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Monday, February 9, 2015

State of the Painting Desk

Despite interior painting in full scale this past weekend, time was found for a few relaxing sessions at the painting desk too.  Both painting tasks I find relaxing although time spent figure painting is much preferred. 

On the workbench, the finishing touches are being applied to two battalions of 28mm Napoleonic infantry: one British (foreground) and one Swiss (background).
With both having red jackets, I figured why not knock out two red-coated battalions at once?  Of course, with different accoutrements only a little time was saved.  In the end, two battalions will march off the desk instead of the usual one.

To the right of the photo is a portion of the next unit to see action on the painting desk once the infantry have mustered out.  That next unit to see the brush with be French chasseurs a cheval from Front Rank

This edition's look at the painting desk shows a surprise entry.  The surprise is a jump start into my planned Great Italian Wars project in 28mm.  Part of the recent haul of lead for this project included about 100 painted figures of Swiss and Landsknecht.  The pike figures arrived expertly based on 40mm x 40mm bases with four figures per base.  At first I considered mounting three such bases onto an Impetvs sized sabot but quickly realized I would not be able to duplicate the basing technique.  With an overnight soak, the existing bases were removed and the figures dried and affixed to the standard Impetvs base.
That is where I am in the rebasing process.  Now, the bases need painting and flocking.  Once completed, ten pike blocks, four doppelsoldner, and two gun stands (not shown) will be ready for action.  Nearly an instant army.  Nice, eh?  

18 comments:

  1. Nice Redcoats, Jonathan. And an impressive haul for your new Italian Wars project. Keen to see more of these.

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    1. Thanks for the redcoat comment, Dean. Once dipped and based, they each with get a more fitting parade review.

      With the sudden acquisition of the painted pikemen, this project got a much quicker launch than I had planned.

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  2. A very respectable shortcut to a playable ITW collection, even the flags look great - what make are the minis? I've got to try out Impetvs at some point soon...

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    1. I do not often buy painted figures since I do enjoy painting for myself. These painted lead men were an opportunity not to be missed so I struck.

      The figures are all Old Glory and I must say, the figures are really nicely sculpted. This might be one of Old Glory's better ranges. Do try Impetvs!

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  3. Already the pike block looks great!

    Christopher

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    1. Thank you, Christopher! Hopefully, they will look even better when finished.

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  4. Gotta love the Italian Wars. The colours are fantastic!

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    1. Colors are, indeed, fantastical with emphasis on "fantasy." This will be a fun project and a visual treat.

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  5. Siwss and Brits are coming along nicely.

    I recognized the figures as Old Glory immediately - perhaps the best of all their 28mm ranges, and nice paint jobs as well.

    So clue us in - what was the source of this "Glücksfall"?

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    1. It is difficult to see just how nicely these Swiss and Landsknechts are painted in this distant photo. When I finish rebasing and take more detailed photos, I think you will agree that these are very well done.

      As for the source, a fellow blogger offered them up for sale and I simply could not resist.

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  6. What a great turn of events to acquire such a nice army! You're nearly at the finish line.

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    1. Lucky indeed!

      Now, you know this is not anywhere near the Finish Line, right? A whole new project awaits!

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  7. The Swiss and Landsknechts look great but rebasing is always a chore



    The Swiss and Landsknechts look great but rebasing is always a chore!

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    1. Welcome Cyrus!

      With pre-cut bases, I do not mind the chore so much. In the days when I cut my own bases from balsa, that was a chore.

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  8. Nice find, JF. Neve thought about soaking figures off bases before. I generally cut bases out of MDF using a good craft knife. Always, as you say, a chore and one I don't enjoy. I should buy a little vibrasaw or craft bandsaw one day but being a klutz I'm always afraid I'll cut my fingertips off.

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    1. Hi Michael!

      Experience is a great teacher. After numerous nicks, wounds, and bloody towels, I discovered that a good soak in a pan of water allowed the figures to easily pop off their bases.

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