1st Batch of Flags

Hey Everyone -

WOW - two posts in one day, can you believe it?!

I went to the post office a little bit ago and found a neat little brown box waiting for me from the Flag Dude.

First word that came to mind - AWESOME!!!

Here they are.

The standards for the Simbirsk Musketeer Regiment.

I really like how vivid the colors are and how 'alive' the flags look.

The next set are for my version of the 'South Essex' from the Sharpe's Series.

Now I know there's a company out there that already makes a regimental color for this unit, but to be honest, I never liked it. It always looked funny to me - not quite right.

I also know that this flag was based on the artistic rendering done for the 'Sharpe's Appreciation Society'. Still, I don't like it.

In looking at the painting, and the other flag out there, it dawned on me what looks funny - the chained eagle.

The chained eagle looks way too big for the flag! Almost cartoonish.

So, I started looking at all the British flags for the period I could find. Now I'm not even close to being an expert, but to my eye the special emblems, such as the chained eagle, were smaller. Sometimes they were really small.

With this in mind I started playing with my paint program and came up with a flag that looks 'right' to me. When satisfied I contacted Rick (the Flag Dude) and asked him about making this flag. He said it was 'doable'.

Basically, this is what I sent Rick.

You might notice there is no chain on the eagle - I couldn't figure out how to make one on my paint program. So this part, along with the wreath and such, I left in Rick's capable hands.

This is what Rick sent me.

Aren't they grand!!

Check out the chains on that eagle. You will also notice the cypher used is that of the Prince of Wales. Since the unit eventually became know as the 'Prince of Wales' Own Volunteers' I thought this cypher would be more appropriate than the King's. You will also see it on the King's flag as well.

Perhaps the cypher is completely wrong and wouldn't have been used, but hey - the South Essex didn't really exist anyway did it?

All-n-all Rick did a stupendous job! I can't recommend him high enough.

BTW - before I forget, Rick did supply poles with some finials. I asked him to leave the flags off for a reason, but you will see them eventually.

Hopefully my painted minis will do these justice.

Till next time...

Cheers!
Larry ~

New Mobile Painting Table

Hey Everyone!

Several days ago I was inspired by the mobile painting station made by a person named Aaron over on the Lead Adventure Forum. So I decided to build my own.

It would be easier for me to paint in the evening but in order to spend time with the wife it's hard to do. She likes to work on her laptop while watching TV and there is no TV in my painting room.

So, I dug out an old typing desk that came from the High School across the street and adapted it. Casters were put on the legs and a new, slightly larger, top was attached (the old top broke apart).

They're hard to see in the picture but there is a small drawer under the area where the mat is and a pull out board to lay papers on under the area where the light is.

Now I can roll it into the same room where she, and the TV, are.

BTW - I do plan to stain, and seal, the top.

For those of you who are curious, the dresser behind the table contains terrain building supplies.



Till next time...

Cheers!
Larry!