Getting the eye back in (1 Viewer)

[johnnybach]

Hi all. Just a quick pic to show that I have the right arm back in action - with a bit of painting - and I'm warming up with a few diverse subjects this time.

In the forefront is part of a WW1 Ambulance that I am beginning to put together. I only bought two horses from Dorset Soldiers - as they are not original Britains - and I wanted to see how they would look with a part original/part re-cast GS wagon base that I had in my stash. I think they are going to look okay - so have ordered the final two horses -to collect later this year - and which will allow me to complete the Ambulance - to look similar to the old Britains set 145. Note the recast soldiers who will man the vehicle - who have been drilled and pinned to fit the seat and ridden horse. I have also mounted the two horses on a firm base (as I usually prefer to do) by pinning and gluing. These horses are a bit more substantial than original Britains - and the tack detail is a little different to an original - but I think will look good, and very similar once completed.

At the rear - are two original Hollowcast cowboys that were found for me by Giles Brown (Dorset Soldiers), who I asked to keep an eye out for me, for some Cowboys and Injuns. The left hand mounted figure is a Timpo horse and Timpo rider - but I don't think they were originally made as a pair (the rider is demountable). I haven't touched this one yet - but plan a re-paint for the horse, who has little paint left - and maybe a retouching of the rider.

The right hand cowboy is a rare-ish piece - and is a one piece hollowcast, made by Phillip Segal around the 1940's. I believe he was a German man who escaped to Britain prior to WW2 - and began making Toy Soldiers in Christchurch, Hampshire. (Any further details about him would be appreciated - as I only have a few sketchy details). The paintwork was quite far gone on this one - so I have begun a major re-touch of him and his horse. As the figure stands very well, I won't be putting it on a base - in the interest of authenticity.

Anyway - I'm "back in the saddle" again - and off and painting! Hope you'll like 'em.............. johnnybach

 

[johnnybach]

A little update on progress on my two little projects. First fit of the new canopy for the Horse Ambulance indicates it looks okay. This is a "spare part" from Dorsest Soldiers - as are some new parts for the old wagon base (parts will fit either ambulance or the old GS wagon). Both horses are nearly completed - just some brasswork on the tack to go (buckles etc). I have begun the figures for it too now - they will be as the old Britains set 145 - so in review order.

My two old cowboys are also progressing - and I'm finding these are great fun to do - must get some more. The Segal one, (white horse) is a really lively sculpt - and is coming alive with every lick of paint.

Cheers Martyn - hope you'll be out of jail soon! jb

 

[Napoleon1er]

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS! Another piece from the master!
-Sandor:salute::

 

[Hazebrouck]

John,

Are the drivers being painted in RAMC uniform?

 

[johnnybach]

Hi Scott. Short answer is no. What Im trying to get close to, is the Old Britains model 145, which shows an Ambulance around 1900. The Staff are in review order. My understanding is that the two Medical staff (seated on the wagon) would have uniforms with red facings (collar, cuffs etc)and a broad red stripe down the trouser leg - but the two drivers of the four horses were from the Army Service Corps - and have white facings and a double white stripe down the tunic leg. I'll be giving my figures a Red Cross armband each as well, as I've seen old versions like that too.

I had some bits of a broken GS wagon saved up for a long time - and obtained replacement repair parts from Dorset - as explained - along with some similar looking horses - and recast figures. I'll be keeping them simple - to try and get close to the old Britains set (see below). Of course my horses don't have the collars of the first version - and the rest of the tack is slightly different to the original - which is why I only bought two horses. That way, I could just keep it as a GS wagon, which only had two horses.

As soon as it went together though, I liked the look of it. I actually LIKE the fact that it isn't going to be a straight copy - as I don't want to try to fool anyone! I've already ordered another two horses which I will pick up in november. Until then, my ambulance (once finished) will have to soldier on with just two!

Another interesting read is this below - a bit later on - with troops now in Khaki:

http://www.1914-1918.net/whatfieldamb.htm

Glad others seem to like it too. Johnnybach

 

[Obee]

John,

great to see you posting another fine project in the Forum, I'll be watching to see the final masterpiece evolve

I do like your use of a wide base for the horses, I've always had problems with a pair of horses attached to limbers/wagons and such, and this is a brilliant idea, I'll be sure to use that in my future work.

By the way, what are you using for the traces to pull the wagon? Wire, rope or chain? I've used both on different projucts, but I'd guess it will be wire in this case to match Britains?

Keep up the good work,

JOhn

 

[johnnybach]

John,

great to see you posting another fine project in the Forum, I'll be watching to see the final masterpiece evolve

I do like your use of a wide base for the horses, I've always had problems with a pair of horses attached to limbers/wagons and such, and this is a brilliant idea, I'll be sure to use that in my future work.

By the way, what are you using for the traces to pull the wagon? Wire, rope or chain? I've used both on different projucts, but I'd guess it will be wire in this case to match Britains?

Keep up the good work,

JOhn

Hi John - glad you like it.

I first tried pairing up the horses on the same base with my Brewers Dray Project. Worked out pretty good - and as these pairs never get seperated from whatever they are towing - they are even more stable if mounted that way. Pinned and glued up into the legs - as normal - they just don't fall over - and get damaged. Works a treat.

I will be using wire for connecting - as did Britains on the 145 set. Seems most appropriate, as that's what I'm trying to re-create (sort of). I do love the old Britains sets - but like you, prefer to paint my own - and this is one extremelly economical way of achieving something that will give me great pleasure, firstly in doing - and then owning.

Slow going though - too hot to paint in the day - so evening job only at the moment.

Have a good one John - nice to know you're looking in. johnnybach

 

[johnnybach]

Scott - (and anyone else interested) - I got a bit more interested in trying to find a closer version picture of what I'm trying to do - and found this pic below ( one of the Auction House sites). I think it shows the white stripes down the trousers of the riders better - and the wire connectors to the horses - similar to those used by Britains on the Stae (Coronation) Coach. Note the absence of the Horse Collars - and the raised rear leg with a peg - both indicating that this is a later version of Set 145. jb

Note the incorrect reversal of a white cross on a red background on the canvas cover on this version - which suggests the Swiss Flag. Even Britains made mistakes.

 

[Hazebrouck]

Short answer is no. What Im trying to get close to, is the Old Britains model 145, which shows an Ambulance around 1900. The Staff are in review order. My understanding is that the two Medical staff (seated on the wagon) would have uniforms with red facings (collar, cuffs etc)and a broad red stripe down the trouser leg - but the two drivers of the four horses were from the Army Service Corps - and have white facings and a double white stripe down the tunic leg. I'll be giving my figures a Red Cross armband each as well, as I've seen old versions like that too.

I understand now John. I saw the white stripe and thought Army Service Corps.

There are some fantastic old Tuck's postcards about showing the old ASC uniform.

Scott

 

[johnnybach]

Cheers for that info Scott - good idea - found this one for starters. Thanks - that will come in handy jb

 

[johnnybach]

Your good idea set me to thinking Scott. Found these too. First one was painted just around 1914 - and the second is interesting as it shows the ASC riders have changed trousers to Khaki - whilst the motorised drivers are all in khaki. Excellent source idea for uniform detail. Thanks again - jb

 

[johnnybach]

A bit more progress made with my bits and pieces today.

The two horse team that will pull the Ambulance (until reinforcements arrive) were mainly completed - and the base given a first coat of green Humbrol. The driver of the pair had his whip arm fitted - and a few more touches of paint applied. The two Ambulance Staff had a lick or two as well.

My little Timpo horse - now given a bright new saddle-blanket - as the original had practically no paint left on it at all, is nearly complete. A very toy-like mount this - but I like it all the more, for that very reason. I haven't decided yet, whether to leave the rider as a loose piece - or fix him forever to the saddle.

My last piece - at the rear - is turning into a real favourite of mine. He is the Phillip Seagal made Cowboy, which has been retouched in it's (mainly) original colours - and now just awaits a final coat of varnish to complete his restoration. I changed his trouser colour from the same colour as the saddle - and also gave him a milliput holster - as the original sculptor forgot - and that was where a tiny flaw hole was found. (He originally had a couple of holes in him - and quite a bit of paint loss and paint chips).

So far - so good - jb

 

[johnnybach]

I have bits and pieces to do on this WW1 Horse drawn Ambulance now - but have got this far with it. Only the horses have been varnished so far (easier to handle then). I have mounted the two painted figures of the Medics on the seat - after fabricating a footboard for them from some thin metal sheeting ( which means I forgot to order a spare casting of that part!). The ASC Rider has a few details to go ( like buttons and boots) - but is more or less complete. Just a few details to finish for him. Then, wire traces to make up - to connect my first pair up - and it will be as complete as I can get it - until my other horses are collected later this year. I think a couple of stretcher casualties might be in order at the same time, to go inside.

I'll show you how far I get - next time. jb

 

[MapleLeaf]

Hi johnny
Very nice
Awsome job again

 

[johnnybach]

Hi Bro - glad you like it so far. Here are the two Cowboys that I have been restoring/repainting - which are now completed.

Both are old hollowcasts which were a bit worse for wear when originally found The left hand one on the White horse is a Segal and dates from the 1940's. I stuck mostly to the original colours when re-painting him.

The right hand one is a Timpo - and even though the rider is detachable, I have confirmed he is the correct rider for this pony - which is amazing - as he dates from the 1950's. He's from their Western Series - and is numbered WW002. Again, I stuck to the original paint job for the rider - but took a few liberties with his horse. I think both are really cute - and they go nicely with my Stagecoach - which is being attacked by Injuns! jb

 

[Obee]

The Ambulance is looking very good now, especailly with the varnish on the horses, and like your deatil of the lead rider, with the double white stripes on trousers.

The double horse base is an added highlight, something I'm now going to do with all teams,

now on with the traces???

John

 

[GICOP]

Hi Bro - glad you like it so far. Here are the two Cowboys that I have been restoring/repainting - which are now completed.

Both are old hollowcasts which were a bit worse for wear when originally found The left hand one on the White horse is a Segal and dates from the 1940's. I stuck mostly to the original colours when re-painting him.

The right hand one is a Timpo - and even though the rider is detachable,I have confirmed he is the correct rider for this pony- which is amazing - as he dates from the 1950's. He's from their Western Series - and is numbered WW002. Again, I stuck to the original paint job for the rider - but took a few liberties with his horse. I think both are really cute - and they go nicely with my Stagecoach - which is being attacked by Injuns! jb

Lovely job jb....as I have come to expect {bravo}}{bravo}}{bravo}}

Cheers

Martyn

 

[johnnybach]

The Ambulance is looking very good now, especailly with the varnish on the horses, and like your deatil of the lead rider, with the double white stripes on trousers.

The double horse base is an added highlight, something I'm now going to do with all teams,

now on with the traces???

John

Hi John - funny you should mention traces!

I was attempting to fit some wires to the draw-bar on the Ambulance, last evening. The draw-bar had two holes cast - and they were too small for the wire. Opened one up - with no probelm with a pin vise - but when doing the second one, found there was a flaw in the casting - and it snapped completely at the end of the bar - which was a bit thin in cross-section anyway. Tried a glue repair - but no joy.

So...........decided to fabricate a new draw bar from thin aluminium sheet and replace the original. Much stronger material than the soft metal casting - so cut and filed one (slightly thicker across than the original - and glued it back into place using an epoxy-resin two-part glue. Once repainted, I can then try the traces again (see below).

On looking at britains versions of this model - the traces are simply two pieces of wire connected from the horse to the hole - so simple enough to replicate that. When I add the other two front horses - I have in mind something a little more complicated - involving the central draw-bar - but that's for later. Will wait for the glue to set rock-solid before attempting more yet. jb

 

[johnnybach]

Lovely job jb....as I have come to expect {bravo}}{bravo}}{bravo}}

Cheers

Martyn

Hi Martyn - I thought that you might like them. Not everybody's cup-of tea perhaps, but I just love the older Hollowcast British makers. The Segal is just a delight - and gave me enormous pleasure to repaint - especially as he was my first from this maker. The Timpo was a nice one to restore too. There was hardly any paint on the horse - but just enough to see some flecks of pale yellow and red on that blanket. I have used much stronger colours now though - as I like 'em bright, glossy and shiny! Great fun - and I'll be looking out for more of those for sure in future. I have three Injuns to repaint as well - so watch out for those later on. Once they're all done - I must dig out my Stagecoach again for some playtime - and re-photo with these coming to the rescue.jb

 

[GICOP]

Hi Martyn - I thought that you might like them. Not everybody's cup-of tea perhaps, but I just love the older Hollowcast British makers. The Segal is just a delight - and gave me enormous pleasure to repaint - especially as he was my first from this maker. The Timpo was a nice one to restore too. There was hardly any paint on the horse - but just enough to see some flecks of pale yellow and red on that blanket. I have used much stronger colours now though - as I like 'em bright, glossy and shiny! Great fun - and I'll be looking out for more of those for sure in future. I have three Injuns to repaint as well - so watch out for those later on. Once they're all done - I must dig out my Stagecoach again for some playtime - and re-photo with these coming to the rescue.jb

jb that's just how I like 'em too bright, glossy and shiny, can't be beaten {bravo}}{bravo}}{bravo}}

Cheers

Martyn