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.

Monday 11 October 2021

NEW ARRIVALS and NEW PROJECTS

Picked up a couple of auctions on Ebay. The first was a batch of Airfix German Mountain Troops. My plan is to form a 12-figure regiment for the wargames table while converting the remainder into artillery crew. I might also draft a few into my Zubrowka army, which was previously recruited from these figures.


The second batch are Airfix Japanese. They really are nicely designed, and a pleasure to paint. Only problem, it will be a real issue converting any of them into artillery crews. I can see why most collectors/wargamers utilise 1/35 scale for their support weaponry. The cost for all these figures, including delivery, was £15.90. Perhaps thats a bit high but I'm pleased with the gains.

Finally, have mentioned to Brad, I'm hoping to use some plastic Chinese-made copies for an unusual project. On Saturday, at my local market, I was able to pick up some 'strange' moulded toy soldiers for just £2. Its their odd-shaped German helmets which have opened up this idea. Have already associated them with a German artillery piece and an old lead machine-gunner. 


MGB

4 comments:

  1. I'm so glad that your local trader showed up on Saturday with a real bargain Michael! Now, the real mystery is what you will do with them! I can't wait to see what you have in mind!

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    1. Thanks Brad, have already done some milliput work on the figures, and I think its working. Hope the project is not a disappointment. I'm certainly finding it a bit of fun, and it will provide an interesting alternative scenario.
      Michael

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  2. I too am intrigued by the mystery use of those figures! Classic Toy Soldiers makes 54mm German and American artillery crews but alas, that's it. BMC/Marx has a Japanese figure with what looks like hands over the ears and that might work for manning a gun.

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    1. Hi John, I love the range of 1/35, and understand why using them with 1/32 is no great issue. However, the costs of 1/35 has convinced me to try and convert what I need. I will keep an eye out for your suggestion of using a BMC/Marx Japanese figure, working on the idea of mustering two or three crew for most support weapons. No problems with the German artillery crews, the mountain troops have provided all I need. Have just completed another small unit of German infantry, something also unusual! And the 'mystery' figures are coming on quite well too.
      Michael

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