Friday 18 September 2020

Austrian update and a Jingling Johnny

I now have a total of 16 figures finished for the 59th Jordis Regiment. It has been a great boost to production to have had the sneaky head start.

This week I was very pleased to receive from Tony a Miniature Figurines S-range Imperial Guard marching band. These charming (and nicely painted) figures were part of the collection of the late Eric Knowles and as Tony already has one, he kindly passed them on to me.

I vaguely remember seeing these on the Minifigs list back in the day and I think there may even have been a photo in the catalogue, so it has been interesting to see them in the flesh. Back in the 70s there is no way I would have spent my pocket money on non-combatants so it will be a real luxury to add these now to my Hinton Hunt Imperial Guard. I’m thinking +1 to morale for all French units within 18”?

 If you don’t know what a Jingling Johnny is then Google it – I had to!

23 comments:

Rob said...

Those Austrians look great, I don't care what anyone says that orange (although more of a really rich deep yellow) is a perfect accompaniment to the white uniforms - there's something about figures with clean uniform (no braid) and limited palette that just looks stylish.

lewisgunner said...

Is it a jingling johnny?
Or is it a Chinese hat..? or chapeau Chinois?

See what you think.
Roy

Stryker said...

Rob, I agree it's quite a nice minimalist look but the black lining is a bit of a chore!

Stryker said...

Roy, 1VP to the British if they capture a Chapeau Chinois!

Aly Morrison said...

They are coming along nicely... it’s nice to get a head start with painting...

I’ve got one of these Old Guard bands... well almost... the Jingling Johny is missing...
I rather like the idea of having a corp of drums as well as the band...

There was also a British band... so maybe a battle of the bands as a scenario

All the best. Aly

Stryker said...

Aly, battle of the bands sounds like a great idea, maybe include a girl band - "Napoleon's daughters"?

Wellington Man said...

Your Austrians are looking great! Is the drummer your own conversion?
As for the band - just brilliant.
WM

Stryker said...

Hi Matthew, the drummer is either Clayton or DK, I'll check for a code when I base the unit!

'Lee. said...

Hi Ian, the band are absolutely charming, it's the only word I can think of to describe them. How do they scale up against the Hintons? Over on the Napoleonic FB page this week there was a lively discussion around nostalgia and vintage wargame figures, one guy (OK, it was my 40mm partner Ian Smith), saying he really does not understand why one would collect old figures when the modern ranges are so superior (his words!), he described the old Hinchliffe range as'fishing weights'.I guess you either get it or you don't, I most certainly do :)

Austrians coming on a treat, can't beat a white uniform.

Stryker said...

Lee, they are a perfect fit with the Hintons. Fishing weights, now I know what happened to my original army!

Rob said...

Thanks for the clarification on the moving and shooting rule (comment & response on previous post) - are you planning on another version of the rules soon?

Stryker said...

Rob, I've made some amendments but I want to properly playtest them before I publish any new version. The changes are quite subtle and are mostly to morale but I want to play a few games through to see how they pan out.

Mark Dudley said...

I like this marching pose and you have done them proud.

Stryker said...

Thanks Mark, this is one of HH's better sculpts I think.

WSTKS-FM Worldwide said...

The Pennsylvania Germans call these "Ooompa Sticks." Therre was an entire band of them just outside Philadelphia back in the early 1980s. I remember seeing humorous news items about them on TV a few times at the conclusion of the evening newscasts.

Best Regards,

Stokes

Ross Mac rmacfa@gmail.com said...

Nice work on the Austrians. I'm always surprised that the white uniform doesn't look as boring as it sounds when well painted.

Always want a wargame band, I blame Airfix, Featherstone and my old Minifig catalogue. Didn't manage even a small one till I got into toy soldier wargaming.

Stryker said...

Stokes, I had never heard of a Jingling Johnny until this week although I must say I think I prefer Ooompa Stick!

Stryker said...

Ross, until this week the only miniature military band I had ever owned was the Airfix Guards Band back in the early 60s!

Jeffers said...

I thought an Oompa Stick was something Willy Wonka used to discipline his staff.

Stryker said...

Jeffers, no it's something you stick up your jumper!

David said...

I love these, though I have to say, after awhile it looks like all of those yellow pompoms are eyes staring back at you.... Maybe that is their devious plan to mesmerize their enemies! Can't wait to see the whole battalion all mounted up on bases!

James Fisher said...

Those Austrians are great Ian, but I absolutely love the band!
Regards, James

Stryker said...

Thanks James, I hope to have the band on a proper parade soon!