Wednesday 9 April 2014

Low Countries muster goes East

In preparation of Anglo/Russian invasion (1799) games set in the Noord-Holland region of the Netherlands, I try to gradually collect more and more troops that can play their part in that. Inspired by Massimo's tip on the use of recast Charbens mitre cap grenadiers (TSC, USA) I tried the looks of a 18th century Russian grenadiers on one of my Jean Hoeflers' Prussian grenadier of the Guard, foot figures.
Enthusiastic by the looks of the first figure I completed an About Bonapart style battalion of eight. An officer was engineered from an unknown brand figure with a Jean mitre cap on top. There's a musician (drums) coming up.
Figures were firstly washed intensely in a high grade detergent ('miracle blue' or 'blue wonder'). This removes paint layers as well! Dryed and sprayed with a plastic primer followed some minutes later by a light coat of GW skull white paint spray. Subsequently acrylic paint layers were build up to this result.
Photographs (Canon XM-2 3CCD video camera in 'card' position) were taken outdoors against a natural backdrop in my garden. As a source for the uniform colors I used the below illustration. I'm aware my officer has a somewhat awkward way of dressing given the period: I'm fine with that.
Known sources of grenadiers drums show them with wooden or brass kettles, rope tensioned skins and white hoops with black 'dog toothing'. Minor adaptation to a British grenadier drummer did the job here.

4 comments:

  1. Splendid work Marcel,
    I not love the Jean Hoeflers but your men have charisma and personality, and so it must be. Our figures are not Model Soldiers so we do not just have to give them a soul, a warriors soul!
    I wait to see the rest. A presto
    Massimo

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  2. great paiting job!! High above my standard.

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  3. I like what you did with the drummer.

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  4. Nicely done, I particularly like the officer. Keep up the great work on this blog!
    Best wishes, Brian

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