The Foot Guards
The foot guards of the British army in the Crimea were central to several actions and rather than being held in reserve they were often at the forefront of the action. This was the case during the battle of the Alma when the Guards and Highland brigades stormed the Russian positions on the heights. The same can be said for the Battle of Inkerman, with the guards in the thick of the fighting.Douglas Miniatures represents the foot guards with five figures as follows:
B8 Guards Officer - drawn sword.
B9 Guardsman Advancing.
B10 Guardsman Firing.
B18 Guards Standard Bearer.
B21 Guardsman Running.
All of the above figures are currently available from John Cunningham's range, less the standard bearer, as so far a master figure has not been found. It is assumed that this figure would follow the practice of others in the range, with the standard being added to the officer figure. I have converted officer figures to standard bearers in my collection.
There is a problem with B8 and B9, in that the original mould creates figures with very weak swords and bayonets. A high percentage of mine broke off during painting. I recall this being a problem with the original figures back in the 70s. In any case I have replaced all of the swords and bayonets on my figures in order to overcome this issue. Here are some shots of the painted figures, the Coldstream Guards:
Here are a couple of close ups of the officer and standard bearers. The flags were sourced from the internet, sized and printed on ordinary paper. They are covered in PVA glue to give strength.
Finally a view of an unpainted running figure:
Another quite excellent unit. You have converted me completely on these unpromising looking little castings.
ReplyDeleteMr Cunningham and I are meeting soon for our bi-annual egg and chips fest. I forsee money changing hands and its all YOUR fault.
John
Unforunately it is all John's fault for resurrecting these delightful old figures - this is why he is also known as "The Evil Influence". Like a plague this disease spreads from one collector to another.
ReplyDeleteThey really are "charming" little figures, I genuinely get more of a kick with these than any of the modern sculpts.
ReplyDeleteGuilty as charged, M'luds, and I'm proud of my efforts in bringing back the old ranges which otherwise would have disappeared completely, and always happy to take cash from JP :-))
ReplyDeletecheers Old John aka The Evil Influence
As one who is in the throes of painting 'more modern sculpts' (give or take the Minifis highlanders I recently bought second hand 'mint in packet'), I fully endorse the comments made above. There is something more compelling about the simpler, older, designs that points the way towards the more fun side of war gaming.
ReplyDeleteIt is very hard to pin down why this is. My Napoleonic collection is quite eclectic - just taking what I could get - from crude Hinton Hunt knock-offs, Warrior, Hotspur, Minifigs and Front Rank. I can't love the knock-offs, but the Minifigs are my favorites, with the slightly smaller Warrior dudes a very close second. I've never fully cottoned to the others, somehow...