1st Canadian Mounted Rifles, Pipe & Drum Band. (1 Viewer)

[yeoman]

John.

Following your post with regard to the composition of the Band of the 1st Lifeguards I contacted Alan and we agreed on the figures he is going to make for this project. These will include Officers, NCOs, Trumpeters, Troopers, Musicians, Farriers and Staff Officers. Different heads for Lifeguards, Horseguards and Staff Officers, and the arms for the Musicians, Bandmaster, Rank and File, Trumpeters, Farriers, Standard Bearers and Staff Officers. Because of the number of items to make there is not going to be the variety of positions available, for the Rank and File, that I normally offer for other mounted figures, initially but as time passes we may be able to adapt existing arm positions to fit.

Now is the time to decide whether you want your band to be mounted on standing or walking horses. I ask this because of the variety available. In both cases I have four horse bodies but while there are currently nine heads that will fit the standing horse making thirty six variations there are only five heads for the walking horse. Making a possible twenty variations, which means in a band of twenty seven you will get some duplication. This can, however, be slightly reduced by the judicious swapping of tails. As the walking horses have a thicker attachment point for the heads, some of the standing heads can be made to fit the walking horse with a modicum of conversion which will increase the number of different horses but I am not sure whether you will get the same variety in a walking band as you would in a standing band.

So as I have said before, "yer pays yer money and yer takes yer choice!" Please let me know your decision and Alan and I will make the necessary plans to fit the making of the masters into Alan's schedule.

Looking forward to your reply as I am beginning to become rather enthusiastic in relation to this project. It will be nice to be producing new range of mounted figures rather than the vehicles I have been concentrating on of late.

Brian.

Got it! - so my display of these will look like this: (NB. I like things symetrical - and like to visualise).

Out in front Centre - Musical Director

Directly behind, Centre - Kettle Drummer.

First Rank(Mounted on Greys): Bombardon, Euphonium, Bass Tuba, Euphonium, Bombardon

Second Rank, - Clarinet, Trombone, Trombone, Trombone, Cornet

Third Rank - Cornet, Cornet, Cornet, Cornet, Cornet

Fourth Rank Tenor Hn. Tenor Hn. Euphonium Tenor Hn. Tenor Hn.

Fifth Rank - Clarinet, Clarinet, Clarinet, Clarinet, Clarinet

With just the front five mounted on Greys - I'm also assuming that the Drum Horse will be the piebald that I posted earlier in the thread, painted by Simkin and dated at 1909. (though the drummer will be in Review Order).

Okay - given that the bases are around 3cm X 7cm - I think that my deepest cabinet can handle that display - as it is 30cm deep X 70cm wide, they will just about fit, with 3cm between ranks. Unfortunately though, this means that any Escorting Group won't fit that display shelf (unless I squeeze them up - and can then just about manage an extra rank of five Troopers with swords at the carry). Martin may be on at me about the half length of a horse between ranks again though!

Phew! - tight, but will definitely have the Band first - and then review how I can handle any Escort later. Thanks for all of that information Trooper. I always like to be able to visualise (and be able to check how they will fit) a display area - as I don't believe in boxes! Should look stunning like that. I fact - a lot similar to this modern view of the Band.

Thanks both - we're on!

 

[johnnybach]

Returning to the present project - see below how the latest horses and riders are developing

Horse 3 on the left is starting to have shading applied on legs and creases. Note also the left rear hoof is raised off the ground. This is where my third pin to the front left leg is quite important. If I had not put it in - the horse would only be anchored to the stand by two legs (rear left and front right) - thus creating a potential fault - of a straight line joint (think about a two wheeled bicycle compared to a three wheeler). Saddle and leatherwork has also been overlaid with Gloss Service Brown (10) on top of the Matte Chocolate (98) that I chose to use as the undercoat for the leatherwork on the horse equipment (and bandoliers of the riders).

Horse 4 to the right - is not as developed yet - but the same principles of paint application apply. I have mixed a little red into my basic brown paint with this one - as I wanted to get a more chestnut shade into this horse. A touch of matte black helps darken it down where I want it more shadowy.

Both riders have had two thin coats of khaki applied - and brown bandolier glossed over chocolate undercoat.

I haven't yet finished off the bases of the two rear pipers - as I can't stop playing with them!! - Sorry 'bout that.... jb

 

[johnnybach]

Hi Brian - Wonderful - and I am absolutely certain your decision to go for "the works" with the Household Cavalry will be a winner for you. I'm absolutely delighted.

As an assembler/painter of most of the Asset offerings ( of the more modern variety) - I completely understand how the assembly of your figures will work.

A very easy decision for me with regard to my Band Brian - I will go for the walking horses version. I understand that some duplication will be inevitable - but with the instruments of the figures being so varied - I'm sure it won't be that noticable anyway - and as you correctly say - the tails can be worked around too.

I will just make sure that when I'm assembling them - that where riders are using the same instrument, they are on a completely different horse - and where I do a duplicate horse it will be in a different position in the band. Thus (say) a Bombardon musician may be on the "same" horse as a Clarinetist - but they will be at different ends of the Band.

I'm pretty sure that I will be having "the works" as well - once the Band is finished - so many, many thanks to both of you for the decision. I can't tell you how pleased I am!{sm3} johnnybach

 

[johnnybach]

The Pipes.

Tricky thing to show these - as they are so small - but here's a pic. below, where I will try to show how I do it with this model.

I have put some of the parts on a white background to try to show howI paint most of the parts separately first. Note the practice "tartan" at top left. I usually do this with a new tartan - often several times in a larger size - to get the hang of it. This is my take on "The Clan Shaw" tartan - used by the band in 1917 - when I will portray them. I am using French Blue (14) for the base colour, Dark Green (149) for the overlaid grid pattern) and a fine line Black waterproof Mitsubishi Artists Pen for the black lining.(all Humbrol)

This is done on the bottom piece of the bag - attached to the arm - which is also painted before assembly. The thick green lining is then applied - and I even do the black lining first on the lower part. The black lines are done using a 0.05mm pen. Lines are drawn in at either side of the green grid lines. Then a fine line is drawn through the centre of each blue square left exposed to form a cross in the centre of each blue square. I use an illuminated magnifier lamp - and/or an Optivisor for this painting - as it is so small. Hope you can see it from this pic. This then, is my simplified version of the tartan, which I think, does show up nicely done this way.

The same is done for the pipe ribbons and the Chanters and drones (in black with tops and joints in ivory) which are also painted - though I leave the top part until later - as it's easy to get to and is useful for handling when fitting together NOT to have it painted. Takes a while - as everything must be dry before the next colour is applied. Note that all parts are filed and fitted together first - to ensure everything fits together perfectly. This is probably the MOST fiddly painting part of the whole model.

The next stage is fitting the figure to the horse - and arms to the figure - so will show that in the next post. jb

 

[johnnybach]

My next step is to fix the figure to the horse by slotting the "sunshine pin" into the pre-drilled hole in the saddle area. A small amount of paint is cleaned off around the hole - and the pin/underside of figure is also left clean - to ensure good metal to metal contact - and then fixed with my epoxy-resin glue. This is the front left figure.

After about twenty minutse - he is relatively solid (Rapid version of glue used) - when the pre-painted arm holding the lower part of the pipes can be glued in place, ensuring the lower part of the pipe/hand clears the horse nicely. I have found that a very slight twist left on the seated figure seems to work best in this regard. See the front right figure.

I have found this method is far better than assembling the complete figure dismounted - as it aids the correct seating of the figure enormously. A bit more fiddly - but he seats correctly this way.

Leave this to dry thoroughly - before attempting to fit the left arm of the figure - which I will show next time.

 

[johnnybach]

Left arm glued in place with hand on the pipes - and cleaned up around the shoulder joint - with the aid of a small infill of milliput. Once dry - will touch in with khaki paint - and jobs a good 'un. Next step is fit the drones onto the bag - but can't yet - as I forgot to paint the bottom black bits before I went to dig another bit of the veggie plot! Beggar!!!{eek3} Back later. jb

 

[johnnybach]

And finally - the drones of the pipes have been fitted to the bag. In the intervening period whilst they were drying, I shaped and painted the reins. these were fitted at the same time. Note the top part of the bag has been painted blue. Once dry, I will continue the green overlaid grid - continuing the lines already there - and do the same thing fior the thin black lines of the tartan once all paint is dry.

[Incidentally - if I am using any incorrect terms for the pipes - any experts please put me right - because even though I like the sound very much - I don't know a lot about them].

Then it will be a matter of details - such as the head of the horse, the top of the drones - and generally tidying up before varnishing to complete the third piper. The fourth is also well underway - as you saw earlier. The same process is happening with him - whilst another two horses have been begun - just like a production line. jb

 

[johnnybach]

The third piper has now been completed to the same stage as the first two - whilst the fourth is at the stage where the drones are about to be connected to the bag. Note how different the horses look. You're a clever chap Brian!(Yeoman).

I am currently undecided as to how to finish off the base. My original intention was to paint the outer edge dark brown - but now I am starting to favour gold, as there is a lot of brown already in the figures. I need to make a decision. Hmmmm..... jb

 

[thebritfarmer]

As I expected JB these are smashing. How about grey for the base to simulate a curb edging

 

[johnnybach]

Now that's a thought! Might work - say shades of grey - with darker grey lines to suggest a Kerb edge. Hmmmm. I'll give that idea a go on my marge-tub lid ( sorry, - pallette!). Thanks Scott, I'll give it a try^&grin jb

 

[johnnybach]

The fourth figure has had the pipes completed - so the front rank is complete - (apart from the base edge). As an experiment I have put a light coat of gold on number two base edge - and a grey on the edge of number four. The centre of each base is textured - so dark green grass seems appropriate - and I am still favouring Gold at the moment - as it seems to lighten the mainly brown colours of the horse and figure.

The first piper looked very strange at first - but they must be growing on me - as they look quite natural now.^&grin.

 

[acw cavalry]

The fourth figure has had the pipes completed - so the front rank is complete - (apart from the base edge). As an experiment I have put a light coat of gold on number two base edge - and a grey on the edge of number four. The centre of each base is textured - so dark green grass seems appropriate - and I am still favouring Gold at the moment - as it seems to lighten the mainly brown colours of the horse and figure.

The first piper looked very strange at first - but they must be growing on me - as they look quite natural now.^&grin.

Hi Johnny,

I have been following this thread with interest and I have been very impressed with your painting skills. You mention the colour of the bases and I agree that the gold looks better and more suited given the amount of brown on the horses and uniforms of the musicians. that said I wonder if you have considered painting a couple or even three of the horses in either a very dark brown or even black as per the photo that you posted in the early days of the project which clearly shows at least two of the horses as being black or an extremely dark brown. I think it might also break up the brown if strategically placed in the finish painted band. I would also like to see them displayed in a line as per the photo mentioned above.

As a regular writer for Toy Soldier Collector magazine I know both Brian at Yeomanry and master sculptor Alan Caton quite well and I know that between them will make a marvellous job of the Band of the Lifeguards if you chose to go ahead with the commisioning of the figures. Keep up the good work and I look forward to seeing more photos of the Canadian Pipe Band over the coming days and weeks.
Regards
acw cavalry

 

[yeoman]

Hi John.

You're doing a great job with these figures and I shall be following your thread through to completion. On a personal note I always edge these bases that Alan supplies in gloss black. To my mind it finishes the figure and makes them stand out.

Regards

Brian.

The fourth figure has had the pipes completed - so the front rank is complete - (apart from the base edge). As an experiment I have put a light coat of gold on number two base edge - and a grey on the edge of number four. The centre of each base is textured - so dark green grass seems appropriate - and I am still favouring Gold at the moment - as it seems to lighten the mainly brown colours of the horse and figure.

The first piper looked very strange at first - but they must be growing on me - as they look quite natural now.^&grin.

 

[aujj65]

Hi John.

You're doing a great job with these figures and I shall be following your thread through to completion. On a personal note I always edge these bases that Alan supplies in gloss black. To my mind it finishes the figure and makes them stand out.

Regards

Brian.

Hi Johnny,

Funny enough I was just going to suggest that, but Brian beat me to it. :wink2:

Btw Brian, these are very high quality castings you have supplied. ^&cool

Jeff

 

[johnnybach]

Hi all. Seems that black is the colour of the day. Yes - acw cav - I intend to have some very dark horses in the mix somewhere along the line - and agree that they would break up the "sameness" of a Cavalry band. I'm just having such fun with some chestnuts right now.

That's a darn good suggestion from Brian - who pipped Jeff to the post. I will try it right now - as my latest "Gardening Hour" has left me pooped again!

And that's a big YES to my Band of the 1st Lifeguards, circa 1910. I will be going ahead with an initial Band of 27 figures - as discussed earlier. Thereafter, I will be also looking at some add-on figures - once these too have been finalised. I for one, have been waiting for quite some time for someone to do a real QUALITY Band version of these iconic soldiers. Working with some of Yeomanary Miniatures for the first time with these CMR castings - I had no hesitation in agreeing to another Band. I'll also be having the City of London Yeomanary band later on too. French Grey with purple facings eh? - how nice!

 

[johnnybach]

Well - I've given the three of them one coat of gloss black - and left the gold edged one to compare. I do like the black edge - probably be better with a second coat - then varnished all over. BUT - still have a sneaky preference for the gold edge. Will leave it for 24 hours and then decide (maybe!).

I used to be indecisive - but now I'm not so sure!

 

[theBaron]

Hi, John, I like the look of the gold, too. The silver is a little too bright. If not the gold, then the darker color looks good, too. I use traditional toy soldier greens though (tip of the hat to Jeff ).

Prost!
Brad

 

[yeoman]

Hi John

In an attempt to brighten up your bases you might try dry brushing the textured part of the base with a lighter green before you varnish them. It's a hint I picked up from a painter I met in the local "Games Workshop" emporium.

Regards

Brian

Well - I've given the three of them one coat of gloss black - and left the gold edged one to compare. I do like the black edge - probably be better with a second coat - then varnished all over. BUT - still have a sneaky preference for the gold edge. Will leave it for 24 hours and then decide (maybe!).

I used to be indecisive - but now I'm not so sure!

 

[johnnybach]

What a simple - absolutely stunning idea Brian, thankyou - worked a treat. Took just a few minutes - and has transformed the dark base into an interestingly lighter one. Black edge it is then. That looks super (evening now - looks better in daylight).

Incidentally for those who may wish to know the colours: Centre undercoated with matt green - then painted with Gloss Brunswick Green(3) - then dry brushed overlaid with Gloss Lime(38) - and edge Gloss Black(21). I will give a second coat to the gloss black when dry - and finally varnish, to seal everything in.

 

[theBaron]

I used a similar technique with my Rylit "Adam & Eve", though I went in the other direction--light color laid down first, with a wash of darker green over it. It's good to take advantage of the details on castings like these, more for the eye to enjoy.

Prost!
Brad