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Step 5.5 Black & Brown Undercoats. . .

Still quite a way to go, but we're getting there.  Dark red -- Citadel Khorne Red -- to the  facings and turnbacks next, followed by light gray to the shoulder belts.  Then, it will be time for sparing highlights.


As and when time has permitted this week, I've applied black and dark brown onto those areas destined eventually for a dab, dash, or blob of dark gray and medium brown highlights.  I've also looked carefully over the dark blue areas to make sure the white basecoat has been completely covered, remedying any situations where I've somehow not managed that given the extra time and care taken to avoid lousing up the already painted horses.  These areas will get a very sparing medium blue highlight when the time comes.

As noted last year (?) in an older blog post, or perhaps in an article somewhere, I find that you paint, paint, and paint for what can seem like ages with little apparent visible progress.  But suddenly, almost as if by magic, everything begins coming together pretty quickly.  I hope that once it is time to begin careful application of highlights to the initial 36 Minden Austrian dragoons will do just that.  We will see.

By the way, the additional horse grenadiers should make it to Stollen Central by today (Saturday), or Monday!  The additional Litko bases, for what promises to be a MONSTER regiment of cavalry when finished, arrived a couple of days ago.  But back to the figures currently on deck.  Next up, light gray on the shoulder belts, which will then be highlighted with white.

Thus far (cross your fingers and toes), no horrible mishaps with a brushful of color on the previously painted horses.  Having said that, I have, no doubt, destined myself for some sort of painting glitch and the requisite muttered blue language the next time I sit down to the painting table.  However, it is worth pointing out that it is usually pretty easy to wick misplaced acrylics off areas painted previously with oil-based paints, as these horses have been, but you must acti quickly and do so before the paint sets.

On a somewhat brighter note, and some of you may disagree here, but there is nothing like a bit of cheesy, German 'schlager' music playing online in the background to spur on one's painting efforts.  At the moment, I've got Schlager Radio B2 Berlin online.  The term "so bad, it's good" comes readily to mind.  I'd better not let The Grand Duchess hear what I'm listening to.  She'll make me turn it off.  Many years of living in Germany have made her musical tastes vehemently -- and I might suggest unfairly -- anti-schlager.  Her loss, say I.

-- Stokes

Comments

johnpreece said…
I foolishly allowed curiosity to overcome me and followed your link to the Berlin Station.

AArgh! I am now spending the next 12 hours listening to English choral music in a darkened room to recover.

Your wife has commendable taste, as to yours...

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