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The Bellringer of Notre Dame
Kit # 5090
Manufactured by Playing Mantis, 2000
Box Art - James Bama
Sculpted By - Bill Lemon
Medium - Styrene, 23 pieces
Completed - 3/8/2003
All painting on this model was brush work. Paints used are Delta Ceramcoat acrylics: Fleshtone Base, Fleshtone,
Medium Flesh, Storm Grey, Black, Drizzle Grey, Dark Jungle Green, Light Foliage Green, Burnt Umber, Dark Brown, Toffee Brown, Bright
Red, Light Ivory, Rose Cloud, Mellow Yellow, Purple, Lavender and Testors flat enamel Rust.
This kit depicts the flogging scene from the Lon Chaney film, The Hunchback of Notre Dame. The only
difference between this model and the original by Aurora, is the name. It was intended that this kit also be issued
as The Hunchback of Notre Dame, but due to legal entanglements it was issued as The Bellringer of Notre Dame. In
my opinion it doesn't have quite the same ring to it. Legal problems also troubled the
Aurora issue. The original box art for the kit looked a bit too much like Anthony Quinn, who had recently played the
title role in a remake of the movie. Quinn insisted that the box be changed, and so Aurora had the face of the character altered
to look as you see him on the box now.
Although the base is pretty basic, the figure is a challange to paint, with lots of detail and a
very expressive face. I did a lot of dry brushing and washes to get the detail to pop the way it should.
The name plate is a real pain to paint. The lettering is very tight and narrow. I have another one of these on
the self, and it will be interesting to give him another try as my skills improve.
Here's the Aurora Hunchback I did many years ago, probably around 10 years old. Notice
the early attempt at dry brushing on the name plate.
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