Castings I have painted (1 Viewer)

[johnnybach]

Yes they do. I was thinking that I would complile a listing of all of the companies that I now know in the UK that do castings, and maybe give as an example (say) one foot figure - with the price for it alongside. Not an advertisment - just so that people would get an idea pieces were.

I guess it won't make much difference - as if you like something - you can look it up for yourself - and if you think it's worth it - you buy it - but if you don't - you won't!

Two examples make the point

Tradition - average foot figure, 54mm model range = £8.85
Dorset - average foot figure £2.80 (sometimes arms extra at 35pence)

I know it's like comparing apples with oranges - but do you think it's fair comment?? johnnybach

 

[thebritfarmer]

Sounds good to me johnny and it is nice to see what is out there and roughly how much things costs as a side by side comparison.

 

[johnnybach]

I also think its fair to point out that there is a very large difference between one company's products which are more "toy-like" and others which are more at the true "military model" end of the spectrum. I noticed this again today, when i was pulling stuff out to photograph. The difference in sheer weight and size of pieces is noticable - with the more expensive pieces being noticably heavier and better sculpted, defined and cast.

Okay - that's what I'll do then - thanks both for your input - though i think we will probably have a bit further to run with this thread with more pics first.

Cheers for now, johnnybach

 

[aujj65]

I also think its fair to point out that there is a very large difference between one company's products which are more "toy-like" and others which are more at the true "military model" end of the spectrum. I noticed this again today, when i was pulling stuff out to photograph. The difference in sheer weight and size of pieces is noticable - with the more expensive pieces being noticably heavier and better sculpted, defined and cast.

Okay - that's what I'll do then - thanks both for your input - though i think we will probably have a bit further to run with this thread with more pics first.

Cheers for now, johnnybach

How true...........

Fusilier Miniatures version of the proverbial Elephant Battery.

Jeff

 

[thebritfarmer]

It's good to see all these pictures again Jeff, they are like old friends

 

[johnnybach]

Ha Ha - you and your elephants jeff! understand that some love 'em - I'm just not one of them!

What I meant was a foot figure. Compare, for example the side-drummer French Foreign Legionaire of Dorset soldiers with (say) the same figure by Tradition (both of which I have made - and shown in this thread). Even though they are both sold as 54mm models - there is a big difference in size, weight and detail provided. When the light gets better, I will photo them side by side, which will make the point much better. But I don't need to tell you this Jeff - you have made both yourself as well.

So - my point is - I think that it is also only fair to point this out to prospective purchasers, rather than concentrate on JUST price alone. johnnybach

 

[johnnybach]

I realise that this is a bit of an aside - but can anybody tell me the painter of this picture of "The Retreat to Corunna"? I posted some pictures of my Tradition painted castings earlier in this thread - which were based on this picture. It's been bugging me ever since, because I can't remember who did it?

Any art buffs out there? - johnnybach

 

[DMNamiot]

HiJohnny,

That is a great print its called The Rear Guard and is by J.P.Beadle and is still available on line in the UK. A place called the Military Print Company has it listed on their site for 48 GBP.

I have the Tradition Set of these Soldiers.

Hope this helps

Dave

 

[trooper]

I realise that this is a bit of an aside - but can anybody tell me the painter of this picture of "The Retreat to Corunna"? I posted some pictures of my Tradition painted castings earlier in this thread - which were based on this picture. It's been bugging me ever since, because I can't remember who did it?

Any art buffs out there? - johnnybach

Johnny, the artist was J.P. Beadle. Incidently, when comparing prices do remember that different companies have different overheads. Tradition for example have a shop with heavy business rates, insurance, rent etc plus wages for staff, sculptors and painters whereas Giles at Dorset operates as a one man business from home. I point this out only because most customers never look past the price and jump up and down comparing the prices and accusing companies of being greedy and making excessive profits. Soldierpac produced cheap Britains recasts. No capital outlay, just raw material cost of moulds and metal so obviously cheaper, much cheaper, to produce. Just something for you to bear in mind. Trooper

 

[johnnybach]

Thanks both for the artist's name - I will be able to sleep tonight now.

Yes - trooper - I do understand what you are saying - that is why I'm going to mention some of the other variables involved. Personally though, as a mainly postal customer, I don't care where a company operates from in the UK. If working out of any place in the UK is a reason for charging high prices - a simple solution can be found - move somewhere cheaper - and pass this on to your customers, who will love you for it - and maybe even respond by buying more!

I am not JUST having a go at people at the top end of the market - as you may have seen, I have bought plenty of these - but looking at options. My point is - DO compare what you are getting for your money. Have a look at all of the options - THEN you can make a better informed choice about what you can get for your money. I do it all of the time - and indeed, have found a couple more options along the way with this thread - one of them from you!

There's a little magazine that I subscribe to called "Which" - that as yet, haven't covered the "toy soldier" market. I suppose what I'm trying to do, albeit on a much smaller scale is try to do what they do. Compare - then you have an informed choice.

Hope this makes sense chum, johnnybach

 

[aujj65]

Sorry, no more Elephants I'm afraid so these will have to do! Tradition FIW British Command Group another commission from Konrad.

Price wise as a casting, these were £5.25 per figure two and a half years ago, I see that the current price is £6.95. Still not bad when you consider they are at the higher end of the spectrum detail and quality wise.

Jeff

 

[johnnybach]

Perhaps these two pictures will make the previous point better - regarding a cheaper Dorset soldier figure - compared with the more expensive one from Tradition.

Both are of a "54mm" Leegionaire drummer. However the Tradition model on the left is bigger, heavier and is a far more detailed model than the left hand Dorset brother - which has been modified by me. The smaller figure has had a drum belt and neck-veil added by me before painting. It took much longer to finish the smaller model because of it. The Dorset model cost me £3.15, whilst the Tradition model cost around £7 (from memory), at the time of purchase (both minus postal charges).

For me, however, the most fun came from the cheaper model (on this occasion) BECAUSE I had to modify it - it took longer to finish - and the challenge was greater.

The Tradition model , however, is probably visually the nicer one of the two, although I like them both.

The moral is - you pays your money - and you takes your choice.

My point is - you do have a choice. johnnybach

 

[johnnybach]

Hi jeff - Wot? No Elephants? Don't tell me you've eaten 'em all!

Yes to your question - they are nice - Tradition again I see. Another point to make in this firm's favouris the enormous range they carry. The holding of which, doesn't come cheap. Nicely painted again too Jeff. Compare these at £6.95 to (say, for example) a painted Britains - and you're arguably still getting a good deal.

This next set of mine, I found lurking at the rear of my older cabinet - and SHOULD have gone out yesterday, but were inexplicably overlooked - with the rest of my French Foreign Legion. These are from Dorset Soldiers again - and are very Britains looking.

Note that again, some modification was necessary (machine gunners neck-veil added - and Officer's pistol holster added) to "finish" the scene. The Officers arm holding the pistol was added - so no holster was on his belt originally.

I just love adding in details like this to what otherwise could be rather plain figures. [How do you like these PJD?]

 

[trooper]

Agree with much of what you say, Johnny, but you must admit from your own experience you saw figures in a shop which kick started you back in the hobby, if they had been in a cowshed somewhere in the hills, much cheaper you will agree, you wouldn't have seen them. However, thought I would get in on the act so have attached this figure of Dr. Brydon which I painted many years ago. Trooper

 

[johnnybach]

P.S Jeff Is one Red Indian saying to the other. "Footprint down trail big enough to be Elephant". To which the other replies,

"Must take bucket then - planting my tomato seeds soon"!

 

[johnnybach]

How true! I must admit - it's seeing a first class item that very often tickles the taste buds, and gets the gastric juices of want - going.

You see it first - then you want it.

What I think I am saying is - Whoa! Better to look around and say - How can I obtain that figure - and fulfil that desire the best way for me? In my case, it's best filled by doing some work myself - but there again - am I typical? I can't answer that one - I think I am - others may not.

As regards your figure - that's a beauty - but as you mentioned BMSS don't appear to be selling him any longer (though their web-site is still showing him!)
Strange that!

You did a lovely job with him trooper - well done. I wish I'd had him whilst I had the chance. johnnybach

 

[johnnybach]

Would you believe it! All set up in my "studio" (pause for a giggle - Studio!!), "Lights, Action, Roll Em!" - beep!-beep!

"Battery low - Needs Charging" B*1$*@/>!!!

Normal Service will be Restored as soon as possible. Battery charging - off for a brew. johnnybach

 

[johnnybach]

Idea from my Army Battery Boy days! Use part charged battery - then bung it back on charge again! Eureka johnny - wot a good idea!!

Moving on - as Tony Blair might say - when discussing deployment of troops Below are my little bit of fun. They are Britains lookalikes - and I have been slowly adding to their ranks for the past year or so. The latest three recruits are kneeling to receive cavalry. Every time I make a small order, I add to them (yes, Dorset again). These regularly come out to play - and I must get them some proper opposition one of these days (like Dervishes, Arabs or fuzzy Wuzzies - is it still politically okay to use them thar terms?).

They have fought a diverse array of opponents, in their time - and these Highland heroes ain't lost one yet! (Even though the canon doesn't work! Too much super-glue!!). Last week the Gordons made mincemeat of the Leiberfraumilch A.H. SS Band. Though I have promised the Jerries a re-match with the Dagenham Girl Pipers - as soon as I can find a sympathetic supplier!

P.S In case you haven't seen them - here they are again - No! the SS silly!

Marching into the fray - above

And retiring away in full retreat.

Result - Gordons 1 - LAH 0.

That's the sort of fun you can have with these colourful little lads. johnnybach

 

[johnnybach]

Next stepping up to the plate, and moving briefly away from Scotland for a while, are some seriously good soldiers. Once described at the Battle of Albuera in 1811 by William Napier as "That Astonishing Infantry"
[Incidentally, also the title of their history - written by Michael Glover, 1989],
and a thumping good read.

These are they, circa 1910, with Colours flying, goat mascot trotting along to the strains of "Men of Harlech" on the fifes and drums. First go I had at a leopard skin this lot.

They are mostly Asset, with the rear rank supplied by Sarum Soldiers (as was the goat) - before they ceased trading (They are now back - with a simpler, cheaper range of figures).

Hope you like these - some of my first re-entry into toy soldier making figures.
Wouldn't you just BURST with pride to march along with them? johnnybach.

 

[johnnybach]

Last one before lunch - or "scoff" as it was affectionately called by a bunch of Liverpool lads I once was fortunate enough to have made the aquaintance of in my former military career. I hear La Commandante in the Sgts Mess preparing the mid-day repast! (Not saurkraut again - I hope!). Got in Himmel!!

A bit closer to home with these lads - South Wales borderers circa 1910 again, and with Colonel Tabony bringing up the rear nicely on "Dobbin".

Hark - the "scoff" bugle has just sounded - I'm off for a sarnie - hope you have one too . See y'all later - now don't go away now, 'cos I'll be bach. johnnybach