deadhead | 16 Sep 2014 3:04 a.m. PST |
Photo etched brass is so well supplied for Fantasy figures, Armour and, especially, naval models. My attic is filled with White Ensign and GM brass for various ships of WWII, which I never even started. It is much easier to work with than one might think and can make some amazingly complex (but delicate!) shapes. However, there is next to nothing for Napoleonic 28mm figures. There might be the odd leaf or some such plant, a few railings, but that seems to be it. What if someone could come up with eagles for the corner of a shabraque, or, even more, grenades ditto? Transfers (Decals) would be welcome, but the real thing was 3D. Could we have numbers for the portmanteau in brass? Scale thickness finials for flags/eagles……….even a better range of scenery. I may have missed something in my search, so any guide to what is available I would welcome. We have so much for Space Marines, Orcs and Waffen SS, what about something for Boney and Nosey's lads? Imagine sales if every cavalry horse carried something in brass……. |
79thPA | 16 Sep 2014 4:14 a.m. PST |
The difference between imagination and reality is that very few horses will carry something in brass. In my gaming circle, folks aren't looking for the extra expense or complexity. I think there would be a handful of excited people and a lot of non-buyers saying someone else's figures look nice. |
stoneman1810 | 16 Sep 2014 4:17 a.m. PST |
I would be one of the excited people. How about turnback insignia?! |
deadhead | 16 Sep 2014 4:22 a.m. PST |
79th PA, you may well be right of course. In practice, applying etched grenades or crowns or eagles would take seconds and some superglue. I cannot imagine great expense, but a great end result. I do appreciate to the wargames community extra detail may not appeal, indeed we have heard a call for less equipment carried, to reduce the work involved! Stoneman, in my dreams…….it could be done…but now we are talking really small for photo etched brass! |
Winston Smith | 16 Sep 2014 4:45 a.m. PST |
Imagine sales if every cavalry horse carried something in brass……. I prefer not. I would think that at 28mm scale, grenade turnbacks etc would be do tiny that they would be indistinguishable. A lot of work for no benefit. |
von Winterfeldt | 16 Sep 2014 4:58 a.m. PST |
I am agreeing with Deadhead – there is room for photo etched brass, it is depressing to see that they are produced for fantasy gamer. |
enfant perdus | 16 Sep 2014 6:28 a.m. PST |
I've been floating this for years. Nobody seems that interested in using them, let alone making them. I think there would be a handful of excited people and a lot of non-buyers saying someone else's figures look nice. I agree with this, BUT, I wonder if the same was said when PEB started to appear in the scale modeling hobby. |
von Winterfeldt | 16 Sep 2014 6:56 a.m. PST |
look at the fuss when the Perrys came up with the inovative multipose plastic figures, for some even one part to glue on is a too big challenge, others like me see the immense potential of those figures – their AWI figures from different boxes, one still is able to glue on different arms and can create a lot of variations. It is sad to see that innovation seemingly are rejected from the historical wargamers. |
John the OFM | 16 Sep 2014 7:03 a.m. PST |
First propose a valid "innovative" use for etched brass that is not accommodated by casting or painting, and then we can talk about the plodding mindset of historical gamers. |
John the OFM | 16 Sep 2014 7:06 a.m. PST |
But… If you insist on suggestions, how about recognition signals to tuck in the brim of a hat in lieu of uniforms? Like scraps of paper or holly sprigs. These field signs were often the only thing distinguishing Loyalist and Patriot militias. Not that I would pay an arm and a leg for them. |
julianmizzi | 16 Sep 2014 7:35 a.m. PST |
How about brass stencils with : * Regt numbers for french sabertaches, * Grenade stencil ~ for elite cavalry regiment insgnia ( saddle cloth corners ). * Chevron stencils for corporals , seargents , years of service to name a few
|
Ligniere | 16 Sep 2014 8:03 a.m. PST |
What about replacement swords and bayonets – I have way too many officers, and some troopers, left with only sword hilts….. and an etched brass option might be worth considering for a simple fix |
ScottWashburn | 16 Sep 2014 8:08 a.m. PST |
In years past I built many of the plastic Historex 54mm Napoleonic figures. They had exactly what you are talking about, but in very thin plastic rather than brass. It really does look great. Not sure how great it would look in 28mm, but it is surprising that no one has done it yet (considering all the other products out there). Someone needs to do a kickstarter! :) |
ScottS | 16 Sep 2014 8:28 a.m. PST |
I would think that photo-etched brass would be very delicate, perhaps too delicate to stand up to the handling most wargame models receive? |
deadhead | 16 Sep 2014 9:08 a.m. PST |
PEB is indeed very fragile, or rather very easily bent, so could never be a replacement for bayonets or sword blades alas. My thought was purely to use it as a flat moulding to stick to something, exactly as suggested, larger items such as the eagles or grenades on the corners of the shabraque. Turnbacks on coats really are getting too small realistically, alas. As above, casting in plastic (highly expensive for the manufacturer) or painting (if you have the time and skill) or decals are all alternatives. PEB is actually the easiest and best option if you are a wargamer. You cut if off the frame, you stick it on and now you have something 3D, in relief, to paint. I fully accept that many a wargamer cares not a fig about the ornaments on a saddle cloth. I guess my question was just to establish that and see it there might be a market. We are starting to see transfers for water bottles, tartan for kilts. Maybe for the smaller stuff that is the way to go. But is there any interest in extra detail? |
von Winterfeldt | 16 Sep 2014 9:32 a.m. PST |
I am interesed in this, there I see the top notch wargaming figures – in 28 mm – not only as wargaming figures but as true miniatures and pieces of art. |
Ligniere | 16 Sep 2014 10:22 a.m. PST |
so could never be a replacement for bayonets or sword blades alas Pity – not even when two or three layers of PEB could be laminated together? All the other suggestions seem to be way too fiddly – and typically unsuitable for wargaming purposes – small dioramas, yes, or even for the bit's box at the Perry household. |
deadhead | 16 Sep 2014 10:33 a.m. PST |
Laminated would make a huge difference,true, but how commercially attractive to produce? Again, this is just what I was wondering. Wargamers keep figure manufacturers going, but they may well not be remotely interested in super detailing. I completely understand (shame, they are missing out, if so). They'll order hundreds of figures at a time and keep producers going. Perrys will not be dining out on their income from me, as my entire collection of their range is fewer than 150 figures….. PEB can indeed be fiddly. Try making up a White Ensign Pom Pom quad gun in 1/700 scale! Origami in brass….. But I just mean simple discs, flat shapes ……. so easy. Few seconds work. I am in the von Winterfeldt camp….these figures are works of art before we start on them with our brushes. |
enfant perdus | 16 Sep 2014 10:35 a.m. PST |
Yeah, I've never thought swords or bayonets would a good choice for PEB. how about recognition signals to tuck in the brim of a hat in lieu of uniforms? That's the spirit. The traditional Austrian oak leaves (in use for over 200 years), when not sculpted on, are often approximated by gamers gluing flock to the headgear. Perfectly acceptable to some, unsatisfactory to others. There have been excellent suggestions so far; I for one really like the idea of shabraque and sabretache emblems. |
deadhead | 16 Sep 2014 12:13 p.m. PST |
It is dawning on me that there is a purist wargame fraternity that cares little for the figures as log as, en masse, they look right…….and that is fine frankly. Not too much equipment to paint, no assembly required, robust enough to pack and transport…that will do as I just want to start a table top battle ASAP. But this forum is constantly drooling over work like the Wurtembergers recently, seemingly wishing they could emulate such work…even remotely…. My first ever figures (Napoleonic metals in 30 years anyway) were a DB 6pdr and they look awful now. This, after I had already learnt so much from my lads and Games Workshop staff less than half my age. Through this forum I have learnt about washes, highlights, edge enhancement. That tip a few weeks ago about a brown line under a red stripe is marvellous!) If you don't enhance your figures, you are missing half the pleasure. You have to ask why Napoleonic, if not that interested in recreating details of fancy parade ground uniforms? PEB is not expensive to manufacture, indeed it can be done at home if you have the skill and knowledge. The beauty is very low relief, to scale for us. If you've seen what is made for Fantasy and Warship models……. |
Rhino Co | 16 Sep 2014 6:53 p.m. PST |
I floated the idea a few years back for Prussian/Russian grenadier and fusilier miter plates. That way you could etch the proper plate for your regiment and augment with paint. Once upon a time, I designed and had made etched football facemasks for electric football players. link PDF link |
John the OFM | 16 Sep 2014 7:45 p.m. PST |
I agree with Rhino Co. Unless it is sculpted in, the Hessian grenadier miter cap often has a bare front plate. Hmmmmm…. Ditto a Prussian one! So, how about the Hessian lion or Prussian eagle? The true modeling nerd would file it smooth and applique a lion. Or eagle. Or salamander. Or unicorn… |
enfant perdus | 16 Sep 2014 7:56 p.m. PST |
I've thought the same regarding miter plates, although I'm not sure how you would make the pattern work,as real plates are stamped and PEB is fretted. Do you guys think a fretted PEB over a smooth base would give the proper effect? And you know there are manufacturers who do pre-colored, self adhesive PEBs, right? British and Hanoverian miters need no longer be the thing of nightmares. |