With skirmishers proving useful in my Dominion War campaign, the Americans have now gained two light infantry units. The pale blue are the Germania Rifles, a California National Guard unit which had a reputation for good marksmanship. The second, in dark blue, are the Honolulu Rifles, now in exile since the Hawaiian islands are now under British protection.
MGB
Recently repaired some old, lead dismounted horseguards. Had to construct a head using a home-service helmet and miliput. One of the figures appeared to be slightly different so appointed this figure to be their officer. They are now painted up as Ruritanian White Guards, a lance armed cavalry unit loyal to Crown Prince Rudolph,
While taking a country walk, Prince Michael came across members of his own Zenda Regiment. They have just acquired something very new to play with, but its a bit of a secret.
(Footnote, all uniforms and flags are based on the 1952 film Prisoner of Zenda, starring those great British character actors Stewart Granger, James Mason, Robert Douglas, Deborah Kerr)
MGB
These figures arrived yesterday and should fill any gaps in the collection. Most importantly, I now have enough lead figures to raise two regiments of Ruritanian cavalry, each four strong. These figures cost £10.80 including delivery. Today I paint stripped most of my spare lead castings, and then gave them a prime.
MGB
As a side project I'm raising a small force of Spanish, to serve as a colonial garrison. In my spares box were a number of broken figures, the same as several test-painted some time back as Spanish line infantry. Went to work on the broken figures on Wednesday. Today they were varnished and based, all having gone well repairing the broken rifles, and replacing the heads.
MGB
Among my old lead toy soldiers were five castings quite a bit smaller in scale, being 50mm to their forehead. Still keen to use these, decided to form a green-coated unit to serve with my W.Britains King's Royal Rifle Corps, which are also on the small side.To help with the size issue, I based the London Irish Rifles on thicker bases.
The London Irish Rifles are a volunteer-reservist battalion formed in 1859, and has a distinguished military record. Their uniform was rifle-green, with mid-green facings.
MGB
(The last photo courtesy of ..... By HantsAV - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=66566236
Have always liked the West Essex, it was the 'old' regiment with purple facings (there was another but changed over to white in the 1780s). When I decided to repair some broken W.Britains figures to raise a Line battalion I knew which regiment I wanted. Nice to see the original three figures now number twelve. Hope to complete their regimental flag soon.
Can just be seen, the Royal Highland Regiment (in grey), and the Gordon Highlanders (in red) are now twelve strong. Not shown, the Durham Light Infantry have also increased from eight to twelve figures,
MGB
Having only four marines in my collection, decided it was time to recruit a full battalion. Repairing old and broken W.Britains toy soldiers, these fellows are now ready to join the Royal Navy Landing Party.
MGB
