CLEARING MY SPARES BOX

In between my researches and replacing the garden fence, decided to make an effort to clear some figures in my spares box. (Now reduced to sixteen spares/unpainted!)

First up is a command base for my Spanish army c.1900. Two WW1 Germans were easily converted. And it was nice to utilise some Britains furniture kindly supplied by Paul Watson.

Next up are some converted British infantry marching, they now have new arms and heads to represent a French Gunboat captain, and a captain for the French naval landing party. Also shown are a French 1870s infantryman and a WW2 Dutch policeman, and why not!

Police Helmet

My merchant ship now has a fully qualified captain commanding. Another kind donation from Paul. I do like the idea of my ships having an 'official' crew, It makes these models more complete.

Finally got around to completing the last part of my Spanish field hospital. When I discovered this print, had to represent it in the collection.

Any larger figures (56mm) in gaiters are drafted into this interesting unit. The Post Office Volunteers now number six.

Paul kindly sent me three artillerymen in pillbox hats. Was able to convert a marching figure into a fourth, with a spare head from REPLICA, enough now for my Royal Canadian Artillery to man a heavy garrison gun

Some repaint changes here, the former Prince Regent of Ruritania has become a Spanish Captain-General. A better choice of figure, more in keeping with the others in this collection. I also converted a spare fifer into an extra artilleryman.

My WW2 German collection has gained a command base and soldier belonging to the Empire Workers Service, in their distinctive brown uniform. And my spares box has also furnished five extra artillerymen.

And finally, Ruritania has a new Prince Regent, and Prince Michael has an infantry command base. All uniforms based on the 1952 movie. Most of the figures in this collection are about 50mm tall.

PLEASE NOTE, less posts in future, due to other projects.

MGB

More Canadian Troops & New Buildings,

My Canadian Empire troops have gained some new recruits. The Royal Scots of Canada were originally only five figures strong but can now furnish a full battalion of twelve. (Officer awaiting some spares from Replica.)

The Calgary Rifles have doubled to four. Quite a bit of work involved here. The figures requiring metal bases, repaired rifles, and two new heads made of squashed bearskins with steel rod and miliput.

I should mention, the Royal Grenadiers of Canada have also picked up another two figures, now with a strength of eight, and have recently been on active service in the last wargame.

As a footnote, have been experimenting with terrain features designed to sit on the edge of the wargames table, so saving space but still adding to the visual spectacle and the actual game. Here is a cardboard farmhouse and corrugated barn, figures can still be added to the inside of the former.

MGB

ROYAL SCOTS OF CANADA c.1885

Five more figures completed today, belonging to the Royal Scots of Canada, a volunteer-militia unit with a very fair military record. Originally raised in the 1860s, due to fears of an American invasion, its title has changed on many occasions, and were originally dressed as fusiliers. Interestingly, the unit wore white home service helmets with their highland dress for several years until funds were donated for the purchase of feather bonnets. The artist's rendition below should have stockings of red and white for this period, they adopted those shown at a later date. 

From my spares box I was able to replace several missing rifles, the spare heads came from castings now representing Spanish line infantry. A fun project. (Figures kindly donated by Paul Watson)

MGB

WORKING ON THOSE FIGURES, progress

As a follow-on to the previous post, have spent my hobby time working on the 184 spare soldiers recently received from Paul Watson. First job was to paint strip. Next step was to remove remaining paint with a sharp tool and file away any mould or casting lines. Some milliput was used on some castings but I prefer to carry out much of this work after they are primed; its easier to see any flaws and nicer to handle while replacing rifles, etc. Some figures will then receive a supplementary prime.

ROYAL WINNIPEG RIFLES

Two large riflemen did not require paint stripping, there was only a few chips on the paintwork and fine sandpaper removed any potential 'craters' if over painted. I then primed these areas with black matt enamel. New plumes and rifle extensions were drilled on, nice and secure. Tidied up the paintwork and varnished. (I'm very interested in obtaining a third figure, under my house rules they will need three figures to fire if serving as a separate unit, happy to pay or swap on a generous exchange.)

MGB