Bits and Pieces (1 Viewer)
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johnnybach
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Yes that's it exactly. I always seemed to swamp detail when I used it. I much prefer to apply an undercoat before a top coat to parts of figures I'm making up. I am trying some spray primer on vehicles (big surfaces) with some success - but with figures - I just use several coats of paint.
For example, under red - I always use Matte Flesh colour as a base - as I think that the top-coat red shines better. Blue top coat - usually means Matte Oxford blue as an undercoat - etcetera. So I'm sort-of priming the bare metal (with matte paints), before applying the finishing top-coat. I've worked out my own method for doing it - but rarely use any primer for figures. White is the trickiest - and I use either matte pale grey - or a light fawn mixture as a base-coat. But I also rarely use pure white for a top-coat - I prefer to use Ivory instead. Maybe not everyone's way of painting - but it is mine. jb
When you look at the sort of style that I like best - Glossy Best Britains Toy Soldier - check out their early hollowcast TS's - and they didn't use primer either.
johnnybach
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Cheers Partner - glad you like 'em.
Here's a pic of the next bit of work transforming these castings of some more Cherry Pickers (11th Hussars), into suitable recruits for the Escort to the Band. Note the scabbards for the three Troopers' carbines now added to the horses. I made these up from some milliput again, reinforced with a metal pin buried inside, as I forgot to order some from Giles at Dorset. Just took a bit longer to make them up. The first two have been painted - But I left the third one - to show how it looks before painting.
I'm sometimes asked how I paint frogging on hussar tunics. If you look at the Officer figure, you can see that I have painted his frogging all over gold - then pick out the background tunic in blue once it's dry. Any slip-ups can be adjusted again - once all is dry. I've just done half of his body - so you can see it better. Same thing for the Troopers - except there's are in yellow. They usually get more than one coat of paint - until I'm satisfied with the density of coverage. jb
Here's a pic of the next bit of work transforming these castings of some more Cherry Pickers (11th Hussars), into suitable recruits for the Escort to the Band. Note the scabbards for the three Troopers' carbines now added to the horses. I made these up from some milliput again, reinforced with a metal pin buried inside, as I forgot to order some from Giles at Dorset. Just took a bit longer to make them up. The first two have been painted - But I left the third one - to show how it looks before painting.
I'm sometimes asked how I paint frogging on hussar tunics. If you look at the Officer figure, you can see that I have painted his frogging all over gold - then pick out the background tunic in blue once it's dry. Any slip-ups can be adjusted again - once all is dry. I've just done half of his body - so you can see it better. Same thing for the Troopers - except there's are in yellow. They usually get more than one coat of paint - until I'm satisfied with the density of coverage. jb
johnnybach
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I have had a change of mind about how I am going to paint up my new Officer's horse. Doesn't happen very often - but I have been inwardly fighting against painting it the way it was purchased ( with bare saddle) from the time of ordereing.
Let me explain. I bought the set of four - precisely because they were so different to my many others. Firstly, they were quite obviously dismounted - and showing off those magnificent saddles. However - they are different to my existing set in that respect. The mounted Troopers of those, are sitting on a black sheepskin thrown over the saddle - whilst the Officers in this Regiment sat on a leopardskin throw - and the horse also wore a shabraque ( see two representative pieces below).
I thought initially - well - so what - the Troopers aren't mounted yet - maybe they throw over the sheepskin just before mounting? The Officer, however - would be hardly likely to do the same with a shabraque and leopardskin.
So........ after much inward debate ...........I have decided to cover up just one of the very features I first bought them for - and give the Officer's horse a shabraque and leopardskin cover for the saddle - which seems to be shaping up quite nicely at the moment - so maybe another uniqe piece is being born. I have currently got this far with it, and feel much happier that they will fit in better with my existing pieces. After all - I bought them in order to add an extra (dismounted) rank to the Escort I already have. jb
Let me explain. I bought the set of four - precisely because they were so different to my many others. Firstly, they were quite obviously dismounted - and showing off those magnificent saddles. However - they are different to my existing set in that respect. The mounted Troopers of those, are sitting on a black sheepskin thrown over the saddle - whilst the Officers in this Regiment sat on a leopardskin throw - and the horse also wore a shabraque ( see two representative pieces below).
I thought initially - well - so what - the Troopers aren't mounted yet - maybe they throw over the sheepskin just before mounting? The Officer, however - would be hardly likely to do the same with a shabraque and leopardskin.
So........ after much inward debate ...........I have decided to cover up just one of the very features I first bought them for - and give the Officer's horse a shabraque and leopardskin cover for the saddle - which seems to be shaping up quite nicely at the moment - so maybe another uniqe piece is being born. I have currently got this far with it, and feel much happier that they will fit in better with my existing pieces. After all - I bought them in order to add an extra (dismounted) rank to the Escort I already have. jb
johnnybach
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Two of my four new Cherry Pickers are very near to being completed now - the Officer and one of the Troopers are shown below. I just have the bases to complete painting and one more final coat of varnish - and they will be ready to join their colleagues.
I have put two of their mounted Regimental comrades in arms behind them. You can maybe see where I got the idea to give the dismounted Troopers a Carbine to hold at the shoulder - as the mounted version were made previously holding a carbine in hand - and with an empty scabbard on the horse - just as the dismounted soldiers have.
When I have finished all four - I'll get the complete Band and Escort out for an airing - and take a couple of snaps of a bit of playtime with the lot. jb
I have put two of their mounted Regimental comrades in arms behind them. You can maybe see where I got the idea to give the dismounted Troopers a Carbine to hold at the shoulder - as the mounted version were made previously holding a carbine in hand - and with an empty scabbard on the horse - just as the dismounted soldiers have.
When I have finished all four - I'll get the complete Band and Escort out for an airing - and take a couple of snaps of a bit of playtime with the lot. jb
GICOP
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Two of my four new Cherry Pickers are very near to being completed now - the Officer and one of the Troopers are shown below. I just have the bases to complete painting and one more final coat of varnish - and they will be ready to join their colleagues.
I have put two of their mounted Regimental comrades in arms behind them. You can maybe see where I got the idea to give the dismounted Troopers a Carbine to hold at the shoulder - as the mounted version were made previously holding a carbine in hand - and with an empty scabbard on the horse - just as the dismounted soldiers have.
When I have finished all four - I'll get the complete Band and Escort out for an airing - and take a couple of snaps of a bit of playtime with the lot. jb
I'm looking forward to seeing them with the Band when the Escort are all finished jb {bravo}}
Cheers
Martyn
johnnybach
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I'm looking forward to seeing them with the Band when the Escort are all finished jb {bravo}}
Cheers
Martyn
Me too Martyn - the horses are particularly nice to paint as well. I'm already casting an eye over my Lancers and Scots Greys - and beginning to wonder how I might add a rank or two of dismounted troops to their numbers too............Hmmm! - must have a chat with Giles................
johnnybach
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And here's a last view for today - a lot of wet paint needs to dry before I can do any more. From left to right - the first two figures with horses are completed ( Officer and Trooper). The next two Troopers are almost there - third horse is completed - just a base to paint. The last figure shows horse unvarnished - compare it to the gloss finish on the other three - whilst his rider is also incomplete. I painted the last pair's famous Crimson trousers about an hour ago - and have just fitted the arm with carbine to each figure. Easier to paint the jacket and trouser stripes on that side with the arm off. jb
johnnybach
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I have finally completed painting of my version of Britains old set 182 - The 11th Hussars dismounted. (three pics below). Note that the paintwork on some bases are not quite dry ( hence the horses mounted on toothpicks temporarily). Note also that my four are a tad different to the original set. Firstly, the Officer's horse has a shabraque under the saddle - and a Leopardskin on top of it. The Officer is also holding his light cavalry sabre at the carry instead of saluting. The three Troopers ( note one lucky chap very recently promoted to corporal^&grin) are carrying their carbines at the shoulder, instead of being empty handed - as originally portrayed. Each of their steeds therefore, carry a scabbard for this weapon attached to the saddle.
I made these changes, in order to better fit my four new recruits in to an Escort group that I had made to accompany a Mounted Military Band for this regiment that I made up earlier ( see two of my original escort group at the rear). It is my intention (once all the figure paintwork is dry enough), to add my fab-four to the rear rank of the Escort - The Band to tune up - and play to commence. Dubtless, the Regimental quick-march of " Moses in Egypt" will feature. Look in tomorrow - and the band and escort will be out to play. (If anyone can work out how to get the music - please post here??? Hope you like my new recruits - The rest are tuning up as I write! johnnybach
Alternative views
I made these changes, in order to better fit my four new recruits in to an Escort group that I had made to accompany a Mounted Military Band for this regiment that I made up earlier ( see two of my original escort group at the rear). It is my intention (once all the figure paintwork is dry enough), to add my fab-four to the rear rank of the Escort - The Band to tune up - and play to commence. Dubtless, the Regimental quick-march of " Moses in Egypt" will feature. Look in tomorrow - and the band and escort will be out to play. (If anyone can work out how to get the music - please post here???
Hope you like my new recruits - The rest are tuning up as I write! johnnybach
Alternative views
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johnnybach
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As promised - here are a few pics of my four new Cherry Pickers - added on to my existing Mounted band and Escort from the same regiment - The 11th Briish Hussars - playing alon, around the turn of the century. Those new dismounted soldiers have turned out in order to find out what all the noise is about. Turns out - it is to welcome them to the Regiment. Keep watching - they may yet march again.
Hope you like 'em, 'cos I do. johnnybach
Hope you like 'em, 'cos I do. johnnybach
johnnybach
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Glad you like 'em Martyn, Mike and Partner.
As I hope you may be able to see - the original castings from Britains for this set, were the only ones that they produced that had the frogging on the tunic sculpted in. All the other mounted variety that Britains produced, in hollowcast, had frogging indicated by painting it on to the tunic only. This is the reason that I didn't give my four new recruits a cross-belt and pouch at the rear - to make them match-up with my existing mounted troops. They (Britains), made a lovely job of the frogging - so I didn't want to cover any of it up. I also like to change each piece - ever so slightly - so that there is no possibility of anyone being fooled into thinking that these are originals. They also look a tad more interesting than the original empty handed Troopers - with the additions, I think.
My other mounted Troops and Band aren't Britains, by the way - and do also have frogging sculpted in - as they are Dorset Soldier originals. Despite the small differences, however, I think that they all fit in rather well together - and were great fun to do - and also lovely to play with. jb
As I hope you may be able to see - the original castings from Britains for this set, were the only ones that they produced that had the frogging on the tunic sculpted in. All the other mounted variety that Britains produced, in hollowcast, had frogging indicated by painting it on to the tunic only. This is the reason that I didn't give my four new recruits a cross-belt and pouch at the rear - to make them match-up with my existing mounted troops. They (Britains), made a lovely job of the frogging - so I didn't want to cover any of it up. I also like to change each piece - ever so slightly - so that there is no possibility of anyone being fooled into thinking that these are originals. They also look a tad more interesting than the original empty handed Troopers - with the additions, I think.
My other mounted Troops and Band aren't Britains, by the way - and do also have frogging sculpted in - as they are Dorset Soldier originals. Despite the small differences, however, I think that they all fit in rather well together - and were great fun to do - and also lovely to play with. jb
johnnybach
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Moving on to some other bit and bobs that I have knocking around - below are a couple of pieces that I am currently working on. No prizes for guessing they are a Guardsman and a Para. But what are they doing???
Note that I have made up new plain bases for them - as they will be joining some pieces that I already have - as the bases that they came with were a bit too big and ornate to fit in with my others.
So - guess what they are doing - and what Company made them as castings? jb
Note that I have made up new plain bases for them - as they will be joining some pieces that I already have - as the bases that they came with were a bit too big and ornate to fit in with my others.
So - guess what they are doing - and what Company made them as castings? jb
yeoman
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Hi John,
They look like Mascot Handlers to me. I guess a Wolfhound to go with the Guardsmen and a Shetland Pony for the Para.
I'm afraid I'm not sure who the makers are.
Brian.
They look like Mascot Handlers to me. I guess a Wolfhound to go with the Guardsmen and a Shetland Pony for the Para.
I'm afraid I'm not sure who the makers are.
Brian.
Moving on to some other bit and bobs that I have knocking around - below are a couple of pieces that I am currently working on. No prizes for guessing they are a Guardsman and a Para. But what are they doing???
Note that I have made up new plain bases for them - as they will be joining some pieces that I already have - as the bases that they came with were a bit too big and ornate to fit in with my others.
So - guess what they are doing - and what Company made them as castings? jb
johnnybach
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Well - Give that man half-a-coconut - as you've got what they are doing - taking the pooch and the pony for walkies!
Now - anybody know who made 'em - available painted or as castings - Rather like your Yeomanary Miniatures figures Brian? So not yours then! (p.s - I'll be in touch at the end of the month regarding those Lifeguards - back in the UK then). jb
Now - anybody know who made 'em - available painted or as castings - Rather like your Yeomanary Miniatures figures Brian? So not yours then! (p.s - I'll be in touch at the end of the month regarding those Lifeguards - back in the UK then). jb
johnnybach
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No, sorry - no half coconut - right country - wrong maker^&grin and thank-you...........jb
- right country - wrong maker^&grin and thank-you...........jb
johnnybach
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No more guesses???? Then time to tell................
They are both from Langley Miniature Models in the UK. Find them (and mascots from other Regiments too), online at:
http://www.langleymodels.co.uk/
Nice people - and great fun to paint yourself, if you're so inclined - or can buy them already painted too. I hope to be able to add these to existing groups of mine soon - so will post them here when they are finished. jb
They are both from Langley Miniature Models in the UK. Find them (and mascots from other Regiments too), online at:
http://www.langleymodels.co.uk/
Nice people - and great fun to paint yourself, if you're so inclined - or can buy them already painted too. I hope to be able to add these to existing groups of mine soon - so will post them here when they are finished. jb
johnnybach
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Here's the first of my pair of mascots - just had their first coat of varnish (Humbrol Gloss) - so hardening off a bit at the moment. He's an Irish Guards Drummer/ Mascot handler taking The Regiment's Irish Wolfhound for walkies. Once they are thoroughly dry - I will finish them with a coat of Tamiya X-22 Gloss varnish (Acrylic - so dries quickly to a high gloss shell) - and they will be ready to join their comrades in arms. I'll post a photo when they all meet up - so hope the dog is friendly! (two views below).
