Wet Palette

Can I add my voice to the growing band of wet palette supporters? What an innovation. Low tech but brilliant. Paint does stay workable for ages and it cuts out masses of time repeatedly shaking, opening and closing paintpots. I reckon on a first experience today that it has saved me about 20% of my normal painting time. If it saves a little paint then thats an added bonus. If you dont have one then do it. Seriously. Without going excessively overboard it is the most useful tool or accessory I have ever seen in miniature painting. I dont know who came up with the idea but he or she should be immediately elevated to the pantheon of modelling greats.

 

New recruit

A Swiss soldier without a hat. Standing by for a beasting from the Company Sergeant Major.

I'm just about to put in an order for some new paints and various bits and pieces. Has anyone tried the new Vallejo range of primers? Well, I assume they are new. The fact that I haven't seen them before is no guarantee of up to dateness. Normally I use Humbrol but like most modellers I'm always willing to embrace change. Or not.

I'm also looking for some new work-a-day brushes. I've been using the Army Painter ones but the most recent batch I bought were all stinkers - not one of them holds a point and I hate using W&N series 7 for other than the most serious tasks. Again, any recommendations?
 

Swiss

Just a quick note to say thanks to all those who have made kind comments on the Swiss. Its appreciated. I am also up for some hard edged criticism and suggestions for improvement so please dont be shy in saying where these or any other figures could be better presented.

Having said all that I've had a number of enquiries regarding whether the Swiss will be for sale. Yes they will be but I cannot say when that will be. If you would like to reserve them then drop me a line at philipjhatton@gmail.com - the incentive will make sure they get done sooner.
 

Hiatus

Every year or so there is a long gap in my blog entries whilst real life catches up. It's not that I haven't been painting but nearly everything has been commission work. I am grateful to all of you who have expressed an interest in my painting and I try to ensure that clients get value for money. The downside for the blog is lack of time and nothing to show in my gallery - I've got lots of photos but it seems a bit cheeky asking customers for permission to publish. Anyway, do give me a call if you are interested.

In between times I am trying to build a Swiss Napoleonic Battalion. I guess that sooner or later everyone gets the urge to do this simply as a break from French blue. The project is moving at a glacial pace but below you can see where I am currently at:

More photos as and when I can.

One of the main challenges I've been facing is the old chestnut of matt varnish. It's not getting the matt effect that's the problem - I use W&N which works very well - it's more an issue of coverage. Each figure gets two coats but there is always a patch of gloss varnish left shining through. These get touched up and I assume that the job is done. I go back 2-3 hours later and there is yet another bit of gloss. This gets treated and the process is then repeated and repeated.... If you have any good ideas please let me know.

I also wanted to highlight how good customer service is from the dealers I have been receiving. No doubt there are horror stories out there but I am always impressed with how quickly and reliably the goods come through. On the occasions where things have gone wrong mistakes have been corrected swiftly and without demur. Take a bow Claymore Castings, Antenociti and Nannyogg (ebay trader).

Finally a quick word on morality in wargames. I appreciate it is a very subjective issue but I shuddered at a recent set of pictures of some 'rednecks' figures which appeared to have links to the film Deliverence. I cannot concieve of why anyone would want a game with a rapist gang making an appearance but to each their own. It's not for me.