johnnybach
Major General
- Joined
- Nov 24, 2010
- Messages
- 13,663
Well - Elephants AND a Gun actually. And not just any old gun - but a 40 pounder too!
I have long admired other posters elsewhere on the Forum - who post pics of their favourite Jumbos towing or carrying any number of artillery pieces or other weapons. In fact La Commandante has often entered my lair - found me looking longingly at someone else's favourite Jumbo - and said "Why don't you get one then?"
When she eventually came up with...."I'll get you one for Xmas" - that was it.
But which version to get? - that was the thing! I really liked bill Hocker's - but they only come as painted.............Hmmmmmm.......
I liked the look of the Tradition offering - but also like Wm Hocker's version ( both with a BIG GUN - no piddling pea-shooter for me). Eventually - I decided to ask Tradition for two Elephants and the gun and limber - and I would make up the team of gunners, Mounted Officer and an ammunition carrying mule with handler, from some castings that looked a lot more like Mr Hocker's men - and also much like my old-favourite Britains hollowcasts of a bygone era. (I know a man in Dorset who does very close versions)
Thus, this version below (by Tradition of London); would provide the parts described above;
and this gorgeous version: (by Wm Hocker), would provide the inspiration and a general painting guide for my own version:
[Many thanks to Tradition and Wm Hocker for use of the photos]
Now, it's taken me a while to get the parts together - and all in one place - and I still have a few bits to go - but changes in our lives recently, meant that a Christmas visit to see my Grandchildren in NZ is now looming. I didn't want to cart my box of bits even further around the World - so with La Commandante's permission ( to open my Xmas Present early! - Naughty Boy!!!) - I began assembling my very own Jumbos!
Zo - for you Johnny, Xmas hast cum early zis year, hein?
We're off again! My version will have some pedigree - and look something like the real thing - on campaign - in Northern India circa 1890's. A bit like this, in fact - though without the kepi's - which indicate the time of the Indian Mutiny, which is a bit earlier than mine will be.
Certainly, the tandem arrangement is indicated.
So a start was made with Jumbo 1.
Note that most of the Elephant is made from plastic - with trunk and tail in metal - doubtless to save weight, as it's a solid lump of resin.
And here'e the 40 pounder - now with two Elephants developing in the background. (Jeff has warned me - there will be a LOT of grey paint around). The gun is a satisfying little lump of metal, nicely finished - and goes together very easily and quickly.
And as I think my 5 pics are now up - I'll leave it there for now - with more to come later. As usual - any questions about the project - just holler. :salute:: see you later. jb
I have long admired other posters elsewhere on the Forum - who post pics of their favourite Jumbos towing or carrying any number of artillery pieces or other weapons. In fact La Commandante has often entered my lair - found me looking longingly at someone else's favourite Jumbo - and said "Why don't you get one then?"
When she eventually came up with...."I'll get you one for Xmas" - that was it.
But which version to get? - that was the thing! I really liked bill Hocker's - but they only come as painted.............Hmmmmmm.......
I liked the look of the Tradition offering - but also like Wm Hocker's version ( both with a BIG GUN - no piddling pea-shooter for me). Eventually - I decided to ask Tradition for two Elephants and the gun and limber - and I would make up the team of gunners, Mounted Officer and an ammunition carrying mule with handler, from some castings that looked a lot more like Mr Hocker's men - and also much like my old-favourite Britains hollowcasts of a bygone era. (I know a man in Dorset who does very close versions)
Thus, this version below (by Tradition of London); would provide the parts described above;
and this gorgeous version: (by Wm Hocker), would provide the inspiration and a general painting guide for my own version:
[Many thanks to Tradition and Wm Hocker for use of the photos]
Now, it's taken me a while to get the parts together - and all in one place - and I still have a few bits to go - but changes in our lives recently, meant that a Christmas visit to see my Grandchildren in NZ is now looming. I didn't want to cart my box of bits even further around the World - so with La Commandante's permission ( to open my Xmas Present early! - Naughty Boy!!!) - I began assembling my very own Jumbos!
Zo - for you Johnny, Xmas hast cum early zis year, hein?
We're off again! My version will have some pedigree - and look something like the real thing - on campaign - in Northern India circa 1890's. A bit like this, in fact - though without the kepi's - which indicate the time of the Indian Mutiny, which is a bit earlier than mine will be.
Certainly, the tandem arrangement is indicated.
So a start was made with Jumbo 1.
Note that most of the Elephant is made from plastic - with trunk and tail in metal - doubtless to save weight, as it's a solid lump of resin.
And here'e the 40 pounder - now with two Elephants developing in the background. (Jeff has warned me - there will be a LOT of grey paint around). The gun is a satisfying little lump of metal, nicely finished - and goes together very easily and quickly.
And as I think my 5 pics are now up - I'll leave it there for now - with more to come later. As usual - any questions about the project - just holler. :salute:: see you later. jb
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