Wednesday, January 1, 2014

(Prelude) Max Wünsche, 12th SS Panzer Regiment, Western Front, 1944, Young Miniatures

The first project of 2014 is a "bust" of Max Wünsche, Sturmbannfuher of the 12th SS Panzer Regiment.

This is a rather large figure as it consists of the subject inside the cupola of a Panther. It's evident that the inspiration for this figure was drawn from the photo of Max in his Panther, which was most likely taken post Normandy.


Atypical of a bust, the body of the subject goes beyond the chest. This presents a great opportunity to work on the M1929 Telo Mimetico camouflage pattern or commonly known as the "Italian Camouflage".  For this project, I am attempting to paint the actual camouflage pattern on Max's jacket and the following photographs will be useful references.


Photographs are crucial when it comes to scale modelling. Not only does it provide excellent reference material on the subject itself, it also sheds light on the setting or mood when the photograph was taken. One can also learn some bits of history and draw ideas from such photos. 

In the third picture, Max while wounded*, is conferring with Kurt Meyer and Fritz Witt. The situation looks desperate as suggested by the body language of both commanders who are both deep in thought.

* The head wound was a result of splinters from an exploding grenade that hit the front plate of a Panther. Max was lucky to survive the incident with a concussion while another 2 panzer crew were not as fortunate.





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