Cherry Pickers Mounted Band (1 Viewer)

[johnnybach]

Well - there you go - be young at heart all of the time then!

But back to the project in hand - and I now have four mounted figures on the go. I think that you will be able to see the "front end" of the Officer's shabraques now shaping up - to be ready for their VR cypher and crown (Cheers Trooper!). The drum horse at the right doesn't have a front end shabraque - as this part is covered by the two kettledrums anyhow. This gives an idea of the milliput work on the other horses that needed to be done - as they all looked like the drum horse at the front ends originally due to me wanting varied leg positions on my horses.

As the Officer saddle at this time (c.1884) had a Leopardskin covering it, I have filed down some of the "sheepskin cover" - and given each quite a thich covering of Humbrol Matt Sand (No.63). I will give this a more yellow tinge next coat - before appling the spots ( actually more like hollow letter C's - I find look better - in darkishbrown/black). The drum horse also has this cover - which is why I decide to do all of these first. Note that all four horses have been pinned and epoxy glued to their stands, which I fabricated from scrap 2.5mil aluminium sheet - bought quite cheaply as offcuts from my local engineering works (location - secret!).

The castings of the riders are in front of their respective horses and are L-R; Director of Music; Officer - drawn sword at the carry; Officer seated on prancing horse (he was attached to the shabraque and has been pinned and epoxy glued to the horse - so painted him first) - and finally the kettledrummer. Note that each has a pin where the sun rarely shines - and a hole has been drilled to accept each, on each horse (leopardskin unpainted around each hole.) I will be painting each figure before mounting - as it is much easier to paint the cast-in frogging for each, before they go on. I think you can see how each horse is painted from the progression shown.

So far - so good. Progressing nicely. jb

 

[DMNamiot]

Hi Johnny,

This a very cool project! I am a big fan of this regiment and will be following the development of this band very closely! Do me a favor and drop me a pm or email with the details on the castings because I am developing a project for the coming year.

Thanks
Dave

 

[johnnybach]

Whilst waiting for some pieces to dry - I thought I would finalise cleaning up some castings of musical instruments that I will be using for the band. I thought you might be interested in seeing how they arrive - and before assembly. Below you can see two horses - these are the different "front ends" for the musicians - showing the different front leg positions with this system of assembly. There will be six of each type - which gives a more natural look to the band - instead of every horse looking the same. In the centre is the basic casting - and below that are the various arms and instruments which will be added to each figure.

From L-R (Back row: Bassoon; Two Bombardons (Helical Coil type); Clarinet; Cornet;Euphonium; Front row: Flute(fife); Saxaphone Two Tenor Horns; Trombone; Tuba. All of these instruments would have been around and used in Military bands in 1884. There is every possibility that I may increase the number in my band at some future point - and I may well duplicate some more of the instruments shown here to increase my band to around twenty or so - as mentioned earlier in this thread.

You may also notice that a few pairs of arms are still joined together by some waste metal - this was left on during transportation as it reduces the possibility of breakages. Once removed - I normally keep the waste - and fabricate many small parts from it - like weapons or small fittings. I will be making some throat plumes for the Officer's horses from some later - as I forgot to order extras (note one comes already cast in with the drum horse). jb

 

[Hazebrouck]

Nice pin vice set there John! You will find them very useful.

Are those the first horses you have come across with the casting split across the horse like that?

Another great project progressing here.

Scott (from Oz)

 

[johnnybach]

I have been concentrating mainly on getting some of the horses started off - and here you can see how far I have reached so far. Note the central figure - who has now had his sword carrying arm attached. The plug-in part of the shoulder is filled with a small piece of shaped milliput and is smoothed off ready for blending in some blue paint. I'm using Oxford Blue for these tunic jackets. I left the arm off until now , until the front of his tunic was satisfactory - and the leopards spots were painted on his saddle cover. I have a throat-plume now fabricated for his horse (note the one fitted - far left, and on the drum-horse).

Far right rear - note the far simpler black sheepskim cover for the Hussar OR's - and Musicians. At the back is my first grey starting off - he will be for a Trumpeter - though as I'm following my little picture mostly - some of the band members may get a grey too. To get an idea of how small some of the parts actually are - look at my second pic down. That's one of the kettle-drums - which I will start painting some detail on today - as Tommy Cooper, a noted fez-wearer might have said - "Just-like-that!"....................Developing nicely - these are going to look really colourful when completed, I think............jb

 

[johnnybach]

Hi Scott. Yes - I have found the little set of pin-vices quite useful, mainly for starting off holes - but still fall back to using my little electric drill for deeper ones (a bit quicker). A good addition to the tool box though, so thanks for the tip about those. I had to ask for them though - and the guy ordered them for me. Went back to the stall a week later on market day - and there they were!

These horses split across the middle from Dorset Soldiers, are referred to as "The Thoroughbred Range", and are a bit more robust than most - and I've used them on several occasions for mounted bands. There are a few back ends with different options - like no shabraque - or shabraque with rounded edge or pointed ones. Then the front ends have options on leg placement and some other features. Very useful - and of course, all capable of being modified anyway. Most horse castings I have found, come split into two sides - so down the centre line - and there always seems to be a little bit of warping - so some work needs to be done to hide the joint. This front/back arrangement is good, as the top and sides are covered by the rider ( some can come cast on), whilst on the underside, the joint is neatly at the girth-belt line, ( I think that's what it's called). A little filler there and a sanding - and it's invisible when painted. I like them very much - and at under £8 for a basic casting of horse and rider, at the moment - I think they are excellent value too. jb

 

[johnnybach]

Update on progress - Shows six horses begun and at various stages. At the rear of the painted versions, I have begun dry fitting of instruments and arms to the basic castings. Apologies for giving the impression earlier that the Band could have different front legs to the horses - I forgot that this ONLY applies to the non-musicians castings. The musician figure has holes in the shoulders for the instrument arms to fit into - and these riders are cast integrally with the front end - so NO variation in horse front legs for them!

The reason for dry fitting - is that there are often many "tweaks" which have to be made - in order for the arms to fit properly - and look natural. I frequently need to enlarge arm holes - or shave down various bits and pieces to make the pieces fit. In some cases with instruments like the bombardon, which have to fit around the figure - beheading is sometimes necessary in order for it to go onto the body. Thankfully - it pops over easily with these figures.

I usually paint at least the front of these figures - and the instruments BEFORE fitting the arms on - as it is much easier to get at - and paint the fronts this way - especially so with these examples - which as Hussars, have frogging down the front of the tunic. I have six more figures to fit up this way - as well as the bases to fabricate, drill and pin, so will be doing these tasks whilst waiting for various painted bits and pieces to dry. That's a reason for doing figures in small "batches" like this too - as paint can dry on one - whilst you're painting another detail on another.

You may note that I have also given one coat of varnish to the Prancing Horse at front and back ends only - as I need to hold the piece there whilst working on some details on his face/tunic/shabraque - and fit a sword with sabretache to the other side. A complicated figure - this one, so needs special treatment.

 

[johnnybach]

I decided to dry fit the rest of the band whilst I was at it - so this will give some idea of how they will line up when they are completed. Off to the side are the based up group currently being painted - all at various stages in development. Note the throat plumes on the Musical Director and Kettledrummer horses in front. (made from scrap and milliput). Drums are not fixed on yet, by the way. jb

 

[johnnybach]

This is my update on today's work on my first six horses - and the one mounted Officer - who is nearing completion now. I'm particularly pleased wth the sabretache, made from scrap, which I attached to his sabre, before fixing it to the figure. There are details to do yet - he doesn't have a face - and the shabraque needs more work, but he is coming along. All other horses have been worked on to develop them, so will probably start on the riders tomorrow.

Two musicians have also been started - but not enough to show anything yet. These will be two Bombardon players - favourites of mine - and probably the trickiest to do - as they will coil around the figure - which therefore needs partial painting first - as does the instrument - more on these later. jb

 

[johnnybach]

I managed to squeeze in a little session tonight - and did a bit more work. The Rt. Hon. Captain Percy Smithers ( on the prancing Horse), now has his Toy Soldier face on. I gave him a "Nigel Mansell" - just because I can!^&grin

A couple of horses had their Leopard Skins spotted - but I also started off the two Bombardon players (sadly, in my keeness to get on, forgetting to put the bases on first - so - a job for tomorrow before going any further!).^&confuse The problem with these musicians, is that the instrument has to be fitted over the head - and then turned into place before fixing. It is therefore far easier to paint the bits that would be behind the instrument, (and the rear of the instrument), before fitting.{sm2}

The horse can be painted afterwards. I will also varnish the top of the figure - before fitting on the Bombardon - as bits can easily get scratched when easing it onto the body of the figure. The varnish will help protect the paintwork. All for now - it's late! jb

 

[johnnybach]

Paintwork on these six horse dried overnight - can now begin to paint figures to fit on them.

 

[johnnybach]

Hi Mike. What I'm always trying to do - is show others how I do it. It may not be how others model and paint - but just how I do it. My aim is to encourage others to have a go - by showing what I do in as detailed a manner as I can - that's what I was asked to do - so keep doing it - my way.

I read a lot on here, of how expensive some are finding the hobby. Well - it doesn't have to be THAT expensive - IF you DIY - that's my message. It's also a whole lot more fun - starting with an idea - or a picture - and then finding out how to make one up for yourself. The sense of achievment when you get EXACTLY what you want - is just enormous. That's what I like to share - and why I show what I'm doing.

Yes, I sometimes have to surgically remove bits and pieces - but with these particular castings, I don't have to remove any arms at all. Some figures are separate from the horses, but others have the figures cast in. However, none of these has an arm cast in with them. The prancing horse figure WAS a conversion, however. He was originally a Dragoon (no arms cast in though) - but I did have to take the old head off - and replace it with a hussar head (Bought in - same source), - then clean up the body - removing any cast in details that weren't appropriate. I just painted on the frogging on this occasion though. And yes Mike - snips, files and old fashioned scalpels and emerey are what I use sometimes, and drilling and pinning and milliput also play a part. There's no magic way I know of. My "spares" go in a box - and I usually find a way to use them on something Im making - sooner or later.

I generally visit the casting supplier whenever I can - to see what's on offer - or failing that, discuss by e-mail in as precise a manner as I can, just what I want - and find out what they have. I'm lucky enough to live reasonably close to Dorset Soldiers when I'm in the UK - and can visit and discuss with Giles Brown what I want - and then he can usually show me what he has to get me there. I suppose that's one of the reasons why I keep on going back for more, he's such a helpful guy.

Another very helpful tool can be using the internet to send and receive pictures. I have learned how to do this since joining the forum (thanks to all the guys who helped and taught me - you'll know who you are!) - and it's tremendously useful. I can scan, download and send - as well as receive pictures now. So when I want something, I can usually send a picture showing EXACTLY what I want - and then receive a pic back of what he has. Marvelous!.

Anyhow - keep watching Mike - and thanks for asking. I watch your posts too! Cheers for now............johnnybach

 

[johnnybach]

Back to the task in hand - thought you might like to see how some of the riders are progressing. If you look from left to right, you can see how I paint the frogging on the front of the tunic. It is first painted yellow - making sure it is well covered. If very intricate - it is possible to paint the whole front yellow (or gold, of course for Officers - as the Musical Director is - fourth across). Then, when everything is perfectly dry ( I wait a day!) the blue jacket can be painted in around the frogging - with the smallest brush you have ( a 5.0 in this case). Too soon - and blue and yellow mixed can give a nice green tinge to it! If any slips are made, wait another day and correct. A quick business this ain't!

Other things to note from this pic are the pale grey musicians busbies - and the dark brown fur model of the Musical Director. Note also the larger plume of the Officers. This is built up by drilling into the top of the short plume and gluing in a short pin - then building up around the pin with milliput and finally painting. This feature needs the internal support of a pin - as experience has shown that extremities like this are easily broken off. Lastly, note that the kettle drums aren't fitted yet - as I need to paint the drummer's boots and spurs before fitting him on - AND THEN can fit the drums around his legs (I'm still painting on the drum detail - in stages - with my smallest brush again).

 

[johnnybach]

I have finally assembled my Kettle-drummer - for me, the most important piece in this band. Still some detail work to do on him - but just detail now. So far, the two almost completed ( at the front) have confirmed that this is a really nice and colourful subject - so am enthused to carry on to complete the remainin 19 figures - though in the background, I think you may see, that I have made a promising start. (3 pics below). jb^&grin

 

[theBaron]

John, this is such a fantastic project, my hat is off to you! A band is a lot of work--I've got one planned to go with the Kaiser's Birthday Parade, but far, far into the future I love your conversion work on these pieces, this is going to be a handsome set!

I love the Archimedes drill, too, gotta love the provenance

A question on the regiment--the Cherry Pickers are not to be confused with the Cherry Bums, correct?

Regarding the bases and reproducing cobblestones, I'm working on an idea to use putty, like Aves, rolled out thin on a wooden base, and cut with a pizza wheel, to represent the sort of square cobbles used in Germany and Austria. I'll let you know how it comes out.

Prost!
Brad

 

[johnnybach]

Hi Brad.

The 11th Hussars ( The British ones) were also called "Prince Albert's Own Hussars" - an allusion to the fact that they escorted Prince Albert, who was Queen Vikki's Husband to be - when he arrived in the UK to marry her - and I believe he later became their Colonel in Chief. The Regiment also had a couple of nick-names in the rest of the army - The Cherry Bums - because of the colour of their pants - and/or the Cherry-Pickers - as apparently, they once took cover in a Cherry orchard from passing Napoleonic Troops who heavily outnumbered them - once upon a time - and allegedly had a good feed!. As they might have said - "take your pick" - on what you call 'em, but whatever you do, its all the same mob anyhow!

I chose them simply because they looked so colourful in one of my Books by Bill Carman: ( Richard Simkin's Uniforms of the British Army: The Cavalry Regiments, 1982), and I wanted a Hussar outfit in my collection. I've also collected around eighty illustrations of this Regiment through the 1800's (In a file on my computer) - which all look stunning, and I use as references - so if I can get anywhere near that look - I'll be very pleased indeed. I have also had some expert help already from Trooper - to keep me on the straight and narrow - which I very much appreciate.

As to the Archimedes drill - well, what goes around - comes around eh? It's turned out to be quite a useful little "starter hole" tool - and I much appreciate the idea that was planted a while ago - by you, amongst others about using hand drills. Got me to thinking about the things I use, did that conversation.

Interesting idea using a Pizza Wheel to give the idea of cobblestones - I'll keep an eye out for how that works in the future - always ready to pinch an idea or two - I nicked the "stones" from lentils idea from seeing John Frith use them as cobbles. I've put a few on the Kettledrummer base - as requested by some chums!!

Glad you are liking them so far - I've just put an arm/instrument on my two Bombardon players, (favourite old instrument of mine), so once they are cleaned up a bit - I will post a photo of how they are looking too. After the difficult pieces are done - the rest should be relatively straightforward - and when they are all completed - I do hope they will be a very good looking outfit.

Cheers for now chum - johnnybach

 

[theBaron]

Ah, thanks, John! I remembered the nickname from reading about Balaclava, but didn't recall that they were the 11th.

 

[johnnybach]

You are very welcome Brad. Funny how much information you start to pick up once you begin making up something isn't it?

Looking forward to seeing "Kaiser Bill's" Band, once you get started. Don't eat too many pizzas though!^&grin..............jb

 

[johnnybach]

Here's a pic of the two Bombardon players this morning. Both with just the one arm, at the moment. I left the one arm off because I wanted to be able to get my brush in behind the instrument - in order to tidy up any scratches after maneouvering the part over the head and turning it into place. No problems encountered though, so should be okay to fit the other arm next.

As these figures are the first of the "Cast on the horse" figures, note that I have changed my approach to painting them now. I can now paint the figure and front of the horse - leaving the back for now - as I can hold the piece there whilst painting the front parts. As the rest of the instruments are relatively straightforward from here on - they should get easier to paint - and as you get more familiar with the pieces - quicker too.

In the background, note that I have replaced the throat plume of the prancing horse - as I felt my first attempt was just too big. Will paint this when I next use red and white. I think I'll replace one of the others which is also slightly too large.

 

[Obee]

Johnny,

just one small point I'd like to thow into the ring......

you seem to be using a red colour for the trousers, but I beleive it was more of a crimson hue.

Can anyone enlighten me, an this matter... sorry, but I just have to get it right!!!

John