December 2011

First, a Happy New Year to all!

I'm pleased to announce that our fourth release of figures is now available. The new sets of figures continue the theme of British and Commonwealth sailors but also include the first Airmen within the range. The new figures are as follows:

The set comprising naval officers in oilskin suits (GM72-018), will be suitable for coastal forces, including the Airfix Vospers and the new 1/72 scale multi-media Vosper kits by Coastal Craft.  The figures are loosely based on Lieutenant Commander Robert Hitchens who was the most decorated RNVR officer in WWII (although "Hitch" was skipper of a MGB and MGB flotilla as opposed to an MTB such as the Airfix Vosper).  The Fleet Air Arm pilots (GM72-019) are kitted out in pre war/early WWII flying gear and would be suitable to stand alongside the new Airfix Swordfish or maybe a Skua or Fulmar.

The Royal Navy did not gain control of the Fleet Air Arm until 1937 and for a period after the Navy was reliant on the RAF for the maintenance of fleet aircraft.  Consequently, RAF personnel served on aircraft carriers in the early years of WWII and often appear on photographs of carrier decks.  One set of airforce personnel (GM72-021), includes three airmen that would not be out of place on an aircraft carrier in the early period of WWII. The other set of airforce figures (GM72-020), includes a NCO pilot in early war flying gear, typical of the Battle of Britain period.  The set also includes two airmen/NCOs.

Order these here

I'm very busy (time permitting!!) producing a further set of Fleet Air Arm pilots, kitted out in Irvine jackets that would be more appropriate Swordfish Crew for the Taranto Strike and the attacks on the Bismark.  I'm also working on naval ground crew.

Other news is the release of a multi-media (resin, white metal and etch) kit of a Vosper  72' 6" boat (MTB 234) by Coastal Craft.  They have also produced 8 accessory sets which are as follows:

                -              Single Oerlikon
                -              Twin Oerlikon
                -              boat hook set
                -              ready ammunition lockers
                -              covered twin Vickers 0.5 guns
                -              Vickers k guns
                -              2 types CSA units
                -              4x  depth charges +racks

Coastal Craft also have stocks of our figures.  Their contact details are here

Happy Modelling!

Al

August 2011

The news is that the third release of figures is now available.  Over the period since the last release in August 2009, Gunthwaite Miniatures has not been dormant.  I have been re-organising the way figures are produced which should mean in the future, new releases will be more frequent and there will be less likelihood of running out of stock.

The third release of our figures is now "in the shops".  These comprise:

GM72-015: Sailors in duffle coats on watch;

GM72-016: Sailors in duffle coats and steel helmets; and

GM72-017: Sailors in oilskin coats;

Order these here (order)

Unfortunately the price of the figures has had to increase.  This is partly due to the increase in the rate of VAT here in the UK, but mainly because of a significant increase in production costs.  The suggested selling price is now £6.25 per set.

The next release should include (providing the production castings are up to scratch), Fleet Air Arm pilots, our first RAF/Commonwealth airmen and Navy Officers in oilskin suits.

There are a few new features in our website.  These are in response to feedback we have received.  First I have started to expand the painting guide.  Secondly, the painted figures within the photographs in the Gallery, all have badges and insignia made from waterslide transfers (decals).  I have included my artwork which may be downloaded to enable transfers to be made at home.  I explain how I make and use the transfers including a link to Crafty Computer Paper (www.craftycomputerpaper.co.uk) who provide a range of transfer papers.  Thirdly I've set out my views on scale.  This is in response to a few queries about the size of Gunthwaite 1/72 scale figures and whether they can be mixed with 1/76 scale railway and armour models and other figures.  I hope these will be useful additions to the website.

Rather belatedly I ought to announce that Gunthwaite Miniatures are now available direct from Float-a-Boat in Australia.  Adrian at Float-a-Boat has been stocking our figures for over a year and I need to apologise to him for not announcing this earlier.   It's well worth checking out the Float-a-Boat's website for other items (www.floataboat.com.au).

Also I'm pleased to announce that Gunthwaite Miniatures can be purchased from White Ensign Models (WEM).  WEM carry an extensive range of kits and accessories with particular (but not exclusive) emphasis on naval subjects.  I have provided a link to the WEM website ever since we first uploaded the Gunthwaite website.  It's well worth a browse (www.whiteensignmodels.com).

I really do appreciate feedback.  It helps to confirm that I'm doing the right subjects and provides an inspiration for new figures, although you need to bear in mind that this is my hobby and modelling subjects will always fall within by broad range of interests!  I have grand aspirations to expand the range and whilst I am hopeful of new releases appearing on a more frequent basis, pressure of other commitments inevitably means that I cannot produce all of the figures I would like.  However, suggestions have helped to prioritise and they have thrown up some very sensible and easy options – so keep the feedback and suggestions coming!

Happy Modelling!

Al

November 2009

This is just a quick update to advertise the fact that Gunthwaite Miniatures are now available from ABC Models in Crewe.  Paul at ABC kindly took our figures to Scale Modelworld at Telford and now has the full range in stock in the shop.  Full details are set out on our  Order page.

The figures continue to be available from Halifax Modellers World, online, by phone and by calling into the shop.

Work on the third release of figures is well advanced and hopefully they will be available early in the New Year.  Provisionally, they will be as follows:

Sailors in duffle coats and steel helmets;

Sailors in duffle coats on watch;

Sailors in oilskin coats;

RN Officers; and

FAA Pilots (early WWII)

In addition, the next release should include our first RAF/Commonwealth airmen which are likely to be:

RAF groundcrew; and

RAF NCO pilot (early WWII) and groundcrew

Happy Modelling!

Al

August 2009

Well it’s taken much longer than I would have hoped but the second release of figures have now been despatched. The new figures can be seen here and are available from Halifax Modellers World.

The next release will include Royal Navy (and Commonwealth) sailors in oilskins and steel helmets. They will also include our first RAF ground crew figures. Work has also started on some aircrew (within a Fleet Air Arm theme). Work is also well advanced on a few First World War figures (in 1/72 scale) which we are quite excited about.

We have been a little amused at some comments regarding the first sets of figures which have been described "straight up and down" and not in action poses. However the discerning modeller will have recognised that all of the figures have been modelled in the active pose of waiting and watching – some of them partaking of refreshment and a smoke at the same time.

Anyway, enjoy modelling!

Al
 

December 2008

We have been a little overwhelmed by the positive response to our first release of figures.  Hopefully more reviews will be appearing in the modelling press and websites soon.

I recently met with Neil Robinson (Group Editor, SAM Publications) on the basis of providing him with review samples of the first release of Gunthwaite figures.  I was very excited to hear about and see the resin conversion bits he’s doing for the Revell 1/72nd scale Vosper MTB to convert it to something more appropriate for Royal Navy service.  I was allowed to procure a very nice casting of a Vickers 0.5 MG turret which I will be using in my conversion of the Airfix RAF Rescue Launch into a Motor Anti-Submarine Boat.

Work on the second release of Gunthwaite figures is a little slower than I anticipated.  However, progress is being made and I am hopeful that the next release will be available in early 2009, probably February.  The new figures will include Navy officers and ratings in shorts, officers in shirt sleeves (long trousers) and ratings in working dress (dungarees).

Work is also in hand on the third release of figures for later in 2009.  This will include sailors in oilskin coats and our first RAF figures (on aircraft carrier duty!!).

Finally in this “bulletin” I need to express my thanks and appreciation to Steve Royen.  Steve produced the molds and castings for the first release of figures.  Due to ill health he has been unable to continue.  In my view Steve’s work is outstanding and he has been a considerable encouragement to Gunthwaite Miniatures.  I hope you will join with me in wishing him a speedy recovery.

It’s very nearly the festive season.  I hope everyone has what they wish for at Christmas and in the New Year.

Al