Airstrip Leathernecks & Black Outlining (1 Viewer)

[WesternOutlaw]

Hi all - love the weekends. Hope everyone is well out there!

I recently received two beautiful figures by K&C, Airstrip Leathernecks (AF035); aka "Mud-Marines". I've been looking at these figures for some time, and while part of the USAF collection, I call the Boyington Airstrip line-up, I thought they would make a nice addition to my Pacific Collection, esp. with the new Sherman on the near horizon.

So I'm looking at these figures in comparison to my other Pacific USMC and could not help but notice how they stand out. Aside from a slight height difference (they are taller), it's definitely a result of the use of black outlining.

I know this topic has come up before, and if memory serves me correctly, recall some criticism in regard to K&C's iconic "black outlining" painting style. The use of darker/black accents around articles of clothing and pockets is much more prominent on these Mud-Marines. As a result, these figures appear darker and in my opinion have more character. In fact, I think the added outlining adds more detail to the figures.

I am curious to hear how others feel about K&C's black outlining technique. I really never gave it too much thought before, but I especially like the style on these Airstrip Leathernecks.

 

[King & Country]

Hi all - love the weekends. Hope everyone is well out there!

I recently received two beautiful figures by K&C, Airstrip Leathernecks (AF035); aka "Mud-Marines". I've been looking at these figures for some time, and while part of the USAF collection, I call the Boyington Airstrip line-up, I thought they would make a nice addition to my Pacific Collection, esp. with the new Sherman on the near horizon.

So I'm looking at these figures in comparison to my other Pacific USMC and could not help but notice how they stand out. Aside from a slight height difference (they are taller), it's definitely a result of the use of black outlining.

I know this topic has come up before, and if memory serves me correctly, recall some criticism in regard to K&C's iconic "black outlining" painting style. The use of darker/black accents around articles of clothing and pockets is much more prominent on these Mud-Marines. As a result, these figures appear darker and in my opinion have more character. In fact, I think the added outlining adds more detail to the figures.

I am curious to hear how others feel about K&C's black outlining technique. I really never gave it too much thought before, but I especially like the style on these Airstrip Leathernecks.

Hi Rob,
Happy to hear you finally purchased the 2x ‘Mud Marines’ and noticed the difference...As I am sure you know K&C has, over the years, made alterations and improvements in both our sculpting and painting which have received a generally favourable response from our dealers and collectors worldwide.

A couple of years back we had been getting a number of negative reports about ‘black-lining’ and decided to test an alternative and more natural style of painting which used the better sculpting we were now employing [utilizing real, actual shading] and more precise painting and colours on the figures themselves.

The first series we used this method on was our ‘Six Day War Israelis’...The results were amazing! We had numerous congratulatory emails praising our more ‘natural and realistic’ soldiers. Next we extended our ‘testing experiment’ to the even newer ‘Vietnam’ releases and the response was even greater and more enthusiastic!

Same goes for our ‘Pacific USMC’...
‘Black Linlng’ can still be useful in certain instances however, as you can see from the numerous posts and photos on this forum and elsewhere that have utilised all our Vietnam ‘Grunts’ and Pacific ‘Leatherneckjs’ it has not dampened or limited the popularity of the figures and their use in all kinds of fantastic displays and dioramas!

All the best and happy collecting,
Andy.

 

[Larry Allen]

I have TWO sets of those great figures, Rob.

One, I got from George and didn't log it into my "HAVE" database. I had put it into my AF collection, but thought that I put it with the USMC sets.
A short while later I went looking and couldn't find it so I ordered it again. I found the first one when the I was putting the second one into a setup … DOOOOH!

However, do to my <age-related> goof up I now have two .. which turns out to be GREAT.

I believe they fit in wonderful with the K&C USMC sets. They appear a bit out of place with a couple of the Tom Gunn USMC sets, but what ever.

ENJOY!!!!

--- LaRRy

 

[wayne556517]

Hi Rob,
Happy to hear you finally purchased the 2x ‘Mud Marines’ and noticed the difference...As I am sure you know K&C has, over the years, made alterations and improvements in both our sculpting and painting which have received a generally favourable response from our dealers and collectors worldwide.

A couple of years back we had been getting a number of negative reports about ‘black-lining’ and decided to test an alternative and more natural style of painting which used the better sculpting we were now employing [utilizing real, actual shading] and more precise painting and colours on the figures themselves.

The first series we used this method on was our ‘Six Day War Israelis’...The results were amazing! We had numerous congratulatory emails praising our more ‘natural and realistic’ soldiers. Next we extended our ‘testing experiment’ to the even newer ‘Vietnam’ releases and the response was even greater and more enthusiastic!

Same goes for our ‘Pacific USMC’...
‘Black Linlng’ can still be useful in certain instances however, as you can see from the numerous posts and photos on this forum and elsewhere that have utilised all our Vietnam ‘Grunts’ and Pacific ‘Leatherneckjs’ it has not dampened or limited the popularity of the figures and their use in all kinds of fantastic displays and dioramas!

All the best and happy collecting,
Andy.

You forgot to thank Mitch mate he hounded you for years about black lines.............^&grin^&grin

 

[Horus]

I have TWO sets of those great figures, Rob.

One, I got from George and didn't log it into my "HAVE" database. I had put it into my AF collection, but thought that I put it with the USMC sets.
A short while later I went looking and couldn't find it so I ordered it again. I found the first one when the I was putting the second one into a setup … DOOOOH!

However, do to my <age-related> goof up I now have two .. which turns out to be GREAT.

I believe they fit in wonderful with the K&C USMC sets. They appear a bit out of place with a couple of the Tom Gunn USMC sets, but what ever.

ENJOY!!!!

--- LaRRy

Here's a USMC Pacific diorama I did last year and to me they work well together, there's even a couple of JJD Sailor figures which are a bit smaller than normal and they still remain within reason height wise.

For what' it's worth, personally I prefer figures without the black lining.



Steve

 

[WesternOutlaw]

Hi Rob, Happy to hear you finally purchased the 2x ‘Mud Marines’ and noticed the difference...As I am sure you know K&C has, over the years, made alterations and improvements in both our sculpting and painting which have received a generally favourable response from our dealers and collectors worldwide... Same goes for our ‘Pacific USMC’...‘Black Linlng’ can still be useful in certain instances however, as you can see from the numerous posts and photos on this forum and elsewhere that have utilised all our Vietnam ‘Grunts’ and Pacific ‘Leatherneckjs’ it has not dampened or limited the popularity of the figures and their use in all kinds of fantastic displays and dioramas!

Hi Andy, thanks for taking the time to read my thoughts and respond. As one of many K&C collectors, I appreciate the ongoing improvements K&C has made in regard to quality and paint detailing. These Mud Marines, while having more prominent "black lining" look fantastic. Equally important for me is the detailing of facial features and I think K&C did a most impressive job capturing facial expressions with this duo. While slightly different, I think they blend in quite well with other USMC Marines as pictured in many K&C dioramas/catalog images. My Mud Marines will be standing guard near the new tri-color Pacific Sherman.

I've also been admiring other AF/Marine figures from the Boyington Airstrip Line-up. I missed out on the USMC F4U Corsair (AF032), and really regret not picking one up before retirement. I've checked 2nd hand markets and it's a difficult piece to find. Love the Marine Mechanics which need to be kept busy on aircraft repairs.

In any case, thanks again for K&C's ongoing efforts to continuously improve your quality. I've really enjoyed the hobby and look forward to seeing future pieces.:salute::

Here's a USMC Pacific diorama I did last year and to me they work well together, there's even a couple of JJD Sailor figures which are a bit smaller than normal and they still remain within reason height wise.

Hi Steve, great example of how these Mud Marines go well with other Pacific USMC. Excellent dio as well!

I have TWO sets of those great figures, Rob... I believe they fit in wonderful with the K&C USMC sets.

Hey Larry, that's funny! What's better than two Mud Marines? Four Mud Marines. {sm4}

You forgot to thank Mitch mate he hounded you for years about black lines.

Not touching this one. ^&grin

 

[King & Country]

Hi Andy, thanks for taking the time to read my thoughts and respond. As one of many K&C collectors, I appreciate the ongoing improvements K&C has made in regard to quality and paint detailing. These Mud Marines, while having more prominent "black lining" look fantastic. Equally important for me is the detailing of facial features and I think K&C did a most impressive job capturing facial expressions with this duo. While slightly different, I think they blend in quite well with other USMC Marines as pictured in many K&C dioramas/catalog images. My Mud Marines will be standing guard near the new tri-color Pacific Sherman.

I've also been admiring other AF/Marine figures from the Boyington Airstrip Line-up. I missed out on the USMC F4U Corsair (AF032), and really regret not picking one up before retirement. I've checked 2nd hand markets and it's a difficult piece to find. Love the Marine Mechanics which need to be kept busy on aircraft repairs.

In any case, thanks again for K&C's ongoing efforts to continuously improve your quality. I've really enjoyed the hobby and look forward to seeing future pieces.:salute::


Hi Steve, great example of how these Mud Marines go well with other Pacific USMC. Excellent dio as well!





Hey Larry, that's funny! What's better than two Mud Marines? Four Mud Marines. {sm4}


Not touching this one. ^&grin

Hi Guys,
Always appreciate your comments and thoughts...
All the best and greetings from wonderful, historic San Antonio.
Andy.

 

[WesternOutlaw]

My Mud Marines will be standing guard near the new tri-color Pacific Sherman.

Hey guys, got my new Sherman this week and smiled when I discovered a box image of the two Mud Marines standing near the Sherman; I wasn't too far off.
The new packaging and box art for the tank is wonderful!
Well done, Andy! :salute::
May have to review this "Bad Boy".

 

[Larry Allen]

Here's a USMC Pacific diorama I did last year and to me they work well together, there's even a couple of JJD Sailor figures which are a bit smaller than normal and they still remain within reason height wise.

For what' it's worth, personally I prefer figures without the black lining.

View attachment 253390

Steve

Hey Steve,
Gee, I don't remember that dio! Wonderful!

I have to agree that "almost" any figure from K&C, T.G., JJD can work in the same setup, as you have demonstrated here in your great WWII Pacific setup.
Positioning, lighting, camera angles, diorama materials and more can be used to help make them blend together.

When I tried to position my K&C AF035 against the T.G. Marines (side-by-side) they did look out of scale. Now, maybe :rolleyes2: the fact that the T.G. figures were kneeling and caused the image issue.

Or maybe I need to clean my glasses!!!!!! ^&grin

--- LaRRy