Tuesday 11 February 2014

Gypsy Caravan


In a bid to try and make a submission for each of  the '4th Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge' bonus rounds, I offered up this splendid 'Victorian era' Gypsy caravan for the 'Vehicle' category.  From the outset, I think that it is important to stress that this is in fact a 'Sarrissa Precision' MDF model from their Gaslamp Alley, Victorian Science Fiction range, scaled to meet the needs of the 28mm scale gamer, and not some scandalous attempt to amass additional points to add to my other side challenge!


This is the first time that, I've done something like this and was initially quite daunted, after all how was this scorched piece of 2mm MDF going to transform into something even remotely resembling the accompanying diagram?


My fears regarding the construction soon evaporated as the pieces, once delicately prised from the sprue, slotted together perfectly requiring only the smallest amount of PVA glue.  When it came to the barrelled roof, I did use some elastic bands to hold it in place overnight, but everything else seemed to fit together rather well.



The painting was kept deliberately simple, although I did indulge in a little decorative work.  Most of the work went into the base that included the gypsy cat tormenting a hedgehog (both Reaper 'Familiars') at the rear of the caravan.


I have to say that I really enjoyed working on this, the quality of the design is just superb and even allows you to have the top lift off to place miniatures inside.  With removable steps and even a work front mechanism it is an absolute joy and makes a great terrain piece.  Possibly one day, I might get round to creating a Gypsy faction for 'In Her Majesty's Name'!

53 comments:

  1. Here's a great work that would almost give us want to dance flamenco! Great paintjob, love the colors and the so cute 'cat-addition'
    Best,
    Phil.

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  2. Amazing Michael ! I love it .
    Cheers .

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  3. Very impressive work !!!

    Looking realy, realy good !

    best regards Michael

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  4. Wow - a thing of beauty!!

    Frank
    http://adventuresinlead.blogspot.com.au/

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  5. Hola
    Muy bueno esta carro,muy gitano
    un saludo

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  6. Wonderful caravan to transport your fetching Romany ladies. The cat and hedgehog were a lovely piece of whimsy on the base :)

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  7. Very nice indeed. I may be forced to buy one or two of these. Where does the madness stop? The Familiars sold it to me votes wise on the painting challenge.

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  8. really astonishing!
    it's a great work!
    bye

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  9. A great model and worthy of your table

    Ian

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  10. Is their anything that can't be done with laser -cut mdf ?
    This is a wonderful piece and superbly executed into what could easily pass as a stand-alone diorama.

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  11. Now this is an excellent piece - love the cat and hedgehog, as well as the dancers - they work so well together. Best, Dean

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  12. Now that is a little cracker Michael!

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  13. Excellent modeling, Michael!

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  14. I really liked this Michael, and think you're under-playing it by calling the paint-job 'simple'.

    If you don't already know, it might be of interest to you the Kris Marquardt has been doing reviews of these Sarrissa vehicles on his blog - at http://wargamesandrailroads.blogspot.co.uk/

    I stole you idea of a cat for my entry in the Heroes round! ;-) I like Tamsin's word 'whimsy'.

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  15. Superb work. MDF laser-cut terrain is starting to really move ahead of the old toy-like look. Especially in the hands of a master like you.

    You'll also have to do a blue one fer yer ma. [rather lame attempt at a movie joke]

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  16. Terrain piece? Curt doesn't score terrain pieces Mr Awdry...

    Still, it is rather excellent work

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  17. Really nice work. I like the red and the hedgehog...and the brunette in the center... :-)

    Marzio.

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  18. Great piece and excellent work on it!

    Christopher

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  19. Its a beautiful piece Michael and superbly executed. I was rather stunned to find it was a MDF laser cut kit!
    It also has an almost timeless charm and I think it will therefore be useful over a great many periods, so I feel I will be getting myself one, to go with my Empire of the Dead; Victorian Gothic Horror/Steampunk, gaming...
    Hope I can do it as much justice as you have done!

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  20. Damn lovely! But the ladies take it over the top.

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  21. A work of art my dear fellow.
    Dan

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  22. What a beautiful little model. It really adds to the figures.

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  23. This gets better with every viewing mate. I've never noticed the hedgehog til now!

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  24. Wow! What a great wagon and gypsy dancers! Great post!

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  25. Lovely work, the weathered finish and the detail on the base make this a truly delightful piece. You've certainly done the kit justice!

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  26. Great modelling work Michael!

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  27. Excellent job! Where can I get one. Looking at the Sarrissa website I cannot find any.

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  28. Stunning work Sir M, I'd have never believed it was made out of MDF?? Its great what you can get now, looking forward to the gypsy faction!!!!

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  29. Pretty cool model and very well designed.

    Really well painted too!

    Darrell.

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  30. Outstanding work Mr. Awdry. your gipsy wagon looks superb.

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  31. A lovely piece of work Michael.

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  32. That's a great piece I was uncertain about the barrel roof for a MDF kit myself, but its fantastic. The animals on the base really make the piece I love the Reaper familiars too.

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  33. Gosh those gypsy wenches look rather beguiling. I dont think there'll be much fighting done while their charms are on display old chap.

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  34. Michael, do you have a better link for this? I have been all over the Sarrissa site and cant seem to find it!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Scott, I ordered mine from http://www.arcanesceneryandmodels.co.uk, hope this helps.

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    2. I emailed Sarissa and they linked me to http://www.sarissa-precision.com/Bow_Top_Gyspy_Caravan/p1603368_12281553.aspx

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    3. Gosh, I wish I hadn't seen that as I've now seen their new Paddle Steamer!

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    4. I just recieved mine the other day and am curious how well the burnt details hold up to paint? Do I need to avoid going over the lines or water down my paint or...?

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    5. I seem to remember that I didn't go heavy with the paint to begin with. In fact letting some of the burnt areas come through gave the effect of shadow then just added a final highlight. I was worried about the card becoming saturated so again went slowly with this, building up layers. I left some areas untouched for wood, most notably the spooks of the wheels, but it was the lighter areas that caused most problems because of scorch marks coming through; again these was overcome by building up layers although looking back, I owner if a thin coat of PVA might have worked as a seal before painting?

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    6. Of course that should have read spokes!

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    7. Thanks! Yes, I read elsewhere that MDF models needed to be sealed before being painted lest they soak a ton of paint and swell. I've never painted one before and am actually new to miniature painting entirely, so I'm approaching this with caution.

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    8. Best of luck Damon, do let me know how you get on.

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  35. That is a very nice wagon for your well endowed gypsy girls.

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  36. Unusual subject, outstanding results. A real eye-catcher.

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