Castings I have painted (1 Viewer)

[johnnybach]

Hi everyone, I seem to have got a bee in my bonnet earlier on today - and had a small discussion with Obee in OZ about the availability of castings from various suppliers in the UK to paint yourself.

One such supplier is Langley Miniatures - who I purchased the above castings from a couple of years ago (or so - can't quite remember exactly when). If you will let me - I'll try and show some examples from a different UK supplier of castings and painted versions - that I have done myself, from time to time. As you may have gathered by now, I only collect these, as I'm a Glossy painter really.

I painted these then to show a Colour Party and Escort (hope trooper doesn't rift me for getting them the wrong way around again.) with a Pipe & Drum contingent following along. I thought I would show them to you - to show what can be done with such little beauties. Not sure if they had Tenor Drums in 1895 - but that's the date I allocated them. I know I'm not in the same league as Obee - but they please me - and that's all that really matters. Hope you like 'em too. johnnybach

 

[thebritfarmer]

Re: Argyle & Sutherland Highlanders from Castings

Very cool johnny it will be like a who's who of the casting world. Looking forward to more pictures.

 

[johnnybach]

Re: Argyle & Sutherland Highlanders from Castings

Do you think that would be a good idea then? I think I have enough products to do something, from most of them anyway.

It's not that I want to knock anybody selling painted products - because I know many folks don't have the time or inclination to do them themselves - so painted stuff IS the backbone of the hobby.

It's just not MY hobby - and I get really hacked off when someone produces a really nice sculpted piece - but they won't sell me one to have a go at myself - at a reasonable price - or sometimes ANY price, that's all.
johnnybach

 

[thebritfarmer]

Re: Argyle & Sutherland Highlanders from Castings

I say go for it johnny, and just add the pictures of the different makers here.


I enjoy (as I am sure others do) looking at what other collectors get up to. I have painted the odd figure myself, they just aren't as easy to get over here. You can have them shipped but the postage can be a killer.

 

[GICOP]

Re: Argyle & Sutherland Highlanders from Castings

I agree with Scott, go for it. May I add I love the flags

Cheers

Martyn

 

[aujj65]

Re: Argyle & Sutherland Highlanders from Castings

Hi everyone, I seem to have got a bee in my bonnet earlier on today - and had a small discussion with Obee in OZ about the availability of castings from various suppliers in the UK to paint yourself.

One such supplier is Langley Miniatures - who I purchased the above castings from a couple of years ago (or so - can't quite remember exactly when). If you will let me - I'll try and show some examples from a different UK supplier of castings and painted versions - that I have done myself, from time to time. As you may have gathered by now, I only collect these, as I'm a Glossy painter really.

I painted these then to show a Colour Party and Escort (hope trooper doesn't rift me for getting them the wrong way around again.) with a Pipe & Drum contingent following along. I thought I would show them to you - to show what can be done with such little beauties. Not sure if they had Tenor Drums in 1895 - but that's the date I allocated them. I know I'm not in the same league as Obee - but they please me - and that's all that really matters. Hope you like 'em too. johnnybach

Hi Johnny,

Very nice paintwork.

Have a guess where these came from....

Jeff

 

[johnnybach]

Re: Argyle & Sutherland Highlanders from Castings

Hi again Jeff - Don't tell me - they're Langley too? I know they do a set. Incidentally - that's my Grandad on the lead horse. I have a Britains version of that set - the one that came out for the centenary, it's one of the few that I bought as a painted model. At that stage in my "collecting", I was really unsure about whether I could do it or not. Now - I paint them to suit me - and don't care too much what others think about them.

Did you paint them? - they do look sharp!

 

[johnnybach]

Re: Argyle & Sutherland Highlanders from Castings

Hi Martyn - Thanks for that - they were the second Colours I ever did - and I really worked at those, so am glad you like them. I used to have great difficulty finding oo gauge brushes then - but have since found a little shop that specialises in Railway Sets - who gets some for me. I think that was why I got a bit carried away with the detail. Fun to do though.

I'm not sure of the form for posting pics of other castings - should I put them on this thread - with this label - or start a new ones for different suppliers? Maybe Scott will advise.jb

 

[thebritfarmer]

Re: Argyle & Sutherland Highlanders from Castings

There is also RP World Model (Home of Steadfast)

These guys have all kinds of stuff, I guess it is a real treasure trove of stuff.

http://www.rpworldmodels.net/ The website shows only a tiny bit of what they have.

They had an open day and Simon (wraith) did a report :-

http://www.treefrogtreasures.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7884

 

[theBaron]

Re: Argyle & Sutherland Highlanders from Castings

Tommy Atkins and Fusilier both sell castings, too.

I don't know about Britains castings, but I imagine there may be some licensed seller somewhere in the UK from whom you could buy replacement parts and solid-cast bodies of the classic Britains, and paint them up. Here in the States, we have Ron Rudell's London Bridge Collector's Toys. The "classic" Britains might be right up your alley.

Prost!
Brad

 

[aujj65]

Re: Argyle & Sutherland Highlanders from Castings

Hi again Jeff - Don't tell me - they're Langley too? I know they do a set. Incidentally - that's my Grandad on the lead horse. I have a Britains version of that set - the one that came out for the centenary, it's one of the few that I bought as a painted model. At that stage in my "collecting", I was really unsure about whether I could do it or not. Now - I paint them to suit me - and don't care too much what others think about them.

Did you paint them? - they do look sharp!

Not Langley but SoldierPac recasts of original Britains I painted some years ago. An Englishman residing in France bought them. I used to paint quite a lot of gloss figures to sell or by commission (I don’t collect gloss only matt). Here’s another, a Carthaginian War Elephant made by Irregular Miniatures, it was so heavy I sold it as a paperweight!

Jeff

 

[johnnybach]

Re: Argyle & Sutherland Highlanders from Castings

I have heard the name Soldierpac - but never seen any "in the flesh" so to speak, They look a bit like the Langley set because of the H connectors. Having recently bought a WW1 band from Fusilier Miniatures (when I was in the UK before Xmas), I have been looking at a couple of RHA sets from them which look like they will be "my cup of tea". I' have been impressed with the detail they get into their castings - more military model than my usual "toys" - but I don't let that stop me from giving them the gloss and toy treatment when I've finished painting them - a hang-up from my boyhood days I think. I used to just love that shiny finish - especially red! (Welsh team see bach!)

The two teams are the WW1 set with the drivers in steel helmets - and also the Waterloo boys in Tarletons. Might make a change from my favourites - Bands! I'm about halfway through a Mounties band and just starting the WW1 boys too. I like to have a couple of projects on the go - in case I get bored with one - and can turn to the other. I'm also making a Centurion tank - but have pushed it to one side at the moment.

I've never been too sure about elephants - and looks like the two in the cab are having a row! - Not really my thing - might be handy for keeping the door open though!

Thanks for posting them though - good for me to see other makes. Regards - johnnybach

 

[kogu]

Re: Argyle & Sutherland Highlanders from Castings

Looking good, Johnny, and I also like your idea very much to present us with the various companies one can aquire castings from.
Thanks for starting this.
Konrad

 

[johnnybach]

Re: Argyle & Sutherland Highlanders from Castings

Hi Konrad - Well it gives folks another option doesn't it? It's a bit like paying £3 for a pint of bitter - or brewing your own at home (remember that?). The whole point of DIY for me is that it's more fun! You also get a lot more for the same bucks! { For example - My 34 piece German SS Band- which is still posted - from Dorset Soldiers cost me £110 plus £10 postage - so £120}. Paint and brushes extra - say another £10 - so £130 all in - or less than £4 per head. That's a fair old saving and was a LOT of fun to do.

Oh yes! another manufacturer that I have used sprang to mind last night:

"The British Model Soldier Society" or BMSS. They do a limited range of castings too. If you are a member, you also get a slight reduction in prices. They are also quite reasonable on price per casting if you are in the UK - but of course, I take the Britfarmer's point - shipping costs abroad can add up. Don't really know how to get around that one - though one idea springs to mind.

Let me explain.

When I'm in the UK (which is regularly), I either order goods to be posted there (usually around plus 10% of value) - OR - I make a prearranged visit to collect an e-mailed order - which saves postage and avoids possible damage. It's also a nice day out, and gives me an opportunity to chauffer the Commandante, she likes waving to the crowds, and buy her lunch! (Must remember to get some flags for the wings of the car!).

SOME manufacturers/suppliers will give a discount on larger orders, (e.g Dorset Soldiers will give you a 10% reduction on orders over £200). I like that - as I can have a good old chat to Giles - and look at his latest creations etcetera. He even gave me a quick lesson in casting last time - fascinating! Watched him cast a piece - for me to take away.

SO - back to my idea - If say, a few forum members in a big city in another Country get together and order stuff together, over the value of £200 - they would get 10% off - which could go towards their postage costs. Might work - if people got together? How about that Scott? - just a thought.

Anyhow, drifted away a bit there - as usual - thanks for looking Konrad - have a nice one. johnnybach

 

[johnnybach]

Re: Argyle & Sutherland Highlanders from Castings

Hi _Brad. Yes chum, I am currently having a go at a WW1 Band from Fusilier - first time for me with those. I am very impressed with them - when they are finished I'll post them on the forum.

As you may have noted, I use Giles Brown from Dorset Soldiers a lot for Britains lookalikes. He has a page online called Britains Revisited. He also does spare parts for broken hollowcasts - which generally fit pretty well - so I use him.

I currently have a small group of (Britains lookalikes) Gordon Highlanders on the go in action poses. I usually add a couple of them in different poses each time I order stuff from him. They are building up quite nicely - hey - hang on a mo - I'll take a pic for you.

Well - it's not really a good one - but gives you the idea.

All the red-coated boys are Britains re-casts or lookalikes on Foreign Service. Behind them is a Mountain Gun crew coming up - to join in the fun. A Gatling gun alongside them adds a bit of punch to the party!

These have mostly come in ones and twos from Dorset Soldiers. I'm not sure where I'm going with this lot - but they are fun to do. The marching Officer and mounted Officer are re-casts of Britains set 437. The marching one was a find in my "£10 box", which I repainted. Lurking at the rear is a real Britains from WW1 (What's he doing there?) So you see, Im spoilt for choice when it comes to Britains (or what LOOK like Britains!).

Must crack on with my mounties band now though - have a nice day - johnnybach

 

[johnnybach]

Re: Argyle & Sutherland Highlanders from Castings

Hi Scott - I'm working through responses - and just come accross yours with a reference to RP World Models - home of Steadfast. Just had a quick peek - as this is a new one one me - and - would you believe it - they do a Scots Greys Band!! How about that! It looks pretty good, though I'm still glad I went down the Britains partial re-cast route.

I always loved that band from a child - and now I've got one ( well - sort of). Incidentally, I have ordered the new Tenor Horn to replace the French Horn I originally gave one of the musicians (in error as Martin pointed out) - and I have added the Sax - who is finished. When the new part arrives, the French Horn is going in for surgery - and I will re-photo the Band to show the two new instruments.

Anyhow - thanks for the new info I'll give this one a good look-over - I think that now makes ten suppliers in the UK who are seemingly unafraid of being pirated - and will actually sell you a casting to have a go at yourself. What brave boys! As for the ones that don't - well - if they don't want my business, that's OK - there's plenty that do.

Good thing this forum. Cheers mate, johnnybach

 

[Martin Tabony]

Re: Argyle & Sutherland Highlanders from Castings

I'm one of the makers that won't sell castings! And it's not just that I'm afraid of being pirated (again) although that is a big concern.

Martin

 

[johnnybach]

Re: Argyle & Sutherland Highlanders from Castings

Hi Martyn I didn't know that - what company are you?

I have bought mostly castings since I began this hobby about ten years ago. I wouldn't dream of re-casting one myself - or handing one over to anyone else to do it for me. I simply enjoy the challenge of creating a soldier from a shiny lump of metal.

Shame that illegal copying appears to be still a problem, 'cos I've seen many pieces I would like to own - as long as I could do them myself. I also think that there are many people out there who are put off collecting - simply because they either can't afford some of the higher prices - or don't want to spend that sort of money on them.

As I said earlier though, there are still plenty of makers who do make and sell enough products that I like, so my hobby continues.

Ey oop , Rugby's on - I'm off . johnnybach

 

[aujj65]

Re: Argyle & Sutherland Highlanders from Castings

Don't forget Irregular Miniatures http://www.irregularminiatures.co.uk/ they sell an extensive range of 54mm castings amongst others.

Jeff

 

[johnnybach]

Re: Argyle & Sutherland Highlanders from Castings

Yes - that's another good one Jeff - I bought a German field gun a crew of four from them - and very good it is too:

This is the one - still not very good at taking photos - sun seems to be too bright. As an experiment, I left this one matt finish. I'll take another photo when i have a bit more time - as its Heineken Cup Rugby on today.

Put Irregular in there with the others Jeff.
Regards, johnnybach