Gordon produced the well know Caton Woodville 17th Lancer Trumpeter, Boer War, in 180mm, 120mm and 75mm sizes. I wanted a more colourful mounted figure so chose to convert the figure to a Trumpeter 2nd Life Guards. Considering how similar the two uniforms are, a surprising amount of work went into the conversion. Small things in 75mm appear much larger in 180mm, so I had to remodel parts of the horse's bridle and saddlery. Trumpeters didn't carry a long arm, only a pistol, so the bucket for the rifle had to go and the picketting peg added to the roll behind the saddle. The sword was carried on slings, so the horse blanket on both sides needed filling in and the sword scabbard needed rings and slings. I beefed up the horse shoe wallet and added a strap and buckle. The sword knot was removed from the sword and modelled hanging freely. Likewise the stirrup straps were removed and remade with pewter foil.
The 2nd Lifeguards wore a scarlet tunic without breast pockets and overalls with two broad red stripes either side of a line of red piping. It would appear that officers wore boots but the troopers wore puttees. These were re-formed with pewter strip as were a number of straps for haversack etc. I have assumed that the puttees were tied at the knee, like the infantry, although by WW1 cavalry puttees were tied at the ankle. Spurs were then made from copper wire and pewter sheet. The ends of the bugle and trumpet were drilled out and cord attached and finally a double link chin chain was made for the helmet.
Happy modelling,
Mike
The 2nd Lifeguards wore a scarlet tunic without breast pockets and overalls with two broad red stripes either side of a line of red piping. It would appear that officers wore boots but the troopers wore puttees. These were re-formed with pewter strip as were a number of straps for haversack etc. I have assumed that the puttees were tied at the knee, like the infantry, although by WW1 cavalry puttees were tied at the ankle. Spurs were then made from copper wire and pewter sheet. The ends of the bugle and trumpet were drilled out and cord attached and finally a double link chin chain was made for the helmet.
Happy modelling,
Mike
