Where to find/order busts?

[ChaiNs]

I'm new to painting, and I draw a lot of inspiration by the works posted on this website.

I've seen some really great and striking busts--hopefully i'm using the right term, large models depicting a character from the shoulders up--and I'm prone to wondering, where do these busts come from? I have an idea for a project I want to do in the future (of a viking bust) but have not a clue where to look or what companies' catalogues to look through to find one that suits my needs. I'm not a master sculptor, so making one myself isn't an option.

To the forums I submit this question, where do I find busts and how should I order one? I'm living in Canada, and through the little investigation I've managed (google searching "viking bust" gets you all sorts of things that aren't paintable, sculpted busts) it seems like a lot of the manufacturers are European or otherwise not primarily English.

Any advice you have for me is greatly appreciated.

 

[yxalitis]

*snigger..."busts!"

 

[Bloodhowl]

Dogfacedboy:
http://dfbstudio.webs.com/apps/webstore/

Scibor:
http://sciborminiatures.com/en_,shop.php?group=83

Verlinden:
http://www.verlindenonline.com/store/index.php?cPath=27&osCsid=0703219c8d654a4da64f120844e183bd

Einion and Dragonsreach might also be able to provide more suppliers. Try sending them a pm.

 

[QuietiManes]

And of course, the CMON shop has a few (here's a search for "bust" but I'd imagine there are more if you look around):

http://www.coolminiornot.com/shop/catalogsearch/result/?q=bust&cat=

 

[freakinacage]

Where do you live?

 

[cassar]

Hmm strange all this talk of busts and yet no Supervike....i dont like it, its quiet....too quiet

try this http://www.bestemorsimports.com/products/380-viking-statue.aspx

 

[ChaiNs]

Thanks for the suggestions. From them I've gotten a better idea of how to search for these kinds of models. I've found one that I particularly like, a rather large piece made of cold cast resin. Does anyone have experience painting on this surface? I'm assuming as it's resin I'll still be able to primer and paint over it given some cleaning, but the cold cast process--as I understand--leaves a metallic finish, so I'm curious if I'll run into complications.

@Freakinacage: To answer your question, I live in Canada. Specifically in the province of Saskatchewan.

 

[Einion]

I've found one that I particularly like, a rather large piece made of cold cast resin. Does anyone have experience painting on this surface? I'm assuming as it's resin I'll still be able to primer and paint over it given some cleaning, but the cold cast process--as I understand--leaves a metallic finish, so I'm curious if I'll run into complications.

"Cold cast XXX" is a term for a filled resin (resin with a powder of XXX added). It's a means to produce resin castings that mimic bronze, alabaster or marble etc. and coincidentally it reduces the cost of the product significantly since marble dust and bronze powder are much cheaper than most resins.

Other bust producers include: Pegaso (good product in the main, but tend to be expensive), Andrea (not a great reputation for consistent casting quality) and one of the most popular amongst modellers in recent years, Young Miniatures out of Korea.

There are numerous others too, if you want more it would be a good idea to check in with a historical-modelling site like planetFigure, busts are quite popular again so you'll find loads of options there; best place to start might be the News forum.

Einion

 

[Dragonsreach]

A supplier I've used in recent times is http://www.skminiatures.co.uk/
Now Steve is one of the judges of Euro Militiare and a really nice bloke to chat to.
His site has a great selection of Busts and figures and in comparison around not too shabby on prices.(Don't say about the postage rates to 'sasquatch' though.)

 

[Milosh]

these are cool options and easy to convert.

http://www.young-miniatures.com/products/YH1828/YH1828-1.htm

http://castleminiature.blogspot.com/p/bolshevik.html you can email Yury and pay with paypal. They ship from Russia but it doesn't take forever to get to you.

 

[Bailey03]

Sounds like you're more interested in historical or something that goes between historical and fantasy (vikings, knights, etc). I agree with Einion, take a look at Pegaso, Andrea, and Young. If you're looking for where to buy, I'd recommend Red Lancers or Colorado Miniatures. Both carry those brands and many others and both have, in my opinion, fair prices. These are US companies, but I'm guessing shipping would be cheaper from the US than from somewhere in Europe. I've dealt more frequently with Red Lancer and they have always been very helpful if I ever had a problem with a kit (missing part or defect in casting).

If you're looking for a viking bust, make sure you check out Andrea's 'Viking Fury'
View attachment 16680

 

[Milosh]

Oh man, I forgot about Viking Fury, one of the best busts of all time. Good call Bailey!

 

[Tommie Soule]

Having painted a couple for my gallery I know you can't go wrong with the young miniatures busts.
Though they are 90/100mm the pegaso and andrea kits were first class as well.

If you need advice on prepping and painting just ask!

T