CSM RNAS pilot

[gedmundson]

As part of a project with a Wingnut Wings RNAS Sopwith Pup I just started, I have a CSM figure which would go with it. I was looking into the life vest the figure is wearing, and can find no references to what I'm seeing sculpted, although it's close.

Finding photos of an original on an Internet search, and also an illustration, it seems the large cylindrical tube on his left side may be a gas cylinder used for inflation. But the original in the photo has the cylinder mounted with the valve on the bottom, and the top tapers down to the edge of the vest. Perhaps there were variations?

Cheers!

If anyone can shed any more info that would be great. My guess right now would be to taper off the top of that cylinder and contour the sides as per the photo of the original vest.


CSM figure with life vest (and large cylinder on his left breast)


Illustration showing cylinder on pilot's right side


original vest from a Internet sale showing inflation cylinder on vest's left side and valve at the bottom

[Edgar]

https://www.germanmilitaria.com/OtherNations/photos/C013086.html

[gedmundson]

Thanks to Edgar for sending the link to another reference.

It seems that there were variations on this "Auliff Life Vest" with the mouth-tube or inflation air cylinder being mounted on left or right (unless some of the photos I've been looking at are reversed).

[gedmundson]

I've made a little progress on my figure today by modifying his life vest and adding some paint.

The figure was pre-shaded with Tamiya's XF-1 Flat Black (except for the head), aiming the airbrush from the bottom. Then I gave a light spray of XF-57 Buff from the top to give some colour to the flight suit. I started to paint the face with some Vallejo acrylics, too. The rest of the painting will be carried out by brush painting with the Vallejo acrylics for details to the figure, and textures to the different areas.
Cheers!

[Radarman]

Looking good. The expression on the pilots face says, "My TDY at Cold Lake has been extended another month!".

                                                                                                     Happy Modeling,
                                                                                                      Kevin

[gedmundson]

Looking good. The expression on the pilots face says, "My TDY at Cold Lake has been extended another month!".

                                                                                                     Happy Modeling,
                                                                                                      Kevin

Thanks Kevin - yes...right now it's very cold in Cold Lake (we're just south of there and it was -32C this morning)

I've made more progress on my figure and decided to paint his vest a light tan/pink colour as per the surviving examples. I know they are over 100 years old, but the yellowish look wasn't going to work for me on my figure.
Cheers!

[lcarroll]

    Wonderful work on the figure Gary as always, looking forward to the rest of the detailing and your "Humanizing" of this one.
    Yes, it's a bit chilly in Cold Lake these days, it was minus 37 Degrees Celsius at 0800 this morning, in a word nasty! I can personally attest to still not missing  the joys of strapping your posterior into a jet here in those conditions as I did for many winters ........ I'd love to jump into a time machine and return to those wonderful years but in June or perhaps July Thanks! Kevin, Your RNAS Hero should have delayed his TDY for a day or 100, it's not bad here for our annual 25-30 day Summer Season!
Cheers,
Lance

[gedmundson]

Thanks Lance - I was thinking of you when things were frosty earlier last month! And I see there's going to be an IPMS Edmonton show in May so perhaps we can link up during that (should be warmer then

Since my build on the Pup is progressing I'm going to call this chilly chap done. He would look great standing next to a Felixstowe, too - but I'll save that build for another time 

Cheers,
Gary

[NigelR]

He's looking very good, a great complement to the in-progress Pup.

[RAGIII]

Yet another Stunning figure! Lovely!!
RAGIII

[Borsos]

Great paintjob on this figure!