Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => Colonial Adventures => Topic started by: War In 15MM on February 01, 2015, 04:03:04 AM
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After completing my 28mm Pulp Egyptian archeological dig collection about six months ago, I began work on my 28mm Darkest Africa collection. The gallery is a big one of 100 pictures set in the Victorian era. The gallery is accompanied by a lengthy write-up explaining what went into the making of the collection. I’ve provided a few sample photos from the gallery below. If you like them, and I hope that you do, please check out the entire gallery by scrolling down my selection of collections (identified by word and picture/near the bottom on the left) and clicking on the one identified as 28MM African Adventure at my vanity website located at www.warin15mm.com
(http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j366/rgarretson/002x_zpsadthhrcz.jpg) (http://s1082.photobucket.com/user/rgarretson/media/002x_zpsadthhrcz.jpg.html)(http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j366/rgarretson/028_zpscekihkce.jpg) (http://s1082.photobucket.com/user/rgarretson/media/028_zpscekihkce.jpg.html)(http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j366/rgarretson/052_zpshwxezkbb.jpg)[/URL[URL=http://s1082.photobucket.com/user/rgarretson/media/063x_zps6aoqsawq.jpg.html](http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j366/rgarretson/063x_zps6aoqsawq.jpg) (http://s1082.photobucket.com/user/rgarretson/media/052_zpshwxezkbb.jpg.html)
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Wow, Richard! And that is without even looking at your gallery yet. And I predict this: you will have offers to buy this collection, multiple and substantial. Stunning. Guess where I'm off to?
And now that I've seen it, another Wow. You know I love the animals and one hippo in particular! Perhaps my favorite bit - though the whole is a favorite - is the dining on the verandah scene. Love it. I will be back, many times, to look over this gallery again.
Of course, you do remind me I need to get busy on my 15 mm Africa collection - which I've actually been revisiting lately. I even have a herd of antelope on the painting table to finish up.
Sir, you are forever forgiven for your transgressions into the Steroidal Scale. :o ;D :D ;) o_o lol :P
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Superb thank you for share, wonderful collection
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:o Beautiful. Really impressive stuff.
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Lovely :-*
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Wow. :o :o A very impressive collection.
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Very impressive!
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wonderful
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Excellent! :-*
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Cracking stuff! 8)
Where did the slaves (4th pic) come from? Are they the OOP Amazon Miniatures?
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Ah ha! I spotted the Walt Disney hippo!
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So much to love with your collection.
I have always love the Foundry DA figures.
Great to see them so well painted.
Thanks for sharing, you have made my day.
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Cracking stuff! 8)
Where did the slaves (4th pic) come from? Are they the OOP Amazon Miniatures?
Eureka
Superb Collection! my 'Eye Candy 'file just got bigger.
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Another great collection :-* :-* :-*
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Absolutely lovely. I was transported to the banks of the Congo. One of the best African sets I have seen. Thank you so much for going to the effort to share these with us. I too am a huge fan of the Foundry DA stuff...they were the first thing to draw me away from Games Workshop.
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Really great :o :-* :o :-* :o :-*
LB
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:-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
Stunning...spectacular...amazing...gorgeous...thanks for sharing such amazing inspiration. the figures, dioramas, terrain, etc. are all breath-taking!!
:o :o :o :o :o
Regards,
Hitman
8)
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Very good indeed :)
cheers
James
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Thanks so much to all of you for taking the time to write and for the very generous comments. I have said this before, but it is very true and merits repeating, praise from the talented people on LAF is very highly valued by me. I do appreciate it sincerely. Overlord, Stu is correct. The slaves are by Eureka. Fifteensaway, I appreciate your forgiveness for my past transgressions, but it may please you to know that for the last six weeks I have reentered the world of 15mm/18mm, and I'm working/playing hard at putting together a French and Indian War collection that I hope will be ready for viewing by October. Thanks again to all of you for the kind words... you've got to love a hippo with her hands/legs on her hips. Richard
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That's pretty stunning. Great ideas, great photos, very clever arrangements.
:-* :-* :-*
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Simply breathtaking photos of a wonderful collection.
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Simply brilliant; very evocative of the period. Excellent painting, fantastic photography, interesting subjects. What more can be said.
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A lot of love went into that,Great job,love the birds.
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Once again thanks for the very generous comments. Because there was a more open-end quality to this collection... no overarching central layout that I was required to work within, this collection allowed a lot more freedom when it came to arranging the figures and developing the different settings. The safari and the river worked as engines that I used to move through much of the collection. And juergen c. olk, while a lot of love probably goes into all of the collections I do, there was something special for me in this one because the Foundry Darkest Africa figures played such a large part in drawing me into the world of 28mm figures. Thanks again to all for writing. I really appreciate hearing from you, and I am very glad you are enjoying my African adventure. Richard
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And juergen c. olk, while a lot of love probably goes into all of the collections I do, there was something special for me in this one because the Foundry Darkest Africa figures played such a large part in drawing me into the world of 28mm figures. Thanks again to all for writing. I really appreciate hearing from you, and I am very glad you are enjoying my African adventure. Richard
That's part of what I love about your gallery, Foundry Darkest Africa is what pulled me into historicals- it is still such an awesome range and one I'll be chipping away at for eternity :)
I recall the first time I saw the catalogue advertising the explorers, I was was blown away that someone had made those figures :)
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Superb! :-*
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I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm drawn like the proverbial moth to the flame to this gallery. I think I'm up to my fifth viewing - and I know there will be several more. Sure, it fits right in with plans of my own, to a surprising degree, even. But it's still captivating for me.
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FifteensAway, it means a lot to me that you are really enjoying this gallery. Years ago when I was putting together my medieval siege gallery I found a website called Harness and Array. Throughout my medieval project I visited that site often looking for ideas that I could incorporate in my project or just for a little inspiration. It pleases me very much that my Africa gallery may be serving you in a similar way. Thank you so much for letting me know. Good luck with your African adventure. Richard
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FifteensAway, it means a lot to me that you are really enjoying this gallery. Years ago when I was putting together my medieval siege gallery I found a website called Harness and Array. Throughout my medieval project I visited that site often looking for ideas that I could incorporate in my project or just for a little inspiration. It pleases me very much that my Africa gallery may be serving you in a similar way. Thank you so much for letting me know. Good luck with your African adventure. Richard
Richard,
The work and skill with a brush that has gone into producing the great brushwork alone is worth a look at all of the pics.
The fact that you have placed the mini's in such a great way with stunning terrain only adds to the overall loveliness :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
Darrell.
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:-* mind blown :-*
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Darrell and Gray Ghost, I know I am repeating myself, but it is absolutely true when I say that your notes of praise for my gallery and your enjoyment of what I have done means a great deal. The viewers of LAF see the best, and it is wonderful to know that those viewers enjoy my work. Thank you most sincerely. Richard
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Darrell and Gray Ghost, I know I am repeating myself, but it is absolutely true when I say that your notes of praise for my gallery and your enjoyment of what I have done means a great deal. The viewers of LAF see the best, and it is wonderful to know that those viewers enjoy my work. Thank you most sincerely. Richard
Just keep posting your stuff, that's all we ask :).
Darrell.
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:o :o Absolutely stunning set up!! Thanks so much for sharing!
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Richard... very inspiring.
Thank you for sharing and all your hard work.
Well done Sir!
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Darrell, Mac Finn and joekano, thanks so much for taking the time to write and for the sincerely appreciated kind words about the gallery. Darrell, as long as my old eyes can focus and my hands don't shake, I'll keep painting and posting. Right now I'm working on the French and Indian War in 15mm/18mm. I hope to have that collection done and posted in October 2015. Once that is done, I'll move back into the 28s with my gangster collection. Stay tuned and thanks always. Richard
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Absolutely brilliant stuff. The safari scenes were just great, although everytime I saw the hunter stop in front of a group of animals I feared for the worst! It's always dangerous being drawn to your galleries as they steal time at an alarming rate!
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Darrell, Mac Finn and joekano, thanks so much for taking the time to write and for the sincerely appreciated kind words about the gallery. Darrell, as long as my old eyes can focus and my hands don't shake, I'll keep painting and posting. Right now I'm working on the French and Indian War in 15mm/18mm. I hope to have that collection done and posted in October 2015. Once that is done, I'll move back into the 28s with my gangster collection. Stay tuned and thanks always. Richard
you know, i'm having that very problem.... I've gone from x1 reading glasses to x3 (I really need x4!!) in as many years!! It's quite alarming!
Luckily my middle to long range is 20/20!! Maybe I just need a longer brush!! lol
Seriously though, collections like this are inspiring so do keep it up and post those little fella's up when you're good and ready please.
Darrell.
Darrell.
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Elk101, thank you so much for investing your time on safari in my gallery; that investment and your generous comments are much appreciated. Darrell, thank you again for writing. It is wonderful to be a part of a community that inspires and supports the works of its fellow enthusiasts. Richard
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The painting, photography, terrain, and thoughtful vignettes are inspiring. :-*
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Loved the fellow sitting and painting a watercolor while in camp. And the flamingos are an inspired touch.
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syrinx0 and Metternich, thanks to both of you for writing and the kind words... they are much appreciated. syrinx0, I must give all the credit for the photography to my daughter. She does almost all the picture taking on my galleries (my wife takes a snap or two once in awhile as well). When we began photographing my collections for these galleries about seven years ago, I decided to leave the photo shots to her artist's eye. All I contribute to that is to point out a figure or two or a particular vignette that I really want included. Once we have had that brief talk about key elements, I step aside and leave the photography to her... I have never been sorry. Metternich, I agree that the flamingos are an inspired touch and one that was inspired by LAF's Hammers. I took that idea from work he was doing on his Chicken Race On The Arumbaya. The guy has a wonderful mind. I also drew on his work for the cages and the escaping snakes. Thanks again for writing. Richard
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I finally went through the full set - the Hippo near the end! Hah!
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Simply marvellous, I loved all of it. :-*
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Top class brushwork and groundwork :-* :-* :-*
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Your kind words are warming this old guy's heart! Thanks so very much for writing... I really appreciate it. By the way, we have increased the size of the pictures in the African Gallery on my website. They are not huge, but bigger than before. I hope we will be able to go back and do that to all of the galleries... may take a little time. Richard
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Your kind words are warming this old guy's heart! Thanks so very much for writing... I really appreciate it. By the way, we have increased the size of the pictures in the African Gallery on my website. They are not huge, but bigger than before. I hope we will be able to go back and do that to all of the galleries... may take a little time. Richard
I'm forced to look through them again now then! 8)
Darrell.
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Darrell, hope you enjoy the second look. A couple years ago when we changed all the galleries over to the slideshow setup, the result was the smaller picture size. Don't know why. We've managed to increase the size of the Africa pics making them about half again bigger than before. Not huge but an improvement. Hope we can do the same with the other galleries. Thanks again for looking. Richard
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Incredible collection of pic.s there :o :o I'm sure I'll be back to visit your site regularly to pilfer Ideas lol
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Richard, while I held my tongue, if I'd had one quibble with your gallery, it was picture size and, now, without even asking, you've fixed it. Naturally, the only reason it was a quibble is because I wanted to see more. :o Off for yet another fine excursion down your lovely safari!
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odd duck, thank you, and I hope you find some stuff in my gallery that you can use. Let me also suggest that you take a look at Darkest Africa Force Publique by Dr Mathias on the LAF Workbench. He has done some beautiful stuff... well worth the viewing. FifteensAway, I really am looking forward to your Africa in 15mm, and I hope you enjoy many viewing of my Darkest Africa and that those viewing serve you well. I also hope that over time we will find a way to discover how to further increase the pic size of my galleries while keeping the slideshow format. It's better now than it was just a few days ago but still not what it was prior to the slideshow. I do know that people have found ways to increase individual pics once they has been called up... I've seen it done, but never was exactly sure what got clicked to do it (part of being an old guy I guess). Anyway, thanks to both of you for the generous comments and for taking the time to write. Richard
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We're going to Disneyland this evening when my wife gets home from work. We will be taking the Jungle Cruise! Richard
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So jealous, thought that was one of the highlights of our visit a couple of years back. My partner was amazed as it was my choice of North American holiday finish and she thoroughly enjoyed our 2 days in the parks.
holiday finishWe're going to Disneyland this evening when my wife gets home from work. We will be taking the Jungle Cruise! Richard
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Poiter50, we had a wonderful night at Disneyland. From our home to the entrance of the Magic Kingdom is only about a 30-minute drive. We have always enjoyed the place so we have the annual passes. Last night was one of those great nights when all the lines were short. February is known as one of the least crowded months at the park… between the winter holidays and the college spring break period. The evening air was cool but not cold, and both Pirates of the Caribbean and the Jungle Cruise were basically walk-ons. The first time I took the Jungle Cruise was back in 1955 when the park opened. It has been my favorite ever since. After all these years there are no surprises, but it never fails to put a smile on my face. Richard(http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j366/rgarretson/IMG_0944_zpsenz7vj6d.jpg) (http://s1082.photobucket.com/user/rgarretson/media/IMG_0944_zpsenz7vj6d.jpg.html)
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And a very congenial face you have, sir. Now, I just might recognize you at a con.
You have inspired me to get busier on my own Africa set up but don't get over excited about seeing it too soon. Part of why I like yours so much is you've put plenty of effort to populating your gallery with animals.
With what I have, about 150 I've painted and more than that unpainted or prepainted (plastics, mostly), and what I plan to buy, I've got a target of about 720 animals! Herds, folks, herds; plus diversity. And in 15 mm so a lot "easier" and somewhat less expensive. The challenge is finding things. I'm on the hunt for chimpanzees, baboons, and cape buffalo at the moment. And more gazelles and antelopes for those herds.
And then there are the people to paint. I'm so thankful for Blue Moon's range - so much that could not be done without their offerings. So, while I'm inspired to work on it, it is rather large despite being in a smaller scale.
Oh, I'm also on the lookout for more buildings to improve that side of the collection. I do have plenty of water craft, however, just need to finish them.
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I've learnt that these large collections take time and love. There's no way to rush it, so just have mini projects that add to the large one.
Richard - the wife saw the picture on my screen; when I explained where you were she knew straight away you were a wargamer. We're simple creatures :).
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I picked up some water buffalo on Ebay some time back, they might suit for your Cape Buffalo. Chinese seller IIRC.
And a very congenial face you have, sir. Now, I just might recognize you at a con.
You have inspired me to get busier on my own Africa set up but don't get over excited about seeing it too soon. Part of why I like yours so much is you've put plenty of effort to populating your gallery with animals.
With what I have, about 150 I've painted and more than that unpainted or prepainted (plastics, mostly), and what I plan to buy, I've got a target of about 720 animals! Herds, folks, herds; plus diversity. And in 15 mm so a lot "easier" and somewhat less expensive. The challenge is finding things. I'm on the hunt for chimpanzees, baboons, and cape buffalo at the moment. And more gazelles and antelopes for those herds.
And then there are the people to paint. I'm so thankful for Blue Moon's range - so much that could not be done without their offerings. So, while I'm inspired to work on it, it is rather large despite being in a smaller scale.
Oh, I'm also on the lookout for more buildings to improve that side of the collection. I do have plenty of water craft, however, just need to finish them.
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Poiter 50, were these suitable for 15 mm and do they have the distinct horns of the African Cape Buffalo? I ask because I have some 15 mm water buffalo but they are much more suited for southeast asia than Africa. I'm hoping to get a more appropriate grouping of little beasties. Either way, thanks for the input.
Oh, and on that 720 number, I'm already just a bit north of 500 in my possession and I'm sorting another order for Irregular in the not too distant future (after USA tax time, though, for sure!). Most of that 500 is either finished or well in process with a modest portion only cleaned and primed and pre-based ready for paint. Whether I achieve that goal of 720 depends of finding certain critters.
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I suspect they are more Asian Buffalo rather than a specific Cape Buff.
Poiter 50, were these suitable for 15 mm and do they have the distinct horns of the African Cape Buffalo? I ask because I have some 15 mm water buffalo but they are much more suited for southeast asia than Africa. I'm hoping to get a more appropriate grouping of little beasties. Either way, thanks for the input.
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Fifteensaway, it is funny/ironic how these African collections can become a hunt for animals… a safari of a kind. I spent years putting my African collection together and since most of the animals were purchased out of tubs of broken toys at the swap meet, it really was a hunt. Blue Moon 15mm/18mm really has been a great gift to those of us who love the smaller scale and want a flavor/depth to our collections that is greater than just nice regiments. I waited years hoping for the opportunity to doing a 15mm FIW collection, but it wasn’t until Blue Moon 15mm/18mm came out with its extensive line that I found what I was looking for. Now I am deep into that collection and loving every minute of it. All my best wishes to you in your hunt, and as I’ve said before I look forward to seeing the pictures.
von Lucky, your wife’s assessment of me is only half right but the error is easily understood as I am deep into the miniatures and have been for decades, but alas I am not a gamer. On the other hand I admit to being a simple creature. As to your comment about these big collection taking time and love, I would agree completely. Depending on the size of the project, I am spending between six months and a year painting and building, but as much as a decade collecting and planning… really dreaming. During those long periods of collecting and dreaming other projects become ready for the brush and their journey from my dream world to the world of the table and my daughter’s camera eye. For me it has been a wonderful process full of small adventures and the joy of doing something that really makes me happy. Richard
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Richard, who produced the steam boat the Hinterland ladies are crewing ?
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Metternich, the steamboat the Hinterland ladies are on is a Christmas table display by Lemax that the Lemax marketed as the River Belle a few years ago. It's item number is 45035 and they sometimes show up on eBay. I got mine at the swap meet. Despite the fact that the one I got at the swap meet was a little broken (it's smoke stacks were missing and the stern wheel needed some work), it all looked doable and it only cost me $10. Lemax makes a lot of its smaller pieces in resin, but things like the boats and buildings are generally ceramic which means if they have a lot of holiday decoration cast into them it is very hard to carve those decorations off, but this boat had very little in the way of Christmas decor (just a few tiny wreaths on the mid-level deck rail and I hid them with life rings)... you can see those in pic 40 of the gallery. The missing stacks were replaced with Evergreen plastic tub with a little detail added to them them (more Evergreen Plastic)... nothing hard or fancy. The helmsman that came with the boat is a perfect 28mm figure so that really helped to sell me on it. Once I completed the repair of the stern wheel by adding a few pieces of Evergreen plastic where things were missing, I gave the boat a new paint job, and I am really pleased with the overall results. I made the German imperial flag removable by hiding a small magnet in a dip in the deck and placing another on the base of the flagpole... the kind of magnet gamers use in their 15mm tank turret holes to allow them to move the turret different directions and still keep the turret secure. Great little boat; thanks for asking about it. Richard
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Metternich, let me clarify a typing error in the previous posting. I, of course, intended to say that the smoke stacks are made of Evergreen plastic tube not tub... sorry about that. And since I am here, let me add a little to my description of the River Belle as it comes from Lemax. While most of the boat is ceramic, the bow gangway is plastic. The upper deck rail is plastic, the little masts and flagpole are plastic and the stern wheel is plastic. The watery base is also plastic. Since the smoke stacks were broken off on mine, I can't be sure what they were originally made of. My guess is they are ceramic. All in all, it is a pretty easy boat to re-purpose for 28mm use. Richard
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Thanks for the clarification. I love it when aquarium and holiday decorations, cheap toys, etc. are converted and repurposed for our wargaming. Takes more imagination than buying a purpose-built item.
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Metternich, I have a great swap meet. I go every weekend and regularly find wonderful treasures. In the Africa gallery most of the animals, Tarzan's tree and the River Belle are all broken or discarded toys and holiday decor from the swap meet. The swap meet also provided all of my ships for my pirate gallery... all broken toys (most marketed with the different Pirates of the Caribbean films) that were fun to repair and re-purpose and saved me a lot of money. Thanks again for writing. Richard
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While my Darkest Africa Gallery displays a great many figures, it is far from a display of my entire African collection. When I do one of these collections I have a pretty good idea what the general look of the gallery will be, but the specific details often work themselves out in the last month, weeks, days and even hours before the actual set up takes place. Throughout the process I was sure I would be including pictures of Eureka’s Col. Simpson and his retinue, but when the actual set up took place, I just couldn’t decide how to work the figures in. Crazy as it sounds (and I know it does sound a little nuts), my failure to include these figures has bothered me, so I have simply decided to attach them on this post as separate items. I really like the figures; they have that odd-ball appeal that is so great about many of the figures by Eureka. Richard (http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j366/rgarretson/African1_zpsd3onyt4x.jpg) (http://s1082.photobucket.com/user/rgarretson/media/African1_zpsd3onyt4x.jpg.html)(http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j366/rgarretson/African2_zpsb4qnwtn0.jpg) (http://s1082.photobucket.com/user/rgarretson/media/African2_zpsb4qnwtn0.jpg.html)
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Weird and wonderfulness from Eureka and your lovely brushwork! :-* :-* :-*
Darrell.
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I have that litter set as well. My problem is working out where to fit it in a game.
While my Darkest Africa Gallery displays a great many figures, it is far from a display of my entire African collection. When I do one of these collections I have a pretty good idea what the general look of the gallery will be, but the specific details often work themselves out in the last month, weeks, days and even hours before the actual set up takes place. Throughout the process I was sure I would be including pictures of Eureka’s Col. Simpson and his retinue, but when the actual set up took place, I just couldn’t decide how to work the figures in. Crazy as it sounds (and I know it does sound a little nuts), my failure to include these figures has bothered me, so I have simply decided to attach them on this post as separate items. I really like the figures; they have that odd-ball appeal that is so great about many of the figures by Eureka. Richard (http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j366/rgarretson/African1_zpsd3onyt4x.jpg) (http://s1082.photobucket.com/user/rgarretson/media/African1_zpsd3onyt4x.jpg.html)(http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j366/rgarretson/African2_zpsb4qnwtn0.jpg) (http://s1082.photobucket.com/user/rgarretson/media/African2_zpsb4qnwtn0.jpg.html)
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very nice !!!
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I really like the figures; they have that odd-ball appeal that is so great about many of the figures by Eureka.
I quite agree. I have that set and seeing the lovely job you've done on yours makes me want to go and find mine and start painting!
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Great minds think alike. I also have that litter, and I simply had to covert a figure so that I could have the lazy bastard walking sometimes ;)
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Looks like a command stand to me, not sure what army though. :D
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Thanks you all for taking the time to write and for the generous comments. It's good to hear that the craziness of Eureka is appreciated far and wide. When I purchased the Col. Simpson figures, I saw him as a sinister force behind illegal ivory sales and slave smuggling, but I just couldn't figure out how to reflect that in a couple gallery pictures. Dr. Mathias, I'm sure you recognize that my standing version of Col. Simpson is Eureka's Otto von Tannanbaum from Pax Limpopo. Let me ask the other great mind (that would, of course, be you) what figure did you use when you got Simpson off his couch? Richard
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Love your painting of the reclining Simpsom - he looks to be a thorough reprobate (and clearly no gentleman - I suppose he purloined that medal).
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Metternich, thank you for the kind words. I agree with you that Simpson is a rogue, but apparently one of those bad boys who attracts the ladies. Richard
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Where do those adventurers tied to posts and the professor in the cookpot come from? I feel I should know, but I cannot find them...
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Sinewgrab, the figures tied to posts and the cookpot are from Old Glory 25s Darkest Africa/The Masked Warriors of Darkness/Village War-Drum Drummers & Chieftains (LAT-12). The professor in the pot has been modified with a new head that I cut off another figure (can't remember which one) because I thought being in the pot with he sun helmet and glasses still on was more stiff-upper-lip British (keep in mind that I'm a Yank so what do I know). But it does bring a smile to my face. Richard
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Jeez Richard! You've got to be the most productive painter/modeler ever!
You've done every thing I've ever planned with such a high degree of quality. Hats off many many time to you! Yet another extaordinary contributuon!
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Flashman14, I do love the hobby... it just never gets old. Thanks so much for the generous comments and for taking the time to write. By the way, my currently project is the FIW in 15mm/18mm. I've been in love with that period since I was 8 years old, and that is a long time ago. The child in me is having a wonderful time working on it. I plan to have it done and posted in October... hope you'll take a look at it when it's done. Thanks again. Richard
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Just had a look at your Darkest Africa gallery it is truly awesome. :-*
I'm just getting back into this period and must get some of the characters that you have painted up.
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Mistah Kurtz, he dead!
While my Darkest Africa Gallery displays a great many figures, it is far from a display of my entire African collection. When I do one of these collections I have a pretty good idea what the general look of the gallery will be, but the specific details often work themselves out in the last month, weeks, days and even hours before the actual set up takes place. Throughout the process I was sure I would be including pictures of Eureka’s Col. Simpson and his retinue, but when the actual set up took place, I just couldn’t decide how to work the figures in. Crazy as it sounds (and I know it does sound a little nuts), my failure to include these figures has bothered me, so I have simply decided to attach them on this post as separate items. I really like the figures; they have that odd-ball appeal that is so great about many of the figures by Eureka. Richard (http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j366/rgarretson/African1_zpsd3onyt4x.jpg) (http://s1082.photobucket.com/user/rgarretson/media/African1_zpsd3onyt4x.jpg.html)(http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j366/rgarretson/African2_zpsb4qnwtn0.jpg) (http://s1082.photobucket.com/user/rgarretson/media/African2_zpsb4qnwtn0.jpg.html)
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Kurtz/Heart of Darkness... great match. Thanks. Richard
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Black Burt, thanks so much for writing. It's great to know that something I have done has not only been enjoyed by others but has given them ideas they can use in their projects. For great ideas, let me suggest that you look at the work of LAF's Hammers... his stuff is wonderful. Good luck with your African adventure. Richard
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Dr. Mathias, I'm sure you recognize that my standing version of Col. Simpson is Eureka's Otto von Tannanbaum from Pax Limpopo. Let me ask the other great mind (that would, of course, be you) what figure did you use when you got Simpson off his couch? Richard
Sorry it took me so long to get back on your question. I finally set up to take some photos for the LPL and took a few of my Colonel Simpson, who I imagine has found some bizarre way to boost his pheromones to give him an unsporting advantage over the native ladies.
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RMv6t9iYers/VSXkiku-R5I/AAAAAAAAARQ/WxZR8aP2a9s/s1600/Simpson1.jpg)
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6QavxR0SbaY/VSXlt-Sw5FI/AAAAAAAAARc/Bneo1fc8w8w/s1600/Simpson2.jpg)
I used a British officer figure as a base (I think I obtained him from London War Room when they were in business) and the rest is greenstuff. These figures are pretty old, the eyes aren't very well painted. Honestly this is one of those units that I'm not quite sure why I own it.
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Dr Mathias, your Col. Simpson and his retinue are absolutely wonderful! Your upright version is perfection. This was well worth the wait. Thanks so much for posting this pictures. When I began this hobby decades ago I kept a ring binder on each project. Today I keep a computer folder for each set of reference materials. These pics are going into my Africa folder. I'll be purchasing another of the Simpson's girl guards with my next Eureka order so I can give my Col an umbrella bearer too. Thanks again. Richard
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Wow, it's even better in situ.
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Metternich, the combination of axabrax's Kurtz and Dr Mathias' post make me wish I had given more thought to how this set of figures could have been incorporated in my original gallery. Richard
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Metternich, the combination of axabrax's Kurtz and Dr Mathias' post make me wish I had given more thought to how this set of figures could have been incorporated in my original gallery. Richard
I guess you'll just have to do another gallery. There's really no other choice- maybe around 100 pictures, all newly painted figures and scenes? ;)
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I guess you'll just have to do another gallery. There's really no other choice- maybe around 100 pictures, all newly painted figures and scenes? ;)
Seconded. lol lol
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Dr Mathias, while I am flattered by the suggestion, based on the wonderfulness of your Col Simpson photos, I have no doubt that you should lead the next safari. Richard
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Now, now... no reason you both can't lead new safaris. The rest of us would be perfectly happy to view both. lol
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syrinx0, I think I've shot my Darkest Africa bolt with this gallery. In order to do more I would have to leave the world of Hollywood Africa and enter the world of historic Africa, and I'm afraid I lack both the discipline and knowledge for that. My next 28mm safari will be into the jungles of darkest North American gangland in the 1920s and 30s, but first I need to complete my current project which is a 15mm/18mm FIW collection that I hope to have done and posted in October.
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The roaring Twenties is definitely a different jungle. Good luck on the FIW project.
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syrinx0, the FIW is something I've wanted to do for decades and now that I'm into it I'm having a wonderful time. It will be big... two forts, a St. Francis style Indian village, a farm community and between 1500 and 2000 figures. Real overkill but I'm a happy guy. Thanks again for writing. Richard
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1500+ figures? Wow. That is a serious project! Good luck.
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syrinx0, I've been painting the figures for my 15mm/18mm FIW project for about four and a half months now and have a little over 1000 figures done. With the figures I have left to do, the buildings (lots of building... I love buildings) and other terrain features, there is still a lot to do but it's moving a long well and after decades of being a FIW fan I am having a great time seeing it come together at last. Now I'll shut up about the FIW until that gallery is posted. Richard
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I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm beginning to think Richard is a triplet - and all three brothers are named Richard, live in the same house, and paint miniatures and stuff together! lol
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Always inspiring work! I'm playing a Darkest Africa game (Sword in Africa) this weekend at Recon here in Orlando. This gallery gets me in the mood!
BTW I would love to see photos of your storage and storage space for the miniature collections. After the photos are done and the minis put away, do you like going back and pulling them out to look at them every now and then? Or when the project is done, it's pretty much out of sight for quite a while? Just curious since I have no where to display my miniatures (and Lego creations) either, so they all go into boxes in the closet.
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FifteensAway, I’m afraid Richard is just one old man with an obsession.
CPBelt, thank you for the kind words about my collections. Given all the inspiration I have taken from the work of the members here at LAF, it is always great to hear that I have passed a little along to others as well. Once a gallery has been photographed it is put away, but not forgotten. Despite my gray hair, I am a child at heart, and I go back to the figures and look at them often. What does seem to pass away once a collection is completed and photographed is the movie or story in my head that drives me when I doing one of these projects. That internal story is with me throughout the project and once the collection has been photographed it ends apparently to make room for the next. One of the great benefits to photographing the collections is that I can see them in layout form whenever I want to without setting up the tables which takes hours. In terms of my storage, 30 years ago I kept everything in a house closet, but with approximately 40,000 figures painted (I’ve lost count) and hundreds of terrain pieces, I now keep just about everything in my garage. I’m fortunate to have a three-car garage, but I keep three cars in it so the garage area used for storing figures and terrain is against the walls and in the loft. I think four of the galleries were photographed in the garage and in the Victorian Gallery, the Pulp Egypt Gallery, the Darkest Africa Gallery and the Germany, 1945 Gallery there is at least one and often two pictures taken of the entire board to show the viewer what the layout really looks like. By looking at those pictures you will get a view of the interior of my garage and a pretty good view of how my stuff is stored. Basically I store my trees and ground cover/ indoor-outdoor carpets above in the garage loft. My wife made slip on bags/draw-string sleeves to cover the carpets so they don’t get dusty in the loft while awaiting the next photo session. The trees are kept in cardboard boxes in the loft… over the years I have accumulated a lot of trees. Around the walls of the garage I have four large cabinets that are primarily used to store buildings and ships. I also have two smaller cabinets that store odds and ends. My figures are kept in multi- drawer wooden boxes. The four largest of those boxes were made for me by my father more than thirty years ago. They are stained dark brown and in at least one of the pictures mentioned above you can see one in the background with blue tape on the drawers. The rest of my figures are kept in smaller multi-drawer wooden boxes I have purchased at the swap meet over the last decade or so. They are wonderful, and I have been lucky to get them for about $25 each. Luckily they tend to come in two drawer sizes. One of the boxes is perfect for 28s and the other is perfect of my 15s. The last picture of my Samurai Gallery is a photo of three of those boxes. I think I have about 25 of the multi-drawer wooden boxes now; maybe a few more. That’s pretty much it.
Thanks again to both of you for writing. Much appreciated.
Richard, Richard, and Richard
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The three of you are crazy - in a good way of course. lol I think if I was retired and did nothing else I would only get about 30 figures painted a month. I look forward to the next gallery.
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syrinx0, ultimately the measure of success in all of this is not the number of figures you paint but the fun you are having doing it. One of the great things about doing this is that I'm looking forward to the next gallery too... always a surprise for me when I see it done. How crazy is that?! Thanks so much for writing. Richard
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I noticed this morning that the Miniature Building Authority Jepson's Hideaway (my Water Hole) has been used in one of the pieces presented in The Lead Painters' League Season 9/Round 3. The piece is entitled Jungle Hideaway, and it is a wonderful piece of work. If you are like me and really enjoy seeing a great layout or if you are looking for ideas for your own project, I really suggest that you give this Round 3 offering a look. It is well worth the time. Richard
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Just seeing these pics for the first time!
Amazing!
:o
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aggro84, thanks for checking it out. Glad you enjoyed it. I think that sometimes people who are geared to 28mm skip over my postings because of my War In 15MM name. My 15mm focus is limited to military collections (big armies), but for Pulp/Adventure/Victorian Gothic stuff I work with the 28mm figures. Since you enjoyed my Darkest Africa Gallery, you might also enjoy my Pulp Egyptian Gallery and/or my Victorian Gallery. The galleries are listed on the left side of my website. If you get a moment check them out. The 28MM Pulp Egyptian Gallery can be seen at www.warin15mm.com/28MM-Pulp-Egyptian-Gallery.html
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Thanks for the info, Richard. Looks like your hobby has a strong connection with your father!
BTW we live in Central Florida, so storage in our garage is not the best. It gets a wee hot and sticky out there, especially in the summer. No "dry heat" around here! lol
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aggro84, thanks for checking it out. Glad you enjoyed it. I think that sometimes people who are geared to 28mm skip over my postings because of my War In 15MM name. My 15mm focus is limited to military collections (big armies), but for Pulp/Adventure/Victorian Gothic stuff I work with the 28mm figures. Since you enjoyed my Darkest Africa Gallery, you might also enjoy my Pulp Egyptian Gallery and/or my Victorian Gallery. The galleries are listed on the left side of my website. If you get a moment check them out. The 28MM Pulp Egyptian Gallery can be seen at www.warin15mm.com/28MM-Pulp-Egyptian-Gallery.html
Nope.
I have seen a lot of your work before.
I just somehow missed this post.
Work, real life, etc...
Still bloody amazing though.
I like the three Richards theory.
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aggro84, thanks for the very kind words. I'll pass them along to the other two Richards.
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Just wonderful! :o
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Well, look-ey there. Two of three Richards, one right after another! lol
I just couldn't resist. And I hope Richard ain't a-mad at me. I'm only a half day drive away from him. :?
And, yes, I'll take any excuse to keep this thread up near the top. Pathetic, ain't it.
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The thing I find amazing about all this is that so much of what we see here was junk when Richard purchased it. He lives very near a local college and they have a swap meet every weekend in their parking lot. Richard visits the swap meet and picks up old toys, broken models and various bits and bobs. Frequently he will stop by my house and show me a box of not much more than junk.
Then he takes it home and with the magic of putty and paint he creates a masterpiece. After doing this for a year, he then puts it all together into a coherent display. His daughter visits him and takes photos for him and he posts them for our enjoyment. I keep asking him to post before and after shots of his stuff. It's unbelievable what he often starts with before he works his magic on them.
The other thing that makes his projects so great is an elephant herd is not just momma, daddy and baby elephant, there is a whole herd of elephants. His flock of flamingos is more than two or three. He works in the large animal herds and I like that. I think Richard is the Cecil B. DeMille of diorama building.
Mike Bunkermeister Creek
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Denizen Kane, glad you enjoyed the collection, and I really appreciate not only the very generous words but the fact that you took the time to write.
FifteensAway, I always enjoy/look forward to your comments. Thank you, and that is sincere!
Mike (aka Bunkermeister), I am indeed lucky to have a friend like you who is as nuts as I am about his enjoyment of this hobby and who I can share creations with. I think "the Cecil B. DeMille of diorama building" is one of the best compliments my work has ever received. Thank you!
Richard
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Just 'cause it deserves a reprise - and, hopefully, if Richard sees this, he'll give a hint as to status on his French and Indian War project (so I don't miss it when he posts his gallery!).
Also, just rode the jungle cruise at Disneyland earlier in the week and was thinking of this while riding. Now I have to figure a game that combines pirates, the Old West, and Africa? o_o
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Hey Richard,
Just saw this post for the first time! (Yes I've been involved in life and just haven't logged in to LAF) but having a bit of time at work today I cruised through and came across your DA post here and WOW!!! I have always loved the period and as you know have a fair sized setup myself. This however just blew me away! Sort of made me mad as well since "you" have completed many of the goals and ideas I had for my setup...(great modelers think alike) Hats of to you for having the perseverance to complete the project (are these projects ever truly finished?) and posted it to the LAF. As I perused the collection's photos I I was struck with the similarity in your painting treatment of the the African huts in your collection and the ones in mine but in reading the post here discovered that you took some inspiration from seeing my African gallery!...LOL! I got my original idea for the colors from a turn of the century cigarette card album from Germany. Again "Hats off to you Richard!"
Bill Witthans
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I've no idea how I've missed this for so long.
You've restored my faith in my own projects.Which were rapidly heading towards CBA. Status .
By doggedly dragging this project to life. You've shamed me into action(and probably into poverty as I'll spend sometime on my own projects this week and take break from the paid ones)
Look forward to seeing more.
Mark.
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Mark, thanks for the kind words. Good luck with your Africa... don't let it fall through the cracks.
Bill, I'm really glad you enjoyed this gallery especially because the work you did on your huts was so strikingly excellent that I knew when I saw it that I had to incorporate the color scheme you used when I painted my African huts. As to the question of whether these projects are ever finished, we both know they aren't; in fact, I just bought another elephant at the swap meet a couple weeks ago. It is now painted and part of the herd... this is despite the fact that I probably only used half of the elephants I have in the gallery you see posted on LAF. But it is a great elephant and only cost me 50 cents. I really do appreciate being able to borrow you color scheme for my huts... love the way they look thanks to you.
FifteensAway, thanks so much for the reprise of the gallery. I really love this one myself and it makes me happy to know that more people will see it now because you brought that into view. My wife and I just got home this evening from a week in Montreal and Quebec City... how's that for a segue to your question about my French and Indian War project? As for that project, I finished the painting and construction work on it Friday, September 4. The following Tuesday I did some practice layout work because in terms of board space used the FIW is going to be much bigger than anything I've done before. I have two boards that are each 5 ft x 7 ft and I will be using both boards twice... four big table layouts. In terms of figures I'm sure I over did it with about 1500 figures completed, but I have been dreaming about a FIW collection since I was 8 years old and that's a lot of decades ago. There's a huge amount of terrain involved in this one with two forts, a large Woodland Indian village, a British colonial farm community and more than 300 spruce and pine trees. I plan to have it photographed in the first half of October and hopefully it will be posted before the end of that month or very early in November. I've been working on it now for 9 months (painting and building/the collecting took years), and I'm very happy with the way it turned out. I'll soon be starting on my next project which is my 28mm (probably shouldn't have said that) Pulp Gangster collection... I'm going to go a little crazy with that. It will have two tables (a city and a harbor). It will also include a sewer and lots of other stuff but I'll save talk of that for another time.
Thanks again to all for writing. Richard
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Richard, even here in the gentlemanly halls of LAF, may I say you are one of the finest gentlemen of gaming - always taking time to reply to each individual within your threads to the best of your ability (which is pretty darn good). I just thought you might appreciate that it is noticed.
And by the way, no foul in discussing 28 mm. While I am a strong defender of 15 mm, your reasons for doing some things in 28 mm are sound and understood. There are times I do wish someone would make more detail pieces for the old west, things like room furnishings and the like in 15 mm. Though I do have a fair amount of items for my setup -much of it is really from the 1/144th dollhouse world so a bit smaller than I'd like. But sometimes something is better than nothing.
I'm really looking forward to your FIW gallery - as I'm sure many people are. You are prodigious in your production!
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FifteensAway, as one gentleman to another thank you for your generous words. Let me add that I actually enjoy our little back and forth about 28s... always brings a smile to my face. As to the wish for more detail pieces in the 15s, I fully appreciate that feeling and have long had it myself. I'm rather sure you know the Blue Moon 15mm/18mm ranges inside out, but just in case, let me pass along that in their 15mm/18mm Building line there is an Old West range that includes Western Furniture (15BOW-107) that is very nice stuff. I plan to pick up a pack myself. There is no picture of it on the site but a friend of mine has a pack, and I like what I saw. Also in the Blue Moon 15mm/18mm Old West there is a pack called Saloon Set (150W-104). There is a picture of that on the website and it looks good. As I said, you probably are well aware of these, but just thought I would pass it along on the off chance they had slipped your attention. Always good to hear from you, and thanks once again for the reprise of my African Adventure... much appreciated. I look forward to seeing your 15mm Africa when it reaches completion. Be well. Richard
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Oh, so sue me for bringing this back to the top of the pile! lol lol lol
I just want those who haven't seen it to get a gander at this amazing piece of perseverance and creativity. I just love this thread.
Must add a few words for Richard's benefit and as partial explanation for why my own Africa project is on hold - sort of.
First, I've commissioned my first custom sculpts (I've been lucky enough to have a manufacturer create some requests - related to my Africa animals, all of them). A leading sculptor is creating a variety of poses of African Cape Buffalo for me and should be ready some time towards the second quarter of 2017. And, naturally, in 15 mm - or rather 18 mm. Most of my herds top out at 48 animals each, though some are a bit smaller. I think this one I might allow to grow much larger than that as a point of pride (or maybe to justify the expense!).
The primary point of delay on working on my own figures has been my mother and her health situation. She is now 86 and was diagnosed with dementia three years ago and I've been using most of my spare time the last year and a half involved in her care since I have the legal responsibilities. Recently she lost her ability to walk and can barely hold anything. I suspect her time grows short. And since she is in the midst of dementia and growing worse I know there will be a mixture of relief at her passing to go along with the natural grief. And, please, while anyone's sympathy is appreciated, it isn't needed. I only point this out because of its significance in delaying work on my Africa figures - and just about everything else in life. Not that those and other figures have been entirely ignored, tiny bits of progress do occur.
Still hoping for chimps, baboons, and some other items, especially more varieties of ungulates and feathered critters like cranes and vultures. And the 720 I posted here earlier might eventually top 900! I know, I know, crazy. Though at the very least I hope to have all the animals painted soon enough to entertain Richard. Considering how much enjoyment his multitude of galleries have inspired so many of us, it is the least I can do. Just don't expect his masterful brushwork. I'm more into the spectacle of numbers than the detailed paint job. And I have to overcome access issues to my blog. But between holidays and mom stuff, not quite there yet.
And here is a point of irony for you - or maybe a delusional element. I suspect once I have my stuff all done and its made public visually across the internet a lot of what I don't have but want will become available as others seek to emulate, on a lesser scale most of the time, what I did. But no matter what I do, it will not rival what Richard has achieved - but it will be much inspired by his efforts which he will obviously appreciate.
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I just looked at four of the galleries. :o Just amazing. I think I liked the Victorian gallery best.
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Lovely stuff well worth the bump
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Superb! Hugely inspiring.
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I think Richard is the Cecil B. DeMille of diorama building.
PERFECT definition! ;)
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FifteensAway, let me shift my focus for a moment to thank philhendry, gamer Mac, vodkafan, and dinohunterpoa for their very kind words. I love it when these collections of mine are enjoyed by others and especially when I learn that they have offered inspiration because the work of the members of LAF has been an ongoing inspiration to me. That said, I am deeply sorry to hear about your Mom. Whether at 86 or at 59 as was the case with my mother, seeing this person who has been there for you throughout your life unable to care for herself is a pain I have known, and if I had some wisdom to share that would be of help, I would pass it along, but unfortunately my sincere sorrow for what you and she are going through is the best I have to offer. On the far less serious side of life I look forward to seeing Africa spring to life in masses of 15s at your hands/brush. As one who painted 6,000 15mm ACW figures I know the wonderfulness of that kind of crazy... please carry on. Thanks for bringing Africa back; it caught me by surprise... I did smile for Darkest Africa has been a very bright spot in this hobby for me.
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So cool to see this again.
All ways a treat.
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Marine0846, thank you. I've spent the last year working on my Gangsters "And Stuff" collection. We finished taking the pictures last weekend... long photo shoot which took two days to complete. I hope to have it posted in January... lots of picture selection and organizing to do first. Hope you'll take a look at that one. I'll be posting a link to it here on the Pulp page. Thanks again for taking the time to write and the kind words. Richard
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Bravo! Absolutely fab-u-lous, like all your galleries.
My only (minor) gripe is that I always lose so much time when I look at your website as I inevitably end up browsing through the other collections as well. lol
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My only (minor) gripe is that I always lose so much time when I look at your website as I inevitably end up browsing through the other collections as well. lol
You have my sympathy.
Been there, done that.
It is such a hardship, isn't it?
;)
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Sunjester and Mason, thanks so much for your viewing investments... really appreciated. Richard
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So, after losing the photos on my 'inaccessible' blog of my painted African animals - so far - I started to wonder when Richard first posted this gallery, 2015 it seems. I posted my photos in 2012. Was wondering because I recall Richard and I having discussions back and forth about Africa before he posted - though he is lightyears ahead of me (and just about everyone else!) in his modeling. And that really came through loud and clear looking for this post - which I'm resurrecting yet again but this time for the selfish reason of not wanting to 'hunt' so hard for it again. Since he posted this spectacle, he's posted many more complete collections and is about to post his fantastic doubled up Boxer Rebellion collection (in a month or so). His output - and it's quality - just plain puts me to shame. But, back to why the hunt and the threadsurrection. I wanted easy access to this thread for inspiration as I get back into full swing (hopefully) on my 15 mm version, with some real inspiration from what he did in this thread. And, yeah, I visit his blog, too, have it bookmarked, but I wanted the convenience here, too.
Holy blitzspeedbrushing, Richard, you are phenomenal in your output. Meaning all the new galleries you've posted since this one. P-H-E-N-O-M-I-N-A-L!
Oh, don't know what happened with the inaccassability of the blog but I can't log into it so I'm just using my Tables of Adventure blog for now, maybe one day I'll figure out how to get back in. And as to losing the photos on the Steeplechasing Zebras blog, I think I may have deleted the photos on my computer inadvertently and 'maybe' that is the cause.
Now time to go look at Richard's pretty pictures for inspiration. Have fun if you are new to this thread!
edit: so, started re-reading this thread only to be reminded that most of the photos are on the book-marked blog. Oh, well. Maybe new people will discover this wonderful gallery - and all those others. But do pursue this thread for a few additional photos.
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FifteensAway, what a wonderful surprise seeing my Darkest Africa pop up once again. As you well know I had a wonderful time "working" on this project because if offered so much opportunity to stretch my imagination. Knowing how long your Africa project has been on your mind, I am sure you will give your imagination lots of exercise as well. Thanks again for bringing this back. I should go through it more often. It always makes me smile. Richard
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Incredible work, seeing such a universe is amasing. Feeling is like watching some kind of movie from the 60's, I can almost follow the story of all this creation. From the images of childhood, up to the most documented situation it is really a great journey into your vision of Dark Afrika.
Chapeau bas ! as we say in old french.
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I have no words... wonderfully inspiring pictures.
Great work.
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It s from years that I admire your works...following your stories I used to go to various flea markets and purchase all kind of animals, pieces of toy set ‘landscape, trees, plastic buildings and boats ..now I ve quite a few items to began something Dark Africa ...in your picts I particularky liked the flying birds...maybe they are geese? Unfortunately I did nt find anything similar even looking trough wargame manufacture catalogues or Ali express type toys....any suggestions?
Thanks
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Alexis, Isasi, and italwars, thank you all for your very generous comments and for taking the time to write. I appreciate it very, very much.
italwars, as to you question about where I would recommend getting flying birds, the best I can do is to tell you that if you are going to flea markets, keep going. I have found wonderful things a the swap meet (the flying birds in my Darkest Africa and in my Gangster collections) simply because I go every week and keep my eyes open for things that might work. That's how I found them. The ones I used in my Africa and Egyptian collections were just on a table for 10 cents each. I'm sure that the guy I bought them from didn't know who made them. They came with long wires attached to their underbellies so I think they were used on cakes or perhaps in indoor floral arrangements. The seagulls in my Gangster collection were taken off a broken Lemax or Department 56 lighthouse that I got a the swap meet for a couple dollars... the lighthouse was too small and badly broken, but the birds were great so I bought it. My local swap meet has provided me with wonderful things but only because I go every week and keep my eyes open for things that might have potential. I don't look for just specific things. I don't limit my search to the project I'm working on at the time. I buy swap meet stuff years in advance of when I actually do the project because finding great stuff at the swap meet takes time. If the price is right (a few cents to a couple dollars) and if the item is really interesting I buy it even if I'm not sure at the moment how I will use it. That approach has served me well. I also love the hunt... that's important. I think the birds that are in and seated on the cages in the Africa collection are Brigade Games.
Richard
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Italiwars - they might be a bit small for you, but check out Splintered Light Miniatures under Swarms. They have ravens and bats. Designed for 15 mm but 15 mm ravens can be 28 mm crows and the bats can just be a smaller species. Hunt around in fantasy ranges also. And, as Richard has often pointed out, check out HO scale railroad figures; I think I have a few stashed away somewhere for my projects (but don't expect to pay swap meet prices for model railroad figures!). And he is right, check out cake decorating supplies for options. You are on quite a quest if you seek to do a large Africa animals collection. I'm already over 800 15 mm animals and suspect I will make it to 1200 by the time I'm done. Recently discovered some new options, especially some foxes that might might work as jackals - another carnivore! The company is Battle Valor Games but again in 15/18 mm size. I do find being flexible in adapting "near enough" figures helps, a lot. African cattle become wildebeest, horses and mules - and now onagers - become zebras. Of course, it works a little better in 15 mm than larger scales where the adaption might not work quite so well. Good luck and have fun. I am!
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italwars, this may prove difficult to find, but Mega Minis made a collection of 25mm/28mm birds. Unfortunately, Mega Minis went out of business, but many of their figure lines were purchased by other companies and are still in production. When I was doing my 28mm Spaceport collection I was looking for space alien musicians that I could use as the band in my spaceport cantina, and I found the old Mega Minis. When I discovered the company that purchased the Mega Minis space alien collection I found that they had ownership of other Mega Minis figure lines as well, and I think the Mega Mini birds were one of them. Unfortunately, I don't remember the name of the company that owns them now, and I didn't write the name of the company in my Spaceport write up because I ended up using different figures for my spaceport band. Sorry that I can't be of more help, but I know that the old Mega Minis birds are still out there somewhere. Maybe someone else knows who is selling them these days. Richard