Castings I have painted (1 Viewer)

[johnnybach]

Heh heh heh! This post is getting funnier. Glad I'm not the only one with a warped sense of humour.

I thought you were going to tell the one about the lady going past a Welsh regiment. As she passes by - a huge fart breaks forth - and the wooden-top bellows "Stand fast that horrible git wot farted in front of that lady there!"
And the woman says "Whoops excuse me luv!".

But I must get on - men to paint etc.

Today, I would like to show some of my Asset collection - a real favourite of mine this couple (Anne and Colin).

Starting off with the Scots Guards.

I made these up as c.1985 - as you have options on which rifle to choose for these, and many of the others in Asset's range. I like to do a Colour Party, small band and a couple of "extras". Bringing up the rear in this group are the RSM, Quartermaster (in cocked hat!) and an Officer. I will put this pic on - and sort out some more. johnnybach

 

[johnnybach]

Next Asset Guards - Irish Guards - and I added on behind the Irish Fusiliers.

This first pic shows them all - so I have broken them down to show them more clearly.

This group is still under construction by me. You may notice that the side-drummer is unfinished ( I have three others in different stages of finish - got a bit bored with doing the same tunic, for a while). Note that these are c.1900 - so have different rifle and equipment. I have tried with my Guards - to show different eras with each of them.

Here are the Royal Irish Fusiliers circa 1953 with their Colours and dressed in best Blues. Note the Piper RIF in green , a Drummer from my "Lucky £10 box (NOT a casting - but a Britains Deetail figure !) and a Piper of the Royal Iniskiling Fusiliers - with distinctive two drone pipe!

Well, that's about all that I have ready for now - will try to do a few more later on. I have a few of my own British Camel Corps - Sudan 1885 - from Dorset Soldier castings to go on (camera battery charging) - as jeff showed me some tasty ones yesterday.

See y'all later. johnnybach

 

[aujj65]

Johnny,

Those are great! Can't beat the Guards uniform for pomp and glossiness, if you know what I mean.

You have some really nice figures don't you and the fact that you have painted them yourself makes them all the better.

I notice that you mount the figures base on a larger round one, do you use washers or metal stampings?

Jeff

 

[johnnybach]

The Commandante has awarded me "Special Leave" to carry on with my alloted task of the day - so will proceed:

First up - The Household Cavalry from Asset Castings:

In the foreground Are Life-Guards - rear are Blues & Royals. Both groups can be made up from the same castings. Shown here are a very slim Kettledrummer, Officer to his left (note the shabraque). Next row - trumpeter on white/grey horse (Martin will explain - I hope) Standard bearer and NCO to his left. Last pair are Farrier and Trooper - again I hope Martin will explain dress of farrier.

The above will give a clearer view of the Blues & Royals - as the Life-Guards appear to have ridden off into the setting sun. (lovely day today here)

I thought that I would show these next. The paras Colour Party are essentially the same figure as that shown previously as Royal Irish Fusiliers, and demonstrates how, with a head change, castings can change to a different Regiment. The RAF Regiment behind, I varnished differently to my normally preferred Hi Shine - as I think the uniform looks better flat, in this case. Note also, my sole female soldier - the WRAF Rupert-ess striding along with the lads!

I have lots more Assets - but they might get a bit "samey" - so will save them for another occassion.

Hope you like 'em. johnnybach

 

[johnnybach]

Hi Jeff - I use both. I can't get stamped ones any more, so I use largish nickel plated washers. The reason was (originally), some companies I used for castings gave them very small bases. I was forever knocking over pieces - bayonets came off, paint got damaged etc, etc,. I found that the solution was to make them "base heavy". So started adding the extra. No more problems now - and I think they look okay for it. I guess I'm just getting a bit clumsier as I get older.

This idea is also good for plastics - as it makes these lightweight pieces base heavy too. I will show you some french Foreign Legion later, that are plastic - but feel like metal because of the heavier base. THEY don't knock over either - and unless you were told, can't really tell that they're plastic, because they're heavier.

I also base horses - same reason. johnnybach

 

[Martin Tabony]

Strictly speaking you shouldn't be able to use the same casting for L.G and RHG/D. We have an "onion" in the top of the plume and wear the chin chain under the lip. They wear the chain on the point of the chin and have a straight plume. We'll let it slide this time though! I can't make out whether the farrier has the corect cross belt or just the usual one with a box?

Martin

 

[johnnybach]

Just re-read your post Jeff. Thankyou - yes I think I do have some REALLY nice pieces - and yes - because I do them myself - they all are a bit "special" to me. Every one of them has its own little story - if you know what I mean.

For example - Welsh Guards.

If you look closely, you will see that one drummer is playing the bugle. I made this guy up by using an arm with bugle from a fusilier (Asset again). I then used a different left arm - and made a second "drumstick" in that hand - which came from a broom bristle! Result - a unique piece - which came out of my imagination. I just luv that little Taff, because of it.

Asset also STILL don't do Drum Majors in Guards Dress (just State Dress - like the Welsh one). However, I make them up by using a Fusilier body - and head change to a Bearskin.

You see, what I am trying to point out to folks - is that by using castings - you get LOADS of benefits.

1. They are cheaper - so you get more for your cash
2. They are adaptable - if you can think it - you can make it
3. They are enormous fun - and a challenge
4. They give you a terrific sense of achievement

Snag is - in my case - they are hugely addictive. BUT - if you give 'em a go - I promise you - you will love them forever! PROMISE. johnnybach

 

[johnnybach]

Hi Martin - yes to the plume. You CAN ask Asset for the correct one for each Regiment. I get a bit lazy - and just use whatever they send. I guess that is one of the differences between us " glossy toy soldier" guys - and the true military modeller.

I do try to get things correct - but I don't beat myself over the bonse TOO much on little details like that one. At 54mm scale - very few people - other than insiders would know that particular detail. However, if I WERE a military modeller, it wouldn't be too difficult to correct such details.

I can't live with the French horn players on cavalry mounts , for example - but I can with the plume detail. Hope that makes sense. johnnybach

 

[johnnybach]

I almost forgot this part. I would like to make up the HC mounted band - using the same castings from Asset - but they don't do one at present. However, they do a marching foot band of the HC.

My idea is to use one of the castings WITHOUT curiass (figures are detachable) and use the arms/instruments from some of the foot figures on the mounted one. I have tried asking - but they seem sure that they won't fit. Well, they make them - so who am I to argue.

I might just TRY though, one of these days. Maybe I'll do a foot band first - and check 'em out. If I do, I'll keep you posted. johnnybach.

Gotta go now - dog to walk. See you later.

 

[thebritfarmer]

Hi Scott - thanks for the advice about the Household Cavalry Band - I have just had a look - and they do look good. I am strongly tempted - and might go for them IF I can't persuade Asset to do some.

I would really prefer the latter option - because the series would then match my existing sets perfectly. It's a bit like starting off with a Britains collection - and then trying to find others to match them. Can sometimes be done - but always tricky.

Thanks for thinking about me anyway - I will keep my eye on them! johnnybach (looks like the right eye)

I totally understand as I am the opposite way most of my stuff is Britains so they would fit right in.

ALTHOUGH...............those recent photos of the Asset HC are mighty tempting !!! I think you should send then all to me for a closer inspection I seriously may have to rethink this one.

 

[johnnybach]

Hi Scott - dog walked, lovely day, so back to the forum.

The Asset HC are really more at the "model" end of the toy soldier spectrum. If you specified the correct parts, such as the correct head (as Martin has mentioned) and also , perhaps, which horse-head you wanted, you could make up a really accurate figure, whether in matt or gloss. I think that they neatly occupy that middle ground - so are most suitable for ALL types of collector. They also do this HC range in State Dress - even the Kettledrummer - though not ALL are a painted option.(see online catalogue - though very few pics).

Downside is that both owners are not too computer savvy - and I do all transactions by post. Lovely people though - and if you ask, will help out with uniform details, if you are not sure. For castings and help - I highly recommend them. johnnybach

 

[aujj65]

Ere, does my bum look big in this?

The Ballerina and The Steadfast Tin Soldier by Tradition. I painted these for fellow member Konrad (Kogu).

Jeff

 

[johnnybach]

These are the French Foreign legion plastics - mounted on base-heavy washers and painted up by me. I regret to say that I can't find the box they came in now - as these were an experiment a few years ago, so can't remeber the maker. Anyway, the point is that they are much more stable this way - and, of course, a very cheap way of obtaining a good soldier figure.

Lastly, especially for Jeff - a few British Camel Corps figures (Dorset Soldiers) in the Sudan around 1885. I made these for the fun of it - 'cos for me - that's what it's all about.

Cor - with that sun - that photo turned out well. johnnybach

 

[johnnybach]

Jeff - why does that man only have one leg - don't tell me - 'Op it!

 

[aujj65]

These are the French Foreign legion plastics - mounted on base-heavy washers and painted up by me. I regret to say that I can't find the box they came in now - as these were an experiment a few years ago, so can't remeber the maker. Anyway, the point is that they are much more stable this way - and, of course, a very cheap way of obtaining a good soldier figure.

johnnybach

Johnny, I think the camo finish on the bases is a rather neat idea!

Jeff

 

[johnnybach]

Hi Jeff - thought you might be having a nap! Yes thanks - the figures looked a bit plain - so I thought I would maks a feature of the heavy bases I gave them. I haven't really repeated the idea much - though I have a few Americans done this way too. You can chuck them down - and they mostly land base down, so is a good idea if they are played with a lot - I think. jb

 

[aujj65]

Hi Jeff - thought you might be having a nap! Yes thanks - the figures looked a bit plain - so I thought I would maks a feature of the heavy bases I gave them. I haven't really repeated the idea much - though I have a few Americans done this way too. You can chuck them down - and they mostly land base down, so is a good idea if they are played with a lot - I think. jb

Not yet! Just having a glass of red with my burnt offerings......

The camels are great btw.

Jeff

 

[johnnybach]

Hey - how about that - I just took this one of the US Infantry guys - and it looks okay.

I left the Legionairres behind - to show i'm not cheating. I think I'm getting better at this.

The GI's are the same type as the others - and this time I left the base plain - 'cos they are in camo gear.

From L to R they are carrying M60 machine gun: M16A1 rifle: M47 dragon Missile and M16/M203 grnade launcher. Again, a cheap plastic kit with heavy base - just a bit lighter than a hollowcast piece. Good tp practice on - and cheap enough to give to the kids to play with. jb

 

[johnnybach]

My favourit that. If asked " what's your favourite drink johnny " My reply never varies. " Red - in a large glass!" How do you like our colonial cousins?

 

[johnnybach]

The Camels are okay for the money paid - lets put it that way. First time I had a go at them - though I like the ones you showed earlier better.

I thought you might like a look at some of my ongoing project - which will be a Mounties band, circa 1930's. I chose that date because I wanted some Sousaphones in the band. Only pic I could find was of a guy wearing North West Canadian Police tunic (precursor of Mounties), so figured when they changed over to RCMP - he would have kept on playing it.

Not finished yet. Note that I got the idea of giving the Bass drummer a cougar skin from trooper - who sent me a pic. johnnybach