Review 42nd Highlander Officer - Crimean 1854 from AUREADOMUS Miniatures

[Nap]

Hi To all on PF ,

It is with great pleasure that I announce my happiness at the birth of a new company to our world ...and a fine result it is .......the company is called :

Aurea Domus Miniatures run by a new member of this forum Albert Gros Mascarilla who sculpts with Jordi doing the Box Art..

Website : www.aureadomusminiatures.com

The first of my reviews resulted from seeing Alberts release post (http://www.planetfigure.com/threads/new-aurea-domus-miniatures.54199/watch-confirm) here on PF ....a Highlander Officer ....good start as the Crimea is the flavour of the month .

The release depicts an Officer of the Grenadier Company , a good reference being Osprey MAA No 196 Plate B3

As I always do lets have a little bit of a history of the 42nd in the period covered by the model .

The Highland Regimets amongst them the 42nd fought long and hard in the Crimea ,wearing virtually full dress at the beginning , totally unsuited to the climate and terrible conditions they had to encounter .

Battle's included the Alma where they served in the Highland Brigade under Major General Sir Colin Campbell together with the 79th and 93rd Highlanders ...a veritable mass of swirling tartan and bravery of the highest order during the storming of the Alma heights .

Casualties in the Brigade included (out of a overall set British total of 2,002)

42nd Highlanders: 39 men
79th Highlanders: 9 men
93rd Highlanders: 1 officer and 51 men

The Regiments being urged forward by General Campbell :

The tradition of the Scottish soldier continues to this very day in the Royal Highland Regiment of which the 42nd(Black Watch) forms a battallion.

Continued in next post:

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Moving on to the actual model now ;

Title: 42nd Highlander Officer Crimea, 1854

Scale: Approx 200mm

Reference; BAG-01

Material : Resin (Light Gray)

No of pieces: 3

Sculptor: Albert Gros Mascarilla

Box Art: Jordi Gros Mascarilla

The model was purchased easily via the website and received very quickly , it was well packed and secure and all boxes (I had purchased another ...details soon in a review!!!) were undamaged .....a good start

The model is secured in a clear flip over carton with the pieces nestled safely in a foam pad , in front was a header card with a colour depiction of the painted model by Jordi ..great reference .

Continued in next post:

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Moving on now to the actual model itself :

Consisting of 3 pieces .....Torso , the head and the Scottish bonnet,

Lets start with the largest piece the Torso :

Prep for this was nothing to worry about consisting mainly of tidying up the undersides to remove a fine casting renmant together with a small residue of resin on the cast of the pedastal base .

Our "Jock" is wearing a regimental double breasted Jacket with 2 rows of uniform buttons with wings denoting a flank company with Grenadier distinctions , the collar was a Prussian one stiff with 2 gold laced loops amd small uniform buttons.

Across his shoulder he has his greatcoat providing him warmth and offering some protection hopefully against sword cuts .

Sculpting is very good indeed with the greatcoat looking the part hugging the body over the left shoulder , over his right and under the wing is his sword belt .

The clothing is dealt with very well with some really nice folds especially where it is pushed by his equiptment ., folds are smooth and well done.


What particularly stands out are the wings on his shoulders ...really wonderfully done (although your reviewer managed to knock one edge.... easily repaired though ..too keen to open the box!!!) , they are a great rendition of these and will without doubt benefit from careful painting and washes ..or like me by using NMM .....more when mine reaches the bench!!


On my model there was a button missing on one of the wings but this is so easily put on using your choice of sculpting putty.

On the underside of the piece is a nice addition ...a base ..... if you want to use it .....a more than suitable option ...good to have this included , I would as always recommend pinning it to your chosen wooden base .

Looking now at the next piece the head , prep needed on the model included carefully cutting off a casting remnant from the underside to ensure a good fit to the torso (no filler was required) , there was also a very fine casting line on the collar (make sure you do not remove the upside down "V" on the hair ..these are ribbons for the bonnet . I also sanded off the top of the head a little but to be honest not really needed as the fit is really good .

Facial features are a clean shaven officer , a little full faced which is good to see rather than the normall chiselled features of a soldier ...it all adds to the image of the piece , features are well done with good jowls on the face and ear and eye features , the hair is well defined with a break in the hairline around to allow fit of the bonnet.



The high and stiff collar is secured together at the front, this must have been uncomfortable to wear raising the head and restraining the neck ...details of the lace are defined and I for one look forward to painting this .


On now to the crowning glory ..the bonnet for officers this was "cocked and feathered" with 6 black ostritch feathers 14" deep , the crown had a plaid with a rosette with a regimental button or badge on the side , the vulture feather was scarlet for the 42nd and 8" long (all other Regts had white)

What is firstly notable is the immaculate fit to the top of the head ..no filler will be needed just a filler spray , I use Mr Surfacer .



The bonnet is well detailed in all area's with the plaid being left plain to assist painting ..easier I think rather than dealing with too prominant lines in such a delicated area . the feathers are nicely sculpted , I can just imagine these swinging while our man leads his men forward to the deadly fray of battle.



The feather is again a cracking area of work as is the rosette and badge all finely detailed ..the feather will benefit from washes and highlights ..bringing it to life and such a distinction for this regiment (still worn with pride today)



Continued in next post:

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Now my final thoughts :

The Crimean Wars are as I said flavour of the month and this release fits the bill perfectly , presentation and sculpting is very good indeed , service from the company impressive as well ...I for one look forward to seeing more from them ;

For more details why not go to the website : www.aureadomusminiatures.com

or contact Albert via pm on the forum .

I can't resist this so please allow me to show you the great box art again ...enjoy folks !!!!

Thanks for looking in

Nap

PS I would reccomend you also look at the additional items on the website ...a most useful holder , and snow (a 2 part mix) ...both work really well ..all top quality products and a bonus on the bench .

 

[Waterman]

Nice figure, my only observation for me is, seeing that he is an Officer, I would have liked him to have a feather hackle, rather than what looks to be more like a wooly sausage. The figure though is very nice.

 

[Wings5797]

Great review Kev, as always very informative.
I do like these Highlander subjects but I always get the 'must add legs' urge.
Thank you for posting Mate, I look forward to kit reviews.
Cheers,
Keith