Wednesday, 25 April 2018

On to bigger things!

Since my late Teens I have always told myself that one day I would own a large collection of Napoleonic soldiers. Lord knows I have painted and sold many thousands of figures over the years as my enthusiasm for wargaming - though not painting - has ebbed and flowed. I had recently been looking into painting and collecting 54mm figures for display, but I like to build units featuring the different types, fusiliers, grenadiers, light company etc. I started to paint some of the 18mm Blue Moon figures the other day, but it's a busy time with a lot going on right now and I found it hard to focus. I always find starting something from scratch demanding.

When I saw that Andy Copestake of Old Glory Uk was selling off his fantastic collection of 40mm Peninsular War figures by Sash and Saber, I was unable to resist contacting him. It struck me that 40mm is large enough to satisfy my 'collector' instinct and they will look great in the large glass fronted display cabinet that comes with our new home, while still being a practical size for 'old school' wargames once in a while. Upshot is that I am now about to become the new owner of these lovely figures, I am delighted with them and Andy has kindly allowed me to share some photos here. I fully intend to add to them as the range is quite extensive. They run to about 240 or so figures painted, plus another 80 odd with basic blocked in colours waiting to be finished. The French 2nd Hussars comprise 16 figures and are magnificent!

Going to be a while before I can get my hands on them as they will probably travel out to Spain with my Son in Law on 16th June for a safer journey in the lorry with our furniture. I'm going to order some extras via Andy's Old Glory UK webstore and hopefully they can be posted to Spain. I want to add British Heavy Dragoons to start with.

Here are a few images from Andy to begin with, and a shot of what will be our new home in Turis, Valencia by mid June.... if all goes to schedule. I have already picked my future hobby room on the 1st floor, large enough for a 6 x 4 table, a painting area and the display cabinet, it is lovely and bright.













16 comments:

  1. Lovely figures, from one good home to another good home, excellent buy, just a lovely thing to own that will bring much enjoyment. I like your new pad, the brilliant light will make the napoleons zing.

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    1. Cheers Norm. I just have to be patient now until Mid June! We thought it best to have them bought over in the lorry..... just in case.

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  2. Hi Lee - stunning figures (and house) I'll be interested to see where you go with this project!

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    1. Thanks Ian - who knows I might actually end up keeping these! You get a lot of house for your money here in Spain, but one of the first things I noticed was the fine glass fronted display cabinet that's included in the sale :)

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  3. 'Lee,

    There is only one word that sums up your latest acquisitions, and that is ...

    WOW!

    That is a wonderful collection that would grace any wargamer's home. Having been collecting smaller Napoleonic figures myself for some time, I know how nice they can look en masse ... but these are superb!

    I look forward to seeing the figures you paint to add to the collection.

    All the best,

    Bob

    PS. The house looks great as well. Is that your current, temporary home, or is it the one you are going to buy?

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    1. Hi Bob - new country, new home, new Napoleonic figure collection! The pics are of the new home, process is underway and schedule to complete is 15th June. It's in a rural setting surrounded by vines but just 5 minutes from the village of Godelleta and a 30 minute drive from the bustling city of Valencia.

      Btw, my daughter is now out in Spain with us for 10 days. She will deliver the TB sets when home, but should you wish to pick them up from Snodland beforehand please email me and I'll give you the address/phone number, my Son in Law is still at home and around at weekends.

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  4. Sometimes an impulse is as good as a plan!

    Welcome to the 40mm club! My original 40mm armies were built around a core of S&S 40's. The Perry ones are even nicer and fit reasonably well though they aren't quite as chunky. They are fun to paint.

    The house looks most impressive! Hopefully it'll be a comfortable, relaxing home for years to come.

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    1. Thank you Ross, I had not realised how many 40mm ranges there were out there, and all are lovely figures. Beside the painted figures there are 86 British and French infantry with blocked in colours ready to finish off....I will enjoy doing that.

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  5. Lovely figures! I like that you had to buy an appropriate house to store them in! Look forwards to pictures of your new game room.

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    1. Thanks Barks. The Spanish don't stint on space! I made sure I could select a decent sized room to escape to and it's flooded with light :)

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  6. Ha! I wondered if you were going to buy them when I saw the exchange on Facebook... :o)) Good news...!

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    1. Can't wait to get my hands on them now Steve, must be patient. Meantime I'm going to order some British Heavy Dragoons via the OG website and have them posted to here in Calpe.

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  7. Stunning stuff and they will make a lovely display item. Lots and f lovely units to add too. A German division? some highlanders. As you are a master with the brush the scale will be no problem.

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    1. Thank you for the kind words Roy. I fully intend to add to them. if only for display purposes, but I do have in mind a simple old school game of toy soldiers with them now and then :) The painted figures includes 12 Highlanders with command, but I don't have any close ups of them yet. Andy is hoping to include an order for a 16 figure British Light Dragoon unit, the castings do of course have to be imported from the USA.

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  8. Nice new project! Napoleonic in two scales! I like old glory figures and I'm sure you'll do a grand job on them!
    Best Iain

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