Why your chosen subjects?

[Steve Arthur]

Hi Folks!

Wow, what a response and a fantastic cross section of "reasons". I noted that there was a common theme of "interest in ancestry". I was surprised that there wasn't any mention (including by me) of being influenced by past military service. ( although there was one regarding his ancestor's role in the Civil War and Revolutionary) I think my past military service was yet another reason why I got back into models and am now delving into figures. I guess it's the nostalgia of the Cold War years when I was in and now, going back and re- discovering the long history of those units I served in. Each year, I run a Veteran's Day exhibit (lasts about 30 days) for the local historical society and I often incorporate scale models of the equipment used in the various wars and place them in their scale natural setting. (they seem to be the most popular item in the exhibit besides the artifacts) Eventually I would like to include the figures. I think I've gone off on a tangent here. At any rate, I think the responses have been really cool. It seems that there is commonality among us that far transcends the hobby itself. That given, it makes me wonder how much in common we have in regards to our childhood???? What were those influences...the mind boggles.

Take care
Steve

 

[Anders Heintz]

About childhood, my brother never let me help him out building his models, so after he went to bed, I would sneak in his room, bust out a model (a He 111? some kind of german bomber plane) and build parts of it and then put it back just like it was before, well almost!

Don't know what I was thinking I was maybe 8 or so, I reckon he found out pretty quick(hard not to huh?) as when he went to the Cyprus islands for a soccer camp he brought with him some Tamiya German Grenadiers that he kindly gave me, after that it was all over!

 

[Robin]

Hi

I know there is quite alot of us that have or are still in military service, I think one of the guys just did a stint in Iraq. Personal Military service I think makes you appreciate what the squaddies went through a little more not particularly influence you to paint say British Paras cos that what you were.

Besides aint modern Camo boring designed to keep you hidden not put you in the limelight like a Napoleonic Hussar Officer.

Robin

 

[Alex M.]

This has been a great topic so far, and got me a new fig

I've now got soldier's Ironsides cavalry fig to work on!

needed some change...

-alex

 

[Steve Arthur]

Originally posted by Robin@Nov 5 2004, 01:55 AM
Hi

I know there is quite alot of us that have or are still in military service, I think one of the guys just did a stint in Iraq. Personal Military service I think makes you appreciate what the squaddies went through a little more not particularly influence you to paint say British Paras cos that what you were.


Robin

Hey Robin,

I see your point, I guess I should have rephrased that and said "how much of an inspiration does it give you to choose a particular subject, as an example, re-discovering the history of the unit one may have been assigned to." Like American units can trace their lineage to the Revolutionary War, I would suspect that most current British units could trace their lineage to the Napoleonic era and perhaps even beyond that.

However, as I have said, I see what you are meaning and I understand that there isn't always this deep philosophical reason why a subject is chosen.

Best Wishes
Steve

 

[Jimmy S]

hey Steve. I served in the British Army for 14 years (Royal green Jackets) so had a particular lean towards modern Brit subjects, mostly Firing Line or Fort Royal stuff. I have gone back to my "regimental roots" lately and started on some 95th Rifles stuff (Mili men, Almond etc - yes Robin I'd love to get my hands on your Rifles Officer). I have no interest in WW2 subjects. I'm currently enjoying my way through Vinces LRRP figure and have just got the new Airborne Miniatures Force Recon stuff. Cammo boring? Robin how could you even think that!!!

 

[Robin]

Originally posted by sharpie95@Nov 8 2004, 12:36 PM

Cammo boring? Robin how could you even think that!!!

I saw too much for it to be interesting, Units in the british army go way back, The coldstreams got back to 1600 summat ( and they never let you forget it) Sharpies lot got way back too. Not too mention ( I don't believe I am gonna say this) The Marines have a real long history too.

Lots to paint in british military history

Robin

 

[Steve Arthur]

Robin,

I thought I would add that I like your term "squaddies" We always called them "troopies" here.

Later
Steve

 

[Jimmy S]

My lot were the youngest regiment in the British Army from 1800 until mobs like the Paras,Glider Pilot Regt,SAS were all formed in the 1940's. As a Guardsman once said "Green uniforms? It'll never catch on old boy!"