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Friday 26 November 2021

The Croats arrive - at last!

As part of my ongoing 'finishing spree' another unit which has been long in the pipeline is a bunch of Thirty Years War Croats.

Over a decade ago, I did a lot of TYW stuff (some may remember my Breitenfeld Blog which showcased that particular project back then).

Brian Rigelsford had a habit of sending me 'rudimentary sketches' (works of art to us mere mortals, but 'rudimentary sketches' to Brian). He would then describe over the phone how he would do the figure 'master conversions' and then ask if there were any that I didn't want!! A master salesman as well as a terrific artist (a rare combo). 

Of course, I could hardly resist, and lo and behold a few days later a parcel would arrive with the figures inside... a mass of miliput, a few bits of original metal showing, but mostly miliput. Even the horses for these Croats were 'cut and shut' jobs allowing for all sorts of active poses.

For most figures, I painted them myself, but some I sent away to get professionally painted. In the case of these Croats, I sent them to David Jarvis to get his masterful treatment.

They arrived back and I was delighted with them. To my eternal shame, they then sat in a box for a few years and I simply didn't get round to basing them and doing the flag...until last week.

So here they are at last, after about a decade! Good job it was the thirty years war, not the ten years war, or they might never have made it to the battlefield!

Here is the unit with Brian's original concept sketch.












Finally, in addition to the unit itself, as a 'bonus piece', Brian produced a lovely little vignette, hinting at the nature of the TYW where many innocents were caught up in "Europe's Tragedy".



That's all for now...

Until next time, I hope your "Black Friday" is going as well as can be expected.



23 comments:

  1. Those croats are superb - lovely modelling and painting.

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    1. Thx Tidders. They are one of my best units, no doubt about it.
      Phil

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  2. Wow!! They look quite superb, great animation and so well painted, they make for a top notch unit. A lovely treat on this wet and windy Friday night.

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    1. Thx Donnie. The animation achieved by Brian in his creation of these is really something special. I'm delighted with them. Phil

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  3. Lovely unit, and great sketches.

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    1. Thanks John. Brian's sketches are a real joy to own. Phil

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  4. Replies
    1. Thanks Alan. Seeing the figures emerge from the sketch pad was a very special moment. Phil

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  5. What lovely pieces to simply to own for their own sake. There is so much to stare into and look at on each figure.

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    1. Thx Norm. Yes, I often just stare at figures on the shelves... you don't have to wargame with them to appreciate their beauty. In fact, quite the opposite. Phil

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  6. For theme and finish, these are beyond words. A wonderful post. Thanks

    I always enjoyed your TYW collection and these are a great addition.
    Unfortunately it also reminds me of figures languishing in my own lead pile!

    Stephen

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    1. Thx Stephen. My TYW collection doesn't often get to the tabletop these days... might have to rectify that! Best regards. Phil

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  7. Beautiful Phil. You are a very lucky person. Young Jarvis is quite handy with a brush although he cant handle his beer as well.

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    1. Thanks Roddie. Perhaps David needs to keep off the beer so he can keep a steady hand! Best regards. Phil

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  8. Beautiful figures and a marvellous painting!

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    1. Thx Andy. From concept sketches to complete unit, these are a joy to own. I'm very pleased with them. Phil

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  9. Excellent figures, I agree with you Brian is a a master at drawing and figure conversions. Your TYW is a great collection and I think this was Brain's preferred period. Thanks for sharing.

    Paul

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    1. Thx Paul. Might have to get the TYW collection on the table again before too long... Best regards. Phil

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  10. Ten years - That is shameful! I jest!
    Lovely work & a fine addition to your collection.
    Best wishes,
    Jeremy

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    1. Thx Jeremy. Yes, 10 years is a bit naughty... but I do have worse!! Best regards. Phil

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  11. Top work by all involved well done Phil lovey to see them.

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    1. Thx Willie. Hope you're keeping well.
      Best rgds
      Phil

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  12. Thanks for sharing this Phil. Love the figures and the unit and seeing the initial sketches and bonus vignette is indeed a treat. The sketches remind me of those charming ones in the Redoubt catalogue! It's something special to own these

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