Wednesday 10 August 2011

Highlander Hero, Warlord Games

This miniature is from the Warlord Games Highlanders range. The miniature looks slightly too muscular in my opinion but then he does stand out a hero figure.

I normally first apply Windsor & Newton Matt Varnish by brush. This is more of a satin finish as seen below. I still need to apply a spray matt varnish to the miniature. I use Citadel's Purity Seal (which they actually describe as having a semi-matt or satin finish) to remove the glossy look.

If you think the sword looks too big, take a look at the picture below.
Two-handed 'Highland' claymore
(Edinburgh Castle)
Note the size of the original claymore compared to that of a later basket-hilted sword on either side (which are normally referred to as claymores). This style of weapon is based on early Scottish medieval swords.

Tuesday 9 August 2011

Montrose Irish, Warlord Games - Part 2

I've finally managed to take pictures of the Warlord Games Montrose Irish command group. I actually finished painting these figures a few weeks ago but I've been on my hols. The main group can be seen in this previous post: Montrose Irish part 1.
Commander
Commander
Drummer
Drummer
The flags supplied in the box set are, I believe, all conjectural. Seeing as they are Irish and not wishing to waste the opportunity for a cliché my brother opted for the green flag.
Ensign
Ensign
Ensign
The ensign originally carried an integral moulded metal flagstaff. I think Warlord must have realised that this pole was too flimsy as the box contains five metal pike although there are only four pikemen in the set. After removing the soft metal flagstaff I drilled out a hole though the figure’s hand and replaced the flagstaff with a cut down metal pike. I can understand why Warlord provided the figure complete with flagpole as the majority of people purchasing the set probably don’t to want to mess around cutting, carving and gluing metal models but I think it’s worth the effort (there’s nothing worse than having a droopy flagpole).

Warlord print their free flags on the relatively thick paper of the information leaflet that comes with the box set. Whenever I've tried to make the flags appear windswept I've found the papers creases and the white paper shows through the printing. In order to cover up these I paint, or use a wash, to fill in the cracks.

I also paint the edges of the flag with the appropriate colour so that the white line of the paper is no longer visible. 
Sergeant
Sergeant
I've just returned from a holiday up north (Carlisle, Edinburgh, Newcastle and York) where we saw numerous sites and artefacts associated with the Marquis of Montrose himself. I hope to post a separate article detailing these soon.

I recently purchased the Warlord miniatures of Alasdair 'The Devastator' MacColla and the Highland hero which I'll add as and when they're painted (but don't hold your breath).