Army of Montrose

[Radar]

Here's my first stab at tartan (a very steep learning curve), got better at it as the unit progressed. Figures include the new Highlanders with muskets, and a Lowland officer for a bit of variety.

History, battle honours and a story about the Colonel's nickname and how he 'earned' it.

Colonel Patrick Graham of Inchbrackie's Atholl Highlanders https://www.keepyourpowderdry.co.uk/2020/10/colonel-patrick-graham-of-inchbrackies.html

[Grey Heron]

Nice work on the unit.

Cheers,
Helen

[Colonel Kilgore]

That is a nice-looking unit. I do enjoy the background you provide on your blog - it makes the units come to life.

Good to know that all these little lovelies are "straight out of the bag" - there's a really nice variety in this sub-range!

Simon

[Nick]

They look really food en masse like that.

Nick

[Radar]

Thank you all.

Usually my first unit from a new range is 'straight out of the bag' as it is part of the learning curve of painting the poses. Helps if they are standard. Once I've got the hang of them then it's time for headswaps and modifications.

There's plenty of scope with the highlanders now - four packs (if you include the archers, personally I don't because I would want to add strings to bows, which isn't really practical at 15mm). Highlanders need a pikeman pose too though, as there were quite a few 'standard' regiments of foot that were purely highlanders.

Finishing touches going on an Irish Brigade regiment at the moment, then back to highlanders (although there are a couple of highland muskets thrown into the mix with this Irish RoF). I'd got all excited about not having to drill hands out (think lowland pikes) but it transpires the open handed Irish vertical pikes aren't actually open handed - and a drill is required.

[mellis1644]

They look damed good IMO. Great work

[martin goddard]

The tartan is wonderful on such small chaps.


martin

[Radar]

That's very kind Mellis and Martin, but they were part of the learning process. Some aren't too bad, some others are a bit iffy.

My more recent adventures in tartan are much more consistent. Brush choice has been key - had a few false starts using pens, paint pens etc.

This first batch of Montrose's Army  I'd planned a unit of Highlanders then an Irish or lowland unit then Highlanders again (and so on), but so far I've gone Highlanders, Irish (with a couple of Highlanders and lowlanders thrown in), Highlanders, Highlanders so it mustn't be too daunting.

[Smiley Miley 66]

Keeping the paint slightly watery side ( this one is about getting the balance right though. Too wet and not enough colour is applied) is a good tip I got told, and found is very good. Also always use a slightly lighter version of the colour you want as well was another good one I abide by.
If that helps in your search of the right technique?
Miles

[Radar]

Thanks for the tip Miles.
I've found that if I am really careful with only getting the very end of the tip in the paint, then painting the initial 'blob' on to a spare MDF base, then my lines are consistent in both width and opacity. Cleaning very regularly helps too. A little and often is another good mantra to have, can't sit down and crank out 24 figures worth of tartan in one sitting.

[Colonel Kilgore]

Assuming you're using acrylic paint, have you tried flow enhancer, Radar? It has been another revelation for me in the last year or so, and now I use it all the time. You get better runniness without the loss of colour. I use some decanted into a dropper bottle from a big bottle of Daler-Rowney - much cheaper than buying the "hobby" equivalents.

Simon

[Radar]

Flow enhancer you say? Never heard of it. Will give it a try. Thank you Colonel

[Colonel Kilgore]

I am still on my first bottle of this:

https://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/daler-rowney-flow-enhancer-75ml/564495-1000

I put a drop or two in each paint mix - the bottle goes a long way!

Simon

[Leslie BT]

All the artists paint material manufacturers make this and retarder, and some excellent matt and gloss varnishes.

[Colonel Kilgore]

Yup - I think I actually got many of my top tips from you, Les, so thanks again!

Simon