WW2 German Flame Thrower

A bit of a break from the 18th Century and a fast forward in time.

A sneak preview of a secret addition to my WWII German army for Bolt Action. The figure is 28mm from Warlord Games. More of my German army soon, once I retrieve it from storage. Still a bit of brush work to do, but I keep adding to the collection.

Lydian pre-Hoplites

Just finished painting the bases on these 28mm Lydian pre-Hoplites by Miniature Design Studios.

Really nice figures, I intended to use them for my Early Achaemenid Persian Army, probably fielding them as 2 units of 16 in Hail Caesar, with the option of fielding them as 32 figures in some games. The bases are 40mm x 80mm.

The Lydian kingdom emerged in the region of what is today Western Anatolia based in the city of Sardis, before being conquered in 546 BC by the Persian king Cyrus the Great. Later it became the Sparda satrapy of the Achaemenid Persian Empire.

In Hail Caesar the spear armed infantry in the Lydian lists are pre-Hoplites, these are inferior to the Greek style hoplites. The elite of the Lydian army is the cavalry.

I chose to include Lydian pre-hoplites in my Early Achaemenid Persian army as I wanted to create a varied and colourful army for the table top. These are a lower class of infantry (possibly even levy in some games) from the Sparda satrapy. Part of the reasoning in painting some of the shields as ox hide was a nod to the shields of the Trojan War period, and I felt in keeping with a levied subject people in an Early Achaemenid Persian army.

In time I may expand the Lydian element into an army in their own right as there is plenty of scope for wargaming, as allies of the Assyrians and also opponents for my Early Achaemenid Persians. 

Though I have Hittites and New Kingdom Egyptians to complete first.

More ancients are likely to appear throughout the coming year.



Seven Years War Austrian Musketeer

Carrying on the 18th Century theme (and another little taster of things to come), a painted sample of a 28mm Seven Years War Austrian Musketeer from Minden Miniatures. I decided quite a while ago that the Austrians would be my 28mm Seven Years War army. I hope to cover everything else in the18mm scale but wanted one of the nations in 28mm.

Not sure when I will get round to painting these up as the 18mm project has taken priority (but I thought I'd share), and I fancy doing a really nice paint job on these, so they are likely to be time consuming. It's going to be a watch this space project...



Jacobite Highlander '45

First up are a couple of pictures as an explanation of why my painting output has slowed recently, these were taken this evening while I was finishing some basing and taking some shots for the blog. I think she wanted a little attention!

The next pictures are of a 28mm Jacobite Highlander from Crann Tara Miniatures. I painted this one up as a tester, and am very pleased with the results. The '45 Rebellion will be one of the projects I shall be visiting. The castings are lovely, crisp and a pleasure to paint. With the range expanding one to watch for those wishing to game the '45.

Click pictures to enlarge 

Nadolig Llawen (Happy Christmas)

Just a quick post to wish everyone a Happy Christmas.

Azovski Regiment

The first regiment of my Seven Years War Russian army completed, the Azovski Regiment, 18mm figures from Blue Moon Miniatures, flags are by Maverick Models.
I've still to decide on how to finish the bases off, probably have to buy some more basing material.

These are based on 40mm x 30mm bases from Warbases. The intention is to have the whole army based so that I can play Maurice or Black Powder.

If you haven't already tried Maverick Models (http://maverick-models.com/flags.htm), they offer a wide range of flags and an excellent service, the flags can be resized and come in a variety of materials ranging from paper, adhesive paper and material; as well as plain or effect print as a finish. The flags I chose for my Seven Years War Russians are plain print on paper. The quality of the paper is excellent and all the flags are identified individually. I have previously bought material flags, I will be posting the start of my WSS French soon. The service is fast and friendly, highly recommended.

Next up will be a Russian Dragoons, currently being varnished, and based.

As always click on photos to enlarge.

Current Work Bench and the Christmas Run

A lot longer since my last post than I intended as a consequence of 2 further visits to A&E for a severe allergic reaction and anaphylactic shock (cause unknown). Following a little experimentation (licking my paint brushes) I can rule out that it's not my hobby paints, so apart from that will have to wait for the relevant tests.

Onto hobby matters; as expected the pace has been a little slower than anticipated, though I have managed to make a little progress.

Firstly I've done a bit more work on the Guilford Courthouse model by Grand Manner, this is taking longer than I thought it would and I only hope that I can do it justice. A picture of my 'progress' posted below.

I've also managed to paint 12 Dragoons for my Seven Years War Russian army, these are 18mm Eureka Miniatures. They are ready for varnishing, I've included a quick picture below, more will be added once they are based.

Next up, I've started 6 Hessian Grenadiers for Regiment von Rall; these are 28mm Perry Miniatures. I've only decided to do 6 at this time as it is close to Christmas and I'd rather achieve something than lose momentum. Usually I would work on 12 models at a time when the unit is 24 figures.

Hopefully I will have plenty more updates over the next few weeks, including some of my existing AWI British collection.

British Legion Infantry

More Loyalists, this time the infamous British Legion. No AWI British collection would be complete without the Legion.

Perry Miniatures do not make any specific British Legion infantry figures, soI used the AW146 Lee's Legion foot advancing, as I wanted them to look like dismounted dragoons. Alternatively I could have used British Infantry figures in slouch hat, and will probably do this at some point in the future to show variation in equipment.

These are based individually for the same reasons as the Queen's Rangers.

Click on any picture to enlarge

Queen's Rangers 1st American

My initial attraction to the Queen's Rangers was the excellent range of figures from Perry Miniatures.

I wanted to add something a bit different to my 'Redcoats' and the addition of distinct green uniforms, as well as Highlanders, Grenadiers and Hussars in the Queen's Rangers gave me what I was looking for - all in all a nice brigade to supplement my existing AWI British forces for Black Powder.
Also by basing the figures individually I can use them for Muskets and Tomahawks or Donnybrook.

The whole Queen's Rangers Brigade

(More photos below)



48 infantry (12 skirmishes, 6 Grenadiers, 6 Highlanders, 24 centre company), 6 Hussars, 3pdr and Amusette. Still a little work to do on the last bases (some flock and tufts) and some blanks to make for the movement tray.


A very brief background history of the Queen's Rangers

Their origins lie in the French and Indian War (1756 - 1763) when they were raised by Robert Rogers.

When the American War of Independence broke out in 1775, Robert Rogers once again raised men from Loyalist communities and the new regiment was named in honour of Queen Charlotte, wife of George III. The crescent moon which adorns their headgear is a symbol of Diana, Roman goddess of the hunt.

The regiment under the command of Major James Wemyss distinguished itself at the Battle of Brandywine on 11th September 1777 where they formed the advance guard of von Knyphausen's division taking heavy causalities (2 thirds of the officers and roughly a third of other ranks), many sustained when attacking entrenched American positions.

On the 15th October 1777 command of the regiment was given to Lieutenant Colonel John Graves Simcoe and proved themselves to be one of the most successful regiments in the British Army. Serving in  Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania campaign, and formed the rear guard for the retreat to New York. They were active until their surrender at Yorktown.

Commanders

August 1776 - Robert Rogers

May 1777 - Christopher French

August 1777 - James Wemyss

October 1777 - John Graves Simcoe


Engagements

28 October 1776 - White Plains, NY.

11 September 1777 - Brandywine, PA.

4 October 1777 - Germantown, PA.

8 April 1778 - Smithfield, PA.

28 June 1778 - Monmouth, NJ.

28 September 1778 - Old Tappan, NJ (also known as Baylor Massacre).

5 August 1779 - New Rochelle, NJ.

26 October 1779 - Raritan, Somerset and Brunswick, NJ.

15-16 Jan 1780 - Staten Island.

20 March  - 11 May 1780 - Siege and capture of Charlestown, SC.

16 April 1780 - Hooper's Town, NJ.

23 June 1780 - Springfield, NJ.

26 June 1780 - Spencer's Ordinary, VA.

6 - 19 October 1781 - Yorktown

If anyone has a particular interest in the Loyalist forces of the American War of Independence I can recommend taking a look at the On-line Institute for Advanced Loyalist Studies which contains a wealth of information on battles, regiments and biographical sketches.

The Plan - Draft 1

Apologies for the quiet spell over the last week. Events have conspired against me to the extent that I haven't got anything ready to photograph. Early last week I took a slight fall and bump to the head (so nothing serious) that resulted in a bit of a stay in Accident and Emergency at my local hospital, all the staff were marvellous (well at least for the bits I can remember).

As a result I haven't managed to get anything done hobby wise, but I thought I might post where I'm up to, and my rough plans (as far as I can tell).

28mm AWI

Currently being varnished are the last (for now) of the Queen's Rangers, managed to apply the first coat of gloss varnish tonight, so all being well I hope to have these based and up on the blog at the end of the week.
Next up for AWI will be a unit of 24 Hessian Grenadiers, models are cleaned up, just waiting for some old paint pots to be freed up to mount them on for painting.
Once I've finished the Hessian Grenadiers, I have a unit of Hessian Musketeers and some artillery to paint, and I think some skirmishers.
I hope to complete the painting on the Grand Manner model of Guilford Courthouse before Christmas (this might be a bit optimistic but that's the plan at the moment).

18mm Seven Years War

At the same time I'm also varnishing some more 18mm Seven Years War Russians. There has been a slight change of plans here as originally I was planning on each unit being 4 stands of 8 figures, after playing around with bases, and economics (number of figures) I have decided to go with 4 stands of 6, giving units of 24 figures. Basing will still be for Maurice and Black Powder, but the reduction in figures means that I will complete a playable force sooner and for a lower cost (both of which means I can move onto the Prussians quicker). A minor compromise, but it does have it's benefits.
I've also started a unit of 12 Dragoons, will post some pictures once I've something tangible to show.
After that I'll just grab a unit out of the box as the fancy takes me.

28mm War of Spanish Succession

WSS French army, these are the superb 28mm Front Rank Figurines. I have completed one battalion of the Regiment Navarre, and will post up some pictures soon. I have big plans for the War of Spanish Succession; one of the reasons that I'm collecting the Seven Years War in a smaller scale.

18mm All Quiet on the Martian Front

Still waiting for the remainder of the Kickstarter to be delivered. At the moment working on a Grenadier model for the Martians and some steam tanks and infantry for the American forces.

Other projects - ongoing...

I tend to add units as the fancy takes me to existing armies, one such army currently getting some love is my Early Achaemenid Persian. I will post up some photos at some point.

Other periods/armies - various ancients 28mm and 15mm (waiting for the new Forged in Battle Kickstarter from Westwind, looking forward to these miniatures). Strangely I've become attracted to the smaller scales again recently, will see if my eyes agree!
My ongoing ECW collection, will be expanded on a regular basis, plan to cover forces to represent Royalists, Parliament, Covenanters and Montrose Scots ( I've always liked the ECW as a period).

More that I've not mentioned, but they might make a surprise appearance.

So there it is a very rough plan, and as we all know, no plan survives contact with the enemy...

Might even manage some gaming as well before Christmas, but my wargaming space is currently needing setting up properly.

Queen's Rangers Highlanders

Finally finished painting the Queen's Rangers Highlanders and have managed to take some pictures before varnishing. The additional 6 skirmishing centre company are also painted, will add some pictures once varnished and based.

Models are Perry Miniatures pack AW9 Highlanders advancing at porte, painted in the same colours as the rest of the Queen's Rangers. I also decided to add the crescent emblem to the headgear, there is no historical basis for this as far as I'm aware, but I'm happy with how they have turned out.

The next time I post these I hope to have some decent shots of the whole brigade.

Click on any picture to enlarge

SAGA Scots

Still working on the Queen's Rangers, spare time has been short recently but I managed a little painting earlier today and I'm hoping to finish them tonight. I will post some pics up before I varnish and base, then will add final pics once done.

Below are some pictures of my 4pt Scots Warband for SAGA. Already seen action and died heroically (at least in my eyes), which roughly translates into 'got slaughtered'! Still fun was had by all.
Hoping to get them in action again soon. I've only managed a few games of SAGA, but the system is very easy to pick up and games are tremendous fun.

At Salute this year I did pick up the MacBeth figure to replace my existing warlord (Kenny MacLuckless) but I still haven't managed to locate him since the house move. Once found he will be painted up and will be ready to change my luck.

The figures are 28mm from Gripping Beast. Painted quick style, with Foundry Paints. Shields are hand painted.
They will be getting a couple of coats of matt varnish once I can get a chance (the weather is okay for spraying).

I've also got a 4pt Welsh Warband to paint up, as well as little project I was working on (before we moved) for some SAGA terrain (more of that when I get some space organised to continue the build).