FRENCH LIGHT HORSE?
Here is the newly completed officer for that rather odd uniformed cavalry unit, recently purchased. I'm still wondering quite what they represent, the saddle pouches are confirmed as French, so they will serve as chasseurs a' cheval on French colonial service. The spike on two helmets was not robust enough to survive handling, better to reduce them.
Decided to add some additional ornamentation to the uniforms, befitting Chasseurs.
But these photos are already OUT OF DATE!!!!!!!!!!!
More changes!I'm still not happy. Viewing my collection of French cavalry, it is still in a total mess! I feel the above chasseurs should be wearing kepis. Equally odd, looking at my two squadrons of Dorset-made Algerian Spahi, the figures are holding swords, but still have sword hilts in their scabbards! And I don't need eight of them! As for my French cuirassiers, two figures is hardly a fine representation. This is a wargame project that must be sorted out.
Viewing the figures again, it has occurred to me that the Algerian Spahi could be divided into two units, the second to be repainted as Senegalais Spahi, in their distinctive red uniforms. I'm able to home-cast some suitable heads and replacement arms for those surplus swords, and will no doubt find a use for those being replaced. As for the cuirassiers, I will just have to invest some funds into new recruits. Well, that's my plan.
SPAHI SENEGALAIS ENTER SERVICE
Rather than a total paint strip of four mounted Algerian Spahi, I restricted it to the uniform clothing. I also removed the sword arm and head. Will clean them up and then prime the required areas. The former owner also used a rather messy and thick epoxy glue, it was a pleasure to remove that too.
Replacement arms, and primed.
COLLECTABLES SHOPNot too surprising, but perhaps slightly uncanny, my French 1870-1914 army has gained some new recruits. I spotted these on Ebay, and the seller accepted £40. Still an expense, but these figures rarely go for less. What made their purchase rather uncanny is that they were available to pick up in Exeter, and a member of my family regularly drives through that city, so no charge for postage!
With the home-cast heads fitted, I was ready to apply some paint. I'm a lot happier with these now they represent Spahis Senegalais.
OK, not quite a period piece, but still a vintage toy. I paid £3 in the collectables shop for this lead item. Just needed to tidy up some chipped paintwork.
THE FRENCH CAVALRY ARE RECRUITING!
The figures numbered five, but two would require some repair work on horses legs. Strangely, all must have been left for some time in direct sunlight as the original paintwork still remained on both sides, but on one side it had gone totally matt. Still, that can be remedied with a varnish spray, but I will wish to tidy up some of the paintwork first....... if a figure is cast with a chin strap surely it deserves to be painted?
The spare officer on a white horse will be easily converted into a bugler.
Collectors will be pleased to know that I will be keeping the box.
Went to work on repairing the three broken horse legs, I also gave the figures a wash to remove any dirt and dust. On the positive side, no need to paint strip, the original is in good condition and will permit additional detail to be simply applied.
In the 1890s the French Empire was seeking to occupy much of North Africa. The Spahis Soudanais were recruited in what is today called Mali, although the squadron was later attached to the Senegalais squadron, before eventually regaining autonomy once more. And the unit is still on active service in Mali to this day!
Well, this gives me seven cuirassiers, daft not to recruit at least one more.
Having completed the milliput repairs I started on restoring the paintwork. My original two cuirassiers had clearly been repainted when compared to those from the box. I also felt all the castings deserved to have their saddle furniture correctly brought out. I then gave them all a gloss varnish spray. I am very pleased with these!
THE SPAHIS SOUDANAIS
HISTORY
No plans to raise this unit but worth noting here. If you look up French colonial units you rarely find this one listed, but its history is an interesting story. My discovery of this unit came about by pure chance, the print below being the instigator. It actually showed the uniform for TWO military units, one of which is easily missed. 
Reproduced for purposes of education, no profit made.
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I have seen one print in which this unit also used tropical helmets, the same uniform as the Senegalais squadron I have recreated.
CHARITY SHOP BICYCLE
A nice little find in a charity shop. This cycle is a bit large for scale, more suitable for 60mm toy soldiers, but very well made. It is metal, and the wheels, gears, and steering all turn. A fun civilian addition, it reminds me of the one my grandmother had in her garage that dated back to the 1930s. It too had a front cage and was also painted black.
A NEW TOWN FIGURE
Decided to convert an unpainted postwoman into a town lady. Milliput was used to extend the coat.
And a sitting down figure, kindly furnished by my good friend Graham Apperley. I was able to construct the missing arm, and then primed and painted.
THE FRIESIAN HERD
The two very old lead cows acquired recently have been paint stripped and repainted.
And to work with the above, here are the three repaired Charbens milk churns.
Recommended Viewing
Excellent Video on the History of Airfix
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PLEASE NOTE
This post was compiled in March. It is quite likely I will be moving house during April.
Please expect a fair delay in my next post.
Cheers for Now.
MGB
Super pot Michael, your French cavalry is lovely and very nice conversion work. Nice additions as well, the milk churns look very nice, handy for table dressing too!
ReplyDeleteHello Donnie, I'm allowing myself a spell on my hobbies today. Raising the French 54mm collection (1870-1914) has been fun, but the cavalry arm was in a serious mess. I think it is looking a lot more colourful and interesting with these units.
DeleteMichael
* that should read post, not pot!!*
ReplyDeleteJust pleased to see you posting again!!!!!
DeleteYour conversions looks great James. Unusual but also an interesting subject for miniatures too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the link to the Airfix-history.
Hello Roger, Thank you, just hope I eventually get some time to see these new additions on the gaming table. A little frightening to think that younger generations have no affinity to Airfix, and little inclination to spend time constructing a model kit. For them, games on their mobile phone is their scene.
DeleteMichael
I really love your Spahis Senegalais Michael! They look great and add a very exotic touch to your French cavalry!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your research on the Spahis Soudanais, very interesting information indeed! Best of luck with your house moving!
Hello Brad. I always get a thrill discovering information on a military unit that was unknown or little known to me, and had the potential of being recreated in my collection. I really am pleased with the Spahis Senegalais..... some red coated colonial cavalry! I don't mind admitting it has been a very stressful twelve months but I'm beginning to see a glimmer of light, perhaps. Best wishes,
DeleteMichael
Great work on the Senegalese Spahis, an inspired choice and such an unusual unit. Wishing a peaceful Easter to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteHello Brian. I do think they are a nice addition to my French collection, and they can still form a brigade with the Spahis Algerian, or operate with my Zouaves. And may I wish you too a very Happy Easter. It is actually sunny here in the West Country.
DeleteMichael
Splendid work on the French cavalry contingent. That was a good buy at £40 as those figures are never cheap (even though they are probably the commonest French cavalry figure). I bought 8 mint condition ones a few years ago but they cost me £10 each. You need another one, I need another four. I used to build cavalry units in eights for rules purposes but have now settled on six as my standard. That means I have a few 8 man units, where I want another four figures to make two squadrons (two per regiment). What I ought to do is sell or give away two in these cases but ......lol! A good example of that was the CIV cavalry in my last blog post. I had eight, stumbled on another two and eventually converted two more. I need to replicate this with my French Cuirassiers (4 needed), my French light Cavalry (arabs - 3 needed), British Lancers, (3 needed), Lifeguards (4 needed) and my German Cuirassiers (4 needed). It gives me something to look for at the toy fairs I suppose! More than anything else I need spare arms and heads. I need to try to find a good source of these in the UK.
ReplyDeleteThe bicycle is superb! Colour me jealous!
Best wishes on the house move !
Regards
Graham
Hello Graham, my squadrons are only four figures! That might seem low but I don't won't my cavalry to charge through resolute-firing infantry battalions for the late 19th century, I suspect they would if I increased their numbers. Refusing to advance on half strength is rather important to my house rules. Did I mention it is also a lot cheaper. I do use six or even sixteen (Turks) in my 28mm horse units, but too expensive for 54mm. I will be happy with five or six French 54mm squadrons, anymore and I suspect table space will also hit me. I should add, I was in the process of converting one of my Spanish squads into Danish, hope to complete them in the near future. The cycle only cost me £1.50!
DeleteCheers,
Michael
Graham, what is the situation with 54mm spares, I know Langley have a good service, and Tradition can supply some items. But what happened to those that bought Dorset Toy Soldiers, and is Replica still running? I know Irregular have closed recently.
DeleteMichael
Michael, I understand the four figure decision, its just that my preferred rule sets tend towards six. The rules we use tend to be the determining factor generally on unit sizes. £1.50! you are a highwayman sir! lol!
DeleteWith regard to spare parts, right now I am unsure. Replica seems to blow hot and cold and the website suggests the business is in limbo pending a move (which I thought happened a while back). I have no information on the others. I must do some digging. I will post an update on my blog if I can get any information.
Graham
Well, Graham, I did one order to the company that took over Dorset, which went well, but it was then sold on to others. Can't find anything more. On Replica, I came to the same conclusion as yourself. Langley are still running well, I believe. Oh well, it is a fringe hobby, must be difficult for the traders.
DeleteDorset are still operating but are in the process of setting up a new website, in the meantime they can be contacted through their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/p/Dorset-Model-Soldiers-100057222018983/
DeleteThanks Brian. That is very useful to know as my website searches had turned up nothing.
DeleteMichael