Prime Directive

I just finished cleaning up and priming 220 Knuckleduster War of 1812 figures.  From left to right there are 5 36 figure US units (3 regular Infantry, 1 Rifles and 1 Militia) and 1 40 figure British unit (Glengary Lights).

The figures came in really good shape and had little flash.  Other than straightening rifles/bayonets there was very little clean up required.  I prefer to do priming in large batches as it's much more efficient.  Here are my steps

(1) Clean up flashing and sand bases flat - make sure each figure can stand on it's own.  I also add brass rod flag poles during this step.

(2) Wash the figures in warm soapy water and leave out to dry

(3) Attach to 20mm square base with super glue.  The bases will be magnetized later on so I can group the figures in either 4 or 6 man stands.

(4) Prime.  I prefer to use white primer.  I use a very basic and cheap primer from Lowes (a US Do-It-Yourself store chain).  I let the primer dry at least 24 hours before starting to paint.  In the case of these figures it will be a bit longer.

(5) Try not to operate heavy machinery or sign binding legal agreements while high on paint fumes (this last step is optional but highly recommended)

I'll start painting these gentlemen on 12/20 as they will be my primary source of material for the Second Annual Analog Hobbies Painting Challenge!  Lets see, the challenge runs from December 20th to March 20th so that's roughly 90 days or 2.44 figures a day.  Hmmm, given my current glacial rate of output is closer to 0.1 figures a day I may need to up production speed!