Sunday 23 June 2019

Wargaming Butterfly


Much of the time I'm painting and basing on some huge project or another, against a tight deadline. At the moment, though, I'm not and consequently I'm flitting about, completing projects that have been on hold for six months or more, just for fun.

This weekend I've been painting Kirke's Lambs for the battle of Sedgemoor, 1685 (a long range project that probably won't be delivered for three or four years). I blame David Imrie for this 'cos he sold me some stunning French, three of four years back, and the project has subsequently ballooned into an obsession. There's something I love about the cut of the uniforms; also the relative obscurity of the period.

Today I more-or-less completed the 37 minis for this regiment, there is the work of three painters in this (including me). I have decided to ride roughshod over my mild OCD and have painted the minis with colour variations in the tunics; some are bright reds, and others a subdued madder red, with the facings in various green hues. I think it will look unusual and interesting, once based in a week-or-so.

14 comments:

Paul Scrivens-Smith said...

Nice work, looking forwards to seeing some Sedgemore action at a show in 2024 ;)

Duc de Gobin said...

The finest wargaming period ever sir. I await your rules/emphasis/painting on this superb period in English history with relish...

BigRedBat said...

LOL, Paul. That might be a bit optimistic... Thanks Duc- I've been giving some thought to rules, already, a mildly tweaked FK&P variant.

Ray Rousell said...

Very nice Simon! Very nice indeed!

BigRedBat said...

You'll like them when finished, Ray. :-)

Jason said...

These look great, Simon. A superb project which I look forward to watching develop. :-)
Best wishes,
Jason

Unlucky General said...

I've been mixing up the hues also and began a while back with my British Peninsula army. Funny thing is that at any sort of distance they end up just looking like a red-coated unit so I'm not sure it will make that much difference. Tell me what you think when it finishes up. Good looking bunch you have there - as usual.

caveadsum1471 said...

Good looking troops,I look forward to seeing them based up!
Best Iain

BigRedBat said...

Thanks chaps! Unlucky general- I fear this may be the case, but it'll be interesting to see whether the extra work repays the effort.

Carlo said...

This is a fascinating period Simon and I am so much emboldened by your self-confessed"butterflying" into other periods and armies. Just like yourself, I too tend to like to flutter between attractive units. Keep it going as these lads look stunning.

BigRedBat said...

Hi Carlo, sometimes one has got to paint what one feels like! These are great minis with an unusual look; ECW with a twist! I'd love a coat liek they have although I fear it would raise eyebrows in Muswell Hill.

Anonymous said...

Quite appropriate that you reference being a butterfly in this particular post, for when you "flap your wings" in the UK, the effects are felt all across the wargaming world.

Beyond impressed at the scope and scale of your efforts. Well done! Being an enthusiast of ancients, however, I will just admire the 17th century work and look forward for your next pre-gunpowder era spectacle. Perhaps you will have something to offer for Bosworth - Battle Day 2020, or even for the engagement selected for Battle Day 2021?

Cheers,
Chris

BigRedBat said...

Hi Chris,

It's traditional for me to produce the army for a given Battle day some 5 years after the Battle day in question. ;-) Bosworth probably not, but I am looking at Swiss and Burgundians so I might be in the same era...

Curt said...

Fabulous looking unit. Love the vibrant colours and who doesn't love those silly floppy hats! Looking forward to seeing them all based up.