Naval figure set by Blue Ensign – Vanguard Models - 1:48 /1:64 scales

[Blue Ensign]

Vanguard Naval Figure set .

I have long wished for a seated figure to include with my  Navy board style builds that reveal interior detail thro’ the unplanked decking, altho’ I would use them even for a closed in deck, a little hidden secret of a model.

 

Thankfully Chris has come up with such a figure, and I have taken no time to have a play around with this resin figure set.

This is a pre-final production set.

The set I am looking at is the 1:48 scale version.

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The seated figure comes in two halves, and very careful removal of the supporting struts is required, it would be so easy to snip away part of the piece in error.

The table is a separate part, and I modified it slightly for my purpose.

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The moulded in map was sanded flush, and one of the square shapes that represents a closed book, I think, was removed.

For the woodwork I am using enamel paints rather than my usual acrylics.

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Here the table and chair have been primed using Humbrol Matt desert yellow 93.

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To complete the wood effect I used Revell satin wood brown 382 darkened with Humbrol matt scarlet.

For the items on the table, telescope, and inkwell/quill stand box, I used Vallejo acrylic paints.

For the open book, and sea chart, I found images on the net; these were reduced in size on a word doc and printed out.

 

I think a nicely printed out scale sea chart beats any moulded in feature.

 

The sitting figure

It made sense to me to paint the separate upper body part before attaching it to the lower body and chair.

The sitting figure seems to be of a Senior Captain (double epaulets) wearing a style of uniform around 1812.

It proved to be quite a challenge to pick out the detail and paint the uniform at this scale with its gold braid trimmings and brass buttons.

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As an aid I printed out A4 photos of the figures, and the artwork on which they were based.

Eight different colour shades of Vallejo acrylics were used to complete the figures.

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For those curious about such matters the chart covers the English Channel and western approaches.

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The very fine detail of these figures required many touch-ins, and I used interim macro shots to highlight deficiencies in my painting.

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1:48 scale figure

I tend to only satisfy the macro monster to the extent of 9” viewing distance thro’ reading glasses.

 

I moved directly onto detailing the 1:64 scale set which is somewhat more of a challenge.

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Here is a comparison of the two scales.

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The 1:64 scale figures have been added to the Great Cabin of Indefatigable. Fortunately, access thro’ the skylight made this retro fit possible.

The standing figure is spot on for scale, with the top of his head just below the deck beams.

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Whilst I was on a roll, I also completed the ‘Hornblower’ and ‘Pellew’ figures for scale comparison use on both Indy and Sphinx.

 

If you like a scale figure on your models these Vanguard offerings perfectly fit the bill, finely detailed and I particularly like the realistic pose of the sitting figure.

 

I think for a standalone tableau model I would opt for the 1:32 scale option which allows for more clear detailing. This is something I intend to pursue.

 

B.E.

21/08/2024

 

 

[aliluke]

Lovely work as always BE! These are a great addition to a model to give a sense of scale and very well rendered at such a tiny (1/64) size. I wonder what they are talking about....