I've complained about the dreaded rot before, but when the rot sets in on Joe Dever originals, it's a declaration of war.
Some time ago I bought a nice unit of Ral Partha tree shepherds from Joe's estate and they were showing the odd sign of rot when they arrived. All ten figures were affected, some worse than others. I suspect that these and possibly the rest of the collection have been languishing in a n airtight and possibly wooden container which will have been a major contributing factor to the problem.
You can make out the rot in the armpit and on the beard. Interestingly all figures were exhibiting signs in the same areas.
I carved out the worst of the affected metal and then applied an alchemical mixture of mineral oil and white turpentine. This was then sealed in with a coat of black enamel.
You can see how much crumbling lead I removed from the armpit of this unfortunate ent.
The picture above shows the patients after surgery, and awaiting cosmetic reconstruction with green stuff.
Hopefully this will at least slow the process of disintegration down. Happily I've got another 10 ents that are so far unaffected and awaiting the paintbrush.
Major surgery there ! , have come across 'lead rot' only once or twice , brittle plastic figures seen commoner .
ReplyDeleteUs old school types are beset by nasty plagues.
DeleteA tree surgeon too, most impressive! :)
ReplyDeleteGlad to see these getting TLC they so richly deserve.
Btw any developments on the Broadsword Miniatures font?
Ha... that joke didn't even occur to me as I typed this post. Yes, I took all remaining masters to the mould maker yesterday, so all fantasy figures in the Hinchliffe range should be available in a couple of weeks. Just trying to set up a Facebook page for them.
DeleteExcellent news re the forthcoming Hinchcliffe fantasy range, can’t wait!
DeleteI'll be trying to keep my FB page and Instagram up to date as well as here.
DeleteA nightmare on figures with such a provenance. Good luck on your fixing job, I hope it lasts.
ReplyDeleteRegards,
Paul.
Yes, I was horrified. It was nerve racking hacking away at Joe's paintjob, but hopefully I can disguise the repairs.
DeleteWhat a nightmare. It is great that these old miniatures are being looked after so well.
ReplyDeleteMy attic is Sunset Towers retirement home for Warhammer veterans.
DeleteBest thing to do if the rot is not too far advanced. I had a Citadel Miniatures cased diorama from the mid-80s that was so badly rotted the whole lot had to go - John Blanche painted originals and everything - it had been in storage for many years and I think that's what does it - that combined with a wooden box/frame. I hope that works out for you - keep a close eye on it!
ReplyDeleteThanks Rick.... that diorama was one of my favourites and I was horrified to see the pics you put on Facebook.... such a tragedy. Let's hope we can keep these fellows hale and hearty. Btw, would love to get any anecdotes about Joe's early fantasy games if you have them. There was an Elastolin castle in one tiny picture in WD, and then the Airfix dinosaurs as well...
DeleteYea I did work with Joe in the early 80s - as well as Gary Chalk - but I don't think we wargamed together until we both took part in a Corunna refight about ten years ago. So I wasn't part of his (and Gary's) fantasy wargames back in the day. Gary told me that they used to play Reaper (the first set of rules Richard Halliwell and I had published), which he said he much preferred to Warhammer, so I guess they maybe used a version of Reaper for at least some of those games.
DeleteThanks Rick.... I've gathered up all the images of the really early fantasy games I can find (WD and Military Modelling and various Lone Wolf sites) and am constantly looking for Joe's unit and models. I've got Reaper and Attack of the Fungoid Trolls, so must give them a whirl.
DeleteSounds like a good solution, I only have one contaminated landsknecht crossbow man,I will bear your solution in mind!I came looking for some renaissance figures but I've had great fun trawling through your fantasy posts!
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
Hi Iain. Sorry about the delay replying. I do have a growing Italian wars Venetian army but it's mainly fantasy here.
Delete