Up Guards and at 'em!

Marching along

Unfortunately, things have not been ideal in the Kinch household this last week.  Being a law student has proved a little more exciting than I would like.  As I was on the way home from class last week, I happened upon a chap who did not like the cut of my gib.  Unfortunately, the first I knew of his disdain was being struck on the back of the head.  I was fortunate not to lose consciousness and though I flatter myself I got my licks in, my larger opponent got the better for the engagement.  I managed to get off the ground before being kicked too badly and went at him again, whereupon he took off.  

The result has been a concussion and some other injuries, but nothing too serious.  The blows to the head are taking a lot longer to shrug off than I had hoped, but the main thing was that I managed to contact the cavalry, chase him up the street and we apprehended the miscreant close the scene.  Now all the remains to be done is to let the courts do their work.  This will be a slow process, but a necessary one. 

Left turn! 

While convalescing, I did some work on these four Prince August Classic Toy Soldiers.  I can't remember exactly how or why I ended up with this mould, but I cast them while I was doing some work on decorations for the children and painted them this week. 

High gloss varnish does not lend itself to phone photography

They were undercoated in white and painted with usual vallejo acrylics. The uniform is a slightly stylised version of the dress uniform of the Irish Guards. These were a pleasure to paint and think I would like to do some more. Mrs. Kinch has already paid them the compliment of referring to them as "proper toy soldiers" and set them up marching across the bookshelves in the library. 

They were given a coat of gloss varnish from a tin I found in the shed while getting some chicken out of the freezer. 

Note the simplified cuffs

The result has been very pleasing.  I think I might add a few more when I get the chance. I'm not sure I want to do anything with them other than march them around the library, but they were very pleasant to work on while I was grumpy and out of sorts. 

Blue plumes

With a bit of luck, the headaches and other inconveniences should be over fairly soon as to be honest, time is a wasting.  I'm falling behind with my schoolwork and I shudder to think of the pile of work emails that will be waiting for me. So in the words of the Duke. 

Up Guards! And at them!