Spotted these very traditional lead figures on Ebay. Thought they would be a nice addition to the collection, and useful too. Further research showed that they were made by the English company Charbens, during the 1950s. They portray American soldiers with Browning HMGs, the larger is the 1917 model, the other is the M2 design. I don't actually collect WW2 American but painted one of the figures as intended. Another was drafted into my post-WW2 French army, they also used the 1917 model for many years. While the M2 was supplied to the Soviet Army in WW2, so painted the figure as a naval rating in a reefer jacket. With delivery, came to £10 (Thanks George). Will eventually base these with a suitable supporting figure.
Original condition below.
Soviet naval uniforms
OTHER FIGURES RESTORED
Some broken Airfix skiers are converted into something more useful.
Spare Airfix Desert Rat is converted into a Free French/colonial figure.
My spares/unfinished figures now stand at 32 needing cast heads, but otherwise painted and ready. With only sixteen more needing to be actually repaired and painted. There is also a splendid WW1 aircraft, kindly supplied by Paul, that needs painting.
MGB
Everything looks fantastic as always! That's also an impressively low spares/unfinished figure count. I hope to eventually get to such a place. Looking forward to seeing the WW1 aircraft!
ReplyDeleteCheers John, my hobby time is now divided into 'research', the garden, and completing my toy soldier projects. And I'm making real progress on all three. Still got to order most of the heads, which is causing the delay in their completion. And just remembered, there are another nine French (cuirassiers) still needing heads to complete. Oh well, will get there eventually!
DeleteMichael
The machine guns/gunners are fine figures MGB and it's great to see so many figures being restored and brought back into action!
ReplyDeleteThanks MJT, that has been a key part of my hobby, to see veteran figures looking as if they have just left the toy shop, lol.
DeleteMichael
Nice work. I especially like the Soviet naval version and also the Germans in camo. It looks like that toy machine gin was actually meant to fire a projectile.
ReplyDeleteHi Q, the naval reefer is a useful item for converting US figures. Yes, the heavier guns can still fire a projectile. But not as powerful as a Britains or Crescent gun, have some that can still fire matchsticks nine yards, lol.
DeleteMichael
Beautiful work as always Michael! The HMG's are awesome and will be great additions to your troops! The bren gun carrier looks better than new! I love the "urban" bases on the Airfix pieces, very unusual and unique!
ReplyDeleteThank you Brad. Most of my 54mm figures have simple, traditional green bases, but I adopted my 28mm style textured bases for the WW2 and Ruritania collections. 'Urban' bases can add a lot to some figures, with added interest in any photographs. Yes, the Lone Star vehicle has regained some pride, but still needs some suitable figures to operate it. Cheers,
DeleteMichael
Pleasure Mike
ReplyDelete