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 19 March 2022

NEW ADDITIONS, March 19

Several years ago I purchased a music box biscuit tin for Christmas. It cost £5 and included a pack of shortbread biscuits. The Swiss mechanism plays, rather quaintly, DECK THE HALLS with Holly. With hindsight, it wasn't that great looking, and recently decided to get rid of it. Change of plan, decided to see if it could be converted into something more attractive. 

Completed yesterday, here it is. I'm a lot happier with it, and the tin container can also store some walls, railings, and street lamps. And the music only adds to my old style 'Toyshop Atmosphere'.






SOME MORE ARMOUR ARRIVES
A recent Ebay win has furnished two useful additions. It comprises a Crescent die-cast Saladin armoured car, and a Lone Star Bren Gun Carrier. Both are in very good condition, the wheels look almost new. They have both been repainted but its very nicely done, no signs of the previous paint, cracking or rough surfaces. These join examples already in my collection, but at £8.19 delivered, and requiring no restoration work, I'm quite satisfied.
MGB

16 comments:

  1. I have a couple of these tins too! You have done a splendid job with them. What paints did you use, acrylic?

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    1. Hi Alan, yes indeed, after a good priming.
      Michael

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  2. I'd be very happy with that biscuit tin, especially as it has multiple levels.

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    1. Well, QT, it made it to the bag of junk going out that day, then a sudden change of decision..... glad I did.
      Michael

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  3. Stunning conversion work.

    der Alte Fritz

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    1. Thanks Jim, its perfect in scale for my 28mm historical miniature wargaming, and when it comes to 54mm toy soldier wargaming, building scales can take a back seat in favour of the spectacle, thats my view.
      Michael

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  4. Great idea to re-purpose it , very smart .

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    1. Cheers Tony, some projects take up time and resources, and you still end up with something not wanted. But this looks quite fair on the table, and the storage container and tune is a nice bonus.
      Michael

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  5. One would never guess that began life as a biscuit tin. Beautiful conversion! And congrats on that eBay score!

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    1. Thanks John, to be honest, I hate waste, so I took a gamble with the biscuit tin and it worked out! Having two BGCs and Saladins does add to the 'army look'.
      Michael

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  6. I saw these tins and thought - would they work as tabletop buildings? - the; thought not. You have proved me wrong.

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    1. To be fair, Mark, I came to the same view, the lower part of the tin had to be totally reconstructed. My health condition says I'm still allowed to eat shortbread biscuits, so I took the risk buying it. And I also love swiss music boxes, and incorporating them into my toy collection.
      Michael

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  7. The before and after of the biscuit tin is stunning Michael, you really did an excellent job of transforming it into a beautiful piece! Great new armour pieces too, it's nice when they can go right onto your table!

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    1. Thank you Brad, next step is to arrange a scenario in which the new additions can be used, I'm looking forward to that!
      Michael

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  8. Magnificent building Mike - very effective.

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    1. Cheers George, I was just clearing the spare bedroom and the tin came very close to being dumped.... worth the paint and time, it fits in well with my other buildings.
      Michael

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