Diniums Loft

Been a while...

2012-01-18T08:48:00.000Z

Yes, it has been a very long while. Apologies to anyone who has stopped by to have a look at some new paintwork and found it very quiet. I had to put the hobby to one side for a time. With little girl number two Ava coming along last year and a big move up to Scotland at the end of the year, the lead pile has been neglected for far too long as real life took all my energy and efforts for a while.

I have finally started fishing the paints and miniatures out of their 'resting' places and hope to start painting again very soon. The itch is returning.

46 Recce Bren Carrier photo update

2011-05-12T12:55:00.000+01:00

I've been lucky enough to access some fairly detailed unit history for 46 Recce on the WWIItalk forum. According to an extract from the Reconnaisance Journal (the Corps' own journal), the regiment concentrated near Udine in northern Italy after the German collapse in 1945. they were ordered into Austria to link up with the Russians and it appears they entered Judenburg in Styria. There is even reference to the units' White scout cars making it over the mountain passes, despite being obsolete (this corresponds nicely with the White scout car in the background in my grandad's pic). Apparently, there was much drinking with the Russians - of Schnapps mixed with Petrol - and plenty of hangovers!

So there we have it, the pic is almost certainly taken in Austria.

Here are the Divisional vehicle markings for 46 recce. The reconnaissance sign is on the left, and 46th Division emblem is on the right. These can be seen on front wings of the bren carrier in the picture (earlier post). Grandad's carrier also has a spare stowage box bolted along the front, and on top of this appears to be a pyrene fire extinguisher. A little converting is needed when I come to model the carrier.

SBA

2011-05-11T11:08:00.004+01:00

I have been nominated for the Stylish Blogger Award by Matt whose great little blog Waterloo to Mons I often have a gander at. A peer to peer award, i've noticed the SBA has been popping up over the last few weeks on some of my favourite blogs, and it has arrived at my humble little home of lead.

The award has a few little rules. Thank and link to the person giving you the award; Share 7 things about yourself and Select 10-15 blogs who you think deserve the award as well.

So, thanks to Matt for nominating me, it's really nice to know that people are interested in my 'stuff'. There are lots of blogs about our hobby and it's nice to feel part of a friendly, supportive and informative band.

Se7en things it was impossible to know about me in here:

1. I'm married to Katherine, who is Scottish and lovely, and she's a doctor which is great and would have helped with point 2. below, if i'd met her at the age of 10, which I didn't

2. I once bled profusely in a Italian supermarket when a toothpick flipped up on my flip flop and stuck deep into my foot.

3. As someone has stated on my blog, and I have to agree, my two little girls Isla and Ava are by far the best mini's i've created.

4. A long time ago, I scored a brilliant left foot drive in the dying seconds (from a long way out, according to witnesses) to rescue a cup tie when at school. Sadly, we lost the return leg, badly. Memories fade and get misty, but I still rememebr the team all jumping on me in a bundle and treating me like a hero for a bit.

5. I have been published in this particular hobby, (said without arrogance, just proud to have been asked to contribute a chapter in a book).

6. I love beards, I've had a beard for years now, (I keep it in fairly good order, it's not like an old victorian or something like that) and am scared of what would happen if I shaved it off.

7. I am trapped in the eighties musically. Though this isn't a bad thing to me.

Here are my nominations, and in no real order, though some are probably award holders already, and they are all very very good blogs (click on the link to see 'em.

Kings Minis
Take the high ground
Vintage wargaming
Grand Duchy of Stollen
Tarleton's Quarter
Russ Nicholson's Blog
Carmen's Fun Painty Time!
Saxon Dog
Iron Mitten

Befreiungskriege 1813-14

WIP (May 2011). The pranged bayonet

2011-05-06T09:11:00.004+01:00

After my 3 month hiatus, I plunged straight back into painting and tackled these chaps. It was quite pleasant getting stuck back in. I'll have these finished soon, honest!

Foundry boys, and that second chap will be in trouble with the NCO, should lose the 'tasche, cos it's not allowed in the regs!

46 Recce Bren Carrier (A snoop at my Grandad's unit)

2011-05-05T11:24:00.011+01:00

I painted a haversack last night and that's it! Still, better than nothing.

I am hatching a simple new little WWII diorama. I've been thinking of making a little piece for ages for my dad. There's a photo of my Grandad driving his 46 Recce Rgt universal carrier, though where it may be is impossible to plot exactly. I bought a carrier at Salute this year with intentions to start the project. I know the general history of his unit (46 Division), he landed at Salerno, fought on in the Italian campaign, and then they were sent to Greece during the disturbances there.

Every picture tells a story. A few of things about the pic help me.
1. I know that the Recce Corps Khaki beret was officially changed to the Tank corps Black beret in early 1944, (but as always, there is variation, as some men continued to wear the khaki beret until 45). I can't be sure of the beret colour of the chaps, but they appear to be black.

2. The vehicle appears to be one colour, and displays the correct formation signs for 46 Recce, 46 Div. I know vehicles started the campaign in disruptive camo (specific to the Sicilian campaign), but it stuck out like a sore thumb apparently and was requested to be changed around in the latter months of 1943. Finally orders to change to a suitable darker green shade were issued in early 44.

3. What appears to be a M3 scout car is following the carrier round a corner, whether it is part of grandads formation I don't know, but this scout car was being phased out by the Americans in late 1943 and being replaced by the Greyhound. Grandad spoke of his unit having Greyhounds later in the war. Maybe the M3 soldiered on a limited capacity. Incidentally, it looks like summer in the pic.

4. I showed the pic to a friend at work who is German. We came to the conclusion the buildings look very France/German borderlike, maybe alpine. The Division was sent to Austria in April 1945 until August that year, to advance as east as possible to intercept the Russians, and I have read from a veteran of 46 Div that his unit ended up near Graz. Interestingly, the flag on what could be the town hall at right could be an Austrian civil flag. I'm assuming the Division would have entered Austria from Italy and could be white and green if it is the state of Styria, or white and red meaning it could be one of several states including the Tyrol. Carinthia's state flag is yellow over red, though it appears that the flag in the pic has a white upper. Finally, the little girl is blonde which would suggest a more northern european theatre.

It seems practical for me to come to the conclusion that this is near the end of the war, and to assume the carrier is somewhere in Austria, and is a shade of olive green.

I'll be converting the driver in the carrier kit (from Bolt Action, and its a very nice little resin kit), to a likeness of grandad in his sun glasses, along with his two companions. I'll get some pics up soon to make all this clearer and hope to do work-in-progress updates.

Figometer Annual Tally Report

2011-05-03T08:35:00.004+01:00

Here is the sorry looking 'total figures painted chart' for the last year, 19. It's better than the last year's review but still a poor show.

The move is over and we are settling in to a new house. The move kind of spoiled Easter and Isla's 2nd birthday as we couldn't relax and enjoy stuff, and it was made more of a stressful week by both my little daughters being ill, one with chicken pox and one with a vomiting virus!

But, now the dust is settling, I actually painted something over the bank holiday weekend - I almost finished two (Prussian Nap) figures, and after three months without picking up a brush, I was glad to get the 'feel' of it all back. I will be redoubling my efforts this year and really attempt to finish some units. Itching to start the new Perry Prussian plastics I picked up at Salute 2011, but determined to finish my 2 metal battalions of Foundry figures first.

Absence and Salute 2011

2011-04-18T09:26:00.006+01:00

Apologies for my absence in here, real life has been getting in the way of all military miniature endeavours recently. I have not lifted a paint brush since second daughter Ava was born in January. Add to this the stresses of having to find another house to live in and it's clear my time has been severely limited of late. I'm moving over the Easter break and after that it's just possible things might settle down and I can get some painting time in.

I did however, make it to Salute this year with my friend Dave. Looking over all the games and products has fired me up again. I had a modest shopping list (austere times) but managed to get the stuff I wanted, mainly the brand new Perry Plastic Prussian Napoleonics (which look lovely), and Dr Stephen Summerfields first volume on the Prussian Infantry 1808-1840, and finally a Warlord games universal carrier for a future diorama project. Oh, and I got the Salute free figure too, a fine Alan Perry ACW cavalryman.

It was very busy this year, as the London Marathon had some kind of registration thing going on at the venue too. The DLR was working normally which made a pleasant change in getting there. The weather was good outside, but as usual, Excel's lighting isn't the best for snapping pics of tiny miniatures without a tripod - Dave had a monstrous lens and his pics were a lot better than mine, so here's a little selection of his handywork. Some great looking games caught our eye, as did a few pints after the 'battle'.

Finally, something I totally missed when actually stood at the Perry's stand purchasing the plastic Prussians, was the three up masters of the latest figures they're working on. They're going to release the Austrians, bless them. I'll be buying a box or two, happy days.

Figometer Update (January 2010)

2011-02-16T13:14:00.002Z

Two miniatures just about completed in January, both of which were Napoleonic Dutch Militamen (this project is so tantalisingly close to being finished). I did also manage to complete the rebase of the FPW Prussians. Unfortunately I have no pics to post up at the moment.

Most of my attention is being channelled into the two young uns right now, changing nappies, spending time with Isla and soothing 5 week old Ava after her feeds. We have to move house in April too, so there's lots going on that have curtailed painting time, not to mention not much sleep.

I have been buying rather more OOP mini's from ebay recently than I would normally do. I've noticed that this is a habit I get into when I can't paint, it would appear to be like some kind of quick fix - if I can't paint em, just buy some more and look at them in their unpainted glory!

Normal painting service will resume, at some point (hopefully) in the not too distant future!

Little Sis Big Sis

2011-01-25T08:57:00.001Z

Painting ground to a halt on the Saturday afternoon of the 15th of January. Ava Margaret Ward was born at 10.26pm that evening after a relatively short labour. She weighed almost 9llbs and has a full head of black hair at the moment. Here's Isla chumming it up with new sister.

Mum and Daughter were home by the Sunday afternoon and all are doing well.

Isla has been great with little Ava, no signs of jealousy (though this may be because Ava got Isla some presents when she arrived, namely a little washing machine and a basket of play fruit n' veg to go with Isla'a play kitchen).

Going to Salute this year is hanging in the balance..

Slotta Skeleton with Spear

2011-01-13T09:09:00.010Z

A miniature from my favourite Citadel range ever, an old skeleton rises from the grave (in glorious gloss varnish, 'cos I haven't got round to matting him yet). Went back to my old recipe for the bones, but as GWs Bleached Bone has changed over the years i've had to modify. Base coat for the bones is now Foundry Boneyard B mixed with (old) GW Swamp Brown - a match for this would possibly be Foundry Spearshaft A- then added more Boneyard B to lighten, finally adding some white for the most raised parts.

I just looked at the last post again. I thought those two goblins were complete, but I see the scabbard is a bit damaged at the end on one and i've totally missed painting the bangles on the musician. Ha ha, paint blindness!

I've added a few new links to the blog. King's Minis is a great blog about old school Citadel stuff, by Dave King, who is a pretty damn good painter too. Lots of eye candy in there and some tutorials on his painting style too.

Also, probably my favourite pen and ink illustrator Russ Nicholson now has a blog. He is one of the artists whose illustrations inspired me on my creative career path. Most people would remember his work from the early Fighting Fantasy books. I spent a long time in my earlier years at college trying to emulate his style with my Rotring pen. I never tire of looking over his detailed creations, if you get some time go and have a look.

We're still waiting for daughter number two to arrive, she is now 4 days overdue..

Slotta Goblins

2011-01-13T08:48:00.012Z

Here's some pics of the two Goblins from the 'Golden Age' of GW that I recently finished. I think I originally painted the flesh on these greenskins back in the early 90's. (Who said I was slow with a brush!). They we're fun to finish, and a pleasant change from all that Napoleonic bumf. Lots of little sculpting detail on these beauties, gemstones, tiny skulls etc. I aimed for a homage to old John Blanche with the shield on the menacing sword-pulling figure. The other figure is the musician from the Goblin Command blisters, circa 1987.

Figometer Update (December 2010)

2011-01-04T09:57:00.005Z

Happy New Year to all, and thanks to everyone who follows and reads the blog. As ever I have lots of grand plans in my head for painting projects in 2011, and that's where most of them will stay i'm sure!

Looking back at 2010, I didn't get much painted again, but I did see some fruits of my labour in print in Kevin Dallimore's 2nd volume on painting miniatures (Foundry's Masterclass painting guide). I was pleased to be asked by the man to contribute to such a tome, and to see it all in print was a happy sight indeed.

Back to 2011, and in the short to medium term this is the plan:
1. Finish and re-base and varnishing of IR Nr66 - (Franco-Prussian War) 2. Complete painting of last few Napoleonic Dutch Militia, then base all 24 figures 3. Complete the Napoleonic Dutch artillery piece and crew, then base + varnish it.

I don't see much painting getting done over the next couple of months as the new baby is due any day now. Progress with the rebase of IR Nr66 is all but complete and my Dutch Militia battalion is 4 figures from the finish line. I purchased a Dremel over the Xmas period and am now thinking of ways i can use it. Probably drilling out arms for conversions is about it. I thought I could use it for getting rid of flash on models but am unsure if this will work with mini's being so small.

New purchases this year will definitely be the new plastic Prussians from the Perry twins at some point, and probably their plastic Hussars too. I am hoping to get to Salute this year as it doesn't coincide with Isla's birthday, so I look forward to that.

So, to the recent painting. The Citadel old school Goblins and solitary Skeleton bring December's Figometer total of painted figs to 3. Pics to follow.

Pre Christmas Offering

2010-12-17T11:43:00.000Z

What have I been up to? Well, we've been preparing for the arrival of daughter number two, who is due in early January, and indulging in the usual festive duties, namely lots of xmas shopping and draining of bank accounts! It doesn't take much to see I haven't posted anything remotely miniature related in a while.

But I have secretly (late at night) been rebasing my first historical wargames unit I collected back in the day, namely the Prussian fusilier battalion of IR Nr 66 (1870). These little chaps are almost all complete in their rebased splendour and I will get a photo up in good time.

Also, wanting a bit of a change from the Naps, I have dug out a few old Citadel minis from the depths, and finished a couple of goblins and a skeleton from my 'old' collection from the 80s. These are fun for me to paint as there is no regimented uniform and I can relax and just paint what I want.

For the interested, i'll post some pics of these in the 'Citadel Old School' link soon.

Figometer Update (October 2010)

2010-11-15T09:38:00.002Z

With the flurry of activity working on the Dutch Belgian Artillery, and counting the artillery piece as one fig, managed to complete 3 figures in October. Production has now tailed off again due to work and home commitments at the moment, but would really like to push on and finish this little project soon. I really am one of the worlds slowest painters (sigh).

Dutch Belgian Artillery WIP (3)

2010-10-29T08:32:00.002+01:00

Had some time to work on the gunners a little more. Keeping with the muddiness theme for the overalls.

Dutch Belgian Artillery WIP (2)

2010-10-18T08:43:00.006+01:00

Had the day off on Friday, and completed the Dutch 6 pounder. Took some photos of each stage. I only used the Foundry French Gun Olive Green A and B, as I thought the C shade would make the carriage too light for my tastes.

First pic shows the carriage block painted with Foundry French Gun Olive Green A. Then (pic 2), a wash of Green Ink mixed with GW Scorched Brown (Games Workshop) over the base colour. Pic 3 is the completed piece, Olive Green A was then carefully painted on again for the wood grain, followed by Olive Green A+B for a highlight. Metalwork received a drybrush of Charcoal Black B + Black with Scorched Brown, and tops of rivets etc lightly painted with chainmail. Heavily spackled with mud for the 1815 look. The mud was a various mix, including GW Vermin Brown, Scorched Brown, Black and with French Gun Olive Green A added too (for midtone between the olive and brown mud on the wheel spokes).

Dutch Belgian Artillery WIP

2010-10-13T08:21:00.004+01:00

On the table this week are these chaps. hoping to get them completed this week. First use of the Foundry Prussian Blue palette for the tunic on these figures. It is quite a satin finish, a little bit harder to control than the Vallejo Dark Prussian Blue I am using on the Dutch Milita infantry. But I want a bit of variety in the blues in this contingent. One annoyance with the gunner attending the trail is the bit of flash on his left arm that I missed shearing off when attaching the arm, oh well. I'll be using the Foundry French Gun Olive Palette on the 6 pounder gun, though I have taken note of others' comments that it is not a particularly great match for the olive we're looking for. I'll use a few washes to tone it to my liking anyway.

Fokker D.VII

2010-10-11T11:44:00.003+01:00

I watched Aces High for the umpteenth time at the weekend, which prompted me to upload the pics of the Fokker D.VII that I took on my visit to the RAF Museum, Hendon. The D.VII is my favourite aircraft of all the German fighters, it's always looked like a biplane should, rugged with good proportions. i'll take note of the lozenge camouflage, as i'll build a model of one of these one day.

Sd Kfz 251 Crewman

2010-10-06T09:06:00.002+01:00

I know I haven't offered up any figures to look at for a while. I was holding this chap back, as I wanted to put in him a competition. He's part of the two man German vehicle crew from Bolt Action Miniatures. Seen as though he's still unfinished (binoculars and pistol) and has been sitting on the desk for two or three months, thought i'd post him up here.

Went for as realistic as I could with the reversible smock. I like the face, a sort of grizzled veteran look, seemingly a bit tired of having to put up with no air cover over his armoured column again! Put some extra time in on those boots too. I was pleased with the results.

Figometer Update (September 2010)

2010-10-06T09:00:00.001+01:00

One paltry figure painted in September. Have to buck up and crack on at some point, though the weather is changing and the nights are drawing in, will have to switch to evening painting sessions from now on.

I have my solitary Dutch Belgian 6 pounder gun + crew primed and ready to start, just need the motivation.

Grahame White Collection Part 2

2010-09-28T12:18:00.001+01:00

Here are some more shots of the Grahame White Collection. The Sopwith Pup on the left hand side, and from top to bottom on the right - Caudron G111, Hariot HD-1 and a Vickers FB5.

Grahame White Collection Part 1

2010-09-27T09:28:00.005+01:00

I had the pleasure of visiting the RAF Museum in Hendon, London, at the weekend. Took the wife and daughter along too, though little Isla was more interested in the fixtures and fittings than any of the aircraft on show! I took a few pics and this is the first installment of them. Situated in the original Grahame White Factory building is the collection of World War one aircraft. A real treat this, as they have a Sopwith Pup (my favourite WWI scout), and several other famous types on show.

Here are several pictures of the Se5a scout from the collection. The second pic along the top shows the Hucks Starter attached to the Se5a's engine, ready to start her up. Middle bottom pic is of the front of the Sopwith triplane. Isla has to be restrained in the bottom right pic - from nicking some parts in a side cupboard...

Cornwall

2010-09-15T13:59:00.002+01:00

We spent a week in Cornwall, a visit to my brother and family then into a fishermans cottage perched on rocks on the beach in the lovely sleepy village of Gorran Haven near St Austell. here's a pic of the cottage taken from the beach below. We all enjoyed it, nice for Nana and Grandad to spent some quality time with Isla too. All in all it was a well earned break.

It was the first holiday for a while where I haven't searched out some military museum or other. I did see an old cannon when we passed through Looe, but no piccies of arms and armour this time.

Now i'm back at work and have a toothache to boot. Back to reality with a jolt. Got some plans to finish several mini's soon, and need to buy a couple of new Series 7 brushes.

Figometer Update (August 2010)

2010-09-15T13:50:00.010+01:00

Delayed posting for the figometer. Got back from our holiday down in Cornwall last Saturday, so figures have been off the menu and pasties and fish have been on it!

My Franco-Prussian War German Forces

2010-09-02T14:55:00.003+01:00

This graphic represents my Germanic army collection of figures for the Franco-Prussian War. It's a mish mash of units from across two of the three historical armies that took the field back in 1870.

I've realised that this is quite anal, but I can now reference the lot without too much hassle and know who's where and what's what. Units in blue-grey are not represented by miniatures, but they are there to show the real full strength of each formation.

A regiment of Kuirassier figures is missing from the graphic, as I couldnt fit it on! I also Feel the solitary pain of the lonely Wurttemburg battalion, I might just add another unit in there one day...

U in orde Johan?

2010-09-02T08:36:00.002+01:00

This chap is almost finished, just the british made water bottle to complete + musket lock and he's done. I like this pose, he's reaching down to turn over a casualty. There is only the light company of 4 figures to paint for the Dutch militia battalion now. I am off on holiday over the next week in Cornwall, so there won't be anything in the offing.

I'm really itching to base up these guys (4 to a base) but I have told myself I can't base them until all 24 figures are completed. there are a lot of corks with minis precariously mounted on them upon the painting table!

August Bank Holiday (3)

2010-08-31T11:06:00.002+01:00

Having a break, having a Kit Kat - having a break i've had a gut shot. WIP Hungarian casualty.

I was so tempted to add some clotting blood. But then I looked at his face again and it seemed quite serene (well not gasping with pain), so I conclude he has a minor scratch that needs attention, and he is a little chuffed he hasn't got to join the battalion on another jaunt into Essling.

August Bank Holiday (2)

2010-08-31T08:51:00.001+01:00

The Franco-Prussian War pile of metal has also popped back into my consciousness too, and it's the Bavarians that are demanding to be painted.

Here's a Bavarian infantryman from the 7th Regiment, 2nd Bavarian Corps (1870). I'll be painting up a whole battalion of these marching chaps, to complement my other Bavarian Regiment (15th). Again, old Perry Bros Fooundry sculpts these. Love the poses, but some of the casting is a little soft and difficult to paint, it is an old range though.

August Bank Holiday

2010-08-31T08:35:00.014+01:00

I've finished 3 figures over the Bank Holiday weekend. Not bad while i've been looking after little Isla at the same time. She usually has a 1-2 hour nap mid mornings, which is excellent 'painting time'. I've been painting a bit more at night as well, and while the lighting isn't great - even with my daylight lamp and extra lamps - I can't be fussy these days with my time.

This is the second officer for my militia battalion. This battalion is so close to being completed now. In this pic I'm experimenting with backgrounds other than the usual clinical white. I'm thinking of using the background of fields for group shots of battalions, I think it's bringing the colours out quite well.

Kinder!

2010-08-26T23:11:00.005+01:00

Just when I was happy with my Perry Twins designed Foundry metal Prussians, the twins go and do this: Here

It's a good job i'm sitting down. Plastic Napoleonic Prussians, it makes me feel warm inside. I know the figs won't fit in with the Foundry sculpts as the Perry's style has moved on a lot since the early 90s, but i'll be buying a set of these guys for sure, and you get some volunteer jagers in the box too. Metals are apparently in the pipeline to flesh the range out as well.

Perry Miniatures just get better and better. Nice one Alan + Michael.

Hurricane MK I, 303 Squadron, Sept 1940

2010-08-23T11:28:00.003+01:00

Something i've been working on in Illustrator. Its the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain this year, and Hurricanes and Spitfires have been flitting around in my head.

Reflecting the international composition of Fighter Command, this particular machine was the mount of Flying Officer Z K Henneberg, a member of the famed 303 (Polish) Squadron.

Bill Millin

2010-08-19T17:28:00.003+01:00

William Millin (14th July 1922 - 17th August 2010)

I was saddened to hear of the death of William 'Bill' Millin today. Known as Piper Bill, he was the personal piper to Simon Fraser, 15th Lord Lovat, commander of 1 Special Service Brigade on D-Day. Millin is remembered as one of the few pipers to play during a World War II battle.

Use of the bagpipes was restricted to rear areas by the time of the Second World War, but Lovat ignored these orders and Millin, then aged 21, played 'Hielan' Laddie' and 'The Road to the Isles' in the midst of his comrades on Sword Beach on the 6th June 1944.

He died aged 88 in Devon, Cornwall.

Figometer Update (July 2010)

2010-08-09T15:34:00.004+01:00

Two more Dutch militia finished in July, this battalion is inching closer to completion. Most of my time at the painting desk this past week has been spent re-basing and touching up a battalion of 1870 Prussians, which I hope to have completed this week. Originally painted a long time ago, they we're singly based on lead, which being relatively soft, tended to change shape and weigh a lot. They are been retrofitted to brand spanking new near weightless plasticard.

As a complete aside and a shameless plug. I've started up another blog, but it is dedicated to art and design, mainly the fluff I come up with when i'm not painting the little men. Feel free to go and have a look around, there will be a few military things in there i'm sure. Goto: Diniums-Nib

More Militia

2010-07-13T10:07:00.005+01:00

Finished these two guys in June, though this is a WIP shot. This is becoming one of the slowest painted battalions in history I reckon. 14 finished models in it at the moment, and been chipping away at them for a long long time (from the Dutch Belgian Napoleonic thread in my blog side bar, you'll gather the militia were started in 2007!).

I have been generously given some green stuff recently and have been toying with the idea of trying some sculpting. Bought some dentistry tools and wax shapers at a very good price so I am armed and ready to go. I've created a 28mm armature after sketching out a 'figure' i am going to try and create. I'll have some WIP shots of it soon. I have the fear it will look terrible but i'm going to give it a try.

I pushed around some green stuff the other day to get a bit familiar with it and it is, as they say very much like chewing gum. This will be fun.

Figometer Update (June 2010)

2010-07-06T13:47:00.001+01:00

June was a fairly decent month of painting for me, maybe getting some 6 or 7 hours worth of painting time, in between the World Cup (which has been a bore really, with some shockingly poor games) and little Isla competing for my time. The end result of this free time was 3 finished miniatures - a couple of Dutch Belgian Naps and a German from my SdKfz 251. Put a lot of effort into that German figure, which was from Bolt Action, and may offer him up on the SD painting comp maybe. Am almost ready to base the Dutch Belgians now, they'll be mounted 4 to each plasticard base.

I just can't get motivated to do a varnishing session right now, its an important part of the process but I often find it mundane.

Late war German

2010-06-07T08:26:00.008+01:00

A pic of the other figure I painted in May. This late war German has been primed on the desk for around a year and he's part of a set of 4 from Bolt Action Miniatures. Dug out the Vallejo Field Grey and completed him fairly quickly. He's a little thin compared to the usual 28mm figure but at this scale, maybe he's proportionally correct. Went for the basic rubble brick dust base, should've put in a couple of bricks, i'll do this with the next German I complete.

Figometer Update (May 2010)

2010-06-01T13:16:00.005+01:00

Finished 2 miniatures in May, so I have started the painting year on a more positive note than of late. Hoping to get more than 12 figures completed this year!

Attention at the moment has swung to the WWII Germans that I have skulking around my lead pile. I'm concentrating on the 251 Stummel crew and a couple of infantrymen. I can't see how I can fit both the crew figures into my Bolt Action Stummel without cramming, so I might just stick the loader in and have the gun commander standing on a base looking wistful.

WI272

2010-05-28T11:08:00.002+01:00

Just a quick heads up about the new issue of Wargames Illustrated. Managed to get a copy, and this is the first issue to have a Napoleonic theme since the magazine's revamp and I have to say it's worth the £4 price tag.

You get a free copy of the out of print Osprey Men at Arms title 'Napoleon's Guard Infantry 1', and if that isn't motivation enough, the Napoleonic articles are interesting and have a kind of theme running through them about wilhelm von Dornberg and his exploits throughout the wars, from humble origins with the Hessians upto an allied cavalry command at Quatre Bras and Waterloo. There's also a look at the Kingdom of Westphalia.

French Sailor 1870

2010-05-26T10:11:00.008+01:00

Finished this French seaman for my Franco-Prussian War collection. As the War entered the republican phase, and as most of the imperial army had been destroyed or trapped in Metz, the French Navy provided troops to fight in the field and to man the large artillery pieces, particularly during the siege of Paris. These sailors were of good quality compared to the various Garde Mobile and other second line troops made available. This is one of the Perry Twins' earlier sculpts, I doubt they would have sculpted the chassepot rifle this big if they we're producing this figure now. He's a bit satin at the moment, he will get a lick of matt varnish sometime soon. I've noticed I haven't painted the pommel on his sword bayonet, oops.

Numeral Nemesis

2010-05-26T08:22:00.004+01:00

I did very well out of it, my Birthday last Thursday. A new miniatures storage case from Kaiser Rushforth, that Bolt Action German Schwimmwagen i've been hankering after for ages, some new tiny drills, and some dirty cash too.

I'm very impressed with the little Schwimmwagen kit, a resin body with seperate metal details. However, i've vowed that I can't start this until i've finished the 251 Stummel. This means I had to tackle the numerals on the side of the beast that i've been avoiding doing for a year. With no decals, I armed myself instead with a paper template printed from the computer. I cut it out with the trusty scalpel, lightly taped it to the Stummel sides and blocked in the numbers with an off white colour. Nowhere near as terrifying as hand painting them on I can assure you, I got the basic outline and got it fairly straight using this method. The thin red inside strokes needed a steady hand but the results are not bad at all I think. Now I only have to complete the two crew, an MG42 and add a bit of Siflor grass.

I'd like to recommend a company i've bought from recently who have an amazing processing and delivery time, in the two time i've ordered from them, my products (Plasticard, putty and CA glue) have arrived in 1 to 2 days. If you need some new materials for your next project, take a look at www.themodelcatalogue.com

The postage rate is very reasonable too.

Dog of War

2010-05-10T08:31:00.003+01:00

And here is some of the recent brushwork. Another of my old castings from the golden age of Citadel Miniatures. This is 'Cowden' from the F2 Dogs of War range released in 1987. I always liked his pose, raising the fist to some unknown enemy.

I have also got some of his mates from the F2 range and hopefully one day i'll get round to painting them. I enjoyed painting him up, he's got a lot of character and being on the larger side of 28mm you can really get at the detail. Next in line are some 1980s undead cavalry.

Figometer Annual Tally Report

2010-05-10T08:21:00.003+01:00

So here is the total amount of miniatures painted by myself for this last year. 12 miniatures. As you can see it has been a fairly poor showing even by my slow standard. It is all due to the arrival of baby Isla and moving house. I had an amazing spurt of activity in November 09, as I recall it was due to mum and daughter being away for a week! Just had a late burst in April and managed to finish 3 minis here.

I have found that as Isla is getting a little older, I am finding more time to paint now and have a permanent set up in my new study area where I can go and wield the brush whenever I can get a spare minute. Natural light is slightly poorer than it was in the old loft but it hasn't affected my brushwork significantly.

Colour plate WIP

2010-04-13T09:10:00.003+01:00

I mentioned recently that I have been painting again. I've also been 'painting' in my trusty Photoshop in lulls at work. There are a couple more uniform plates nearly ready to add to my erratic 'uniforms series' that I have been posting up here on occasion. I don't like just writing walls of text on the blog so.. almost complete are a Napoleonic Austrian fusilier and hussar. Here's a work in progress shot of the hussar. The pose is taken from the famous Ottenfeld prints. I might have these plates finished soon.

Recent activity

2010-04-12T12:02:00.000+01:00

No pics, but I have been able to start painting again. The new dwelling place enables me to have my painting set up in the corner of our dining room which means I can come and go to the desk as I please. I can snatch some painting time in between baby Isla's naps and when she has gone to bed. I have noticed that this has increased my productivity and I have completed three figures in a relatively short amount of time.

My Plasticard has gone walkabout since the move and for the life of me I can't locate it. I was really wanting to base a considerable amount of miniatures but that's on hold until I get some new card ordered. Still, the painting increase bodes well for the summer so Figometer updates can be expected to arrive on the blog in coming weeks.

Isla's birthday coincides with the big Salute show, so I won't be making an appearance at it this year. I don't have much money to spare for mini's at the moment anyway, and i'll be just as happy drinking cherryade and watching Isla running about with new toys.

I'm looking forward to getting my hands on the new Perry plastic French hussars boxed set, these bad boys are earmarked to join my 28mm pile for my birthday in May. The poses of the figures are very dynamic, they really do look excellent. Take a look at them here:

Prussian Kuirassier, 1870

2010-03-26T14:33:00.003Z

After yesterdays slightly mad rambling, and as there has been no offering up of newly painted miniatures, here's a pic of a Kuirassier I finished some time ago. I feel that the shadows on the white uniform are too stark, something I will correct a little on the rest of the unit when I get around to finishing them in the future. Still, I was happy with his face, riding boots and the horse hide.

Moving away from the Franco Prussian angle - I know that research is a fundamental part of our hobby, and there's nothing better than poring over some good reference photo, illustration or text of the subject you want to depict. So I wanted to give a heads up to a book I purchased recently called Waterloo Relics by the publisher Histoire and Collections.

This book is a little gem, though it's not meant to go into deep detail of events of the said campaign, it does present a great photographic and illustrative reference of many interesting artefacts, uniforms and period paintings of Waterloo. I recommend it to anyone interested in painting the period. Check it out if you have a spare few quid.

Where, where is the town. Now, it's nothing but flowers

2010-03-25T17:25:00.005Z

This doodle is my sad face at work today. My apologies for a long absence.

Its been a cold luckless winter for us: Main reasons for woe are house related, and they have gone like this: Selling the flat. Putting everything in storage. Buying a house. Losing out on the house due to vendors financial 'difficulties'. Being homeless. Living out of backpack at friends' places. Lots of beard scratching. Deciding to rent a while. Deciding to sit on capital.

(pause)

On a happier note, Isla has lots of teeth. She walks alot and she is into everything. She is getting really strong and developing her character, squawking, playing chase and flashing that cheeky grin.

So, not had time for any miniature painting whatsoever! My brushes and paints are currently languishing in the dark down at the Big Yellow Storage. During this horrid few months, the only miniature related activity is that I managed to slip and to drop a tupperware box - with some of my most precious miniatures safely padded into it with cotton wool - onto the pavement and broke a few standard bearers and a diorama. Mind you, I just about avoided breaking my elbow during the fall so I guess that's a plus.

The wife took Isla up to Scotland for a couple of weeks to see the grandparents and to escape the homeless situation. So I was dossing down at my mates flat. I channelled some of the negative energy I felt from being let down by the sellers of the house we should now be living in into something productive and have got my painting mojo back. Not the mini painting mojo (i'm sure that will return soon, when we move into the new rented flat and the little desk and daylight lamp comes out), but in the brush to canvas way.

I'm thinking I might post some of the results of my endeavours here. My interest in drawing and painting obviously has a military bent so I guess it would be relevant to Diniums Loft.

Anyway, we're hopefully moving this weekend, and we can all have some space, Isla can have her own room, and family life can get back to some kind of normality.

Footnote.
The new place is a ground floor garden flat. The real Diniums 'Loft' has gone with the sale of our old place, but the name will live on like a shining beacon wherever I choose wield the 00 brush.

Dutch 27th Jager

2010-02-02T09:57:00.008Z

Painting time is extremely limited at the moment, hence the meagre post offerings recently, there's lots going on and it has severely curbed hobby time. Isla is now walking, at nine months old! So keeping an eye on her scurrying around keeps me busy!

It seems there's some great miniatures being released at the moment, the Perrys plastic Dragoons and soon to be released Hussars look great, and at 15 pounds I might be able to afford to scape up the funds to buy some later this year. Also got my eye on the new Bolt Action WWII Schwimmwagen. I just want one.

I have been painting a little, and have some results, but no pics of them as yet. I do have time to mess with photoshop on occasion (I whisper 'at work') so i've reworked the depiction of the Dutch Jager I created a while ago. I'll be painting these chaps at some point - and I find illustrating always helps me to visualise the uniform.

A Happy New Year

2010-01-04T15:38:00.006Z

A Happy New Year to one and all, and a big thanks to all who pop by or follow my little blog. This last year has seen a small but steady trickle of visitors from all over the world. I do hope you get some enjoyment out of my ramblings and what not.

The Christmas break was a relaxing time for me and the unit, spent with my parents back up north in Doncaster. Having the grandparents to hand meant K and I had the luxury of a lie-in each morning while Nana and Grandad were kept busy by little Isla from 7am! The wee one did very well out of Christmas, so many toys and clothes that it took all day on and off to open all her presents, and being 8 months old, she enjoyed scrunching the wrapping paper more than the contents! She is also now the proud owner of one tooth.

The new year will hopefully bring a new residence to live in, eventually, and hopefully an upsurge in painting too. I've already managed half an hour in the loft, but only undercoated 3 minis - ha ha. I'm determined to test drive the Foundry Napoleonic Artillery paints I got for Christmas very soon though.

Austrian Casualty

2009-12-11T14:10:00.003Z

Finished the first of the Austrian casualties that will lie around my units looking ill. His hair ended up blonde, though it went through several stages as I gave it a wash here and there without any real plan as to a final colour. I am happy with the off white of the uniform, which was intended. My earlier Austrians have a much more black to white shade though I think I will mingle the two hues as units progress.

West Prussians

2009-12-10T15:02:00.003Z

Only got to sort out the flag for the 2nd West Prussians to stick on this bloke on the right. Sent a Christmas list to Santa for some new paints. Asked him nicely for the Foundry Prussian Blue palette amongst some other bits. I'm interested to see what the palette is like, it's been my quest to find a 'prussian' blue that i'm happy with without mixing it from several concoctions.

King's German Legion

2009-12-02T08:40:00.009Z

Realising that to be painting up a Dutch Belgian Brigade, a Prussian Brigade and a fair few Austrian units is not enough, I thought i'd finalise my plans on parchment for the Anglo allied contingent i've been building slowly over the last few years, with a pack bought here and a pack bought there. This is my theoretical strength of my King's German Legion brigade. It's mostly made up of Foundry miniatures. Most of which were bought before the plastic revolution that grips our hobby. I could, however, potentially buy the Perry's plastic brits to fill the ranks of the 8th Line Battalion. And one day soon, i'll start the tartan terrors that are just 'there'.

Figometer Update (November 2009)

2009-12-01T15:37:00.006Z

Finished 7 miniatures this past month (Prussians and Dutch militia), some of these have been sat waiting to be completed since the summer, but also finished 3 new miniatures as well. Not a bad tally considering extreme lack of painting time over the last few months. Hope to get some pictures up sometime soon.

On a bit of a downer at the moment as we've had to pull out of buying our next house due to lack of building regulations regarding conversion work (the house would have had a lovely painting area too!). Sure we'll bounce back, but the run up to Christmas is looking hectic now, with house hunting in a winter market to add to festive madness.

WIP West Prussian Fahnentrager

2009-11-13T10:29:00.012Z

Started the colour bearer for my 2nd Battalion 1st West Prussians (IR Nr 6). The first battalion's colour had a white background with the black eagle on a green field, the second battalion carried the colour shown here. The staffs these colours were nailed to were, as far as I can tell, painted white for both battalions.

Having no desire to freehand the flag at the moment, I reckon i'm going to print and use this rendering of the flag, photoshopped up a bit. It might look a bit crap and basic at 'normal' size, but when it is shrunken down to about 3cm, and worked up with a little acrylic paint it will look fine.

When this chap is complete there'll only be one more officer to paint and the rest will be rank n file, I really want to finish these guys (along with the Dutch militia and Landwehr) so I can move to other units.

WIP West Prussian

2009-11-12T08:41:00.005Z

I've almost finished this chap too. Dressed in a reservist shell jacket with faded facings and lacking a good musket and pack, and non regulation overalls - probably made from a sack! I have included a couple of these figures in my 6th Regiment battalion to add some flavour and slight shabbiness to the unit.

WIP Austrian casualty

2009-11-12T08:16:00.005Z

I said i'd get some painting in last weekend, and I did. Bought some Austrian Napoleonic casualties a while back from Foundry, to one day grace a part of some gaming table, or to act as markers. Used an off white (Foundry Granite A followed by Vallejo German Camo Beige) to paint the uniform, rather than my usual Foundry Arctic Grey triad. He has the first face i've painted for 3 months and I was pleased with the outcome. The face is paler than the hands in the real world, camera hasn't picked this up much.

Austrian Napoleonic Uniforms

2009-11-06T13:48:00.006Z

So I was a little bored at work, and decided to update the Austrian uniforms stuff. Put it all on one page in one place so it's easier, and because I fancied photoshopping up a grenadier too.

Helion and Back

2009-11-05T10:44:00.007Z

Just when my time investment in miniatures is at an all time low, I discovered these little beauties (not my brushwork by the way) from a firm called Helion and Company (wargames.helion.co.uk). 1866 is a growing love of mine, probably because of its proximity - timewise - to the Franco-Prussian War. there are countless variants in this range and little details like captured water bottles make them even more appealing. The range is ever growing and the Austrians in greatcoats are something i'd like t have a brushstroke at.

yes, I have no time to paint anything, so why not add to the mountain with a new range and new period, ha ha ha. I think i'll get a test pack or two of these guys at some point.

I have had and got some time to paint over this week, so I will definitely be posting some results next week. The new lamp is working fine and I discovered the paints haven't dried up during my 3 month hiatus.

Incidentally, in none miniature land, our little girl Isla turned 6 months last week and is obsessed with wanting to walk, she bunny jumps and wriggles everywhere! And I recently discovered the joys of spoon feeding and its explosive messy outcome.

Enjoy the fireworks.

Daylight lamp update

2009-10-27T11:40:00.002Z

My new Daylight lamp finally arrived last Saturday, took a month to arrive due to being out of stock. During that time, my miniature painting mojo withered somewhat. I have however, assembled the lamp and it works. Hope I can find the time to paint something soon now I have the 'light'.

Daylight lamp

2009-10-01T08:05:00.004+01:00

Well, the replacement tubes for my painting lamp didn't fix my lighting problems, though one of them manages to flicker with a very weak light. I'm concluding that it's a problem with the ballast and I can't really be arsed with ordering a new ballast unit and attempting to be an electrician, so have ordered a new lamp and lo and behold, it's out of stock at the moment.

So painting has ground to a halt from the sad trickle it was anyway. I still have my conventional secondary lamps but they don't give optimum conditions. Probably be a month before I get a new lamp. Anyway, all this means is I get more time to spend with my baby girl, which is good.

West Prussian Drummer (WIP)

2009-09-21T08:22:00.006+01:00

Been away on holiday in France this past week, great to get away from it all. Spent time in a lovely French farmhouse with family in the Midi-Pyrenees region. Lazed by the pool, drank the odd brew and ate a lot of cheese!

The new fluorescent tubes for my lamp should be installed later today which will enable me to get back in the painting saddle. Here's a pic of the Prussian drummer which is all the recent painting activity i've done! This chap and the officer are more complete than not. It's not the best photograph though due to the lack of adequate lighting.

Daylight Deadlight

2009-09-07T08:26:00.003+01:00

Still without daylight tubes for my lamp, replaced the starters thinking it may be those that have gone but to no avail. Next will be replacing the tubes, if that doesn't work it'll be the ballast in the lamp and I may as well ditch it. I limped on with an hours painting at the weekend but found it a bit difficult. Hopefully the new tubes will arrive this week and karma will be restored if they work.

Painted something

2009-09-01T11:21:00.004+01:00

Managed some painting at the weekend, almost completed a West Prussian drummer. But unfortunately my daylight lamp is out of action so the experience was rather laboured. Sourcing new starters at the moment and if they don't work i'll need to buy a couple of new tubes. The current ones have lasted 2 and a half years so they do probably need replacing. Once this is fixed i'll be able to take some photos... I'd also got a couple of new Series 7 brushes and managed to snap the end off one opening a bottle of Foundry paint. The gods of painting must have been angry that day!

BBMF

2009-08-10T12:25:00.008+01:00

In the absence of painting anything for 3 weeks, here are some pics of my visit to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight hangar at RAF Conningsby. I recommend a visit here, you can get a good look at the kit they've got up close, though you cant climb all over the aircraft, but you get a very informative guided tour by ex pilots. There's the constant roar of Typhoons flying outside too.

In my anal way of photographing just about everything, included in the pics here are a standard WWII blind flying panel, a TR 1154 radio transmitter from bomber command, a gun camera, and they have a nice little model of a Beaufighter in the visitors centre too. In all, the BBMF operate 2 Hurricanes, a Dakota, the Lancaster, 5 Spitfires and two Chipmunks. One of the Spits was out on the apron when we had a look, but I didn't ask if it'd been up that day.

WIP – Prussian Officer and More 8th Dutch Militia

2009-07-24T08:33:00.012+01:00

These guys have come out well, considering I was frustrated by the weather - Getting home from work at 6.30pm this week, I have only had around an hour and a half of real daylight time to supplement my daylight lamp, and almost each evening a huge black sodding cloud (sometimes with drizzle) has darkened the painting session and made things alot more difficult to paint.

The two dutch militiamen will bring the grand total of finished minis for the battalion to 12, that's halfway. Packs, musket, canteen, feet and shakos to finish up here.

Finally got round to starting the officer for my battalion of West Prussians too. Only the boots and sword/scabbard to finish here now. The undercoat of humbrol matt black let me down on this little chap, and has made painting even more difficult (adherence issues). For some reason the undercoat (even after the required shaking and stirring) went on in a satin finish. I bought him on ebay and can only think the problem may have been perhaps some residue from stripping, but then again, I cant remember if the model had been stripped! Anyway, subsequent models undercoated with the same humbrol black have turned out fine.

With the baby and mum away, that's all I could manage to paint.

I was sad to hear of supercentenarian Henry Allingham passing away last weekend, at the grand old age of 113. He was the oldest survivor of the First World War, served at Jutland and the sole surviving member of the Royal Naval Air Service.

Interesting Read

2009-07-10T16:04:00.008+01:00

I've recently been trying to find out a bit more of my grandads wartime past. Sadly he died before I was born and the only information I can glean is from my old man, who would say his dad was with the 8th Army in North Africa and Italy, and mention the odd detail like Monte Cassino. Recently however, my dad found my grandads Comrades Club card which lo and behold had his unit and individual number on it. Turns out he was in the 46th Reconnaissance Regiment.

Off I went online to find out more and while there is some limited info out there about them, I found this Osprey title to be the only modern account of what these recce formations got upto. I don't usually plug stuff up here in the loft, other than the odd new miniature, but this book has shone some light on what the Reconnaissance regiments got upto. The battalion sized units were created specifically after the retreat from France to fill a gap in the Armys scouting ability at divisional level, and would tear around in scout and armoured cars like the light cavalry of old. Grandad was in North Africa and, from Tunisia, landed at Salerno with 46th Division and fought on up Italy. Its all made me a little prouder of what my grandad and chaps like him did back then, and that's a nice feeling.

I'm off on holiday for a week tomorrow, and hope to paint some miniatures when I return - as my little baby will be staying on hols for another week while I come home and back to work. It means nights will be free for a little brushwork.

Figometer Update (June 2009)

2009-07-01T16:54:00.004+01:00

Finished the two Prussian 1806 Jagers last month. Painting has taken a hit from the fatherhood flank attack and undercoating sessions that used to be done on arrival home from work are now replaced with baby bathtime and bedtime story. Managed to start three more minis last week, and hope to finish them this month! We'll see what happens. The weather isn't really helping either at the moment, I love the sun, but it's hard to use acrylics when the temperature is 31 degrees!!

Something i've noticed about me recently - I used to hate tennis, now I watch Wimbledon like it's the last show on earth. I think it's just wind-down time after Isla goes in the crib, so I guess it's understandable to sit in front of the box motionless for a while.

Incidentally, I got bored with my plain background on the blog, so experimented with a scroll thing to make it look a bit more less -stark, and added a couple of 'chaps' in the wings. I quite like the results.

US Marines in the Pacific

2009-06-29T08:16:00.004+01:00

These little guys got to the quarter final of the Steve Dean painting competition before getting beaten, and I put together this painting guide a little while back for anyone that's interested. Looking back at them now, I would have added some more colour to the piece, the sage green and ash greys do make for a 'dull' paint job. I had intended to add small empty cartridge cases and a discarded radio but ran out of time at the er, time. When I placed the all elements on the base there wasn't enough room for a scratch built radio, but I could have added the shell cases to give some extra colour.

Nice little figures from The Assault Group, I think they have lots of character, although there was some detail loss/ casting imperfection around the legs of the guy on his knees. Click the image to open it in a larger frame.

1806 Prussians

2009-06-22T08:30:00.004+01:00

Fathers day went well. Isla gave me a lovely little card, and she'd even bought me a DVD! The sales assistant should be disciplined though, for selling a 15 certificate to a infant! The weather was good so we all had a refreshing drink outside a nice little pub we know nearby, though there was only breastmilk on the menu for Isla.

Fathers Day also meant I had some time to head up to the loft and paint for a while with K's blessing. Finished the two Prussians and got some more base colour work done on a couple of the Dutch Belgian militia. All in all, a good weekend.

SdKfz 251/9 Schutzenpanzerwagen Part IV

2009-06-16T12:12:00.005+01:00

Something that has been going on for a long while is this Stummel. This part four bit has been waiting to be uploaded for ages but I hadn't written the text. Not much left to do to it apart from the dreaded numerals and other bits.

K and I have started to phase in some kind of bedtime routine for 7 week old Isla, and once she's in her crib, she generally falls to sleep pretty well – (she slept through from 11.30pm to 5.45am last Thursday night, almost the entire night without a feed! so she gets a gold star for that) - If this early bedtime thing goes well I may have a little spare time knocking about... maybe.

1806 Prussians (WIP)

2009-06-10T09:09:00.007+01:00

There have been stirrings in the loft. The stirring of paint. My baby and wife are away this week, taking a break with the in-Laws up in Walberswick, Suffolk. A very nice place of the world that is, by the way. On the one hand i'm missing the wife and my new daughter very much, on the other hand - i've found a little time to paint something.

It was my birthday a few weeks back, and in amongst my presents, there was a little box from my mate Dave, (who isn't a miniature collector/wargamer in any way). He'd bought me a pack of the new early Foundry Prussian Jagers with a note inside saying here's something new to paint. There has been alot of negative critisicsm of the Michael Percy sculpts, and i'll add myself that they are not up there with say, the Perrys, Mr Barton of AB and the Front Rank bloke. But they are definitely not the worst figures out there, and Mr Percy seems to be getting better with time and practice. I also understand its a cost thing that makes peoples blood boil with Foundry, and while I wouldn't necessarily buy this range myself, I decided to paint these guys up because they were a present and to get something different painted in the brief time I have available.

Only the weapons, gaiters/boots and plume to finish now. I will say that some of the figures have a cartoonish anatomy, though some are alot better than others, and there is a slight tendency for creating sausage arms by the sculptor, but I would say that Mr Percys faces created here are quite well done. These two little guys were quite a joy to paint, and I think they would stand up well against many of their contemporaries.

Figometer Annual Tally Report

2009-05-11T09:49:00.005+01:00

46. I've managed to beat last years total output by 7 figures, an improvement but still 2 short of the target. Not missing the painting at the moment really, little Isla easily fills the void left by not picking up the brush, and sleep does for the rest. Still visiting the forums and dreaming of getting figure related stuff for my birthday though, but general funding for purchases of the hobby kind are very limited, taken over by baby wipes, cotton wool balls and stocks of nappies.

Baby Isla Jean Ward

2009-05-06T13:39:00.006+01:00

Isla Jean Ward arrived at 10.35am on Sunday the 26th April, and I have to say it was the happiest day of my life. She's now settling in well at chez Ward and we've been out and about (she likes the pram) and seen quite alot this past week. Mummy is now feeling a lot more human after a long labour, and I think we're coping very well with the big adjustment to life Isla brings. Its been a steep learning curve but I can wield the nappy better than my 00 brush and change, burp and bathe the little one as if a veteran of many campaigns (well, almost).

Hijacking my mini blog here's some proud dad pics. Blowing a bubble with mummy, grumpy face and getting a manicure!

It's tiring but great, and for a little while at least my hobby will have to take a back seat (mind you, I painted the face of a mini last week while Isla got a feed, sneaked that one in!!). As MacArthur said, 'l shall return'.

Figometer Update (April 2009)

2009-05-05T13:15:00.010+01:00

As you may have seen, I managed to put in quite alot of work on several of my Dutch militiamen. The paint was flowing really well and I consider these chaps to be some of my best to date, you start to get a feel as to what the unit will look like when you've painted up 10 models or so, and the blues and greys seem to work a treat. Well, this was the last big push (8 miniatures finished) until the arrival of my little baby - A timely arrival in the world of the Figometer, as April saw the last months work before my end of year tally of painted lead. A new graph will chart the highs and lows of the past 12 months soon, but I think the total is up on last year. But now t'is time to put down the brush for a wee while, because somebody arrived last week...

8th Dutch Militia

2009-04-20T08:31:00.005+01:00

Had a productive two weeks. Cracked on with the 8th militia as you can see. Coming up on half the battalion finished. Been waiting around for the baby to be born you see, so with not going out anywhere, except for walks, i've picked up the brush more often than I would have.

Dutch Belgian OOB

2009-04-09T09:53:00.004+01:00

Like I did with my Prussians in an earlier post, I have visualised my Dutch Belgian 'Brigade' for the Waterloo campaign. Its semi factual (though some battalions are missing (5th and 7th Militia)) with cavalry attached. I need to buy some more Jagers and the dragoons to complete the force, and will do so from the Perrys as soon as the recession and other outside forces allow!

I keep swinging from project to project, chipping away, and now it seems it's their turn again. This is the only way I can keep focussed, it flies in the face of the way most people paint up their forces. It seems the most common way is to paint a unit at a time. Well, at the moment i'm painting about 10 battalions from all eras! At the moment, i'm still painting the 8th Dutch Militia (that I started in June '07!).

Update: Clock watching at work. It's 20 minutes to go until the Easter break begins for me and i'm dreaming of sneaking in some mini painting. If I survive a night out with pregnant wifey and friends tonight... and once i've cleaned the oven with Mr MuscleTM and made a hole outside the house bigger (dont ask) tomorrow, I may, just may be able to paint the 8th Militia for a couple of hours.

Austrian Artillery Piece

2009-04-06T08:21:00.007+01:00

Well, with possibly the last throw of the dice before our baby is due to arrive later this month, I managed to finally finish the Austrian artillery project at the weekend. It's based on plasticard with a frontage of 60mm to allow enough room for the crew. Each figure was pinned in place for a secure fitting (for handling strength - just in case I game with it one day!). The officer and gunner at the back are seperately based, I added a random scratch built box to add to the diorama feel. If you were wondering why the guy at front left has light blue facings, its because he's a Handlanger. These troops we're the non specialist 'muscle' that moved, and helped, the gunners serve the guns. Trained gunners had the red facings.

Figometer Update (March 2009)

2009-04-01T16:17:00.006+01:00

Completed 5 miniatures in March. The Napoleonic Austrian gun crew are all but finished, hopefully i'll get that based and wrapped up this weekend. Also finished my figures for the next competition on Steve Deans forum. I put something together that I hope is a little more interesting than my usual single figure fare, we'll see. Not much else to report. I have been scratching my head about basing recently, constantly changing my mind about base sizes and dreaming of finishing units to stick on them. Our work is never done.

French Mitrailleuse

2009-03-12T08:07:00.003Z

Whilst we're on the subject of painting artillery at the moment, here's a French mitrailleuse from my FPW collection. Painted last year, photographed and then placed with the other chaps in the relevant box. Was about the time I began putting some more effort into blending. I was especially pleased with the gun itself, in particular the brass work and fittings. Wanted a worn in look and was happy with the results.

Austrian Artillery Crew

2009-03-09T12:57:00.009Z

Started these chaps a long long time ago. Did some more work on them over the weekend. I would have painted the flesh differently if i'd started them now, but hey ho. Hopefully will get them finished pronto and based with the gun which has sat forlorn on my desk for so long. Also got alot of work done on my new vignette, which i'm really pleased with so far. No pics until it's finished though. More on that later.

Figometer Update (February 2009)

2009-03-02T10:05:00.011Z

Two figures completed in February, both FPW. Not had much time to paint really. Hoping to get some time in this week, I have several figures started, Naps and FPW with mainly flesh finished on them. Now the evenings are getting a bit lighter I may get a chance to do a little work after work.

My entry into the Steve Dean Painting Comp (Berg musketeer from 1815) has just bitten the dust in the first knockout stage, beaten by a fine set of 6 Samurai. Here's a picture of him - an older Perry sculpt for Foundry, with great character. I'm resting up on the next comp, but have a plan for the competition after that one - if I get the figure(s) in time...

February Figures

2009-02-25T08:12:00.004Z

Life has got in the way a bit recently, preparing for a baby and plotting a flat extension. Been buying all the paraphernalia for a child, Car seats, cots, nappies, changing mats etc etc. Our baby is due in April and it's getting nearer and getting more exciting. I should be able to make it to Salute again this year, as it's in March, and that could be the last huzzah for figure spending for a little while! I have managed to finish two Franco-Prussian figures this month. Another Bavarian for the collection and a Turco in winter kit. I doubt i'll have the chance to up the painting tally for February any more. My very limited time has meant the Napoleonic diorama is still on hold as is just about everything else.

SdKfz 251/9 Schutzenpanzerwagen Update

2009-02-06T11:07:00.003Z

Not been up to much this week, apart from struggling to get to work due to all the snow on Monday. Took these shots of the halftrack last week. I'm no expert on painting vehicles, and been a while since I worked on this one - worked up some of the highlights, done some blending too. In the absence of decals, have hand painted the Balkenkreuz on the side and the tactical sign at front. Added the number plate too. Holding off on doing the numerals on the side. Working out a template so as to get them fairly neat.

Figometer Update (January 2009)

2009-02-02T09:32:00.007Z

6 miniatures painted in January, quite a productive spurt. I Have been working on Napoleonic, Franco-Prussian War and WWII stuff, and am a little closer to finishing the German halftrack I started just over a year ago! I Saw Valkyrie at the weekend. Cruise (Tom) was well, Cruise, and if you can get over him speaking in Cruise english and the numerous Brit actors doing what they always seem to do for hollywood (playing German officers), its not a half bad film. Some great little touches at the beginning and the Junkers transport scenes are good shots. Overall, I think the subject was handled very well.

Work in Progress (January 09)

2009-01-26T09:26:00.006Z

Finally got round to working on the Sd Kfz 251/9 Stummel some more. There's no full pic of it here, as i'll put a new 'sheet' in for the Painting Guides section when the Stummel is complete. Although I think i've gone way over the top with the weathering on this vehicle, it was my first attempt at some armour and I don't profess to be an expert. Apparently, the red oxide primer that the Germans used as a protective undercoat for the steel was so good that bare steel was very rarely seen on the vehicles that were chipped etc, so oops there! Painting that tiny number plate was fun. I finished the main gun, and handpainted some insignia on it. Holding off on adding vehicle numbers on the side until i'm feeling tres confident!

Well under way with this Artizan Designs German with panzerfaust too. First go at splinter camo on the smock and i'm very pleased with that too. Really do like the Artizan figures, lovely details. Only slight critisism i'd say about them is they all have heavy jaws, but that's nit picking.

Mid January report

2009-01-20T14:11:00.004Z

Amidst the gloom and this bloody freezing weather i've had a fairly productive start to the year. It's just over mid January and I have completed 4 miniatures and hopefully I may get another couple done but we'll see. Managed to get an entry into the Steve Dean Painting Comp again too. K and I had a break to Barcelona last weekend, lovely weather and had the chance to really unwind. Took in all that is Gaudi and ate some fine food. It was our last 'break' before the baby arrives in April, then I guess it'll be a while before any more weekends away!!

Still fannying about with the diorama project, need to buy a couple of lancers for it. Have decided it'll be a night scene from the Leipzig period though (so I can get Polish lancers/ the Austrian grenadier/ and the French infantry in post 1812 uniform all in it!) No new photos of current work at the moment - but here's a pic of a finished French lancer from the war of 1870-71. I painted the horse with various orange browns and used a fair few washes of ink. I used to use the oil wipe off method, but am quite pleased with the results here. I have a regiment of these guys and one of Prussian kuirassiers to finish one day...

In 1812

2009-01-05T09:11:00.003Z

This little French chap just got knocked out of the Steve Dean Painting Comp in Round 2. He wasn't painted for the competition but with nothing else to offer up, I stuck him in as I liked his character. I started this miniature a long time ago, worked on the greatcoat then left him for around 10 years (no joke). Bit of a dull figure really, but that's because he's supposed to be trudging through Russia in 1812, tired and depressed, staring blankly into the white void...

Figometer Update (December 2008)

2009-01-05T08:52:00.008Z

Happy New Year! Back to work today (grr) but I had a 12 day break over the Christmas period and it felt like a longish holiday, though it was pretty cold throughout. Spent Christmas up with the wifes family in Scotland and then had my parents down with us in London for New Year.

I completed 3 figures in December. The new year is looking good as I got some painting in this past weekend and am well on the way to finishing several minis for January. Finally got to open my only miniature related pressie, the Perry's French Line Infantry, and have to say i'm very impressed. Wonder if i'll get time to paint them this year!? The whole package looks great and the detailing looks fantastic.

Hope to start the new diorama project sometime soon and have acquired some of the minis for it, just need some lancers now.

Festive Figure Fruition

2008-12-21T23:10:00.007Z

Had three days off last week, using up holidays before Christmas. Finished three miniatures over this time, here's two of them. Not a lot of return I hear you say, but was busy a) preparing for Xmas and b) performing DIY duties and c) put alot of time into details on the enthusiastic Berg figure, here he is along with a Westphalian chum. That's 9.5 of the Westphalian Landwehr finished now, almost half the battalion. This is probably it until after Christmas now, brushes are down!

Diorama Idea (2)

2008-12-15T16:09:00.005Z

I've thought about the miniatures for this little scene. Here they are - 6 figures and 2 horses - I already have the French 'infantry in camp' Foundry figures here (somewhere in my pile of metal), along with the captured Austrian grenadier. For the cavalry, its the first time in a long time i'll be buying a couple of Front Rank sculpts. The two polish lancer figures and their horses suit my needs best. Think i'll re-sculpt one of their czapkas though, giving it an oilskin cover. I'll buy some extra things like single muskets to add to the base too.

One potential problem is the French infantry. They're in post 1812 Bardin regulation uniform. The picture is of Wagram, 1809. The lancer miniatures are probably later uniforms as well. Time to stroke the beard and maybe get the green stuff out. I probably won't get on with this until the new year though, another long project.

Diorama Idea

2008-12-09T13:52:00.005Z

Following on from the Skeleton miniature I posted a while back, and after the comments some of you left about the OSL thing which got my imagination going, I want to develop it further. i've been thinking about what to paint next.

Got me thinking of putting something together with several figures and terrain, somewhat more complex. Now as most of you clearly understand, it takes me years to do anything in here, so this project would probably take me a long time (but who cares, you're a long time dead too). I'm reckoning on a small bivouac scene using this famous painting as the source.

Figures for it will probably be Perry (lots of options of infantry at rest) and Foundry (Guard Lancers). What's another project amongst so many...

Figometer Update (November 2008)

2008-12-01T21:21:00.012Z

Three miniatures completed in November, with several others started/worked upon. Shame I couldn't get up to four completed, maybe i'll get extra time in December (chuckles). Pleased with the way the Wesphalians are shaping up though. Should have the half battalion done sometime soon.

Not got much to offer up for the Steve Dean painting competition this month - nothing painted soley for it - so I think i'll stick a figure on it I finished in October.

I have put in the note to Santa about the Perrys plastic French box though, so if i'm good, hopefully they'll be in my stocking come Chrimbo. If I get any surplus cash at Christmas (if) then I may put in my annual large order with Foundry. Would like to buy the rest of my Prussians and finally buy the rest of my Highlander battalion (half of which i've had for ages, unpainted of course).

Grenadier Battalion Kirchebetter

2008-11-26T09:19:00.005Z

These two are the other minis that I finished last weekend. Fancied a bit of a change from the Prussian blue, what's better than Austrian white! Painted as grenadiers from Infantry Regiment 37. They have red bags on the cap, leaning towards an earlier formation (maybe around the time of Asspern-Essling) rather than later when yellow became the order of the day. There will be eight of these fellows in the battalion, along with 16 others from two other regiments. (note: Austrian grenadiers were 'pooled' together into battalions from three regiments, and operated independently of their parent formations, so that's why there's only 8 of each in my battalion).

Prussian Landwehr (7)

2008-11-24T16:29:00.011Z

And while i'm at it, here's the latest WIP shot of the Westphalian Landwehr. Completed another one on Saturday. These guys are starting to come together now, I need to finish 4 more and i'll be halfway through the battalion...

Side note. Just got home to find a little package waiting for me from the postie. A Nap Prussian artillery piece and crew I won last week. Overjoyed, then I opened the jiffy and the axle of the gun has broken (grrr). It was well packed and i'm not having a go at the seller. It looks like someone has stood on the package, the shits! Anyway, i've fixed it now with some tender loving care, and its sitting here waiting in line to be painted now.

Weekend Warriors

2008-11-24T11:08:00.005Z

Finished 3, yes three miniatures at the weekend - and West Ham finally won a game! Am very happy with myself. Also well on the way with 2 more minis (posted here, Berg infantryman on the left, landwehr officer on the right). Am pleased with the way this Berg musketeer is coming along, he's the test piece for the battalion and I must say i'm happy with the colours. Some of the chaps will have white trousers. I may have a go at converting some of the coats into the French style and some of the shakos into the Berg style without oilskin covers.

We Were Only Making Plans for Ziethen..

2008-11-21T23:04:00.006Z

Hoping to get some painting in tomorrow, haven't done much of it in the last three weeks. Have had time to 'visualise' the strength and formations of my Prussian Napoleonic Brigade though. If they all ever get finished, i'll probably flesh the formation out, adding second battalions etc. I'd like to start painting the Berg regiment but I need to be focused and stick to the landwehr until they're done.

OSL Skel

2008-11-17T12:11:00.008Z

Haven't posted much for a week or so, and not much activity gone on to be honest (due to work etc). So here's something i've been dabbling at for a little while.

I think I mentioned experimenting with the technique known as Other Source Lighting – where the lighting source comes from well, another place other than natural light – a while back. I'd been wanting to paint this fellow for ages, and I thought that the pose of the figure would lend itself to OSL quite well. So I lit the skull 'candle style' and tried to envisage where the light would fall and in what strength, and what colours the light would fade to. The figure isn't finished yet, but i'm quite pleased with the experiment. The photo was originally taken with a light background, would probably be best to set up the photo with a darker background when he is complete.

Panzergrenadier

2008-11-04T15:34:00.004Z

No harm in posting him up here now, as this little guy is currently getting whipped in the first knockout stage of the Steve Dean painting competition, somewhat ironically, by a handful of other Germans from the eastern front. Personally, I think he's being a bit hard done by but I guess i'm being a bit biased!

He was an experiment for the Italian camo trousers really. I was really happy with the flesh tones and overall paintjob. Still, we'll have another go next time, if anything gets finished up this month.

Figometer Update (October 2008)

2008-11-03T09:25:00.011Z

Managed 4 completed miniatures throughout October, which isn't bad at all considering i've been away on holiday, been to a weekend wedding, a weekend birthday away and am preparing to look after our first baby next year too!

Several more minis have been started or worked on to various stages of completion too. really got on with the Prussian Landwehr, but you can see that from recent posts. looking forward to getting hold of the Perry Bros French plastic Napoleonics, hopefully i'll be getting them at Christmas if i've been good.

Had a couple of nasty colds recently, where the cold has moved to my chest and caused me considerable discomfort. Is this an old age thing, harder to shrug off ailments? One good thing about the colder weather though, paints on the palette dont dry up for ages, blend ahoy!

Prussian Landwehr (6)

2008-10-20T19:29:00.005+01:00

And here they all are. Still some way to go.

Landwehr Cross

2008-10-20T19:22:00.002+01:00

Finally started the landwehr standard bearer last weekend. Painted him with NCO collar lace. Enjoying adding the mud to these chaps, have to be careful not to go too overboard though.

Same paints i'm using for my Prussians for the uniform, Citadel Regal Blue for the litewka, adding Coat d'Arms Shadow Grey (yes Grey) to the mix to highlight. Trousers are basecoated with Foundry Charcoal Black C, then higlighed with Arctic Grey A and B. Mud is a combo wash of Foundry Granite A and Spearshaft B.

Handpainting the banner on foil from a Sainsburys moussaka tray. Still deliberating on whether to paint on (with difficulty) the inscription 'with God etc..'. It doesn't really matter anyway, as there is very little recorded evidence of what Landwehr banners looked like.

Just noticed the sculpted thumb on his clasping hand look massive - guess it needs a firm join for the banner pole - it won't matter when the pole is attached. This is the ninth figure just about completed for this battalion. Only 15 to go.