Repainting Tradition Grenadiers of Imperial Guard (1 Viewer)

[Obee]

A couple of months back I saw 4 x Tradition of London figures for sale on ebay at a REAL good price AUS$20.
There were all kit N1-7 Grenadier Guard of the Imperial Guard in marching pose.
Looking at them I can see what the seller thought they were rubbish, but under that rough exterior I could be a wonderful soldier that would complement another six of this set.



The first job was give the all a covering of Paint Stripper to remove the layers and reveal the metal.


Next was to clean up and casting lines and attach the moveable left arms, fill the hole around the pin, and file that flat.


Then spay with white primer and commence painting.


I started painting white, which was the predominate colour on the figures. Next was red, and follow up with blue for the coats.

..... more to follow ....

 

[Obee]

They are now completed, and check out the difference, in particular the details with the paintwork on the read side of the figures.



These four figures can join another six from the set as a colour party from Napoleon's personal troops.



I think that there is a 20 year time frame from my first six figures, to the additional four figures, and I am most pleased to see that I haven't 'lot it' with my painting skill

John

 

[villagehorse]

It’s nice to know there is someone out there that is prepared to go the extra mile to restore lost history and has the talent to bring them back to their former glory. Excellent John. Robin.

 

[Dettingen]

Beautiful work, and you are right that the backsides are 100% better looking! What brand of paints do you use? Did you spray the white coat of paint, or brush it on? It's a great, even coat that really sets off the other colors. Your painting style and these and all of your other figures is a major inspiration for me.

 

[BHogan]

Looks great John! Another wonderful restoration. Thanks for sharing.

Brendan

 

[Obee]

Beautiful work, and you are right that the backsides are 100% better looking! What brand of paints do you use? Did you spray the white coat of paint, or brush it on? It's a great, even coat that really sets off the other colors. Your painting style and these and all of your other figures is a major inspiration for me.

You asked a couple of questions .....

I use HUMBROL enamels, and have been using them for the past 25 years on my soldiers. I even used them in my teens when painting AIRFIX plastic kits.

I used a spray can only for the under coat, all the rest it hand painted.

Nowadays most of my painting is done with matte finish, and some gloss highlights, like polished boots and metalwork, like helmets.
I still like the traditional gloss finish, so if the figure is looking more 'toy' than 'model' I will revert to gloss.
I also will use gloss paint when that it the only shade of the colour available, and give it a matte coat to finish.
The same goes when I have to use matte paint and then use a gloss varnish to give the whole of the figure a gloss finish.

You can see my work here on my website Toy Soldiers ON-Line Gallery http://members.upnaway.com/~obees/soldiers/
The front page is revised every two months to show what I have painted, both for myself, and commissioned work for fellow collectors.

John

 

[blaster]

Hi John,

That is a great restoration work! The restored figures really look terrific.

Rgds Victor

 

[Louis Badolato]

Tremendous restoration job, John! :salute::

 

[Mirof]

Good as they were in the past
Today the part N1-7 is sold in kit ( unpainted ) 10£/painted
Good deal to ...