International Flat Figure Society - British Flat Figure Society
Flat Figures Painters Forum => Review Section => Topic started by: Charles on August 06, 2016, 09:48:26 AM
-
Some of you will recall the Charge of the Light Brigade figures drawn by Jank, alias Vladislav Yankovsky, our friend from Orsk in Russia.
Well, I had been communicating with Vlad over the Light Brigade, sending uniform details and discussing the figures. Then all went quiet and I thought the matter had been shelved when all of a sudden some drawings were posted and Brian suggested a consortium. That certainly didn't get off the ground, as is often the case with so many different tastes, so I decided to go it alone and got in touch again with Vlad, altered some of the drawings and had a few new ones made.
At Brian's instigation I then arranged with Karl Rieger to engrave ten of the figures, which was done back in April. Super engraving and a real thrill to have my own set of figures after many years of interest.
Only yesterday did I finally get round to Brian's workshop (a.k.a.the kitchen) in Gillingham where we spent the day casting figures. Well, what a task that is.
I finally after many hours came away with 5 of each figure. Pouring molten metal into the mould is relatively easy, you think you are rattling along. then when you have cast 50 or 60 figures and they have cooled down, you examine them. Most go back in to the melting pot. A tip of lance missing, a foot missing, pitting, too much flash. Brian I found was a bit of a perfectionist and i wasn't allowed to get away with anything.
Anyway we are in production soon. I have a few myself and will be sending one to Vlad, and I suppose I better get painting. 2D Figures are the sole agent, you can't get them anywhere else!
I will soon (when I have worked out how) post the drawings and the pictures of the flats themselves, together with my views of the figures and the plans for the future. After the initial designs I will be doing the more traditional side-on figures, so this first set is something of a one-off, a total of 8 Lancers charging. There are a couple of other figures available as individual castings according to taste.
I am not sure whether anybody else will share my pleasure, to be frank I am not looking for praise or any financial returns, but we offer them for sale in case anyone does like them and wants a set. There is nothing more to it than that, made for my pleasure and offered in a spirit of sharing. Don;'t consider yourself a customer, just a fellow enthusiast who is interested in the figures or the period.
There is lots more to say on future figures, more lancers, Hussars, Light Dragoons, Russian gunners and Hussars too. Vlad has done lots of drawings which i am having a close look at, and more engraving sessions are booked with Mr Rieger in September and October.
I am sure 2D figures will advertise when they are cast and ready for the shelves.
A huge thanks to Brian and his 'can-do' attitude. I will try and get some pictures out soon.
Charles
-
I'd be very happy to buy a set when they're available and would love to see some photos of the finished article.
Would also love to see some Russians at some point! Happy to throw in on that at some point.
-
Congratulations Brother Charles and great story, your enthusiasm shines through. I am looking forward to seeing the figures.
Mark 8)
-
Already got paint on some of the little guys, the photos show a lot of light reflection but will give you an idea
Do have to say well done Charles, as a first set you have hit the ground running (-;
-
Quick work Brian, they always look better with some paint on.
here is the Officer, tidied up a bit.
-
Those are beautiful figures well done guys!
-
Can you do a Society special release?
-
Very nice . I would like to get a set of these figures. I can see Errol Flynn leading the charge now. Willie
-
amazing :) i m in to get one too
-
they are truly very well done, very nice detail and proportion.
Ray
-
Figures will be ready to post this week
Cost is £20 for a set of 8 and £2.50 each for the 2 bonus figures ( the single and bugler in my photos) plus post.
If interested in these new figures let Charles or myself know, payment can be by PayPal.
I will let Charles post photos of the set
-
These are beauties, congratulations gentlemen.
Mark 8)
-
Put me down for the works please Brian before mark buys all of them. Thank you sir
-
Yes, I was pondering a large diorama in what used be my living room... ;)
mark 8)
P.S. PORTHOS!
-
Here's the set of 8
-
And these are the two extra figures available as an additional purchase, as mentioned by Brian.
I will post actual pictures of the figures as i get round to cleaning them up.
-
I would certainly like the full set. A very lively diorama in the making.
Ed H
-
Does anobody know, where the respective Gottstein figures
(or better -their moulds) remained?
-
Charles, congratulation for this wonderful issue
Balaklava is not my period but I do admire those who try new thinds in our little hobby
Eric
-
Eric, thanks for your comments. I'm pleased I have added something new, even more so if others appreciate them.
Joerg, I made this enquiry through fellow member Roy Boardman when he was visiting some friends from the Leipzig Society a few months ago. They have the old Gottstein moulds. Apparently the moulds have not yet been inspected, I got the impression they were not high on the list and so it appears that some considerable time will elapse before we know anything more. I will say that I have the set, they are wonderfully lively figures but have considerable error in uniform details etc.
-
The first castings are getting to the collectors, if you showed an interests and are still thinking now is the time to buy, without support part two may not happen as planed, fewer figures!!
You know how to get them and you know my paypal.
-
Can't wait for the Russians!
-
Remind me of the cost of the full set, including postage, please Brian
-
£25 for full set of 10 figures, post is £3 UK and Europe and £4.50 rest of world
Paypal bk006d7771@blueyonder.co.uk
If you don't have paypal just email me same as above.
-
My figures arrived this morning - an excellent set of figures, full of life and the beginning of an action-packed diorama. Congratulations and thanks to all concerned. Looking forward to the next instalment.
Ed H
-
Thanks for the comments Ed. I'm glad you like them.
I will be choosing the next lot of figures in the next few days and getting the designs off to Karl.
I'll post the drawings once I have selected the ones I want. Hussars and Lt Dragoons in all probability.
This is certainly not a profit making business, what we have sold so far will not even cover the cost of a single new figure. But there will be more, there is still something left in the bottom of the barrel.
I'm sure Brian still has some castings left if you want them.
Brian, well done on the painted group, they look pretty good mate.
-
The light brigade has landed in the Americas and looks fantastic! Thank you Charles and Brian. Can't wait to paint them!
-
I received the set yesterday. Very nice set and nice engraving.
Thank you for the great job.
-
Glad they got there safe guy's
Many thanks
-
Will have a limited number of sets at Euro and the painted set will be on the BFFS table for you to see.
-
After having started the painting, I am a bit confused, that both buglers have two horns (?),
one blowing on and one on the back (in different sizes?)
Can someone please contribute to clarification?
Thanks.
-
Hello Joerg,
One is a bugle the other is a trumpet British Light cavalry always carried two instruments, one I think for use dismounted the other for use mounted
Why I don't Know you will have to look at regimental or band histories to find out
Kindest regards
Bob.
-
Hello Bob,
tjank you very much for clarification!
Indeed, one instrument looks bigger than the other.
J.
-
Every trumpeter carried two instruments, the bugle and the trumpet. The instruments were used to play a variety of calls, and some were more complicated than others. So the trumpet would be used to play the more complex calls, the bugle was a smaller and simpler instrument and could be played on horseback. So when mounted for action, the trumpet would have it's cord wrapped around it and would be tied on the back of the trumpeter. Only the bugle would be used in action to play calls such as 'advance', 'charge' etc.
By the way, the 'charge' at Balaclava is generally believed to have been played by Trumpeter Billy Brittain, of the 17th Lancers, who was Cardigan's trumpeter on the day of the charge. He was severely wounded and died a few months later in Scutari Hospital.
-
Back in the early 60s I recall seeing a bugle on display at the Royal United Services Museum. As far as I remember it was described as the bugle that sounded the charge of the Light Brigade - it was as flat as a pancake!
Peter
-
More useless information on the bugle...You are probably correct Peter. Billy Brittain managed to hang on to his bugle despite his wounds, it was badly damaged by a Russian Cossack who speared it, possibly in an attempted to pick it up. Brittain was visited in Scutari by Cardigan, who allowed him to keep the bugle (it was Regimental property) and it passed to his family when he died. It's now in the Regimental Museum of the Queen's Royal Lancers, Thoresby, Notts.
A picture of it is in this old article http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lincolnshire/8199338.stm
-
I have seen the castings of the next (and probably last) figures, some Hussars and Russian gunners and a couple more Lancers. When I get the moulds I will ask Brian do make some more castings.
Pictures soon.
Brian, I emailed you and it got sent back. Any problems with your email address?
-
Can't wait to see them! Hope they're not the last of the series. The figures are great
-
"Brian, I emailed you and it got sent back. Any problems with your email address?"
Yep!! was cut off but all up and running now (-;
-
Next lot are nearly ready so if you have not got the first lancers now is the time to put your order in to get the 2 sets, Hussars and Russian gunners, gun this time!!
-
Excellent. I'll take the gunners please. I have the lancers already
-
Will let you know when part 2 is ready, just got to get around to casting the little guys ::)
-
I have the lancers and I would like to buy the new lots.
-
It goes without saying I would like the second part when available
-
Back to the Lancers.
Getting information about uniform and equipment is not very easy.
Osprey's Men-At-Arms information differ quite from (e.g.) Cotton Woodville paintings.
So, any help would be much appreciated:
-What colour had the bugle cord? The linked picture suggests kind of gold/green?
Or white (collar's colour) ?
- What colour had the officer's trousers? blue, as regulated
or grey, as introduced for rank-and-file (?) for test purposes
(according to Men-At-Arms The British Forces in the Crimea) ?
Thanks anyway!
-
Maybe this is helpful
http://www.lincstothepast.com/the-balaclava-bugle/97.article
Erich
-
@Erich, thanks for the link.
-
Sorry everyone, I have the moulds but just being a bit slow. Poor old Brian is patiently waiting for me to bring them over to get some casting done, but I am really busy at the moment and can't see it happening before Christmas. But I might get a free day in a couple of weeks.
I do have the test castings, so in the next few days I will post some pictures.
-
Here are the new figures. Some Russian Cossack Artillery, 4 Hussars, and some more Lancers.
-
I'm drooling, Charles. Beautifully done.
Ed H
-
Thanks Ed.
I can't see myself making the range any bigger, the demise of poor old Vlad makes it too expensive if I have to pay for a designer.
I still have a drawing for Nolan which I intend to get done, and probably another cavalry figure to make a pair for the slate, but all the changes I asked for didn't get done before Vlad died. The last two figures aren't my best choice but circumstances dictated unfortunately.
Also...spot the mistake. One of the artillerymen is left handed, neither I not Karl Rieger spotted it until too late, so we flipped the design and did it again right handed!!
Brian, I can't see myself getting to you before Christmas now, but as soon as I can we can get some castings done.
-
Hi Charles,
actually there are two left handed gunners: second and fourth figure.
I also would like to order some figures from the last set of photos so my questions are:
- are you accepting PayPal payment
- what are the prices for foot, mounted figure and a gun
If shipping to Canada is too expensive I have an address of my friend in Germany or I can pick up figures at Kulmbach from BFFS stand
thank you beforehand.
Oleg
-
Hello Charles,
for me one or two left-handed fighters are not the problem.
They lead away from the usual.
Anyway - in the summer you wrote the series will have "around 50 figures", now we have 26 (with gun).
Will there be more (except Nolan)? Or did Vlad past away too early for bringing this project to an end?
-
Oleg : Your'e right there were two, but I didn't think we had engraved both. I must be more careful! The figures haven't been cast yet, but it will probably be the New Year until I get them over to Brian to do that. Brian is my business mastermind, so he will be doing the sales as well as production. I know he takes Paypal, so we will make that announcement soon.
Joerg : I have lots of drawings but there are some inaccuracies in many, and I wanted different poses. Also some are only designed on one side, the reverse was not completed. Vlad used a computer programme to design on, which I don't have. So it is really very difficult to alter the designs.
The main problem however is that they are too small, and Karl said he could not enlarge them enough to engrave with. I might re-visit that with Karl. It is a shame that the Light Dragoons are missing, and I would like more Hussars.
Also this has been expensive. Over £2000 spent so far and very little return from sales despite Brian's worldwide contacts! I never expected anything different, but I do not ant to spend money on poor or inaccurate figures.
-
In Figure-Mad forum every month a number of new releases (round and sometimes flats) are proposed for a
"Figure of the month" acknowledgement.
For december the Russian Cossak Artillery is proposed (among a lot of others) ;)
-
Thanks for letting me know Joerg
I am not a member of that Forum and had no idea. I wonder who proposed them, was it you, Brian?
I hope the figures will be popular in that case, we might actually sell a few!
-
No not me Charles, since having windows 10 I cant post photos on that forum :( Joerg is the man that needs the pat on the back :)
-
A little clarification:
I am the man, who put photos of the sets in that forum
(the intention was both to give outsiders the chance to know what's on in the world of flats
and to promote the turnaround (haha) a bit for that set)
I did not propose the figures for any reward or acknoledgement; this came from another (German) member of Figure-Mad-forum,
who is -as far as I know- not here among us.
-
Dear Charles,
as for that :
Joerg : I have lots of drawings but there are some inaccuracies in many, and I wanted different poses. Also some are only designed on one side, the reverse was not completed. Vlad used a computer programme to design on, which I don't have. So it is really very difficult to alter the designs.The main problem however is that they are too small, and Karl said he could not enlarge them enough to engrave with. I might re-visit that with Karl. It is a shame that the Light Dragoons are missing, and I would like more Hussars.
Let me have some I don´t believe that I can´t do that with photoshop though it may be true for piczoom.
Best regards
Alexander
P.S. Vlad did a big amount of one side only drawings of the light brigade published in russian flats forum so you might agree to Michaelis or another designer to do the reverse ?
-
Joerg, thank you for putting the photos out there. It's great to see some interest, it has motivated me to get over to Brian after Christmas and get some of the figures produced.
Alexander
I think the pictures that Vlad posted on the Russian forum are the same as he sent me. I provided him with lots of details, uniforms etc and he just went to work. The deal was that i could choose whatever I liked for free and get them engraved, the best thing being he would alter them and change things if I wanted. There was no reason why he should not show them on this and other forums, and so he did.
So i have files with lots of figures on, and when you enlarge them they pixellate and look very blurred.
I have them all on email, and i will gladly send them over to you. If something can be done, then I may well speak to Karl again.
Your idea of getting the reverse side designed is a good one, I will check my bank account first and see how healthy it is!
Thanks a lot
Charles
-
Don't think I've ever seen the Russian Zinn site, does someone have a link? I'd like to check it out
I was going to wait until the set was complete before buying them, (US postage and all) but if we need to do so now to kep the project alive I would be happy to support this worthy cause.
Ray
-
Dear all,
this is the toy soldier collectors forum
http://translate.google.de/translate?sl=ru&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=de&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.toy-soldiers.ru%2Fforum%2Findex.php&act=url (http://translate.google.de/translate?sl=ru&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=de&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.toy-soldiers.ru%2Fforum%2Findex.php&act=url)
the link is still embedded in google translator to make it understandable
here are the flats where Vlad was very active
http://translate.google.de/translate?sl=ru&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=de&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.toy-soldiers.ru%2Fforum%2Findex.php&act=url (http://translate.google.de/translate?sl=ru&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=de&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.toy-soldiers.ru%2Fforum%2Findex.php&act=url)
and the paper soldiers section
http://translate.google.de/translate?sl=ru&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=de&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.toy-soldiers.ru%2Fforum%2Findex.php&act=url (http://translate.google.de/translate?sl=ru&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=de&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.toy-soldiers.ru%2Fforum%2Findex.php&act=url)
"DzhKK (http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?act=url&depth=1&hl=de&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.de&sl=ru&tl=en&u=http://www.toy-soldiers.ru/forum/viewtopic.php%3Ff%3D20%26t%3D3095%26sid%3D940181a0c52eb1c8c1c9df5c12f060cc&usg=ALkJrhiOau0bf5D7wTLaBRtq_Z9Lkj9UsQ)" was Vlads main thread
-
Dear Charles,
using photoshop you can enlarge a pic quite good without loosing much of quality (unless you want a poster) See attached picture taken from Vlads impressive "Attack" which you will probably have. These pictures are btw. nearly the size you need for engraving as they have 300dpi and 240dpi is enough to have good drawing for engraving. The change from 300dpi to 240dpi has no visible loss of quality. And even the double size would do.
Attached you see the original 300dpi, the larger 240dpi and a pic in double size of original.
-
Thank you Alexander, Merry Christmas!
-
Thanks Alexander
That seems to work well. Though I admit I the technical side of these things a little confusing. I don't have photoshop or any similar software.
I will review all the drawings I have got from Vlad, and can send them to you. I will PM you to exchange email addresses, so maybe you will have some time to help me out.
Thanks again
Charles
-
It's been a while since Charles posted the new figure set on this thread, we are now taking orders!!! figures will be cast next week
Price of the set is £35
Or £2.50 for Mounted or Gun and £1.80 foot
Part 1 is £20 for a set of 8 and £2.50 each for the 2 bonus figures
Photo of Charles with his first cast
-
Excellent! Please put me down for a set. They look fantastic. Did Rieger engrave them all?
-
Hi Charles,
please cast for me two sets : first and second : 35+20+ regular air mail = ( ) pounds.
I can send money by PayPal. Mailing address:
189 Blue Willow Drive
Woodbridge Ontario L4L 9H3
CANADA
I am out for a week shall be back next Wednesday.
Thank you beforehand.
Oleg Sokruto
-
Please put me down for the full set, Brian. As for the left handed figures, it must be a Russian thing. If you watch the recent BBC production of "War and Peace" it seems the Russians had a whole regiment of left-handed hussars. Some genius seems to have transposed one whole scene so they charge from left to right, instead of the other way around. This is among many historical mistakes in a disappointing lightweight version of the book.
Ed H
-
Charles has started the casting!!!
Part 2 is now ready and after talking to Charles the price is now £30 for the set,
Still 2.50 for Mounted or Gun and £1.80 foot
Part 1 is £20 for the set off 8 and £2.50 each for the bonus figures
Oleg PM sent
-
I'll take a set of part 2 please Brian. Thanks!
-
I appear to have missed this thread for a while, don't know why. Computers mystify me at times.
Yes, Mike, all these were engraved by Mr Rieger.
Alexander, I haven't forgotten your assistance in getting the drawings enlarged, I will certainly be getting back to you on the subject. maybe I will be able to track you down at Kuimbach, it would be nice to meet in person.
Brian has the moulds and we cast the first ones yesterday. As usual 2-D are the sole agents for both parts of the series.
I will try and get some Lt Dragoons done and maybe some personality figures, and a few more Hussars. Whoever told me you wont ever get your money back with flats wasn't exaggerating, its expensive and I need to build up some funds again. Not to mention finding another illustrator.
All the best
Charles
-
Hi Charles,
I placed an order for two Balaclava sets few weeks ago. I hope you'll be able to cast them for me. Is payment by PayPal OK for you?
My contact e-mail: osokruto@gmail.com
Regards
Oleg Sokruto
-
Just getting them ready Oleg, have already sent you a message
-
Ok Mike, will get it sorted ;)
-
Hello Brian,
I bought the 1st part (lancers) last year.
I would like now to buy the 2nd part.
Could you do that please.
Thank you by advance.
Best regards.
Philippe
-
Will get it sorted and in the post Philippe
Post to Europe £4.00
-
Ok Brian : 30 £ + 4 £ = 34 £
Could you remind me your Paypal address ?
Thank you
-
bk006d7771@blueyounder.co.uk
The same as my email ;) ;D
-
Done !
-
Their in the post ;)
-
The figures are ready but will only be sent out after payment has cleared.
-
Figures from set 1 and 2 are available, here again a poor photo of the 11th Hussars (Cherry Pickers) from set 2 ;)
-
A better photo ;)