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Just the Metallic Bits, Dappeled Grey, and Squadron Standard to Do. . .

We're just about there. . . 


Well, after a prolonged period of inactivity on the hobby front, I've managed to get myself back into the painting chair for a few sessions in the last week or so, and just a few items remain before the two-squadron regiment of cuirassiers in bearskins can be glossed.  

The title of this particular post says it all, so I won't go into excruciating detail here.  However, there is one very important lesson to learn from ol' Uncle Ass Backwards (aka yours truly).  

If  there are small parts to affix to your figures -- like, oh, I don't know, the muskets just to the left of the figures shown above -- it is far easier (re: better) to do so before ANY basecoating or painting begins in earnest.  You will, I trust, grasp instantly what I'm talking about.

When I began work on the first red-coated squadron last summer, I was in such a rush to get started with the project that I totally forgot about the muskets, which needed to be glued carefully into place just behind each trooper's right arm and leg.  You can imagine my consternation when, after finishing that first half of the planned regiment and preparing to start with the 14 above, I realized my mistake.  If memory serves me correctly, the air here in Zum Stollenkeller was briefly turned blue by the string of curses muttered below my breath. 

Sigh.  Well, nothing for it but to paint the muskets separately and then attempt to put them into place with two or three tiny drops of superglue gel.  I suspect that my face will turn purple due to prolonged holding of breath.  Wish me luck!

-- Stokes

Comments

Stryker said…
That does sound like a right fiddle but I'm sure the finished unit will be worth any temporary raising of your blood pressure!
Bit by Bit as they say, (esp the bridles).

I have no doubt of your ability to superglue the paint on the muskets to the paint on the figures.
My Dear Heinz Ulrich, Greetings!

The figures look terrific, to quote my young nephew. The process of adding the rifles might be facilitated if you use a material like Zap Kicker which will set the rifles in position within 3-5 seconds. I would recommend selecting one horse and rider to initially work out exactly the location of the muskets and then move forward. And, of course, with any of the superglue gels and accelerants good ventilation is an absolute must.


I look forward with much anticipation the presentation of the finished products.


Your Obedient Servant,


Gerardus Magnus

Lovely Stokes. I do enjoy looking at RSM figures. Best of luck with the muskets. I opted for the figures holding? swords. I learned you could loop the sword around the figures hand and apply liberal amounts of super glue.
Wellington Man said…
Yaaaaarrrrrrgh, as they say these parts.

Nevertheless, I think your plan will work....it's effectively what I do when I glue my flags onto their standard bearers. Liberal amounts of varnish on top should help to bind everything together. Best of luck!
WM

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