This week I started a War of the Spanish Succession project using the paper soldiers created by Peter Dennis. I plan to start making sufficient units to play some One Hour Wargame games, then see about expanding the number of units from there.
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| The source of the figures |
When photocopying the pages of figures I increase the page size from A4 to A3. This has the effect of increasing the figures from 28mm to 42mm. The reason I like to increase the size is two fold: 1) I like the artwork and it is easier to see scaled up, and 2) it is easier to cut the figures.
When making the paper soldiers I stick the paper over an insert of light card to give them some strength. When this is later coated with PVA glue it makes the figures quite sturdy. The addition of the card does mean side on there is a more noticable white edge. This is quickly covered up by running a felt-tipped brush pen around the edge. The brush type of nib on these pens make it easy to get into tricky parts of the figures.
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| A white edge is covered up with a felt-tipped pen. |
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| Brush felt-tipped pen. |
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| The edge after using the felt-tipped pen. |
Having cut out the blocks of figures they are stuck to stands with a base piece of thick card and two side bits of similar card cut down the centre which are used to trap the figures.
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| Bases are made from a bottom piece and two side pieces stuck on top that trap the figures on either side. |
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| Figures are stuck to stands |
Once fixed to the base a generous layer of PVA glue is applied. This improves the stiffness of the models greatly. Finally, the bases are painted green and flocked which also gets coated with PVA glue.
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| A finished unit. |
I have tried units with two rows, but units with three rows gives a better look when on the tabletop.
From your previous shots, these paper armies look spectacular on the table, but it is your scaling up the artwork that makes the big impact ..... those flags looks superb! this would also be a super way for a gamer who wants a figures army, to quickly build up a starter army and then replace the units with figures, unit by unit over time.
ReplyDeleteThanks. It is certainly a quick way to try out a period. Then as you say a gradual replacement of units could be done.
DeleteVery effective I must say.
ReplyDeleteIt is surprising how effective they are en masse.
DeleteGreat explanation Peter. The finished unit looks very impressive.
ReplyDeleteThanks. I just need to snip away now and produce some more units.
DeleteThey look really characterful. I guess there will be a negative modifier when firing into a flank as the the target is much smaller!!
ReplyDeleteCheers Simon
Absolutely :-)
DeleteVery well done indeed Peter, they have real impact and your methods certainly makes them sturdier in use. I have been so tempted to try this but am waiting to see what WoFun will do with them. They are working through printing Peter Dennis' artwork on plexiglass which gives them a real 3D look and no cutting out, they just push out and you slot them straight into the supplied bases! Have you seen them yet?
ReplyDeleteThanks. I have been keeping an eye on the WoFun site too. Although I quite enjoy listening to something while I make and cut out these figures.
Deleteonce again, your "improved paper soldier" units look outstanding, Peter!
ReplyDeleteThanks. It is always surprising how effective they look in a unit block.
DeleteGood morning Peter your blog is an excellent read and this one inspired me to buy some of Peter Dennis WSS paper figures.
ReplyDeleteHowever then I noticed Wofun Miniatures were doing his figures in pexiglass. I have posted this project on the Wargame Web site.
https://www.thewargameswebsite.com/forums/topic/war-of-the-spanish-successin-18mm-wofun-games/
Stay safe and happy gaming,
Willz.
Hi Willz. Thank you kindly. The Wofun Miniatures look very interesting and tempting to buy. At the moment I am sticking with the paper versions as I increase the size of the paper soldiers to 40mm to enjoy the artwork and they are easier to cut out. Regards Peter
DeleteJust had a look at the link provided. Your collection looks splendid, and the use of purchased cannons to mix in with the flats works well.
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