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| Almost there with the final third of the Anhalt-Zerbst Regiment! |
Following a day of clean-up and mowing outside (seven or eight bags of grass clippings and winter debris all told, whew!), I returned to the painting desk for 6o minutes or so after a shower, fresh pajamas, and dinner with the Grand Duchess. Armed with a fresh mug of dark roast coffee, bright lights, and a "let's get this done!" attitude, I went to work about 7:45pm.
Roughly an hour later, the remaining buttons on waistcoats and red lapels were done, and I could breathe again (as the great Robert Plant sang in 'Little by Little' about 1985). Not too many mistakes along the way although there were a few in the tighter spots. Grrr. But nothing that couldn't be fixed in the mix after the fact.
Now some might sigh and say, "Stokes, why on earth do you go to such lengths and paint things like buttons and horse hooves when absolutely and categorically no one else will notice those details besides you?"
Well, there are three connected reasons. First, with nice, crisp castings like these, it seems a shame not to paint them. I know, I know. Second, painstaking attention to details like buttons give a tabletop unit extra pizzazz and glitter that just seem necessary for the horse and musket era. At least before rapid fire, long range weapons entered the picture. And third, I know these details are there and could not ignore them in good conscience. Maybe if I were painting true 15mm figures, like old first or second generation MiniFigs, or Peter Laing figures going back even further, but not 28-30mm.
These days even some 10-12mm ranges feature exquisite sculpting and detail. I don't know how wargamers opting for those do it. I'd go for 5- or 6mm or metal Kriegspiel blocks myself.
So, there is my rather warped rationale for today. But back to the Anhlt-Zerbst Regiment above for a moment.
Still a few very minor touch-ups to address this evening after dinner. And I see a few buttons that need a dab more paint to stand out properly. But we're basically all done except for flags and glossing. Time now to dig into my stock of Litko bases and see if I have enough of my preferred sizes, of if an order is necessary. I use the basing conventions set down by the later Peter Gilder in his In the Grand Manner rules. At least for close order infantry and cavalry.
These dimensions have always looked "right" to my eyes for 18th century and Napoleonic formations armed with muskets and swords or sabres. Not quite the elbow to elbow (or boot to boot for cavalry) of a stationary formation all dressed and at attention, but close enough.
But enough nattering on about all of this for now. Time for a refill of coffee upstairs in the kitchen. Happy Sunday everyone!
-- Stokes
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