SPECIAL THANKS. I would like to thank Paul Watson for his sponsorship of several lead figure collections on this blog. Having decided to clear his spare/surplus figures, he generously forwarded them on with no other requirement than they deserved to be restored. I would also like to mention George S. Mills, who kindly furnished a quantity of plastic figures which allowed me to complete another five or six military units, serving in several collections.

Saturday 17 July 2021

PLASTIC CADET CAVALRY

Further research, with help from Hugh's SMALL SCALE WORLDS, confirmed they are cadet cavalry, initially produced by Bergan/Beton but subsequently copied by numerous other manufacturers, including Airfix. These probably date back to the 1960-70s. 

Well, I like my toy soldiers to look tidy, and as I was suspicious of the originality of the paintwork, decided to add additional detail and colours to bring out the best in the riders. My plan is that the acrylic paints and coat of varnish will better protect them. Also repaired three horses reins with milliput and several coats of superglue. Unfortunately, out of the twelve riders three had serious decay, they were also another make. Three horses were also different including some rather flat Tudor-Rose. They added nothing to the other nine cavalry.

Supplementing the previous paintwork of green, white, and flesh, they have now been revamped for my wargames table. All are strong and cheerful. As they aren't meant to be historical, I've given them a bold 'toy look'. My plan is to use these mounted figures as top-up cavalry for odd armies and imaginary scenarios.

MGB

(Footnote, the three decaying figures have been cleaned up. The heads are beyond saving and will be replaced. Hope to find an interesting use for these figures.)




                                                                     Original condition

6 comments:

  1. Mystery solved ! , they have painted up well .

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    1. Thanks Tony, your comment to seek out the horse manufacturer did the job, and linked me to the early Cadet figure. I do like them, something a bit different in my toy soldier collection.
      Michael

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  2. I love the faces and the color scheme Michael! They are true toy soldiers in every sense! Very well done!

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    1. Thank you Brad, I felt their simple design and moulding was best served with an over-the-top paint job. They do seem to have a Victorian/Edwardian charm.
      Michael

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  3. These look full of spirt, terrific work. Btw did you send me a box very recently, l couldn’t find a note in it?

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    1. Hi Alan, in my spares box was a flat cannon, as you collect lead flats, thought it might be of some service. No plans to collect flats, but I do enjoy viewing those posts, and how your collection develops.
      Michael

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