Monday 6 April 2020

Thirty Years War 6mm progress 8: Cuirassiers

First major use of a magnifying glass
which I found helpful in this instance.
In accordance with my plan for 'Getting in Sync' I decided to devote each month to painting/playing a particular game (or series of games). With the great lockdown the playing part has dropped out of the picture, but I am otherwise keeping to the single monthly focus.

It’s April now but I’m still reporting March’s progress and March was devoted to my 6mm Thirty Years War armies for Tilly’s Very Bad Day. Steven Thomas of Balagan has finished development of TVBD for now but I've yet to finish the painting, let alone play a game.

After the horses I decided to focus on the Cuirassiers who are wearing three-quarters armour. Armour was blackened in the Thirty Years War and I used gunmetal to represent this because these figures are only 6mm and I want to give the figure blocks as much lift as possible given the overall dark brown base coat. Silver is reserved for swords etc.
Thanks to the texturing and painting of the ground and the deep shadow, I think these figures look very 'realistic' despite having only two colours (horseflesh and Gunmetal) added to each figure.
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8 comments:

  1. Simon6 April 2020 at 07:04

    Beginning to look good Richard, I take it the brushes arrived then?

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  2. doctorphalanx6 April 2020 at 07:34

    Hi Si

    Yes! I’ve now got a good clutch of ultra-fine brushes which, contrary to expectation, are really needed for the tiny areas I’m addressing.

    I’m pleased with the effect gradually being achieved, but I’m finding the work to impact ratio is low and this is a little frustrating. I’m not questioning the approach I’ve taken but I don’t think I could do another 6mm army. It’s an age thing.

    Richard

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  3. Norm6 April 2020 at 10:14

    Your monthly focus is a good idea, I am trying to do that with rule systems, so that I get to know them better.

    The horse have turned out well and validated your belief in pre-mounting before painting.

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  4. doctorphalanx6 April 2020 at 11:06

    The pre-mounting was mainly driven by the aim of using them ASAP but it now looks as if I will complete them before they are ever used in a game. Regardless of that, the method saves on a lot of painting.

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  5. Elenderil7 April 2020 at 09:32

    You might find it easier to paint them first them base afterwards. That's my approach to 6mm and it makes handling the castings easier. I find the ral trick with 6mm is good light, I paint in front of a south facing window and with a hobby light that has a daylight bulb. Coupled with good magnification that leaves my hands free I can usually paint most things to the standard I aim for and I have been using my current eyes for almost 65 years! Your figures are excellent and I'm looking forward to a review of the rules in action as well as seeing more of your painted 6mm figures.

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    Replies
    1. doctorphalanx7 April 2020 at 11:44

      Pre-basing for me is all about being able to use the figures to game before they’re finished and wargaming life moves on. If I had more control over my own time things might be different.

      However, if I painted the figures first and then based them I’d never be able to get in between them to paint the ground. I’d have to space the figures out, as many do, but the density wouldn’t look as realistic.

      I have recently invested in a good overhead daylight lamp which even allows me to paint in the middle of the night which I sometimes do!

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  6. Balagan7 April 2020 at 20:59

    They look surprisingly impressive for only two colours per figure.

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