1/76 Scale Arm of the Law

Airfix 'Marines' have now had their highlight and are awaiting proper basing.

In the meantime I thought I'd quickly post this chap, who's now complete apart from painting the base.

This is the greatcoated officer from the venerable Matchbox US Infantry set.  I thought I'd have a go at an MP for a change.  Can't guarantee it's authentic, I've probably got all kinds of uniform details wrong, and my freehand is nowhere near as steady as I'd like (or my clearing up of that mould line!), but I'm ridiculously pleased with the result anyway ;-)

Airfix US Marines WIP

Base colours and a GW Devlan Mud wash added.

Although Airfix describe them as Marines, these are really just generic US Infantry in light order (no packs, minimal equipment). There's nothing specifically 'Marine' about them (helmet covers, trousers worn over the boots etc) so I've painted the first batch up as such to add a bit more variety to my existing US forces.  A later batch might get painted up as marines to give me an excuse to hunt out those Airfix Japanese I'm sure are stashed somewhere in the attic!

Nice models overall.  Not too much flash (a few still on the sprue will need a bit of a clean up though). Sculpting is nice; decent detail and some great poses.  The two grenade throwers in particular are some of the best I've seen, really looking like they're in the thick of it.

As the first pic shows as well, there's quite a difference in scale between some of the sculpts (the larger ones being based on the Airfix 1/32 US Infantry), but once they're mixed with the other Caesar and Matchbox stuff it shouldn't be too noticeable.

I've also rediscovered, and made a start on, another of my old matchbox minis.

I have an idea for this one...

Think I've found it...

My Mojo that is.

As my rare postings show, I've not really been getting much painting done recently (let alone any gaming).  I just don't seem to have been able to get in the right frame of mind, to the point where I've been nervous about picking up a brush in case I've forgotten how to use it!  Whether it's down to work (which has been manic), a nasty bug I picked up before Christmas (which I can't seem to shake) or a combination of factors I don't know.

Rescue came in the unlikely form of the opening of a new Hobbycraft store in town.  I popped in largely out of curiosity and, wouldn't you know it, came out with some new stuff to add to the plastic pile, and a desire to get painting again. So newly added to the painting list are some Airfix US marines, and Bedford trucks.

Typically of course, I didn't start with my new purchases, but something I'd started a while back.  I started on this before Christmas, but wasn't happy with the camo, which was just too busy.  Much happier with the repaint!

I have to say, Hasslefree produce some excellent minis!