SOME NEW ADDITIONS recently completed

Picked up this Chinese made die-cast toy for only 50p in a local shop. It's a model of a Jaguar 1937 ss-100. The scale is not given but I would suggest 1/35. In perfect condition, it provides another vehicle for my WW2 street scene.

Four figures recently completed. Two Schleswig or German volunteers for the First Schleswig-Holstein War of 1848. A WW1 British Tommy. And an officer for my 8th Army battalion, completing its establishment to sixteen.

Some more figures recently completed. Converted some fairly small figures in my spares box into extra Soviet naval personnel.

My Dutch WW2 collection has gained a para-military policeman, or Royal Marechaussee.

Have been slowly increasing my unit of the King's Royal Rifle Corps. Starting off with a box of six, they now number ten. Some spare heads allowed me to convert two spare figures.

My Royal Navy Flat-iron gunboat has gained an extra crewman. Apparently it's a newer Britains figure, quite large, and solid metal. Where as I prefer the hollow castings, it does fit very well with the old Lone Star plastic range.

MGB

SOVIET NAVY ARRIVES

Decided to augment my Soviet WW2 naval forces by constructing a river craft. Variously described as a river gunboat, or a landing craft, it will make an interesting piece in any amphibious scenario. For gaming purposes it will have a crew of six.

MGB

PAINTED ARTILLERY PIECES

Working on a batch of Johillco die-cast howitzers. First up are a pair of French guns in their early WW1 grey-blue paint scheme. Had to construct the rear part of the carriage on one of the guns, using Milliput and plasticard.

This howitzer had its original wheels removed to complete the above project, but I had two large wheels in my spares box, and I think this model looks better for it. The rear of the carriage was also broken but was able to replace the poor repair work with something much more secure. The gun will serve with my German states army.

This W. Britains gun, kindly donated by George Mills, had its original brown carriage and grey wheels. I know collectors prefer the original look but I wanted the gun to have historical paintwork. This gun can now serve with either my United States or French 19th century armies. 

Finally, two more Johillco howitzers. Both in good working order, have decided to keep them as they are,  They have survived almost a century, and I rather like the metallic lilac paintwork. I guess that somewhat contradicts the former comment, oh well.

MGB

PAINTED ZOUAVES and TIRAILLEURS

Pleased to have completed two small battalions of French colonial troops. These were originally broken W. Britains figures I was fortunate enough to pick up quite cheaply. Decided it was best to paint strip, Milliput any holes, replace the broken rifles, and prime.

First up are some c.1860 Zouaves, at least one battalion initially wore green turbans. The ensign was a spare charging figure needing a purpose.

Original condition.

The second unit is an Algerian Tirailleur battalion in their distinctive sky-blue uniform. These are c.1900. One of the figures was missing its head but I was able to muster something similar in my spares box, decided to also cut away an arm and replace it with another to hold a flag.

MGB

AUCTION WIN, an old French cannon?

Just arrived is this box of old lead toys. Must admit, it was the broken gun which caught my eye. I am suspecting it is a French-made piece, but would welcome any further information on its manufacturer, or its portrayal. I intend to use it with my French and Danish 19th century armies. Total cost was £7.50. The seller kindly threw in a useful Deetail rearing horse.

MGB

ps. In another auction I picked up a badly broken W. Britains 1263 field gun. It cost £2 plus £3.20 for postage. I know this is expensive but good cart wheels would have cost something similar new, and I plan to convert the broken gun carriage into a naval deck gun. The seller mentioned it was his as a child, he is now sixty-eight years old.

AUCTION WIN, Johillco Howitzers

Several years ago I picked up a couple of die-cast Johillco? howitzers quite cheaply, as they were missing their wheels. These toys have a splendid c.1900 look to them,  which I was keen to include in my 54mm collection. Restored, they have also proved very useful to my gaming, and I have been keen to obtain some more.

In a recent auction I picked up another five, and a spare barrel. Unfortunately, only two of these are in full working order, the others are broken or with missing parts. I know these guns aren't rare, and were probably made as penny toys, but I like them! I will keep the two working models as they are, with their original paint, but will go to work converting the others and attach them to various armies. These guns came in two designs, one having a shield. Total cost was £10.

Here are my original two, with their replacement wheels.

Here are some historical artillery pieces which I think look quite similar.

FRENCH WW1

JAPANESE WW2

BRITISH COLONIAL

MGB