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 greatly enhanced several collections.

Friday, 23 February 2024

JUST SORTING OUT SOME FUN PROJECTS

Have been clearing a few more bits and pieces this week. It is always satisfying to reduce the spare materials. 

First up is a military wagon for my French 19th century army. Bought a broken Dinky farm trailer for £2, just for the useful wheels, but then decided not to waste the metal trailer. I already had a spare pair of spoked metal wheels, and a Britains draft horse. Also constructed some suitable baggage.

Some spare wheels and plasticard have allowed me to convert a Lone Star item into a Generator Trailer for my blue radar truck. And two more wheels have provided a WW2 British Para trailer. 


I just can't throw away good materials. This off-cut of hardwood has been used to construct a tugboat. Some surplus plastic figures furnished a crew. Had to buy some extra tyres, costing £2.50, but a fun addition for my fleet.

This project was to clear some old plant trellis, hardboard, and bits of card. I wanted a suitable bridge for some WW2 special missions. Nothing great, but it will do the job. It is based on the draw bridges that are such a common sight in the Netherlands..... lets hope my bridge isn't too far!

MGB
Replies to Comments kindly posted below
Thanks MJT, when I spotted the rusty Meccano repair I knew this was a very old toy, much loved!
Thank you Brad. I confess to having always been interested in amphibious wargames, with toy soldiers and ships creating a visual spectacle. The tugboat will add a civilian participation.
That is very kind, Quinn. But there are superb 28mm collections and wargaming out there that vastly surpass anything I can put together. My excursion into 54mm is pure nostalgia, recreating the magic of visiting a toy shop in the late 1960s-70s. They say necessity is the mother of invention, well frugality is my mother for cheap toys.

3 comments:

  1. Great work MGB! I agree about not throwing away useful bits and pieces!! Probably why I have so much clutter..
    I like the bit of Meccano that someone fixed to the farm trailer, as an extra towing piece I suppose?

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  2. The wagon and trailers all look great Michael! The tug is excellent and should come in handy with the rest of your fleet!

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  3. Michael have you considered doing a small book on the hobby? Your conversions of toy soldiers, photos, wargames and scenery are seriously very impressive and I believe your book would have a wide audience in the hobby community if you chose to do one. Your creativity and talent are just awesome cannot say that enough about your work.
    Thank you - Quinn

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