First step was to undercoat them. This was completed by Saturday. Step two was to turn all these faceless warriors into, warriors that had faces. So flesh was dabbed on them. All 1400. This was completed on Saturday whilst listening to the build up, and first half of Grimsby's FA Cup match. I missed the second half to go for a swim, and I'm flaming glad I did. The best that can be said is 'we can concentrate on the League now'.
I digress. Now step three was to break the metaphorical elephant down into more manageable pieces. I always do batch painting (hence steps 1 and 2) but doing 1100+ infantry, colour by colour, is a bit daunting. I have therefore broken them down to what some games call 'factions'. As I'd been thinking of Minden for a long time, I decided to crack on with the Hessens and Brunswickers. Next task was to identify the uniform colours, for which I leant on Kronoskaf. Sufficient figures were pulled out of the stocks to make up 7 units of musketeers, 2 of grenadiers, 1 hussars (combining Hessen and Brunswick regiments) and 1 of dragoons. I already have a unit of Hessian Horse finished from a month or so ago. I'll do a unit of Jäger later. 1 regiment of infantry (1/2 a game unit) is going to be dressed in late war style, in fusilier mitres because I have some in the spares box, and for a bit of variety.
Hessian Horse (regiments Prinz Wilhelm and Pruschenk), before the bases were finished. |
The infantry are all blue-coated (I've gone dark for the Hessens and mid-blue for the Brunswickers, just for variety and ease of identification), the dragoons are sky blue (like the Prussians). Rather boring in itself, but amongst the usual red cuffs and turn backs, there is yellow, white and even orange to lift the gloom. The hussars are also blue, but they just look more splendid, at least in the pictures:
Having organised all that, I finally got the various shades of blue paint out and set to work. The German auxiliaries all have coats now. They're now waiting for the commissariat of His Britannic Majesty to provide the rest of the clothing and weaponry. Can I finish painting by the weekend?
Whilst I've been doing all this, apart from football, I've been listening to the Empire podcast with William Dalrymple and Anita Anand. Specifically the series on the East India Company, and the Great Game. Having gone through all the early days of the EIC and its rise to power over much of India, I've been through the First Afghan War and now on to the Crimean War. The guest on the latter is Orlando Figes author of (what I thought) was an excellent introductory tome on the CW. Very, very entertaining and informative. All spookily current too.
Update
I have finished painting the Brunswick line infantry contingent, including the flags. Plus on the rest I've done all the white breeches, swords, musket barrels/bayonets, drums, mitre fronts and metal on the flags, pontoons etc. I also had to go back and do some of the coat backs and faces that I'd missed. Just over 3 hours work. Effectively I'm only 2 packs down of the 30 that I bought. Gulp!
It's the cross belts and the hat lace that takes the time. But tis' these things that make them look like 18th century soldiers, so it's worth it.
Oh, and if you came here looking for the Big Push, the band, here is something for you:
A bientôt mes amis!
Very organized Chris, I am sure Henry Ford would approve....although he might insist all 1400 should have black uniforms?!
ReplyDeleteInteresting you mention that podcast...mate Julian (or, was it Rick?) has been listening to the same of late and was extolling its virtues in Sunday!
Ha ha. It is a bit Fordian. I should have done Brunswickers for 1815.
DeleteChris
Progress indeed made, coming along very nicely.
ReplyDeleteAlan Tradgardland
Off to a good start, certainly. Whether I can maintain the momentum is another matter. But at least going for one force rather than all, means if momentum wanes, I have something to show for it.
DeleteChris
Tacking this huge lot in one go is impressive yet unbelievable. I cannot imagine pulling off an effort of this scale. The podcast mentioned does sound interesting. I may find it and give a listen in my next painting session.
ReplyDeleteBear in mind that the figures are a fraction of the size of 28mm, and it doesn’t seem so daunting.
DeleteThe pair that do the podcast are very engaging and they bounce off each other. Dalrymple (very posh Scottish background, with ancestors in the events discussed) is the historian and Anand (Punjabi background, very posh BBC accent) performs the educated listener role. And then there’s the great personal chemistry which keeps things light.
Chris
Having painted two, large Punic Wars armies in 6mm, your undertaking still seems daunting to me.
DeleteMan that’s some job you’ve taken on…looking good so far though!
ReplyDeleteMadness innit!
DeleteChris
Off to a flyer with your Hessians and Brunswickers, I like the way you do it, get the whole lot undercoated and fleshed then break them down to doable units, good regime. Looking forward to seeing more progress.
ReplyDeleteCheers Donnie. Think I’ll finish the common items first (metalwork and woodwork) then the schedule gets a bit more complicated.
DeleteChris
You are impressively well organised - your title for this post made me imagine you starting at 6.00am by blowing a whistle..
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you will do them in record time, look forward to seeing them completed.
Though I will admit, I always leave the flesh colour until last - that seems to be the point when life is breathed into them..
I’m more likely to be up at the other end of the day.
DeleteI do flesh first because if I splash on too much it messes up the uniform, but if I do too much on the coat and it covers part of the face it’s not so noticeable.
Chris
Excellent work Chris.
ReplyDeleteA very large job but you seem to have everything organised to get it done.
Thanks Ben. Organised maybe, but I’ve got to follow-through.
DeleteChris
Excellent work there Chris, but far too many units for this poor weak soul to contemplate painting! I tend to do the hands and faces last, or pretty near the end, depending upon the period and sculpt in question.
ReplyDeleteI’ve started missing out hands on 6mm figures lately. So far it hasn’t caused a world collapse, although you never know with the ‘butterfly effect’……
DeleteChris
I am astounded and impressed by your ambition. However, it sounds like your organisation will place you in good stead.
ReplyDeleteThat’s a nice way of saying I’m mad Richard 😉
DeleteOrganisation helps certainly. At the moment it’s looking daunting, and I’m now questioning whether I am going to enjoy doing it for its own sake.
Chris