Fresh off the table are two packs worth of GHQ Confederate Dismounted Cavalry. I painted these to match the existing unit of Mounted Cavalry as well as the next two units of GHQ Cav I intend to paint. (When they arrive)
I added some small bushes and static grass to these bases to make them a little more dynamic as well as to provide some cover for the dismounts.
I went with 4 models per stand with 1 command stand (just like the Federal troops) There are no horse holder mounts, but I ordered another pack of standing cavalry to use to make some proper horse holder stands with mounted holders. I looked at using the Crackerline models for this, but they look fairly different from the GHQ sculpts. I would rather not mix them in the same unit. (I just picked up their Wilder's Lightning Brigade pack, so a review will be forthcoming some time this month.)
The GHQ packs come with a leader and bugler but no standard bearer. I may have to find a suitable substitute for these stands in the future to help them stand out a little better on the table.
Also of note is a switch I made for the CSA side. Rather than my usual AP Strong Shade "Dip" treatment, I opted to try some ink. I saw a blog entry awhile back where someone else was trying Windsor and Newton Peat Brown ink. (I can't remember which blog right now, so if you are the author let me know in the comments so I can give you proper credit.)
I brushed it onto the models without dilution and it gives an effect very similar to the AP washes from the bottles. There is no need for a 24 hour wait or destroyed brushes with this method. It also dries to a matte finish which looks fairly nice. It lacks the protective finish I get with Minwax type dips, but for small (6mm-10mm) models I think it does a better job of getting in the details. I think it works better than the old GHQ Devlan Mud and also lacks the pungent smell.
Nice Work!
ReplyDeleteThank you
DeleteAre the dismounted cavalry bases a different size than the mounted bases?
ReplyDeleteNo, they are the same size. Just a little forced perspective I think.
DeleteThankfully the packs have no horse holders on foot. That's a pet peeve
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately it is just no horse holders period. That is a pet peeve of mine as 1 in 4 soldiers remained back with the horses, and few companies do horse holders as a standard part of cavalry packs. I assume this is because they are "non-combatant" models. I have used the standing models in the past for the same reason I put commander, drummers and standards on the same base. It has become ubiquitous.
DeleteThey came out very well. I'm a bit surprised that the drawing ink works without any added surfactant (ie, a drop of detergent, or dishwasher anti-streaking additive).
ReplyDeleteI had used ink washes quite a bit back in the 1970's, and getting the ink to stay put in the recesses was always a problem. The smaller scale might make a difference there, though, I suppose.
I think the smaller scale is the key. In the past I used the Army Painter washes from the dropper bottles mixed with a few drops of matte varnish to get a similar effect. I didn't dilute this ink at all, which probably helps at this scale. I tried using these inks on 28mm models in the past and did not get very good effects. (More staining than shading), so there is probably something to the scale argument.
Delete