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Completed 1/10, 180mm, 2nd Life Guards Trumpeter, Egypt 1882

Discussion in 'vBench (Works in Progress)' started by MCPWilk, May 14, 2020.

  1. MCPWilk A Fixture

    Country:
    United-Kingdom
    Gordon produced the well know Caton Woodville 17th Lancer Trumpeter, Boer War, in 180mm, 120mm and 75mm sizes. I wanted a more colourful mounted figure so chose to convert the figure to a Trumpeter 2nd Life Guards. Considering how similar the two uniforms are, a surprising amount of work went into the conversion. Small things in 75mm appear much larger in 180mm, so I had to remodel parts of the horse's bridle and saddlery. Trumpeters didn't carry a long arm, only a pistol, so the bucket for the rifle had to go and the picketting peg added to the roll behind the saddle. The sword was carried on slings, so the horse blanket on both sides needed filling in and the sword scabbard needed rings and slings. I beefed up the horse shoe wallet and added a strap and buckle. The sword knot was removed from the sword and modelled hanging freely. Likewise the stirrup straps were removed and remade with pewter foil.

    The 2nd Lifeguards wore a scarlet tunic without breast pockets and overalls with two broad red stripes either side of a line of red piping. It would appear that officers wore boots but the troopers wore puttees. These were re-formed with pewter strip as were a number of straps for haversack etc. I have assumed that the puttees were tied at the knee, like the infantry, although by WW1 cavalry puttees were tied at the ankle. Spurs were then made from copper wire and pewter sheet. The ends of the bugle and trumpet were drilled out and cord attached and finally a double link chin chain was made for the helmet.

    Undercoated, left side.jpg

    Undercoated, right side.jpg

    Happy modelling,

    Mike
    Perseas, Fransab, KenBoyle and 13 others like this.
  2. Tommy Atkins Well-Known Member

    Country:
    United-Kingdom
    This looks great! Looking forward to seeing it progress. Regards Pete
    MCPWilk likes this.
  3. malc PlanetFigure Supporter

    Country:
    England
    Great piece of work, I too will be looking forward to more.
    MCPWilk likes this.
  4. ometz Well-Known Member

    Country:
    United-States
    Great job. Just wish one of these talented sculptors would make a Lifeguard figure for that period (Moonlight Charge at Kassassin?).
    Grod and MCPWilk like this.
  5. Viking Bob PlanetFigure Supporter

    Country:
    United-Kingdom
    Looking forward to more on this and some colour, better than all Khaki.
    Following.
    clrsgt and MCPWilk like this.
  6. MCPWilk A Fixture

    Country:
    United-Kingdom
    I wish one of our talented artists would paint one of the figures I sculpted/converted for Gordon Mitchell or Victory Miniatures!!

    Mike
    malc likes this.
  7. valiant A Fixture

    Country:
    United-Kingdom
    Interesting conversion, Mike - just for info, cavalry puttees were wound top to bottom, infantry bottom to top! Dunno why, but there you go...!!(y)
    Airkid, NeilW and MCPWilk like this.
  8. MCPWilk A Fixture

    Country:
    United-Kingdom
    I know that was so in WW1, but could find no information as to how they were wound when first used for cavalry. The Caton Woodvilole Boer War illustration clearly shows them wound bottom to top, so that's what I did.

    Mike
    malc and valiant like this.
  9. Grod A Fixture

    Country:
    United-Kingdom
    I like what you have done with this Mike.
    The photos you sent me of the paintings depicting Kassasin were great. I'd never heard of the battle before.
    Cheers
    Gordon
    MCPWilk and valiant like this.
  10. valiant A Fixture

    Country:
    United-Kingdom
    I think it originated in the Indian army, late colonial period. I cant be certain, but I think it was to prevent thorn bushes from catching under the wraps if wound bottom to top and maybe from undoing the tapes when in the saddle... But when it was officially adopted is pure speculation!!(y)
    MCPWilk likes this.
  11. malc PlanetFigure Supporter

    Country:
    England
    Think I will have to get one of these 180mm myselfm .

    Any info would be welcome or offers where I could get my hands on one
  12. Richie A Fixture

    Country:
    United-Kingdom
    Hi Mike,
    All I can add is impressive.(y)
    cheers
    Richie
    MCPWilk likes this.
  13. Nap Moderator

    Country:
    England
    Hi Mike

    And that's an IMPRESIVE from me as well

    It might be me ...but the waterbottle and mess tin looks a little small ?

    Be great to see some scarlet on this

    Following with interest

    Happy benchtime

    Stay safe

    Nap
  14. MCPWilk A Fixture

    Country:
    United-Kingdom
    The Boer War trumpeter is available from Gordon Mitchell.

    Mike
    malc and Nap like this.
  15. MCPWilk A Fixture

    Country:
    United-Kingdom
    Quite possibly. I do have one in 200mm, but that is too big!

    Mike
  16. Nap Moderator

    Country:
    England
    Get that putty out ...lol

    This is a great conversion with lots of info from you

    Nap
    MCPWilk and malc like this.
  17. Borek A Fixture

    Country:
    Czech-Republic
    Wow, looks great, fantastic project, watching closely!

    Cheers Borek
    MCPWilk likes this.
  18. Chrisr PlanetFigure Supporter

    Country:
    Australia
    This looks great Mike. I am sure you will do it justice with the painting as well.

    Cheers
    Chris
    MCPWilk likes this.
  19. MCPWilk A Fixture

    Country:
    United-Kingdom
    Thank you all for your kind remarks.

    Mike
    Borek likes this.
  20. KenBoyle PlanetFigure Supporter

    Country:
    United-States
    I love the conversions Mike! Great job. (y)

    Cheers,
    Ken
    MCPWilk likes this.

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