Simon - if I modelled Napoleonic i would use Historex bodies as well; their level of detailing is still good. Like you I would sculpt new arms, I find the Historex arms look a bit stiff and unnatural.
Victor - it was a bit upsetting, but these things happen, at least it is fixable.
Malkie - thanks for the support
Nap - I'm also interested to see how I do the straps and flying apostles! If they are laying against the torso I will ose the sense if movement. Fortunately they are small and therefore light.
Melenie - thanks for the positive comment. Getting the right reference photos is essential, and often takes a bit of lateral thinking to find something suitable.
Bran - i'll keep motivated buy doing other, completely different, projects at the same time. For instance this evening I have been working on a couple of 1/285 scale bridges for a couple of 'mico-dioramas' using GHQ wargaming tanks and figures.
Peter