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.