A Gordon for Me (1 Viewer)

Okay - finished off spats and bases of last five - so an update picture called for.

These are the 33 Gordon Highlanders circa 1865 with Colour Party and twenty members of the Military Band - along with a couple of extra drummers from the Pipe Band (who are at Pipe practice, or on leave) and the CO - Colonel Lockhart bringing up the rear with a couple of his Officers. I ought to stop here really - but I've already bought the rest - so watch this space..............to be continued.^&grin johnnybach

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And another view:

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Going to need a bigger desk soon.
 
A thing of beauty!! look at all those glossies. They are very fine jb and I thank you for allowing us to follow these little guys on their journey.
 
I'm so pleased that you like them - 'cos I do - and glad also that you are following along with what I'm trying to do ( and show). This is a very new experience for me - to try to explain what I'm doing - and how I "get there", so I'm happy if it's working.

It does seem that I do things differently to many of my compatriots - but that's just the way it is! I just love the old Toy Soldier look - and this is the way I do them.

Glad you appear to like 'em too - so on I go for the next batch! I will only stop when I get to 68 ( and I'm already thinking of a few more than that - maybe?).

Thanks for watching - and encouraging - 'cos sometimes I need it!! johnnybach^&grin
 
Thanks Mapleleaf - in that case I will continue with the journey to the end - and continue to post pics of how I'm getting on.
Glad you appear to like the lads as much as I do too. As I tried to explain, I'm trying to make them up as if they were "Best Britains" Glossy Toy Soldiers style 'cos that's what I like^&grin..........johnnybach
 
Johnny,
you are doing a mighty fine job with those Highlanders {bravo}}
They are looking fabulous and of course, the more the merrier ^&grin
Konrad
 
Hi - Konrad - glad you are liking my lads too! Well, I think they are looking quite smart - but I am a little biased I s'pose.

Yes- the more the merrier. I do so agree - with Glossies especially - they look at their best in a BIG display. These are starting to "get there" - but as I believe they say elsewhere " It ain't over 'till the fat Lady sings"!

Can't hear any fat lady singing yet - so on we go! I am starting off some more - stay tuned.^&grin johnnybach
 
I have started off another five of the Military band. As usual, I have begun with the basic colours of flesh, Ivory and Oxford Blue. Each of the five have had two coats each - with splashes of colour that I have had "on the go" at the time.

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From L to R -the third and last trombonist, second bassoonist, two cornetists and the second cymbalist. Each have arms and instrument in front - and are in various states of painting - as usual. Will need to work up the tartan next. I hope by now, you can see the progression of the figures - and the order of painting for these. About five at a time is what I am comfortable with taking on at once - unless they are simple figures to paint - which these are not (at least for me!). johnnybach
 
Well you are certainly making 'em look simple jb !! I think that is my issue I need more figures on the go than just the two that I have (they are still unfinished by the way)
 
thebritfarmer said:
Well you are certainly making 'em look simple jb !! I think that is my issue I need more figures on the go than just the two that I have (they are still unfinished by the way)
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Scott is right, johnny, you do make it look so simple and I'm about done looking at them {eek3} :smile2:
Everytime I have a look I say to myself, what if I could do that too?
I also have realized after too many years, :wink2:, that I will never be able to display a larger group of figures, like marching or as a band, if I only rely on finished products.
So, I am going to try it, and this weekend I look for the necessary supplies, brushes, thinner, paint, glue, primer, etc. and of course some castings.
So, hopefully, within a week or two I will be ready to start.
Will keep you in the loop how that adventure will proceed ^&confuse :rolleyes2:
Konrad
 
Hi both - well done to both of you for "having a go". Now I took that same leap in the dark around 12 years ago now ( from memory -it was about then). I did the simpler figures first - in Britains glossy style. It took me absolutely ages to do them - one at a time - or if I was brave - two at a time back then (still don't like too many on the go at once!).

Just take your time - and remember - if you make a mistake - you can ALWAYS correct it - either by overpainting - or remove part of the paint - or the lot - and start again. As I have found out since joining this admirable forum - there are LOADS of experts out there who are only too willing to help you - if you get stuck with a detail or a technique. I'm no expert - but will do what I can to help or support - as I'm sure many others will.

Also, don't forget - they are YOURS. Do them simple or complicated - and it doesn't matter about what anyone else thinks of them - if YOU are happy with them - that's all that matters.

I have found that painting and adapting my own bought in castings is the most satisfying experience - and yes Konrad - it's the only way for me to get the really big displays that I particularly like - unless you are a Zillionaire - which is probably the same for most other collectors. It isn't really all that difficult - as long as you take your time over each piece. Don't hurry - and savour each one - and you will be okay. I started from nowhere - with no experience or any help - and I'm still doing now what I did then. They suit me - and I have been surprised and delighted to find out (from this forum) - that they seem to please others too.

Have a go - if it doesn't work out - then try again. I am certain you can both do it ( I KNOW Scott can - 'cos I've seen his first attempt - and they are fine). Just takes time - that's all. I'm lucky, because I made this my retirement hobby - so I have plenty of that at the moment - though we never quite know how much anyone has left - so I had better shut up - and get on with mine.

Best of luck - and enjoy the experience. If you get stuck - just holler!^&grin johnnybach
 
kogu said:
Scott is right, johnny, you do make it look so simple and I'm about done looking at them {eek3} :smile2:
Everytime I have a look I say to myself, what if I could do that too?
I also have realized after too many years, :wink2:, that I will never be able to display a larger group of figures, like marching or as a band, if I only rely on finished products.
So, I am going to try it, and this weekend I look for the necessary supplies, brushes, thinner, paint, glue, primer, etc. and of course some castings.
So, hopefully, within a week or two I will be ready to start.
Will keep you in the loop how that adventure will proceed ^&confuse :rolleyes2:
Konrad
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This sounds promising Konrad and I will watch for any future threads :) I have had luck with both Testors and Humbrol paints for my models. I can also recommend trying some of the Asset castings (the have a few that would probably fit in with your collection).

And to jb, thanks for your encouragement. It is because of you that I gave it a whirl.
 
Well, thank you both for the info that I have been your inspiration to "have a go" at painting up some castings. I have never made any secret of the fact that my own "inspiration" was John O'Brien (Obee). Whenever I have been stuck for an idea - or check out how to do something, Obees web-site has very often been my first port of call (and still is). Another site to have a look at for ideas on how to paint glossies - especially if you like that style, is Wm Hocker - (though how I do wish he would sell unpainted castings!).

Anyways up - here's hoping to see some of your offerings gracing this part of the forum in due course. And to anyone else out there wondering - you will never know until you try. Do give it a shot - you may surprise yourself - I know that I did. johnnybach.
 
Back to the "messy desk" for this pic of my latest five getting a bit more paint added. The Oxford blue of the tartan has now been overlaid with green lines to develop the tartan ( all except the last - as I wasn't satisfied with the blue coat - so he had another coat of blue). Never be afraid to add more colour if dissatisfied with the previous coat - this one wasn't intense enough!. Note the last five of this band at the rear - patiently waiting their turn - and the fact that some have had "bits and pieces" of left over paint added. If its on the palette ( pan right and note the marge lid!) - use it up - if you can!

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Thanks for the encouragement, johnny.
It will be exciting :smile2:
Konrad
 
You better believe it is exciting Konrad. Waiting for the first brush-stroke is like going on a first date ( but far more exciting!). Yowser!

Good luck chum - you won't regret it, I'm sure. I saw your fix of a broken treasure - and just know that you will have the touch. Best of luck - and don't forget to show us how you get on with them. Always remember, you will learn from your first try - and you ARE going to love the thrill of bringing them to life - yourself! johnnybach^&grin
 
There has been a short intermission in painting of my current project - as a long awaited, related project has intervened. As may have been noted from my previous posts, most pictures of my Gordons have been taken on my "best desk" along with a growing army of finished pieces. This was because I simply had no more shelf space left to put them on!

Now, my newest cabinet is really a China Cabinet (or Vitrine in French). It had only three glass shelves with pretty wide spaces between them - so screamed out for a few more shelves. So - I had another five made from 4mm toughened glass with rounded edges. The makers said they would be okay to support around 80-100 soldiers - but I have noted at around 80, there is a noticable dip in the centre of the shelf. My preferred solution is to make up a supporting hollow oblong shape of wood strip - that is clearly shown below - for each shelf. I stain and varnish each piece before fitting. This is supported by shelf supports made from the same material - and simply sits under each pane of glass to support and spread the weight. Works a treat - and doesn't look too bad - and still lets light flow through.

Result of the (ongoing) additional shelves is that I will now have a further five shelves available to display 400-500 more recruits! (The current Gordon Highlander project is currently marching across the third shelf up, by the way). With a bit of luck, I should finish it off today - and normal Painting duties may recommence. JB.

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There are another two shelves since that shot - and empty too - at the moment. Maybe that will be worth another pic? ( I will do one in a minute!). Only time that's likely to happen!!

I'll sort that out though! Yes - it's a nice looking thing that French cabinet - and getting better as I add shelves. I had hoped to finish it today - but gardening call from La Commandante - meant it was not to be. I'm resisting rushing it - as it will be there for a long time. Perhaps tomorrow?

As to the contents - well - I like 'em - and rather pleased that others, such as you, seem to like 'em too. Glossies to a man! - Lovely! - johnnybach
 
As promised - How about that - gotta be a first - presenting two empty shelves of imaginary Glossies! ( Well, they're gonna be - one day!)

Note that the present "top shelf" will need moving up a tad - and another one will go on top of that. Also note that I never got around to varnishing the top one - as that was the prototype - to see if it works. It's been there for two years - so it works!

There's twenty centimetres between each glass section, so enough room for the maximum effect. I will have gone from four shelves (including base) to nine shelves. Will keep the base for Cavalry (as at present) - as they are heavier.

No bending of any shelves yet (fingers crossed!).^&grin Johnnybach

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