The Three Musketeers ( all 4 of them ) !

[JayCee]

This is going to be my project over the rest of the winter. The figures were a Christmas present from my dearly beloved. She must have been watching what I had been perusing, although she did ask me to order them. I would normally buy my figures from El Greco Miniatures, but since Brexit anything I get from the UK is charged VAT and Customs Duty, making them costly. I purchased these straight from Alexandros Models themselves. Alexandre is a good bloke to deal with, nothing is too much trouble. Being within the EU there are no extra charges. Anyway these will take awhile as being January it is the time of year when I should be pruning my Olive and Lemon Trees, as well as the Grape Vines. The weather at the moment is not helping that. It is either stonking with rain or blowing a gale, sometimes both. Painting seems a better bet than being outside.

These are the figures. I shall be painting them one at a time. Until I get started.
John.

 

[Jim R]

Hi John
Lovely looking figures. What scale are they. Certainly an opportunity for some colourful painting.
Jim

 

[JayCee]

Hi Jim, they are 75mm scale. I find this is just a nice size to work on.
John.

 

[JR]

They will certainly keep you busy John, lucky you having Olive's, Lemons and Grape vines. Sounds idyllic in the summer .

 

[Peter Gillson]

John

they are great looking figures, i'm envious and will follow your build with interest.

Peter

 

[Tim Marlow]

Interesting set of little chaps there John. They will make a very characterful display.

 

[Steve Brodie]

Oh looking forward to seeing these progress. The casting and details on Alexandros figures are superb!

 

[JayCee]

Figure No 1. d'Artagnan. I have chosen this to start with, as it looks the least complicated. I haven't painted a figure for over 4 years so need to get back into the swing of it.
These are the main pieces. There are another 10 smaller bits and bobs to attach.

The paint bottle is just for the obligatory scale shot. I am not painting him Purple !! As you can see I have undercoated his face and hand. The main painting will be done with acrylics. The flesh will be acrylic undercoat and finished with oils. I find it easier to get a realistic face this way. All parts have been washed in warm soapy water and well rinsed. Until next time.
John.

 

[Steve Brodie]

Didnt realise they are WM, The itemsi have from them are all cast in resin.

 

[JayCee]

Yes, Steve they are WM. I think all the 75mm's are.
I have made a start. The main torso is assembled. I usually use 5 minute epoxy. If possible on pieces like arms where there are locating pegs I put the epoxy round the rim (where it will squeeze out and act as filler) and a spot of CA on the peg. This way when the CA grabs it will hold the pieces together while the Epoxy sets. Saves on clamps and achy fingers.
I like to assemble as much as possible before painting, but on these figures the arms definately get in the way, so they will be painted separately and then attached. I have also managed to undercoat his boots. Looks crummy at this stage. All C&Cs welcome.
John.

 

[JayCee]

A little more done. Proper colour on his boots ( although too shiny to my eyes , looks better in real life ). Also painted his pantaloons. As ever close-ups look terrible.



John.

 

[Mini Me]

That's coming along nicely John....it does look as though the "shoeshine" boy has been busy! Rick H.

 

[JayCee]

Cheers, Rick. I think the "shoe-unshine boy" will have to get to work.
John.

 

[Jim R]

Hi John
I didn't realise they were white metal. Off to a good start.
Jim

 

[Tworrs]

Very nice John.
This looks like something I should have a go at.

 

[JayCee]

Hello Jim and Garry. Welcome and thank you for joining me. A smidgin more done. Painted his somewhat grubby leather jerkin, also a wayward blob of paint on his backside.

 

[JayCee]

Well, Dr Frank Einstein ( AKA me ) has got a bit more done to his creation. He now has a head and both arms, although he is still missing his right hand. This hand/sword hilt comprises of 3 parts so needs careful construction to enable it to fit correctly. The big silver lump on his head is not some hideous 17c disease ! It is where his hat fits. Viewed from the obligatory 2 feet away he looks reasonable although there is touching up to be done.

As always, C&Cs welcome.
John.

 

[GerryW]

Just arrived (in time for you to finish!) loving the work, never worked with acrylics or oils, tempting when I see the results that people get with them.

 

[JayCee]

Well, I think I can call this one done. I don't remember reading these books as a child, although I have seen one or two of the films. I always just presumed that the characters were fictitious but, researching for this build, I have found that they are based on actual people. This character, d'Artagnan himself, is based on "Charles de Batz de Castelmore d'Artagnan" a very distinguished Musketeer who was promoted through the ranks ,eventually becoming Captain of Musketeers before his death at the siege of Maastricht during the Franco-Dutch war. ( He was hit in the throat with a musket ball.) So the man himself.


The base is not finished. This will be done as one with the rest, to tie them together.
All comment and abuse gratefully received.
John.

 

[Steve Brodie]

coming along nicely, looks like some of the paint has come away. did you prime them before you started painting them ?