Box full of joy

I mentioned briefly in my previous post about one of the added delights last Sunday; a 'mixed shoe box of joy', courtesy of Mark H.

I knew that this was coming as, prior to him heading to the 'frozen north', Julian had mentioned that he had a box of figures that Mark had passed to him to give to me. I had even been given a preview of the contents as, when I mentioned to Mark that I had not yet thanked him for them as I'd not caught up with Julian, he sent me the link to his post 'more stuff gone'.

I probably should have waited as I like surprises, but had a look and was excited to see all of those lovely Airfix and Esci figures! Of course, I have many/most of them already, but they are so dear to me and I am finding more to do with them. Besides, you can never have to much of a good thing!

I mentioned to Mark that I'd be able to be surprised and overjoyed all over again sometime in February when Julian got back. So it was. Even more.

It was more marvellous than Mark's photos suggested. So many figures!

Airfix 01710 Foreign Legion, officer figure

Airfix 01736 Waterloo French Cavalry (Cuirassiers), 18 figures

Airfix 01737 Waterloo French Artillery, 27 figs and 2 guns

Airfix 01739 Washington's Army, 41 figures

Airfix 01740 British Grenadiers, 7 figures

Airfix 01743 Waterloo British Cavalry (Hussars), 28 figures

Airfix 01744 Waterloo French Infantry, 113 figures

Airfix 01745 Waterloo British Infantry, 15 figures

Airfix 01746 Waterloo British Artillery, 25 figures & 3 guns

Airfix 01749 Waterloo French Imperial Guard, 99 figures

Airfix 01756 Waterloo Prussians, 104 figures

Esci 217 'Scots Greys' British Cavalry, full set (12)

Esci 218 'Polish Lancers' French Cavalry, full set (12)

Esci 219 British and French Artillery, full set (16 crew and 4 guns)

Esci 221 Russian Infantry and Artillery, full set (30 figs and 2 guns)

Hät 8001 1805 Napoleonic French Mamelukes, full set (12)

That's 560 figures & 11 guns, not to mention the associated horses and lots of useful 'spare parts'. Furthermore, these are in addition to 7 1/2 boxes, 155 loose figures and an aircraft kit that he gave me in March last year!

An added 'bonus' were some of Mark's conversions. He does/did excellent conversions (there were a few in the previous 'haul'), but there are two that I especially want to highlight. How good are these?

The loading figure for French artillery is such a ripper. It took me a while to work out what the base figure was. It was the stand and legs that gave it away. A minor touch-up to address the wearing of time and these will be ready to go. The marching dragoon will be added to my own units (painted Waterloo 1815 and Strelets figures) and that wonderful loader will be combined with other figures to man a French battery.

The excitement does not end there.

As wonderful serendipity would have it, I have an immediate, 'off-label' use for 48 of the Airfix figures (added to some that I already have). Two of the full sets will are perfect for other uses that will not be far behind. More all that when they are done.

I am one spoilt, happy little vegemite.

Thank you so much for such a(nother) generous gift Mark.