Andy Gulden
Tinley Park, Illinois
To model Russian special forces in Chechnya in 1999, Andy added Miniarm resin wheels to Zvezda’s 1/35 scale BTR-80, then manned it with figures from Evolution Miniatures, and added equipment and stowage from Tank. After rebuilding the kit’s doors and hatches, he replaced the main gun with an RB turned-metal barrel and added weld seams and wire grab handles.
Why we like it: Everything about this diorama speaks to the cold and harsh conditions in Chechnya. The weathering ties the armored personnel carrier and figures in the scene together, while the attention of the soldiers is all focused at a single point, adding drama.
Don Phillips
Cedar Hill, Texas
“One of my favorite movies is ‘The Magnificent Seven,’” says Don. He modified 54mm Andrea Miniatures figures and horses to recreate the opening scene of the 1960 western. He scratchbuilt the hearse and cemetery gate from styrene sheet and strip, although the wheels were from his spares box.
Why we like it: “I saw this model from across the room and instantly recognized the scene from ‘The Magnificent Seven,’” Aaron said. “It’s simple and straightforward, but well executed. I appreciate the way the ground is at an angle. Not only does it replicate the uphill road to Boot Hill as seen in the movie, but breaking the vertical plane instantly makes the scene more dramatic.”
“It’s an iconic scene in film that immediately draws you in and demands your attention,” Tim said. “The figures of Yule Brynner and Steve McQueen are frighteningly accurate.”
Ian P. Dow
Livonia, Michigan
Working in the science-fiction genre allowed Ian to use his imagination to finish his 1/35 scale frog tank. He added springs, rods, propellers, and photoetched-metal greeblies to the resin model.
Why we like it: “Beyond the fact that the thing just looks cool?” Aaron asked. He went on to say: “I love the weather-beaten finish that shows this is a vehicle that’s seen some action. And the bright green camouflage might seem too intense except it fits perfectly with the well-executed groundwork.”
“I agree with Aaron that the model itself is interesting. But look at the camouflage: There are leaves and flowers subtly integrated into the scheme in a way I thought was very cool,” Tim said.
Scott Primeau
St. Paul, Minnesota
Painting Andrea Miniature’s 1/10 scale “Viking Fury” bust came naturally for Minnesotan Scott. He liked the sculpting of the face and said painting the different textures — leather, fur, hair, cloth, mail, etc. — was challenging, but fun.
Why we like it: Scott met the challenge of painting the different textures beautifully. The highlights on the face and hair bring the figure to life. It’s the attention to the little details (both molded and not) that puts this model over the top.
Wendy Rafalski
Wyoming, Michigan
Wendy says she picked up Seil’s 54mm Teutonic Knight “for cheap.” She spared nothing to finish it on an icy base.
Why we like it: The base makes this vignette more than a simple knight. The addition of the ice-covered water under the figure’s feet forces your eyes to look at the scene vertically and lends drama. Don’t miss the fish.
Anders Heintz
Glenn Heights, Texas
Anders scratchbuilt this 1/32 scale officer from the 1st Virginia Cavalry in 1861.
Why we like it: The horse is slightly startled, as if reacting to the intensity of the rider. The figure, horse, and base combine perfectly to communicate the message.
Bill Chilstrom
Portland, Oregon
Bill surrounded Dragon’s 1/35 scale 88mm FlaK 38 with scratchbuilt figures and snow to model the last stand of a German gun crew.
Why we like it: This compact scene can be viewed from any angle and convey a sense of urgency and impending doom. All of the figures are focused outward, drawing the viewer to imply the enemy without having to show them. This is a perfect example of storytelling and diorama design.
Michael Bedard
Cottage Grove, Minnesota
Horizon’s 1/6 scale vinyl kit of Dr. Henry Jones from “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” is OK out of the box, but Michael thought it needed something extra. After reshaping the left hip, he cut off the shirt and vest buttons, and replaced them with sheet styrene. He resculpted the vest pocket and replaced the molded on pen, and used lead foil to replicate the vest’s belt. The glasses are scratchbuilt and Michael replaced the shoelaces. He says he built the big figure to test the Paxton Palette as a method for painting models. William McGregor Paxton, was an American portrait painter known for his representations of light, fabric, and flesh.
Why we like it: “The fact that the big figure is from one of my favorite movies didn’t hurt, but what really caught my attention were Michael’s beautifully rendered skin tones and his attention to detail,” Aaron said. “Notice the wear around the edges of Dr. Jones’ briefcase, the different textures in the umbrella, and patterns in the bow tie and hat.”
“It was the face and hat for me,” Tim said. “The glasses are beautifully done, the skin tones are phenomenal, and the pattern of the hat’s fabric a testament to Michael’s patience.”
John Bowery
Indianapolis, Indiana
John painted a beautiful tartan on Nocturna’s resin 54mm “The Old Clansman” and dressed up the base with scale foliage.
What we liked: Tartan is not easy to paint in larger scales, but on a 54mm figure, it is especially hard, and if not done perfectly, ruins the appearance of the model. John’s is beautiful and grabbed us immediately.
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Mathieu Fontaine
Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
After finishing CoolMiniOrNot.com’s 72mm resin “Chaos Knight,” Mathieu decided it needed an appropriate base. He rolled Green Stuff Sculpting Putty onto slate to get a rock like texture.
What we liked: The dramatic sculpt of the horse and rider is made even better with Mathieu’s beautiful painting and simple base. “I look at the fig and get a shiver up my spine as I imagine a cold wind blowing in a storm,” Aaron said.
“The whole piece is subtle, making all the fearsome details that much more compelling,” Tim said.
Dave Peschke
Richmond, Illinois
Dave detailed the engine of Wingnut Wings’ Roland D.VIa with sparkplug wires and other plumbing. He also cut open a couple of inspection hatches on the fuselage to model the fighter being serviced, painting three Model Cellar figures do complete the scene.
Why we like it: As if the figures weren’t nice enough, the wood finish Dave applied to the fuselage and prop are outstanding. And the base is well done, serving to put the fighter in context.
Anzo Lee
Madison, Wisconsin
Given the nature of the MMSI show, it would be fair to say the unusual is the usual — everything from traditional Napoleonic soldiers to military vehicles and fantasy characters. Truly setting your entry apart in that widely varied environment can be tough, but Anzo managed with his 1/1 scale dyeing poison dart frog. It’s scratchbuilt as is the lily-pad base.
Why we like it: The unusual subject sets it apart, but the finish is terrific. The wet look to the amphibian’s skin and the water droplets on the leaf reinforce the illusion imparted by it being full-size. If it were placed in a terrarium it would fool most human observers … and probably a few frogs, too.
