Problem with Polish Winged Hussars...

[MattW]

Hi guys,

A mate and I recently received our order from Pendraken, and I only just got around to examining my half of the stuff (was moving house).

Unfortunately almost half of my hussars didn't survive the trip, and had their lances snap off on the way over. A few more are seriously bent and probably won't survive too much gaming. Does anyone have some tips on the best way to replace these? It's a pretty disappointing ratio of survivors to non-survivors. Does the dual-winged hussar have a thicker lance? Everything else arrived in excellent condition.


Cheers,

Matt

[paulr]

I suspect Leon will have some helpful suggestions once they are back from Salute

[FierceKitty]

Dp yourself a favour and replace the lances with copper wire from day one. I wished I'd done that, came the time when I had to replace the lot (and their lovingly-painted pennants).

[MattW]

Dp yourself a favour and replace the lances with copper wire from day one. I wished I'd done that, came the time when I had to replace the lot (and their lovingly-painted pennants).

I thought this might be the solution... But what size drill bit should I use in my pin vice? And what size of wire?

I'm not sure that I trust the steadiness of my hands for such a job 

Cheers

[FierceKitty]

I filed off the right hand and connected the new lance with epoxy glue. That painted up into an acceptable hand, by my considerably-less-than-Venetian-renaissance standards.

[MattW]

Thanks for that, it's worth a shot at least!

[FierceKitty]

Be patient. They're a joy to behold once painted, and a very responsive army if you use them correctly. Just be careful of Swedish or Imperial pike-and-shot formations and Cossack waggon forts.

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

.6mm and 30 pound fishing line...

[Hertsblue]

The great advantage of plastic rod (as opposed to metal) is that they spring back into shape when bent. And they don't cause small but painful wounds when you handle them.

[Leon]

The P1 Polish Winged Hussars are unfortunately prone to bending, especially when shipped internationally.  We can always send some replacements over for you, but there's always the risk they'll end up the same way.     The P16 2-Winged version comes open-handed, so you add your own lance onto that one.

As far as fixing them goes, clip off the excess lance (above the pommel maybe?) and then as Lemmey says a .6mm drill bit should be enough to drill down through the hand.  You can then use a bit of .6mm wire, plastic rod, or even the plactic bristles from a sweeping brush.

[DanJ]

Hi,

I replace all cast on lead spears and lances with steel or brass subsitutes.

For 10mm figures a standard dress makers pin with the head removed and the point hammered flat are just about perfect.

Step 1: remove old spear

Step 2: prepare spear

Step 3: drill figure for new spear, a 0.6mm drill is the ideal size for a steel pin.

Step 4: superglue new spear in place and add any flags/pennants as required.

[Leman]

Problems with polish? Winged hussars to the rescue, brandishing cans of Brasso.

[DanJ]

The great advantage of plastic rod (as opposed to metal) is that they spring back into shape when bent. And they don't cause small but painful wounds when you handle them.

The advantage of the steel pin solution is that they don't bend but they do inflict terrible wounds on opponents foolish enough to mishandle your figures, my pike blocks are notorious 

They might decry my gaming ability, mock my painting but by jingo they respect the spears.

[Leman]

Politely but firmly ignored again..........sigh.

[Maenoferren]

Politely but firmly ignored again..........sigh.

If it makes you feel any better....