Hi All,

Finally kick started my Merkeka GB. Its a small dio based loosely on the Senoi Praaq, a secretive elite unit formed during the Emergency to combat CT and beat them in their own element, the jungle. Little is known about this unit although there is a book written about them and apparently Chin Peng was quoted as they were the only unit his men truly feared. The were made up of men from several Orang Asli tribes.

Enough history and onto the figures. I plan to use 4 man SAS patrol being guided by a Orang Asli tracker. The scene will feature a small stream crossing and a part of a slope. Originally in the interest of time I figured I'd just convert a figure for the Orang Asli but looking at it the work required I will have to sculpt it instead. As such work has not commenced yet on the Orang Asli.

Below are the 4 man SAS patrol. From the left to right the 1st and 3rd fig were converted from Dragon's Fallschirmjager Sicily set. The 2nd fig minus a head (Hornet head will be used) started life as a Dragon ARVN ranger and the 4th was from Dragon NVA Sapper set. I had to modify almost all the arm positions to allow them to carry weapons that were different from what they were supposed to carry. A small right leg pocket had to be added and a large left leg pouch for the other non-Fallschirmjager figs.


Paintwork is a bit too glossy at this point due to poor mixing of the paints. Nothing a Matt coat wouldn't solve.

Boonie hat, belt buckle and strap buckles are all from Bondite epoxy putty as was the trousers end. Straps were from paper tape. Still have to put in the metal buckle attachments at the front above the pouches. This chap with a 1908 design knapsack (I'm assuming some of this were still around at that time) will be sporting a Remington shotgun.


This chap is the rear man and will be crossing the stream so I didn't bother with covering his boots which will not be seen. He has the 1937 webbing pattern and knapsack and will be having a Sten.


The officer on the left has a 1944 pattern knapsack which was actually used in Malaya but not favored. Bedrolls were from 2 ply tissue paper that was varnished. Knapsacks were from Verlinden although the officer knapsack was modified to include the side pouches.


Here's a photo of the "wet" lower pants painted in to simulate the stream crossing. I've added very preliminary shadows at the point where the lower half of the body meets the waist belt.


More shadows and highlights will be added next. I will hopefully start on the Orang Asli scout too with a bit of luck.

Thanks for viewing. All comments appreciated.

This will be fun...

Fun indeed!

Waaaay cool on the beheaded guy. Even got his boonie on a stick - kinda like a warning to the other members of his squad who's da boss around them there part of the woods. :lol:

Keep it coming. :D

I like that.

CK...

Finally, you get yourself started on this, this is a very interesting project, looking forward to see more figure conversion and the jungle setting later...

looks very nice indeed

the senoi praaq are an elitie group you are doing them proud

rgds
mr b

:D :D

very nice ... waiting to see more of this... :D

kuman

Many thanks for the great support guys.

I'll definitely try to give the leader of the SAS a head the next time. May have to look for one in the rumah panjang. :) Working on the shadows and highlights now and its a bit of a challenge trying to differentiate all the various shades of green from the webbing which has to be different from the knapsack, pouches which will then have to be different from the green boots,....etc. and giving them different shadows and highlights too :D

I reckon by the time I done and put them in the Green jungle they may just be invisible. :)

Hi Guys,

Managed to get some progress on the SAS figures and the hero, regular Joe Orang Asli.

Here's some pics with the initial highlights/shadows for the figs and equipment.



More shadows/highlights done with the flesh color painted in. To start off here's the officer that didn't have a head earlier (hair not painted in yet as well as eyes and 5 o'clock shadow). The base of his neck needs some epoxy to cover the joint.



These guys look a bit pucat due to the flash (need to do eyes, a bit more blending and 5 o'clock shadows).


The early beginnings of Joe Senoi/Temiar/Negrito:



Next to the officer for comparison. I may have made old Joe Senoi a wee bit too tall I think.


All comments appreciated.

Oooooo...

My mouth is foaming right now...

Sarge

BTW, used to have those knapsack as school bag during secondary school time. Wonder where it went!!

CK,

A great start there. Do get a lot of picture on the progress builds of the orang asli. I think this dio will look great.

It is too early to tell whether Joe Asli is to tall. Looking forward on the progress!

Many thanks Bud, Druid and Xamel for the support. Helps a lot to keep my lazy behind moving on this project. :) Yeah Bud, I remember those knapsacks during school with lots of fiddly diddly straps all around. Its amazing how the British stuffed anything at all into those tiny bags.

I'm still not to happy with the height of Joe Asli, Xamel. From the wire frame photo I've made him 6 heads high which I thought should be short enough versus the the SAS men which vary between 7 to 7.5 head height. This was based on a 54mm chart (1/32) as opposed to a 1/35 which I didn't have.

You are right in that its still a bit early to tell but I may shorten his upper torso a wee bit. I'm going to have to be very careful to make sure his overall frame stays small and muscular without being bulky just like the real orang Asli.

Thanks guys for checking it out.

I would suggest that you use some modelling clay or plasticine to make a mock-up of Joe on the wireframe. Maybe this will help you see the overall build.

You're right about the frame of org asli bring small and muscular. So far I've never seen a fat and bulky org asli.

From the scale calculator, your 1/32 figure which is in 54mm in height comes to about 5.66 feet for a real person. In 1/35 scale, the height should be 49mm. If you were to make the Joe Asli shorter, like around 5.5 feet, he should be around 48mm or 5.3 feet at about 46mm in 1/35 scale.

By the way, I'm amazed on the scratchbuild hat. Looks really good. Do show us how you are going to tackle the Joe Asli scratchbuild. I think a lot of us can learn from it.

Just a suggestion though, you can refer the movie "Seniman Bujang Lapok" and look at S. Shamsuddin's body. I think his figure can be a very good reference. :D

Keep up the excellent work. :D

Beachbum,

Perhaps if you can refer to few old magazines - tempur or perajurit on the issue of Senoi Praq team. If I'm not mistaken, there was an article over the team couple years back with good photo ref. Another good ref is the Komando 69 team (PPH).

Was Kanag Anak Langkau (PGB - Pingat Gagah Berani- The Highest Federal Decoration) among the famous Senoi Praq recon team? I think so...

Sarge

Xamel using plasticine to make sure I don't bulk up too much is an excellent idea. Don't want this one ending up looking like Frankenstein's creation or worse still like the misshapen Gargoyle in my previous sculpt. :D

Druid I had the same vision in my mind when I was thinking of Joe Asli, Shamsuddin's body with his guitar string ribcage and all. :D :lol: Actually on my 54 mm template had I used all 8 heads height I would have ended up with a 6-ft plus person. I scaled my wireframe to around 6 heads to give it the measurement you calculated around 5ft 5in.

That's the funny thing about how our eyes perceived scale especially at the smaller scales. I read in another thread on scale that what may be right when measured on paper may not look right to the human eyeball. Strange isn't it. Maybe that's why Joe Asli appears a bit too tall for me.

Bud that's a good idea. Problem is apparently the Senoi Praaq are so secretive I've only come across one book on it. Pity the book cost a bomb.

The real shocker for me was when I came across a story on the internet how their first CO, who was a orang putih converted to Islam, and was the Director of Orang Asli affairs then had passed away only a couple of years ago. Apparently he was in the KL area too if I remember the article. Pity another piece of our history gone. I'm sure it would have been an honor and a treat if I had a chance to meet the man.

I've also read the Senoi Praaq back then reported only to the PM and the Home Ministry. Interesting for a para-military organization. I think your right about the award.

Thanks for the info Bud. I'll check out VAT 69's webpage.

bud,

i think WO 1 Kanang anak Langkau is from rangers not senoi prag.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanang_anak_Langkau

Yes,

You're right bro. Thanks for correcting me. Rangers, yeap, Pasukan Peninjau. I do remember sometimes ago RTM did a TV programme of all PGB receipients. Kanang was there telling his "gruesome" stories. Only a few PGB's still alive and one of them is Dato' Rahim of Airod. He was flying the Nuri in one of the supply operations when his helo was shot by bandits. He made the drop thru and went home to with 200 over bullet holes!! Few missed him into the pit and there were marks on his armour seats just by an inch!!

A great book for ref will be "Malaya Insurgency "at MPH. RM200 over though...

Sarge.

Beachbum,

If you want further stories and reference, you can speak to Sager Ahmad (aka Col Rod Maktab 13) or Shahrome (aka Om Maktab 12) at MHG. Col Rod 013 372 5170, Om 013 333 2112. These two people and among few of us compiled a lot of Insurgency materials and photos. Another fella is Kapt Goh Keng Loon, F18D driver at 18th sqdn Butterworth airbase.

They have done a lot of venue recce to almost all downed Commonweath, Japs and our plane in Malaysia during this period.

Sarge.

Mucho thanks for the valuable links Sarge. Its about time they promoted you to at least a 3-star General with all the assist. :)

Meanwhile between now and the Joe Asli's construction I will continue to compile what I can.

He he heeee...

Prefer to be the Sarge...anytime bro if I can be at help.

Sarge.

Bum,


Found this photo, An Iban tracker...

Many thanks Thomas. If this was Iban then its likely during the Borneo confrontation in the 1960s which then makes the soldier most likely SAS or SBS although with the rank displayed he may just be regular forces. Hmm...he has the Sten with a wooden stock. I'll be using a Sten with a metal stock.

Still its very useful photo coz first I had intended to sculpt Joe Asli topless although I've never come across actual photos of Orang Asli or Senoi Praaq's "uniform" while leading the SAS during the Emergency. So although this is from a slightly different time/place I will use this as an excuse to keep my Joe Asli topless. Second I still need to scratchbuild parangs for my Joe Asli and the SAS so this pic shows clearly a native parang although there may be some variations depending on the tribe.

here comes some pics....











enjoy...

wah.. coming along nicely.. which one is the orang asli, and any plan for the Orang Asli to have darker skin tone?

anyway some more photos I found for your dio setting....

Many thanks Thomas for the photos. In fact I will be doing something similar to the second photo you posted as there will be a stream crossing involved, thus everyone having the bottom part of their pants darker. I didn't post my sketch of the groundwork as I've not started it yet.

Actually Joe Asli can be seen at the bottom of Page 1 of this post. Right now he hasn't eaten for months so he mostly just a wire frame. :)

Appreciate the assist on the photos my friend.

Hi Guys,

Just some progress pics. Spent whatever time I had last week putting in the eyes, mouth, 5 o'clock shadows, blending on the figs, bulking up of Joe Asli and started on his head, the SAS weapons.

Left to do is the additional ammo pouches, strap buckles, the darkest shadow for the uniforms, 4 sets of Orang Asli parangs for the SAS. For Joe Asli is bulking up, muscle definition, short pants, one parang, blowpipe and bamboo ammo pouch.

Here's Joe Asli bulked up close to his final proportions. I've started on his body and upper legs first so that I can hold on to the arms or lower legs while bulking up and also sand these down easily. Head is too big and needs a lot of sanding down and some buildup of the head and hair.



Worked on the guns. Base color was Citadel Bolt gun metal mixed with Tamiya German Grey and Black. Highlighted with Citadel Bolt gun metal and 2B graphite pencil. Did some wood grain on the stocks. Barrels drilled out.


Here are the SAS with their respective weapons. As you can see boots not given black rubber soles, highlights and shadows.







All comments appreciated.

Hi Guys,

Just an quick update. I've started working on the groundwork while still sculpting Joe Asli. Since my last work in the post above this one, Joe Asli has had some work done to define the face.

As usual the dio begins with sketches and dimensions determined. The terrain was somewhat problematic as I would be placing the high ground to the front which would partially block the view of some of the figs but after several rearrangement this was the only feasible option if I wanted to continue my original storyline.

Here I've use one of my favorite bases, a cheap frame from Ikea. Used the glass as the base and built up with styrofoam. First pic shows the underside not the top.




A rough placement of figures to make sure the contours and space are right.


The river portion is sealed with foil. I've made rough cuts on the slope to allow more grip for the plaster. You can barely make out 2 indents in the river bed to sink the feet of the upright fig crossing the river.


Haagen Daas Time! Yummy.



3 different soil color was used to give the cutaway soil profile depth and contrast similar to an actual soil cutaway like in the highways. Erosion channels added. I decided not to black it out as a border.



Exposed roots were added for further realism. Mud at river bank was from a very fine powdered rock. You can barely make out some foot prints in the center.



By using different "leaves" sources I can vary how a same twig material will look. The twig is a dried flower stalk but the first 3 from the left got black tea leaves, the center 2 got oregano and the 2 on the right green tea leaves. Its the texture of the leaf material used that gives it variation.

Thanks for viewing.

The seventh picture looks like a hevily covered chocolate cake... yummy... (running to Secret Recipe in the other building to get a slice... :lol: )

Managed to get a good look at the build-up terrain during the workshop yesterday and it looks as though CK uses Doraemon's "Lampu Mengecil" to shrink the river banks for his diorama. Excellent work there CK.

Got a few tips as well... Thanks...

Just a few words on the Senoi Praaq today.

I recall reading in www.army.mil, the U.S. Army website a few years ago, an article about some of these guys being sent to the US (Alaska) to help train US Army rangers in trekking skills.

Seems it is an annual affair, and not something that is one off.

Malysia Boleh!

Jason

lovely work mr bb

this is creativity and modelling at its best or at least to me it is .........


rgds
mr b

Thanks for the support Imran, Jason and Brian. Much appreciated.

Yeah Imran I really wish I had Doraemon's Lampu Mengecil then besides shrinking stuff for my dios I can shrink a few reckless and inconsiderate drivers on the road and possibly my boss. :lol:

Planting of trees and vegetation begins. Using my Lampu Mengecil as Druid mentioned I shrunk several of the HM's plants and my neighbour's as well. :)

Actually what you see below is real vegetation except for the black & green tea leaves and oregano I used for the trees. Majority are moss I preserved using approx. 1:5 mix of glycerin:water. Using a shallow tray I placed the glycerin-water mix to about 2-3mm thickness and just placed the moss with as much of the soil/debris removed on top. Waited for about 3-4 days for the moss to suck up enough of the mix as indicated by very little mix remaining in the tray. Had to top up a bit of the mix around the 2nd. day. Waited another 2 days for it to dry over a piece of paper towel to observe shrinkage. A bit of shrinkage is expected but if too much then your plant material/moss has not absorbed enough glycerin.

I've found for jungle dios a bit of planning is required. Progressive addition of vegetation to ensure your figs don't get completely covered is important.
1. Best to place but not stick down your figures/vehicles on the groundwork.
2. Add the low ground vegetation first but not all.
3. Add some of the mid size trees/shrubs
4. Add debris/fallen leaves & logs/exposed roots
5. Add the tallest trees last.
6. Its advisable not to leave everything one shade of green otherwise your jungle will have no contrast. Different green shades for different plants, brown and yellows for drying/dead leaves will add more realism.








Thanks for viewing.

ITS ALIVE!...........
Superb 3 dimensional view all round CK. Not easy to capture but I think you may have just nailed it....
Pic 4 said it all for me with the 'jungle' really making the soldiers so insignificant. Don't mind me rambling, it's earth day.....

Simply beautiful. You have made it possible to view from all angles without any visual losses. Well done!

Now, can I borrow your shrinking ray gun, please? :P

Well done my friend... looking forward for more update from you..

Last time I saw this dio, it was a barren land. Now with trees and vegetation, it looks more and more interesting.

Still waiting to see Joe Asli.

Many thanks for the encouragement Guys. Much appreciated.

Poohbear I'll loan you my Doraemon Lampu Mengecil after I'm done shrinking my boss and those idiots on the road who keep cutting lanes. :)

Xamel hopefully I'll get to work on poor neglected Joe Asli this week in addition to starting on the stream at the back of the dio.

Loo I'm not entirely satisfied with the layout but this is the best compromise if I'm to maintain my original storyline. I have to make it interesting enough so that hopefully viewers will be inclined to look behind the dio to pick out the other details and the poor Bren Gunner who is almost swamped in vegetation.

Thanks all.