Prior to the arrival of some metal Highlanders from my friend Paul Watson, the original plan was to see what could be achieved with a handful of plastic Herald figures which I'd picked up from various sources. Now the Heralds were made in the 1970s, they are attractive, well designed, but are also prone to oxidisation/plastic rot. the musicians being particularly susceptible. Luckily, I had previously cast a suitable glengarry for a another project, and with my metal shouldered-arms, steel pins, and good superglue they are now quite robust. The next issue was to find something different to paint up. Here is the completed Liverpool Scottish, raised in 1900 for home defence, but also sending volunteers to the Boer war. I think their green-yellow uniforms are an interesting addition to my collection.
MGB
A fine body of men, the new head and paint job make a massive improvement.
ReplyDeleteThanks Brian, it was fun to make something out of these broken figures, and I thought these 45 year old toy soldiers deserved a second life lol.
DeleteMichael
THey're fantastic and there's quite a few jocks more coming your way - would absolutely love to see them kitted out for the Boer War :) Hope you've got some ideas for Johillco kneeling jocks :)
ReplyDeleteHi Paul, I have still to sort out something for your Boer collection, its only right!
DeleteMichael
Great figures and painting. How do you prepare your figures for painting and do you use acrylics?
ReplyDeleteAllan, the best primer for toy soldiers, lead or plastic, are grey primers from auto supplies. They do still smell, but always give a clean, matt finish, and cost half the price of model primers. I changed over to acrylic paints some years ago, their quality has improved, drying quickly and no smell. I varnish all my 54mm in yacht varnish, which gives perfect protection.
DeleteMichael
Amazing what a difference a head swap can do. Splendid body of men, and the settings not bad either.
ReplyDeleteThank you Joppy, the settings are my 28mm scaled, but they will do for my wargaming in 54mm, and occasional photos.
DeleteMichael
Just as a matter of interest, what do you use as your sub-bases? Is it card or wood? I have used 1/8 wood previously, but find it a bit heavy handed.
DeleteI have used good quality mounting card for the last forty years, they have never decayed or warped, but I do also use MDF for larger bases.
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