Sunday 17 October 2021

Tinker Bill

For the last few weeks I've been colouring in a battalion of 20mm Lamming French line infantry. I actually started these over two years ago, so I thought it might be a good idea to finally finish them.

It's been a fairly slow process so far because I've been trying to block out the entire battalion in their basic uniform colours before getting into the details. In theory this will make painting them a bit more efficient, but whether or not this really turns out to be the case remains to be seen.

Completed this evening were the two elite companies.


The voltigeurs were the trickiest, but the wonderful wee trumpeter I found for them was just too delicious to resist, so he kept me motivated.


The grenadiers were a lot simpler, but while painting them I discovered there were actually four slightly different variations, as I hope the next two pictures will illustrate. The first three have a rather Hinchliffey type quality, which makes me wonder a bit. Bill Lamming certainly seems to have tinkered about with the range quite a bit.


Next up should be the fusiliers, although I also have several personality figures in production, so we'll see how we go.

The luscious wooden surface they're all standing on is my new painting desk, which is a gorgeous old fold-up writing bureau which I've squeezed into a corner of the living room. It's a lot warmer in there and I can play my music on a proper sound system while I paint. I'm hoping this will do wonders for my productivity.

Stay safe my friends,

WM

20 comments :

  1. The brushwork is simply superb Matthew. Being comfortable while you paint does certainly help productivity which is something I’m aware of as we head into winter here! Looking forward to seeing the finished unit.

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    1. I would regularly freeze in my old spot, so I hope you're right. I should have done this years ago!

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  2. They look marvelous and I really like the very fine line work - it's a style that suits these early wargames figures - never seen it done better! The early Lamming figures are very different from the later ones that I remember - and more like the pre-S range Minifigs and HH figures - thanks for sharing them.

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    1. Cheers Rick!
      Bill's wee men have a lovely simplicty and very clear relief details which makes line work a doddle. You're right about Bill's later ranges. These are not compatible with other 20mm figure ranges at all.

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  3. These are splendid Matthew…
    The trumpeter is indeed a delightful little chap…
    I am looking forward to seeing the finished battalion.

    All the best. Aly

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    1. Thank you Aly. I'm very fond of Lmmmings. They have a wonderful folk-artyness about them I think.

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  4. They are full of character - the grenadiers legs look a little spindly but it just adds to the charm. The Trumpeter is a gem of a figure, I particularly like the musket slung on his shoulder.
    Oh, in case I didn't mention it - all are lucky to get one of your exquisite paint jobs.

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    1. It had to be done, Rob. Those outrageously oversized plumes have been calling out to me for years!

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  5. Impressive. They are certainly worth the time spent.

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    1. I'm very pleased you like them, Rob. My original plan was to get just enough Lamming voltiguers to paint the Middle Guard (Marcus never made any of them), but one thing led to another....

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  6. That wee trumpeter as you call him really does make this entire unit. What a fantastic figure! I propose you have a Lammington in celebration, especially considering the recent controversy over its roots: https://www.taste.com.au/articles/wait-lamington-might-actually-new-zealand/d9wmf1m8

    Culinary controversy aside, what a wonderful start to your battalion. I am eager to see it all completed. Any more special command figures for the fusiliers?

    Congrats by the way on finding a warm painting space. I think I will be investing in a small space heater come winter...

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  7. Lovely looking figures you have painted them a treat. I have a few early Prussian Lammungs in my lead pile and I now realise that I also have a Voltigeur trumpeter as well.

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  8. It's a great figure, isn't it. He's about 90% of the reason why I painted these!

    I also have those early Lamming Prussians, although I haven't quite decided who they're going to be yet.

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  9. Little beauties these WM, especially that trumpeter. KNow what you mean re being comfortable when painting, I have my own cosy corner!

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    1. I was allowed to do it on the condition that everything could be folded up and out of sight. As a result I have to be a lot more disciplined about what ends up littering the table, which is a very good thing!

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  10. Replies
    1. Cheers Matt!
      I've cheated ever so slightly with these by painting a few things onto them that aren't really there (such as their pack straps), but they're such nice figures that it's virtually impossible to paint them too badly.

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    2. Crikey, having to tidy up afterwards seems a bit harsh. Still, welcome to the world of comfortable crafting. I suppose it was inevitable. Just as I thought I might be getting the hang of this painting business, you raise the bar yet again. They are indeed beautiful. Are they HH compatible? And congratulations on the first accurate use of the d-word I've seen in years.

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    3. Thank you Archduke. They are quite compatible, but as they a little bit taller than Hinton Hunts they'll need slightly slimmer bases.

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