Royal Horse Artillery Driver 80mm |  |
Introduction
Anyone who has read any of my submissions to Internet Modeller will know I am really a Native American specialist when it comes to figures. It was purely because of this that I decided to buy this figure in the hope that it may spark an interest in other theatres and get me weaned off Indians. The Fusilier produces an extensive and enormously interesting range of WW1 figures, containing something for everyone.
World War One is a period that most people from Northern Ireland have a connection with, mainly due to the horrendous losses suffered by the 36th "Ulster" Division on the first morning of the Somme, when it was said that every street in Belfast lost someone.
The hardest thing about a Fusilier kit is deciding which one to try; every one is a little gem. I picked the RHA driver who is posed; collar up, smoking his pipe, with hand in pocket looking at an abandoned roadside crucifix/shrine. The figure begs the question "What is going through his mind?"
The Model
Cast in white metal throughout, the kit comprises 12 pieces including a choice of headgear - the steel helmet or the same with canvas cover - a nice touch. The legs, arms and torso are cast in one piece with most of his equipment in place. The water bottle/mess tin, pipe, left hand and whip, 2 shells, a 3-piece crucifix and a small base complete the kit.
The parts are cleanly cast with virtually no flash or seam to remove. The fit of the parts is good and construction is very easy. The Fusilier include a small but detailed instruction slip with a parts checklist and suggested colouring guide.
Painting
Although the driver is essentially wearing khaki, it is surprising how much variation can realistically be achieved. Painting a figure virtually from head to toe in the same colour can and should pose a challenge to the painter, not an easy way out. I was fortunate to have a book with good colour photographs of genuine WW1 uniforms and equipment, and was able to ensure that the range of shading I used was reasonable and accurate.
Khaki is simply Black and Yellow Ochre mixed, reducing the amount of black for highlights, increasing it for shadows. It is that easy.
The steel helmet was factory painted and the khaki was decidedly darker than that of the clothing. Newly issued clothing was more yellow than older weathered material. I chose to paint the puttees in a "new" khaki, the trousers and overcoat in a slightly darker shade.
The cartridge belts and haversack were painted a pale yellow, which was achieved by mixing Gold Ochre with Titanium White and highlighting with Titanium Buff.
The RHA driver wore a leg guard on the right leg of stiff brown leather with a steel band on the outer side to give further protection. He also wears steel spurs and carries a whip, which was painted in shades of brown and black.
The steel parts were picked out in silver printers ink with a very little black added.
The "RHA" insignia, coat buttons and buckles etc. were picked out in a really "brassy" gold printers ink.
The Crucifix was painted in a mix of Burnt Sienna and Burnt Umber with the figure of Jesus painted in the same "brass" gold printer's ink. Printers Ink is not in itself permanent and needs to be blended with size or gloss varnish to "set" it. Once dry I over painted the figure with a mix of Titanium White, Cerulean Blue and Permanent Green to represent verdigris, which was wiped off leaving traces in all the crevices.
The shells were painted as per the instruction sheet, with silver and gold printer's ink used as mentioned above while the groundwork was painted in Burnt Umber highlighted in Burnt Sienna and finally over painted with a dark brown ink to give depth and a suggestion of wetness.
Conclusion
Steve Warrilow's "The Fusilier" company produce figures, which are interesting, detailed and affordable. The Australian Light Horse figure is one of the best mounted figures around. I know WW1 will not be to everyone's taste but there is a figure somewhere in Fusilier's range for everyone.
I fully enjoyed building and painting this figure, he stands on my computer desk as I write this. The figure was chosen for a reason mentioned earlier, and served it's purpose, I still love Native Americans, but I am no longer entirely faithful. There are a number of figures from Steve's range on my "must buy" list; I just haven't got around to buying them yet.
I readily recommend this kit or any other from the range to someone wanting a quality figure at a fair price. The RHA Driver is available direct from The Fusilier at £22.50, (most other figures are £18.50). Visit their web site at www.thefusilier.demon.co.uk where their extensive range can be viewed.
