The three pictures to the side and below show the level of detail that needs to be added to the model before it is ready to have the mould taken.

This detail was painstakingly refined by Mike over a period of about two weeks, although certain items, such as bootlaces, were left out at this stage as they are too brittle when the clay dries and would simply disintegrate when the moulding compound is applied.

The laces, plus any further detail which Mike may want to add are done just prior to the final casting in bronze, when the mould is used to create a wax copy. The wax is soft and easily worked to give the exact result Mike is after.

First the Shorts are added.....

Statue Gallery page 2

After finally settling on the physique of the statue (give or take a few minor tweaks), Mike began to 'dress' the model with a playing kit. Deciding on the style of kit was a particularly difficult task as Roy would have gone through so many styles during his 22 years as a player. Finally it was decided to kit him out in a strip which echoes the Valiants greatest era - the mid 50's 'Men of Steele' kit.

Another consideration when choosing this kit was that the 'baggy' nature of strips from that era (i.e. very large), allowed Mike to bring out a little more expression in the ripple and fold of the material, therefore accentuating the power of Roy's pose.

then the Shirt.....

....and boots. Errr, not so sure Nike did boot deals in the 50's though!