Balaklava Main Characters (1 Viewer)

[4th Hussar]

On the plates, it depends on the figures, the poses and the size of the plates. Note that recent Britain's have one horse pose with 3 legs on the ground which to me is somewhat boring in large groupings. To get a variety of horse poses you need to accept a few plates and hope that they are small and not too apparent. Then again, I collect primarily glossies and they are toy soldiers, not military miniatures.

 

[trooper]

Bernard, you are quite right when you say that the horses in Ireland are capable of standing on their own four legs without falling over, but could they stand on two, or even one? To make horses at full pelt you either have to do as Britains do and take the runners off a rocking horse, or alternatively give the poor nag some support.

 

[Spitfrnd]

Yo Trooper lol, ok brown bottles is one thing, but I live in the country and the Irish just love their horses there are hundreds around our village, and do you know what, when I am driving around and look in the fields DONT see any horses that have fallen over because they dont have a plate to stand on lol, think to myself HEY Bern these horses over here can stand up on their own four legs amazing. Would just love to see a photo off anyone who has done the Light Brigade in full Charge down the valley with all the horses on plates, just love a laugh to start the day off.Bernard.

I appreciate the aesthetic observation; to me there is not much more beautiful that a horse, especially in motion and it is always best to see them without any artificial appendages, like bases. However, when you model them you face the choice of realism of the horse's leg positions versus the balance problem of a static position for a figure. As I have noted elsewhere, there are very few moments other than standing or walking where a horse has three of more hooves on or near the ground. So either you limit them to those gates or show them in impossible leg positions; I like them free myself but realism is also nice.

Benard, where in the country do you live? I have imported a couple of "event" (if you know what that means) horses from near Kilkenny. I am please to say they came without plates.

 

[Cardigan600]

Yo Trooper, Live in Longford its about 2hrs drive to Kilkenny, so you are into show jumping then, will be going down Kilkenny way in three weeks, my Sis is coming over from the UK going to take her to Carlow and show her where our Dad used to live, I have been a few times lovely area about 10 houses a church and a Pup which my old Grandad Bernard owned. Sad story Grandad died young had 200 acres of land, but my Gran couldn't manage it the boys were only young so the bank foreclosed and only left them with 60 acres, just think if that had not happened I would have been able to Buy Britains out and make my own Cavalry lol.
Bernard.

 

[Spitfrnd]

Yo Trooper, Live in Longford its about 2hrs drive to Kilkenny, so you are into show jumping then...
Bernard.

Sorry Bernard, I missed your reply on this one. Show jumping is part of it but our actual sport is called Eventing, which includes three seperate phases, one of which is show jumping. It is patterned after training and testing of cavalry horses: dressage with precision, elegance, and obedience; cross country with stamina, versatility and courage and cross-country jumping ability over difficult terrain and formidable obstacles and show jumping with jumping ability in the arena to prove the horse's fitness to remain in service. Spread over consecutive days, it was a complete test for the Army horse, and in fact, when first introduced in the Olympics in 1914, only Army officers on active duty were allowed to compete and they had to be mounted on military horses. It is still called the "Militaire," in Germany but perhaps is better described by its French name "Concours Complet d'Equitation," or "complete equestrian competition,". Let me tell you it is in fact is a comprehensive test of all-around horsemanship of the rider and ability of the horse and it is rather bloody hard to train and do well in all three phases. England has two of the most famous and difficult three day events, Badminton and Burghley.

Of course, you may already know all this but it case you didn't, I thought it would be of interest to a cavalry enthusiast.

 

[Cardigan600]

Yo Trooper, yes I did Know, when I was Posted to Tidworth HQ in Hampshire as a Staff Driver some of us were picked out to set up the fences for the event at Tidworth. All Cavalry Offices with horses took part. Still remember this well one famous movie star took part that day, cannot remember his name would have to get the DVD to look. He played the King Alphonso in EL CID, really nice guy and a great horseman. ( Happy Days)
Bernard.

 

[trooper]

For all those interested in the Battle of Balaklava ATS are in the process of producing a new series of the Light Brigade. Rather than depicting the actual charge this grouping depicts the Brigade just prior to moving off on their ill fated action. Under the overall title of "The Light Brigade will advance...." it contains many personality figures including Cardigan, Brigade Major Lt. Col. Mayow, ADC Lt.Maxse 21st Foot, Captain Morris, Nolan, the regimental butcher Trooper Vahey 17th Lancers, and the two Sardinian officers Staff Major Govane and Lt. Landriani. Supporting these are officers, troopers, senior NCO's and trumpeters of each of the five regiments taking part. Although normally fitted with bases ATS has assured me that ,for the benefit of customers like Bernard, he is prepared to provide them without, providing this is specifically stated when ordering. The figures will be available in 3-4 weeks time so keep an eye out on www.ats-uk.net

 

[Dickbuttons]

Thanks for the information.

 

[trooper]

Further to my last post, the characters described there are now available on www.ats-uk.net listed under "Crimean War". You might find them interesting.

 

[trooper]

Alexanders Toy Soldiers have now added the Heavy Brigade to their Crimean Range. The range consists of Scarlett, his ADC Lt Eliott, orderly Sgt. Shegog and trumpeter Trumpet Major Monk. The Royal Dragoons, Scots Greys and Inniskilling Dragoons are represented by officers, trumpeters, senior NCOs and troopers of each regiment. Well worth a look on www.ats-uk.net

 

[glossman]

Yo Troopers, got the last of my main Characters from the Battle Balaklava Sir Colin Cambell, the five all made for me by "Clash of Arms" really pleased with them they go well with my Britains Light Brigade sets. HEID dont tell any of the clan back home I have a Cambell in the Collection will get what William Wallace got Hung, Drawn, and Quarted and exciled as well lol. The five main characters from left to right are, Lord Raglan, Lord Lucan, Lord Cardigan, Billy Britain Trumpeter (17th Lancers) & Sir Colin Cambell. Just waiting for the 93rd Highlanders from the USA, then let the battle commence.
Bernard.

THROUGH MUD AND BLOOD TO GREEN FIELDS BEYOND.

Hello Bernard (Cardigan600),

May I ask if all Balaclava senior officers in the image below made by Dorset?

Thanks, Raymond.

 

[Cardigan600]

Yo Trooper Ray, think they are all Dorset models. This is a blast from the past lol.
Bernard.

 

[glossman]

Yo Trooper Ray, think they are all Dorset models. This is a blast from the past lol.
Bernard.

Hello Bernard,

Many thanks for the reply. I got it right. Peter Tring of "Clash of Arms" does some great work.

The Crimean War is one of my areas of interest, but I am still building up my collection of gloss figures by Frontline and William Britain.

I shall post images of these when I have a more decent number.

Best Regards, Raymond.