There are some nice little side projects which crop up from time to time which seem a great idea to add variety to the wargames soldier collection, but I regret that my track record of getting them finished is not good. In particular, the less closely they conform to the basic definition of "combat unit", the more they will be constantly pushed to the back of the painting queue.
The chaps illustrated above - well, almost all of them - have been in my spares box for upwards of 30 years - maybe nearer 40 - which means they must have moved house with me on 4 occasions. S-Range Minifigs, all bought new from The Toytub. To prove that every dog has his day, and denote one small victory for the folderols from the back of the queue, please may I introduce the band of the Grenadiers of King Joseph's Royal Spanish Guard.
No, they will probably never set foot on a battlefield - for one thing, this would draw attention to the fact that they have the same footprint as one of my fighting battalions, which is silly - but I am pleased to have them. They can play quietly in The Cupboard to motivate the rest of the troops, and it is, after all, some kind of a triumph over something or other.
Paintwork is by David Young, who does most of my painting these days.
Any requests? They do a very funky version of La Marche Consulaire.
Splendid looking little chaps. They deserve to at least come out and march up and down the side table when a big game is on.
ReplyDelete"The man that hath no music in himself,
ReplyDeleteNor is not mov'd with concord of sweet sounds,
Is fit for treasons, stratagems, and spoils."
The bloke in the middle seems to be saying "Hey ladies, take a look at my Jingling Johnny!"
ReplyDeleteMonsieur Rosbif - he does indeed! Because of Minifigs 1970s obsession with making poles, lances, BAYONETS (aaargh) etc very sturdy, you will also note that the bandmaster (just behind the 3 drummers) is conducting with what looks like a baseball bat. I had thought of replacing this with something more elegant, but felt it was better to leave everything in its original state - even if the baton is as thick as a bassoon. Conducting with a baseball bat is maybe OK anyway - I believe that Spike Jones used to conduct his band with a baton and a revolver.
ReplyDeleteRegards
Tony
Excellent!!!
ReplyDelete..magnifique... a huge shame not to see them on the tabletop though! Could they not be deployed within the camp. or close by the model depicting the C-inC?? :o))
ReplyDeleteThanks you, gentlemen, for your approval! I think Ross' idea about the side table may be a good start - they can entertain the reinforcements and the casualties. I have a couple of heavy-duty CDs of Napoleonic marches and fanfares which I like to inflict on visiting opponents - the band might give me a better excuse for playing them.
ReplyDeleteTony
Ah, PsyOps - I like it.
ReplyDelete