"Advice wanted on mounted GMB Flags" Topic

Hi All
I've just received my order from GMB. A swag of 15mm and 28mm Flags for my little tin men.
I've had great success in mounting VICTRIX and PERRY flags, (the ones that come with the plastic Napoleonics), by glueing a single piece of tin foil, (or "aluminium foil" depending where you live) cut to the same dimensions as the flag being mounted. I glue it (the foil) on one of the inner sides of the flag then wrap the flag around the Staff (flag pole) and then glue to the other inner side of the flag.
I then bend the flag to produce the "Wavvy" effect desired.
The tin foil aids in making the bends in the flag look more erm, "Wavvy" (I think).
This has worked well with 28mm, but I'm not sure I should use this method on 15/18mm flags.
I use PVA glue.

Can anyone offer some advice on what works well with the GMB flags and what's a "NO-NO"?

They look fantastic, (cost a bit), and I don't want to ruin them through ignorance,..

All advice welcomed.
Cheers
Scott
trailape.blogspot.com

I just use common Elmers White Glue (same as PVA?) and slather it around the back side of the flag and press the 2 halves together. Then I use a thin paint brush or dowel stick and curl the wet paper around the stick to create the wave in the flag.

Scott-

I lick each half of the flag first, apply white glue, and then press the flag around the pole. The saliva retards the drying enough so that I have a few more seconds to slide the two halves perfectly together.

Once it's dry, I add the furl by grabbing the corner and gently bending the flag.

Guys
Thanks for the advice.
So no-one bothers with Tin Foil with the 15mm scale flags?
Like I said, I've found it really make a big difference with the 25/8mm flags.
Cheers

All good advice above, Scott. The only 'No-No' is to avoid any exposure of the flags to Testor's Dullcote (spray or brush-on), as it will blotch and fade the flag colours. Some folks use an acrylic-based varnish on the flags (gently brushed on), to protect them, prior to applying Dullcote.

I think two things make flags really look good:

1) Make sure your waves are diagonal from the top of the staff, not vertical as you see so often. The diagonal folds are much more realistic, looking as though the flag material has some weight.

2) Paint the edges of the flag with matching colours. Nothing looks worse than a white edge round the flag, or a painted edge that does not match the flag colours.

and i guess the 1812 issue french flags that have the battle honours for a number of regiments require me to paint in the reg't number?

For the 15mm flags i use a glue stick(ideal for paper) I wouldn`t ever use pva on the flags.
As to protection ,i coat first with satin varnish(waterbased) then sprayed later with Testors Dullcoat.
Regards,

I agree with Colbert in that a glue stick is safer then PVA glue. I do find it hard to get a good wavy look by bending the flag…to get the diagonal look which I agree is right has resulted in me tearing a couple of flags. I use GMB flags.

I now use the gluestick, place it on the pole. I then dip the flag in water for a 30 seconds, and then very carefully scrunch it up. I let it dry and this gives me the nice "blowing in the wind" look most of us seem to want. Paint the edges and attach to the figure..

picture

John

6413

I give the GMB flags a spray of acrylic gloss before manipulating them since I had some of the detail smear due to the white glue.

I use foil for my AB 18mm figures. I've used the foil from wine bottles and brass foil from hobby shops. Both work fine. I've used elmer's glue with good results but I'll try the glue stick. I did spray a matt coat on the GMB flag and it did fade. Won't do that again. Grahme's flags are the best although Fighting 15s AB flags are a close second. I also paint the edges. Usually just in black.

Another tip for larger flags (eg British, American) is that they were often carried into battle "half furled" – ie when it was removed from the case, it was only unrolled as far as the central badge. This made it easier to manage in action, especially as the ensign was usually the youngest (in terms of commission date, but often also in age) officer in the regiment, and allowed one hand free to handle a sword.

Have you considered getting this guy to do them for you? A bit expensive, but he will work to your order (uses mainly GMB) and produces excellent results – often makes it to Salute, despite being based in the US, and can supply to the UK.

flagdude.com

Super Max,
So Flagdude uses GMB(mainly) flags? News to me, when did this come about?
I`ve used flagdude 15mm & they`re not up to the standard of GMB.
Regards,
Ps, they do not supply direct to the UK,

I placed a "brief how I do it" on my blog. One way anyway.

John

link

John,
Very nice indeed,I also use the same blue & red(paints)
Regards

<<So Flagdude uses GMB(mainly) flags? News to me, when did this come about?>>

Does that mean they are all his own designs then? I thought some of the 25/28mm stuff was GMB – at least, that was the impression I got from visiting his stand at Salute a couple of years back. Maybe that was just some stuff he'd done for UK customers? Well, my sincere apologies if I've mis-directed anyone.

Well they`re not Mr Blacks ;)

I have both types of flag, they are distinctly different.

John