Castings I have painted (2 Viewers)

[thebritfarmer]

Hi Scott. Yes they do - it's a quirk of mine to always have big bases. Asset don't supply them with bases - unless you ask. I make my own anyway. They stand okay without them - and some adjustment is possible by bending anyway.

Thanks, never been a fan of bases and tend to avoid where possible.

Incidentally (won't apply for state dress 'cos they wear those silly hats) be specific on what head you want for review order. Something about onions?

Thats down to those Lifeguard types. Some people are so fickle ^&grin:salute::

Also, you can ask for different head poses for the horses. (e.g looking left with head down, tossing head etc). Ask Anne what sorts they have. It helps to make the group look more natural, 'cos you never see a group of nags all standing the same way.

Yes I agree and will probably just have them pic a head whenever I place an order. Mix it up a bit as you say

Good luck with them - you won't regret it - they are superb castings at a good price in my opinion. johnnybach%^V

Stay tuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuned !!

 

[thebritfarmer]

Can I ask a favour JB, have a look at this figure and let me know what you think about the Asset castings going with it.

http://www.oldtoysoldierhome.com/New Website/Products/British Soldiers/40339.jpg


Cheers
Scott

 

[johnnybach]

Have a look for yourself. I think that Asset are towards the model figure end of the toy soldier spectrum - as they are quite lifelike. The one that you have just shown is a bit more "toy soldier" - but if you give them the glossy treatment - they are very forgiving - I think. If you are going to do them matte however, the difference would really stand out.

It never bothers me one jott though. I put Britains next to mine - and I don't give a darn! I like 'em - and for me that's all that really matters. If others don't agree - then that's their problem.

I think he will look just fine. If not - do a bit of creative thinking - and buy another similar item from Asset - and convert him to the figure you want. That's what I would do - if I wasn't satisfied - but I probably would be satisfied anyway

Does that help? jb:smile2:

P.S If you are painting the State Dress version - do the Gold paint first - just splash it on - then do the red bits afterwards - easier that way. Maybe ask Jeff's advice see if he agrees? (Though he will probably suggest green!).%^V

 

[johnnybach]

Darn me - I've just noticed that my Life guard Trumpeter has a white plume - Shouldn't that be red? Martin????^&confuse

 

[johnnybach]

Scott - I have just had a thought. Have a look at Assets online Catalogue.

MF01 is a mounted field Officer 1910 - drawn sword. (I have him already done as mounted RWF Colonel - he is back somewhere in this thread - if you want to check him out).

With a head change and a bit of filing off detail at cuffs - he would be a ringer for your "old soldier". Probably a head change using CAV1 (same catalogue) would do it.

It would be the same horse and figure type - so would be an almost exact match for the figure you have already, when painted up.

There's usually ALWAYS a way to get what you want - with a bit of creative thinking.

BUT my advice is - do get the HC first - put them together - and THEN see what you think. johnnybach

 

[thebritfarmer]

Darn me - I've just noticed that my Life guard Trumpeter has a white plume - Shouldn't that be red? Martin????^&confuse

OOH er Missus !!! Yes it should be red.

Thanks for your info JB much appreciated. The reason I asked is that Britain's did a big series representing the 1953 Jubilee. They did a huge assortment of figures but obviously couldn't make them all. The figure I posted was one of them. They didn't make a Blues and Royals mounted band set and as it seems Asset is the only one that can do that at this time so I needed them to fit "sort of" and as you say if I think it looks cool what else matters. Although I am a bit of a stickler for things matching. All of my soldiers are Britains so that is my dilemma. I guess if I don't give them super detailing like you have done that will also help.

Thanks

Given me more to ponder.

Scott

 

[johnnybach]

Yes - I see your dilema.

1953 Coronation. Have a look at the back of the catalogue too. Asset do the Jubilee Range - of Dominion and Colonial forces that took part in the Coronation parade. If you mixed and matched with Britains - I'm pretty sure they would fit in too. Yes - agreed, if you paint them in the same style, they would all blend in nicely I'm sure.

Don't worry - they will look fab!

See how you can miss things though - I did that trumpeter about three years ago - and hadn't noticed my own error till I posted that pic again!:redface2:

Where's my brush (again!). jb%^V

 

[Martin Tabony]

By the way - did you pass - or pass-out?:salute::

I always passed the B.F.T. they docked your wages if you didn't:salute::

Martin

 

[johnnybach]

Just had a thought Scott - Size Issue???

Just had a thought which may be a problem for you. Size (as they say) may be an issue:

On the left is a Britains Gordons Officer - right Asset Blues & Royals Officer.
Both nominally 54mm.

Another view: (sorry about focus - but size is the thing we're looking at)

I think that the old problem of someone's 54mm is not the same idea of someone else's idea - may raise it's head.

Over to you - Back in two hours Bath playing Sale in Premiership Rugby - see you later if required/ johnnybach.

 

[johnnybach]

No fiddles with the PTI???

If not - well done. I used to run it! - in both senses of the word!

I'm off rugby's on!

 

[Martin Tabony]

Have a look for yourself. I think that Asset are towards the model figure end of the toy soldier spectrum - as they are quite lifelike. The one that you have just shown is a bit more "toy soldier" - but if you give them the glossy treatment - they are very forgiving - I think. If you are going to do them matte however, the difference would really stand out.

It never bothers me one jott though. I put Britains next to mine - and I don't give a darn! I like 'em - and for me that's all that really matters. If others don't agree - then that's their problem.

I think he will look just fine. If not - do a bit of creative thinking - and buy another similar item from Asset - and convert him to the figure you want. That's what I would do - if I wasn't satisfied - but I probably would be satisfied anyway

Does that help? jb:smile2:

P.S If you are painting the State Dress version - do the Gold paint first - just splash it on - then do the red bits afterwards - easier that way. Maybe ask Jeff's advice see if he agrees? (Though he will probably suggest green!).%^V

I recognise that Regency figure at the back

mARTIN

 

[thebritfarmer]

Thanks Johnny, yes that could be a problem however from what I have been able to ascertain those Britian (copied from the old hollowcast moulds) are more like 1:35 and the newer Britians are more 1:32. I supposed if all else fails I will just have a seperate HC band. Thanks though and it certanily does need to be considered.

 

[johnnybach]

Half time - Bath ahead!!

Hi Scott - I can't think of anything else - They would look good as stand alones anyway - as you say.

Hi Martin - yes thought you might recognise "Regency Reggie!". Seriously, if those six that you made that went on the old BMSS site are examples of your work - you used to be not half bad. Well, I bought them!

Will be interested to see your new work when John has finished them. You have certainly chosen a good painter for the project (whatever it is).

Want to give us all an inkling of what is coming - perchance??? :salute::

Back to the second half, jb

 

[johnnybach]

Just trying one more "scene" using the picture of "The Rearguard" as a backdrop this time. I have shown this group before - from castings by Tradition of London, but am now certain that if I can perfect how I take photographs, this method of showing with a computer generated image as a backdrop, is an easy and quick method of storing - or even showing - images of my toy soldiers. johnnybach

I do realise that there may be issues of copyright - if I were to seek to obtain any advantage from this - but as a hobbyist - I think that as long as it is for personal enjoyment - I should be okay. johnnybach

 

[johnnybach]

Can't seem to stop my imagination running riot since this idea took hold. I'm calling this one "Carry On - Up the Khyber".

It's of my Gordon Highlanders at sunrise at the Khyber Pass - facing attack from some unseen horde (nothing new there then).

" Look out lads - here they come! Independant fire - commence!"

These Britains lookalikes came from Dorset Soldier castings - as did the cannon. johnnybach

 

[johnnybach]

Meanwhile, back at the dockside, The Band of the Royal Marines c.1830, march past HMS Victory with bags of swank in close order.

Altogether now lads " A life on the Oceon Wave"

I've had enough for now.

Any requests? (dangerous question that!). johnnybach

 

[PJDeluhery]

Just trying one more "scene" using the picture of "The Rearguard" as a backdrop this time. I have shown this group before - from castings by Tradition of London, but am now certain that if I can perfect how I take photographs, this method of showing with a computer generated image as a backdrop, is an easy and quick method of storing - or even showing - images of my toy soldiers. johnnybach

I do realise that there may be issues of copyright - if I were to seek to obtain any advantage from this - but as a hobbyist - I think that as long as it is for personal enjoyment - I should be okay. johnnybach

Been following along - without necessarily commenting here. THIS is a stunning photo! Very well done.

 

[johnnybach]

Hi PJ - Glad you liked that one. I'm finding that it's easy to do with small numbers, as I just put them up to the monitor screen. However, with largish numbers - like those in a band, the camera seems to focus on one part - and then because it is so close up - the others look out of focus (hope that makes sense).

I am NOT a photographer - but am a reasonable painter - so can "see" a picture in my mind - it's just a bit hit or miss at present with my lack of skill at taking pictures, as to how they come out. But yes, I liked that one too - and aim to continue at it - until I get better.

I once heard someone say to Gary Player - "You are a great natural golf player" - to which he replied "Yes, and do you know, the more I practice, the better my natural golf game gets".

All the best, johnnybach:salute::

 

[johnnybach]

Meanwhile - in the setting evening sun, Egypt ponders her fate. But to celebrate the dawning of horizons new - La Legion d'Etranger plays a fanfare of hope:

[Note: PJ on Bass drum - Trooper on Jingling Johnny and johnnybach on triangle (ding!). love that sound! The three musketeers!]

Brittfarmer leads the way as Drum Major - moderating the tone of the band - whilst Martin has gone too far (again) for a ride on a Camel (you can't have too many of them on here you know!) with Jeff, - off to paint the town red ( well green, actually) but you know what I mean.^&confuse

Don't tell me - you've seen 'em before - but never like this ^&grin

Nos dda - johnnybach%^V

Quote: Laugh and the World laughs with you. Cry - and you get a wet shirt - Groucho Marx

 

[johnnybach]

With the Scots Guards at the Trooping of the Colour at Horse Guards Parade.

At the risk of getting a bit "samey" I just could't resist trying this photo out. I think this method works best in daylight. I shut down the flash on my camera, press a button to eliminate shake - move in until the edge of the screen does not appear any longer - press close-up button to focus and CLICK.:salute::