Monday 24 May 2021

Getting back in the ECW swing!

I appreciate the comments on the previous 'Front Rank' post, it was in response to some of the very negative comments on the Facebook thread that I read and I feel more optimistic now that a buyer will be found for the business as they do make some superb model soldiers. On another note I see that Tony Barr of East Riding Miniatures has also taken the decision to retire (HERE), and that his figure ranges will also be offered for sale, including Lamming Miniatures, another long established range of figures.

ECW Progress.

Funny enough I really don't feel like I have been spending that much time at the painting desk but the new units are coming on at a very pleasing pace. No question that I am starting to feel the benefits of having some insulin in my body and the related lifestyle changes which I'm sure is helping, and I'm also finding that my eyesight seems to have regained it's focus for painting model soldiers. As I said, I have no desire to rush this project along as it's intended for the long term, but I'm finding the Peter Pig figures such a pleasure to paint. You can see the results so far below.

When I painted the blue coated Regiment of Foot I was not entirely happy as they looked very flat despite there being some highlighting. It bothered me so much that I decided to do something about it. I took pure azure and added stronger highlights, but this resulted in too strong a contrast so in order to try to knock it back somewhat I carefully ran some Vallejo blue wash over. Bearing in mind that the unit was still based this required some tricky brushwork, being careful not to let the thin wash run over any other detail. The result when retouched with satin varnish is as shown, I'm much happier with the overall look. I know from past experience that the combination of the Vallejo azure with the applied blue wash works well and I intend to use it again. I like the Vallejo washes and have several of them, the red wash also gives good results over flat red.

The Dragoons are burnt red with flat red highlights and green cuffs, being the coat lining turned back. I decided to stick with the 120mm unit frontage for all units so far, but reduced the depth of the dragoons bases to 25mm with 4 figures per base. I need to add a flag. There is also a horse holder base to mark where they dismount to fight on foot.

The cuirassiers were quite easy to paint being a metallic dry brush over the black base coat. I used steel for most but included a couple in bronze armour, a little silver or gold were added as highlights. I'm searching for a suitable flag for them. 

More Foot will be next up this week. 
















14 comments:

  1. Glad to hear you're feeling better and your accelerating output seems to be the proof of the pudding.

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    1. Many thanks Rob. I'm gradually picking up speed again :)

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  2. Very nice, the blue contrast works well. Even when your output slows, it puts mine in the shade! :-)

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    1. Cheers Norm. I paint at my little desk in the lounge (aside from the Christmas period when I have to make way for the tree!), so can watch/listen to TV at the same time and sit with my wife who likes to knit. I find this helps with productivity. We tend to watch box sets of detective series, but have just finished Band of Brothers.

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  3. WOW superb units , glad to see you got your mojo back, look after yourself , cheers old John

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    1. Thanks John, it's coming back slowly!

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  4. Lee,
    Really glad you’re feeling all round better, who knows what your illness knock on effects were but it certainly seems you’re feeling a lot better which is good. The figures are excellent PP is so painter friendly I wish I’d used them years ago.
    The ECW project is going to be really good.

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    1. Cheers Graham. Looking back six weeks or so I was out on my feet, really struggling but reluctant to admit it, I'm glad the family pushed me to go to A&E when they did :)

      Agree re the Peter Pigs a joy to paint. I'll be doing yours next week :)

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  5. Now *I* would have been happy with them as they were (!), but they do look extra special now, so well worth the additional effort. The colours are delightfully brilliant without being in the least garish.
    Regards, James

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    1. Thanks James, I was worried they were a touch too bright (after being worried they were a touch too dark and flat!). I'm going to play around with the Vallejo washes a little more.
      Lee.

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  6. Good news on the illness, and lovely work here... said it before but I do like your horses..!

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    1. Many thanks Steve. I have never been a man for going to the Docs if I can avoid it, this has taught me a lesson!

      Really enjoying painting the Pigs.

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  7. Glad you're feeling better, they really are coming out well,I am worried at this speed you will finish both armies and have to move onto new ones!
    Best Iain

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    1. It's just that usual burst of initial enthusiasm Iain! I can ring the changes when I want by painting some Peter Pig ACW's for Graham or 20mm's for John. ECW units are a bit 'samey' to paint actually, just different coat and breeches colours.

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