Cherry Pickers Mounted Band (1 Viewer)
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johnnybach
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Thanks both - Okay - I've had a rest - the sun is coming in through the window - here we go - but first - a little history (groan!).
The 11th(Price Albert's Own) Hussars, was first raised in Essex by Brigadier General Phillip Honeywood - and continued with his name as a Regiment until 1751 when it became the 11th Dragoons. In 1783 it became the 11th Light Dragoons - which name it retained until 1840 - at which date it was called upon to Escort Prince Albert from Dover, where Albert arrived from Germany to marry Queen Victoria. It would appear the Prince was quite taken with his Escort, as it was soon to be honoured with his title - as above - and he later was to become its Colonel-in-Chief.
My Band and Escort show them much later, in 1884, purely because I found a delightful small print of the band and an escort at that time, which makes it a lot easier to get details correct. (see in the first post of this thread). I am also indebted to several people and fellow members of the Forum, for help and advice in getting here - including Trooper and Obee - for which help I give my grateful thanks. Also to Giles Brown at Dorset Soldiers - without whose help, advice and castings - I would have nothing to paint! Also to the many others who have given me encouragement - when I was flagging a bit - thanks to you too.
My latest Cavalry Band is now in a position to join in a small parade with two of my other bands from the late Victorian period; The 2nd Dragoons (Royal Scots Greys) - and the 16th (Queens) Lancers. I now wish that I had had the foresight to order a figure that I looked at a while back and considered - but put off purchase until next time. This was Queen Victoria in a carriage - which would have been just perfect for them to parade before. However, that will have to wait until my next round of orders later this year. Until then - when I post the Parade - look upon these three bands as "Just Practicing".
First though, a few more shots of these Cherry Pickers - hope you like them.
In the better light of day, 12 Bandsmen parade behind their Musical Director alongside the Kettledrummer. Behind them come two Officers (one on a frisky horse - who is playing up) a trumpeter and four escorting Hussars with drawn carbine in hand. Note the light grey fur of the Bandsmen's busby headgear - which is shared by the Trumpeter - a unique feature of this famous old Regiment.
Some close-ups follow - note that I promoted one of my Bombardon players to corporal - purely because the instrument is a favourite of mine. Also, the Trombonist rides a grey - just as he is shown in that little picture that I mentioned earlier - which fixed this band in time to 1884.
The next rank includes a cornet playing Corporal on another Grey - and next to him a Euphonium player on a Bay horse. I had great fun painting him - though maybe not likely that a horse of that lighter colour was actually present at that time. Most cavalry horses were brown or black. Just something that any Toy Soldier painter can do, if they like to include some. I could - therefore I did! I note that Ducal, who also made a version of this band a while ago - did that too.
Next is the rear rank of the Band - which includes a Corporal Clarinetist - who I considered making the band Sergeant - still might do so - though I'm currently thinking of expanding the numbers in the band at some point - so will continue to mull it over. The Victorian artist Richard Simkin often portrayed the Band Leader as a Clarinetist - so he would be a good choice.
And finally - (for this post) - comes the Escort. I had fun choosing these castings - and simply couldn't make up my mind which Officer to have - the regular trotting type - or the one on a prancing horse ( which is a conversion from a dragoon figure). Eventually I gave up trying to decide - and had both. Thanks to Giles Brown for help and advice on that conversion piece. The Trumpeter and Hussars were far simpler - with the same casting body as the Bandsmen - but with a re-cast Britains arm with carbine added - which I modified by extending the butt of each weapon, which I have always thought was just too short. Great fun to do.
Well that's it for this Regiment. "La Commandante" advises that lunch is ready - so come back later - when my three Regiments go on a practice Parade - for whenever HM Queen Victoria arrives. See you a bit later for when I post that??? johnnybach
The 11th(Price Albert's Own) Hussars, was first raised in Essex by Brigadier General Phillip Honeywood - and continued with his name as a Regiment until 1751 when it became the 11th Dragoons. In 1783 it became the 11th Light Dragoons - which name it retained until 1840 - at which date it was called upon to Escort Prince Albert from Dover, where Albert arrived from Germany to marry Queen Victoria. It would appear the Prince was quite taken with his Escort, as it was soon to be honoured with his title - as above - and he later was to become its Colonel-in-Chief.
My Band and Escort show them much later, in 1884, purely because I found a delightful small print of the band and an escort at that time, which makes it a lot easier to get details correct. (see in the first post of this thread). I am also indebted to several people and fellow members of the Forum, for help and advice in getting here - including Trooper and Obee - for which help I give my grateful thanks. Also to Giles Brown at Dorset Soldiers - without whose help, advice and castings - I would have nothing to paint! Also to the many others who have given me encouragement - when I was flagging a bit - thanks to you too.
My latest Cavalry Band is now in a position to join in a small parade with two of my other bands from the late Victorian period; The 2nd Dragoons (Royal Scots Greys) - and the 16th (Queens) Lancers. I now wish that I had had the foresight to order a figure that I looked at a while back and considered - but put off purchase until next time. This was Queen Victoria in a carriage - which would have been just perfect for them to parade before. However, that will have to wait until my next round of orders later this year. Until then - when I post the Parade - look upon these three bands as "Just Practicing".
First though, a few more shots of these Cherry Pickers - hope you like them.
In the better light of day, 12 Bandsmen parade behind their Musical Director alongside the Kettledrummer. Behind them come two Officers (one on a frisky horse - who is playing up) a trumpeter and four escorting Hussars with drawn carbine in hand. Note the light grey fur of the Bandsmen's busby headgear - which is shared by the Trumpeter - a unique feature of this famous old Regiment.
Some close-ups follow - note that I promoted one of my Bombardon players to corporal - purely because the instrument is a favourite of mine. Also, the Trombonist rides a grey - just as he is shown in that little picture that I mentioned earlier - which fixed this band in time to 1884.
The next rank includes a cornet playing Corporal on another Grey - and next to him a Euphonium player on a Bay horse. I had great fun painting him - though maybe not likely that a horse of that lighter colour was actually present at that time. Most cavalry horses were brown or black. Just something that any Toy Soldier painter can do, if they like to include some. I could - therefore I did! I note that Ducal, who also made a version of this band a while ago - did that too.
Next is the rear rank of the Band - which includes a Corporal Clarinetist - who I considered making the band Sergeant - still might do so - though I'm currently thinking of expanding the numbers in the band at some point - so will continue to mull it over. The Victorian artist Richard Simkin often portrayed the Band Leader as a Clarinetist - so he would be a good choice.
And finally - (for this post) - comes the Escort. I had fun choosing these castings - and simply couldn't make up my mind which Officer to have - the regular trotting type - or the one on a prancing horse ( which is a conversion from a dragoon figure). Eventually I gave up trying to decide - and had both. Thanks to Giles Brown for help and advice on that conversion piece. The Trumpeter and Hussars were far simpler - with the same casting body as the Bandsmen - but with a re-cast Britains arm with carbine added - which I modified by extending the butt of each weapon, which I have always thought was just too short. Great fun to do.
Well that's it for this Regiment. "La Commandante" advises that lunch is ready - so come back later - when my three Regiments go on a practice Parade - for whenever HM Queen Victoria arrives. See you a bit later for when I post that??? johnnybach
johnnybach
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Righto! - Thanks Martyn - I have around ten Egyptian conversion castings orered for collection around July - as a small Egyptian Cavalry Band. If they turn out to be okay - I will make it up in a similar fashion to the Bands I already have (around twenty or so, eventually).
Anyway here we go with a big parade. Note that it wouldn't fit on the sewing table that I had clearance to use - so I just cleared the decks - for a bit of action! Let Ooompah-ing commence.
The first ( of seven pics) is an overview shot of the three Regimental bands, each of which has a small escort group. At the head of the parade are the Scots Greys, followed by the 16th Lancers and bringing up the rear are the Cherry Pickers (11th Hussars). Note a small group of interested spectators - see lower down.
Another view from lower down.
Next, is a side view of the Scots Greys Band and Escort. I made these shortly before joining the forum.
Next in line come the 16th Lancers. Made a year or so before the Scots - this was my first serious attempt at a mounted band. I think I will add another figure of a bandsman to these - as it is one short - and unsymetrical with just three in the centre rank. Note the spectators - which include the Colonel of the 16th - sitting sideways on his mount and reviewing his Regiment's turnout. He's an old Britains re-cast that I painted a few years ago - and one of my favourite pieces. Alongside there are two Troopers on standing horses from 9th and 12th Lancer Regiments - on his other side are a couple of Dragoons on prancing mounts - one of which is the only genuine Britains piece here that I didn't paint myself. Incidentally - this is the piece that I converted my similarly mounted prancing Hussar Officer from.
And bringing up the rear - are my latest group. Cherry Bums - or Cherry Pickers (which I prefer) - I'm very pleased with how they turned out in the end - despite one or two little tweaks required yet. ( I noted from an earlier photo - I have missed out some arm detail on the cornetist). I also have some swords to add to some of the Escort. Just little teaks and tidying up, which invariably happen - at least, to me, when I make up a large group. I always have some at different stages of painting - so can miss things occasionaly, which is easy to rectify later.
Another lowish side-view of the Parade.
And finally - a higher up side-view. (Note - must tidy up under my desk!).
Hope you have enjoyed watching me make some of them - as much as I enjoy a bit of playtime, every now and again. They needed a dust anyway
Regards - johnnybach
Anyway here we go with a big parade. Note that it wouldn't fit on the sewing table that I had clearance to use - so I just cleared the decks - for a bit of action! Let Ooompah-ing commence.
The first ( of seven pics) is an overview shot of the three Regimental bands, each of which has a small escort group. At the head of the parade are the Scots Greys, followed by the 16th Lancers and bringing up the rear are the Cherry Pickers (11th Hussars). Note a small group of interested spectators - see lower down.
Another view from lower down.
Next, is a side view of the Scots Greys Band and Escort. I made these shortly before joining the forum.
Next in line come the 16th Lancers. Made a year or so before the Scots - this was my first serious attempt at a mounted band. I think I will add another figure of a bandsman to these - as it is one short - and unsymetrical with just three in the centre rank. Note the spectators - which include the Colonel of the 16th - sitting sideways on his mount and reviewing his Regiment's turnout. He's an old Britains re-cast that I painted a few years ago - and one of my favourite pieces. Alongside there are two Troopers on standing horses from 9th and 12th Lancer Regiments - on his other side are a couple of Dragoons on prancing mounts - one of which is the only genuine Britains piece here that I didn't paint myself. Incidentally - this is the piece that I converted my similarly mounted prancing Hussar Officer from.
And bringing up the rear - are my latest group. Cherry Bums - or Cherry Pickers (which I prefer) - I'm very pleased with how they turned out in the end - despite one or two little tweaks required yet. ( I noted from an earlier photo - I have missed out some arm detail on the cornetist). I also have some swords to add to some of the Escort. Just little teaks and tidying up, which invariably happen - at least, to me, when I make up a large group. I always have some at different stages of painting - so can miss things occasionaly, which is easy to rectify later.
Another lowish side-view of the Parade.
And finally - a higher up side-view. (Note - must tidy up under my desk!).
Hope you have enjoyed watching me make some of them - as much as I enjoy a bit of playtime, every now and again. They needed a dust anyway
Regards - johnnybach
DMNamiot
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Bravo!!!!!!!
I absolutely love this display! The 9th is one of my favorite units and I have the Hollow Cast Band from Britains along with a bunch of the older original ones. I like the tan base on them also, a nod to India I would think. All you need now is the Queen and her attendants to enjoy the show!
Thanks a ton for sharing the photos with us.
Dave
I absolutely love this display! The 9th is one of my favorite units and I have the Hollow Cast Band from Britains along with a bunch of the older original ones. I like the tan base on them also, a nod to India I would think. All you need now is the Queen and her attendants to enjoy the show!
Thanks a ton for sharing the photos with us.
Dave
johnnybach
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Notice the sun that was specially flown in for the event! No-one rains on MY parade!
Dave; yes, I used Humbrol Desert Yellw (93) for the Lancers bases - knowing that lots of them spent a great deal of time out in India - though the bases just HAVE to suit the other colours too. As for the Queen - Victoria in a Carriage is on my list too. When I'm over in the UK - I go on a castings spender-bender (paints and brushes too) - so will stock-up well with all sorts of stuff. Have to be careful what I bring back on a plane though - I see some guy had some "Imitation firearms" ( all of 5 inches long from a TS figure!), banned from the flight recently at Gatwick. Talk about beauracracy gone mad!
I have been waiting for quite a while to put those three Regiments together Martyn - so am pleased that I managed to "make the shot". If you don't practice - you'll never get any better - is my maxim from now on. I didn't know how that camera worked, about a year ago - so hopefully I will only get better.
Glad it all worked out and you enjoyed them - but bet it was only half as much as I did! ^&grin jb
Dave; yes, I used Humbrol Desert Yellw (93) for the Lancers bases - knowing that lots of them spent a great deal of time out in India - though the bases just HAVE to suit the other colours too. As for the Queen - Victoria in a Carriage is on my list too. When I'm over in the UK - I go on a castings spender-bender (paints and brushes too) - so will stock-up well with all sorts of stuff. Have to be careful what I bring back on a plane though - I see some guy had some "Imitation firearms" ( all of 5 inches long from a TS figure!), banned from the flight recently at Gatwick. Talk about beauracracy gone mad!
I have been waiting for quite a while to put those three Regiments together Martyn - so am pleased that I managed to "make the shot". If you don't practice - you'll never get any better - is my maxim from now on. I didn't know how that camera worked, about a year ago - so hopefully I will only get better.
Glad it all worked out and you enjoyed them - but bet it was only half as much as I did! ^&grin jb
johnnybach
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Well - thanks Bosun - though I hasten to add that I only modify and paint existing castings - I'm not allowed to "set fire to the house with molten lead" as my beloved "Commandante" so quaintly puts it! She might have a point - as I regularly superglue myself to - well - just about anything at all really.^&grin
I really do take my hat off to you guys who start with just an idea - and then take it right through. I'm happy enough to just do what I do, however, so will plod along doing what I like doing best. Just pleased that a few others seem to like them too.
I really do take my hat off to you guys who start with just an idea - and then take it right through. I'm happy enough to just do what I do, however, so will plod along doing what I like doing best. Just pleased that a few others seem to like them too.
johnnybach
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Cheers Brad - will think about backdrops - sometime when I have less stash to paint^&grin jb
thebritfarmer
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Awesome !!! You have made a great job of these guys and do they ever look amazing all in formation!! Quite the setup. Yes you definitely need HM in a carriage reviewing the troops. RP castings in Nottingham do one.
johnnybach
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Hi Scott - glad you like them too. In fact, RP World Models do two carriages with Queen Victoria in them - but the Ivory Mounted Phaeton is the one I want. It comes with either HMQE2 or Vic - so I am going to ask them if I can have both Queen figures, which I can then interchange - so - two for (almost) the price of one. Unless they say NO, of course. I have the Asset landau filed away at the back of my head for a "one day" purchase too.
I have always liked that little Ivory carriage - ever since our present Queen started using it in 1968, when she retired Burmese. It's a far more practical carriage, which is nowadays drawn by a postillion-ridden pair - and travelling with the steps let down and with no doors to open and close - it saves time when Her Majesty gets in and out at the saluting dias. Here's a picture of it from a recently purchased book, "The Royal Mews" by Mary Stewart-Wilson (1991) - [which is highly recommended - Amazon for less than £3 plus postage, as mine is missing the dust-cover!]. The model version pic. is below that. jb
I have always liked that little Ivory carriage - ever since our present Queen started using it in 1968, when she retired Burmese. It's a far more practical carriage, which is nowadays drawn by a postillion-ridden pair - and travelling with the steps let down and with no doors to open and close - it saves time when Her Majesty gets in and out at the saluting dias. Here's a picture of it from a recently purchased book, "The Royal Mews" by Mary Stewart-Wilson (1991) - [which is highly recommended - Amazon for less than £3 plus postage, as mine is missing the dust-cover!]. The model version pic. is below that. jb
johnnybach
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Just for curiosity - I looked up the book that I previously mentioned on Amazon - and to my surprise - they have three second-hand ones available for just one penny (plus postage) WITH dust jackets. I could spit! But if you want a seriously good book showing all of the British Royal Carriages - jump in quickly. It's a cracking read too, 192 pages with copious illustrations. Highly recommended if you're interested in this subject. johnnybach
