I need a WW2 Luftwaffe pilot to fly my 1/72 Me-262.
Can anyone suggest a good looking figure that would work well? Maybe one in a kit? I’m having trouble locating one that is in a seated flying pose.
I think I recall seeing some at Great Models.
I, too, like to display aircraft with aircrew, whether they are on the ground or in the air. (They are AIRcraft, after all. On the ground, they’re just a target… [:-,])
How I wish manufacturers would at least give us the option! [banghead] Anybody listening out there?[sigh]
There’s a bunch of figure sets… You can start here:
http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=1%2F72+scale+Luftwaffe+pilots&btnG=Search+Images&gbv=2
Too bad you didn’t do a 1/48th scale… I got a buncha Luftwaffe pilots sitting…
I’ve got seated pilots that come with the FineMolds 109, they look pretty decent. Yours for free if you want one.
I concur!
It’s a MAJOR-GENERAL peave of mine, having no pilots or crew in model kits that is…
I’ve made my own out of epoxy for 1/48 and 1/72 scale. I usually only create the top half (without legs) and put 'em in the seat.
This guy is 1/48 scale but he was supposed to be 1/72! (so, still a PITA) I had to redo him.
I’ve used tissue paper and superglue in 1/144. I’ve also made molds for casting them, but casting can be a PITA, and is definitely not cost effective. [banghead]
PM sent, Luftwaffle!
Try PJP Productions. They make great pilot models including in-cockpit figures.
Got a link? This appears to be a common business name. A Google search pulled up numerous unrelated sites.
Trexx , what a Great Looking Pilot, Do tell more about your Process and casting method.
Thanks for the link! [:)]
Hey. Thanks Summit.
I prefer pilots in my planes, is that sooo wrong!??
It’s not unusual for me to spend more time painting pilots than building the dang airplane models most of the time! I always try to improve my figure painting skills this way. Plus it’s good exercise for the 'ol eyeballs!
Recently I’ve made a couple of pilots out of J.B. Weld epoxy. J.B. Weld is a two part epoxy impregnated with graphite.
I got the idea from reading in the “Diorama” section of this FSM forum site. The way a modeler made trees inspired me.
The pilots I’ve made are the top half only. I’ve not yet made one with legs. But if wanted legs it could be done as well.
Trisarius suggested I write up a detailed article and submit it to a modeling magazine. I hadn’t thought of that. I’ve posted somewhere around here about how I made them. I’ll do it again here.
Needed: Small wooden match stick, round toothpick a tad of thin gauge copper wire (two inches or so is PLENTY) and some J.B. Weld epoxy or equivalent.
All my pilots start as either a small wooden match stick or a round toothpick. Use the match for 1/48 scale pilots and the toothpick for 1/72 scale. The match stick should be the small kind that are in the quaint little boxes that slide open, not the big, “kitchen” kind.
First prepare a small amount of epoxy. You’ll want it to set up at least halfway before using it. It’s too drippy when it’s first mixed. The wire will be arms. Wind it around near the end of the match or toothpick. (use the end of the match, not the part with the sulphur stuff.) Wind it around 1/8 from the point for a 1/72 pilot and for a 1/48 scale pilot, wind it about 3/16ths of an inch from the end.
Wind the wire tight once around. Trim the wire for appropriate length arms! Bend them anyway you like. Just be sure the guy will fit in the cockpit!
Glop some epoxy upon your creation. Don’t try to form it. Let the epoxy set up so it’s a bit stiff. Depending on temperature and humidity, the set time for epoxy is variable. I put the toothpick or match stick in a clamp and let the pilot dry upside down. The epoxy will sag a bit, and having the epoxy set while the little guy is inverted eliminates some problems from that. When it’s similar in viscosity to chewed chewing gum use a pointy object and your fingernails to shape it a little bit. Don’t try to get all detailed and stuff. Just make the proportions as good as you can make them. When the epoxy is resistant to shaping then you can add some detail with extra epoxy. A small amount that is about halfway set is good to make a collar, some shoulder straps and maybe even some goggles. Swab some “chewy” epoxy onto a small tool such as a toothpick. Get a little stretchy spur to form. Dab it so it sticks on the back of the pilot’s shoulder. Stretch the epoxy around and let it lay up and over to the front to about where a restraint harness would terminate. Repeat for the other side. Make a collar and goggles very much the same way. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect. As the epoxy hardens, shape it a little, carve it little. The point of a toothpick can make eye socket indentions and maybe some other facial details. I check the pilots as they dry and shape and tweak them as needed before they are solid. When they’re solid and dry, I whittle a bit here and there and sand here and there to get them into their final, proper shape. A tiny file set I got at a flee market for a dollar works very well on these small, little guys. For the face/helmet, I carve an inverted “U” onto the front of the pilots head. Then, just whittle a tad here and there to make the face somewhat separate from the edge of the flying cap or helmet. I probably should research the pilots attire for whatever project, but I don’t. I use my experience from of building piles of models to just “wing” it! When they’re dry and done to your satisfaction, paint 'em! I like painting them whilst they’re still on the end of the match stick or toothpick. When they’re painted, carefully cut off the part of the match or toothpick that’s not a pilot! A razor saw would be perfect for that final step. Maybe I’ll get one of those some day.
It’s PJ Productions, Im sorry. Just search for PJ Productions and you will get the link, pjproduction.net
How about this one in a leather flying suit,
http://www.southeasthobbies.com.au/catalogue/legends-productions/LF1505.jpg
OOPs wrong forum [:-^]
Trexx, Thank you so much for Taking the time to write up such an Informitive Post ! I would have never guessed those little guys started out as a match stick, wire and some JB Weld. Talk about needing multiple optivisors for carving & forming out those details.
Wingzandthingz - If thats what Lady Bikers look like in the UK I am packing my bags and heading that way !