Castings I have painted (1 Viewer)

[PJDeluhery]

Lovely grouping! Did you paint them all - or just the repairs noted? Who's the maker?

 

[johnnybach]

Whoops - didn't know the Guvner was watching! - Hi "corporal"! What on earth is a "Specialist"?

It's bad enough having a fight with the camera (tiny buttons on these things) - and squeezing all the soldiers in. I guess I have a lot to learn about how I'm going to photograph my offerings in the future. I think I'm going to need a bigger "studio" than this old desk top too.

Anyway, Scots Grey Tenor Horn player is just about dry enough - so on with the re-post of them. Same dressing though Martin. (French dressing - geddit?).

Flash failed on this one - wrong tiny button again!

I've just noticed that I have a last touch up to make to my new musician's epaulette. (He's next to Clarence the Clarinetist) I have smudged the yellow piping slightly over the central blue portion - probably by varnishing before he was properly dry. Will re-touch tomorrow - THEN wait 24 hours. Rushing to get him finished I s'pose.

A 252 for johnnybach!

Mounties all done - last ten now need bases painted - so will show completed band tomorrow.

 

[johnnybach]

Hi PJ - Thought you were in Casablanca? Came home because of the problems eh - or are you on leave?

Yes - Made them all up from castings from OUR old chum Giles from Dorset Soldiers. I posted these earlier - then Martin ( eagle-eyes) spotted a mistake that I had made (with both bands actually). I gave both bands a French Horn player - and Martin advised me that these instruments are never played on horseback (neither are cymbals - but it didn't stop Britains from putting one on horseback).

So, anyway, I resolved to correct it by making the French Horn players into Tenor Horn players. I then promised to post ther results - and here they are - fixed!

They are just the normal body part that Giles makes - then suitable arms/instruments for the time period for both. Both bands were really just an excuse for putting in some Bombardons on horseback really - and I used some illustrations by Richard Simkin (in Bill Carman's book "Uniforms of the British Army - The Cavalry regiments) as the basis for the figures. How do you like them? johnnybach

 

[johnnybach]

Well - here they are at last, my final flourish for this thread - made whilst you watched! - A 36 strong, RCMP marching foot band c.1950. The varnished finish is still wet on some!

As you can see from the closer images - these are quite a simple toy soldier figure - but I think quite impressive due to the largish number of them. Best seen as a large group rather than individually. Fun to make - and relatively easy.

Instruments are(from the front): 3 Trombones; 2 Cornets; 3 Clarinets; 2 Tenor Horns; 2 Saxophones; Bell Lyre (Glockenspiel); 2 Fifes; 3 French Horns; 2 Bassoons; 4 Side Drums; 2 Cymbals; 2 Tenor Drums; Bass Drum; 2 Euphoniums; 2 Tubas; 2 Sousaphones - led out front by a Drum Major.

Result. One boyhood dream realised for me - I also hope you like them too. I think I need a bigger desk! johnnybach.

 

[aujj65]

Johnny,

Most impressive in numbers like this! Great finish as per a traditional glossy, just one question re the colour of the bases - why blue? and don't say there's a shortage of green paint!

Jeff

 

[johnnybach]

Hi Jeff - I have had a tin of RAF blue for six years - and only used it to paint six RAF types! I opened it about a year ago - and it looked a bit thick - so I've just been using it up where it "sorta looked right". It looked right with these - so I used it! Pink didn't seem to go - unless of course I was doing these.........................

"I chop down treeees , ah wear high heeeels - and put on women's................etc etc"

Do you think it looks a bit odd then? jb

 

[aujj65]

No not odd, just different that's all. Very nice all the same.

Jeff

 

[johnnybach]

Hi jeff - just out with the dog and then a bit of shopping with La Commandante.

The blue has come out a wee bit vividly on the photos - whereas in real life it's a bit more subdued. It's actually Humbrol 96, RAF Blue - if you have a tin or colour chart handy - and actually looks quite nice, I think. Bit less "samey" than the usual boring old green - don't you think?

It does make a great deal of difference with the simpler toy soldier look - to have them in relatively largish numbers. I read it first in James Opie's book "Collecting Toy Soldiers" - and I must say, I agree with him. I've been wanting to do this band for a very long time - and finally decided to have it for this last Xmas. Glad I did.

Anyway, glad you like 'em chum. johnnybach

P.S Only joking about "the green" bach!

 

[aujj65]

Hi jeff - just out with the dog and then a bit of shopping with La Commandante.

The blue has come out a wee bit vividly on the photos - whereas in real life it's a bit more subdued. It's actually Humbrol 96, RAF Blue - if you have a tin or colour chart handy - and actually looks quite nice, I think. Bit less "samey" than the usual boring old green - don't you think?

It does make a great deal of difference with the simpler toy soldier look - to have them in relatively largish numbers. I read it first in James Opie's book "Collecting Toy Soldiers" - and I must say, I agree with him. I've been wanting to do this band for a very long time - and finally decided to have it for this last Xmas. Glad I did.

Anyway, glad you like 'em chum. johnnybach

P.S Only joking about "the green" bach!

Johnny,

It's a long running joke on the forum about my preference for the Green Nectar

Jeff

 

[johnnybach]

Jeff - i DO know - i have been looking around for a while - and guessed your leg was being ever so gently pulled! I think you have become a bit like "You can never havet johnnybachyoo many Camels" on here.

I like these sort of gentle running gags - like your exceedingly good one the other day!!!

I really did have to sit that one out for a bit

 

[PJDeluhery]

Hi PJ - Thought you were in Casablanca? Came home because of the problems eh - or are you on leave?

Yes - Made them all up from castings from OUR old chum Giles from Dorset Soldiers. I posted these earlier - then Martin ( eagle-eyes) spotted a mistake that I had made (with both bands actually). I gave both bands a French Horn player - and Martin advised me that these instruments are never played on horseback (neither are cymbals - but it didn't stop Britains from putting one on horseback).

So, anyway, I resolved to correct it by making the French Horn players into Tenor Horn players. I then promised to post ther results - and here they are - fixed!

They are just the normal body part that Giles makes - then suitable arms/instruments for the time period for both. Both bands were really just an excuse for putting in some Bombardons on horseback really - and I used some illustrations by Richard Simkin (in Bill Carman's book "Uniforms of the British Army - The Cavalry regiments) as the basis for the figures. How do you like them? johnnybach

Great figures, Johnny. You obviously are not wasting this winter weather moaning about!! Great groupings - love the RCMP! I think I need a Dorset fix!!

 

[thebritfarmer]

Very nice Johnny,

The RCMP turned out really great and also made a good job on the replacement arms, they wouldn't be noticed from a trotting horse. ^&grin

Looking forward to the next project mon capitan
:salute::

 

[johnnybach]

Hi PJ and Scott.

I have to get "stuck in" during the winter - 'cos when the sun shines - I have a garden to maintain - so will slow down a bit from now on. Next up, mes amis , is the Highland Band with Colour party etcetera - though I'm still plodding along with a few bits and pieces.

Beautiful spring day today - so gave the grass its first cut - so not a lot of painting done. Planting tomato seeds later today!!

I'm also doing a couple of Medieval Knights c.1200, which I will show when completed. Have given Scott the good news - Asset CAN DO mounted Household Cavalry Band with Instruments - though only in State Dress - UNLESS more are interested in Review Order - when they may consider re-casting new arms!! (Drip effect worked out then!!).:wink2:

Thanks for all encouragement, help and advice from my many friends here. If I've gone a bit quiet for a while - it's 'cos (hopefully) winter is over.

All the best, johnnybach%^V:salute::

 

[aujj65]

Hi PJ and Scott.

I have to get "stuck in" during the winter - 'cos when the sun shines - I have a garden to maintain - so will slow down a bit from now on. Next up, mes amis , is the Highland Band with Colour party etcetera - though I'm still plodding along with a few bits and pieces.

Beautiful spring day today - so gave the grass its first cut - so not a lot of painting done. Planting tomato seeds later today!!

I'm also doing a couple of Medieval Knights c.1200, which I will show when completed. Have given Scott the good news - Asset CAN DO mounted Household Cavalry Band with Instruments - though only in State Dress - UNLESS more are interested in Review Order - when they may consider re-casting new arms!! (Drip effect worked out then!!).:wink2:

Thanks for all encouragement, help and advice from my many friends here. If I've gone a bit quiet for a while - it's 'cos (hopefully) winter is over.

All the best, johnnybach%^V:salute::

Johnny, where the hell are you then? ^&confuse It's been wet and windy here for most of the day.

:salute::

Jeff

 

[thebritfarmer]

Johnny, where the hell are you then? ^&confuse It's been wet and windy here for most of the day.

:salute::

Jeff

I was thinking the same thing !!!!! It's February for god sake and we have about 7" of snow on the ground

 

[Martin Tabony]

"Spring day"! We're having the chimneys re-pointed at the moment, so there's scafolding up to the roof, at both ends of the house. The other night laying in bed and the wooden boards blew of on to the roof. Needless to say I nearly s@@t myself. Not a good way to be woken up at 3 am. I've been trying to repair wind damaged fence all day but it won't stop raining!

Martin

 

[johnnybach]

South-West France - about half hour from Agen. Sorry to hear about misfortunes and poor weather. Bit extreme to shoot yourself though! It WAS cold last week here though - hence lots of painting of Mounties indoors.

Never managed to get to the tomato seeds today - cut the grass, swept up leaves - two six-nations Rugby on TV - then dinner to make, dog to walk etc., All go - sometimes.

It was La Commandante's day for Patchwork at the French equivalent of the W.I down at the local hall. I could play my Eagles album really loudly too. Luverly!

Maybe tomatoes tomorrow.

have a nice one y'all. johnnybach

 

[thebritfarmer]

Just went back through this thread, some great stuff!! Mainly wanted to see the Asset HC.

Also not sure if I am right though but I think the Scots Grey Drumhorse should be black. ^&confuse

 

[trooper]

Just went back through this thread, some great stuff!! Mainly wanted to see the Asset HC.

Also not sure if I am right though but I think the Scots Grey Drumhorse should be black. ^&confuse

In recent years the Scots Greys, later Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, have had a black drum horse, but in the past have had a grey, the famous Plum Duff for example. Trooper

 

[johnnybach]

I actually chose my date for this portrayal of the Scots Greys with a bit of care, (c.1897) with two things in mind. The first was "Plum Duff". their famous drum horse - and the second was the white fur cap of the Kettledrummer.


I too, have seen illustrations of a black drum horse - but I particularly wanted Plum Duff as my Drum Horse.

Plum Duff was purchased by them in Dublin, in 1885 aged five. So, in my group he would be 17 years old. He got his name on joining the Regiment from his peculiar coat, at that time rather dark with numerous white spots, especially prominent when he was younger. Apparently this faded over time - but I did him a bit darker than most greys anyhow. He was also apparently, a great favourite with the lads.

The white bearskin cap, I believe, was presented to be worn by the kettledrummer by Tsar Nicholas II in 1894, when he became Colonel-in-Chief of the Regiment. Indeed, a tradition developed of playing the Russian national Anthem in the Officers mess after this.

I am awaiting delivery of the book by Michael Blacklock on the history of this Regiment - to learn more. I was tipped off to the existance of the book, by a post from trooper in fact - so maybe he could fill in a few more details for us?

Anyhow - as you can see Scott - I have a 17 year old "Plum Duff" - in 1897 - whose spots have faded a bit, being ridden by the drummer ( a certain A.E,Booth who joined in 1876),resplendant in a white bearskin - presented by the Tsar of Russia, three years earlier. I do try to be accurate - wherever I can - though I do make some c**k ups sometimes - as with the French Horn fiasco - as I now call it!!:redface2:

Isn't this hobby just fascinating? johnnybach:salute::

[P.S. my pictures continue to come from photobucket in the large size - and I cannot put any new photos into my albums - because they are too big. Happened since update of forum - don't know why]