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Saturday, July 21, 2012

War of the Austrian Succession Austrian Kálnoky Hussar

This is my second Spencer Smith miniature, the first being a Prussian Hussar. Not to keep that fellow lonely, here is a war mate for him. This time I've done a better job on the flounders, which don't show in the photo, due to the glossy shine, and added a barreled waist sash, which you can see on his right side.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Pendraken's 10mm Paddle Steamer for the Sudan

These are a couple of Pendraken's paddle steamers, from their Sudan range. I actually have a third model, not assembled, around here somewhere. The models don't come with those railings. I had to drill into the deck, plant short wire there with aradlite, and then thread between these posts. I don't know if this was intended. It was a huge pain in the bottom to undertake. I managed to lose one of the chinese hat awnings, so I had to scratch build one from wood.
I would like to have taken better photos, but I haven't appropriate river scenery. I tried cutting the boats out of that background, and revealing some blue, or brown water, background, but it looked terrible.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

My first Spencer Smith figure: Szekely Hussar

I have painted my first Spencer Smith miniature. The figures have very little detail. You have to paint it on, which is the point of buying these simple figures. It is rather like taking an unattractive girlfriend out for an expensive meal. All she really rates is a nosebag and a measure of oats, but giving her the five star treatment makes the evening special. On the other hand, you could save your cash, spend it on the Spencer Smiths, and stay in for the evening.
This lad is from the Prussian Szekely Hussars. The uniform is good for the War of the Austrian Succession, the Silesian Wars and the Seven Years War. I've forgotten a few successions, but you get the drift. Here is is, presented in all his unfashionable shininess.
None of the lace, the flounders, the "teeth" on the Shabraque or the design on the Sabretache is molded on the figure. So it takes a deal of painting. I should touch up those flounders, but I was hasty to get this first man on the parade ground.
I've 58 kilos of these Spencer Smith figures to paint. So I'd better get a move on.