The second half bag of Old Glory Spanish infantry made it across the painting desk. These fifteen figures are outfitted in the same slightly faded, blue-grey rayadillo uniform as their recent predecessors. Pushing the 30-figure bag of 25mm figures into the painting queue was a pleasant change of pace. The figures are large and carry not much equipment. The simple uniform allows quick completion of 30 figures. The standard bearer awaits his standard from the depot. Mixing in a few easier to paint figures is an effective way to mitigate painting burn-out. While I rarely experience such a malady, figure rotation is my method for keeping this lurking monster at bay.
Remaining on topic of the SAW project, on a recent archaeology expedition into The Lead Pile, my efforts brought to the surface a number of unopened bags, half-used bags, and several bags filled with a mish-mash of figures. New bags included two more bags of Spanish infantry (one in jipijapa hats like today's figures, the other in tropical sun helmet), two bags of US infantry, and a bag of US commanders. In the leftover bags, I found US artillery and crew, Spanish commanders, US Marines, and a huge ziplock bag of miscellaneous figures. The latter I picked up secondhand at a bargain price. I should be able to cobble together at least one more US Marine BMU and one of Cuban rebels. Included in this secondhand bag are at least two dozen Moros. While I have no plans to expand this project to the Philippines, these figures may be of use for something else. Much variety remains in work at the workbench. Fielding two units from the same period (as in the SAW project of late), seems a rarity. Expect more 15mm units coming off the painting desk including WWII vehicles, Feudal Japanese, 1859 artillery, and SYW Bavarians. Rebasing of the 28mm Napoleonic skirmishers continues. The skirmishers for all combatants are almost finished. During the reorg and rebasing, several addition British and French figures need to be painted to round out a battalion or two. Oh, I began work on a Hittite army in 25mm too!
Very nice, because they are so different, how else could one find an excuse to paint yellow hats :-). Agree entirely about keeping the painting queue fresh with change or rewards along the way.
Thank you, Norm! The yellow hats appear a little more brightly in the photo than to the naked eye. The hat color is actually "straw" with a good coat of Minwax stain over the top.
Thank, Aly! Having looked at a number of these rayadillo uniforms, the inside of a pair of denim jeans matches the effect closely. No painting of ticking lines for me. Besides, from a distance the lines are invisibile.
Thank you! No battle planned but a small SAW solo action with the Spanish forces working on a semi-automated/programmed approach may be a ticket for an enjoyable afternoon game. Now, what rules to use?
First, I will need to clear the table of the long idle Telamon battle array.
A small action could be a good way to go with representing this war. I get the impression from my limited reading that terrain made things rather disjointed from a high command point of view.
You have more background in the campaign than you realize! Small actions were frequent. A small action such as Las Guasimas in the jungle on the way to San Juan Hill, I could put on the table and play it out in a solitaire fashion. The S&T campaign game I shared in an earlier post would be a very useful battle generator. What rules to use for the tabletop actions is still a question for me.
Great work on these Jonathan and sounds like busy times chez vous....just as well for the pandemic lockdown, or where would you find the time to get all this done! How is your leg progressing by the wat?
I often have a large variety of stuff in work at the painting desk. Unfortunately, there are days when I fail to find the time (or energy) to get a meaningful painting session into the books. Despite lockdown, my day job continues as remote work is possible. No time off for me despite all of the many, current distractions.
Fibula is healed but PT was interrupted by the pandemic. Slowly working the soft tissues back into working order on my own.
Another very nice looking unit Jonathan. I always have several projects on the go to help get round that painting block that affects all of us I'm sure. Glad to hear the leg's on the mend:)
Great looking unit, and I look forward to seeing them in action. I agree about keeping the painting queue fresh. Surprising yourself can generate its own enthusiasm.
Thank you, Nathan! I don't when I will get them in action but your encouragement has me thinking more actively about a fight in the jungles on the approaches to San Juan Hill. Something like this could be a solitaire game.
How do you surprise yourself at the painting table?
The simple uniform of the Spanish still looks good and distinctive. I agree with alternating projects being a good way to combat painting fatigue when the overall goals allow. After painting a boatload of Napoleonic High Command figures, I am working on some Macedonian infantry instead now!
The Spanish uniform of this period is definitely utilitarian. I like it a lot. With the Spanish in the tropics you also have the chance to field infantry in their tropical whites and sun helmet.
Mixing the painting queue up is the way to go if you are not pressing on with an urgent project.
I can easily imagine that painting fatigue is NOT something that affects you often with all you documented productivity. You’ve clearly hit on your winning strategy to get units painted.
Great job on these guys! Like everyone says above, simple and consistent uniforms c as n often paint up pretty quickly. 😀
Painting fatigue is a rare thing here, no doubt. But, lately, I have been more dabbling into solo wargames, rebasing(!), and other non-focusing nonsense.
Glad you like my Spanish, Stew! Perhaps, I should put a few more into the painting queue while the details are still fresh in mind?
Very nice, because they are so different, how else could one find an excuse to paint yellow hats :-). Agree entirely about keeping the painting queue fresh with change or rewards along the way.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Norm! The yellow hats appear a little more brightly in the photo than to the naked eye. The hat color is actually "straw" with a good coat of Minwax stain over the top.
DeleteNice looking toys Jonathan...
ReplyDeleteYou’ve got that denim colour done a treat... better than trying to paint individual ticking lines on...
All the best. Aly
Thank, Aly! Having looked at a number of these rayadillo uniforms, the inside of a pair of denim jeans matches the effect closely. No painting of ticking lines for me. Besides, from a distance the lines are invisibile.
DeleteCracking work Jonathan!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ray!
DeleteLovely stuff. Any SAW games on the horizon Jonathan?
ReplyDeleteThank you! No battle planned but a small SAW solo action with the Spanish forces working on a semi-automated/programmed approach may be a ticket for an enjoyable afternoon game. Now, what rules to use?
DeleteFirst, I will need to clear the table of the long idle Telamon battle array.
A small action could be a good way to go with representing this war. I get the impression from my limited reading that terrain made things rather disjointed from a high command point of view.
DeleteYou have more background in the campaign than you realize! Small actions were frequent. A small action such as Las Guasimas in the jungle on the way to San Juan Hill, I could put on the table and play it out in a solitaire fashion. The S&T campaign game I shared in an earlier post would be a very useful battle generator. What rules to use for the tabletop actions is still a question for me.
DeleteGreat work on these Jonathan and sounds like busy times chez vous....just as well for the pandemic lockdown, or where would you find the time to get all this done! How is your leg progressing by the wat?
ReplyDeleteThanks, Keith!
DeleteI often have a large variety of stuff in work at the painting desk. Unfortunately, there are days when I fail to find the time (or energy) to get a meaningful painting session into the books. Despite lockdown, my day job continues as remote work is possible. No time off for me despite all of the many, current distractions.
Fibula is healed but PT was interrupted by the pandemic. Slowly working the soft tissues back into working order on my own.
Nice work Jonathan. Sometimes simple uniformed figures present the most pleasurable results.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mark! I agree that sometimes simple is best.
DeleteAnother very nice looking unit Jonathan. I always have several projects on the go to help get round that painting block that affects all of us I'm sure. Glad to hear the leg's on the mend:)
ReplyDeleteYou are very kind, Steve. For me, it helps to have a lot of variety at the workbench. Yes! Leg seems to be on the mend.
DeleteGreat looking unit, and I look forward to seeing them in action. I agree about keeping the painting queue fresh. Surprising yourself can generate its own enthusiasm.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Nathan! I don't when I will get them in action but your encouragement has me thinking more actively about a fight in the jungles on the approaches to San Juan Hill. Something like this could be a solitaire game.
DeleteHow do you surprise yourself at the painting table?
Great work again Jonathan!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Michal!
DeleteNice work Jonathan, always good to paint something nice and easy!
ReplyDeleteThanks! Nice and easy during trying times is recommended.
DeleteGreat miniatures
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteLovely looking Spanish! Nice to find even more in the lead mountain!
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
Thanks much, Iain! Exploring in The Lead Pile is always an adventure.
DeleteArcheological expedition into the Lead Pile? Hilarious!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks to your earlier post I read up a bit on this war and found it absolutely fascinating. Thanks a lot Jonathan!
Mike! Glad to provide a little comical relief and to spark new interest.
DeleteThe simple uniform of the Spanish still looks good and distinctive. I agree with alternating projects being a good way to combat painting fatigue when the overall goals allow. After painting a boatload of Napoleonic High Command figures, I am working on some Macedonian infantry instead now!
ReplyDeleteThe Spanish uniform of this period is definitely utilitarian. I like it a lot. With the Spanish in the tropics you also have the chance to field infantry in their tropical whites and sun helmet.
DeleteMixing the painting queue up is the way to go if you are not pressing on with an urgent project.
Hope you are remaining well and rested.
Another finely painted unit leaves your painting table. You seem to be able conjure up armies from your lead pile.
ReplyDeleteGlad you like the Spaniards! You would be surprised at the number of figures I have squirreled away.
DeleteNice work Jonathan, I eagerly await what you pick next for your paint table, you seem to have a lot of choice.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Paul. Yes, I have plenty of potential targets for my next painting opportunity.
DeleteI can easily imagine that painting fatigue is NOT something that affects you often with all you documented productivity. You’ve clearly hit on your winning strategy to get units painted.
ReplyDeleteGreat job on these guys! Like everyone says above, simple and consistent uniforms c as n often paint up pretty quickly. 😀
(Except in my case).
Painting fatigue is a rare thing here, no doubt. But, lately, I have been more dabbling into solo wargames, rebasing(!), and other non-focusing nonsense.
DeleteGlad you like my Spanish, Stew! Perhaps, I should put a few more into the painting queue while the details are still fresh in mind?
Great looking Spanish; One of the local gamers here is building up the same units, for Rebels and Patriots, I think.
ReplyDeleteThanks! Are you referring to Kevin with the SAW project? Rebels and Patriots? Hmm. Maybe I should look into that?
DeleteThe figures paint up very well and a good way of reducing your led pile.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Pat.
Thanks, Pat!
Delete