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Sunday, 25 January 2026

Result!

On Friday we received some letter post dated from 3 weeks ago and spoke to the nice Postlady who informed us that the 'Big Boss' had visited the office following contact by our local MP (Tristan Osbourne - Labour), to whom I had written. Clearly we were not the only customers complaining. The washers arrived plus some very late letters. Around an hour later I was shocked to see another delivery van pull up and TWO posties got out carrying further bundles of mail, one of which was my Jiffy Bag package from Essex Miniatures containing all the French infantry figures and a few initial cavalry ......... Oh Yes!

At last the boys are starting to get fixed to their 15mm steel washers for Commands & Colors. I  wanted to keep the colour coded edges but went with flock (Javis fine turf) to disguise the figure base edges. This was applied with PVA glue and then set hard with varnish when dry, I'm pleased with the final look. I decided to keep cavalry figures on the same size washers and let them overhang front and rear rather than use larger washers as they need to fit in a 55mm hex bearing in mind that French cavalry units are of 4 blocks while British only 3. I think overall that I have achieved the kind of glossy gaming piece look that I am looking for. Very tactile to pick up and move around the board.



First of the French.






Light infantry in front (5 blocks) yellow dots to edges to identify.

I'm now starting on the French infantry beginning with the line Fusilier units of 4 figures. On order are all of the remaining cavalry and artillery plus Generals etc to complete the project and as it's a £90 order I'm taking no chances and going with Royal Mail Tracked shipping this time.

I must mention here my poor long suffering wife who has endured my moaning and complaining these last weeks, especially my time spent staring out of the front window or occasionally jumping up shouting 'Is that the Post Van' when it was not :) These things are sent to try us as they say?



4 comments:

  1. Very nice and starting to look very rewarding the wheel has gone right round since your similar dabble some years ago with 6mm - I much prefer the charm of these fellows and the gloss is just right.

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    1. Thank you Norm. I'm happy with this, the figures are really nice to pick up and move around and will take a lot of handling with the heavy gloss varnish. As you say the old Essex figures have a charm of their own with robust short muskets and bayonets that do not bend. The bases take a fair bit of work but I did not want any loose grass on them and wanted to see the bright edges colour coded. The mat has a nice shade to it too :)
      Cheers,
      Lee.

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  2. It’s great to read that your post has been delivered … and this figures look fantastic! I think the choice of same size bases for the cavalry and infantry makes lots of sense.

    I am very envious of your ability to paint such wonderful figures.

    All the best,

    Bob

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for the comment Bob, it was indeed a most frustrating 3 weeks with the post situation. I was pleased that our MP took the complaint seriously and things began to move again after his contact.

      I'm very happy how these figures are looking, quite Old School wit their shiny coats!

      All the best,

      Lee.

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