The Last Downsizing.

26Sep
by patmcf

Well I have been a bit distracted this last week what with the return of Jill and Fi from holidays, them our dog had to have some infected teeth removed only to get over that to get very ill after a mystery poisoning. Wow he has cost us a pretty penny, but as he is family the cost is worth it.

Then we had friends visit us who we haven’t seen in years, I suppose a lot of you would be in that boat due to the virus.

Well I have decided to post these last three, I did have one more to do but lost interest waiting for it to arrive.  I woke up with a weird idea and decided to run with it.  It’s so far away from something I would normally think of doing, a bit of Fantasy that is pretty quick and cheap to make. I should have some images of the idea posted sometime this week.

Well I’ll keep it short and as always keep well my friends.

57 thoughts on “The Last Downsizing.”

  4. Dave Stone

    Wonderful work on the mini dio’s Pat, even for the small size have a lot going on. Hope the dog makes a speedy recovery, and must have been great to catch up with people you haven’t seen in a while.

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    1. patmcf

      Thanks Dave ,Terry is doing really well now he is back with us , and as for catching up with friends it can only get better now that everyone is coming out of winter hibernation. Doing the minis was fun but the WWI’ mini’s made from
      purchased Terrain and some scratch built have made me think
      Of doing more of these down the track 🤔

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    1. patmcf

      Thanks Roger he is doing fine, but after having most of his teeth removed he can’t have his normal fun liver treats until his gums heal , bloody hard to explain this to him as it’s only been going on for Fifteen years 🤔😳😅

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    1. patmcf

      Thanks Dave , the little Aussie Battler has triumphed again , he is coming good each hour I’m just hoping the little bugger doesn’t die of old age to soon😉. Hey mate your going to have a laugh on the next stuff I will post soon 😱.

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  9. John@justneedsvarnish

    Hope Terry recovers well – he certainly looks like he’s enjoying being in his bed. Our eldest Chihuahua Dash is 12 and had to have all of his teeth removed at his last dental (he was a rescued dog) but he manages his food OK, although the biscuits get softened in water – we can always tell if he’s found a crisp dropped on the floor because it’s soggy (he tries to eat it but must give up)!
    Nice minis, Pat! 🙂 I really like the Emhar French, they are very nice!

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    1. patmcf

      Thanks a John, it was a rushed post and forgot to put in any details but then I new that the keen ones would know what they were 😉.
      Terry is a rescue dog , we have had him for about fifteen years so he is around Sixteen, he does keep coming back each time so he must be made of tough stuff. We have to be careful what he eats until tomorrow then we will see if he emulates your Dash in regards to rounding up the odd crisp 😅😅.

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  10. deturnation

    Ohhh, that’s nice!
    I especially like the British Lancers (?) and the Germans looking swell as well! Disregard the Erbfeind! Just kidding, early Frenchies are also great, with their crimson trousers.
    From the pics it looks, like the Germans are Pioneers, do they have only 1 ammo-pouch on each side or is it only looking like that?
    The Cav-diorama is actually my fav. Looks really dynamic and flowing.

    You are very right to care for your dog, since he’s family. Hope he’s better now!

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    1. patmcf

      Wow thanks Anthony , I would have thought the cavalry one wouldn’t have rated very well so cheers mate, the Germans are the Zvezda set and from what I gleaned from the Plastic Soldier Review is that only three figures sport the M1909 three compartment pouches and the rest are the older variety.
      Old Terry is well on the mend mate and very happy to be back in the family bosom 😉.

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      1. deturnation

        lol
        That sure came in handy! Modern society is sure something! haha
        The cavalry base as well as the models itself, really did look good!

        That’s good to hear, that he’s pushing through. : )

        That’s why! I don’t really know if this would have happened, using pre 1909 pouches, but I know of a few painting and from 1900, depicting parades and exercises, where they would use the single-pouches. Interestingly, they’d also use the spiked-helmet green-cover already (it was used when it’s raining as far as I could gather, as the leather was of course suspectable to it) but with a blue uniform. I also think, that later on the blue uniform was kept (in Prussia) despite the new fieldgrey (green) one to be reserved for parades originally.

        I had watched a vid a few weeks prior, where some re-enactors showed off pioneer-uniforms, that’s when they showed, that they and some other troop-types would have worn the single-version (but they would have different lapels).

        If you’re interested: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmxOmi6CNtk (just turn on cc, because it’s in German) This channel is actually somewhat interesting, as they show off a variety of uniforms, including Roman, Greek armor as well as Vietnam USMC and of course everything German.

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      2. patmcf

        Thanks Mate I feel that in war things start of with great intentions as to what the army will wear and be equipped with but as reality of logistics and manufacturers ability kick in things don’t go the way the top blokes plan.I may have mentioned it but my dad served on WWII and was surprised that he was supplied with a Lewis Gun as an anti aircraft weapon 😳he later said it was probably the one his uncle used in WWI😳😅😃. Like you said previously things certainly changed due to availability 🤔. Funny fact ! We didn’t know that my mums mum was German until dad was doing the family tree on both sides and found out that her nationality was hidden due to the anti sentiment due to the War. 😅😅😅that explained a bit 👍🏻what do you get when you breed an Irishman with a German eh!

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      3. deturnation

        I’d usually would wholly agree, however the German case at the beginning of WW1 was pretty particular, because of Prussian history and influence. That said, I mainly agree with you, that the situation changed very quickly! However for the very start WW1 Germany was very well adapted, so far even, that Fieldgrey was deemed usuable, opposite to uniforms like France for example who’d still rock the red trousers and kepis:
        German identity of the late 19th century had been vastly influence by Prussia, a thing, that late on in ww2 became a political issue within the Allies, to the point, that most plans for peace included a dissollution of what was perceived as “Prussian” Militarism and identity. (that was a long sentence lol)
        This was somewhat rooted in truth, as most German states (the smaller to a much lesser degree and there were a lot!) were on a societal level militarized, meaning bascially every young man had his military service for several years. Many people were wearing military uniform in daily situations and daily life was extremely influenced by this. Not just police, but fire fighters, everything including trains, postal service was wearing uniforms inspired or directly lifted from the army.
        At this point I have to make the slight distinction: This wasn’t about war or war readieness back then, but rather about a system, that was organized like military: Everything should work in a sense of a vast bureacratic apparatus, with everyone dutifully (hence the military) and proud adhering to it. Or in short: Prussian Militarism was more of a lifestyle, like for example hippies or various subgenres, but on a societal level.
        This lifestyle was held up and in return also provided the means for everything that was needed to create it: Everything to make the uniforms, its every part had to be there, in huge and qualitively normed quantities.
        So that would be the reason, why at the begin of the war and even a bit down the line every uniform-part would be definetly be there in the German army. That Britain would immediately blockade the trade-routes ofc wasn’t in that calculations. So the coloring-materials got hit at first.

        I totally agree with you on WW2 however, even for Germany. That was a complete different beast, as society everywhere had been undergoing vast changes, especially with the post-war, Spanish Flu, Great Depression and in Germany additionally with the restriction from the trade of Versailles. To say, that even to begin of WWII, that the army was perfectly equipped might be hopes and dreams. And I think this would be especially true for the overseas-colonies (excuse me, if I’m rude, I’m not quite sure if I understand when Australia actually got it independence is it 1907 or 1942?), I mean why should you be prepared for a war on the other side of the world, and with that idea, I would surely see, why you wouldn’t have to look that strictly for military equipment, and if everyone got the newest weapon. And lets be hones in the 1930s, who would even stand a chance against the British empire in the places where Australia was? Maybe the Japanese somewhat, but that would be it. Funnily enough I heard of small German ‘freebooter’ vessels, that would raid around Australia, to the point, there were even a few engagements with the Aus/British Navy.
        That’s a fun and shocking story, with the gun! Would have been even funnier if there were like ingravings on it from his uncle. :DD And for real: You think, you get the newest tech, and then they give you a 30 year old chunk of iron and say:”If you wanna know how to use it, ask ye granddad.” :DD
        Though the Lewis-Gun was probably a very good concept: Was definetly good enough for the air battle over Britain:

        Irish beer and apple cider is also great btw. 😉 ‘uve me Kilkenny and Magners.

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      4. patmcf

        Wow mate now you’re talking! Guinness 👍🏻one of my sisters lived in Paris going to an art school for a number of years, I went to stay with her and got a taste for Stellar Artois I then went to the UK and got a taste for Guinness, we both agreed it was tops 👍🏻😋. Some years later when we were both back in Australia we even moved in into a rental property near a pub simply because it served Guinness on tap😅😅.
        So I got distracted, when I arrived in France I was told to be careful when talking about Frances military history 😉. Anyway Australians as you say were a long way from WWI but even though we had gained Independence in 1901 ( close mate, not many Aussie would know anything about the unification of Germany 🇩🇪)we were still tied to what they called the mother country , and still today we have strong ties due to the UK royal family being our head of state.
        I don’t think many Aussies would know that there royals they pay homage to originated from German stock.
        The ties to England answered why we had English weapons, we depended on them to come to defend us if attacked .
        The Australian of old were a hard living bunch , a bit like the Boers and pioneer folk of the US , made tough by there environment and apart from battling the native population they needed to be resourceful, thus they made good troops. They certainly pissed the Old English military Brass of with their lack of respect as they didn’t need Officers to tell them what was needed . That era passed and we swapped The UK for the USA and still do to this day , standing in their shadow expecting them to help us out is shit hits the fan 😉👍🏻.
        Well mate I think I have rabbited on long enough and prolly lost track somewhere 😅😅. Oh it would help the world a lot only if they learnt why countries go to war and why there soldiers act like the do. My research on why the average Japanese soldier acted as he did was of interest as like I have said he was a POW , a guest as he put it . Thanks for your spin on the German side, l have looked into it but I don’t think one ever stops learning 👍🏻🤓

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      5. deturnation

        Well Guiness is the most prominent Irish beer and definitely one of the best light ones!
        Irish beers are quite well received in Germany, as we have basically in every middle-sized city some kind of Irish pub. :DD Fun fact: In really big cities there are even Australian pubs, or at least they call them that and they are usually owned by Irishmen or Australians.
        >Some years later when we were both back in Australia we even moved in into a rental property near a pub simply because it served Guinness on tap😅😅.
        Now that’s what I call dedication to good taste!
        Oh I’m sorry. I only looked at it from an outside perspective. And you’re right, I don’t think we learned anything about the political landscape of Australia at school. There might have been something in English classes, but I wouldn’t remember the details.
        I had only glanced over the wiki-artcile with the search-prompt independence and had overseen the 1901 date as the article divided by 4 dates: 1901 foundation of the independent Australian Federation, 1907 as the dominion-state, ’47 with the Westminster statement and ’86 with the Australia act. And this is what I meant with outside perspective: I wouldn’t know what Australians themselves saw as the independence date, as the article is basically takes the bureaucratic route, not the factual.
        That is true Saxe-Coburg-Gotha is a tiny strip of land, from which most of the modern day British Roayls stem. Philip was some mix of Greek,Dane and Schleswig-Holstein as well as Mountbatten which is technically British but has also then roots in Hesse-Darmstadt (Hesse-Kassel (different Hesse back than lol) as well as other states were the ones, that leased the Brits soldiers for the War of Indepence). It’s super compliacted with nobles. On the other hand Willhelm II was the greatson of Victoria, some say he was her favorite, and cousin to George V and Nicolaus II and he actually grew up in London for the most part of his youth! But I better stop at that now. picrel of kiddie Wilhelm II and Emperor Frederic Wilhelm III https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fe/The_Crown_Prince_of_Prussia_and_Prince_Wilhelm_II._at_Balmoral_Castle._-_Oct._1863.jpg )
        But I better stop at that, this topic can grow out of proportion very quickly. haha
        With the “harsh” climate in Australia, I sure can understand, that you have to be of extraordinary prowess to overcome it! And with all the beasties crawling around as well. And then those poor bastards had to contend with the English as well!
        That thing with the USA as the one ‘defending’ us, it’s here as well (unfortunately).
        Oh Japanese side is also quite interesting. I have a bit of knowledge about the Sengoku-jidaii, know a few Japanese girls myself and have a bit of an interest in the culture and history (mainly Sengoku, but also Boushin and a bit of Russo-Japanese). WW2 was particularily interesting, as the ‘new’ system with the emperor, had by then completely replace the shogunate-times. Though the militarism as a form of lifestyle and general idea might have been on a similar level to WW1-Germany in WW2-Nippon.
        No, thank you for the interesting backstory and insights into the Australian people! : )

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      6. patmcf

        Love that photo mate😃, like you say it is a long and winding track English and European history , I did some back at school but that was so long ago I have probably forgotten a lot 😅😅.
        As I said Australians on the whole aren’t interested in their history , only a few things are readily recognised and that’s Anzac Day ( Gallipoli) and a contentious day they call Australia Day which the indigenous folk call invasion day.
        To explain the Australian culture , if you could call it that would be very difficult and would probably just confuse people from countries with old histories, so I’ll leave it at that and go and have my annual old man medical check up 👍🏻😅😅😅.

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    1. patmcf

      Thanks Pete , I feel that piece of terrain certainly helped , I love more but they are pricey.
      Old Terry doing well mate just doing what old dogs do , sleeping with the occasional wonder around the block👍🏻🤓.

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  14. Kuribo

    I’m really glad to hear your dog is doing better after the infection. Hang onto ’em as long as you can as they really family as you say. The latest projects all came out well and I think you did a great job with how you positioned the minis. They really tell a story and that is something that separates a good and bad diorama, I think.

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    1. patmcf

      Thanks Jeff, old Terry is well on the road to recovery and as he and I have deep and meaningful conversations I have to everything to keep him with us 🤔.
      The mini project was great fun and I’m glad you liked them , thanks for the compliment 👍🏻. I’m looking forward to the reaction I get from the next items I hope to post soon 🤔👍🏻😃

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      1. Kuribo

        I’m glad to hear it. My dog is seven and she is an important part of our household too. I’ll be looking forward to seeing what you share next then. It sounds like it might be a bit of a surprise!

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      2. patmcf

        Wow mate she is a youngen , I’m sure she knows how to work you as our female cat knows who is the weak one in our house , I think it took her just a few minutes to work out the sucker that would weaken and give her treats 😉.
        I have nearly finished the first bunch and will posting it in the next day or so 🤞weird and a whole lot of fun🥳

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    1. patmcf

      Thanks Dave and old Terry is on the mend , Jill just said she would try him out on a short walk 🤔😅we will see how many yards that is as he has taken a keen liking to napping 💤😉

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    1. patmcf

      Thank you it’s been a lot of fun doing this mini series, but not as much fun as what I will post in a day or two 😉, a lot different from my usual so I am looking forward to the reaction. Thanks again and keep well 👍🏻🤓

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    1. patmcf

      Thanks Lord , it might surprise you but pushed the clay into a plastic tray some sausages came in from the super market, it had small ridges that one would be there so the meat doesn’t sit in any liquid 🤔. I do have some purpose made one from Green Stuff but I wanted to see how the tray worked and it did s fine job , a lot cheaper than the tollers😉.

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