I recently sent a couple of 1930s W.Britains armoured cars to a close friend, George Mills. He is raising 28mm armies for AVBCW and I thought some period-correct items would be a novel addition. Imagine my surprise when a box arrived with a mixture of 54mm plastic figures. George was having a clear-out and knew these figures would be useful towards my projects. In the box were four Timpo Arabs, ten Timpo French Foreign Legion, and five metal-based Deetail cowboys.
Here are the four Arabs. I decided to cut away the sabres and knives, the former were unlikely to keep any paint, and they have now been replaced with home-cast pewter scimitars. I also found an ornate resin button with a perfect shank to attach to a figure, to serve as a shield. The casualty figure is now a standard bearer.
Decided to muster my Saracens and Ottoman Turks!
(Thanks George)
I remember the originals well from childhood - These colourful conversions look great!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mark, I enjoyed the project, and knowing the four figures can now be used on the wargames table.
DeleteMichael
It is interesting to see what you have done with the Arabs, lovely work.
ReplyDeleteThank you Allan, it was vital to replace the soft plastic sabres, they would never have suffered handling or storage, the pewter scimitars will last for ages.
DeleteMichael
Very pleased you enjoyed them Mike! They have come very well and conversion work has enhanced the figures a great deal. The armoured cars will be an excellent addition to my Somerset defences forces. Looking forward to viewing your growing collection in person.
ReplyDeleteCheers George, as soon as the climate makes it viable, you should visit. Have gone back to my lead castings now, making a gun team from spare figures, giving them pith helmets.
DeleteMichael
I love the flag bearer, a wonderful conversion! Deetail figures en masse always are a beautiful sight to behold! The command tent is really awesome! Great job Mike!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Brad, it was simple to cut the hand off, and drill-pin it back facing the correct way, having also drilled a hole for the pike. It certainly makes it more useful. Have seen some beautiful Deetail Saracens on Ebay, great paintwork. Hope to do something similar with mine. This collection was a by-product of collecting Medievals, but now I really like them. The tent is scratch built out of card.
DeleteMichael