Hi all - pleased that you are liking them - so far - must do the finishing bits to these two today. Glad you noticed my attempts at shading Brad. I am trying to make subtle differences to each horse. As they are so individually posed, I wanted to make them look individuals too - so am trying to get away from " the identical brown all over look" that many commercial TS painters (understandably) go for.
As for staying focussed Dave - hmmmm! - I always find that MOST difficult to do - as I usually have other projects on the go as well.
This time it's these beautiful little semi-rounds, which arrived on the same day as my Canadians - which just might be worth a little thread of their own: I have been painting them in dribs and drabs, whilst waiting for coats of paint to dry on the two Canadian pipers. There's a nice little story behind these newly cast - yet old-fashioned 70mm beauties, as I think you may know already. jb
Don't worry about the Camel Corps either - I'm not that taken with the Arab Cops with the Queen Mum's hat on! Might have one as a curiosity - if ever someone produces him.
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I have been looking at your Maxim teams for purchase at some point in the future Brian. The 15 piece EL 16 Boer War seems to be the one I want - but it will have to wait a bit - as I have sorted out my orders up to the end of this year. Lovat Scouts eh? Hmmm... that's a thought - they're in your dismounted Cav section. Might be giving you a shout about some of those around the end of the year Brian - depends what I come back from NZ with - as Imperial and Regal becon whilst I'm down under.
I fancy another band or two as well - but I prefer Cavalry bands to be mounted. Seems a bit daft to have them dismounted if they are Cavalry. Better tell you that I already have mounted Bands of 16th Lancers, Scots Greys and 11th Hussars - so won't want them. Maybe that new Yeomanary band you have planned might be one for me - but would need to have a look at the uniform first. Its the HC that I would really like though - and the pre-1914 variety would be perfect.
This is what I have already for H. Cav. (have to get around to changing plume on that trumpeter).
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How about that Indian BSF Band on Camels with every instrument you can think of? That would do nicely for some time next year? ^&grin
Hi Brian - I like the look of the Yeomanary figure you have shown - but as you have offered to produce a pre-war Household Cavalry one - well - that's the Regiment I have been after as a Mounted band for around the last ten years, or so. I have seen several - but I am after something a bit more special than the ones that I have seen so far. I'm a sucker for a good Mounted Band - and now I have found your horses........well............ they are what I want for this band.
I will also have your Yeomanary Band - but after the HC one would suit me best probably around late summertime next year ( if they are ready by then).
Would we be talking State Dress - or Review Order for the HC? I have a lovely illustration by Simkin of the drummer in 1909 - though I wouldn't mind Review Order either? Would sometime next Spring give you enough time to produce a band with all of the instruments used then? (Not sure if a Bombardon would have featured in the band that late - but if you could swing it - it's my favourite instrument!).
Thanks for the offer Brian - and my present Band - which I am thoroughly enjoying - as no doubt, you can see. Regards - johnnybach
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Marvelous Brian! How exciting. At long last I can have something to paint that I have wanted for such a long time.
My preference would be for the 1st Lifeguards Mounted Band in Review Order, circa 1900-ish. Looks like we have an amicable agreement there.^&grin
I have only seen pictures of the modern-day band - and instruments include: Clarinet, Cornet, Eupphonium, Piccolo, Saxophone, Tenor Horn, Trombone, and Tuba. I'm not sure when the Bombardon, (Helical Coil - over the shoulder type) would have gone out of useage in Military Bands - but if one was in bands at the time you are going to depict them - then I would love a couple of those. Maybe also a Basson was included back then. Not sure about that either - maybe Alan would know. I always like the maximum number of instruments possible!
The band would include a Director of music and Drum Horse - of course. I would probably go for around six ranks of musicians in files of four ( as modern day band is frequently set up). So we would be talking about 26 mounted figures. Is that about right?
As for an Escorting group? What a good idea, though I would make that an add-on purchase - after the band had been completed - in the interests of matrimonal harmony!{eek3}
Once again though - don't put yourself or Alan under too much pressure to produce this wonderful band to a strict deadline. I have waited around ten years for it - a bit longer won't make any difference. Just nice to know at long last - someone is going to do these Regiments justice - with a superbly sculpted band - available at long last - as castings, for enthusiasts to paint. And yes - I do know others make them - but not like Alan does - I've looked.
Hurrah! - johnnybach