The Grand Duchy of Stollen

  T he first (roughly) third of the eventual Anhalt-Zerbst Regiment stand ready for glossing, slated to commence tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon once things calm down here post-Thanksgiving guests.  And holy moly were the the lapel buttons hard to render on the left of each figure along the musket stocks!  In most cases, though, I managed a reasonable semblance I think. The figures are not perfect, of course, but they ought to look pretty good once all 60+ are finished, flagged, and based.   After that, there is something special in the painting queue for 2026 of which more anon. You'll no doubt wonder why I am such a glutton for painting punishment when I disclose those particular plans in the new year.  As the late Brigadier Young once noted in that title so near and dear our hearts' Charge! Or How to Play War Games (1967), it's madness. There can be no other easy explanation. In the meantime, the next batch of 20 Anhalt-Zerbst  figures now await thei...

  H appy Thanksgiving to U.S. celebrants wherever in the world you might find yourself, and a belated Thanksgiving wish to our incredibly patient neighbors in Canada (less than an hour from my doorstep here in Michigan).  Quite a few Canadian family friends over the years, plus a number of colleagues here at Michigan State, so a big shout out to you.  The world has gone mad as my late maternal grandmother used to say.  Or, more accurately, not "the world" but rather us.  But we will come to our senses and get through the current situation one day.  Eventually.  Some say that awakening is already happening, but I remain skeptical.  We'll see. In more pleasant news, still here and still ticking along in the Grand Duchy, losing a few minutes here and there but still keeping time.  More or less. Almost finished with the MANY brass buttons on those first 20 Anhalt-Zerbst figures before the glossing stage.  No time for painti...

  I t's been stop-start, stop-start quite a bit here in the Grand Duchy the last few weeks, meaning that time at the painting desk has been scarce, but I've managed a bit of work now and then building up white washes on the coats, breeches, and waistcoats of the first 20 or so figures that will eventually comprise my version of the Anhalt-Zerbst Regiment, circa1770s in the Colonies.  Here, we see them just after Saturday evening's session concluded, when I finished the last six figures (front rank, furthest to the right).   Not quite happy with the drummer's sleeves.  A bit too much glaring 'Hollywood Smile' white, so those need some more attention, but otherwise they look reasonably good en masse.  Must check my to do list, but I think just drum cords, shoulder wings, buttons, and a few other dabs of gold here and there on the tips of scabbards (or sword hilts), and Bob's just about your mother's brother.  A few touch-ups too, but otherwise they're ...