A most wonderful parcel popped through my door today, 2 new sculpts by my good friend and wargaming aficionado Tony Yates, produced by Wargames Foundry. They're not on the site as yet but I'm told they do have some in stock. Ask them via email or ring but don't forget to tell them I sent you!
Tony just sent me the artwork for the characters;
Here are pics of the 'greens' - sculpts can be made from an epoxy putty which is a mixture of blue and yellow turning green.....American Tom Meier (of Ral Partha and Thunderbolt Mountain fame) introduced this putty in the late 70s when Milliput had been the general norm - 'Greenstuff' was found to hold much finer detail and be much easier to work with.....
Now, Tony sculpted many, many ranges over the years, including a number of lost ranges suitable for Lord of the Rings and Michael Moorcock's Granbretan (the Hawkmoon series, Boarmen and mounted Wolf Riders) along with about 30 Star Trek Klingons - these were made for a French company but they disappeared without payment......a friend sent me a couple of pics of Hobbits recently which Tony and I believe were from this time...the hunt is on and more news will be posted hopefully........
I was introduced to Tony's sculpts via Heroes Miniatures in the late 70s at a Northern Militaire. He told me that, like many of us, he was introduced into the hobby around the age of 6 via Airfix plastics - in this case French Foreign Legion painted by his Uncle. The rest is history and will be the subject of a future post.....
Some of Tony's sculpts and advertisements are below - his illustrations are legendary and numerous throughout the hobby. I still need to id a number of the sculpts but thought some group shots would be good....
My own few painted examples.....
A mixture of Plastiform and Heroes, painted by their studio painter at the time. I picked up a large lot but still have little idea of the identities as there are no Plastiform listings available...unless you know different?
A great set sent to me by the man himself from his own collection. Complete pride of place in my own collection now.....
Aliens anyone?
Various eldritch horrors from Heroes Miniatures............
Do please get in contact with Foundry and pick up these new pieces, I'd love to see more sculpted for the range. If you have any of Tony's sculpts up for sale or trade do get in touch with me!
Any questions or feedback comment below or on enquiries@deartonyblair.co.uk
