I had initially thought about breaking the following up into a number of separate posts with several units having been completed a few weeks ago, but decided to lump them together and rely on the Canadian postal system to determine when the final post would be made.
This is because I rather foolishly completed the British limbers and wagons without giving much thought to to the traces required for the two-horse teams. I did initially think about braided wire, but then found a Canadian supplier called 'Ropes of Scale' and thought I would try using model ship ropes instead:
https://ropesofscale.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorGREHFu_sc9uFG7CzWIF1Jh9SkagQU5gykrPSXetN6eQdUGXur
My order was almost immediately despatched, but I knew it would likely take a while to arrive so thought I would fill in the time with the few other odds and ends I had in store to complete the British AWI army. First off, the rather effective Butler's Rangers:
These contained a nice variety of sculpts, especially because there is only a dozen figures required to cover all British Grenadier scenarios so the Perry command and skirmishing sets gave me twelve unique poses:
Lovely robust figures and a lot of fun to paint:
Having recently completed the Queen's Rangers foot regiment I thought I'd add the Queen's Rangers mounted troopers, with half a dozen figures enough to cover most scenarios:
There really isn't any fiddly stuff involved in painting the Queen's Rangers, either foot or mounted, and I managed to knock these out reasonably quickly:
I can't remember why I ordered this next unit. I can vaguely recall that an OOB somewhere included a six-figure Loyalist militia unit and the Perry black militia unit fitted the bill perfectly:
I remembered I also had the Perry vignette with the rather sorry-looking and isolated Continental officer being interrogated by British ADCs and officers and, as nice segue into the next stage of the project, a Hessian grenadier and officer from the von Donop regiment (more of them to come soon, hopefully):
Next up, the Volunteers of Ireland:
Thankfully very few buttons involved here, so I managed to complete them within a week:
The Perry set usually includes a couple of expressive NCOs, and I always look forward to painting them:
Another regiment completed:
Back to the wagons and limbers. The following four didn't need traces and were very easy to put together. Firstly, two tumbrels:
And a couple of ammunition wagons:
Now to the Canadian rope. It really is lovely stuff, and of course I launched straight in and became instantly frustrated when I tried to cut various lengths and it unravelled on me. I then did what I should have done in the first place and looked on-line, and the secret is to either cut it with a soldering iron or put a few drops of superglue on the spot where you need to cut.
Having worked that out it became relatively easy. After attaching the traces I applied a wash If I'm being completely honest I probably darkened them too much, but I quite like the overall effect and still have a couple of meters in hand ready for the next batch of limbers. You can see my efforts below and hopefully make out the rope traces:
Finally, and also incorporating the Ropes of Scale product, is my favourite Perry AWI cart, which is why I have included three pictures:
This means I have finally finished the British and loyalist contingent. At a quick count it is comprised of nearly seven hundred figures and took me a few months longer than I had envisaged thanks to all the buttons and lace.
Now, on to the Hessians...
Handsome work and in large quantities! Adding traces is a nice touch.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jonathan. I always think the traces are worthwhile as the models were looking a little bare without them.
DeleteLove the carts and baggage. The traces are a very nice touch.
ReplyDeleteCheers Codsticker. Fiddly work, but ultimately quite rewarding.
DeleteThese all look great Lawrence....the ropes on the wagons are superb...but the interrogation scene is probably my favourite....or the Volunteers of Ireland...I might have to add them to my own AWI collection!
ReplyDeleteThanks Keith. The Volunteers were a last minute inclusion as quite a few OOBs call for a unit of Loyalist militia and I thought these guys would fit the bill even if they are not strictly a militia unit.
DeleteWow, what a lot of brilliant eye candy Lawrence.
ReplyDeleteThanks Richard, there was quite a bit of variety across this lot.
Deletelovely figures and awesome work Lawrence well done sir!
ReplyDeletecheers!
Thanks Phil. I think I am becoming a fan of painting small units for the variety it gives.
DeleteOMG someone makes scale ropes! That’s crazy. Crazy cool. And you put ropes on your 28mm carts!?? Also crazy. Crazy cool.
ReplyDeleteYou probably but bow strings on archers
Very nice parade of AWI miniatures. Those all look great. It’s a fine collection. 😀.
I definitely draw the line at putting strings on bows Stew. The models looked a bit bare without the ropes though, so I'm glad I went the extra step.
DeleteBlimey Lawrence, you have been a very busy boy! Love the figures, especially the black infantry. I didn't know Perry's sold those?
ReplyDeleteCheers Ray. Yes, just the one set and no command figures. Beautifully done though, and fun to paint.
DeleteVery nicely done Lawrence, love the Irish unit and bravo for the traces I tried on one set but just found it too fiddly so gave up, and now I have started cutting my limbers in half to make them more manageable as well
ReplyDeleteThe limbers are big pieces for sure and occupy a lot of space on a table. I quickly got the hang of the the traces with a dab of superglue and a pair of tweezers, but there were usually a few paint touch ups to do afterwards.
DeleteThat's a fantastic achievement Lawrence in terms of number, rate of painting and, of course, how beautifully painted they are!
ReplyDeleteYou went a step beyond with those ropes, I would have used an appropriately sized piece of string or cotton, but they look excellent!
Regards, James
Thanks James. I have used wire before but really liked the look of the model shipbuilder's rope. I purchased some thinner rope for future 15mm projects as well, so should have enough to last me quite a while.
DeleteWonderful stuff Lawrence! I especially like your wagons and limbers. And I love your realistic bases.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Vol
Thanks Vol. The bases on the limbers gave me an excuse to use a few of the larger basing materials I have had lying around for a while.
DeleteSplendid eclectic post, love the wagons and you show great dedication getting your traces from Canada, I just got the string from the kitchen draw and now I feel bad! Loved finish on all of them of course!
ReplyDeleteBest Iain caveadsum1471
Thanks Iain. I did initially look for some suitable string around the house but couldn't find any I liked. I would probably have made a mess of it anyway if I had found some.
Delete