Friday, 22 March 2024

French Fusiliers on Parade

This is the cover of Miniature Warfare, Volume 1, Number 11 from December 1968. When I first clapped eyes on it as a twelve year old I was determined to have a collection of French Hinton Hunt soldiers just like the ones in the photo!

Fast forward 56 years and finally here it is...


I like to think that there may be at least one figure from that original photo shoot in my collection now but we'll never know...

32 comments:

Rob said...

Well done! It's great when a project comes together, and French line infantry always looks so good en-masse. My vintage Napoleonics are still a long way from anything near completion but my ECW are effectively complete, just adding the odd extra, and getting played with - happy days!

Rob Young said...

Some things in life are simply meant to be.

Stryker said...

Rob, I guess I’m also now at the point that I can paint whatever I fancy as there are definitely enough of the little blighters to play games with!

Stryker said...

Rob Y, a case of be careful what you wish for!

Tiberian general said...

Fantastic iconic photos, you have done wargaming history proud.
Must be an elder wargamer thing I have memories of certain photos
that reminds me of why I started wargaming, the photo is one of them.


Willz.

Stryker said...

Thanks Willz, yes there are a few other photos that sparked my imagination back then that have stuck!

MSFoy said...

Splendid - that's a real accomplishment Ian - congratulations. The comment about one of the original figures surviving in your collection reminds me (for obscure reasons) that I once sat a maths exam which asked you prove that each time you breathe it is likely you are inhaling at least one molecule from Napoleon's dying breath. Naturally I didn't have a clue, but it is a thought - there must be a few in your Hut, then?

Stryker said...

Tony, this is great to think that as I sit painting of an evening I am breathing in Napoleon’s breath! You did prove it, right?

MSFoy said...

Alas, no - I had no idea how to go about it, but it's a pleasing idea, I think. If they asked the candidates to prove it, I guess it's probably true! Do you notice a very faint whiff of garlic?

WSTKS-FM Worldwide said...

A truly marvelous spectacle!

Kind Regards,

Stokes

Bob Spruster said...

Your bucket list is now one item shorter. Best add 3 new items...don't want to run out of them!
Bob

Donnie McGibbon said...

Quite superb, what a stunning collection, congratulations on achieving it, you must be extremely happy, I know I would!!

Wellington Man said...

I think you've actually outdone the original, Ian. This is a breathtaking achievement. Your wee men are magnificent!

Best regards
WM

Stryker said...

Tony, well, now you mention it…

Stryker said...

Thanks Stokes!

Stryker said...

Bob, you’re point is duly noted!

Stryker said...

Donnie, thanks and I am quite pleased with them!

Stryker said...

WM - you are too kind but I’ll take that!

Duke of Baylen said...

What a moment. How generous of you to share it. The ability of your reader to compare the original with what you've done is inspirational and nostalgic.
Well done and all the best with whichever ghost battalion you summon to march again next. Clearly old soldiers never die and perhaps some don't fade away either.
Stephen

Stryker said...

Thanks Stephen, just glad you like them!

the Archduke said...

Quite simply, the meaning of life, for those of us who know. I salute you and the lads.

Stryker said...

Thanks Nigel, very Zen!

David said...

What a stunning achievement and tribute to your inspiration. I agree with Wellington Man in that you have definitely outdone the original! That is a whole lot of loveliness. How did you celebrate the occasion? I hope there was a special bottle involved...

Aly Morrison said...

Absolutely splendid Ian…
I dug out my copy of the issue of Miniature Warfare after seeing this… Rather disappointingly there were no more pictures of the figures on the inside…
So you your pictures have already outdone the original 😁

All the best. Aly.

My butterfly is insisting that I now check out the other issues that I have…🦋🦋🦋

Stryker said...

David, just me on my own in the Hut but I had fun setting it all up!

Stryker said...

Aly, there are some more nice HH photos in Vol3 nos 2, 8 & 11 and Vol5 No7!

Matt said...

I agree with WM - you have surpassed the original (and then some)!

Stryker said...

Thanks Matt!

rross said...

Congratulations on achieving a lifelong dream - not many of us can say we have managed it!

Stryker said...

Thanks!

Paul said...

Well done Ian,I have always liked that magazine cover
Paul

Stryker said...

Thanks Paul, good to hear from you!