WW1 German Infantry

[Obi-Shinobi]

I'll be putting all of my WIPs here.

EDIT: UPDATE 09/14

Armband removed. Optional ST wrapped lower legs/ankle boots added (along with standard legs).

EDIT: UPDATE 09/16

Field Pack

EDIT: UPDATE 09/27

Just some shots with the new torso, pre-modified. Changed out the upper legs and added neck joint. Also the G98 rifle, still a WIP... but close.

Height comparison with a JOE fig and previous German body. As you can see, the Destro torso is just way too big for a "normal" man.

EDIT: UPDATE 09/28

MP18

Getting the basic shape close, as well as the size. Comparison with the G98 -

EDIT: UPDATE 10/01

Getting close to a final version here -

 

[Monkeywrench]

I'm digging it!

 

[Pickelhaube]

It is looking pretty good. Just flatten out the back and you will have it.

If you put the helm on a flat surface with the crown of the helmet parallel to your surface you will be able to gauge the rear brim.

The air vents look good but I can not tell from the texture of the helmet to see if you have the liner rivets. They were a lot more pronounced then their m-35 brethren.

I made one years ago but have no idea were it is now.

WW1 is my thing.

 

[Dark Horse]

I think the helmet looks too big... maybe 1:16 or something...





































j/k

 

[Pickelhaube]

No they did were them toward the larger size.

As a matter of fact it could be a good idea to start with a 1
16th scale.

If you put the m-16 ( WW-1 ) next to a m-35 ( Nazi) you will see the 16 to be bigger and taller.

Here is a m-17 out of my collection to see the shaping.

 

[Pickelhaube]

 

[Obi-Shinobi]

I knew it wasn't right yet, which is why I stated it needed more shaping. I see what you're saying about the bottom edge... already on it. I'll have updated pics up a little later.

Thanks for the knowledgeable input. Between you and KT, I figured I'd get some decent advice/suggestions as I go along with these guys.

 

[Ridgeback]

The helmet is nicely sized.
If you don't mind me nitpicking: the Imperial German Army did not have Y-Straps (Koppeltragegestell) in WW1.
You could fashion the front straps into a breadbag strap, but then you'd have to putty over or sand down the rear strap and the support straps for the assault pack in front.
The ammo pouches were a good deal larger in WW1 than in WW2.
You'd also need to get rid off the pockets on the tunic and decide which type of tunic (or Bluse) you want. This influences the cuff style, too.

The more I think about it, the more complex the project gets...

 

[Obi-Shinobi]

Ummm...

The fig is merely a stand-in for the moment, as I'm only working on the helmet right now.
That's why it says "Stahlhelm" in my first post.

 

[Obi-Shinobi]

Couple of updated pics in 1st post.

 

[Ridgeback]

Sorry man, I didn't realize the figure was a stand-in.

 

[Obi-Shinobi]

No worries, Ridge. Thanks for your input though, I need as much as I can get.

 

[Obi-Shinobi]

Another update...

 

[Obi-Shinobi]

1st post updated with possible new base body.

 

[K-Tiger]

Could work.

 

[Obi-Shinobi]

Updated again! New base body nearing completion.

 

[K-Tiger]

Worked grandly. Wish this thing was going to Jesse for casting.

 

[Obi-Shinobi]

Ha ha ha...

That's the plan.

 

[K-Tiger]

I assume a Stroßtruppe will be forthcoming as well? Be interesting to see how you handle the armor and mid torso articulation.

 

[Obi-Shinobi]

What I'd like to do, is to make up a set of optional wrapped lower leg/ankle boots to swap out for the more typical ST look. The breastplate armor could be a solid piece, that would be strapped onto the fig in one way or another. Should have adequate movement for most posing, imo.

The belt in the pic needs to be modified for a more accurate piece still, but my question is this -

As far as the standard G98 pouches are concerned, should I sculpt the front straps onto the torso or leave that to later accessory mods (make it part of the pouch set-up itself)? Not all troops would wear the 98 set-up, since they might be carrying something else, like the MP18.

And on the weapons side of things -

I'm designing this guy around late war, 17-18, so I'd like to make the MP18 as well as the MG08/15 (with any luck). Any other suggestions for specific gear?

Here's what I have planned -

Grenade bags
Rifle ammo bandoliers
Basic kit items
Basic pack with roll
Gas mask
Bayonet

 

[K-Tiger]

You talking about the Koppeltragegestell (y-straps)? From my reading those were almost strictly a cavalry item in I. Personally I like the webbing and pouches to be as seperate as possible from a figure.

Wouldn't mind being able to tuck 4-6 steilhandgranaten on his belt in the back, though worst case I could always supply my own belt and pouches.

 

[K-Tiger]

And it occurs to me that this would be a good juncture to mention the artillery Luger and trommelmagazin, as well as the sniper plate.

 

[Obi-Shinobi]

Not sure...

Look at this reference. Straps on the front, but not on the back. Around the neck maybe?

And this one -

 

[K-Tiger]

Yeah, that's the bread bag strap being used to hold up the belt. Pretty common method of wear.

 

[Obi-Shinobi]

Ahhh... couldn't find any info on that. I have seen that a lot though.

Ok, so I think I'm going to re-sculpt the belt area on the Joe part, making it plain. I also like the idea of adding a seperate belt.

 

[Monkeywrench]

What I'd like to do, is to make up a set of optional wrapped lower leg/ankle boots to swap out for the more typical ST look. The breastplate armor could be a solid piece, that would be strapped onto the fig in one way or another. Should have adequate movement for most posing, imo.

The belt in the pic needs to be modified for a more accurate piece still, but my question is this -

As far as the standard G98 pouches are concerned, should I sculpt the front straps onto the torso or leave that to later accessory mods (make it part of the pouch set-up itself)? Not all troops would wear the 98 set-up, since they might be carrying something else, like the MP18.

And on the weapons side of things -

I'm designing this guy around late war, 17-18, so I'd like to make the MP18 as well as the MG08/15 (with any luck). Any other suggestions for specific gear?

Here's what I have planned -

Grenade bags
Rifle ammo bandoliers
Basic kit items
Basic pack with roll
Gas mask
Bayonet

Sounds Great!

 

[K-Tiger]

At least there's an MP28/2 you can backdate to an 18.

 

[Obi-Shinobi]

Ok...

MUST HAVE.

 

[K-Tiger]

Yeah, I thought you'd like seeing that.

 

[Obi-Shinobi]

Ha!

Ordered Pvt. Ekiguchi last night. Took forever figuring out where the gun came from, no thanks to you... you big tease.

 

[K-Tiger]

Now that you mention where it came from I do now see that it's a Type 100. Damn close to an MP 18 in general appearence.

 

[Obi-Shinobi]

Exactly. Little modding and she'll look good. Snail drum anticipation!

 

[K-Tiger]

Hell yeah!



Now, if I can just get someone to do an M97 I can do my (fantasy) German trench raider.

 

[Obi-Shinobi]

Shouldn't be too difficult. With or without bayonet?

What I'm looking forward to (read: not really), is making the MG08/15. There is damn near nothing out there for base parts. I'll have to get really creative on this one.

I'll have the optional ST lower legs posted a little later. I think you'll like them.

Which leads me to - I guess I'll start piecing together an AEF soldier while I'm at it. Springfield 1903 anyone?

 

[K-Tiger]

With, naturally.

I agree the 08 is gonna be problematic. You might could scavenge the buttstock (it'll need a bit of reshaping), pistol grip and part of the receiver from a 21st Type 96 LMG, but it'd still take a lot of work.


As for a 1903, another dropped ball by 21st, Bbi and Dragon. One might be possible from a 21st 98K.

 

[Obi-Shinobi]

New pic added, with optional legs.

 

[Monkeywrench]

every update, I'm liking it more and more!

 

[Obi-Shinobi]

Standard field pack added.

 

[K-Tiger]

Probably easily better than how Admiral's would have turned out.

 

[Obi-Shinobi]

It's not as good as I wanted it, but I think it will suffice.

Thanks.