As promised, I've started work on a French infantry unit using the charging fusilier figure from the Hinton Hunt 1807-12 range. The first 'test figure' below is one of the ones Tony gave to me recently. The unit will represent the 57th Les Terribles because I just had to have a unit with that name.
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| FN/244 Fusilier (charging) |
Stripping the old paint from the batch of figures turned into a right old chore. The ones Tony gave me were fine but the others I've used resisted the bleach soak. I eventually got them all cleaned up after two goes in a Dettol bath. I'm hoping to get the unit painted reasonably fast as I have cleared all distractions from the painting desk.
26 comments:
Looking good, how fast is reasonably fast I wonder? I'm struggling badly with my greatcoated unit. I've realised the reason I don't enjoy painting infantry is the backpacks - they make a lot of work and obscure the pretty uniforms. In fact they can make one's troops, when viewed from the back, as they usually are, look like a luggage carousel at Gatwick.
Thanks Rob, I'm thinking mid-April? Good point about backpacks I wonder how often they actually wore them in battle?
A very nice start, the whole unit should look the part.
Thanks Donnie, I’m sure the emperor hopes so!
They did wear them in battle as everything they owned was in them. I have read accounts where they (Russians) took off their backpacks before attacking but then got defeated and had to leave them all behind. But storming, and/or defending, a fortified town would probably see them left in camp / barracks. Maybe a few other secnarios as well. The Spanish would consider themselves lucky to have any possessions let alone an issue backpack in which to put them, which may be why they are so often depicted without.
He looks fantastic! Spiffing even. Can't wait to see the entire regiment all present and correct.
Kind Regards,
Stokes
Good name... seems like ages since I stripped any figures in Dettol.
A good choice of regiment - will they live up to their name in a positive way on the battlefield or earn it for doing badly?
Perhaps only the Franco-Prussian war is worse for backpacks etc. Some periods tempt simply because the figures don't have the clutter and so are quicker to paint and perhaps, as Rob suggests, smarter in appearance. Nevertheless there is something business like about the Marius Mule approach to war.
Stephen
He scrubbed well and nice to see how they should look compared with my 1970s efforts! Dettol is a new method for me ......I've followed your bleach bath instructions for a few years now....is there any difference?
Thanks Stokes.
I normally use bleach Rob but these guys needed a plan B.
Thanks Stephen this is one reason I like painting ACW stuff - no backpacks!
Simon, sometimes I find the bleach has no effect - I think these had been undercoated with cellulose car spray paint. Dettol is more effective than bleach but results in an unpleasant goo also I don’t like the smell. It’s worth trying if you come across something stubborn!
Looks like another worthy addition to the collection.
Gives me something to shoot at in June.
Can you double gloss the muskets so they cant shoot back?
I could Matt buy on the other hand you could always put in a transfer to the French side!
Lovely work indeed old chap…
I do wonder what people used for undercoat back in the day… I’ve encountered stuff the simply won’t shift… I suspect it was something Army Surplus 😳
All the best. Aly
Thanks Aly, it can be very difficult to judge how hard it will be to remove the old paint - sometimes it just falls off and other times you need dynamite!
And now I want to paint more French. Thanks Ian ;)
You’re welcome David!
He looks very good - I bet the lad is a bit surprised to get his draft papers - he must be 70 at least...
...well, maybe 60...
I know how he feels Tony!
He's a cracker, Ian! I've been using Dettol throughout, but as you say, cleaning them up afterwards is a messy, greasy business on occasion. It seems to shift everything eventually, however.
Thanks WM.
Lovely figures! I am envious of your painting sir! For stripping old paint off figures, have you tried BioStrip? None of the nasty smells and works a treat for removing old enamel paints. I saw it recommended on another blog, tried it myself and am really impressed
Thanks for the tip Ian I’ll check that out. Normally I find bleach does the trick but it’s useful to have a backup.
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