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What's the correct Red for the Redcoats?

Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2014 6:44 pm
by raif
hi guys,

for a new project i am researching the correct Red for the british Redcoats for the WSS.

How red were the coats? And which paints should i use to create this red?

i use foundry and vallejo model color-paints.

Re: What's the correct Red for the Redcoats?

Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2014 8:31 pm
by barr7430

Re: What's the correct Red for the Redcoats?

Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2014 8:47 pm
by Russian James
I'd just started to reply when Barry pre-emptied me...

At this period, and for another 160 years, there is no 'one' correct shade.

Dyes and cloth varied dramatically from one batch to another and while officers, who provided their own uniform, could have appeared in a brighter shade, the rank and file would show the whole range of reds, right down to brick-reds or even browns.

Re: What's the correct Red for the Redcoats?

Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2014 9:06 pm
by raif
Thanks for the Blog-Link! Today i tried my "reds" i have at home on two testminis.

Image

I made a Blog-Entry on my blog, there are two How-to-paint Redcoats, both use various Reds.

Re: What's the correct Red for the Redcoats?

Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2014 12:16 am
by Bernhard
As stated before, there were many variations. Also, before synthetic dies the colors would be more muted than what we say on today. Also, keep in mind that this was before the era of mass production. A uniform taylor had to use what was available. Even within the same regiment a variety of shades of red or brownish red could be seen. However, since our regiments do not contain hundreds of figures I vary my shades between but never within regiments so as to give a more uniform appearance. I do vary the shade of red from one regiment to the next. That is what is fun about this period. It is very forgiving in this respect.

Re: What's the correct Red for the Redcoats?

Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2014 5:08 am
by Russian James
Unlike Bernhard, I DO vary tone within a unit.

Re: What's the correct Red for the Redcoats?

Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2014 5:49 am
by raif
And, what paints do you guys use to achieve your favorite red?

Re: What's the correct Red for the Redcoats?

Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2014 4:04 pm
by quindia
I use Vallejo Red (70926), Flat Red (70957), and final highlights of Scarlet (817) for brighter reds...

Image

... or Foundry Terracotta 37A-C for 'campaign' reds...

Image

I have also used Games Workshop paints for a 'richer' appearance (part one of four)...

http://leagueofaugsburg.blogspot.com/20 ... t-one.html

Re: What's the correct Red for the Redcoats?

Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2014 8:06 pm
by Russian James
I'm afraid mine are all GW paints... :lol: