Andrew Lum

Ned Kelly was the third miniature I ever sculpted and also my entry into the Visions in Putty II (VIP) sculpting showcase. Each VIP involves people having sculpt a miniature around a certain theme. The theme for VIP II was Victoriana/Steampunk, so I chose to do a Ned Kelly miniature (him being Australian and all).

The first thing to do was to come up with a concept sketch for Ned. Fortunately, there are lots of good Ned Kelly websites, in particular the Ned Kelly: Australian Iron Outlaw provided ample reference. I drew up a quick concept sketch of the basic pose I wanted - you can see the finished sculpt varies slightly. I couldn't get him to hold the gun properly (the gun was sculpted as a separate piece) and the arms to align up, so he ended up with a more passive pose. There are several things on Ned that could be improved. The first thing is his coat - it doesn't look quite right. In hindsight I should have had it more flowing and sweeping out, especially where it laps over his left leg. I think his legs could have been just a tiny bit thicker - he looks like he's wearing flairs! You'll also notice the fingers on his right hand aren't quite right, as the index finger isn't the longest!

That being said, there are some things I'm quite happy with. The helmet turned out nicely, I managed to get the sweeping effect like the original. I'm also pretty satisfied with his pose - when slotted into a diagonal base he faces forward along an edge. All that being said, I can't wait till I see the casted up version (Ned is currently off in the US being casted up by Jeff Rodman of Fortress Figures - I can't thank him enough for doing the casting for VIP II). I'll definately paint up a cast and stick it in the painting gallery.

Andrew Lum

Comments submitted on the original site:

James Marshall writes...

Im applying the same review formula to each of the miniatures
these are
1.anatomy
2.pose
3.style
4.general comments

1. Anatomy
the only concerns re anatomy are that the legs may be a little
too short and thin and that they sit too far back on the torso
even allowing for the armour. Otherwise the figure looks like its
carrying weight. 2..Pose
I like the way he is leaning into the stance to fire...looks
pretty menacing and like he is ahving trouble witht he hefty
armour. The only thing Id change is the rifle..he should show the
chamber on the colt rifle when he is holding it.! 3.Style
the chunky rounded style suits the subject, althought he armour
could have ben sharper.Andrew has already noted the coat and how
it could have been more flowing. The mini is nice and smooth 4.General comments
I like it...Ive actually seen a commercially made ned figure and
this and rob jedis are far better. will paint up well.

Ming-Hua.Kao writes...

Ned Kelly, ready with his rifle. The pose is nice. It looks very
natural and making him look sideways makes him look alert.
General proportions look ok but the feet are a bit small and
there seems to be a problem with both the elbows. On his right
side it looks "cut off" and on the right side a bit
squashed. It should be a bit rounder. The details of the armour
and helmet look convincingly like hammered steel. The plate in
front of his crotch could have been a bit sharper. As to your
remark on the sweeping end of the coat, it's too long and wide
really. If you "flap" it back you would see that it is longer
than the original coat it's part of. Try it on a real coat and
you'll see what the differences are.
Still, with all these comments it's a nice mini and a very good
third figure. The pose is it's strongest point.

Pascale writes...

Hello,
I prepared my comment before reading what the others wrote before
me but I have to admit I don't have many new elements... I think the following points could be improved:
- the flap of the coat on the figure's right side is too big,
- the feet are too short,
- the character's right arm seems a bit too large at the back,
- the back of the coat could be smoother and have more folds.

The following points are very positive:
- the helmet is very well done (it looks metallic even without
any paint, the material and shape is well rendered), - the gun is realistic,
- I love the little details like the pockets of the coat,
- the proportions are very good,
- the flap of the coat gives a dynamic impression,
- the stance is good and gives the character an arrogant look,
like he is posing for posterity and defying anyone, - you made me discover Ned Kelly ;)

Very beautiful and well made figurine; (+that helmet gives the
advantage of not having to sculp a face: I wish I had that great
idea!!).