Smoke Break

I've always been fasinated by the Buffalo Soldiers, probably because they were headquarted just up the road from us in Fort Scott, Kansas. They patrolled the military highway between there, Fort Gibson, Ok, and Fort Smith, Arkansas. Just maybe they rode right by the Out West Gallery. Whatever, I carved this First Sergeant back in 2002, no doubt after I saw some movie on the Western Channel. I tried to put as much authentic detail on him as I could: his Springfield Trapdoor Carbine, sidearm, canteen & cup, and correct uniform. These are the things that really make carving enjoyable to me. I've also attached a reference photo I used to create this guy. Here is a terrific link for research material: The U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Rifle Information Center.

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In the associated photo album in the Gallery I've included a reference photo that I used when creating this guy. While its of a Spanish American War soldier he's carrying a Springfield Carbine. My Grandfather fought in that war and is buried in the Fort Scott National Cemetary.

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Here's a challenge for you.....For your next figure why not pick a historical character and do the research to fit him/her out with the correct gear, uniform, etc. I'll bet anything that you will find out pretty quick just how much more enjoyable this extra effort will make your carving adventure.

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Anyway, I hope you like this character and will look forward to any comments you might have.

Tea Time- 2

Old Crusty got his makeup on yesterday so he's all ready for his trip to Kansas City cause he's heard that "everything is up to date"* there and he's a guy who want to be au courant with whats happening! Hopefully, he'll do some networking and get hired on at another spread. One thing for sure....with that "Equalizer" strapped on to his leg any ribbing about his choice of cup contents has suddenly came to a complete halt.
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This was a pretty quick project and the kind I think I'll do more of. Big involved scenes are challenging but they don't sell very well. There's not too many collectors out there who can devote a complete table or desktop to a piece but they can find room to display a single figure.
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Anyway, I hope you like him and look forward to your comments. More photos in the gallery.
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(*Apologies to Rogers & Hammerstein!)

Extra Note: Under the Gallery link I've posted a link to my Facebook page. There's not much carving going on there just my frequent postings of jokes, cartoons, photos and other stuff. Also, as it seems the older I get the more conservative I become so those who lean more to the liberal side might not enjoy the visit. Living out here in the boondocks I'm always on the lookout for new "friends" and Facebook seems to be a means to hook up with some.

Tea Time!

Tea Time? You've got to be kidding me! No self-respecting Cowboy worth his salt would brew up a cuppa Orange Pekoe without running the risk of having his bedroll short-sheeted and while he's not looking a burr carefully placed under his saddle blanket. However, here in the make-believe world of the Out West Ranch just about anything goes so old Crusty there can enjoy his aromatic beverage without worry about being bucked across the east section.
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About the only thing new on this figure is the teapot. I carved the spout seperate and attached it with a small wooden dowel as I knew it would break off if I didn't do that. I drilled a couple of holes on each side and inserted 1/8" dowel for the wire bail. Sticking the wire directly into the pot without that wouldn't be very strong. To finish it off I drilled a hole in the lid and inserted a decorative nail for the handle. The cup is made from tin and the tea-bag tab is a piece of wire with a metal tag soldered on. It's held in place by the epoxy I filled the cup with to simulate Tea. Crusty's cigarello is made from a piece of coathanger wire. Some might use a piece of wood but with the wire I know that it will never break.
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There are more photos in the Gallery and comments welcome as always.
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