glossy poses (1 Viewer)

[VIRIATO]

More and more when I think of great glossy figures I find myself prefering the very classic poses: marching, standing or kneeling firing, kneeling to repel... When the poses get too diorama like (some of the one on one fighting sets, dead or wounded figures, mealie bags or trench sets) I prefer matte figures. Example: Zulu War, when it comes to realistic action IMHO nothing beats matte Britains although some very nice action sets have been made by either Trophy or Little Legion. But to me the glossy figures are so much better when they have that classic touch you can find with Imperial, Beau Geste, Hocker or Soldiers of the World (or the classic poses from either Trophy or Little Legion).
Any thoughts?

Paulo

 

[Leadmen]

Paulo: I agree that glossy figures have something about their size, painting and display factor. I have matt figures also but they go better with dioramas and military vehicles. I find myself enjoying the glossy figures and painting some recasts of figures. Little Legion, Britain's, Hocker and other companies make a good product for the value. I am cutting back on matt figures that cost $40.00 or more. Not worth it to me. John

 

[thebritfarmer]

I agree for a parade setting / marching troops you really cannot beat gloss. Civilians also look great in gloss too.

Thanks said though I am collecting the Durbar in matte and so far am enjoying it.

 

[kogu]

While in general I do prefer standing, marching, parading poses for the traditional glossy soldiers, there are a few exceptions, that show them in good looking animated/fighting poses.
A prime example of good "fighting" glossy soldiers is the Tradition Set "Danjou's Last Stand" of which the three main pieces are shown here.
Konrad

 

[VIRIATO]

Yes Konrad, these do look very nice, but still are relatively classic fighting poses. I meant casualties or fighting duos, the animation you can find with Britains Zulu War series in matte, this kind of thing to me looks better in matte than in gloss. I would compare the «full action scenes» from Britains Zulu War with the ones from Little Legion and I would prefer the matte version. The classic shooting, kneeling to repel, bayonet charge poses («moderate action») do probably look better in gloss, at least when it comes to these more colorful periods...

Paulo

 

[kogu]

You're right, Paulo,
if it comes to the real fighting scenes, especially the hand-to-hand combats, like shown in Britains AZW for example or in several Conte lines, they should be done in matte. Can't see them looking good in glossy.
Konrad

 

[glossman]

This is an interesting thread which I have been pondering over.

I am unable to decide what constitutes a "classic" versus a "fighting" pose. There is a significant grey area with overlap which varies with the individual collector.

Therefore, I have simplified it for myself according to time period. My Victorian Wars collection is in gloss and my WWII collection is in matte.

Raymond

 

[VIRIATO]

This is an interesting thread which I have been pondering over.

I am unable to decide what constitutes a "classic" versus a "fighting" pose. There is a significant grey area with overlap which varies with the individual collector.

Therefore, I have simplified it for myself according to time period. My Victorian Wars collection is in gloss and my WWII collection is in matte.

Raymond

Raymond, that's a fine idea, something that I probably need badly, simplification^&grin...

Paulo

P.S.
But have you seen those Britains AZW sets in matte?^&grin

 

[GICOP]

Hi Paulo
Excellent idea for a thread
I have many of the classic poses….. marching, standing or kneeling firing, at the ready and reloading but also several mini diorama sets, here are three Trophy “Hand 2 Hand” sets from their AZW series

This, yet to be released, Modelzone AZW exclusive appears very similar to the last Trophy set pictured above

I also collect WBrtains AZW series, but gloss figures are by far my favourite

Cheers

Martyn

 

[churchmouse1]

Martyn,

The Modelzone set seems awkward. The Welshman isn't putting enough force behind his thrust, and he can't from that stance. Of your examples, Trophy wins hands down (as it always does in my book ^&cool ).

Dave
doesn't poke Zulus for fun

 

[Louis Badolato]

For me its not action poses versus traditional poses. I divide glossy from matt by historical era. I like to see the colorful 19th Century Uniforms in glossy finish, while the 20th Century's more drab uniforms work better for me in matt. I think its purely a matter of personal taste.

 

[churchmouse1]

I guess I should also address this question. For me the quality of the action sculpts is more important than the finish. I find too many matte figures to have over-sized hands and heads, and cartoonish facial features. Glossy also provides for more leeway as far as willing suspension of disbelief is concerned. I will admit that more detailed sculpts should be painted matte, but I find very few of them to be good, IMHO.

Dave

 

[GICOP]

Martyn,

The Modelzone set seems awkward. The Welshman isn't putting enough force behind his thrust, and he can't from that stance. Of your examples, Trophy wins hands down (as it always does in my book ^&cool ).

Dave
doesn't poke Zulus for fun

Hi Dave

Good point (excuse the pun) ^&grin, although the Modelzone 24th figure may be withdrawing his bayonet rather than sticking it in {eek3}^&grin

Cheers

Martyn

 

[VIRIATO]

Well Martyn, the Trophy sets you've shown are really great, they make an excellent graphic point in favour of glossy action poses. Thanks for posting these photos.


Paulo

 

[VIRIATO]

I guess I should also address this question. For me the quality of the action sculpts is more important than the finish. I find too many matte figures to have over-sized hands and heads, and cartoonish facial features. Glossy also provides for more leeway as far as willing suspension of disbelief is concerned. I will admit that more detailed sculpts should be painted matte, but I find very few of them to be good, IMHO.

Dave

Dave, I have only seen Britains AZW on photo, but from that they look very well done. I've also seen some of Britains Napoleonic Coldstream Guards in matte,first hand, and they did look very nice. And if you go to First Legion, then IMHO most of their matte figures are really excellent... I like and thoroughly agree on your glossy leeway point, it's a fact IMO, it's probably easier to make a great glossy figure than a matte one, but in fact my favourite glossy figures (Imperial, John Firth painted figures, SOW, Britains Redcoats) don't use that leeway and compete with the best matte figures when it comes to detail and overall quality (again in my view).
Very personal thing, like Louis pointed out.

Paulo

 

[Dragoon]

I posted this image of some John Jenkins Highlanders a few months ago. They are mat finished figures I converted to glossy.
I see no problem with action packed gloss figures. :smile2:

 

[johnnybach]

I absolutely agree with you Ken - those Jacobites look absolutely wonderful in a glossy finish. I like glossies in any poses - and don't give a toss about it. I think they are wonderful - just as the Toy Soldiers of my childhood were.

I can appreciate that not everyone feels that way though - which is absolutely fine by me. I can appreciate the artwork in matte - same as the next person - but what I happen to LIKE best is Glossies - and the more colourful they are - the better I like 'em. johnnybach

 

[Bottlesoldier]

{sm4}I happen to agree with Johnnybach. The dio's I put up earlier are Glossys with the shading and highlighting for the realism, but I can't leave them without finishing them in gloss. It really all is a very personal thing. Thats why we all do it I suppose. A variety of views is always interesting too. Cheers, Johno.

 

[VIRIATO]

Dave, I have only seen Britains AZW on photo, but from that they look very well done. I've also seen some of Britains Napoleonic Coldstream Guards in matte,first hand, and they did look very nice. And if you go to First Legion, then IMHO most of their matte figures are really excellent... I like and thoroughly agree on your glossy leeway point, it's a fact IMO, it's probably easier to make a great glossy figure than a matte one, but in fact my favourite glossy figures (Imperial, John Firth painted figures, SOW, Britains Redcoats) don't use that leeway and compete with the best matte figures when it comes to detail and overall quality (again in my view).
Very personal thing, like Louis pointed out.

Paulo

I forgot to mention Tommy Atkins/Fusilier, which to me are a little forgotten at this forum, they make wonderful figures, especially the T. Atkins Jacobite Rebellion series. Tedtoy is also excellent.

Paulo

 

[VIRIATO]

I posted this image of some John Jenkins Highlanders a few months ago. They are mat finished figures I converted to glossy.
I see no problem with action packed gloss figures. :smile2:

I find it hard to explain it better, but these action poses (wonderful stuff!) still look classic to me, just a feeling (and better in gloss than the original matte version by the way:tongue. Non classic examples: someone jumping over a mealie bag and wounding the defender with an asegai (correct spelling?^&grin) or someone dead on the ground, poses I like better in matte. Someone? Get real dude, these are toy soldiers we're «talking» about...

Paulo