WWII themed mini

[68magOwner]

Background- My grandfather was a radio operator/tail gunner on a B 26 bomber during WWII. He was on 73 successful missions throughout the war (for reference, crews statistically only lived through 25 missions on average). In honor of the solders involved and as a symbol for remembrance of the war, I have decided to do a themed mini.

How- I want the whole thing done by hand, to give it a sort of feel as if a soldier may have carved it on their rifle in the war or something. I will be representing many parties involved in the war, including US soldiers, Nazis, Jews, Russians, and Japanese. I intend to include symbols of all sides, as well as propaganda comics and whatnot. The whole thing will be done with my VERY basic tool seen below. I am not shooting for detail here, although, you should clearly be able to make out what everything on the marker is.

I will be documenting progress in this thread, and would appreciate any input as to what to include on the marker, or just how you feel about the project.

-My "tool"- fashioned out of a broken safety pin and a BIC pencil. (doubles as my prison tattoo gun :rolleyes: )
http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/4/9202004962.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=5133155)
http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/4/9202005092.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=5133156)
Add the vice grips when the hand cramps get TOO unbearable
http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/4/9202005017.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=5133157)
http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/4/9202005137.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=5133158)

-How I'm doing it
-do a dotted outline of what I want to get the design down
http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/4/9202005151.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=5133159)
Then fill it in as desired.

Progress so far (very little, but, doing this by hand is time consuming)
http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/4/9202005267.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=5133160)
http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/4/9200505217.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=5132917)
Keep in mind, I am not shooting for detail in individual pieces here, in the end, this thing is going to be pretty cluttered, and, if individual pieces are decently easy to just pick out what they are from any distance, ill be happy.

[68magOwner]

UPDATE- 4/3/07-
Stabbed myself twice, added a rising sun, and nazi eagle (both will get more touch up work later on)
-the hand cramps are killing me, will probably take tomorrow off, but, as anticipated, the more stuff I get on here, the better it starts looking.

http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/4/9221415363.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=5139880)
http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/4/9221415475.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=5139882)


UPDATE-4/17/07
Been busy with school-This time I have added the star of david and the "we win or die" insignia from a b26 bomber squadron.
[img]http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/4/10620274552.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=5139881)
http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/4/10620274422.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=5252789)
http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/4/10620274424.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=5252790)

UPDATE-ish, 4/19/07
Decided to add some flare to the stock trigger. More of a sythe style now.
http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/4/10813430715.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=5262528)

[t0nnn]

that looks like it's gonna be real nice when it's done with that rough look. Are you gonna get it annoed?

[Railgun]

Try some searches on hand engraving and engraving tools. There's tools for doing this that will greatly help you avoid the dreaded Claw Cramps. Seeing what they look like you'll likely find that you can replicate them easily using things like ground down metal files for the blades and a rough shaped wooden handle or mold a handle from autobody bondo or similar. Lots of options.

[warbeak2099]

Be sure to include the Brits and Italians. The Finnish, Romanians, Poles, Belgians, Bulgarians, and Norwegians were also active participants in the war. Oh and can't forget the French and the Chinese.

[Paintchucker]

looking good, and yes, it does look very tedious.

But you should have gone with Axis on one side and Allies on the other. :D

[craltal]

Be sure to include the Brits and Italians. The Finnish, Romanians, Poles, Belgians, Bulgarians, and Norwegians were also active participants in the war. Oh and can't forget the French and the Chinese.

He'll never be able to play again thanks to the Carpal Tunnel he'll get from THAT much... :D

:cheers:

Great idea, now if you could just get some themed grips...

[surfbum]

looks really good

cant wait to see what other work you get on there. an idea: the flag raising at iwo jima
it would be a good image, especially considering the effect it had during the war

[ProblemKinder]

Be sure to include the Brits and Italians. The Finnish, Romanians, Poles, Belgians, Bulgarians, and Norwegians were also active participants in the war. Oh and can't forget the French and the Chinese.

:rofl:

the french!! you should engrave a bunch of people dropping their rifles. :D

[craltal]

:rofl:

the french!! you should engrave a bunch of people dropping their rifles. :D

actually just flying a white flag would be enough...

[Head knight of Ni]

actually just flying a white flag would be enough...

And helping kick the Nazi's out of N. Africa. >:3

[warpig13]

And helping kick the Nazi's out of N. Africa. >:3

Ahhh yes,
The French made great meat shields for the Allies.

[ttink]

Thats a really cool project you got there, good luck with the rest.

[68magOwner]

looks really good

cant wait to see what other work you get on there. an idea: the flag raising at iwo jima
it would be a good image, especially considering the effect it had during the war

already had plans to do the flag raising. Thanks for the input and the support guys, I am trying to make progress as fast as possible, but, obviously, this is very tedious, time consuming work.

[Desega]

Ahhh yes,
The French made great meat shields for the Allies.
I don't know if I should :rofl: or :nono: , so I'll just :dance:

[LS1 WS6]

Ahhh yes,
The French made great meat shields for the Allies.

I sorry, I am laughing my @$$ off at this one! That was good.

[paintballfiend]

Ha, all this time I thought he was going to put a suastica (sp?) on it.

[craltal]

Ha, all this time I thought he was going to put a suastica (sp?) on it.

swastika, fyi but I love the german eagle instead. Still gets the point across with running the risk of looking like a neo-nazi at the field...

:headbang:

[VFX_Fenix]

The German Eagle does have the "pinwheel cross" on it. :ninja:

[Cow123]

It's looking good.

[Big Boy]

NICE I seriously applaud the hand done work and tools being used.

[AZ_09]

Wow, very nice.
I like the contrast too. The black color makes it stand out.

[SCpoloRicker]

AHAHA, French jokes!!1!

/detail work is coming along nicely. My first thought was "Ewwwww" but it looks like its coming along nicely

[minimag03]

I'm really impressed with the work. I think it looks great on the marker as well.

[68magOwner]

UPDATE- 4/10/07
Took the weekend off, but, added two more pieces today,
the flag raising at Iwo Jima-
http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/4/9923314994.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=5197308)
and the insignia from my grandfathers bomber squadron
(others can be found here, he was in the 397th bomber group, 556th squadron
http://www.b-26mhs.org/content/view/794/96/ )
http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/4/9923314944.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=5197310)

http://img1.putfile.com/thumb/4/9923314964.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=5197309)

thanks for the kind words guys

[Dark Side]

Dig the Iwo Jima referance. Good stuff man.

[mag_lover05]

first thought..."why would you do this to a mini?!"

second thought..."wow...why not?"

[Railgun]

WOW! You've really got an eye for this! I'd probably have given up after the first part... :D

I didn't see any response to my first reply above. I'm not exagerating, you DO have an eye and talent for this. If you're enjoying this I'd strongly suggest you look into it as a hobby or even as a sideline paying skill. But you'll be wanting some proper tools to make doing this sort of work easier. I got these links off a quick google. some are for tools and there's one that is an interview with an engraver and some of his work that hopefully whets your intrest.

http://www.familycrest-engraving.co.uk/engravingtools.html
http://www.lindsayengraving.com/
http://www.timezone.com/library/comarticles/comarticles0034
http://www.ganoksin.com/borisat/nenam/engraving-10-4.htm
http://shorinternational.com/Gravers.htm

And if you never do anything like this again then at least you had this moment and a grand one it is.

[68magOwner]

WOW! You've really got an eye for this! I'd probably have given up after the first part... :D

I didn't see any response to my first reply above. I'm not exagerating, you DO have an eye and talent for this. If you're enjoying this I'd strongly suggest you look into it as a hobby or even as a sideline paying skill. But you'll be wanting some proper tools to make doing this sort of work easier. I got these links off a quick google. some are for tools and there's one that is an interview with an engraver and some of his work that hopefully whets your intrest.

http://www.familycrest-engraving.co.uk/engravingtools.html
http://www.lindsayengraving.com/
http://www.timezone.com/library/comarticles/comarticles0034
http://www.ganoksin.com/borisat/nenam/engraving-10-4.htm
http://shorinternational.com/Gravers.htm

And if you never do anything like this again then at least you had this moment and a grand one it is.

....wow....I think I have actually seen some hand engraving tools like that....in my attic at home, I believe they belonged to my grandfather. I never thought twice about them untill I saw some VERY similar looking tools in those links. I am going to have to call my father tomorrow and have him look around up there.

I really am enjoying myself with this project, although, I have no intention of ever doing this for money. Its fun to be able to do on my time, but, I wouldnt want to have to deal with making sure I get things done within a timley period for customers.

Thanks to everyone for the kind words, I will do my best to get fresh work posted as quickly as possible. Also, I appreciate all the idea contributions, some guys on forums have influenced me to incorporate things onto this marker that I hadnt origionally planned on that I ended up liking a lot (like the iwo jima scene).
:cheers:

[TOMgraver]

If i can help in anyway regarding tools that may be usefull to achieve certain effects. Dont hesitate to contact me and i'll offfer as much help as i can.
Your project looks very good btw.

Tom graver
www.familycrest-engraving.co.uk
:)

[trevorjk]

If i can help in anyway regarding tools that may be usefull to achieve certain effects. Dont hesitate to contact me and i'll offfer as much help as i can.
Your project looks very good btw.

Tom graver
www.familycrest-engraving.co.uk
:)


wow interesting first post. just curious, how did you come across this site/thread?

[68magOwner]

If i can help in anyway regarding tools that may be usefull to achieve certain effects. Dont hesitate to contact me and i'll offfer as much help as i can.
Your project looks very good btw.

Tom graver
www.familycrest-engraving.co.uk
:)

Thanks a lot, you have a PM.
Id like to know the same as trevorjk as well if you dont mind.

[punkncat]

Don't forget "kilroy".....

[surfbum]

like i said before... looks amazing

definately like the added parts (especially iwo jima)
keep up the good work and keep those pictures coming

[68magOwner]

Don't forget "kilroy".....

yeah I was concidering doing that, ill have to see how things start comming together towards the end

[CKY_Alliance]

Wow that looks really good for it being by hand, not to mention with a ghetto "tool"

You plan on playing with this gun? If so maybe I'll see it around at one of the CFOA's

looks really good.

[snoopay700]

It's awesome and you did a great job, but did you really have to put the swatstika beneath the eagle? A swatstika on it's side (well point technically) and reversed like that can be taken pretty badly. If it were me doing it as a tribute i'd do only the people i agreed with, but to each his own. You still did a damn good job, wish i could engrave like that.

[electriceel125]

This mini looks great in person. There has been a whole lot of time and effort put into this mini.

[SR_matt]

hardcore, very very hard core.

my friend was planing on doing a CCCP angel with hammer and sickle and CCCP tatoed on it. never came to light.

-matt

[68magOwner]

Wow that looks really good for it being by hand, not to mention with a ghetto "tool"

You plan on playing with this gun? If so maybe I'll see it around at one of the CFOA's

looks really good.
I will be playing with this for sure, but, not sure it has grown on me quite enough to take the place of some of my other markers for event use. But, I will have it with me, if you can catch up with the QCK players running around and ask for Brian, I will be more than necessary to let you take a peek at it.



It's awesome and you did a great job, but did you really have to put the swatstika beneath the eagle? A swatstika on it's side (well point technically) and reversed like that can be taken pretty badly. If it were me doing it as a tribute i'd do only the people i agreed with, but to each his own.
I am not hiding anything here, what happened happened, and obviously, the nazis and their symbols were as big a part of the war as any. This project is being done in rememberance of the war, and you cant really represent the whole thing by leaving out a MAJOR player. And if it helps you sleep any easier at night, there is a star of david on their too, just havent gotten pics for that update yet.

[snoopay700]

I am not hiding anything here, what happened happened, and obviously, the nazis and their symbols were as big a part of the war as any. This project is being done in rememberance of the war, and you cant really represent the whole thing by leaving out a MAJOR player. And if it helps you sleep any easier at night, there is a star of david on their too, just havent gotten pics for that update yet.
I wasn't saying to hide anything, i just thought it was an interesting choice, but i comend you for it because i wouldn't be able to do it (my hate for them runs deep, even if it was in remembrance of the war i couldn't bring myself to make that symbol). If i did this it would have all of the symbols of the allies most likely.

[68magOwner]

updated

[snoopay700]

updated
Sehr gut, dein Mini gefaellt mir.

[68magOwner]

Dank bin ich froh, dass Sie tun.

[warbeak2099]

Es ist wahnsinnig schoen!

[68magOwner]

Ich bin Sie Kerle wie es froh, aber eilen wir gerade auf Deutsch wegen der Versetzung auf Deutsch dahin?

[SCpoloRicker]

Es ist wahnsinnig schoen!

Ja, secht gut.

[snoopay700]

Ich bin traurig fuer Deutsch sprechen.

I didn't realize it would bring so many others, mainly because i didn't know so many others spoke it. Oh, and for those that think i misspelled fuer, ue = u with an umlaut (i think that's how it's spelled) over it.

[ProblemKinder]

ich werde Sie totschlagen, und dein marker nehmen.

just kidding, i would never do that. but the marker looks good. :headbang:

[don miguel]

I think an all "rising sun" mini would look cool. It could start with the sun part on the battery pack, then the rays could go all over it. That would be sweet.

[68magOwner]

just noticed that the updates are out of order, oh well, theres progress everywhere.

[Maggot6]

öüäßÖÄÜ

There are your nice german letters.

Anyway, that engraving looks quite well done. I can only imagine the satisfaction you'll get when you're finished.

/me=Almost 8 months living in Germany.

[punkncat]

What has become of this. Have you ever finished it?