Kilts in WWI?

[Deathwing]

I'm painting up some British trench fighters for my LPL entry.  Two of my five guys are in kilts.  Let's just say this they are meant for are for is pulled from different regiments for special missions, so it's okay they don't match the others guys who are not in kilts.  So I was wondering anyone have any good ideas on how to paint them?  Should I give them the standard khaki colored kilts like the rest of their uniform (which I've seen in pictures) or should I get  adventurous and paint the kilts plaid.  I have never done the latter, so instructions would be great.  The guys are post-1916 as they have steel helmets.  Thanks for the assist.

Joey

[HerbyF]

It is my understanding that they didn't wear dress kilts in the feild at this time. Plain Khaki would be the safe way to go I think.

[aircav]

It depends on your miniature and wether they have kilt covers on or not 


Keith

[Will Bailie]

As a general rule, kilts were covered with a canvas cover during WWI, but there are exceptions, so it depends which models you are using.  If the pleats on the back of the kilt are showing, then you should paint it as tartan, same if the model has a sporran.  Even if the kilt cover is worn, you can still usually see a bit of the kilt showing at the bottom or side.

Here is a kilt with no cover (so paint with tartan):


Here is a covered kilt - note that you can see the tartan showing on the side of the cover.


If you don't want to paint tartan, you can assign your lads toa regiment like the London Scottish, who used Hodden Gray!

[Hammers]

Didn't e have another thread on this just recently? There were a few good advice in that one as I recall.

[Deathwing]

Thanks for the advise so far.  The minis I am using are Old Glory, see the guy with the Lewis gun and the gentleman throwing the grenade in the below link.  The pleat and sporran are definitely there.  I think I might actually want to try the tartan.

http://www.oldgloryminiatures.com/proddetail.asp?prod=WWI-305

Joey

[aircav]

This is a good site for the Tartans & bonnet details


Keith

[Ignatieff]

Look like kilt covers to me.  I have a marvelous print of my grandfather, a corporal in the Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders, who has posed for the photo wearing a kilt cover (1916).  I have also seen pics of officers (not men) who were wearing their full kilts.  I would suggest that this is the most accurate way forward.  One rule for the men and another for the offircers.  Will's evidence bears this out.

[Deathwing]

I think you might be right about the kilt covers, but that is kind of boring color-wise.  I think I might go full tartan anyway, just for some pop.  I did find this great link.  I fancy a go on the morrow.

http://www.angelfire.com/tx/ToySoldier/tartan.htm

Joey

[Hammers]

I think you might be right about the kilt covers, but that is kind of boring color-wise.  I think I might go full tartan anyway, just for some pop.  I did find this great link.  I fancy a go on the morrow.

http://www.angelfire.com/tx/ToySoldier/tartan.htm

Joey

On a related topic: Alex and I talked some whle ago about starting subtopics to the Workbench/How to... board (where I am a moderator), creating new sub-boards like How to paint..., How to sculpt..., How to take photos... etc.

This question on how to paint tartan crops up now and then. I suppose it should be made sticky. What do you say, does it belong in WWI or Workbench or somewhere else?

[Will Bailie]

Hammers - painting tartan crosses too many eras to be stuck in WWI.  Those ladies from hell show up everywhere - swashbuckling, VSF, colonial, WWI, interwar, pulp, future wars and more places besides.  I vote for putting it in the workbench.

And respectfully disagree with Ignatieff - it was not so well organised as a division between officers and men.  Seems more or less random, probably with the more fastidious usingthe covers.

Cheers

Will

[Ignatieff]

Your probably right Will.