Here they are – the entire 30-figure regiment (28 Spencer Smiths + 2 Holger Erikssons). Except for a few minor touch-ups on the first two squadrons (to fix some rather odd looking legs) and a few of the white gauntlets, we have almost finished with the regiment. Today, I have arranged with the Grand Duchess for several hours of open time following a late breakfast, so I’ll be able to fix things in need of fixing and then apply a protective coat of Future floor polish.
Otherwise, I’m very pleased with the way these figures have turned out. Not the most detailed paint job I’ve ever completed, but (to paraphrase one Mr. John Preece) it’s not overly fussy and yet very pleasing in appearance. If you too are after an old-school appearance for your own 18th century armies, I’d heartily recommend Spencer Smith and Holger Eriksson figures. Not terribly detailed by modern standards, but en masse, you can’t argue with the effect. Plus they are similar in size to the RSM95 figures and a few others too. Enjoy!
Comments
Randy
I can also vouch for the effectiveness of the Future floor polish ("Klear" brand in the UK). Not only does it do the same job as varnish, it dries much quicker and comes in much bigger bottles for a much cheaper price. =)
Wow! Outstanding job of painting. They look like they mean business. Anything in the works as far as a Regimental History, or as new recruits do they have yet to have their deeds of glory recorded?
Yours,
Martin
Regards
Good work, my friend. They look marvelous and I'm sure will do well in Der Stollenkeller.
How is your preparation for the move coming along . . . and when is the big day?
-- Jeff
If I were to start over again I would be tempted to go the old school route with some minis like these.
There's a sense of achievement to finishing a unit, particularly cavalry, as they take so damn long.
I find myself lining them up and regarding them with all the pride of a colonel at a review.
Keep up the good work.
Looking forward to the "grand review" at the new home.
I also love the lay out of the regiment. Just looking at it now, it occurs to me that a large regt like that could use a farrier at the rear with an axe ready to dispatch the dead and wounded horses and cut off a hoof to reclaim the money.
I think I feel a conversion coming on.
Besides, I have a nice pile of RSM's and Revell figures waiting in the wings for painting, so. . . As I get older, the tendency to say "when" seems to be easier than when I was a callow youth! ;-)
Yes, the green bases are a bit plain, but I've gone for a very old school appearance here -- as I have with all of the figures I've painted for the Grand Duchy of Stollen project over the last year. and a half.
Packing for out imminent move is progressing well. And I might be able to at least get some artist's acrylic gesso on those 32 or so RSM French musketeers you've seen in earlier photos here. The actually painting -- the fun part -- will probably be delayed until the second half of April, following our move and setting up house in the new digs.
May is when things will get back to normal somewhat. The spring semester will end, and although I'll teach a May Term film course, there will be lots more time for important things like bicycling, painting, and mowing our new lawn. I can't wait!
Best Regards,
Stokes
They look magnificent - very well done. Decent sized cavalry regiments are something I miss about the AWI....
Good luck with packing!
Giles