the German guides what should I change?
2. Should I show more manufacturers and scales?
3. Which are the best selling 28mm German figures now? Is it Warlord Bolt Action or still Artizan & Copplestone?
4. I guess that Perry now dominate 28mm Afrika Korps.
5. Which company makes the best 20mm plastics - is it Valiant?
6. Who are the best 20mm metals?
7. How do you rate PSC for 15mm?
Regards
Mick
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I had never seen these before.
They look useful.
Colour equivalents would be very useful (even Citadel colours if possible, okay but they are available on the high street).
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I still prefer Artizan and Crusader. If you have an interest in Vietnam some painting guides for that would be great.
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1 - Make a total step by step with pics (if possible);
3 - For me would be WG i believe they are the ones selling more minis for this scale now, the minis are a little chubby but great minis;
7 - I realy liked the PSC tanks and newer infantry, the brits they made were realy good. The only problem i found was with the stuarts being big compared to the ones from BF and other brands.
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I still prefer Artizan and Crusader. If you have an interest in Vietnam some painting guides for that would be great.
Vietnam would be great and I love your thoughts about the camouflage patterns for the germans in WW2. Maybe something for vietnam and modern would be a great help. Maybe Osprey will do a book with you and your stuff?
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Hi Mick,
You have the 1943 Sumpfmuster, water pattern in your Artizan group.
Is this the same pattern, slightly different? This is also a reproduction.
Cheers,
Thomas
(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc173/tjm3/WW2/water.jpg) (http://s219.photobucket.com/user/tjm3/media/WW2/water.jpg.html)
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Hi Mick, Answers to your questions.
1. For example, if I update the German guides what should I change?
Possible variations of color due to various manufacturers. Techniques for these patterns, especially the difficult ones. Who wore what patterns, EG: 21st Pz wore the water pattern in Normandy.
2. Should I show more manufacturers and scales?
The major ones yes, 15, 20, and 25/28mm.
3. Which are the best selling 28mm German figures now? Is it Warlord Bolt Action or still Artizan & Copplestone?
Not sure of that. I would by Aritzan, but Warlord are less expensive.
4. I guess that Perry now dominate 28mm Afrika Korps.
Certainly seems that way!
5. Which company makes the best 20mm plastics - is it Valiant?
Yes, if you are ok with them being on the larger side of 20mm.
6. Who are the best 20mm metals?
1. AB Miniatures, 2. Battlefield, 3. Britannia, 4. Wartime Miniatures 5. Kelly's Hero's, [\color]
7. How do you rate PSC for 15mm?
A lot better than Battlefield, less expensive as well.
JMHO
Cheers,
Thomas
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Yes you should add more! I heavily used your guides for the Germans and Soviets, plus the ones on camouflage for both. I think clearer pictures and different manufacturers would help.
Justin
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@wrgmr1
Dear Thomas
The colours of the German camouflage patterns varied a lot especially late war as they had problems getting fabric and printing inks.
Also there were many factories too. Anything usable was accepted by the army.
I think it is a colour variant of Sumpfmuster 43
(http://www.artizandesigns.com/guides/new/painters%20guide%201943%20German%20Sumpfmuster.gif)
(http://www.artizandesigns.com/guides/new/painters%20guide%201944%20German%20Sumpfmuster.gif)
Regards
Mick
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Thanks Mick!
That's what I surmised, but I'm not an expert in any way. Sometime in the future I will be painting some of these for the 21st Pz.
Cheers,
Thomas
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Dear Thomas,
I checked the books and found a picture on your mystery garment. It is on page 38-40 of Daniel Peterson's book Wehrmacht Camouflage Uniforms.
It is a variant on the colours od Sumpfmuster 43.
Regards
Mick
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Thanks Mick!
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I have started to update the guides.
Here is a link to the LAF Survey about Popular WW2 Scales
http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=97736.0
Here is the LAF Survey about WW2 Paint Ranges
http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=98976.0
Here is a thread about List of Popular WW2 German Miniatures
http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=98109.0
I have bought nine kits of 1/35 figures from Dragon, Masterbox and Airfix.
I have built twenty eight figures which cover German Uniforms from 1939 to 1945 and I have started to paint them.
This allows me to create the colour lists for each uniform.
Here is a work in progress shot of my painting desk
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2902/33511769061_1b9d42e67f_o.jpg)
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I do appreciate anyone who takes the time to upload and share there knowledge for the benefit of us all.... been using your guides for years and even though I have adapted everything for my own style and use ak interactive paints, guides such as yours were a tremendous help.
20mm ab
(https://s22.postimg.org/iuffgwm2p/Ab_figures_00001.jpg)
(https://s13.postimg.org/4kk5o42lz/Ab_figures_00005.jpg)
(https://s24.postimg.org/8mxt7h2yd/Ab_figures_0031.jpg)
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Dear Daryl,
I have seen your work with Pea Dot and Oak Leaf and am a great admirer. I have also seen that your method for Pea Dot is much better than the one I proposed many years ago. I actually painted a Dragon 54mm figure using your method ten days ago.
I plan to feature excellent painters in the updated guides, so I am looking for pictures that I can include. I will PM you with more details.
Regards
Mick
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Daryl, that's impressive brushwork.
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I do appreciate anyone who takes the time to upload and share there knowledge for the benefit of us all.... been using your guides for years and even though I have adapted everything for my own style and use ak interactive paints, guides such as yours were a tremendous help.
seriously impressive painting 8)
do you have a guide as they are just outstanding?
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Daryl's awesome Pea Dot Tutorial is here
http://www.guildwargamers.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=83&t=43458 (http://www.guildwargamers.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=83&t=43458)
And here are more pictures of his figures
http://www.guildwargamers.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=104&t=31848&start=150 (http://www.guildwargamers.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=104&t=31848&start=150)
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Thanks for the links Mick....Daryl does indeed have a good approach to doing this and I will follow suit! As I previously mentioned, a lot of paint makers aside from AK also do Waffen SS camo, like Mig/AMMO, Andreas, ScaleColor 75 and LifeColor. Hence, I hope you include these in your revised painting guides.
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Dear ARKOUDAKI ,
I created a poll to look at Paint brands.
http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=98976.0 (http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=98976.0)
There is an overwelming majority who use Vallejo Model Colour, so that will be the main reference.
I will make equivelants lists and will probably include Vallejo Game Colour, Citadel, Revell, Tamiya and Army Painter.
That will already give six references. Even that will depend on being able to get reliable equivelance data from the brands.
After that there are at least another 20 or so other brands each of whom appear to have a small group of followers.
Regards
Mick
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Hi Mick,
As you know, I love your painting guides and find them really useful points of reference. Also, if you look on page 2 of your painting poll you will see I did offer my same advice before ;) However, as your poll shows, most people stick with the Vallejo stuff these days. My reference to the other ones is because like AK, a lot of manufacturers are producing camo sets these days and I people tend to go for them. Just a suggestion. I know you can't cover them all and Vallejo is a pretty good starting point.
Looking forward to seeing your updated references! Keep up the good work mate!
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I have no objection to having AK as an alternative.
However, I also know from past experience that it is difficult to get accurate cross match lists.
There are lots of lists on the Internet but the accuracy is, to say the least, variable.
I don't want to put my name to something that is not reliable.
I have found that you need to see the actual paints side by side.
The best is to paint them onto a piece of card and compare them when they have dried.
If I go out and buy the colours so that I can check properly, this rapidly becomes very expensive and time consuming.
This project to update the painting guides will take at least a year.
If I start colour matching several brands, the work increases significantly.
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Mike, I sent you a PM to try and help you on this huge project of yours! ;)
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Dear Arkoudaki,
Here is a very old picture of the cards I used when I first made the guides about ten years ago.
I used black art card and painted about 1 cm squares of each paint.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2934/33046735323_b62297c063_o.jpg)
These cards are very useful for comparing colours to models and also to photos.
Regards
Mick
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So just black card, not white?
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White card would also work.
I normally start from black undercoat so I decided that black card gives the best impression of how two or three thin layers of paint will look.
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Brilliant Idea Mick!
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New recipe for Planetree Spring pattern tested on 54mm Dragon, 28mm Crusader and 20mm Frontline figures.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2861/33575055690_b5402979fc_o.jpg)
Do you like it?
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Hi Mick. I do not believe that Valiant are most used for 20mm. They are so much larger as to be useless to 20mm and 1/72 gamers. Caesar, Pegasus and AB miniatures would rank much higher in my opinion.
Love your guides! I used them whenever I was painting WWII. Printed them off and kept them in a folder by my painting desk. Really looking forward to your updates. Interesting you mentioned 1/35 scale figs. I also game in 1/32 and 1/35 scale. Lots of good stuff in that scale.
Thanks!
John
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Dear John
My long term goal is to get the guides to a standard where they could be published in print, either as magazine articles or as a book. There are three reasons why I am building and painting the 54mm (1/35) figures.
1. They are big, and, particularly the Dragon Kits, have fine details, so I can make nice photos of things like painting the canteen, mess tin and rolled up Zeltbahn.
2. I want to make the guides appeal to a wider range of people, not just wargamers but also the broader military modelling hobby. If I can show figures of various scales, I may be able to appeal to both groups.
3. If I get the chance to publish the guides in print, I can use the pictures of the models whereas it would be prohibitively expensive to get copyright agreements for photos of actual uniforms.
Mick
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Without derailing a WW2 thread, any chance of reviving the Zulu War guides? With growing interest in colonial gaming with the release of MWWBK, DITDC etc, they'd be invaluable - I still refer to your guide to the Zulu army on a regular basis.
Maybe Warlord Games would offer a home for them on their site, as they now own the WF lines?
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I do not have a good contact person at Warlord but I will try to talk to somebody at Salute.
If anybody wants the Zulu guides, I still have the PDFs, so send me a PM and I can email them.
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Warlord would be daft to turn you down, but if they do, maybe Empress or Northstar would give them a new home - they deserve to be 'out there' .
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Or the Perrys, with their new Zulu War British infantry?
I'm sure they'll be building out all the minor Zulu War troop types in metal codes. They may appreciate a painting guide on their website... ???
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I spoke to Alan Perry at Salute and have emailed him the Zulu Guides.
Maybe, they will be available again soon.
I have also been working on better photography using a light tent.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2890/33477754694_e5f2d185ac_o.jpg)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4164/34188440671_25b61f0b32_o.jpg)
Tutorial Testers Wanted
I will soon have some WW2 German tutorials ready for testing.
I want a few people who will read through the tutorials and give me feedback.
At the moment, I have tutorials on preparing metal and plastic figures.
I will soon have tutorials for painting early war Germans and Germans in Planetree Smocks.
If you are interested - please PM me?
Pro Painters Wanted
I have some possibilities to publish the guides in print, either as a book or a series in a magazine.
If I go down this route, I would like some eye candy pictures from pro painters, or just excellent painters.
These would be credited with your name and if you are a pro, your business address.
I am working on German WW2 at this stage.
If you are willing to provide pictures of excellent German figure models that you have done, please PM me?
I will explain more by email or PM.
Regards
Mick
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Guides are super helpful! I know I'm late to the party but they will help paint my DAK army
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Thank-you to Heisler for feedback and edits on two tutorials.
I have commissioned a friend, Rob, who is a designer, to draw 12 garments and colour them with the camouflage prints.
Here are some examples. These drawings will be helpful as I want to create look up tables - if the figure has this garment, it was made in these colours in year XX.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4192/34349647981_18d6808edc_o.jpg)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4191/34438918386_d074fd9988_o.jpg)
Another friend, Yves, has been giving me photography lessons. This is a 1/35 scale 50 mm tall Dragon figure.
I need to improve my painting to match the photography. ;)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4188/34095521300_bdb8c92545_o.jpg)
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From my perspective the drawings look very useful in getting the look and scale of the camo pattern.
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"If you are willing to provide pictures of excellent German figure models that you have done, please PM me?"
Well, I don't know if my figures could be labeled as "excellent", but anyway I sent you a PM. :)
Marco
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The annotated drawings will be really helpful, fantastic stuff :)
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I am trying to build the full pattern repeats for WW2 camouflage patterns by making collages of pieces cut from photos of Zeltbahns and garments.
This is Italian Telo Mimetico which was used by the Germans in 1943 and thereafter. I was quite surprised to find Italy hidden in the pattern.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4180/33767408003_f3e76d5087_o.jpg)
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Oh! You're right! lol
There are some brown patches on the right that loosely resemble Italy.
Marco
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I am sure it was a joke by the designer lol
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Sorry Mick, but I've just dropped out your picture of the Luftwaffe smock, as it has a swastika on it. If you can blur that out, please feel free to put an edited picture back up. Check out the symbol use rules for why we can't show swastikas on the forum.
Cheers
Richard
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Dear Richard,
I am very sorry. I had not noticed the Swastika. I will blank it out and repost the image tonight.
Mick
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No problem. Thank you Mick :)
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On Wednesday, I went to Sinsheim Technical Museum for research.
I actually took 234 photographs of uniforms and vehicles.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4251/34625961121_db5c0380f6_o.jpg)
Many shades were within the range of colours called Field Grey. There are some garments which are
German Dark Green 70.979
German Field Grey WW2 70.831
US Dark Green 70.893
Russian Uniform 70.924
German Uniform 70.920
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4192/34595697482_293a8d840f_o.jpg)
Afrika Korps Green Uniform
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4193/33915365794_cf2b9d57bb_o.jpg)
More Afrika Korps
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4245/34372867110_55aee4e88a_o.jpg)
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Great job, Mick!
Marco
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A new drawing from Rob on the right compared to real garments.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4278/34357461154_eeb8f6642d_o.jpg)
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I have some new articles ready if anybody would like to see a preview and make comments.
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Yes please
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Yes, would love to see them :)
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Let me add to the chorus of "Yes, Please!" :)
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Yes!
Marco
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I am steadily working my way towards the next goal. I can now reveal that there will be a book in 2018.
The book will be about WW2 German figures.
Several people on this forum have been helping me and I am very grateful.
I have exactly 60 days until submission (1st November).
If anybody has pictures of painted WW2 Germans or games featuring them, I still have space.
You will have your name credited in the picture caption and the acknowledgments.
PM me if you are interested.
If it is a success there may be another book at a later point.
Don't worry - The free guides on the Artizan and Crusader websites will remain available and will be updated to replace the old Citadel Paint references.
Mick
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Excellent news, I look forward to it.
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I achieved a major milestone on my book project today.
I have written 44,000 words so the text is almost finished.
Here are the models that I have painted so far. There are all scales from 10mm to 54mm.
I have until the end of October to finish these to a good standard and photograph them.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4354/36191634823_37e51908d4_o.jpg)
Bigger version here
https://www.flickr.com/photos/31905569@N05/36191634823/in/dateposted-public/lightbox/ (https://www.flickr.com/photos/31905569@N05/36191634823/in/dateposted-public/lightbox/)
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Very nice!
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Best of luck with this Mick.
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Dear Elk and Carlos,
Thank-you for the good wishes. Turning the guides into a book has long been a dream.
It is getting closer to reality. I just hope I can bring it all together and do a respectable job.
Regards
Mick
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Today's build is a 10 part metal kit in 20mm
TQD-GV10 Hitler youth Volkssturm riding bike from www.cpmodelsminiatures.co.uk
This requires patience...
...and a small brass pin under the crank to hold it upright.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4378/37282812675_bd6283ecdc_o.jpg)
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Lovely model, I can see why it might need some deep breathing exercises before you assemble it - thats a lot of parts for a small mini, looks fantastic though.
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The bike kit is amazing. There are a lot of tiny parts but it fits together very well.
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Great model Mick!
Never saw before!
Marco
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The book project is going fairly well.
Eleven years after the Mick Farnworth Painting Guides first started on the Artizan website, I am gradually getting closer to a real book.
This is very much a labour of love and I am grateful for the support that people have given me so far.
I have written 45,000 words about modelling and painting WW2 Germans. A designer friend, Rob has done a lot of drawings for me.
Several people on this forum have read parts of it and made comments. They have been very supportive and helpful.
I have created painting recipes for the most popular uniforms and painted a lot of figures to check the recipes.
I am well on the way to having 250+ pictures to illustrate the book.
I have made a photobook to check the picture quality. (..this is all done on my home PC so far). The publisher will do a better job, I hope.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4489/23905862098_a43ddedf36_o.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4462/23905861478_ceed45bb8b_o.jpg)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4449/23905861028_b82797174c_o.jpg)
I have also had wonderful support from many manufacturers, many of whom supplied figures.
Some people on this forum have given me pictures of figures or games and these will feature strongly in the finished book.
Special thanks to Rafa Archiduque, Captain Blood, Stoessi and Remgain who have provided very nice pictures.
I am still hoping for more picture contributions.
I will meet the publisher next week and hopefully this will go to the next stage in November.
Mick
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Good luck with the printing!
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Good luck.
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Mick, glad to see the book project is taking shape. I sent you those paint chips ages ago via the post but never heard back from you? Did they help?
On the TQD bicycle, next time around go for pinning the two wheels down with brass wire inserted into the tires...that's what I did and it worked well with CA. :)
Looking forward to seeing your book in print! Any idea of when it will be out?
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Dear Syrinx and Ultravanillasmurf,
Thank-you
Dear ARKOUDAKI,
I have sent you a PM.
I did wonder about pinning the bicycle wheels but I decided that would be too thin to be stable. I am very impressed that you managed to pin them.
The pin into the crank is not really visible on the painted model (except in a close up photo).
This is the first time that I have done a "real" book with a publisher, so I do not know how long it takes from manuscript to publication.
I think the book will be available by summer 2018
Best Regards
Mick
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It looks like it'll be an invaluable painting resource, I look forward to its publication :)
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It looks like it'll be an invaluable painting resource, I look forward to its publication :)
I'm so lucky to have seen the draft, and it's indeed!
Marco
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I had a good meeting with the publisher.
The basic concept, chapter structure and content are accepted and the text and pictures are generally OK.
I was surprised by how much I am expected to define in terms of picture selection and layout.
In the past, I have worked on catalogues and company brochures where the layout is defined by the communication department.
He wants me to do quite a few changes to make it easier for the typesetter and layout designer.
This relates to consistency of headings, subheadings etc..
The body text goes in one file, the captions in another and the 250 pictures in a folder.
He also wants me to choose exactly 250 pictures and number them sequentially, rather than give him more and let the designer choose which to use.
Each picture needs a caption.
This will be good news for the people on this forum who have provided pictures as I can be much more certain about what will be included.
We have agreed to postpone submission for a month so that I can do the changes.
The book should be published about 8 months after submission.
(If I make the 1st December deadline, then publication will be circa 1st August 2018)
Regards
Mick
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omg :-* :-* :o
so looking forward to this release
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This is exciting.
Can't wait to seeing the book. ;D
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Today on the painting table are Empress 28mm U-Boat Crew
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4478/38189654412_a0f933ffc0_o.jpg)
Edited 6th November - darkened blue trousers and made the grey leather deck suits a bit lighter.
Also changed the deck suit buttons from gold to correct grey same as suit.
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Nice.
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A group of 28mm SS in Kharkov Parkas.
The Officer and Sergeant centre front are from Heer 46. The rest are from CP Models.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4555/24696322148_872ca34b42_o.jpg)
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Handover if the book manuscript to the publisher is officially today. I am on time...just.
Handover of the Book
I will handover the book in the form the publisher wants. This is very specific.
a) Text as one long 45,000 word file with instructions such as “insert picture 199 here”.
b) Text file of picture captions numbered 001-250 in another file
c) Folder with 250 pictures numbered 001-250
d) List of CMYK references for Vallejo paint colours
The handover is via Dropbox. The publisher will not actually down load the files until Monday morning so I have some time to correct last minute hiccups. From Monday the proof reading and editing starts and then it goes to typesetting and layout. If everything goes well the book will be in the shops next summer.
Pictures
Over the past few months, I have asked some members of the forum if I can use pictures. The publisher’s copyright rules are very strict, so If I do not have an email giving me permission to use a picture, it cannot be included.
I do have pictures from Alcal, Captain Blood, Fitz, moiterei_1984, Rafa, Remgain, Stoessi and they have given me permission. I will PM the people who have not given formal permission.
Next
This is my first book so it is a step into the unknown. I will get some feedback from the publisher during December. I may have to do some rewrites or reshoot some photographs.
Once this book is fully in the hands of the publisher, I intend to update the free versions of the painting guides on the Artizan and Crusader Websites. These updates will mostly be better photographs of the original figures (which I still have). I will also replace the old Citadel paint references with Vallejo.
I would like to do a paint cross match table for several paint brands but that is actually quite difficult to do.
Another book?
If the first book sells well, there may be a second book at some point in the future.
I would like to do a companion book covering the allied forces in WW2, but not yet. I need some time away from the computer.....
This has been a very demanding and extremely time consuming project and I would like to thank everybody for their support.
Regards
Mick
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Quite an achievement Mick, well done. Look forward to seeing the finished product. I hope the publishers and printers do a good job with it, and that you're pleased with the end result.
Richard
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Bravo Mick!
Congratulations!
Marco
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Well done. It'll be good to see it on sale.
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Looking forward to buy a copy. Your guides always help me and a book was a dream. I hope for a complete book with more stuff.
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Well done indeed - a huge achievement to get this completed
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Thank-you everybody.
I will do another update when I have feedback from the publisher.
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Really looking forward to seeing the finished product :)
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Congratulations Mick!
Sorry I didn’t get time to read through the whole book. I started but life got in the way.
Looking forward to the final product!
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Dear Thomas and Matthew,
Thank-you for the good wishes and also thank-you for your help with reading some of the sections.
Regards
Mick
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I received feedback from the commissioning editor. He is very pleased with the way the book is coming together. He thinks that the content is very good and that the images are also mostly very good.
He has asked me to rework the chapter with the painting recipes. I am in the process for improving this with more step by step sequences and adding more detail to picture captions. I have already done some of this and sent an updated draft.
As we are in the run up to Christmas, I don't think I can do much more until Boxing Day but I am confident that I will have the updates done by the end of December.
Mick
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Good luck with the book! I have always enjoyed your painting guides and found them extremely helpfull when painting my US airborne and german grendiers.
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Dear Nick,
There is also a Facebook group for the guides
https://www.facebook.com/groups/136386787001968/ (https://www.facebook.com/groups/136386787001968/)
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Hi Mick,
Thanks for the link. Asked to join.
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Good News Today.
I rewrote Chapter 6 as the publisher suggested and submitted it to the publisher. This afternoon I got this reply.
"Many thanks for sending me through your final PDF. We’ve now been able to look through the PDF and it looks like it has taken shape very nicely, and it is great to see the inclusion of more step-by-step photographic sequences, which I think work very well. It’s great to hear that you will soon be able to submit everything."
So now we will move to the next stage.
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This week I got the email from the publisher that I have been waiting for!
"Many thanks for taking on board my comments, and for making the necessary changes;
I think the new images work very well. I’ll now be sending the book into production."
So this should mean that the official trade launch will be in early May and the book will be on the shelves early October.
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Congrats!
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Well done.
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Excellent! I'll certainly be making a purchase!
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Thank-you everybody.
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This week I got the email from the publisher that I have been waiting for!
"Many thanks for taking on board my comments, and for making the necessary changes;
I think the new images work very well. I’ll now be sending the book into production."
So this should mean that the official trade launch will be in early May and the book will be on the shelves early October.
Well done, Mick, we look forward to seeing it (and selling it...).
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Thank you. I do hope that it sells a respectable quantity. I am not doing it to make money but I do want to produce something that people find useful.
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Thank you. I do hope that it sells a respectable quantity. I am not doing it to make money but I do want to produce something that people find useful.
Well I'll certainly give one a good home! Always happy to support such worthwhile projects!
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My book is going to be launched soon and Captain Blood's models have been chosen for the cover.
Here is the final version of the cover showing the title and ISBN number. The publisher is Crowood Press and this is the first book in their new series for wargamers. The layout of the pages is in progress. The book will be launched to wholesalers soon and will be in bookshops in October.
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/947/41151071224_995ffb4169_o.jpg)
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Can't wait.....
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Looks great, out in time to pick one up for my birthday :)
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Good news
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Excellent.
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Very smart. They look like Captain Blood painted figures on the cover?
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Splendid ...looking very nice indeed!
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@Elk101 - The cover picture, that the publisher has chosen, is Captain Bloods winning entry for the LAF painters league last year.
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The book is now listed on Amazon.co.uk and on Amazon.com. North Star will be wholesaling it to wargames stores. Official available to buy in bookshops date is 22nd October.
Here is a brief explanation of the content.
Chapter 1 Research & Planning
Chapter 1 is a primer for military modellers and wargamers. The history of WW2 is condensed into 800 words so that the reader has an overview of key events and locations. Next comes a brief explanation of military organisation and how that translates to types of wargames. Figure size and scale are explained.
Chapter 2 German Uniforms and Equipment
Chapter 2 is a detailed explanation of German uniforms and their development through WW2. This will help the modeller to identify the garments and equipment and then decide what colour it should be painted. It also helps to prevent historical mistakes such as an early war figure having equipment that was not issued until the late war period. At 8,000 words, this one chapter alone is about the equivalent of the useful content of one Osprey book.
Chapter 3 German Camouflage Patterns
This is the part that is unique and will appeal to historians, military modellers and experienced wargamers. This expands on an article that was published by the author in 2008. The German armed forces used many different camouflage patterns during WW2. This chapter explains which patterns were used on which garments and when. Robert Moss was commissioned to create illustrations for the book of various uniform garments with the appropriate camouflage patterns.
Chapter 4 Materials and Tools
This section describes the different ways that figures are manufactured. It also describes the hobby tools, paint, and materials in detail. This will be very useful for a newcomer but also interesting for experienced modellers as it includes that latest materials and techniques.
Chapter 5 Building and Painting Techniques
Building and painting, of both metal and plastic figures, is described in great detail. To help explain techniques, there are examples from highly respected professional painters.
Chapter 6 Painting Recipes
This section is arranged like a Jamie Oliver Cook book. Brief uniform notes and photos of painted figures are accompanied by a table of colours with paint references for Vallejo Model Colour paints. Techniques for painting complicated camouflage patterns are shown in easy to follow step by step sequences.
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will have to get one when available
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will have to get one when available
Me too.
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The book is now listed on Amazon.co.uk and on Amazon.com. North Star will be wholesaling it to wargames stores. Official available to buy in bookshops date is 22nd October.
Its also listed on Amazon.es
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It‘s listed on Amazon.de as well... but no picture or price yet.
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Hello everybody,
I will do a short Youtube video when I have a physical copy of the book so that you can get an idea of the content and layout.
I will post updates from time to time
Best Regards
Mick
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:)
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After a very long time, I now have a publication date. "Modelling and Painting WW2 German Military Figures" by Michael Farnworth and published by Crowood Press is due in store 11th January 2019.
Here is a preview https://youtu.be/Y3VB6gmOeME (https://youtu.be/Y3VB6gmOeME)
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Congrats! Looks good.
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Looks like a very good resource for someone either never having painted or those wishing to up their game. Well done!
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Excellent.
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North Star Military Figures have the book up for pre-orders. They are also the host to this group, so if you buy from North Star you are supporting this site too.
http://northstarfigures.com/prod.php?prod=12997 (http://northstarfigures.com/prod.php?prod=12997)
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Here is the first attempt at an unboxing video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rGUM4DLSMs&t=18s (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rGUM4DLSMs&t=18s)
The book is in the GBS distribution warehouse now (Grantham Book Services UK). North Star should be shipping pre orders by 14th January 2019. Amazon UK have shipping promised for 21st January. US book distributors should be able to deliver by end February. Australia book distributors should be shipping to consumers by about mid March.
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Huzzah!!
Mike's book has arrived at North Star.
http://northstarfigures.com/prod.php?prod=12997 (http://northstarfigures.com/prod.php?prod=12997)
(http://northstarfigures.com/images/7/img12997.jpg)
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I love the cover pic... ;) :D
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@Captain Blood.
Your picture was the Publisher's favourite and I am proud to have it on the cover.
Thank-you again.
Mick
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Yesterday, I went to Nottingham. I visited North Star Military Figures and bought 20 copies of my book, which I have sent out to the painters and manufacturers who supported the book. Nick gave me a better price than the publisher offered me. I also visited Caliver Books to discuss small scale publishing. Finally, I visited Warlord and showed the book to their management.
I have also been in contact with magazines. Miniature Wargames 431 is the first magazine with a review of my book. It was in UK stores on 8th February and has two thirds of a page review of the book on page 5. WI and WSS will also have reviews of the book in their March / April issues.
I also bought Cruel Seas so I will be painting MTBs soon.