The Emperor's Beautiful Daughters. (2 Viewers)

[johnnybach]

Hi Scott - I think my chum John Parslow who casts them - is just a really good metalworker - and extremely good value - to boot. I haven't seen these PA castings bettered, anyway.

I'm waiting for news about the Canadian Pipe Band - but I know that Brian (Yeoman), was having quite a few problems with production of these - and the many other projects he's currently involved with - so told him a while ago, not to worry too much about production - as I had several other largish projects to undertake anyway, ( such as the Buffalo Soldiers/Stagecoach/Cherrypickers band - and now - this one). I'm in no rush for them - as I always have a queue building up somewhere! For example, I still have some 30-odd French Dragoons to do - that have been in a drawer for two years!

So - short answer is - that project has been parked for the moment, although I'm certain that it will be in production at some point in the future, as many of the parts were completed - and a few other bits needed "tweaking". When I do receive them - I will be posting them here - but can't say just when at the moment. The one thing that this hobby teaches you is - patience. I don't like to rush painting - and I certainly don't want to pressurise anyone to produce what I paint.

All the best, johnnybach

 

[johnnybach]

The second figure to be finished is a loader - who is approaching the cannon with a shot bag containing not just the projectile to be fired - but also the charge to fire it in a pre-packaged item. I must say, these are turning out to be beautifully glossy - due in no small part to the excellent quality of the castings. Snazzy mustache too!

Meanwhile - over on my scruffy desk ( i.e where all the work gets done) several more pieces have been started. I won't inflict every piece of the 33 on you - but just show when anything significant occurs - or this could get very repetative.

Note the corporal on the left - who aims the gun. One of the three Officers for the battery on the right (holding a telescope) and a one armed bucket-holder (at the moment). He's not a window cleaner looking for a wringer out for a cloth - but fetching water for the Spongeman/Loader - who swabs out the cannon barrel between shots - to ensure no smouldering remenants remain before the new prepared shot goes into the muzzle and gets rammed down. If sponging wasn't done - they might get what we call taday, a Negligent Discharge, which would doubtless kill the loader. I will describe that sequence - when we get the Loader a bit more organised. He's the second in from the left - but not completely assembled yet. Any Gunners out there dying to describe things - do feel free to jump in whenever...........jb

 

[johnnybach]

I have just been doing the modification that I mentioned earlier, regarding the fitting of the sabre/sword to each figure by pinning it - and realised that I hadn't shown it.

In the picture below, notice that each sword at the foot of the figure has a hole drilled in it just below the hilt. Now look at each figure - and note a small piece of wire sticking out - which is glued into a hole drilled into each figure. The sword fits onto that piece of wire through the hole, and is glued in place with super-glue - after the figure is painted. That's why I paint the sword before fixing too. A touch in of white to the belt - and you'll never know it - but is a much stronger joint than just gluing the thing on - and crossing your fingers - and hoping it doesnt fall off the first time you touch it!

The wire I used for this - is a piece cut from the wire that holds the cork in a Fizzy Wine bottle, by the way (I'm running out of paper clips!). La Commandante is partial to a Fizz cocktail occasionally. (Recipe: A dash of "Pousse Rapier" in a flute glass, topped up with Chilled Fizzy white wine). Too sweet for me, I prefer the red stuff - but buy the odd drop of fizz for the wire!^&grin

Note the Officer carries a straight sword - nice touch from PA that.

 

[johnnybach]

Things have been a bit quiet on the picture front here for a few days. Reason is that a mini-disaster hit towards the end of painting four figures. La Commandante decided that my curtains needed drawing whilst I was painting some detail - and with a flourish, drew the curtains - and despatched two figures that were drying on my desk - to the floor. Wherupon the head and ramrod of that figure broke off - and didn't do the paintwork a lot of good on both figures either. My dearest darling learned some new words!!{eek3}

So - a day was lost repairing the damage. I will probably need to send for another ramrod - though as I have six, I was able to use another to complete the first gun-team. (I'm trying a repair it with epoxy resin glue). The team are pictured below - though the bases of some figures need painting green - and the cannon needs finishing with black painted parts - and also varnishing, as I want everything glossy.

I am desperately running out of certain paints - and down to my last drop of varnish - so need to make the day-out trip to my nearest model-shop - just South of Bordeaux, very soon. Waiting for a pleasant day for that journey.

In addition to the five-man-team, I also completed one of the Officers to the Battery - you can see him front left looking into the distance with hand shading his eyes. The bucket carrier and ramrod holder were the damaged figures - but as you may be able to see, have not come to too much harm. Just took some extra time. Just happens sometimes. There's a second pic below - which shows the figures lined up for you to see clearer. I particularly like the Corporal - who is the gun commander - signalling the gun is ready to be fired, with his hand in the air,(note the stripes on his left arm).

This then, is how the other five teams are going to look, so you have now seen them all. It's now just a case of repeating these figures another five times - plus two more Officers. I think I will proceed with a detailed look on how I paint each separate one of these figures - so you may see how I tackle them - rather than just repeat what I have already done. Hope you like them so far. jb

 

[johnnybach]

What I am trying to do with this next picture, is show how I go about painting the figures - using the Gunner with the portfire, which he uses to touch off the powder loaded in the cannon, as an example. All paints are Humbrol - unless otherwise stated.

I start with the left figure - who has already had his face and hands given a coat of "flesh" colour. I have made this colour up using Humbrol Matt 100 Red/ Brown and Matt 103 Cream - which I mix in a small amount on a palette (marge tub lid). By varying the amounts, you can get shading of the flesh - e.g lighter on the bridge of the nose - and darker under the chin. Don't worry too much about this basic coat, as you can adjust later. This first figure has also had his cross-belt (for sword to attach to), cockade on his hat and two dabs for his eyes and the cord wrapped around the wooden portfire - painted with Ivory (41) which I frequently prefer to White, as it covers better and is less harsh than pure white. Note that I cover the belt - which is a raised feature - well, going over the edges.

The next figure across - shows me starting to paint the blue of the jacket (Oxford Blue 104). This is continued on with the third figure to complete the blue. Note that this is where I can paint up to the raised edge of the white belt, covering the small bits of white that have strayed over - to give a neat finished line.
This figure also shows that I have added the red colour in next - once everything white and blue is thoroughly dry. Red is applied to the lining of the jacket (shown between his legs, cuffs and cockade to the hat. This is a good time to paint the hat black - carefully around the raised white of the cockade.

The fourth figure across, shows me continuing the red detail of lining around cuffs , jacket , collar and epaulettes. I have also begun the top of the long black gaiters - though not the lower legs/feet - as handling will only remove it in patches. You may also note that I have started working on the face by painting in eye detail ( I use waterproof pen to touch in his pupils to the eye), darker cheeks and moustache. I give his cheeks a bit of colour with a touch of red/red-brown mixture - used VERY sparingly to avoid doll-like face. Final touch to the hat - a spot of blue in the centre of the cockade

My next job will be to touch in his jacket/ cuffs /waistcoat buttons in Brass (54). I will also paint a dark brown around his wooden portfire - being careful not to go over the white cord wrapped around it. Any errors - you can always go back and carefully touch them in. Once everything is finished - THEN paint the lower legs Black - and add the tiny silver buttons down the side of each leg.

THEN - LEAVE IT ALONE TO DRY. I give it twenty-four hours, and then the first coat of varnish - which seals everything in. Once dry you can now handle the figure - which looks like my furthest on to the right. I add on the sword now - which has been pre-painted. Once glue is set - a lick of varnish to that - and the figure is complete - except for the base. A coat of Brunswick green (Gloss 3) for that - then let that dry.

Finally - another coat of varnish over the whole figure - and he's done. And that's the order that I do them in. I will show other figures as we go along. jb

 

[johnnybach]

One more pic - showing the rear of the first gun-team figures. Just a little work required yet - as each figure has a sword-knot to include for each sabre of the crew. These were red - so will need to ensure each relevant figure gets the tiny touch-up required ( as the two central figures have - on the hilt of each sabre). That's how good these castings are! Note the red piping detail on the rear of the tunic jackets.

 

[johnnybach]

All done - that's it for now - resume tomorrow.

 

[aujj65]

Johnny,

Running out of paint?.....I've got a few tinlets of green if the price is right! ^&grin

Coming along very nicely. ^&cool

I have made a note of your mixture for flesh, all I use is buff No7 mixed with a little red (and then a dash more red to the mixture for the lips and cheeks).

Looking forward to the next installment,

Jeff

 

[johnnybach]

Hey Jeff - I'm okay on greens. If you want the more sun-tanned look - add in a touch of Leather (Matt 62).

For hands and faces - the easy way is to use "Flesh" (Matt 61) - but that's one I have run out of ( or more correctly, it's gone to a thick paste which is grainy if thinned). Funny how some colours go like that - whilst others you can use to the bottom of the tin?

Getting desperate for varnish. That's why these are not as glossy as I want them yet. jb

 

[Obee]

For hands and faces - the easy way is to use "Flesh" (Matt 61) jb

Looking good... and I also only use #61 for European flesh colouring, but add a drop of red to make a darker pink for the lips, and smetimes a bit of brown or red to give some colour to the cheeks and sometimes black to give the 5 o'clock shadow for battle weary soldiers.

Keep up the good work,

John

 

[johnnybach]

This series has been a treat! Many thanks! You might like to check out Andy Partridge's painting tips and colour formulas here: http://www.irregularminiatures.co.uk/42mmRanges/42mmDeutscheHomage.htm He never uses a primer coat either, but doesn't like varnish. I don't really like the scale or style of his figures, but they are inspiring nonetheless. And yes, he's the same Andy Partridge who's in the band XTC.

Hi Mike - glad your enjoying them. You do know that Irregular Miniatures does scales other than 42mm - I suppose? I made up three 54mm Ameican Plains Indians from them just before Xmas - and they were very well detailed indeed. As for painting them, well I just went with my own method anyway - as I always do. And as I like them VERY glossy - I DO like varnish!

I do always have a look - and read or listen to how others do it - as I'm not one to turn down anybody's advice - indeed I found a new varnish recently by taking some excellent advice from some Forum members, but I usually do like to see HOW othrs perform beforehand. I'm not keen on some of Andy's 42mm style (after Heyde) either - but some of his 54mm figures are pretty darned good - and as castings, are very reasonably priced compared with some others. In the spirit of "A picture is worth a thousand words", they are in with this lot - somewhere - attacking the Stagecoach.

 

[johnnybach]

Looking good... and I also only use #61 for European flesh colouring, but add a drop of red to make a darker pink for the lips, and smetimes a bit of brown or red to give some colour to the cheeks and sometimes black to give the 5 o'clock shadow for battle weary soldiers.

Keep up the good work,

John

Cheers John - still can't quite believe I'm chatting to Obee! I always like to experiment with what colours make what! Just as well - as when I opened a couple of tinlets lately, I've found them a bit the worse for wear. You can bring some back to useable - but Flesh seems to be one of the ones that resists, once it has gone too far. That's why I'm using my mixture for these.

It's usually okay if you live somewhere with a hobby shop around - but as I said earlier - my nearest shop is a five hour round trip away - so when you add in parking time, choosing your items - and generally poking about in the shop (nice guy owns it - but zero English spoken - and no Welsh either), it's a day out! I miscalculated badly this year on the stuff I brought back with me from my last shopping trip in the UK. I have a drawer full of unopened colours - and plenty of larger brushes - but am running out of stuff that I need NOW - for these! So - looks like a visit to Bordeaux - SOON!

It's very nice to be able to compare my gun-team with yours too John. That web-site of yours has been a real help to me over the years, in more ways than one - and is still very much appreciated. That's one of the reasons that I like to post lots of pictures - as this hobby is very visual - and no amount of words really help - when you're struggling. So - thanks again for your help - whether you knew it at the time - or not. johnnybach^&grin

 

[johnnybach]

Below, see the latest pieces being worked on. I hope you can see how I add one colour at a time to the pieces, again in this case, starting with the white - then blue - then red, and so on. Wherever possible, I touch in all of each colour on the piece. If any slips are made - I leave them and tidy up when the paints are dry. I am just doing it this way for the camera - to show the order - as I would have normally done all the figures in the same way, at the same time. However, I don't mind doing it this way - as I loathe "production line painting" as I find it is so boring to do it that way. I much prefer to take each piece - and treat it as an individual. Takes longer - but who cares - this is not a job - it's a hobby! jb

Also, I get to have a little playtime with the pieces - as they are developing!^&grin

 

[Obee]

It's usually okay if you live somewhere with a hobby shop around - but as I said earlier - my nearest shop is a five hour round trip away

I don't think I could survive having my paint supplier SO far away.


I'm lucky because there is one close to work, a 5 min walk at lunchtime AND he gives me a 10% discount, being a regular customer.

On weekends its a 7 minute drive to a choice of 2 shops in different directions, but if I'm feeling enegetic its a 25min walk each way

But if I'm looking for a toy soldier shop, like you its 5 hours away ... but in a plane !! Sydney or SIngapore !!!!

John

 

[johnnybach]

Ha! - Singapore or Sydney eh?. Well, I suppose London is less than two hours by 'plane from Bordeaux - so I'm a bit closer for a Toy Soldier shop! Funny thing is - I just buy them on the Internet now, though I pick them up when I can.

Just bad forward planning from me, I guess. The funny thing is, that back in the UK - I have two shops almost opposite each other in our town. One is a specialist Radio Control Car Hobby shop - and the other is an old fashioned Toy Shop. They are thirty yards apart - and ten minutes walk away! - and they both sell Humbrol paints!

I keep a list of what I want and take it with me for my UK stays - so - just bad forward planning on my part. What the heck - my dog loves a trip in the car - so Bordeaux it is. Here's a big lick - from Feebie - just for you John

 

[Obee]

What the heck - my dog loves a trip in the car - so Bordeaux it is. Here's a big lick - from Feebie - just for you John

Oh no.... DOG Slobber..... :tongue::tongue:

I'd rather some 'local produce' from Bordeaux.... it is red and comes in glass bottles

John

 

[johnnybach]

She's a loveable old gal - but if you insist - here's a pic of the red stuff..........^&grinjb

 

[Obee]

Nice dog....

Nice wine... Your cellar?

Cheers ....

John

 

[johnnybach]

Lovely natured dog.

My cellar? - I wish! - very like my wine store - but has more bottles than mine - and much older! There's more dust in my TS cabinets than on my bottles! If you ever get down my way - drop in - and try some! I'll even let you take my dog for a walk! jb

 

[Fubar]

wonderful clean looking castings.
fuBaR