Something a bit different. I thought I would let you share in the exitement of the start of a new project for me - with the arrival of a parcel containing castings - fro Dorset Soldiers. This package contains some 68 figures (and one horse!) which will make up - well - I'll show you as I unpack it!
Various elements packed and labelled as to their contents. Chose to open one marked "Colour Party".
Six figures consisting: Two Ensigns with Colours, three sergeants and one W.O. The arms, weapons, pace stick etcetera are set out in front. I normally do this at this point - to check everything required is there. If not, I can e-mail for extra bits straight away. (I normally advise receipt anyway - as a matter of courtesy).
This picture shows another thing I would normally do with a big group - split it down into elements. Here you see top small box - the Colour Party. Below in the larger box is the Drum & Pipe Band. This contains 8 Pipers, Six side-drummers, 3 Cheese drum side-drummers, Bass Drummer and Drum Major - plus various arms and drums.
The above shows the major element of this group - The Military Band. This element was the main reason for the projest - as I intend making these up wearing the white doublet - which was changed to red after 1873. My whole group will be painted as Gordon Highlanders as they were in 1867. The band is 30 strong - reflecting them as they appeared in Troopers marvelous photo - which began the whole thing for me. You can find this thread at the beginning of the Uniform section of the forum - under Historical Discussion - for those who haven't seen it.
This last "box" contains the Mounted Colonel, two marching Officers, one Sergeant and 9 O.R's - to represent "the Regiment", with rifled muskets with bayonets fixed at the slope. The Officers will carry drawn broadswords except the "special" sword carried by the Colonel. Again, all parts are laid out to check each piece will be correct when assembled and finished.
So, for those of you who have never seen a casting - this is what they look like when they arrive en-masse. I propose to begin with the Colour Party - and then see where it takes me. I think I will start a new thread - and post elements or other interesting "problems/decisions/solutions as I go along. Don't know yet how long it will take - but I won't rush. I like to enjoy every moment. Hope you will enjoy the ride too. If you have any questions - give me a shout. Lastly, my thanks go to the many friends who gave their time and information which allowed me to have a go at this group (You know who you are!) Thanks chaps! johnnybach
