Battle damaged Cuirassier (1 Viewer)

[Obee]

Over the past few months Forum members looking to add to their Napoleonic Amies have been buying K&C figures on offer by Stan Clark (scmbgetty), myself included.

I had noticed that he had some damaged figures for sale that hadn’t shifted for quite some time, so we made a deal, and earlier this month some ‘walking wounded’ arrived ‘down under for some major surgery.

I’m quite handy when it comes to repairs, and relish a challenge, but didn’t know what to expect when they arrived here, anyway I’m have in some ‘fun’ and learning new ways to bring these guys back to their former glory, and so would like to share with you the steps I have used.

As an example, I’m using a NA 119 Cuirassier Slashing with Sabre.

He was unseated from his mount, had his sword broken in half, his plume broken off and the top of the horsehair crest completely missing.

Now before I show how I have repaired this guy, can the moderator please let me know if I should keep posting in this "K&C" section, or post it in the "How To" section?

regards,

John

 

[Mardasson]

Hi John,

Whatever section it will be in, I'm impatient to see how you manage to repair these damages as they include really thin parts.

Michel

 

[Phantom Warrior]

Over the past few months Forum members looking to add to their Napoleonic Amies have been buying K&C figures on offer by Stan Clark (scmbgetty), myself included.


Now before I show how I have repaired this guy, can the moderator please let me know if I should keep posting in this "K&C" section, or post it in the "How To" section?

regards,

John

I had the same question for Jazzeum several months ago about where to post mini dioramas - in the manufacturers section or the diorama section. He said use your judgement and just be reasonable. I think the manufacturers section gets viewed first and most so as long as I have pieces mostly from a single company that is where I put them. It seems that most other people do the same.

If the moderator objects, he can always relocate a thread to another section.

Looking forward to see the repair.

Terry

 

[Spitfrnd]

I think it is pretty simple now; you started it here John so please go ahead and continue.

 

[Bellerophon]

Hi Obee

I can't wait to see how you repaint and fix him up. I've always had problems touching up chipped or marked horses in the past.Will you be telling us which paints and glues you will be using. I look forward in seeing your project progressing and the final results.


Best wishes Mark

 

[wadepat]

Hi Obee,

I, too, am quite interested in watching you repair the figure. The figure appears to have many challenges and I want to learn as much as possible regarding the repair and restoration of damaged figures. No matter where you locate the thread, I will be following your work with great interest! Please continue.

Warmest personal regards,

Pat

 

[OldDragon]

Hello Obee

By all means pls proceed ..if you are using only K&C figures, it should be alright, but the thread may be moved later to benefit other non-K&C forum users.

Just from the pictures that you have posted .. I have already learnt one thing. Ie. K&C's mounted figures are seated with a "plug" rather than just glued on. I am toying with the idea of "unseating" a mounted figure, to try and right his seating position.

I was thinking of "rocking" the figure off the horse .. but now I have to contend with the "plug".

OD

 

[Obee]

OD,

Yes, unseating the rider can be a bit tricky..... I first came accress this problem when I was given a Del Prado casting that a freind of mine bought for me from K&C shop in HK. I needed to paint the figure and the saddlecloth, and couldn't get into it with the rider mounted.

By gently rocking the figure, it may come loose. Another trick it so use some gentle leverage, I use a small screwdrive, with some protection so as not to damage the horse, saddle or figure, and try moving it that way.

If you break the pin, thats easily fixed, but scratching the paintwork is harder to fix, but not impossible.

I'll post more progess deatils and image when I get home from work tonight,

John

 

[Obee]

Thanks for all the feedback so far, now lets get on with the repairs.....

1. PLUME

The first task was to repair the plume, which is quite easily done by drilling into the bottom of the plume using a 1mm drill and the Supa Gluing in matching wire.

This image shows an original plume on the right with the repaired one which has some filler added to make up the correct size.

A corresponding hole is drilled into the helmet to fix it into position later on.

2. SWORD

Next problem was the broken sword, because when I tried to bend the remaining half straight, it broke off in my fingers… what to do, as I couldn’t drill into the fine blade? My solution was to remodel another sword I had in my spares box this being one I had cast from a Prince August mould. (A) The correct sized blade was achieved by bending and then filing down the sword to the correct size and shape using the original (C) as a template and then finishing off the blade with fine emery cloth. You will notice I kept the original handle of the sword for a pin to attach the blade into the hilt (B).

Now the hilt of the sword was drilled using a 1mm drill,

and the blade was ready to be fitted.

3. CREST

The final part needed to be constructed because it was the top of the crest, and that required some ingenuity to find something suitable, but I came up with something from my spares again. I cut off the fist and axe handle from a Prince August Sappeur’s left arm I had cast, (shown in red below)

and progressed to file that into the correct size and shape, using another Cuirassier Helmet as my template.

When it was right, I drilled into the helmet

and positioned the top of the crest onto the helmet and now it was all ready to glue together.

Now the task was the match the paintwork, touching up all chips and dents and this trooper is back ready to do battle.

Next post will have the finalisation.

John

 

[Obee]

4. COMPLETED

I know that he isn’t in mint, original condition, but with these repairs, I’m sure that it would be very hard for him to not pass inspection by the most discerning collector.

Any question ??????

If so send me an email to home obees@upnaway.com beacuse I'd like to help.

regards,

John

 

[wayne556517]

Brilliant mate is he for sale......................

 

[Obee]

Yes this figure is for sale, and a super inflated price, due to all the time and effort taken to bring him back to life..... if you want a cheaper one, but a brand new one...

John

 

[OldDragon]

Yes this figure is for sale, and a super inflated price, due to all the time and effort taken to bring him back to life..... if you want a cheaper one, but a brand new one...

John

... and the man got a sense of humor too.

Now, if I happen to come by Perth .. may I bring along my trooper for a re-seating ? ... over a couple of beers

Nevertheless, thank you for sharing.

OD

 

[Spitfrnd]

4. COMPLETED

I know that he isn’t in mint, original condition, but with these repairs, I’m sure that it would be very hard for him to not pass inspection by the most discerning collector.

Any question ??????

If so send me an email to home obees@upnaway.com beacuse I'd like to help.

regards,

John

Excellent job, even if it "cost" more that the original.

 

[Bellerophon]

4. COMPLETED

I know that he isn’t in mint, original condition, but with these repairs, I’m sure that it would be very hard for him to not pass inspection by the most discerning collector.

Any question ??????

If so send me an email to home obees@upnaway.com beacuse I'd like to help.

regards,

John

Hi Obee

Fantastic job mate!!!, I've picked up plenty of great tips.

Many thanks.

Best wishes Mark

 

[Obee]

OD,

you can always put the wounded troops on the MAS flight from KL to PER, its only 6 hours direct

Then again, I can bring my repair kit up to KL and visit you!

John

 

[mikemiller1955]

Great job John...very nice restoration.

 

[aujj65]

Great job John...very nice restoration.

I agree, a Pin Vice and Super Glue can work wonders on many a broken figure.

Jeff

 

[beating retreat]

Nice job John looks like new

John

 

[Spitfrnd]

I agree, a Pin Vice and Super Glue can work wonders on many a broken figure.

Jeff

When you all say pin vise, do you mean a pin drill or something else?