Thursday, September 24, 2015

Airfix Polish Lancer



If you can't smell the horseflesh and feel a little thrill of exhilaration 
when you see this magnificent sight, we probably don't have a lot in common. 

This chap is currently charging across my desk as I write this and he is without doubt one of the most fabulous models I have ever seen.  The kit itself is the venerable Airfix Polish lancer, the assembly and painting was done by our mystery man in Budapest.

 
The delicacy of the work on the lance and bridle is astonishing 
 The Polish lancers of the Guard were originally a small almost ceremonial unit made up of the sons of Polish aristocrats.  There appears to have been a squadron who acted as an honour guard to Bonaparte in the 1806 campaign and the regiment was formally raised as an addition to the Guard in 1807.  

Another view 


The Lancers saw action in Spain, most notably at Somosierra Pass where they took part in a headlong charge down a narrow pass, routing the Spanish defenders, but at considerable cost to themselves. This charge took place under the eye (and it must be said at the direction) of Bonaparte himself.

It was a light cavalry action in the style of the more famous Charge of the Light Brigade with the lancers charging straight at a series of batteries.  The Spanish gunners fought their pieces, but their supporting infantry fled and unlike the more famous incident at Balaklava - there was immediate infantry support of the cavalry attack.

The sense of movement that the painter has managed to impart is extraordinary 
Unfortunately, this fellow took some knocks between Budapest and Dublin and is currently in the hospital wing of my desk, but rest assured what minor work he requires will be done shortly and he will be back in full charging form very soon.

I would comment on the quality of the build and the paintwork, but I think my gushing on the point is growing monotonous. Suffice to say, I consider myself very fortunate to be able to add this dashing beau sabreur to my collection and if you would like to view some more of this artist's work, I will be adding a page very shortly.



20 comments:

  1. I love those old Airfix 54mm models. I remember a lovely very old telly series that kit bashed these to reproduce the return from the charge of the light brigade.

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    1. That sounds wonderful. Do you recall the name of the series?

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    2. Bob Symes Model World I believe. There were articles in 1970s Airfix Magazines as well.

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  2. The horse is of course magnificent, and the rider looks a real tough veteran. But what really takes my eye is how light the colour values of the blues for the uniform are while the painter still conveys the feel that it is a dark blue uniform. Very skilful if you ask me.

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  3. That's an astonishing piece of work. Might we expect you to build the rest of the regiment to this standard too?

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  4. Amazing paintjog, details are just fantastic!

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  5. Marvellous stuff! One of my fav regiments and wonderfully done.

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    1. I think the Vistula Lancers might shade it for me, but he is very fine.

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  6. Absolutely fantastic!! please check my pockets before i leave after visit in Oct!!!
    from the "odd species with beard, specs and mad look in eye," para -phrased from a certain magazine column

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  7. One can't say splendid often enough. But one can try. Splendid. Splendid Splendid Splendid Splendid Splendid Splendid Splendid Splendid Splendid Splendid Splendid Splendid Splendid Splendid Splendid Splendid Splendid Splendid Splendid Splendid Splendid Splendid Splendid Splendid Splendid Splendid Splendid Splendid Splendid Splendid Splendid Splendid Splendid Splendid Splendid .... phew...

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    1. Michael, we can just fit you up as a clerical version of this fella.

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1SWHan4ST4

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    2. The Professor is one of my heroes.

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  8. Apparently, it is the modern way to shout "OMG!" when seeing something that delights and astonishes in equal measure...
    So... "OMG!"
    Seriously fabulous model.
    Phil

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