One man and his brushes.

A couple of specials

2012-02-18T14:53:00.001Z

Cleared the painting table ready for new projects. A rare (for me) Perry Napoleonic commander Colbert commander of the Dutch Lancers 1815. I had to tweak the figure, it had a lot of flash and cast lines,also doing some proper cords and rackets for the Czapka, as the moulded ones are stuck down his neck - as if given his pose. Also replaced the sword with something somewhat less chunky - a curved flattened steel pin, The casualty figure is a Front Rank one , with separate musket again FR. I also had a play with the Silfur tufts adding a little PVA to the end of some and dusting in fine sand, and colouring for flower or weeds.

Also completed the casualty eagle bearer for the Mamalukes.

So that is the painting table completely empty for now, work on preparing a big batch of the Mahdist forces commences next week, as well as a pile of horses for up upcoming cavalry units.

Anything but....

2012-02-15T14:29:00.003Z

what I had intended to paint this week. You know - the butterfly syndrome - but good for the creative process overall. Having bought some shiny new metal at York I decided to paint some of it up, just for the enjoyment of painting. So I present a mixed bag of chaps with a Hollywood connection..

"The Man with no Name"

The poncho was fun!

By "Ebob" - right down to the cigar in his mouth - great stuff

"Zulu"

"Empress Miniatures" - the film characters set - I had to have it on in the background while painting.

'If it's a miracle, Colour Sergeant, it's a short chamber Boxer Henry 4.5 calibre miracle'

Lovely to paint really crisp and clean details - even have the medals on Colour Sergeant Bourne's chest!

"March or Die"

I watched this again after picking up some "Artizan Designs" French Foreign Legion figures from there March or Die range

The desert fort is nearly completed - will be used for Sudan and FFL games - so will have get these pictured in it!

And the "Elite Miniatures" Legere recently completed are now based by Will - thanks for the photo

I have a couple of other single figure specials on the go as well at the moment , then its into serious amounts of Sudan stuff - I have checked figure totals and can now cover the battle of El-Teb at a 1-20 ratio - so that's the target for the end of the summer. Of course there will Napoleonics as well - the Mamaluke band castings have just turned up too.. choices choices....

Mamalukes - done

2012-02-10T22:30:00.000Z

The squadron of Mamalukes is now completed. Great fun unit to do, lots of movement and colour achieved which was the aim. I am going to add another one off eagle bearer casuality figure next week as well now I have a proper GMB standard for them.

I used a mixture of 4mm Summer & early autumn Silfur grasses , .and was very pleased with the look

Viking

2012-02-09T12:17:00.001Z

Again something a little different. Part of the painting challenge is to complete a Viking for Curt. As you might expect I decided to play around with one. This is a Crusader Miniatures figure with an arm removed and replaced with one with a sword - after all you can't have too many weapons can you. The shield had a strap created from flattened wire and attached to the figure. The design on the shield is painted freehand. I also had the order for basing material turn up from Antenocitis Workshop - nice and promptly too, an excellent choice of grasses, cork, pumice ,and slate chippings has now been laid in.

A Bitsa week

2012-02-06T11:51:00.002Z

As in bits of this n bits of that. Work continues on the Mamalukes. The new basing material ordered have just turned up so i will be able to finish them this week now. I have however completed a little vignette piece for Curt's Painting challenge. One of the categories is for Best female. I was given this little set which apparently was a give away at Partizan a few years ago sculpted by Matt Bickley . Not sure of the title of it, but I havecalled it "The perils of Pauline" after the old black & white films. A couple of great figures to paint. I now just need to find the dashing hero figure to rescue her!

I can just hear the music.....

In addition I have been to the York show "Vapnartark" . The first show attended in many years. Nice to see figures in the flesh as it were and i did of course succumb to adding to lead mountain.

Additions to the lead pile - all just because i really liked the look of them , and will be fun to paint.:-
Trent miniatures - Napoleon as first consul, and General Lecourbe.
Great War miniatures - Crimean War - British Lancers charging
Artizan Designs - Foreign Legionnaires in Kepi
Crusader miniatures - Vikings
Mutineer Miniatures - Indian Mutiny - British command set

The first major order for the Mahdist forces has also arrived - I now have 480 Foot figures , and 25 Mounted to complete - that should look impressive once done.

Mamaluke progress - part 2

2012-01-30T18:58:00.004Z

I have now done the main horse colours and the faces, headdress and some of the main blocks of colour. They are going to be very colourful when done.Horses were done in what was for me a fairly old oil and enamel mix technique - this gives plenty of time to shade and highlight to get he result I wanted. I undercoated the horses in range of differing colour shades and gave them a light oil wash and left them overnight. Next day I again did another light oil wash of Burnt Umber or Burnt Sienna or Indian Red and then used Enamel white and leather brown and some white spirit blended the colours with oil to get a whole range of shades and finishes.

I have then just worked on one to finish it , to work out the various colours and processes that need to done for the rest.

He has come up rather well I think.

In between all this colourfulness I have also knocked off a French Legere - they seem to have been popular recently!

Aim is to complete the Mamalukes this week - there is the sound of Sudan drums - there is an order on the way!

Work in progress - Mamalukes

2012-01-23T11:31:00.005Z

Well they have to be one of the most colourful units in the Napoleonic period. I have had these rider casting from Bicorne for some time - they are a really nice figure, and having recently taken delivery of some some new horse casting from Firing Line I have started work on "customising". They are going to be a fully unique unit with each figure and horse different. Almost all the original arms have been removed and repositioned and soldered back on, heads moved, reins added (to be soldered on after horse painting). Additional work is required on the horses due to extra horse furniture decorations these guys had too (done with the soldering iron and files). A number of horses are re-positioned and turned etc.

The left hand side one is a straight original casting.

This one was fun - removed sword and made it

hanging from wrist on cord,and added in a pistol to the hand

The command trio - added banner & cord to the trumpet, made the Toug? from milliput for the standard bearer. I may even add in a proper eagle bearer to.

Right - now all we need is some paint on the blighters....

I am looking forward to doing these

oh and JD has finished the horse, basing and flag on 1st Regt of Vistula infantry I did last year so here they are.They look really good and great posed shot too.

Band of the 1st Cuirassier Regiment

2012-01-21T09:52:00.001Z

Something a bit different this time. After previously completing the Old Guard band I had been looking for some mounted musicians. Having been on the verge of trying to create my own set I was given a steer via the group knowledge of the Steve Dean forum to this set of "Mirliton" castings(makers of some really unusual stuff!) from Italy via Martin at "Vexillia" who specialises in imports. They are an older style of 25mm figures. they have separate rider, saddles and horses.

" Timbalier"

Very few regiments had full mounted bands that also included a Timbalier or Kettle drummer and the 1st fit the bill. But they nearly became the 22nd Dragoons in yellow were it not for the lack of the Timbalier. If you want to know anything about Trumpeters and Musicians there is a fantastic new French publication on the 1st Empire - "Les Trompettes de Cavalerie sous l'Empire"

How many other units do you get with white horses -alright apart from the worst led cavalry in Europe.. those Scots Greys.

Left in glorious gloss , with Red, White & Blue was else was I gonna do!

Really enjoyed doing these guys, nice to do something different.

More good stuff on the prep table, lots of cavalry.

Mahdist Camels

2012-01-18T09:16:00.001Z

I have a few older Connoisseur casting to try out so have completed 5 of theses.I soldered the riders in place as there was not much surface area for gluing in place. I really like the look of the camel it is well designed, The running ones have some real movement in them. They are done a basic Yellow Ochre Humbrol 83 colour and highlighted up using Vallejo Yellow Ochre and a White mix , this is applied slightly thinned to the higher areas that need defining. The falling one is a straight casting no work required. The riders are a basic casting without loads of detail, and are done with a white undercoat and the skin tone is a Humbrol Leather 62 washed on , and then given a further wash of a flat brown. The jibbah is washed with a thinned Vallejo khaki or Andrea linen white colour and then the tops highlighted with a neat white. Coloured patches added. They were quick to do and that was the real test , as these will be the first of around 150 that will be added to the collection - and it is the mass that will really impress.

"Heads up, gentlemen, these are bullets, not turds". Colonel Major Louis Lepic

2012-01-08T20:29:00.004Z

I created this rendition of the commander of the Grenadiers à Cheval de la Garde Impériale as depicted by Édouard Detaille something like 15 years ago. This was one of my very first attempts at creating something unique and have always enjoyed looking at it!

He was originally modelled with winter groundwork as per the battle of Eylau , but has been changed over to years to see "active" service on the table - as if the "Gods" actually needs any extra help usually!

The base casting was a Bicorne miniatures Carabinier if i remember correctly which had a fair bit of work on it to bend and twist (- heated it up in an oven to get that little more pliability - seemed to work) and to get the uniform right . The horse also has all its furniture removed and replaced with wire, head turned and tail moved.

As I have decided to create the Grenadiers à Cheval sometime this year ( a full 40 figure Grand Manner unit) and I will find it inspiring looking at him, and look forward to doing them all the more.

Thanks Stephen for the "loan" - you might not get him back - I might hold him to ransom!

Bavarian Chevauleger-Regiment Konig

2012-01-06T22:10:00.001Z

Back to Napoleonics. I think there will less Poles this year and more German states. I had these "Connoisseur" castings in stock so decided to create a wholly unique unit, so have converted every single figure in some form. No two horse and rider combinations are the same. I swapped out a few horses for Elite ones for more variation.This range also does not include a dedicated trumpeter casting (as Peter Gilder who designed them never got around to doing them for purely economic reasons – i.e. how many would he sell!). The officer and trooper castings come with the right arm cast down by the side and sword attached to the boots.

"Connoisseur" figures designed to be used en masse!

Conversion

So to list the conversion process.

Work out what I want each squadron doing! Key part of the planning.

Squadron 1

Remove right arms and sabres and solder into new position, with soldered shaped flattened pins added to replace the swords. I really liked the one turned and drawing his sword from the scabbard in squadron 4.

Reposition heads, some just turning, bent forward or back some removed and soldered back on. Turn the feet of the rider to dig in more to horse if rider position warrants it.

Squadron 2

Make trumpets from solder and wire, solder these to hands for those that will be blowing them and solder arms back into position. Add loose trumpets with cords to those with their swords drawn

Make falling horses for front squadron – cut from bases bend/cut, position and solder back to base. Model the falling riders – one trumpeter with splayed out hands (done with soldering iron) to cushion his fall – and dropped sword attached to wrist by cords. Add loose flying trumpet ,scabbards and billow out the saddlecloths.

Squadron 3

For the horses match the riders and turn heads & tails to match the riders movements.

Solder flattened wire reins into riders hand. Once the horses are painted these are soldered onto the bridle.Attach riders to horses with two part epoxy glue.

Squadron 4

Now all I have to do is paint the beggars!

Painting

Horse were in various brown shaded oils for troopers, Black for officers and White for trumpeters.

The base tunic green is Shade 5 from the "Andrea Color" green clothes set highlighted with a Vallejo Flat Green

The Red's are again from the "Andrea Color" red set used in the "wrong"order starting dark and working to lighter.

The blue lozenges on the shabraque edging were certainly fun if you like that kind of thing - along with the ciphers in the corner.

A bit about varnish:-
For protection they are given a coat of polyurethane Gloss varnish and then a Matt coat - as that seems to be the fashion these days. I don’t think a full Matt finish at this scale always work, so once varnished Matt the areas that should be shiny are redone in a satin varnish to give a little sparkle! In addition i did the buttons last in a neat silver after varnish to keep the shine as they are not in area that will get touched and rub off.

It is just a shame these guys never carried a standard - one of those Bavarian ones would have really added to the overall look. I did not have any decent infantry casualty figures in stock to adorn the bases - so that is another thing to add the near time purchases!

I am very pleased with these , the finished article looked how I had imagined when i started out.

Mixed Mahdists

2012-01-05T11:25:00.004Z

I have completed the box of Perry Mahdists. I have been trying to find a way to produce a large number of figures in short time to an acceptable standard (this should be the start of around 1600 figures ) . I think I am about there with them. The guys with Jibbah were sprayed white and then has a Humbrol 62 (Leather) colour washed onto them for the dark skin tone.This was then highlighted with Valljo Dark Flesh. The Jibbah was itself them washed with a choice of an Andrea colour linen white , or a thin Khaki to run into the folds. The patterns were added by hand. Then it is just weapons to paint in.

I have done them in a range of base sizes to see what works and how to create a mass with some variance. Only slight issue I had was on a larger base which wanted to warp a bit - due to not haveing any weight of figures on it. It was cured by wetting the ply slightly and bending back in shape.

Overall to paint & base the 40 figures took 3 hours. With some more levels of industrialisation that will come down some. There are time savings to be had with mass spraying of several hundred.This will leave extra time for the good stuff!

I have today received a bunch of Connoisseur range Mahdists. Some will fit in fine here as well - although not as finely detailed as the Perry they will be absorbed into the mass easily with the added time bonus of NOT needing assembling!. Some interesting towns people and the Camels & riders look very good, so they may be a next project.

Antoine Charles Louis, Comte de Lasalle

2011-12-24T18:18:00.001Z

Back to real Napoleonic painting with a figure I have had for while. Initially inspired by seeing a Doug Mason produced command stand many years ago. It pays homage to the painting by Edouard Detaille which depicts Lasalle at the Battle of Wagram, leading cuirassiers in his final charge - complete with pipe!

Extra work done to the horses tail to give more movement, horses head moved and the original cast reins removed & replaced with flattened wire ones soldered into place on the bridle and into his hand.

Time for a little Xmas break - back next week after a few days offer. Merry Xmas One & All

Analogue Hobbies - Winter painting challenge.

2011-12-22T22:03:00.000Z

I have joined in this wonderfully international affair run by Curt in Saskatchewan. The wonders of the Internet never cease to amaze , joining together people of like mind from around the world. Looks like Curt will have his work cut out keeping up with wonderful creations people are working on. I really like the idea of Analogue - you know doing something in the real world you look at and touch & using the virtual or digital technology to unite people. Technology at it's best.

Oh and Ray Roussel - you need to get yer finger out mate.. I reckon 1/2 points for casualty figures, I mean they are mostly in the mud....

Sudan - Beja

2011-12-19T15:34:00.002Z

I made up the box of Perry plastics .They were assembled using liquid glue applied with paintbrush - oh the joy of a room full of Liquid Poly vapour. They have gone together very well and a more sturdy than I imagined. I do wonder over time of the robustness of the spears. But i guess that plastic is an easy enough medium to repair. It took about 2 hours to assemble the 40 figures in the box, they are a bit of mix of various tribes and periods. I have split them into 2 lots, one lot of later type with Jibbah , and then others (Beja , Kordofani) with less clothes , more skin.

The Beja are spray undercoated a sand colour then washed with Vallejo flat brown - twice - this has given the skin a good tone. Add the colour cloth with two different colours used and these are highlighted with a drybrush. Black hair & drybrush and weapons coloured. Simple highlights added using Dark flesh tone on faces. I have based them on 1.5mmply 60mm x 40mm, and used 5 figures on this size base. Basing is straight sand on PVA , and then a white highlight only. It took an hour to complete the 10 once assembled and undercoated. With some industrialisation and rework of of the order of paint application that should come down a bit too..

These were a speed test and i had to resist going back and doing extras. Rather pleased with the finished result given the lack of actual time put in!

Something got me started.....

2011-12-11T20:23:00.007Z

Back on on the Colonial period. I have been badgering Mark at the WHC about doing something different such as a Sudan game,so following reading the write up of the playtest of the Reigate clubs rules I decided to make some effort to get my own collection moving. I had these once before but sold it on, "everything has a price" as I say. The newer ranges of Perry miniatures have caught my eye (I have not traditionally liked the older shorter, squatter stuff). They are excellent figures.

Well might as well start at the top. The Mahdi - why can't I get the Laurence Olivier voice out of my head. I find the scenario for the relief of Khartoum fascinating. The British commander has to move driven by time constraints, and not just bring to bear overwhelming firepower if they wait long enough.

These are undercoated in Humbrol Matt White, a change from the usual, but you have to use the the best option for the job in hand.Why make work hard for yourself , make the base paint do some work. The whites are shaded with Andrea Color White clothes sets , a mix of 6 colours , which work really well for these. The base of the flesh is Humbrol 62 Leather, and this is highlighted with Vallejo Dark Flesh only to keep the tones dark.

Basing is really simple.White PVA glue covered with my usual sand, cat litter, budgie grit mix, allowed to dry and drybrushed using a Vallejo White. A bit of "tree" added made from a piece of the beech hedge in the garden. The grasses are by Noch and are a dried summer grass matting from which I have just cut a small bit and stuck it on.

This will be a long term project to build these armies up. I am going to try a box of the plastics Ansar to see how they make up. The smell of plasitc glue will take me right back to the early days of making Airfix kits. Oh and having signed up to Curt's Analogue Hobbies winter painting challenge they may come in handy!

New gadget- Paint Mixer

2011-12-06T14:32:00.003Z

While browsing around the E-Models store I came across a new toy. An electric paint mixer (£12.50). Any of you users of enamel paints will know the problem of getting them to mix. This great device takes all the effort out of it and thoroughly mixes the paint and carrier medium in the small humbrol 14ml tins no problem. The mixer is just a little too big to fit in a Vallejo bottle,I may experiment and file about a millimetre off it , as i have a few of those that could do with refresh too. Given the price of paints anything that help to ensure they last will help. I found it particularly good for mixing Matt Varnish and results of using it after mixing resulted in a really Matt finish. Probably good for those frothy coffee's too.

Anglo Danish Warband

2011-12-03T14:39:00.000Z

Well , and now for something different. This is a Gripping Beast Warband set I have recently done for a friend who is going to finish them off with the shield transfers and basing. They made a change from the more uniform Napoleonic.

Main colours used are the Andrea Colour sets for Greens & White(well the base colour is linen). Chain mail done with Vallejo oily steel and gunmetal. Once Matt varnished the mail and other metal where highlighted with a pure silver mix.

I also experiments with a washing/staining process. This involved using a carrier of Humbrol Satin Varnish with a stain of Humbrol Dark Earth added, this was then washed over the figure prior to final Matt Varnishing. It worked really well on some of the shading areas on the lighter colours and faces. More experimentation to come here with different colour stains. Of course I now have a tin pre mixed of my dark earth stain for future use.

Back to more traditional fare with the 83rd (County of Dublin) Regiment of Foot on the table next.

Vistula Lancer - completed

2011-11-26T14:44:00.006Z

After a final push over this week these lads are now completed. There was more work to castings overall getting the unit composed and the conversion work sorted than the final paint jobs.No figure is just an original casting & no two are the same. 2 squadrons modelled at the charge and two ready to support. Each has wire reins added and soldered into hands. Each officer was remodelled from the original casting,with replaced pin swords. There was major work on 3 of the 4 trumpeters. Each trooper has the lance soldered in to the hand with arms re-positioned, the straps from the lance added around the arms as well. Overall a fully unique unit , which I am very happy with. Flag and pennants from GMB.(Yes i know they lost the colours in Spain - but ya need a nice flag!). Lances made from 0.8mm piano wire.Horses were a mix of Elite, Connoisseur and Bicorne to provide variation. Based up for Grand Manner 20mm per figure frontage , 45mm depth.

The full unit

There have been some interesting modelling challenges , all over come and skills enhanced with the soldering iron. I will be adding the Lancers of Berg next year i feel.

Lt -Col Stanislaw Klicki

2011-11-21T10:02:00.002Z

As the Vistula lancers are nearing completion - just a handful of troopers left to do and the basing I decided to also complement them with a staff officer type figure Lt-Col Klicki was commander of the Vistula Legion cavalry in the peninsular and served in Russia. I had a spare French guard lancer officer figure ("Connoisseur" I think) in the lead pile, so decided to create one from that.

I have added a flattened pin sword, replaced the cast sword knots with wire and soldered in place. I then filed off the ends of the cast racket & cords on the czapka and remade these from 3 strands of copper wire (from am old piece of household appliance flex) braided together & wrapped around the plume and soldered in place. The racket is made by wrapping the braided wires around the end of a round needle file to create a doughnut which is then filled in with solder filling. the cord is then positioned in place as if flying loose & tinned with solder to stiffen it place. I also added wire reins. The secret to all this small scale soldering - liquid flux - Bakers No 3. The horse is an "Elite miniatures" one which was completed in the big batch done in the summer.

The blue used is the Andrea Color blue clothes set . A really excellent set of paint shades that work well.

I added a spare shako to groundworks as well Overall very pleased with him.

One man & his dog

2011-11-21T09:43:00.002Z

I have been working on a different request for a friend last week. Not my usual fare, but I have done plenty in the past. A set of 25 figures for an Anglo Danish warband from Gripping Beast. They are nice clean uncomplicated figures. The only real challenge being deciding on colour schemes, non of this referring to uniform plates stuff! I started with their Chieftain figure. He is pretty simple to do as a lot of chain mail , and then a large cloak. Chain mail is done with a mix of Vallejo Oily steel and Gunmetal ,then highlighted up with a little silver after Matt varnishing.

To this I have also added the Warhound , a large bull mastiff type dog available as part of a set from Warlord games, all nice snarly dogs!

So just the rabble to finish off. He made a nice change to do. I will get some photos of the wole mob done once fully based up

Vistula Legion Lancers - getting there

2011-11-14T18:04:00.003Z

It has been a very busy week in the real world! I have completed the officers to go with the trumpeters for the Vistula Lancers and part based them (ready for colours to be applied), also the first of the men with pointy sticks.So for your delictation.

Holding steady.

Sound the charge!

Hacking their way through

Flying czapka! and crashing trumpter.
"Who's idea was this charge?"

First of the lancers

I have had some different requests come in for the brushes so there may a short delay on finishing these lads while i sort out painting an Anglo Saxon warband! - that's different!

Repairs to an old friend "Mamaluke"

2011-11-07T10:34:00.013Z

While down at the WHC last weekend I picked up a figure I originally converted and painted about 12 years ago. He was in need of a little bit of a refresh and repair as there was some damage to the rear legs and sword. This has all now been sorted out. The figure is a "Bicorne" miniatures one on a Bicorne heavy horse which has had wire reins added & been cut free at the front so it appears to be leaping.

In addition i have completed the trumpeters for the Vistula lancers. All have had extra wire reins added. Trumpets were made for 3 of them from scratch and then added to the converted figures as required .

The one on the left is pretty much the standard figure with just the head turned more to its right. The falling one is the same figure and horse. I must thank Doug Mason for the knowledge & teach in of how to do this with the soldering iron (watching him create a splayed out hand just using a soldering iron is incredible) and the inspiration of looking at his own creations.

This one had his arm released from the casting , the existing trumpet was cut away and replaced by a scratch one. The head repositioned by twisting, then the trumpet was then soldered to the hand and positioned as if being blown. The the arm is then cut & bent to match it and soldered back on . The cord of the trumpet is created from 3 strands of twisted copper wire from a normal piece of household electrical flex. This is passed around the figure and soldered to the trumpet.

This one has his sword out as if to slash down on some poor infantryman and trumpet flung behind him.

Almost finished the officers too.

Leipzig at WHC

2011-10-31T12:48:00.012Z

I finished off last week with a 3 day game at the WHC. A refight of the big one! The Battle of Nations. So many toys to play with it takes 3 days. I ended up being French for the first time in years. Given the job of co-ordinating the defence of Souhams & Marmonts army corps to stop the Army of Silesia, and then attempt to break out. I met some old friends from many battles fought over the years - we did wonder where exactly how many of those years had gone - especially with that old video Tony - , along with new guys. A weekend with like minded folk is good for the soul.

I managed to persuade Napoleon that we needed a little more battle cavalry to put Bluchers combined Russo-Prussian army to flight, and was delighted to have the services of the Saxon, Guard du Corps and Zastrow Kuirassier. There are a few extra rules to hamper the Saxons in this battle,but apart from one low roll they followed orders all the time. Mind refusing to charge into the routing mob in front of them was a real roll to choose to be disobedient! I guess they thought their work was done.

Thanks go to Lee Sharpe for playing out a great battle,which lasted the full 3 days. In the end the Grenadiers a Cheval really put the boot into the tired Army of Silesia - it wasn't pretty. Mark from the WHC will have a full write up on the WHC website soon.

Lee looks on as those pesky Zastrow Kuirassier force his Russian infantry units into square. Grand Manner really rewards combined arms play.

Riding down Russians, that would be two battallions destroyed then..

I enjoy looking at other painters creations, and these are a joy to look at. You can always pick up little tips by just looking . I may have to do some of these.

Cracking on with the Vistula Lancer trunpeters and officers this week.

Vistula Legion Infantry - part 3 & started painting Lancers

2011-10-21T11:28:00.005Z

Finished off the fusiliers for the Vistula Infantry. Very pleased with how these turned out. The castings by "Elite" are first class. It was nice to not have them looking up at the sky as they sometimes seem to be.

Groundwork and photo courtesy of John D

I have also started work on the painting of the Vistula lancers. Just a test one to start with (Officer hence no lance), and I am pleased with the results. More work over the next few days to finish of the soldering and final tweaks to the rest of troopers. It will be a real one off unit once completed.

I am enjoying the modelling challenge here. Lots of extra work going into the castngs with moving arms , replaced swords, sword scabbards remade and flying loose, reins added, czapka has chords and rackets added. All good fun!

I have also come across some old 30mm Stadden figures which need a little repair and restoration before going to auction at Vectis, pictures next time

Vistula Legion Infantry - part 2

2011-10-16T16:29:00.001Z

It's been a busy week , so progress has been a little slower than normal. I have finished the Grenadier and Voltigeur companies, with the fusiliers about half way there.I have also got some paint on the first of the Vistula Lancers - well it's the same colours, so i thought i might as well.

The more of them I paint , the more impressed I am with the castings. More next week

Vistula Legion Infantry

2011-10-10T14:12:00.002Z

It is back to it after the break. I have been working on some "Elite miniatures" Vistula legion infantry. They are very nice casting and paint up well.

These have yellow facings and the drummers with reverse colours have yellow jackets. Yellow can be a difficult colour to work with I find sometimes. The yellows here are initially undercoated in a yellow ochre and highlighted up with a an "Andrea color" Basic Yellow which is finely pigmented and covers well. Further highlights are Vallejo Flat Yellow and very top colour is Andrea Light Yellow. The rest of the unit is blocked up ready for fine detailing.

The French Cuirassier band has also turned up all the way from Italy. Looking forward to doing them over the winter. I have a 28mm French field hospital set on the way as well..

A little R&R

2011-09-26T12:02:00.000Z

The brushes have been resting for a few weeks as i have been on holiday. I have been to Normandy yet again enjoying the food & wine. Of course Normandy is also full of history. I have previously been there photographing wargraves as part of "The Wargraves Photographic Project". The project aim is to enable families, scholars and researchers to obtain, via the CWGC or TWGPP websites, a copy of the photograph of a grave or memorial which for many is impossible to visit due to the location. When i started there were less than 50,000 photographs, it is now up to over 1.7 million, and also fully recognised by the Commonwealth War Grave Commission. It is very moving when you get a thank you from a relative for taking the time to provide the photograph. A really worthwhile project.

Private Jack Banks - Jerusalem Cemetery , Chouain, Calvados. - Age 16

The price of freedom is high

View along "Omaha" beach from inside WN62 - Nowhere to hide.

Just how much closer can you land a Horsa glider to a bridge in the dark?

Into battle with a set of Pipes.

Anyway all ready to pick up the brushes again. Next up some Polish Infantry.

A few riflemen

2011-09-05T09:29:00.004Z

I have been working on a variety of things this last few weeks. I have been painting some figures I have not done before which are the Trent Miniatures 5/60th Rifles. They were very pleasant to paint. Nice clean crisp castings. These figures do not have backpacks, coats etc ether so not cluttered. Usual dark grey undercoat and then I used the Andrea Green paint ACS09 set and the odd bit of Vallejo Flat Green. The Andrea Color sets give a very subtle change of hue as they give you a dark base coat and then 3 light shades , and then 2 darker shades, the idea is to mix two together each time. it gives a really good effect. They do dry darker however, and as these were to be gloss varnished they need a little extra lift hence using a little Vallejo Green just to lift the overall effect with the varnish

Also a handful of mounted French officers. One of which was an Elite Miniatures Collectors series. This had separate scabbard and reins. Really not sure of the overall value of these to the average collector. I end up replacing the cast reins with some home made ones , I think they looked better as well.

I also took delivery of some of the newer 1815 range of Perry miniatures French command sets. I am not a great fan of Perry stuff as in the past it has all been to me a bit small overall. I was pleasantly surprised by these. There are some some really good story telling sets. The Chief of staff wrting orders, the ADC's waiting and the hangers-on (FN53) pictured here.

. For now they can be added to lead pile. I have completed casting work on about half the Vistula lancers , so hopefully they will be ready for painting some time in October.

Repairs to an old friend. "Prince Eugene"

2011-08-22T12:10:00.013Z

This week has been mainly spent working on preparing the next lot of projects. I picked up an old friend at my last visit to the WHC, who has seen much duty over the years. However he has picked up a few war wounds along the way, the horse was broken from its base, his plume was gone, his sword was broken off too. I would swear someone has stood on it! I asked Doug Mason to repair the horse with solder from the base to the knee joint of both hind legs. He also created the plume from solder. I was able to sort the sword out re soldering it. I then had to try and match painting that was 30 years old. Mainly used humbrols and a bit of a khaki wash to add a little ageing prior to the gloss varnish. Overall I think he is ready for duty again.

I seems this was an original Peter Gilder creation and still looks great. The base figure is Willie figure I am informed with the head being a PG creation as is the horse (thanks Phil for info)

Talking of the WHC. I also found an old photo from 1990. This was the invitation game held on the 175th Anniversary of Waterloo. With Peter Gilder leading the French against Mike Ingham's Brits. I was on the French side and we got a good drubbing!

Rear (Brits) - Mark Freeth, Andy Moorhouse, Mike Ingham , Andy? , Steve Shann
Front (French) Me! ,Chris Flowers, Simon Clark, Doug Mason, Paul Williamson, Peter Gilder.
(Thanks to Tony Dillon for clearing up a few names )

Peter was in a wheelchair at the time suffering with the motor-neurone disease that he succumbed to later that year. I think this was his last game. I was even helping to feed him. I know it was certainly sad seeing him like that. But he enjoyed himself as we all did.

And here are another couple of Vistula legion lancer conversions completed ready for painting.

Trumpeter crashing to the ground, hands flailing, trumpet flying loose - in my minds eye I see the canister striking!

Officer about to crash his sabre down upon his foe, drawing his arm back & leaning into the blow. The sword scabbard is flying loose on its belts, His boots are dug into the horses side for more purchase . The horse is turned to that side pulling on it reins too. Mane and tail are reworked with the soldering iron for more movement.

A new Napoleon

2011-08-15T11:48:00.009Z

I have had some new figures arrive last week. The revolutionary wars generals set from CP Models. So time for a new Napoleon. A really nice figure to paint. I also took delivery of some new paints. Acrylic paint sets by "Andrea" - Blues, Reds, Greens. They give a base shade and complimentary range of differing lighter and dark shades you can use straight from the bottle. They are strongly pigmented and cover really well. Not a cheap item but I can highly recommend them. I sourced mine from Historex Agents in Dover , one of my long time suppliers. They arrived promptly as usual.

I also decided to crack on with the French Light Infantry unit that has been undercoated and blocked for a while. I used the Andrea blues set again here too.

They are on bigger bases than usual to represent a more open order formation. They are an "Elite Miniatures" unit in campaign dress.

In addition I have been working on the Vistula legion lancers castings. I have been to see the master of the soldering iron Doug Mason (NEW BLOG SPOT!) for a bit of a refresher masterclass.A true artistic genius. I felt like Luke to his Yoda. Here is one of them - horse completely repositioned tail and mane reworked,wire reins added, rider arm repositioned, lance added, pennant from brass sheet.

Looking forward to painting these guys. I have about 18 more castings to prepare yet though.

Oh and the Colonial stuff has turned up! choices choices...

Strike up the band & some new technology.

2011-08-08T09:53:00.031Z

Well they say music stirs the soul. This week I have been working on the newly arrived French Guard Band set. It is not always about the fighting troops and these guys will add some colour and fun to proceedings and maybe improve the moral of the fighting troops. This is a "Bicorne" miniatures set of 22 figures. The castings were of excellent quality with little work required to clean them up. In terms of make up the figure mix does lack a few instruments having more trumpeters than required but no trombones and again more bassoons than required but no clarinets. There is a nice two piece casuality set with the pair singing along - these are labelled as flute in the catalogue , but are both actually carrying trumpets. They are all also sculpted in campaign dress. I have access to a lot of information on Napleonic uniforms , but there was not much in the collection on the various bands campaign dress. I did however find one decent reference for 1806-7 where the band wore striped trousers on campaign, so I went for that option.

Usual undercoats, Humbrol 67 (dark grey) for the dark areas and 64 (light grey)for the trousers. Blue is Vallejo Dark Prussian Blue highlighted with a mix of Flat blue. Of course the time consuming bit was the trousers. After uncoating they were done in Humbrol 33 white and allowed to dry. The stripes were done using Vallejo Flat blue thinned with 50/50 paint/water to form a thin ink consistency, Using a decent long sable watercolour brush with long bristles and small point it (it was a No1) was just a case of loading the brush with the paint.ink and completing a stripe or two and repeating around the trousers. Once this was done there was a little more shade and highlight added to the folds with a light grey /white vallejo mix. They were Matt varnished. And I refreshed the mettalics using a mix of Vallejo Brass with some added in Rich Gold powder (ROSE paints) to make the instruments shine more.

I enjoyed these as they were something different. I am still on the look out for some nice full dress bandsmen to do another time. I would also like to get hold of the Mounted Cuirassier band produced by Mirliton as well.(Mirliton - Cuirassier Band). Turns out these are available through Vexilla

TECHNO TIME
I have also been playing with technology this week and got hold of "blinky lights" from an internet light effects jewelry website. Product name Alectralights available in a host or colours - I went for Orange - so with a bit of basing and spraying some cotton wool a murky smoke colour I now have some burning firing etc markers

Not great video quality but you get the idea. The actual "blinky" is a two part cylinder about 10mm x 10mm has a battery life of about 10 hours - they can be changed as well - also came with spare batteries. They are also magnetic and come with a small magnet . You just screw the top down until it turns on , and unscrew to turn off or to change the battery. Cost £2 per "blinky" - but sure with a bulk order discounts can be found.

Just to give an idea of size - they are really small.

Available from Warlord games- with a small selection of colours.
Or if you want some more unusual colours from Blinkylights

Back to more work on the castings for the Vistula Lancers - there is going to be a lot of conversion work here , this unit will be a real one off. I have a French light infantry ready for blocking and finishing as well this week. I am also eagerly awaiting the arrival of more lead from the "Colonial" period - Time to get back to true roots more later.

Polish & Bavarian Commanders

2011-08-02T11:28:00.006Z

I have had very little painting time this week as I have been travelling in the day job, and called in at Marks WHC on Sat/Sun to check out the new Arnhem game set up. I was cajoled into calling in the Allied air power - rolling Double 6 - 4 times out 5 Yes the dice were examined and proceeded to roll 2's for other people. So anyway I decided to complete a few more command stands last night that had previously been undercoated. (Usual Humbrol Tank Grey 67)

Two Polish divisional generals. Both by "Front Rank" again very nice castings. I used "Front Rank" horses this time as I felt the riders pose went well with their walking horses , so I chose one with head up and one head down. These has been completed in the last big horse batch. As per previous Poles I used Vallejo Dark Prussian Blue , and lightening from there with Flat blue mix. These were finished in Matt varnish for their new home. Again this did mean a slight refresh of the metallic once that had dried.

The Bavarian General is again "Front Rank". This time he is a bit more animated. Looking through the completed horse batch there was an old "Connoisseur" heavy horse that I thought he looked really good on, so the two were paired. The basic block colour was Vallejo Flat Blue which was highlighted up gradually and finished with top highlights of Andrea Blue (70841). After the Matt varnish I again refreshed top highlights and metallic.

As for this week I have had a project bumped up the painting table with the arrival of castings from "Bicorne" of a 20+ piece set for a French Guard Band. They look interesting and fun to do - a nice wounded pair singing along included. Plus more work on the castings for the Vistula Legion Lancers that are in progress.

General Dabrowski & ADC

2011-07-25T09:39:00.009Z

I have been working on preparing castings mainly this week, but I have been able to complete another Polish command stand to give Prince Poniatowski someone to command. General Dabrowski and an ADC figure both by "Front Rank" - really good crisp castings a pleasure to paint. Dabrowski's horse is an old favourite light horse by "Connoisseur" and the ADC's is an "Elite"one. I wanted the stand to tell a picture of the ADC having just galloped in and pulled his horse up and the look of an animated conversation. I think it has been achieved with the choice of figures and horses and how they are placed on the base. The horses were completed in the last big batch so they were all ready waiting for a project to come along. I did however have to add a saddlecloth and saddle made from Milliput to the Elite horse (took about 5 mins to do) as the ADC casting comes without one and would normally require a S1 type Front rank horse.

The blue used for main colours is a Vallejo Dark Prussian Blue (70899) which is highlighted with with a mix of the DPB and Flat Blue. The Polish crimson is created with Humbrol 73 (wine) as a base then highlighted with a 73 and Matt white (34) mix.

Silver used is Vallejo Model air silver as it it flows easily and works well on fine detailing. This was highlighted a little with a sligh mix of white in to too. Faces and flesh tones as per my usual 4 colour method.

More castings work this week as busy preparing a Vistula Legion lancer regiment and a Dutch Belgian Hussar regiment.

French Light Infantry

2011-07-18T11:18:00.001Z

This week I have been completing the light infantry unit I started last week. A fairly simple paint scheme as trousers, tunic and waistcoats etc are all blue. The figures were undercoated Humbrol 67 (Tank Grey). Black was added for shako, boots, scabbard, cartridge pouch. The main blue was added using Humbrol 104 (an Oxford blue) . once dried then a light drybrush all over the figure using Humbrol light grey 64. Vallejo Flat Brown used for the backpack and musket. These are then highlighted by drybrushing a Vallejo Khaki Grey/white mix for the back pack to pick out details, and a neat khaki detailing on the musket. Next up faces as per usual using my 4 colour method. White was the most fiddly colour as lots of little details to add such as shako chords, belts, piping on cuffs and and around the chasseur companies boot tops. (These guys are a "full dress" casting). Then its facings (collar, eppaulettes, boot tops, sword knots , shako trims , pom poms etc depending on type of company) using Vallejo Flat Red and Deep Green. These are highlighted using Scarlett a Deep Green/Light Green mix. Voltiguer company has flat yellow added for the different pipings , tassels and swordknots A light grey highlight is added to pick out the greatcoat folds on the top of the backpack. The blue is then worked on with thinned Vallejo Dark Prussian blue being painted in deeper recess areas. Vallejo flat blue is then used to highligh top areas, elbows, knees etc.Overall a nice unit. I am not basing this one.

Figures are "Elite miniatures"

So the holding area board is empty again. I will be delving into the lead pile again tonight, and filling it up with projects for the next few weeks. I think it will be another Dutchy of Warasw commander this week to start off with and the Vistula legion lancers are also calling as the flags have arrived from GMB, as have the Coldstreamers.

British Heavy Dragoons

2011-07-10T16:57:00.001Z

I have been working on a request for a British dragoon unit from the peninsular. The 1st or Royal Dragoons. The figures are "Connoisseur" and they are a very nice casting to work with. Horses were completed in oils with a variation of base colour between humbrol 74 (yellow) and 83 (ochre) and then Burnt Umber and Burnt Sienna oils , this all gives a range of final horse colours.The riders were undercoated a dark grey as usual for these kind of top colours. The main red is Vallejo Flat red (70957) which is washed with a Citadel Devlan Mud (stoopid names!). It is then highlighted with a Vallejo flat red and scarlet (70817) mix .The blue used is a strong Vallejo Dark Prussian Blue (70899) which is then highlighted with a medium blue (70963) and flat blue mix (70962).

They have come up very well. I am not basing these , so will ask for photo of them fully completed.

Flag is GMB , a simple drill and pin to replace the cast sabre.

Also started work on a French Light Infantry unit.

Elite miniatures casting these guys, more next week.

Some British

2011-07-04T08:55:00.000Z

This last week I have been working on horses and completed 32 of them various browns and a few whites. The warm weather has helped to speed the oil drying time.I was even able to varnish them as well. I usually have a few command figures on the paint board at any time as they can be easily dipped in and out of and one of these has been completed as well. A British command stand with a mounted infantry officer and a mounted highland Black Watch officer.(who has a suitably stern look on his face!)

The riders are both "Front Rank" as is the far officers horse. The highlanders horse is an Elite miniatures. I was in Hereford recently on my travels and I came across a really great model & railway shop The Hereford Model Centre (they are online too). The kind of place you rarely find these days a real Alladins cave and.with friendly knowledgable staff. I picked up a range of supplies including the "grass" used on this base . Made by Noch and marketed by Gaugemaster - Code 192 Rough Grass Beige. It comes in a matting form about 9 inches by 7" and is about 1/3 inch thick (it was not the cheapest item - it was about £7 for the pack but it will last a good while) . It can be cut or just torn to shape. I think it gives a really good look for dried out grass/scrubland. It was attached to the plywood base using white PVA prior to adding the sand and stones mix. I was very happy with the finish.

The need to P....

2011-06-27T17:54:00.000Z

No not that kind . I am thinking about PREPARATION!

I am off on a new lot of painting, and I like to prepare a few projects together. Cleaning up figures, converting , test fitting etc and getting all the basic undercoating ready for blocking in. Over the years I have acquired a decent collection of tools to assist. So here's a shot of the most used ones.

Right to Left top row . Green Stuff and Milliput for sculpting and filling if need be.

Right to Left middle row. Heavy duty craft knife (Stanley in UK), Swan Morton handle and No11 Scalpel blade for fine cutting work, hand pin vice and drill, set of burrs and routers for the electric mini drill, set of drills, helping hands device, Heavy duty file, small tack hammer, sculpting tools, also fuse wire various gauges and pins for use in conversions.

R-L Bottom row. Pliers various profiles and side cutters , mini saw, Vee block and mini vice and set of needle files.

Most of these get some use cleaning and preparing castings. The right tool for the job makes life a lot easier.

So over to the holding area , most things now ready to go on the first stages of painting.

This lot arrived already cleaned and prepared so that was great, a decent session or two saved. French Legere unit undercoated, Lots of horses to do with this batch too and with the warmth at the moment they should dry up nice and quickly.

Even managed to squeeze in a game last weekend down at the WHC. Anniversary re fight of Waterloo , it was great fun. There is a great write up on the WHC homepage. I managed to get my cavalry dice well and truly rolling Huzzah!

Now that's what you call an attack column! Massive French assault between Hougomont and La Haye . Glad I was not facing it. But of course stopped in the same old way.. All good fun.

Prince Poniatowski & ADC

2011-06-15T11:56:00.001Z

After a few weeks of completing larger units it was time to do something from the "for my enjoyment" collection of metal. I bought some Front Rank command figures earlier in the year and really liked the look of these two and had some good reference library pictures to work from. I decided to stick with Front Rank horses. (I don't mind the light horses standing or walking - not so keen on the faster moving lighter ones or any heavier ones though - it's a personal taste thing). I looked through the horses completed earlier , but found i was going to need one of their S1 type with cast on saddle cloth for the ADC which only came with part sheepskin saddle . I did not have one of those already completed so decided just to add a saddle cloth to a completed one from a small amount of thinly rolled out Milliput (a two part putty that is easily worked into shape). This was shaped with some sculpting tools and a scalpel blade. Took about 5 minutes to do.

The rest was a simple paint job. Undercoated the figures in Humbrol 67 (Tank Grey).

Poniatowski - Has a large fur cloak on , this was blocked in Vallejo flat brown and then drybrushed lighter shades by mixing with Khaki and white until happy with the effect. His tunic was blocked Dark Prussian blue, then highlighted with a Medium blue/Flat blue mix. The polish crimson trousers were blocked Humbrol 73 to start , then had a little white 34 added and used to highlight knee tops and creases etc. Czapka top was to be white with a cross on and then additional line detail added - this was blocked light grey first. Face as per usual. Various chords etc were added using a Vallejo Model Air Silver - this is thinner and i find it easier to use for small fine detail - as this usually involves using it in dots or dabs to suggest or pick out detail rather than just paint it all. His horse was a standing one which i had bent the head slightly before painting.

ADC- the main block colour was Humbrol 73 (Wine) which was then over painted to gradually highlight with Vallejo Red, Flat Red, Scarlet. . Shako was blocked Vallejo Medium Blue, and highlighted with Flat blue , and hint of white then added to that as well.

They were finished in proper varnish - Gloss!

It is always important to keep the creative enjoyment going , and doing these helped.

I also completed a small screen of Connoisseur Brunswick skirmishers to add to the two battalions completed a little earlier. These were a very simple grey paint job , just a case of highlighting up after undercoating (Humbrol 67) with a Vallejo Neutral Gray and a bit of light grey really then piping facing colours and muskets. Faces as usual. I added some bit of beech branch to bases to give a more interesting effect (I now remember why i did not cut down the beech hedge.. good for nicking bits for basing!). They were based in pairs, one firing one moving,

These took about 30 minutes to complete.

Sound the charge!

2011-06-08T13:39:00.000Z

Well those white horses have had to be put to some use. In this case a regiment of 32 figures of Dutch Belgian heavy cavalry. The 2nd Belgian Carabinier for 1815. These are "Connoisseur" figures available from Bicorne miniatures.and were a complete joy to paint. The castings were very crisp for both the riders and horses and took almost no cleaning up.

I wanted a bit of wow factor with these so set to work on individuality for them. The range of castings did not come with a trumpeter so a trumpet was fashioned from thin gauge brass wire. a blob of solder added to form the cone which is then drilled out. The troopers swords were all removed and replaced with flattened mild steel pins and drilled and soldered into place. One trooper has a fallen soldiers shako scooped up onto his sword point and held aloft. Sword arms and heads were then gently moved with a pair of pliers. For more pronounced movement of heads they were removed and drilled/pinned/glued to allow some to appear to be looking over their shoulders. A flagstaff and finial were fashioned from wire - flattening the end and shaping to a finial using a carborundum cutting disk. Horses likewise had some leg bends, hoofs released from the base where strudy, head and tail twists etc.Ultimately no two figures are the same.

4 horses were to be done as White/Grey and the rest various shades of Chestnut bay. These were completed first to allow oils to start drying.

The troopers were undercoated in Humbrol 67 (Tank Grey) . Main painting then took place using Vallejo Dark Prussian blue(70899) highlighted to a lighter shade with a Flat Blue (70962) mix. Red (70926) was added and Flat Red (70957) through to a hint of Scarlet used to shade and highlight. Faces completed with my usual 4 colour method. Sheepskins were started Khaki and drybrushed lighter with Khaki/Offwhite mix gradually lightened. Belts initially Light Grey and Off White with top highlight of White.Helmets were a mix of Brass and Silver metallic.

The challenge here was the request for these to be a Matt finish. This takes a little more planning and management as it will generally darken bright colours and dull metallic. In some cases these need brightening after the varnishing. To get around this I decided to initially varnish overall in Matt Humbrol - make sure the medium and varnish are well mixed to work properly.. Once dried I then used a thinned gloss varnish painted in directly over the metals of the helmet , scabbard and sword which gave then that little bit a shine and really improved the look. The flag care of Grahame at GMB was added fixed and shaped with PVA, then hardened with 4 coats of varnish. The flag edging was again picked out in thinned gloss to just to give a little shine from the frills.

For the basing I had some French infantry casualty figures falling and dead ones from "Front Rank" and these were mixed in to create an effect of a squadron catching infantry.

Time to complete - 40 hours - 12.5 of that related to conversion and personalisation.

I am very happy with the overall effect as a unit , they have real movement and life which is just what i wanted to achieve. From my more recent reading of 1815 the Dutch Belgian cavalry performed fairly well , thier commander being acknoweledge by The Duke so lets hope these boys do just as well.

A comment on varnish - nicked from Itinerant Wargamer with which I agree.

"Gloss varnish isn't terribly fashionable these days which is actually a bit wierd. There is no debate about it bringing out the colour and establishing a visual contrast between the figure and its base, this is simply optical fact. Nonetheless, a lot of folk "prefer" matt these days. Anyway, my theory is, that gloss varnish makes well painted figures look even better and badly painted figures look even worse, while matt varnish just dulls everything down to a more median uniformity (no pun inteneded). So for Mr Average painter (like me, and most of you) we think our stuff looks better when we matt varnish it, because gloss just shows up all the cock-ups, while matt is more....forgiving."

I like gloss varnish overall and I think have learnt over the years to paint well and to make it look good with shiny varnish!

At a recent game at the WHC - about to clash with French Cuirassier - and then run away , like all new troops seem too!

More at the WHC site thanks to Mark Freeth

White Horses

2011-06-02T09:26:00.000Z

Aaargh!! I hear you say. I love painting white horses, and you never need that many usually so I don't mind spending a bit of time on them. As I am working on a cavalry regiment at the moment I thought I would try and deconstruct how i did them to work it out as it has mostly been discovered through good old trial and error. I have tried various methods from just white , grey, oil washes etc, and have settled on this method.

Horse initially undercoated in Humbrol 67 (Tank Grey) - yes dark grey.. Allow to dry properly. Then a heavy dry brush of Humbrol 64 (Light Grey), allow to touch dry, then again a heavy dry brush of Humbrol 34 (White) - making sure the paint is not too thin, even just using a bit of thick stuff at the bottom. I don't find I get the same result using acrylics here at all , they don't dry brush as well. The aim being to give a good lightening effect from the dark grey but still leave darker areas in the muscles folds, around horse furniture etc

This is after the 3 first coats as above.

Next up add the furniture. I this case i am also colouring the tail, mane, socks and the muzzle using a Vallejo black. For the eyes, again just black. Don't worry about "whites of the eyes" - horses don't really have them they are more yellow anyway and horse pupils are very large - you are looking for suggestion here

Now time for the hard earned experience bit. White and grey can look a bit stark or dull. I want to add a little bit of warmth to it. I use water thinned Vallejo Khaki Grey (70880). Take a large brush and paint clean water all over the horse. Then working quickly using the large brush add neat Khaki to the horse - it will run with the water already applied, work it over the horse. If it appears too thick add more water to your brush, too thin a little more paint. Allow the colour to collect in the folds around the furniture etc. Too much water? Dry your brush on kitchen paper then by touching it to the water area it will draw water and pigment off the horse.

At this stage it can look a little odd, but once it dries (a few minutes) it gives a certain warmth and weathering (probably sweat!) to the horse.

Next , i then use Vallejo Neural Grey (70992) and paint a few thin line marks on the flanks and neck etc to help suggest movement and muscles too. Out with Off White (70820) next to paint (not drybrush - but paint in ) the tops of muscles and flanks. You can at this stage add any dapple you want with the Off White. The horse furniture ,tale , main, muzzle and socks are given a light dry brush of the Khaki and hoofs painted in in Khaki. The muzzle is then given a light brush of Dark Flesh.heavier at the mouth end.

Furniture brasses and steel then added. Add any further dry brush to tail and mane etc . Add any neat pure white to muscles, flank, nose top blaze etc if you want too. Again you can over dapple with dots of pure white.Just remember sometimes less is more!

Finished!

Overall it does not take that long. Funny thing is it is not until near the end that it all seems to come together and suddenly it comes to life.

Time to complete one horse about 15 minutes altogether with a bit of drying time between some operations

And some more with riders i did this week

Belgian 2nd Carabinier Trumpeter(with own added trumpet etc as the range did not have one!)

Belgian 2nd Carabinier Officer

"Conoisseur" Heavy Horses. I do like them!

Brunswick black.

2011-05-30T14:48:00.001Z

Black is an interesting challenge to shade and highlight. For the latest commission I used my own mixed dark grey charcoal colour. This was a mix of Humbrol 67 (Tank Grey) and Matt Black. This was used for the main undercoat. I then want to pick out specific areas of deeper black and this was done with the neat black for the shako , belts and packs. Once dry the whole figure was then give a light drybrush of light grey. Additional detail was painted in with thin strokes of grey. Faces as per normal. Facings in 3 shade triad of Vallejo Red and Green for the different units. Muskets and metallics added. Some thinned Vallejo black was painted in on some deeper folds. These were then matt varnished and once varnish had dried overnight I did a little "refresh" of the metallics and a light flick across the "highlight" of the facings to add a bit more brightness.

The figures are old "Connoisseur" and are a simple uncomplicated paint job. I was short of standard bearers however so a couple of officers had to have additional work adding belts from green stuff to carry the standard. Flags are from GMB (Fixed using white PVA and then hardened with varnish - about 4 coats altogether applied once each is tacky dry). The flagpole was made from brass wire and the finials were formed by flattening the end with a hammer and then working in into spear point using a carborundum cutting disc on the mini drill, takes no more than 30 seconds per flagstaff and way cheaper then buying them.Horses are both "Elite miniatures" completed in the last batch of horses.

Adieux de Napoléon à la Garde Impériale

2011-05-11T13:51:00.000Z

These have been in the lead pile for so long I had no idea who made them (now reliably informed it is Redoubt Enterprises set apart from the Perry Marshall one which I added to them). I have had a few days off work so have been doing these guys just as an interesting project. The sculpts of the figures have some individuality, with I am sure some of them having facial expressions of shock , and one of them even looks like he is crying. Great stuff

Next up Brunswickers - or how make to black look interesting!

Faces

2011-05-07T16:34:00.000Z

One thing guaranteed to ruin a completed figure is a poor face. Faces for me bring things alive , so I always do them early in any figure paint.

But how to do it? Some people can and do achieve wonderful face effects including eyes etc and I have nothing but admiration for the talent and time committed. My own method is a step down from that , but is simple to achieve a good effect time and again. It works on really crisp sculpts, and ones less so and for larger wargame armies I have created is a good trade off on time/reward. Remember that these are small areas you are talking about so try to paint for effect. They are also generally going to be viewed at a distance of several feet away. (a 28mm figure 1-64th scale for a 6 foot person - you try looking a someone 64 feet away can you see the whites of their eyes? So viewing even further away reduces the minute detail required)

Some basic principles , work from dark to light , inside to out. Areas that are import are Nose, Forehead, Cheeks, Chin, Lips, Ears, Facial hair.

OK time for some pictures . These guys are part of a 28mm vignette piece. they are prepared so far with dark grey undercoat all over ( black is too unforgiving IMHO and makes lighter colours hard work). they also have their headdress main colour completed - in this case black, and dry brushed for later once the face is done - I don't want to go near the face with a larger dry brush once completed in case of causing damage needing re-work. Another part of my philosophy, do it once, do it right re-work is wasted time!

START

STAGE1 - Dark Brown to (This Vallejo FLAT BROWN) all the flesh area, however if you want black, grey facial hair later then leave this uncovered

STAGE2 - Lighter Brown , starting with the nose, across the forehead , cheeks, ears, chin, and lips. Leave a little of the dark brown showing in the deep recess. If the figure has something cast deep in the eye , just flick across that with the light brown ( This is Humbrol 110 - Natural wood - I do also use Vallejo Khaki Grey too , both work well)

STAGE3 - Dark Flesh tone . Vallejo Dark Flesh - thinned slightly with water.. Again work the same area , but covering slightly less area , leave some of the light brown showing. Add some neat un-thnined dark flesh to the main cheek areas, chin, outer ear, if it needs lightening further.

STAGE4 - Light flesh tone . Vallejo Light Flesh - thinned slightly with water. just highlight the key areas, nose top, nostril sides if cast well enough, cheekbones, chin , lip,, centre of forehead.

If no facial hair , your done!

STAGE5 - Facial hair base. Depending on the colour you want , then use dark , then light combination. These are "grumblers" so I went for a Vallejo Light grey and used small strokes to highlight across the moustache, beard and sideburns.

STAGE6 Facial Hair - light. Using the lighter colour, use dabs, dots, or single stroked to highlight the beard, moustache and sideburns as required. - up close it can look a little odd, but move it further way it works.

Now you little people have some soul...time to get the uniform done!

And a distance view - this is taken from about 6 inches away

Colours used:-
Dark Brown - Vallejo Flat Brown 70984 - or Humbrol 170
Light Brown - Vallejo Khaki Grey 70880 - or Humbrol 110 or 83
Dark Flesh - Vallejo 70927
Light Flesh - Vallejo 70928
Facial Hair combo- in case Vallejo - Light Grey 70990 , and Off White 70820

I have used this basic face technique for 6mm, 15,mm, 20mm, 28mm across the years , the basic principle stands up well , you just need fewer colours the smaller the scale. It also works particularly well under a gloss varnish which picks out the light flesh highlight well.

Hope it is of use!

And with uniform

Horses

2011-05-02T14:51:00.000Z

I have a few projects coming up , so I have decided to to complete a job lot of 28mm horses to hold ready to use when required. I have a stock from various manufactures (These are Conoissuer, Elite, Bicorne , Front Rank, and a few of unknown provenance) which I have accumulated over the years so it gives a reasonable amount of variety.

These horses are to be completed in oils. I use two brown colours , Burnt Umber (a dark brown - gives a dark chestnut finish) - and Burnt Siennia (a lighter redder brown- gives a red chesnut /bay finish).Oil is a very forgiving medium which takes a long time to dry fully so can be worked easily to achieve results.A well sculpted horse will really reward this method of painting.

Check out "Horse Color" website for more detail of horse colourings and markings in real pictures..

It is not worth doing just a few horses so altogether I have done 64. So here is a walk through how it's done.

Preparation -
1- Clean up castings and attach to something to hold them while painting.
2- Undercoat in Yellow (rather than white as gives a subtle tone to the end result)- this is Humbrol 74 and allow a full 24 hours to dry.Also use 83 Ochre
3- Paint in horse furniture, this was with Vallejo black. Sometimes I do miss this step if not sure what colour I will be using as it can be completed once the oil has dried too.

4 -Apply neat oil with a large stiff brush - do this to all the batch. This is messy so don't do it on the dining table! I usually also use some protective gloves as well. I don't thin the oil with a spirit or medium, just use it neat and work in it all over.

5- Wipe of excess oil , this can be completed with sponge, large soft brush (wipe off any excess that accumlates on the brush as required), absorbent paper towel. Each of these gives a slightly different effect. Work from the horses head down and backwards. Leave a thin covering of paint on the muscle tops , flanks etc. Let the oil do the shading work in the creases , the mane, tail and underbelliy etc. If you don't like how one comes up, just apply oil again.

6- Leave to dry! I find these usually take a few days to dry somewhere warm and ventilated, it may take longer somewhere colder.

There are ways of speeding the drying time if you need to such as using quicker drying oil paint, or mixing with a medium such as Liquin.

7- Add any horse furniture metals , colour hoofs, mane and tail , socks or blazes -(white or black usually).

8) Once finished they can be varnished matt, satin, or gloss, either an acrylic or enamel works fine. I would test a small area if you have been impatient - as it can run in area where the oil had been left thicker.

This method can also be used for horses with cast saddles or one piece horse/rider casting etc, just clean off excess oil after wiping, and obviously do this before painting the rider!

It has taken 3 hours- an hour a day over 3 days to get these 64 to stage 6. Once dried I can just complete the last stages in a few minutes as I need each horse.

Apologies as a couple of shots here are not in sharp focus - a new camera is on the "wants" list.

Big Uns.

2011-04-28T15:35:00.000Z

To make a change , some work in progress on some 120mm figures.

French Cuirassier by "Poste Militaire". Garde d'Honneur by "Poste Militaire" .What possessed me to buy an "Almond Sculptures" Black Watch highlander in this scale - oh boy the tartan is gonna be a test - anyone make tartan paint yet? Inpsiration for doing these came from looking at the modelmaking of Bill Horan and Shep Paine both outstanding masters of the art.

The cuirassier was finished 10 years back (and I won a couple of painting prizes with it), but was damaged in a house move and has been locked in the "stuff to do" drawer, so needs a little clean and touch up to some paint and repair work to his sword and belt at the back. The other two are fresh projects. They will be completely painted in oils which gives you time to work on large areas and shade and highlight easily with plenty of time to work with the medium. Although to be correct the cuirass was not actually painted at all. The bare metal was burnished usng a hard pin by moving it in small circular motions around the area until it beomes very shiney. This was then sealed in using clear vanish before it oxidised again. It still looks good all this time later. At this scale you have to paint properly - no wargames quick fixes here! . This should all be fun and will be an occasional update for something different.

Guardsman

2011-04-24T16:28:00.001Z

Last weeks project was a unit of British Guards - 3rd Foot 48 figures in all.. These are "Front Rank" figures apart from the horse which is an "Elite miniatures".Castings are stock poses from the manufacturer apart from the wounded sergeant where I took a soldering iron to his early pattern shako to form hair and a head bandage. I used a variety of castings some with covered shako some without to give extra variation. In addition the sergeants pike staffs were removed from the casting and replaced with higher strength piano wire with head being replaced onto it by drilling and soldering.

I really enjoyed doing these using a full range of techniques using washes and dry brushes etc. The red a Vallejo flat red, which was then washed with a Citadel Devlan Mud and once dried it was highlighted over elbows, muscle top , cloth fold areas again with the flat red or Vallejo Scarlet for the NCO's and Officers.

There are a number of wounded and dead on the stands , each different as the manner of falling can be posed by simple bending . These were then supported by drilling through the plywood base and pinning into the figure prior to basing to give extra strength.

Flags are from GMB and excellent as usual. Glued together using white PVA and shaped before drying.

These were varnished using humbrol Matt from the tin on the heads and elbows , backpack's etc to give a thicker covering, and once dried given a spray matt varnish to tone it all down. At this point bright silvers,shiny brass & rich gold was added as required to brighten things up. I even was able, to use my old metallic "ROSE" paint powders in a Vallejo thinner and it worked fine.

The officers horse was completed as part of the last batch of horses , using oils.

Defending the orchard wall at Hougomont at the WHC photo courtesy of Mark Freeth at the WHC

And seeing off some Frenchie types further along the field

More pictures from Mark Freeth WHC website

It's not rocket science.

2011-04-18T17:32:00.001Z

But it is a "Rocket Troop".

I have had it my head to do one of these for a while. The figures are RHA from "Front Rank". I had two with rammer which had it cut away and had my own home made rockets added. They are made from piano wire, , some milliput rolled into a small sausage and fixed to the end. A couple of thin bits of paper cut and stuck to wrap them on and finally a small ball bearing added for the ball.

The rocket firing apparatus is made from brass wire and sheet, soldered together. It may not be 100% accurate to the originals (thats is another project with the heavier version launched from the wagon) , but put it on a table and people will see its a rocket troop. As far as i have read they fired a lot straight from the ground as well , so who knows that may be another one to do.

Background to the photos courtesy of Mark Freeth at the Wargames Holiday Centre (Yes that is La Haye Saint in the background)

Out with the dice

2011-04-11T08:25:00.000Z

The Austrian Grenadiers I painted for the Wargames Holiday Centre have had their first outing down there. I was there for the weekend for a re-fight of the 1813 battle of Dresden. Invariably of course you expect that the nice new shiney troops would misbehave on thier first outing and be doing lots of running away. These guys however had a great game battling away on the eastern side of Dresden , even managing to see off an assault by a force of the French Old Guard.

Vive l'empereur!

2011-04-06T15:16:00.001Z

Almost, more accurately "First Consul" , in "Crossing the Alps" in 1800. I have had this figure in bare form for at least 10 years. If I remember correctly this was a limited edition low number release from Wargames Foundary for a charity support appeal.

It is a two part casting with the top half of Napoleon with cape as one part and bottom part and the horse as another. These two I decided to drill and pin together for security. The horse had its two front feet cut free as it is fairly sturdy so should should be OK unless handled carelessly.

Very few of the colours used here are straight out of the pot as I wanted to really work on it. so lots of little shades and highlights. For the cape colour I went for a more utilitarian brown shade rather than the variety of reds, and oranges etc which reference research seem to show.

The only really fiddly bit was the wild staring eyes on the horse, created by making the whole eyeball white and ensuring that when the black centre was added white was left showing . It seemed to work effectively.

Too many chiefs?

2011-04-04T16:39:00.000Z

Well , I have a British Guards unit on the painting board for April and while I was rooting around in the pile of unpainted metal at the weekend I came across a part painted British general and decided to pair him with a horse that was finished 10 years ago. With a little bit of work this morning I was able to finish the combination. The general is from "Front Rank" The horse was an "Elite miniatures" but with some conversion work as both front feet off the ground as if about to jump. To help support the casting when used on the "battlefield" I had inserted a pin underneath the horse & into to the base which is then hidden within the added grasswork (my usual teased out sisal string). So now all I need to do is paint the chap some guys to command.

Total time to complete 2 hours .. plus the 10 years from actually starting it.

The white mob.

2011-04-01T13:09:00.000Z

I have been working on a contingent of Austrian Grenadiers for a friend and these have been completed apart from a couple of flags that will need adding.

These guys are again "Elite miniatures" and they were all of the German - Austrian variety not Hungarian. I did some basic conversion work with the turning of heads (gently as I find with more modern metals there is less give in it and can be prone to snapping easy fixed if they do with drilling and pinning , but more work) I also repositioned some of the officers arms to give some more variety. I replaced all the officers sabres from the thicker cast versions with curved and flattened pins. I use an ordinary pin for this , not dressmakers as they are too hard and don't bend so easily nor flatten out so well. I use a Vee block when bending & flattening . Feed the pin over edge of the Vee and gently tamp it with a hammer to form the curve of a sabre. It is then flattened out on either side of the curve and cut to size. The figure then has a small hole drilled in the sword handle and the cut down pin can either be superglued or soldered in. If I superglue it in I also try to nip the metal around the end of the pin using a pair of snipe nose pliers.

Once ready for painting , they were given an undercoat of light grey - Humbrol 64. This provides a ready made shade area in the deeper parts of the figure - the belts etc. It means I only have to put the white paint where it is required. I would not want to use a wash over white to achieve this as it would mean re-highlighting the white again.

These figures have really good faces which come up really well. More about face painting in April. The flags are from "GMB", the finials and chords are "Front Rank" the flagstaffs are made from Piano wire.To give some additional variety I have also replaced a couple of the mounted officers with some spare Austrian General type figures in bicornes - again to give a bit of individual flair.

Gun Battery completed

2011-04-01T09:57:00.000Z

I was looking for something quick and easy to do, so I thought a gun battery should do the trick. I was given the this "Elite miniatures" one to get my eye back in. It is only 12 figures and 3 guns so it was done in a couple of nights. The guns were assembled and stuck together with superglue. The barrels were drilled out a bit more. The figures had a mix of early and late uniforms. For a painting guide reference I have a a complete set of original "Rousselot plates" - the definitive guide for French Napoleonic uniforms I believe. The undercoat for the figures and guns was all dark grey (Humbrol 67). The guns are painted in Humbrol 150 which is a good match for French Artillery Green. They are then given a very thin wash of dark brown prior to adding on the metal paints.They are finished off with a light dry brush of a light earth colour. The end of the barrel is blackened with dry brushing. The figures are pretty straight forward apart from I decided to add extra detail on the sabretache with the company number and wreaths etc.

For the bases which are cut from 1/16th ply some extra work is required to make slots for the gun wheel and trail to sit in. This is created with some blobs of blue tack which are formed and shaped by pushing in the wheels to form ruts. The blue tack is then hardened with a covering of superglue. The base is then covered with PVA wood glue and dipped in my usual sand/cat litter mixture prior to colouring.

Out with the soldering iron and the oil paints.

2011-03-29T09:44:00.000Z

Well having located a bunch of old "Connoisseur" Russian Uhlan castings in the depth of the cupboard. I thought I would bring them to life.I always really liked the original Peter Gilder light horses as they have a a good sense of movement, and they paint up nicely too.

Having consulted my reference material I settled on Lithuanian Uhlans purely for the aesthetic reason of the white czapka. I always think it is important that units look good together rather than just individually and try and make them tell a story. As these are lancers I wanted to give a a reasonable impression of movement with pennants flying. The lances were created from "Piano/Music Wire" (also known as spring steel wire .I used 1/32" or 0.813mm which is 20 AWG available from Mugi in Barnsley in 36" strips for 59p)

This is very hard stuff and will easily ruin your cutters , so it was cut to lengths using a mini drill with a carborundum disc. These lances were then soldered into the hand positions of the figures to give the front squadron with lances down , 2nd dropping them down and 3 and 4 upright at a range of different angles. In addition as Peter Gilder never seemed to get round to niceties of things like standard bearers and trumpeters these had to be created too. A trumpet was fashioned from brass wire and the cone formed from solder and it was added to officer figure to replace a sword.

Unit flag and pennants were ordered from Grahame Black at GMB. Makes life so much easier than back a few years when these had to be fashioned by hand too.

Painting commenced. 4 White horses created and 28 others in differing brown shades. To paint an oil horse you start out painting it yellow... yes YELLOW. I used Humbrol 74 to undercoat, allow at least a couple of days to fully dry. Then paint in the horse furniture with black. Once dried it is out with the oils "Burnt Umber" and a big brush and work it all over. After doing that to all of them, take a piece of sponge and some tissue wipe off all the excess paint and it leaves a thin covering over the horse and naturally more in the creases etc. Leave this to dry somewhere warm , and forget about them for a least a week. Once dried , add socks , blazes , mane and tail highlights and any metallic horse furniture.

Meanwhile waiting for the oil to dry it was on with riders. An undercoat of Humbrol 67 worked in by brush, this allows all the crevices to have a dark colour in them but not black which shows up far too glaringly under a gloss varnish.These were pretty simple mainly being dark blue and crimson. I did add extra detail on the czapka for effect.

Some teased out sisal string was added to the basing to give a grass effect. Overall as the first cavalry unit completed for many a year I was very happy with them. These took just over two weeks from start to finish , about 30 hours altogether.

Picking up those brushes again.

2011-03-28T17:42:00.000Z

So rooting through the mass of unpainted metal in the back of the store cupboard. I came across some old figures and decided to finish them.

First off the stocks a 28mm "Elite miniatures" French Cuirassier general.Some basic conversion work carried out, adding a flattened pin sword to replace the thick cast one. The horses reins are replaced with flattened wire and soldered into position. The horses head is turned to the side with a little pressure applied with pliers, and a little working of the mane and tail with the soldering iron too.

White horses. I had forgotten the challenge here. Started with a light grey undercoat (Humbrol 64). Then a very heavy dry brush of pure white. Once dried I then painted in an Off white (Vallejo acrylic) over the top of the muscles areas. A wash of yellow ochre (Vallejo - thinned with water) was applied all over and allowed to dry. Then a dapple can be applied by spotting pure white over the flanks and chest area. Black socks added and dry brushed. Sounds a lot of work , but the whole figure took less than two hours overall which is fine for a "special"

Doing his job - leading a division of Cuirassier at the WHC.