Display idea for suggestions? (1 Viewer)

[larso]

I've mostly been into plastics but of late I've begun looking more at painted metals due to the colours, range and poses. I have a particular interest in the British army too and I thought I might base my planned collecting on it.

Essentially I want to get a cabinet of three or four levels and have as the center piece British soldiers from the key eras - back to back, or in square, defending against assault from some of the more colourful opponents of their time. My starting point is the British army of 1745 to the American Revolution. This will have Grenadiers and others wearing the Tri hats (?) fending off Highlanders from one side and probably Woodland Indians from the other. I have a group of John Jenkins Culloden figures so far. My first question then is which Woodland Indians would look the best?

For the second tier I'm going for Napoleonic British. They'll be defending against a French attack. I know very little of what figures are available for this period, so I'm very open to suggestions. As for the opponents coming from the other side? Americans of 1812? Or are the British uniforms of the period close enough to those of the Crimean War to have Russians coming from the other side? If the uniforms are too different, maybe this'll need an extra display level?

Finally, the top level would feature Brits from the 1879/80 period. So Rourke's Drift and I think the new Conte North-West Frontier figures, with their respective opponents.

I'm very open to thoughts on which figures would work best. I don't mind having a variety of makers involved but I would like things to look as compatable as possible. Apart from my John Jenkins, I' m quite familar with Conte and I really like the handful of K & C Crusaders that I have. Expense limits might restrict me to foot figures but especially for the Naponeonics, some cavalry might slip in.

Finally, are there any other 'opponents' that I could consider? Perhaps, a particular regiment of French? Anyway, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Phantom Warrior]

I'm doing the same type of collection, but only after having been a collector for several years and getting to know the manufacturers. The question you ask is overwhelming to answer. I suggest you pick one favourite era and see what is available from the different manufacturers. You can ask questions about each manufacturer's figures on this forum for that era and start buying the figures. Your choice of British army figures and their opponents is huge.

Terry

 

[Scarlet Pimpernel]

I agree with Terry...that is a handful, but I will risk a couple of suggestions regarding manufacterers of Napoleonics...have a look at their offerings; it may shape the direction of your display. Definitely check out the K&C Napoleonics, Collector's Showcase, Britains, First Legion...John Jenkins BCH series for his War of 1812 will work fine for late Napoleonic representation if you like JJD...Frontline also offers Napoleonics. You will probably want at least a smattering of regular British line, Highlanders, and perhaps a rifle regiment. You cannnot use these for Crimean however. There were a number of significant uniform changes over that 40 year period. As far as which units you want to display, have a look at what each of these manufacturers offers.

Enjoy...good luck, and welcome to the wonderful world of metals!

 

[Northgate Woods]

Larso mate,
Why don't you pop into Brett Willims, The Military Workshop which is in Brisbane and have a good look at Brett's ranges and also his new showcases if that is what also interests you.
I am sure that Brett will give you the full heads up on all ranges of all manufacturers.
Cheers from Melbourne, Howard

 

[larso]

Thanks guys for the very quick responses. Yes, it is a bit of a big, rambling idea at this point. The info about the Crimean uniforms though is the sort of stuff I was looking for to give me an idea of what would be the best way to go. Four levels was what I originally thought, with the Crimea to be one of them. Having had a look at some of the offerings available now, I can see that Russian uniforms for starters were a lot different to those of the Napoleonic period. It also allows a good focus on the Highlanders.
And yes, I'm aware of Brett's place - popping in there last week for the first time in a few years was what got me on to this....

 

[OzDigger]

Thanks guys for the very quick responses. Yes, it is a bit of a big, rambling idea at this point. The info about the Crimean uniforms though is the sort of stuff I was looking for to give me an idea of what would be the best way to go. Four levels was what I originally thought, with the Crimea to be one of them. Having had a look at some of the offerings available now, I can see that Russian uniforms for starters were a lot different to those of the Napoleonic period. It also allows a good focus on the Highlanders.
And yes, I'm aware of Brett's place - popping in there last week for the first time in a few years was what got me on to this....

Have you considered the King & Country Australian Light Horse range?

 

[trooper]

For Napoleonics check out ATS, he has the largest range of Napoleonic figures in the world. He also has an extensive range of Light Brigade figures from the Crimea including many character studies. For the Zulu War try Little Legion who has the largest range from this period. Both of thses companies have the full range available, nothing is ever "retired".

 

[OldDragon]

Larso

If you have a special interest for the Britlish Army ... then perhaps you may wish to consider having at least four levels.

One for the 1750s to 1770s ... tricons & grenadiers in their struggles in the American continent.

One for the 1805 to 1815 ... the Napoleonic shako period.

One for the 1870s to 1890s .. the pitt helmet & colonial warfare from the middle to the far east.

Lastly, one for 1914-1918 ... cap to tin helmet of WW1.

Wonderful theme with wide selection troops & adversaries from all the major makers.

OD

 

[aujj65]

I've mostly been into plastics but of late I've begun looking more at painted metals due to the colours, range and poses. I have a particular interest in the British army too and I thought I might base my planned collecting on it.

Essentially I want to get a cabinet of three or four levels and have as the center piece British soldiers from the key eras - back to back, or in square, defending against assault from some of the more colourful opponents of their time. My starting point is the British army of 1745 to the American Revolution. This will have Grenadiers and others wearing the Tri hats (?) fending off Highlanders from one side and probably Woodland Indians from the other. I have a group of John Jenkins Culloden figures so far. My first question then is which Woodland Indians would look the best?

For the second tier I'm going for Napoleonic British. They'll be defending against a French attack. I know very little of what figures are available for this period, so I'm very open to suggestions. As for the opponents coming from the other side? Americans of 1812? Or are the British uniforms of the period close enough to those of the Crimean War to have Russians coming from the other side? If the uniforms are too different, maybe this'll need an extra display level?
Finally, the top level would feature Brits from the 1879/80 period. So Rourke's Drift and I think the new Conte North-West Frontier figures, with their respective opponents.

I'm very open to thoughts on which figures would work best. I don't mind having a variety of makers involved but I would like things to look as compatable as possible. Apart from my John Jenkins, I' m quite familar with Conte and I really like the handful of K & C Crusaders that I have. Expense limits might restrict me to foot figures but especially for the Naponeonics, some cavalry might slip in.

Finally, are there any other 'opponents' that I could consider? Perhaps, a particular regiment of French? Anyway, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

As already stated the uniforms are different and so another display would be required. The Crimean War is often over shadowed by the Napoleonic Wars but is one of my favourites. The K&C UK range is highly recommended.

Jeff

 

[larso]

I had quite a long look at the Light Horse. I think, from what Brett said, a second 'wave' has been put together too. I love them and would love to get them all but mounted figures are so expensive. I'm quite a fan of Anzacs though, I even had my own range of Gallipoli figures out a few years ago.

Thanks OD - I'd like to show the history right through to WW2 but the 20th Century will have to wait. As it is, I suspect my concept will be tricky to fund in the near future. But yes, WW1 trench warfare would look good with Germans and Turks to fill the space either side. If it gets too expensive I may restrict myself to the three earlier periods you described.

Of the Woodland Indians which seem the best, Conte or John Jenkins?

Again, thanks to all who've made suggestions!

 

[marco55]

Conte's is very hard to get now but Stan Clark may have some sets.Jenkins is very good also and more available.
Mark

 

[Scarlet Pimpernel]

For Napoleonics check out ATS, he has the largest range of Napoleonic figures in the world. He also has an extensive range of Light Brigade figures from the Crimea including many character studies. For the Zulu War try Little Legion who has the largest range from this period. Both of thses companies have the full range available, nothing is ever "retired".

I hadn't thought of these...but both excellent suggestions! I really like the ATS castings.

 

[The Military Workshop]

Dear Larso,
Was thinking about your question on the way home last night and came up with the following options. As you know I stock K&C, Conte and Jenkins. I have included Britains as have some nice items (although unfortunately I do not stock it for the simple reason it would take 2 - 3 months for my orders to arrive ). The options for consideration are :

a) English V Scots Culloden JJ
or British V French Quebec JJ

I would go with Culloden as the Scots are unique figures and you have already started.

b) Welch Fusiliers V Americans American Revolution K&C
or British V Americans War of 1812 JJ

I would go with Welch because can then have English, Scottish and Welsh represented. War of 1812 is Napoleonic time and covered by option c).

c) Coldstreams or Black Watch V French Imperial Guard or Line Infantry - Naps K&C.
Can include Scots Greys which are still good value. NA87 a must have..
Black Watch would be my suggestion as such a well known Regiment but could be overdone on Scots depending upon your option d). However Black Watch are very good value as most are US$25.

d) British V Zulu - Zulu War Conte or Britains
or British V Fuzzy Wuzzies - Sudan JJ or Britains
or British V Afghans - NW Frontier Conte

This is the hard group !!! Could consider two from option d) instead of an option b).

Crimean was also mentioned but poses some problems. K&C UK has Thin Red Line and the Charge of the Light Brigade ? Personally I like the Lancers going at the Russian Guns. Not enough opposition to take on the Thin Red Line. Either way cavalry needed and price a factor in this series.

The above gives you options of the English / British fighting Scots, Americans, French and Native Tribesmen and covers the period you are interested in.

Regards
Brett

 

[OzDigger]

I had quite a long look at the Light Horse. I think, from what Brett said, a second 'wave' has been put together too. I love them and would love to get them all but mounted figures are so expensive. I'm quite a fan of Anzacs though, I even had my own range of Gallipoli figures out a few years ago.

Thanks OD - I'd like to show the history right through to WW2 but the 20th Century will have to wait. As it is, I suspect my concept will be tricky to fund in the near future. But yes, WW1 trench warfare would look good with Germans and Turks to fill the space either side. If it gets too expensive I may restrict myself to the three earlier periods you described.

Of the Woodland Indians which seem the best, Conte or John Jenkins?

Again, thanks to all who've made suggestions!

They are a bit more expensive but imo you can't beat mounted figures for display value.

With all the new companies and product continuing to come out I have found I've had to shrink my collecting focus ever smaller over the years and have been selling off extras on ebay.

I love all military history, but rather than buy model sets from a wide range of conficts I satisfy my interest in other periods with dvds and books from the library.

 

[Phantom Warrior]

Dear Larso,
Was thinking about your question on the way home last night and came up with the following options. As you know I stock K&C, Conte and Jenkins. I have included Britains as have some nice items (although unfortunately I do not stock it for the simple reason it would take 2 - 3 months for my orders to arrive ). The options for consideration are :

a) English V Scots Culloden JJ
or British V French Quebec JJ

I would go with Culloden as the Scots are unique figures and you have already started.

b) Welch Fusiliers V Americans American Revolution K&C
or British V Americans War of 1812 JJ

I would go with Welch because can then have English, Scottish and Welsh represented. War of 1812 is Napoleonic time and covered by option c).

c) Coldstreams or Black Watch V French Imperial Guard or Line Infantry - Naps K&C.
Can include Scots Greys which are still good value. NA87 a must have..
Black Watch would be my suggestion as such a well known Regiment but could be overdone on Scots depending upon your option d). However Black Watch are very good value as most are US$25.

d) British V Zulu - Zulu War Conte or Britains
or British V Fuzzy Wuzzies - Sudan JJ or Britains
or British V Afghans - NW Frontier Conte

This is the hard group !!! Could consider two from option d) instead of an option b).

Crimean was also mentioned but poses some problems. K&C UK has Thin Red Line and the Charge of the Light Brigade ? Personally I like the Lancers going at the Russian Guns. Not enough opposition to take on the Thin Red Line. Either way cavalry needed and price a factor in this series.

The above gives you options of the English / British fighting Scots, Americans, French and Native Tribesmen and covers the period you are interested in.

Regards
Brett

Very nice Brett. To bad for me that I didn't ask you the same question several months ago.

Being from Canada, I chose the Siege of Quebec (JJD) for the first era. Also some American Revolution - mainly K&C with additions from FL.

The NAP era is a large one and I have pieces mainly from K&C and FL and am playing catchup there. Also a minor foray into the War of 1812 (JJD)

the final era, I've gone with some Zulus from Britains and will get some Sudan pieces from JJD and Britains - no rush on those as they are just coming out (except for a camel which will sell out fast) And expect more K&C Sons of the Empire (India) in the future.

Terry

 

[The Military Workshop]

Dear Terry,
Since you are from Toronto then in your Quebec display I am guessing the French are the enemy !! Might suggest the other way around if you were from Montreal.
That period is great for colour and massed ranks which is why it appeals to me personally and it is what I enjoyed at school. However I love all WWII collectors also !!!!!
Did visit Toronto / Montreal in 1985 in my former police life. The RCMP guy in Hong Kong forgot to mention things like "windchill factor" and my Chinese Station Sergeant and I got a big shock as we had not packed accordingly.
Was an interesting trip (aimed at a drug ring). I can still clearly recall the RCMP Corporal from Toronto (where we started) trying to "delicately" explain to the RCMP Assistant Commissioner in Montreal that not providing surveillance coverage just becuase it was the week end (ie. needing overtime) might not go down too well in HQ. The Assistant Commissioners underlings could not believe a mere Corporal would speak in that way.
Ended up getting the bad guys and saw some charming nightlife and ate some good food. I can remember the Toronto guys driving us past an "interesting street" which was pretty much next to their HQ"s.
Anyway gotta go as need to get the K&C Luftwaffe launched towards Australia.
Have a great week end all.
Regards
Brett

 

[Phantom Warrior]

Dear Terry,
Since you are from Toronto then in your Quebec display I am guessing the French are the enemy !! Might suggest the other way around if you were from Montreal.
That period is great for colour and massed ranks which is why it appeals to me personally and it is what I enjoyed at school. However I love all WWII collectors also !!!!!
Did visit Toronto / Montreal in 1985 in my former police life. The RCMP guy in Hong Kong forgot to mention things like "windchill factor" and my Chinese Station Sergeant and I got a big shock as we had not packed accordingly.
Was an interesting trip (aimed at a drug ring). I can still clearly recall the RCMP Corporal from Toronto (where we started) trying to "delicately" explain to the RCMP Assistant Commissioner in Montreal that not providing surveillance coverage just becuase it was the week end (ie. needing overtime) might not go down too well in HQ. The Assistant Commissioners underlings could not believe a mere Corporal would speak in that way.
Ended up getting the bad guys and saw some charming nightlife and ate some good food. I can remember the Toronto guys driving us past an "interesting street" which was pretty much next to their HQ"s.
Anyway gotta go as need to get the K&C Luftwaffe launched towards Australia.
Have a great week end all.
Regards
Brett

In 1985 that interesting street was Jarvis Street.
it's changed

Terry

 

[Nooooo9]

To cut down the cost on your display you could build it a little at a time, and only use a few figures to represent each time period, or war. You can space them out widely, or place them in little groups, by era, and slowly add a little bit here and a little bit there as funds permit. Then once your display cabinet is full, buy another empty one and repeat the process. I like your idea, I may do something similar with the American Army.

 

[larso]

Thanks!

Now that the extent of the project is a bit clearer it's a matter of making it fit a fairly lmited budget. I think I will start with a half dozen or so Brits from each period facing a similar number of assailants from both sides. I'll also do the Grenadier/Tri hat period first and then the Pitt hat/colonial one. I'm a bit intrigued by the Sudan range. I've always been fascinated by it. Maybe I can slot a few Fuzzy Wuzzy's in alongside the Afghans?

How would you break down an American army range into periods?

 

[Nooooo9]

On reflecting on this more, I wouldn't start with the formation of the US Army in 1775, because I would be omiting all of the colonial period previous to Lexington and Concord. I would start with a few of the Woodland Indian figures from John Jenkins, then a few Rogers Rangers, Virginia Militia, and Royal American Regiment. Then I would go to the Revolution, making use of the Britains George Washington and assorted troops to get a feel for the period. Then the War of 1812, again using Jenkins figures. Then I would use King and Country Mounted Dragoons and Plains Indians for the 1840s then go straight to the Civil War with both the North and South represented. Then I would make another group using the WW1 OTSN Renault tank and Doughboys followed by WW2 GIs. I would skip over the Mexican War, Spanish American War, Korea, Vietnam and Iraq and Afganistan until I can find the right products to display. I would also use plenty of flag and guidon bearers where appropriate to make the display more colorful and to show the evolution of design.