Military Figure Models

Military Minature Figure Models Blog has moved........

2007-01-26T16:20:00.000Z

My Military Figure Models blog has MOVED to models.robin-ellis.com

(This blog will not be updated after 19th January 2007).

Remember - this blog is now at models.robin-ellis.com

And thank you to all those people who have visited my pages here in blogger over the last 6 months.

The latest model in the new blog location is a Senior Officer in Napoleon's Polish Lancers

Military Figure Models is moving............

2007-01-19T18:07:00.000Z

My Military Figure Models blog has MOVED to models.robin-ellis.com

(This blog will not be updated after 19th January 2007).

Remember - this blog is now at models.robin-ellis.com

And thanks to all those thousands who have visited my pages here in blogger over the last 6 months.

Polish Light Horse - Senior Officer I

2006-12-29T11:00:00.000Z

Father Christmas, cunningly disguised as my wife, has given me a wonderful present of a 54mm model of a senior officer in the Polish Light Horse, part of Napoleon's Guard.
This figure is wearing the full dress uniform of 1810 and it will be quite a challenge for me.

Not only will it be my first figure on horseback, it will be painted as if he is on parade. Unlike the previous 4 models which I have painted as though they were either still in battle or were retreating from battle with damaged and dirty uniforms.

The quality of the metal casting is very good, but unlike previous ones I have completed, this does not have so much detail cast into it. Lots of the detail will have to be added by painting.

It looks as though a fair bit of work will be needed with thin lead sheet to make horse reins, stirrups, etc. which will also be a challenge - one I look forwards to.

Here are the two halves of the horse offered up together. There is quite a gap which will need to be filed square and then filled with milliput (or similar compound).

I have already removed some of the few casting marks. This having to fill and file to get a good result has an advantage that you really get to see, feel and know the model that you are working on. This better knowledge of your model's surface, texture and detail means you produce a better result when you get to the painting stage.

The Hussar - Finished

2006-12-18T18:17:00.000Z

The Prussian Hussar is now completed and has joined the three other military figures I modelled this year.

He has been photographed in front of an appropriate illustration to bring the Hussar 'to life'.

The pistol has been painted in shades of 'wood' with iron coloured barrel and brass side fittings. Also the butt has been painted partially in brass as this could be used as a club when empty. The area around the flint has been blackened too in order to show that it has already been fired.

As can be seen from the pictures I have not dirtied his trousers very much. Had the hussar been in this battle depicted in the background no doubt he would have been filthy, but I wanted to paint a cleaner model for a change. It has been suggested that I at least dirty his boots, but for the moment he will be kept as he is.
So, what is going to be the next model or project?

My wife has something in the modelling line for me to unwrap on the 25th - and I have no idea what model it will be - so watch this space.

Later in the year I really would like to have a go at carving my own model from scratch and then casting it in metal.

I also have some ideas for a diarama from the Napoleonic period as well as, unusually for me, from WW 1.

Some of the nations fielded mounted troops including lancers. Not very successfully, but an interesting subject to model.

May I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and see you again soon here in my blog.

The Hussar - Based

2006-10-31T23:38:00.000Z

The hussar is now attached to the base but there are still lots of things that need completing:
His pistol needs painting.
Shadows to be added to his trousers, jacket and dolman.
Both hands need darkening to match his face and the shadows painted between his fingers in order to highlight them.
A few minor scratches to cover.
The addition of a little brown mud and grey dust to the boots too.

And finally, sign the base.

Prussian Hussar - Taking Shape

2006-10-24T16:42:00.000+01:00

The Hussar now has his sword and sabretache attached, just leaving the pistol to be painted. I am not too happy with the angle of the pistol as it looks as though the hussar is aiming towards the ground not far away. So that will need taking off and refixing, not a difficult job because it has not been painted.

As I was preparing to upload the hussar I realised it might be nice to leave one of the photos uncropped, so you can see my paint pots, brushes and general rubbish !

The room can get very crowded as not only do we have all my military modelling 'junk' but we also have my wife's 'artists' junk too! When both of us are working every horizontal surface is covered in clutter.

And here is a question for fellow modellers or artists. "Why is it, if you have 4 large jars full of water on the table, plus one cup of coffee, it is ALWAYS the coffee that you dip your brush into ?"

Prussian Hussar - Sabretache

2006-10-21T17:12:00.000+01:00

The Prussian Hussar now nears completion. A red and white sabretache with leather belts plus cavalry sword are now ready to be fixed to the figure.

In reality it wouldhave been more sensible to fix the sabretache and sword to the waist belt and then add the dolman (blue jacket) over everything. But I got carried away painting all the white button lacings. Which means now I have to afix the sword belt etc in a small gap underneath the dolman. Not a disaster, but a reminder to myself plan and think ahead and then stick to the plan. Easier said than done, sometimes !

Prussian Hussar - nearing completion

2006-10-10T19:10:00.000+01:00

The Prussian Hussar nears completion. There are a few errors still to be corrected on this model but it is advancing quite well. The pistol has not been painted and I still have the shadows to do on his jacket and trousers. His open eye, sighting along the pistol still needs a bit of work doing to it. But coming along well. The small details on this model of a Hussar - such as the belt clip, the plume - really make a difference.

Prussian Hussar - Trousers etc

2006-10-08T13:06:00.000+01:00

The jacket was easy to paint and, much to my surprise, the lace on the front was far easier than that of the dolman in the previous post.

His riding boots are black with silver spurs. I suspect that I will dirty these with a little brown to simulate mud and a little bit of grey as he will be standing in stone when finally finished.

Note the outstretched arm - no, I have not missed a bit just inside the hussar's sleeve. That is bare metal so that when his hand (holding a pistol) is glued on the end of the arm it will be a secure joint and hold well. If you glue straight onto paint sometimes the hand falls off later taking a patch of dried paint with it.

The hussar's trousers are plain white. To make then more interesting I have 'dirtied' the seat from, presumably, where he was sitting in his saddle. The crests and troughs of the creases will need highlights to emphasise the shadows.

Prussian Hussar - Dolman

2006-10-03T11:45:00.000+01:00

The Hussar's dolman, a coat which will be draped from his shoulder, has been given its first few thin layers of colour.

The lace and fur edging is white and the button are silver. The dolman is a specific shade of blue which will need the peaks and valleys of the folds to be correctly highlighted in different tones to emphasise them.

The Hussar's left hand can be seen. This too has just been given an even coat of 'flesh' colour. Dirt and shadows will be added to make it more life like.

I have put this to one side as I now concentrate on painting the main part of the Hussar.

Prussian Hussar - 1

2006-09-25T11:47:00.000+01:00

This figure is another from the workshop of Andreas and will be a dismounted Prussian Hussar aiming a pistol with his right arm outstretched.

The original base that comes with the figure is square and I did not think it 'fitted' in with the scene I had in mind, nor with the round wooden base that I preferred.

First of all I carefully cut of the corners of the square, whitemetal base, to leave an irregular edge. This was cleaned and primed with white primer and then stuck down onto the wooden plinth.

Using a modelling compound I then cast and made my own 'paving stones' to extend the area that the hussar was standing on until they reached the edge of the wooden plinth. The gaps between the stones were enhanced by making deeper and the surface roughened and weathered.

On the original casting there was a raised area of stones. Using more modelling compound I created a 'raised flowerbed' effect and placed some tall plants in one spot.

Once all the carving and modelling was completed the whole was given a number of different coloured greyish washes. Earth was created by scenic scatter and the mould or moss between the slabs by diluted acrylic paints.

Based "Comrades in Arms"

2006-08-30T19:04:00.000+01:00

The French Guard Grenadier carrying the drummer boy are on the long retreat from Moscow with what is left of Napoleon's army.

Luckily for them the wind which was blowing earlier has stopped, but even so it is many degrees below freezing.

The drummer boy looks disoriented with the severity of the cold and had not the Grenadier picked him up and put him on his shoulders, the boy may well have succumbed to the weather.

Based (and cold) dragoon

2006-08-30T18:53:00.000+01:00

Yesterday I was creating the base for the next model, which will be a dismounted hussar. Deciding on the form the final model base will take gave me some ideas for the bases of the "Comrades in Arms" as well as for the Dragoon in his white greatcoat.

The dragoon is on the long retreat from Moscow and the snow is deep on the ground. Despite being surrounded on both side by trees, the bitterly cold wind is blowing in his face.

His hands have been wrapped in strips of cloth as he has no gloves. The once white greatcoat is now filthy with mud, but his musket is still in clean and working condition.

Comrades in Arms - completed

2006-08-28T20:16:00.000+01:00

The figures are now completed. I have stained and polished the round wooden base that they will be mounted on. Then there will be the last minute 'touch ups' to any minor flaws.

The next task is to complete the base of the dragoon (retreat from Moscow) as I am not 100% happy with it. Once that base has been altered to my satisfaction I will then add the 'snow' to both the dragoon and the comrades. As the dragoon is fairly light in colour without so much detail I suspect that it will have more snow than the two comrades..........But wait and see, I will decide on the day.

I am really happy at the quality of the comrades in arms.
Over 400 people have been through this blog since it started, but is there any chance that a few of you could leave a comment, please? Thanks ;-)

2006-08-20T19:24:00.000+01:00

The face and head of the drummer boy have been completed, as have the face and hat of the Old Guard Grenadier

I have given the drummer boy the jacket from an artilleryman instead of one from a musician. Possibly his was damaged in battle, or maybe this jacket is warmer. His hands are wrapped in strips of cloth to keep out the bitter cold.

The greatcoat of the Old Guard has not yet been completed. As you can see I have painted in the shadows on and along the folds of cloth, but I still have to tidy up around the white cross belt and finish off that grey area before fitting his arms as well as the legs of the boy.
I have to admit that I am very happy at how this is turning out.

Comrades in Arms - The Drum

2006-08-10T12:25:00.000+01:00

The drum which will be on the back of the drummer boy has now been completed. The bright brass and dark blue colours have been given a wash of dirty grey to 'age' and 'dirty' the drum. After all, it would not have been in pristine condition having been into battle.

In order to hold the drum while painting it I have glued a cocktail stick to the underneath - this also gives you an idea of the small size!

Comrades in Arms

2006-07-31T18:14:00.000+01:00

The next Napoleonic model is a 54mm casting from Andrea. The French Guard Grenadier has a tired, young drummer boy, complete with his drum, on his back. It is 1814 and, like the previous Dragoon, the war is not going well for them. The Grenadier carries the boy through the snow despite his own exhaustion.

Here are all the parts that make up this wonderful model diorama. The fit is very good, but even so there are a couple of casting flaws and joints that will require some work - but that is what makes each military model unique - the hand finishing.

The Next Model - VII

2006-07-18T12:23:00.000+01:00

Almost done, the Dragoon's musket has been added. All that is left now is to base it and add the snowy landscape.
The level of painting and detail is excellent. Note his reddened cheeks as well as the webbing on the musket strap.
I am really happy at how this Old Dragoon has turned out.

Please click on the picture to see a larger image. Enjoy.

The Next Model - VI

2006-07-16T21:03:00.000+01:00

........... and the face starts to take shape as well as the Dragoon's brass helmet. This one has a brown turban and a black peak.

The Next Model - V

2006-07-10T20:24:00.000+01:00

Back from honeymoon, and a wonderful time too. Full details can be seen in my Indigo's blog.

The dragoon has been mounted on it's base. Shadows and highlights have been added with detailing on sword handle, scabbard, Dragoon Greatcoat, bandages etc. The head has been added and the horsehair plume of the helmet given it's first coat.

The Next Model - IV

2006-06-06T18:26:00.000+01:00

Two thin washes have been applied to the dragoon's greatcoat and some detail has been picked out.
Care has been taken to keep shadows and highlights.

The Next Model - III

2006-05-21T12:40:00.000+01:00

The partially built model of the Dragoon has now been given a thin and uneven undercoat in grey primer.
Masking tape has been removed and now the whole is ready for painting.

Note the uneven finish, this is to help give the thin washes that will give the coat colour some shade variation - to make it seem 'real' and not one constant shade all over as is the case with toy soldiers.
This can be seen to effect on the curved fold on the left of the figure.

The Dragoon figure is not yet glued to the base - I have just put it here to hold it steady for the picture.

Here is a view of the front.

Now, there may well be a slight delay in starting the painting - and a slight delay before the next series of posts.

In two weeks time I am getting married so life is getting a little hectic now and, apparently, there are more important things to do than paint models ;-)

But please come back regularly, I will be posting as soon as I can.

The Next Model - II

2006-05-18T19:00:00.000+01:00

The lower edge of the coat has been attacked with a pair of pliers to "blow the bottom of the coat in the wind" a little bit more.
In other places cuts / tears have been elongated a little and the original very visible joint up the middle of the back and front has been filled and filed.
The joint looks a little rough in this photo, but it is actually very smooth and will cover nicely.

Before finally gluing these two parts together I gave the inside of the coat a dark red wash - it is so much easier to do so when the body is in two halves.

This red lining will later be washed with grey / black / browns to simulate accumulated dirt.

I have also put a heavy black wash over his boots (and have purposely missed out what will be rags wrapped around his boots).
Again, these boots will be covered later in a range of washes to simulate dirt.

Before any further work is done I will mask off the painted parts and apply a fine undercoat to where I have been working on the metal.

The next model - The Retreat from Moscow

2006-05-10T22:42:00.000+01:00

The next model is going to be completely different. It will depict a Dragoon, on foot, on the retreat from Moscow in 1812.

His horse has been abandonned and in order to try to stave off frost bite he has wrapped his boots and hands in whatever rags or strips of cloth that he could find.

The Dragoon still holds onto his musket and his once white greatcoat, still lined with red, is all he has to keep away the sub zero temperatures that they faced.

This greatcoat was once carefully rolled up, inside out to show the red lining, on the back of his saddle. Now it is the only thing to keep him warm.

This shows the partially assembled figure from the back. One leg is just visible below the cloak which is shown blowing in the wind.

In the picture I have sprayed the parts with white undercoat (better for photography than shiney whitemetal) and I am holding them together whilst the glue dries. Note the large gap along the join line, particularly at the top. That will require filling and filing until it cannot be seen.

The white gloves are to keep any oil / sweat from my fingers getting onto the model.

More pictures to follow..................
Again, comments most welcome.

First attempt.

2006-05-06T11:42:00.000+01:00

My first 54mm scale model, although I have done 100s of 15 mm.

This depicts a private of the British 6th Line running past a dead French Grenadier at the battle of La Coruña in Spain 1809.

Painted in water soluble acrylics and finsihed in a matt varnish to help protect it.
The base is original, but I have mounted it on a home turned and polished wooden plinth.

Initially I was very happy with the way this model turned out. Then I coated it with a thin coat of clear, matt varnish.

This unfortunately gave the whole a 'shiny' look, a bit like a toy soldier.

Does anyone know of a truely clear and matt varnish out there?

Comments on the model most welcome. Suggestions for improvements or any other modelling tips welcome too!

My next project is a figure depicting a French Dragoon, on foot, during the retreat from Moscow. I will put up a step by step picture record of how the preperation and painting of the figure progresses.