Lead Adventure Forum

Miniatures Adventure => Pikes, Muskets and Flouncy Shirts => Topic started by: Paul Richardson on 18 May 2017, 09:21:58 AM

Title: TYW Imperialist Pikemen
Post by: Paul Richardson on 18 May 2017, 09:21:58 AM
I'm really pleased with this latest addition to my TYW collection - painted by the great Andrew Taylor. The figures are a real mixture - Bicorne, Bohemian Troops, TAG, Foundry ECw and Foundry El Dorado.
Title: Re: TYW Imperialist Pikemen
Post by: folnjir on 18 May 2017, 10:20:55 AM
They look good. I assume there are more to come?
Title: Re: TYW Imperialist Pikemen
Post by: mweaver on 18 May 2017, 12:39:48 PM
A striking unit.  I would not have guessed they represented such a mix of manufacturers.   

-Michaeal
Title: Re: TYW Imperialist Pikemen
Post by: Paul Richardson on 18 May 2017, 01:44:34 PM
folnjir: there will be 10 bases, each of 6 figures. This is the ninth base, so the unit should be finished soon.
Title: Re: TYW Imperialist Pikemen
Post by: Earther on 18 May 2017, 02:12:40 PM
Brilliant!  :o looking forward to seeing all the bases together…  ;)
Title: Re: TYW Imperialist Pikemen
Post by: flags_of_war on 18 May 2017, 02:45:51 PM
Andy always does an exceptional job.
Title: Re: TYW Imperialist Pikemen
Post by: Codsticker on 18 May 2017, 03:48:46 PM
folnjir: there will be 10 bases, each of 6 figures. This is the ninth base, so the unit should be finished soon.
Yeah... that will be BIG! 8)
Title: Re: TYW Imperialist Pikemen
Post by: jambo1 on 18 May 2017, 06:14:33 PM
Super work, lovely work. :)
Title: Re: TYW Imperialist Pikemen
Post by: Bloodysword on 18 May 2017, 06:19:54 PM
These are really beautiful.  Can't wait to see them with the rest of the unit.  I was going to post the pike and shot figures I've been working on but now I think they might need some more work!  Great job.
Title: Re: TYW Imperialist Pikemen
Post by: DintheDin on 18 May 2017, 06:22:42 PM
They match perfectly together! Excellent paintjob! What to comment first? The hands, the face expressions? Really stunning!
Title: Re: TYW Imperialist Pikemen
Post by: MM on 19 May 2017, 07:19:45 AM
Beautiful subdued colours!

I especially like the blackened armour, really struggling with how to achieve a good effect on my TYW (or rather Dutch Revolt) miniatures...

The figure on the right...is that perchance a TAG body with a Bicorne head? I was contemplating doing some head swaps using the Bicorne heads on my TAG figures and this looks like a perfect example!
Title: Re: TYW Imperialist Pikemen
Post by: Captain Blood on 19 May 2017, 07:38:23 AM
Lovely.
Ingenious conversion of the Copplestone conquistador gunner with ramrod.
Title: Re: TYW Imperialist Pikemen
Post by: chema1986 on 19 May 2017, 08:22:46 AM
Great figures, Lucky you !
Title: Re: TYW Imperialist Pikemen
Post by: Phil Robinson on 19 May 2017, 08:27:10 AM
Fine figures and painting indeed, all nicely composed on the base too.
Title: Re: TYW Imperialist Pikemen
Post by: Ragnar on 19 May 2017, 08:35:16 AM
Lovely painting.  Would like to see the full units.
Title: Re: TYW Imperialist Pikemen
Post by: Paul Richardson on 19 May 2017, 08:58:20 AM
Many thanks for all the kind comments.

MM: the figure at the front on the right is the top half of a Foundry ECW musketeer character attached to the bottom half of a TAG figure, to bring him up to roughly the same height as the other figures - some of the old Foundry ECW sculpts are true 25mm and so look very small when compared with more modern ranges. The musket and 12 Apostles are hacked off as is the original sword. He's given a replacement sword from the TAG spares and then his torso is all hidden by a sculpted cassack. Cassacks are extremely useful because they can hide a multitude of sins. The figure at the back on the right is a TAG figure. If my memory serves me, he's still got his original head but I think it may have been adjusted around the neck because I thought it did not look quite right as cast. I have, however, done some conversions where I have replaced TAG heads with Bicorne spares, mainly to give more variety, and they look fine together. The figure at the front in the centre is a Bohemian Troops figure with a replacement head taken from an Essex Spanish pikeman - again to give a bit more variety and also because I really love this old Essex range.   
Title: Re: TYW Imperialist Pikemen
Post by: westwaller on 19 May 2017, 01:57:25 PM
That is a lovely looking unit.

I always look forward to seeing these converted TYW units as they all seem to capture the period really well. The mix of manufacturers really adds a sense of realism IMO. You can spot subtle differences in the figures but there is nothing jarring- it feels more like we are looking at unit of real human beings who are not all the exact same height or bulk.

Is there anywhere where we can see all your units so far?
Title: Re: TYW Imperialist Pikemen
Post by: Earther on 19 May 2017, 02:26:21 PM
Paul, is there anywhere we can see more of your collection?
Title: Re: TYW Imperialist Pikemen
Post by: archiduque on 19 May 2017, 03:55:42 PM
Fantastic work!! :) ;)
Title: Re: TYW Imperialist Pikemen
Post by: Larry R on 19 May 2017, 07:09:08 PM
Wow! I really like those!!
Title: Re: TYW Imperialist Pikemen
Post by: Paul Richardson on 20 May 2017, 09:06:13 AM
Earther: I'm afraid I haven't posted any photos of my TYW collection. A few odd photos appeared on Steve Dean's (now defunct) website and I've seen a few on these reproduced on other sites on the web. I don't have any 'group shots' of this unit, but I have had a word with Andrew Taylor, and he has kindly sent me his photos of most of the bases in this unit which he took after he had painted each base. I'll try to post these here next week.
Title: Re: TYW Imperialist Pikemen
Post by: Romark on 20 May 2017, 10:11:34 AM
Lovely minis,imaginative conversions and beautifully painted  :-*
Title: Re: TYW Imperialist Pikemen
Post by: Anderson Collection on 20 May 2017, 11:26:55 AM
Paul,

Absolutely stunning both conversions and painting love them :-* :-* :-*

Best

Willie
Title: Re: TYW Imperialist Pikemen
Post by: Earther on 20 May 2017, 12:47:15 PM
Earther: I'm afraid I haven't posted any photos of my TYW collection. A few odd photos appeared on Steve Dean's (now defunct) website and I've seen a few on these reproduced on other sites on the web. I don't have any 'group shots' of this unit, but I have had a word with Andrew Taylor, and he has kindly sent me his photos of most of the bases in this unit which he took after he had painted each base. I'll try to post these here next week.

I look forward to that. :D
Title: Re: TYW Imperialist Pikemen
Post by: Paul Richardson on 20 May 2017, 02:34:39 PM
These are the command bases, painted by Andrew Taylor. I have a feeling that Andrew posted pictures of them already on Steve Dean's website.
Title: Re: TYW Imperialist Pikemen
Post by: Paul Richardson on 20 May 2017, 02:43:22 PM
Here are some pikemen, again painted by Andrew.
Title: Re: TYW Imperialist Pikemen
Post by: Anderson Collection on 20 May 2017, 02:45:08 PM
Paul

I have seen those command before and was trying to find out who owned them mystery solved your a lucky man did you do the conversions?
That second unit with the long pipe is incredible  :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*

Willie
Title: Re: TYW Imperialist Pikemen
Post by: Paul Richardson on 20 May 2017, 02:51:02 PM
Willie: thanks very much. The conversions are mainly done by professional sculptors. I sometimes do odd bits, like head swaps and heightening a figure which is going to be dressed in a cassock, but nothing more.

Here are a few musketeers
Title: Re: TYW Imperialist Pikemen
Post by: Paul Richardson on 20 May 2017, 02:52:28 PM
And a few more
Title: Re: TYW Imperialist Pikemen
Post by: Earther on 20 May 2017, 02:58:39 PM
Thank you! Those are outstanding! What an amazing collection of grizzled individuals. It's almost as if they're alive. Love 'em!
Title: Re: TYW Imperialist Pikemen
Post by: Anderson Collection on 20 May 2017, 03:42:05 PM
Willie: thanks very much. The conversions are mainly done by professional sculptors. I sometimes do odd bits, like head swaps and heightening a figure which is going to be dressed in a cassock, but nothing more.

Here are a few musketeers

Paul,

For the first time in a long time I have a feeling of envy those are absolutely stunning did you direct the poses or did you leave that to the sculptors??
More pics please this is great inspiration.

Best

Willie

You've smashed it Paul outstanding.

Willie
Title: Re: TYW Imperialist Pikemen
Post by: Paul Richardson on 20 May 2017, 04:04:33 PM
Willie: thanks very much. I guess I've been using professional sculptors for conversions like this now for about 7 or 8 years. When I started out, my brief would be that I wanted a unit standing around doing nothing or a unit marching casually or whatever, and I'd send some figures which I thought could be converted, and then I'd leave it to the sculptor. Now I think I have a bit better idea of what is available, what I want and what can be achieved and so I'm a bit more involved. Having figures in cassocks helps hugely, by the way, giving much more scope, because there can be anything underneath the cassock, and you'd never know. A few of my cavalry started life as Napoleonics!
What I have had from the start is a good idea of the look I wanted from the painters. I wanted to get away from the smart, parade ground, Changing of the Guard look to a look which is more like how I imagine soldiers would have had in the field - like they've slept rough for a while. The idea behind this unit is that it is in everyday clothes, except that some figures are in a uniform cassock - brown with a red cross like a figure in the painting on the cover of Stephane Thion's book 'Rocroi 1643'. I think Andrew has captured this look beautifully. 
Title: Re: TYW Imperialist Pikemen
Post by: Orctrader on 20 May 2017, 04:05:37 PM
These are terrific.   :)  Each and every base is like a stand-alone vignette.  Very impressive.
Title: Re: TYW Imperialist Pikemen
Post by: mweaver on 20 May 2017, 04:21:42 PM
Those bored-while-waiting-for-action poses are a lot of fun!

-Michael
Title: Re: TYW Imperialist Pikemen
Post by: Deano on 20 May 2017, 05:34:36 PM
Fantastic.
Title: Re: TYW Imperialist Pikemen
Post by: DintheDin on 20 May 2017, 10:36:21 PM
Excellent conversions and paintings! Unbelievable reality! As if you are looking at a painting of that period!
Title: Re: TYW Imperialist Pikemen
Post by: Anderson Collection on 21 May 2017, 11:34:44 AM
Willie: thanks very much. I guess I've been using professional sculptors for conversions like this now for about 7 or 8 years. When I started out, my brief would be that I wanted a unit standing around doing nothing or a unit marching casually or whatever, and I'd send some figures which I thought could be converted, and then I'd leave it to the sculptor. Now I think I have a bit better idea of what is available, what I want and what can be achieved and so I'm a bit more involved. Having figures in cassocks helps hugely, by the way, giving much more scope, because there can be anything underneath the cassock, and you'd never know. A few of my cavalry started life as Napoleonics!
What I have had from the start is a good idea of the look I wanted from the painters. I wanted to get away from the smart, parade ground, Changing of the Guard look to a look which is more like how I imagine soldiers would have had in the field - like they've slept rough for a while. The idea behind this unit is that it is in everyday clothes, except that some figures are in a uniform cassock - brown with a red cross like a figure in the painting on the cover of Stephane Thion's book 'Rocroi 1643'. I think Andrew has captured this look beautifully.  
  Paul
 Any more pics would love to see the rest.
Willie

Title: Re: TYW Imperialist Pikemen
Post by: Paul Richardson on 21 May 2017, 02:53:28 PM
Willie: I don't have many more photos but here are a few more.
Title: Re: TYW Imperialist Pikemen
Post by: Anderson Collection on 21 May 2017, 03:45:47 PM
Once again stunning never seen anyone's figures look so realistic the figure with the goblet is incredible   :-* :-* :-* :-*
Title: Re: TYW Imperialist Pikemen
Post by: Paul Richardson on 21 May 2017, 04:26:33 PM
If memory serves me, he started life as a Perry Napoleonic Kutuzov figure. 
Title: Re: TYW Imperialist Pikemen
Post by: Anderson Collection on 22 May 2017, 04:50:31 PM
Had a look at the base figure incredible conversion you would never know. :-* :-*
Title: Re: TYW Imperialist Pikemen
Post by: Arthur on 24 May 2017, 12:00:21 AM
A bit late to the party but this is seriously impressive stuff as everybody stated before - some of the best TYW miniatures I've ever seen.

I do remember some of them from the Steve Dean forum. If i'm not mistaken, this is your third infantry regiment : I recall the marching one in predominantly off-white/pale grey coats, a standing unit of (mostly) redcoats, and finally this regiment in brown cassocks. You should definitely consider an army shot when Andy's finished with the lot.   
Title: Re: TYW Imperialist Pikemen
Post by: Paul Richardson on 24 May 2017, 12:30:55 PM
Arthur: you've got a great memory. You're exactly right. I've now got 3 infantry regiments, and don't plan any more for a while. There are also a regiment of cuirassiers (not yet completed), some lighter cavalry (ditto) and a regiment of dragoons (not yet painted). Odd figures from the two cavalry units appeared on Steve's website. The sculptors are working on some further cavalry figures- a unit of harquebusiers and a unit light cavalry.
I'm afraid army shots are unlikely, but you never know.
Title: Re: TYW Imperialist Pikemen
Post by: Wirelizard on 24 May 2017, 06:30:58 PM
I'm going to have to go back through this thread when I have a few minutes to spare, but the civilians and farm animals are great, loads of character.

I need some civvies for my ECW/TYW setup, clearly...
Title: Re: TYW Imperialist Pikemen
Post by: whiskey priest on 24 May 2017, 07:59:26 PM
It'd be a shame for such a gorgeous collection of figures to not get photographed and shared. Even if it is for the rest of us just to be ridiculously jealous over them.
Title: Re: TYW Imperialist Pikemen
Post by: sepoy1857 on 26 May 2017, 01:34:44 AM
Amazing!!! Love em'.
Title: Re: TYW Imperialist Pikemen
Post by: Sparrow on 26 May 2017, 05:37:22 AM
In awe  :-*
Title: Re: TYW Imperialist Pikemen
Post by: MediumAl on 28 May 2017, 07:54:11 AM
They are fantastic. Really nice to see a TYW unit that doesn't look like a slightly modified ECW unit, although that may be reflecting my ignorance of what ECW troops would actually have looked like.
Inspirational enough to give me the urge to get the greenstuff out, despite there being umpteen other things I should be giving priority to.

Al