Title: Latorre Saxon Warrior
Description: In-box Review
Description: In-box Review
beachbum - July 3, 2006 02:50 AM (GMT)
Hi All,
Following the earlier ‘A Peek’ look at this Latorre kit, its time to have a look inside instead and to see whether the kit meets the expectations created by the impressive photo on the box.
Introduction
As mentioned in the ‘Peek’ review, the Saxons or Anglo-Saxons were of Germanic origin which invaded and eventually ousted the local population of British Celts in England between the 5th century and early 6th century. This was also a time of change and turmoil for ancient England as the Roman Empire was consolidating throughout their realm. Strangely enough the Saxons first arrived in England as mercenaries for the British sub-Roman government. They eventually revolted when the Government failed to supply them. They eventually conquered much of the lowlands and expanded to the north as well as south England.
Weapons included both throwing and thrusting spears, the valued sword, throwing axes (‘Francisca’) and wielding axes with a lesser preference for bows. Irrespective of their main weapon, all warriors carried a single edged knife known as a scramsea. Armor was either leather or mail with the latter reported to be fairly common.
The Set
Latorre Models is a Spanish producer of very high quality figures and its founder and sculptor, Raul Latorre, in my personal opinion sculpts some of the best proportioned figures available today. This 54 mm. set comes in a basic box with the 5 white metal parts and a simple base packed safely between 2 foam sponges. The boxart as seen below shows the figure with 2 axes over a frozen lake.
However, as can be seen below in the overall view of the parts, there is an option for the modeler to have a shield and an axe instead of holding 2 axes. Having the 2 axes instead will give the modeler the bonus of having a shield to be used elsewhere or in a diorama base. The body, head and arms is molded as a single piece which is not a problem as the excellent detail is retained. Flash was present and although manageable I have found by comparison to be higher here versus my Mongol warrior from Elite Miniatures and my St. John knight from Pegaso. I cannot say if it’s common to all Latorre kits as this is my first kit.
Molding on the fingers, which are not visible once the figure is assembled given that they point downwards, is slightly off at the seam line due largely to the production process rather than the sculpt itself. A little putty and sanding should set it right. As can be seen in the next photo below despite the lack of the typical mail armor accompanying most ancient/mediaeval figures which we have grown used to, the sculpting of the face, leather armor and belt is superb.
The back view is just as well sculpted with almost every strand of his long hair brought out in fine detail. The texture of his leather skin armor is well rendered.
A brief 1-page painting instruction sheet was supplied but without any background history of the figure. The imposing pose, attitude and the ‘no-nonsense’ look of the figure especially when wielding both axes creates numerous after action vignette possibilities. I really like the simple pose but then again I’m also biased towards Dirty Harry movies.
Comments/Recommendations
I have to be biased and say I really like this figure despite the lack of normal metal armor we normally come to expect of such period figures. Raul Latorre figures remain some of the best proportioned sculpts I’ve seen to-date and level of detail is just fantastic irrespective of the subject. For the same price as a similarly scaled figure from Elite Miniatures it’s definitely a worthy investment.
Lastly, for me the figure has many possibilities than merely representing a period Saxon. In fact according to Latorre webpage the figure was sculpted more along the line of a fantasy figure than merely a Saxon and that is how he will be eventually represented for me.
All comments most welcomed.
Following the earlier ‘A Peek’ look at this Latorre kit, its time to have a look inside instead and to see whether the kit meets the expectations created by the impressive photo on the box.
Introduction
As mentioned in the ‘Peek’ review, the Saxons or Anglo-Saxons were of Germanic origin which invaded and eventually ousted the local population of British Celts in England between the 5th century and early 6th century. This was also a time of change and turmoil for ancient England as the Roman Empire was consolidating throughout their realm. Strangely enough the Saxons first arrived in England as mercenaries for the British sub-Roman government. They eventually revolted when the Government failed to supply them. They eventually conquered much of the lowlands and expanded to the north as well as south England.
Weapons included both throwing and thrusting spears, the valued sword, throwing axes (‘Francisca’) and wielding axes with a lesser preference for bows. Irrespective of their main weapon, all warriors carried a single edged knife known as a scramsea. Armor was either leather or mail with the latter reported to be fairly common.
The Set
Latorre Models is a Spanish producer of very high quality figures and its founder and sculptor, Raul Latorre, in my personal opinion sculpts some of the best proportioned figures available today. This 54 mm. set comes in a basic box with the 5 white metal parts and a simple base packed safely between 2 foam sponges. The boxart as seen below shows the figure with 2 axes over a frozen lake.
However, as can be seen below in the overall view of the parts, there is an option for the modeler to have a shield and an axe instead of holding 2 axes. Having the 2 axes instead will give the modeler the bonus of having a shield to be used elsewhere or in a diorama base. The body, head and arms is molded as a single piece which is not a problem as the excellent detail is retained. Flash was present and although manageable I have found by comparison to be higher here versus my Mongol warrior from Elite Miniatures and my St. John knight from Pegaso. I cannot say if it’s common to all Latorre kits as this is my first kit.
Molding on the fingers, which are not visible once the figure is assembled given that they point downwards, is slightly off at the seam line due largely to the production process rather than the sculpt itself. A little putty and sanding should set it right. As can be seen in the next photo below despite the lack of the typical mail armor accompanying most ancient/mediaeval figures which we have grown used to, the sculpting of the face, leather armor and belt is superb.
The back view is just as well sculpted with almost every strand of his long hair brought out in fine detail. The texture of his leather skin armor is well rendered.
A brief 1-page painting instruction sheet was supplied but without any background history of the figure. The imposing pose, attitude and the ‘no-nonsense’ look of the figure especially when wielding both axes creates numerous after action vignette possibilities. I really like the simple pose but then again I’m also biased towards Dirty Harry movies.
Comments/Recommendations
I have to be biased and say I really like this figure despite the lack of normal metal armor we normally come to expect of such period figures. Raul Latorre figures remain some of the best proportioned sculpts I’ve seen to-date and level of detail is just fantastic irrespective of the subject. For the same price as a similarly scaled figure from Elite Miniatures it’s definitely a worthy investment.
Lastly, for me the figure has many possibilities than merely representing a period Saxon. In fact according to Latorre webpage the figure was sculpted more along the line of a fantasy figure than merely a Saxon and that is how he will be eventually represented for me.
All comments most welcomed.
koowilliams - July 3, 2006 03:25 AM (GMT)
CK, are those flash lines...??
coz refering to your reviews and news... im trying to see which one is the best among Elite, Pegasso and Latore... at the moment... the elite-mongol warrior sure looks no-1 in quality(but mongol face has never look heroic)... now waiting to see if Sumothay quality is better... have to see it inperson only know...
beachbum - July 3, 2006 03:39 AM (GMT)
Yes, Koowilliams those are some of the flash I mentioned about due to the production.
As for comparing all 3 white metal kits I've reviewed, its generally difficult as they are 3 different subject matter and a lot of it depends on the preference of the person looking at it, price and detail aside. What I've tried to show is the uniqueness of each kit by itself rather than comparing them although I've made some reference to prices.
Value for your money depends on the beholder just like beauty. A resin train maybe beautiful to a modeler and worth every cent of the odd RM 400-500++ while to an Sci-Fi guy its just....well a train. ;)
As for comparing all 3 white metal kits I've reviewed, its generally difficult as they are 3 different subject matter and a lot of it depends on the preference of the person looking at it, price and detail aside. What I've tried to show is the uniqueness of each kit by itself rather than comparing them although I've made some reference to prices.
Value for your money depends on the beholder just like beauty. A resin train maybe beautiful to a modeler and worth every cent of the odd RM 400-500++ while to an Sci-Fi guy its just....well a train. ;)
Becky - September 22, 2006 02:35 AM (GMT)
Wow, its make of metal. So, beachbum how u remove those flash line? Sandpaper? Its will take a long time?
Long time dint active in this forums already, so i missed out this thread. Sorry :P
Long time dint active in this forums already, so i missed out this thread. Sorry :P
beachbum - September 22, 2006 02:43 AM (GMT)
| QUOTE (Becky @ Sep 22 2006, 10:35 AM) |
| Wow, its make of metal. So, beachbum how u remove those flash line? Sandpaper? Its will take a long time? Long time dint active in this forums already, so i missed out this thread. Sorry :P |
Its nice to have you back Becky. I hope all is well with you.
Removing flash from white metal is done with a sharp blade just like for plastic. Sandpaper can be used as well for the smaller flash lines too. The white metal is quite soft so its quite easy to remove it provided there isn't too much.
Its only a bit harder than tin as it is an alloy. That's why the detail in most cases in better than resin and much, much better than styrene/plastic. Just look at the detail of the Saxon hair and fur vest. This figure is only slightly bigger than the normal 1/35 figure. Of course the price is also much, much higher. :D
Becky - September 22, 2006 03:24 AM (GMT)
If i not mistaken, u guys is going to organise a workshop on white metal figure right? Where can i get the details? I can't seem to search it on this forum's assistance ;) . Thanks beachbum for your time.
I currently working already, and i can surf the net during my work hour. HAHA :lol:
I currently working already, and i can surf the net during my work hour. HAHA :lol:
beachbum - September 22, 2006 04:42 AM (GMT)
Its good to hear you are working now and even better that you have some time to 'ponteng' too. Welcome to the rat race. :)
Here's the thread on the white metal figure painting. Its on fantasy figures very kindly donated by Kelvin who will be going off to UK soon.
White Metal Painting
Looks like it will be organized earliest in November. Take care.
Here's the thread on the white metal figure painting. Its on fantasy figures very kindly donated by Kelvin who will be going off to UK soon.
White Metal Painting
Looks like it will be organized earliest in November. Take care.