WWI TA Postman (1 Viewer)

[blaster]

I was really intrigued by this picture and decided to model a piece after it. The massive postbag is really interesting. The whole point would be to select two puttee legs and a suitable head and then sculpt a baggy greatcoat over the whole piece. I decided to use a copper sheet to represent the lower part of the greatcoat.

Basically, the whole sculpting process has so far taken just a couple of days.

Rgds Victor

 

[blaster]

More pics


Some putty was rolled around the waist and the copper sheet was pressed onto this. When hardened, more putty was added to smooth over the drapery. Some putty was used to create the postbag which was pressed against the figure.
The copper sheet creates a nice overhang which the underside picture shows clearly.



A back view of the same figure.



More detail is added, including finalising the postbag.

 

[blaster]

I added the hands to this figure. These will be modified to hold some letters and mail.

The picture that I am using as a reference states that the person is in the Duke of Wellingtons Regt (West Riding), 1/4 Btn, 49th Div, Territorial Army.

Battalions of the Territorial Force

1/4th Battalion
August 1914 : in Halifax. Part of 2nd West Riding Brigade, West Riding Division. Moved on mobilisation to coastal defences near Hull and Grimsby. Moved on 5 November 1914 to billets in Doncaster.
14 April 1915 : landed at Boulogne.
15 May 1915 : formation became 147th Brigade in 49th (West Riding) Division

I am now looking for all sorts of suitable insignia and badges to add colour to the drab overcoat, which only has the corporal stripes. I presumably can add the 49th Div white rose of York badge to the back of the overcoat or on the sleeves? Will have to check whether it is appropriate to add a VC to his chest. I am thinking of a previously wounded soldier, now serving behind the front lines etc.

 

[blaster]

I did a lot reading. The 49th Div White Rose insignia was probably not used on clothing. Furthermore, the OR Greatcoats were generally left behind in the rest area and were not usually festooned with insignia, except for chevrons and shoulder metal clasps. VCs are probably quite selectively given out and usually to a named individual.

The figure sculpting is generally completed. Although not obvious, I smeared some putty to the inside of the greatcoat and flattened the putty, thus thickening the copper sheet to represent a thick material. I added details such as the chevrons, shoulder strap and "letters" made from copper sheets. The hands were sculpted holding the letters.

I will add the back fastener to the greatcoat as well as a couple of buckles to the postbag. The pics are a little distorted at these close ranges.

Rgds Victor

 

[blaster]

Following an undercoat of khaki enamel, any defects were rectified. I trimmed down the right sleeve. Additional details included back shoulder pads and the three button back fastener. I am not adding any buckles to the mailbag as it is a different model to the one featured on this WW1 British Army mail website.

http://www.worldwar1postcards.com/soldiers-mail.php

 

[Hazebrouck]

Victor,

Divisional insignia was worn later in the war, as you said on the shoulders of tunics rather than greatcoats. Occasionally they were painted onto Brodie helmets as well.

Regarding the Victoria Cross. A soldier awarded it would likely wear the bar in the field and upon his tunic, not great coat.

I guess that leaves only his cap badge and buttons for decoration

Looking good though.

Scott

 

[blaster]

Hi Scott,

Thanks for your inputs. Specifically for the 49th Div, it appears that their insignia was never recorded as having been worn on clothing (Osprey Territorial Insignia). I was toying with the idea of putting a coloured "T" battalion cloth insignia on both upper arm sleeves but then dropped it as well.

I've cleaned up this piece further and will be painting it soon but haven't decided on either a home depot or Western Front setting.


Rgds

Victor

 

[johnnybach]

Hi Scott,

Thanks for your inputs. Specifically for the 49th Div, it appears that their insignia was never recorded as having been worn on clothing (Osprey Territorial Insignia). I was toying with the idea of putting a coloured "T" battalion cloth insignia on both upper arm sleeves but then dropped it as well.

I've cleaned up this piece further and will be painting it soon but haven't decided on either a home depot or Western Front setting.


Rgds

Victor

Looking really good so far Vic. I think you are correct to avoid too much embelishment of his greatcoat. I also doubt that a VC holder would have been given such an "ordinary" job as this. And he would never wear medals or patches on such a coat anyway - at least - in the British Army. Other countries did - but not GB.

 

[blaster]

Hello JB,

Thanks for your inputs. Sagacious as always, must be an age thing...

I attach more pics of the figure being painted with dark umber and, later, with more yellow ochre and with details added. I even wrote addresses to the letters ,,,

Now preparing a suitable base for this figure. As he is wearing a greatcoat and I've given him gloves, it will be a cold scene.

Rgds Victor

 

[blaster]

More pics

 

[theBaron]

Excellent figure-bash, Vic! And great job on the research you put into him. The copper sheet was a perfect idea for the greatcoat skirts, they give the piece the right look in scale, as opposed to building them out of putty.

Excellent piece, well done!

Prost!
Brad

 

[blaster]

Hi Brad,

Thanks for your very generous comments. Metal sheets are more durable than rolled-out putty, that's another advantage.

I am thinking of placing this figure on the home front, maybe a wintry scene. I am still selecting suitable bases to do the groundwork.

Rgds Victor

 

[blaster]

Here's a pic of the proposed base - a small street scene. I laid the bricks singly with white glue, on an undulating surface.

 

[blaster]

A low brick wall was laid and a cutdown Historex pillar was added to the scene.

 

[blaster]

I added a round finial to the top of the post. I inserted a pin at the joint for strength. I also pinned the iron grille fence to the post.

 

[blaster]

Just received a nice large pkg of wooden bases from Germany. I decided to use one of these to substitute for the Historex railing base which in itself is being modified for the Cheshire piece. Confused? I like to mess with your minds....

A fancy brass nameplate was glued to the wooden base. Simple groundwork was built up and a small wooden fence and driftwood was attached.

 

[blaster]

I continued to build up the groundwork with mud effects and foliage. Then I added snow to the scene. Finally I fixed the figure to the base.

 

[wayne556517]

Very good mate :salute::

 

[blaster]

Thanks Wayne.

I dusted some snow around the legs and lower part of the figure. I created some footprints in the snow. The figure had some minor repaints. Finished!

 

[blaster]

Compare the coat skirts made out of sheet metal on this figure with my negro musician which was finished before this piece. The post bag is the most interesting feature of this piece.