Fiddling with Plastics

 No, nothing to do with Irish-Americans, but these figures did come from the US and (at the time) were the last two packs of Hat Austrian Landwehr in the world. Since then Hat has reissued the set, but the price was reasonable and they were post free, so an amazing deal.

Figures are excellent with just the right amount of detail and only one duff running pose, but he proved to be useful later. I did my usual prep of spraying with TT Combat primer, but horror of horrors, it all flaked off. I’ve had no trouble with other plastic figures, especially Airfix Type 1s, but for some reason the Hat rubbery plastic did not like me. I resorted to PVA and, for belt and braces, Vallejo white primer. This was after several experiments using the duff figure, which being on one leg was an excellent test subject. After a few trials, and lots of twisting and bending, I decided the PVA/Vallejo route was best as it stood up to seem really rough handling.

The reissues are in a stiffer white plastic, so I may be able to go back to my old priming ways. But they do have a bit more flash on them; the older figures are virtually flash free.

I did a very basic paint job, quite old skool, with a ‘targeted wash’ with Vallejo black and flesh washes over key points and varnished with Vallejo gloss, which is the most non-yellow gloss varnish I know. I went the gloss route because I wanted the smaller figures to bling at arms length.

Now I just need to fiddle with unit size. I’m not going for any particular figure ratios, I’m just sticking figures on bases so it looks good. I’ve left a gap here for a mounted officer. Very Peter Gilder and it does look jolly nice! Obviously, the more figures per unit will need more effort and how long this will hold my interest I don’t know, but it will keep me amused as the winter evenings draw in.

Apologies for the poor lighting!

Fresh out of the box.