Fine and Dandy

Projects 2012

2011-11-21T19:26:00.001-08:00

Over the past week I have been planning my projects for 2012

In no particular order
1. AWI 8 batns British and Germans based for British Grenadier (Perry and foundry)(24 fig batn)
2. 7YW buildings ready for casting in resin
3. FIW British 5 batns to complete (front rank)(32 fig btn)
4. French 7YW 8 btns to complete, French 7YW 5 regts of cavalry, French Guns (Front Rank, crusader)(32 fig btns, 24 cavalry, guns)
5. finish Pontic Army, imitation legionary's, two pike blocks some light Infantry (foundry and gripping beast)
6. Sassanid heavy cavalry and horse archers (A and A minis) (30 cav)
7 French 1805 Napoleonic (continue the refit and rebasing, finish the heavy cavalry division and another Infantry Division Elite minis)(72 cav, 270 inf)
8. 1809 Austrian napoleonic (a divison perhaps maybe plastic)(240 inf)
9 1812 Russian napoleonic (plastic perhaps!)(240 inf)
10 Russian 7YW (Sash and sabre) inf brigade, Gren brigade, arty and light cavalry (32 fig btns, cav 24)
11. 20mm modern germans (60 inf, six buildings)
12. 28mm Baron Wars (60 odd cav and 180 infantry)
13 Hanoverain 7YW (Wartime)(140 inf)
14 20mm ww2 Germans (continue my refit)
15 continue refit Napoleonics and 7yw

cheers
Matt

C'mon bettsy

2011-10-20T04:36:00.000-07:00

Some more civilian pieces off the painting table last week

cheers

Matt

The Re-basing dilemma

2011-08-02T06:23:00.000-07:00

After much discussion Bruce, Greg and myself are moving to a new basing convention, 50 x 50 bases so we can place the officers, NCOs and musicians in the correct positions in a battalion. I also has the added bonus of protecting the paint work a little better (Bruce's army is based for WRG, mine for British Grenadier and Greg just made up his own which was 50 x 50!) it also has the added benefit of being able to use our troops at a pinch with might and reason.

With this basing we are also increasing the size of our batns from 24 to 28 (the extra officers and musicians) so while I am doing this I will also be doing some touch ups of Bruce's Prussians and my French, British and Americans also adding new GMB flags to Bruce's Prussians and 3 new batns of guard! Still not sure which way to go with the light infantry though, some pondering to be done I think!

American Provincials

French

Prussians

"Farewell men"

2011-07-21T17:40:00.000-07:00

Another small piece off the table last week, another civilian piece which is suitable for most horse and musket periods.

cheers

matt

Reaping the Harvest

2011-06-22T15:01:00.000-07:00

The next lot of civilians off the workbench is a very fine set from Redoubt miniatures I picked up at our clubs car boot sale. the only foreigners are the chicken and the copper bucket which is from Architects of war chicken set and the spare parts box. I decided to also add some water coming from the jug using wire and glue, I am not sure the chopped fibre works on the base but grass wouldn't have either, I did think about buying some silfor type long grass and trim it, but could not find any locally (within 150klms!)with the right colour.

cheers
Matt

"We must leave"

2011-06-13T22:04:00.000-07:00

Some civilians I have been painting for my French Indian wars and AWI, the figures are from redoubts range, more to come!

.

cheers
matt

7YW Casualties

2011-05-08T01:25:00.000-07:00

Some casualties that belong to Bruce's collection I finished on the weekend. Mostly Prussian and two Russians. Bruce has dropped off his army for rebasing and a bit of a refit for our 7YW battalion set of rules that are currently being play tested.

AWI Minutemen

2011-05-08T01:21:00.000-07:00

Some of Redoubts Minutemen, I recently picked up these at a bring and buy stall along with a few more civilians, easy to paint with lots of raised detail. I hope to start working on my AWI this year and finish my Germans and Brits at least.

Washing day

2011-04-12T01:14:00.000-07:00

A lovely table piece from Eureka's French Revolutionary range, it also has a dragoon watering three horses who will make an appearance on my Napoleonic blog.

French light guns

2011-02-01T13:24:00.000-08:00

The beginnings of my light gun support for my French Infantry battns , I intend to do a single gun with each battalion, I did think about adding extra gunners but I couldn't find any suitable battn hatmen gun crew.

I ended up converting spare Front Rank officers I had by adding Front Rank artillery rammers to thier hands and painting them as artillery specialists. The guns are from Eureka for thier AWI range.

Work is getting in the way of completing more miniatures at the moment along with trophey making for our local Blue's Music Festival (Chain awards) and for the Goulburn Show woodchop competition.

I do have two French battns on the table awaiting standards though, which will feature hopefully on the weekend with some regimental history attached!

cheers
matt

Volontaires de Bretons part two

2010-12-30T21:06:00.000-08:00

The figures are all Foundry (I think!) and prussian to boot! I could not find any French figures that really captured the look I was after and these seemd to fit the bill! The WAS is a side project to my 7YW and WSS French Armies.

Like all of my light regiments I have added a mule train instead of a wagon, I am yet to paint a colonel for the regiment and i will seek out a suitable figure that I can convert to suit.

I will also add some horse holders and maybe some skirmisher hussars and a swede 6pdr.

The research for these guys has taken a while, the figures have been complete since November and have already had thier first action clashing with bruce's Prussian 5th hussars in some orchards.

cheers
matt

Volontaries de Bretons

2010-12-30T19:44:00.000-08:00

Voluntaries de Bretons

Created by order of October 30, 1746 at the initiative of a Breton gentleman "with only the cape and sword" without a family fortune from the region of Leon, Olivier de Kermellec Penhouët. He served in 1712 as second lieutenant at Denain, then served in a Regiment of the French Royal Navy until 1743 (foreign posting or fortress?). During this time he became lieutenant colonel. Two years later he is the head of a regiment of the Royal Grenadiers. His family had a great history of serving with the French guard.

He applies the methods of Prussian discipline and "dressing" of troops to his commands, in 1746 he wrote to the Minister of War "this way to serve looked a little rough in the beginning, it was a little murmur, one begins to make itself and the board is made there that to support it. " In September 1746 he made the following request to the Minister: "the approval to raise a regiment of light infantry half horse half foot under the title of lost children ... or a regiment of grenadiers, like the German princes, it would be composed of deserters, with an amnesty for deserters who enlisted, which would be lifted in two months and that would be the terror of the enemy."

It was decided at Versailles that the regiment would be composed solely of Britons. In principle, the regiment is composed as follows:

2 grenadier companies of 50 men each.
8 rifle companies of 100 men each.
6 companies of hussars of 50 men each.
A total of 900 infantry and 300 cavalry.

The grenadier companies were composed of: a Captain in first, second captain, two lieutenants, two sergeants, three corporals, three lance-corporals, one drummer and forty grenadiers.

For the rifle companies, two captains, three lieutenants, four sergeants, two cadets, a coxswain, six corporals, four men, six lance-corporals, two drums, seventy-five riflemen.

Companies Hussars: a captain, a lieutenant, an ensign, a sergeant, three sergeants, a trumpet, and forty five hussars.

The Staff consisted of a Colonel, a Lieutenant Colonel, a Major, Major-2 assists, a chaplain and a surgeon.

The regiment was also comprise a carriage of ammunition and two guns at the "Swedish".

The King awarded Kermellec 100 Francs for the raising of the regiment, then 300 Francs for clothing and equipment of infantry; weapons to be provided free by the Royal Stores. The order states that "the regiment is to be always ahead of the army without tents or crew, nor any recourse to military hospitals.”

Many records of the Regiment have disappeared, and it is difficult to give the proportion of Brittany members incorporated into the regiment, but what is certain is that the Kermellec repeatedly made use of force to get men. Thus volunteers Britons were supplemented by hired German bounty men whose exercises created incidents with the Austrian recruiters operating in the territories of the Holy Roman Empire. Some officers were also recruited from the Rhine region.
The regiment was ready in Spring 1747 and sent to the army in Flanders under the command of Marshal Saxe, who commanded the French light troops. After the review of 13 June, "Kermellec Legion” as they are called, are assigned to the Earl of Lowendal’s command whose mission is to capture of Bergen-op-Zoom in July 1747.

The "Kermellec Legion" commence daily skirmishes in which they act bravely. They participate in the service of their trenches with grenades while the rest of the regiment guarded the body of the saps providing many skirmishes with the enemy. The Count of Lowendal wrote: "they have 5 or 6 wounded or killed, the enemies have 40". During the combat at Wouda, the "Kermellec" lose 52 killed, 82 wounded, and 2 officers M le Chevalier Pons and M Gadeville. In this case Voluntaries Britons had supported 70% of total French losses, 74 killed and 122 wounded which gives an idea of the part taken in battle by the Britons. On 17 September after a successful assault Berg-Op-Zoom fell. The Bretons pursued the remnants of the garrison that fled to Steenberg. Following this coup, on October 30, the King decides to increase the strength to 1,500 men by increasing the companies to 100 fusiliers and four companies of 50 Hussars.

Royal satisfaction came too late to reward Mr. de Kermellec, he was killed by a bullet from Croatian skirmisher on October 30 1747, he perished along with 12 of his men, defending a artillery convoy from enemy light troops.
During the campaign the Britons Volunteers suffered heavy casualties and the regiment was sent to Saint-Ghislain for replenishment, it receives its new Colonel Antoine Joseph de Neufville, Baron Blaisel who was then Lieutenant Colonel of Arquebusiers de Grassin now commands the light troops, his appointment is on November 3, 1747. Replenished during the winter, the regiment was sent to Mons in April 1748. It remains on the Denner, opposite Breda to watch the enemy, while Marshal Saxe prepares investment Maestricht. They remain there until the war ends and peace was signed October 14, 1748.

It should be noted that already on September 1 the number of volunteers Breton had been reduced by 1,500 men to 980 men. On 10 October, a second reform leads to 640 men and 1 December, the number is no more than 340 men. The Bretons are the third brigade (two infantry companies of forty men each and two of cavalry, under the command of M. De Saint Marsaud).
The body was removed on 1 August 1749 from the French establishment. Men are paid into the Voluntaries de Flandres, the Arquebusiers de Grassin and Voluntaries de Morliere.

_____________________________________
UNIFORM
Headdress: black Mirliton flame the same colour, yellow trim and tassels, brush and white, cockade, brass button. Officers’ tricorne, silver lace, black cockade

Hair: natural-wrapped black.
Stock: black.
Shirt: White
Jacket: royal blue (lighter than it is today). Lace: Ventre de biche (light tan),brass buttons.
Fusilier justaucorps: ventre de biche (a mid tan colour) blue lace
Barrel sash: fawn and red.
Trousers: royal blue, yellow lace.
Boots: black leather, black laces.
Pelisse: fawn, royal blue amenities.
Harness: Black or brown leather (leather scorched).
Metal fittings and buttons: brass
Sabre: branch brass guard, leather handle, brass handle reinforcement.
Scabbard and bayonets: brown leather, brass sleeve reinforcements.
Belts: Buff.

Chasseurs de Fischer part two

2010-12-02T18:00:00.000-08:00

I have painted a battalion of Chasseurs de Fischer, plus some Chasseurs a Cheval to add to my light infantry advance gaurd brigade. All the Front rank figs for the infantry with a few conversions on officers and musicians (the Mirliton heads are from the Perry Hussar packs which I may change later on). The cavalry are foundry and I am awaiting the command before they are finished.

cheers
Matt

Chasseurs de Fischer Part One

2010-12-02T02:48:00.000-08:00

The Chasseurs de Fischer
Johann Christian Fischer born January 17 1713 in Stuttgart , † July 1 1762 in Kassel ) (Jean Chrétien Fischer) He was the son of an accountant in a tobacco factory in Stuttgart, Georg Albrecht Fischer and his wife Christine Magdalene, nee Faber, a student at the University of Giessen.

After the death of his father in 1737 he entered the French Army, first as a valet of Count du d'Armentières. In 1741 he served as a groom under François-Marie de Broglie in Bavaria and Bohemia. In 1742 he became an adjutant of Count Maurice of Saxony (Marshal de Saxe) during the Bohemian campaign at the siege of Prague. Each day the grooms grazed the officer’s horses on the islands in the Moldau. A unit of Austrian Hussars forded the river with the intention of carrying off the horses, Fischer organised the grooms and fought them off successfully. For his conduct on this occasion is was rewarded and promoted to subaltern and permitted to organise a band of volunteer chasseurs under Marshal de Saxe.

On the 1st of November 1743, the volunteer corps is recognized by ordinance and named “Compagnie Franche des chasseurs”, formed of 45 foot and 15 mounted men. The compagnie then became the “Corps mixte des cavaliers, fantassins et chasseurs de Fischer”, formed of 400 foots and 200 mounted men.
For the services Fischer rendered in 1743 for the Comte de Saxe He received thanks for his exploits and was rewarded with the protectorate of the marshes of Belle Isle and de Noailles.

The Fischer chasseur corps was so successful during the War of Austrian Succession that these mixed corps were also created
* In 1744, the Arquebusiers de Grassin;
* In 1745, the fusiliers de la Morlière;
* In 1746, volontaires de Gantès, volontaires bretons and volontaires de Dauphiné
* In 1747, volunteers of Hainaut, then the royal volunteers

In 1744, under Count Maillebois, Fischer’s Chasseurs operate first in Flanders, and from there, passed in Alsace during the siege of Freiburg and Breisgau, and in winter they also operate in Hessen and Wetterau. In Butzbach he procures from the Abbey of Arnsburg 60 heavily laden wagons with grain, hay and straw.

In 1745 he was at the vanguard of the army of the Palatinate and entered Frankfurt, where he took, with a bold stroke, the editor of the local Gazette, whose differences had displeased the government of Louis XV. In Flanders, with the army of Marshal Saxe, Fischer continues the exploits of a partisan warfare, and offers outstanding intelligence to the French Army during the campaign.

In 1747 increased to 600 men 400 chasseurs and 200 chasseurs a cheval. After the siege of Bergen-op-Zoom, where he distinguished himself, the king granted him on September 15, 1747 a commission to hold the rank of lieutenant-colonel of infantry and cavalry.

In 1749 a grenadier company was added to the Chasseurs, Bearskin caps were worn. Because the treaty of AIX THE CHAPEL in October, 1748 the unit is reduced to 104 men. The Chassuers de Fischer are the only light corps remaining in the army.

During the period of peace in 1754, the Fischer Chasseurs were used to try to halt the activities of notorious smuggler Mandrin. Fisher surprised them at Gueunand (Saone-et-Loire), but despite his superior numbers, could not capture him.

In 1755 at the request of the King, Johan fischer raised a corps of wholly German troops in Pondicherry called the “Compagnie des Indes”, a corps of German volunteers who subsequently serve in the war in America and India.

During the Seven Years' War his reputation would be at its peak. The corps was increased to eight mounted chasseurs a cheval companies and seven chasseurs and one grenadier company by prescription of July 8th the enrollment is increased to 1200 men.

With two hundred men in July 1757, he took Hildesheim, Marburg, Ziegenheim, entered Göttingen. Einbeck. He raised contributions, took prisoners, captured war materiel and supplies. In August he inflicted a serious defeat on the Hanoverian light infantry, who lost one hundred and two killed and twenty-seven prisoners and they capture two colours. At the end of September, he fights at Halberstadt. On the 1st of October he brings the corps to Nordhausen , and on 15 December they enter winter qauters in Buchholz and Schwarmstedt.

On 23 June 1758 in the Battle of Krefeld , the French light troops under Fischer warn Louis de Bourbon that the Brunswick corps commanded by Marshal Ferdinand of Brunswick have encircled the French. During the battle Fischer gets a cut in the back and shot in the leg, for his actions he was promoted to lieutenant general. In September 1758 he is in Narzburg, he receives 6000 Thalers contribution from the city, he also holds the same contribution on Katlenburg. At Ziegenheim, they also take 14 cannons and 60 000 bags of flour.

After the Battle of Bergen (April 13, 1759), he defeated the Prussian rearguard at the river crossing Arloff und Hungen, they cut to pieces a grenadier battalion, two squadrons of dragoons, and compelled three squadrons of Reg Finckenstein dragoons to lay down their arms. They captured two Finckenstein standards, the Finckenstein kettledrums and their regimental pay chests. Fischer is for his exploits promted to brigadier general 21st April 1759. His unit fights at the Battle of Minden , which the French lose. On 2 September 1759, he became a Knight of the Order of Merit, given by the French monarchy to its Protestant Officers.
On 20 May 1760 was at Elberfeld and moved on 5 June to Duisburg. At the battle of Warburg at 31 July 1760 the Fischer Corps are almost destroyed. On 15 October 1760 they formed the vanguard of French in the Battle of Kloster Kampen , and again suffered heavy losses. The troops winter quarters in Mettmann environment and then withdraw to France after the victory of Clostercamp (October 16, 1760).

In spite of Johan Fischer’s services rendered to the French army, he was envied by many and loved by few. Under Marshal de Broglie Fischer he suffered a semi-disgrace (a case of missing contribution money). On the April 27, 1761, Louis XV signed a order giving the Chassuers de Fischer to the Marquis de Conflans. The Fischer corps was then renamed Dragons-Chasseurs de Conflans, then in 1763 the Legion de Conflans, which later became the 5th Hussards in 1776.

Fischer is cashiered and now part of the intelligence and information service, before the battle of Wilhelmstal in Hanover, he bribed a certain Herr Goldberg and was misinformed by him of the movements of the enemy, the French lose the battle after being encircled and suffer heavy casualties. Fischer is reproached by a French Prince Soubise, he is challenged to a duel and was wounded and dies three days later at Landwerhagen on the 1 July 1762, (Some accounts have him dying of a fever I suspect from infection from the wound suffered).

General Pajol concludes the very short notice he devoted to Fischer: "His life should be written with details and widespread in the army as an example and encouragement."

The Prince Soubise builds him a marble grave monument in Kassel. (I am yet to find its actual location)

If anybody can add to his story it would be greatly appreciated, also I could find no images of Johan Christian Fischer.

Uniform details
Chassuers
1744 Dark green coats, vests trousers, yellow buttons no lace, scarlet cuffs, collar, epaulette, dark green mirliton, white border, yellow fleur de lys, black belts

1757 grenadier green cuffs, vests, trousers, yellow buttons, scarlet cuffs, collar, epaulette, white fringe, black fur grenadier cap with fluer de lys brass plate.

1759 Dark green coats, vests trousers green cuffs, yellow buttons no lace, scarlet collar, orange epaulettes, dark green mirliton, white border, yellow fleur de lys, black belts, grenadier black fur grenadier cap with fluer de lys brass plate.
1761 Dark green coats, vests, trousers, yellow buttons no lace, scarlet cuffs, collar, tricorne white border, , black belts, green epaulette brown fringe (Dragons-Chasseurs de Conflans)

Chassuers a cheval
1744-49 Pelisse scarlet lined with gray furs, yellow lace, Dolman dark green, scarlet cuffs, yellow lace, Scarlet Hungarian trousers, black hussar boots, Mirliton black, white feather and cockade, yellow fleur de lys, Sabretache scarlet, with yellow lace, yellow fischer symbol, shabrache scarlet, yellow lace, yellow fischer symbol, yellow and scarlet barrel sash, black belts, brown saddle leatherwork and horse furniture, black sabre scabbard, brass fittings.

1749-53 Pelisse green lined with brown furs, yellow lace, Dolman dark green, scarlet cuffs, yellow lace, Scarlet Hungarian trousers, black hussar boots, Mirliton black, white feather and cockade, yellow fleur de lys, Sabretache scarlet, with yellow lace (one source has orange), yellow fischer symbol, shabrache green, yellow lace, yellow fischer symbol, yellow and scarlet barrel sash, brown leatherwork, black sabre scabbard, brass fittings

1753-61 Organisation

Staff
a staff with 1 colonel, 1 lieutenant-colonel, 1 major, 2 aide-major d'infanterie, 2 aide-major de cavalerie, 1 aumônier (Chaplian), 1 chirurgien-major (surgeon), 1 maréchal-des-logis (logistics officer) , 1 auditeur ( pay clerk), 1 prévôt(gendarme ou policier officer), 1 greffier (clerk of the court), 2 archers (gendarme ou policier) and 1 exécuteur de justice (privilege de prevote et de justice).

-1 company of 3 officers and 60 grenadiers.
The grenadiers company: 1 capitaine, 1 lieutenant, 1 sous-lieutenant, 2 sergents, 3 caporaux, 3 ansepessades, 1 tambour and 41 grenadiers.

-8 companies of 3 officers and 71 fusiliers.
Each company of fusiliers: 1 capitaine, 1 capitaine en 2nd., 1 lieutenant en 1er., 1 lieutenant en 2nd., 1 sous-lieutenant, 4 sergents, 4 cadets, 1 fourrier, 1 capitaine d'arme, 6 caporaux, 6 ansepessades, 2 canonniers, 2 charpentiers, 2 tambours and 72 fusiliers.

-8 companies of 4 officers and 40 Chassuers.
Each company of dragoons:1 capitaine, 1 lieutenant, 1 cornette, 2 maréchaux-des-logis, 4 brigadiers, 2 cadets, 1 trompette and 43 cavaliers.

Lieutenant-colonel commandant & capitaine en 1er de toutes les compagnies – Jean Chrétien Fischer
Aide-major de cavalerie – M. Thomas Fischer
Aide-major d'infanterie – M. Orbs
( I need to add more officers yet)

I have found no information for a standard yet, can anybody help?

References
Arch. War. - Pinard, Chron. Hist.-mil., VII, 527. –
E. of Ribeaucourt, Life millet. AD Fischer. –
R. Dupuy, Hist. 12th fighter, 1891, p. 18, 19.
Pajol wars under Louis XV, V, 366 and 367.
Funck-Brentano, Chuck, 1908, p. 270 ff.
Mouilard Plates
Funcken
Pengel and Hurt

Volontaires de Clermont finished

2010-10-26T03:42:00.000-07:00

Finally got a chance to take some acceptable pictures. I have started work on the mounted component and they should be finished by next weekend.

cheers
matt

Voluntaries de Clermont.

2010-09-05T22:05:00.000-07:00

Spring has sprung down under and finally my painting mojo has returned!

On the painting front I have returned to painting my own figures again after finishing off some more moderns, medieval and ECW for a number of mates. On the table at the moment are some Front Rank 7YW French light infantry so I have decided to do a unit from “Voluntaries de Clermont,” I have some conflicting information so I have listed what I have found, I have started my work in progress at the bottom of this article. Click on the images to enlarge.

History and Organisation
The Comte de Clermont, Louis de Bourbon (15 June 1709 – 16 June 1771).
A prince of the blood, he was the third and youngest son of Louis (III) de Bourbon, prince de Condé (1668-1710) and Louise Françoise de Bourbon, Mademoiselle de Nantes (1673-1743), a legitimated daughter of King Louis XIV of France and his maîtresse-en-titre Madame de Montespan.

The Comte de Clermont is perhaps best known to history as the fifth Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of France, the supreme Masonic authority in France. During the Seven Years' War, Clermont assumed command of the French army of the Rhine in 1758. On February 14, Louis de Bourbon-Condé count of Clermont-en-Argonne arrived at Hannover to supersede Richelieu as commander of the French army. Everything was in such a bad condition that Clermont supposedly wrote to Louis XV:

”I found your Majesty's army divided into 3 parts. The part which is above the ground is composed of pillagers and marauders, the second part is underground, and the third is in hospital. Should I retire with the first or wait until I join one of the others?”

An Allied offensive soon drove his army back to the Rhine. At the beginning of June, the Allies passed the Rhine and forced Clermont back to Rheinberg, then to Neuss. On June 23, Clermont was defeated at Krefeld by Ferdinand of Brunswick. After this battle, Clermont was immediately dismissed and replaced by Contades.
After the war, Clermont took part to the re-organisation of the French army.

The Comte de Clermont, Louis de Bourbon raised the “Voluntaries de Clermont” on May seventh 1758, 1800 men were to form 16 companies of cavalry and 11 companies of Infantry all foreign, including two grenadier companies. On August 15, 1758 difficulty of recruiting men the legion was reduced to 1,200 men divided into two companies of grenadiers, seven fusiliers companies and four companies of cavalry

Re-organisation in 1759 Clermont Prince theoretically had an organization of, 948 men dispatched into 17 companies with:
- a staff with 1 colonel, 1 lieutenant-colonel, 1 major,2 aide-major d'infanterie, 2 aide-major de cavalerie, 1 aumônier (Chaplian), 1 chirurgien-major (surgeon), 1 maréchal-des-logis (logistics officer) , 1 auditeur ( pay clerk), 1 prévôt(gendarme ou policier officer), 1 greffier (clerk of the court), 2 archers (gendarme ou policier) and 1 exécuteur de justice (privilege de prevote et de justice).

-1 company of 3 officers and 60 grenadiers.
The grenadiers company: 1 capitaine, 1 lieutenant, 1 sous-lieutenant, 2 sergents, 3 caporaux, 3 ansepessades, 1 tambour and 41 grenadiers.
-8 companies of 3 officers and 71 fusiliers.
Each company of fusiliers: 1 capitaine, 1 capitaine en 2nd., 1 lieutenant en 1er., 1 lieutenant en 2nd., 1 sous-lieutenant, 4 sergents, 4 cadets, 1 fourrier, 1 capitaine d'arme, 6 caporaux, 6 ansepessades, 2 canonniers, 2 charpentiers, 2 tambours and 72 fusiliers.
also two light guns: Swedes 4 pounders (I also suspect Amusettes)
-8 companies of 4 officers and 40 dragoons.
Each company of dragoons:1 capitaine, 1 lieutenant, 1 cornette, 2 maréchaux-des-logis, 4 brigadiers, 2 cadets, 1 trompette and 43 cavaliers.

In 1763 they became the “Legion de Clermont Prince”. On March 19, 1766 the regiment is named after his nephew the Prince de Conde and takes the name Legion de Conde. The legion was disbanded in 1776 along with all French volunteer units. The unit was then reformed as the 4e Regiment de Chasseurs-à-Cheval becoming the Regiment de Chasseurs de Bretagne in 1788, finally becoming the 10e Regiment de Chasseurs in 1791

Officers I have found for the of the legion from 1758 to 76
Lieutenant colonel le Baron de Blaisel until February 10, 1759
Lt Col Marquis de Comeiras, Captain au Regim, de chevalier, de Seyffel incorpoire and ci-dev. 1759 to July 1762 (captured at Zeirenburg in September 1760)
Lt Col M. Baron le Chevalier De Maille (not sure which year commanded)
Lt Col en second M le Chevalier de Blaisel

Maj (Lt Col) Count de bar Saint Romans
Col Com M. le Chev de Virieu
Maj M de Pagenflech
Maj Dahamel (dragoons)

Capt Inf
M. Beaucoufin
M. Thiery
M. Defruelles
M. Desfonties
M. de Beaulieu
M. de la Barthe
M. Cailet
M. Belbeze

Capt Dragoons
Marquis de Cheneviare
M. Cornier
M. Schwart
Baron de Coehorn
Machais du Blaigis
M. de Beauregard

Lieutenants Inf
M. Tourtoulon (capt 2nd)
M. Pafquet
M. Langenetiere
M. Vanlerberghe
M. Delpueche
Chevalier Duchafteler (aide-major d'infanterie)
Chevalier d'Hauterine
M. Buronne
M. Peyrony
Count de Mayria (I suspect this is Louis Joseph de Bourbon 9 August 1736 – 13 May 1818)

Lieutenants Dragoons
M. Dejean (capt 2nd)
Chevalier de Villereau (capt 2nd)
Chevalier de Cangey (capt 2nd)
M. Laval de Garner
M. Cauffe
M. Chateauneuf
M. Villereau
M. Gerard (Provost)
M. la Caiffe
M. Sujuy

In 1759, 1,200 Volontaires de Clermont marched with the duc de Broglie's corps in the german campaign of that year they captured two enemy standards (yet to find out which ones?). Almost all of the legion were captured in Zeirenburg in September 1760Marquis de Comeiras (colonel of the Volontaires de Clermont)was taken prisoner along with 40 officers and 400 men, 400 others were recaptured by the French during the skirmish.

Dragoon’s Uniform
1758-63 Buff coats, breeches (white in summer, red also depicted possibly the grenadier coy of the dragoons?), red collar, cuffs, lapels and lining and waistcoat. White buttons (pewter) white buttonhole lace on coat and waistcoat, red epaulettes.(some images have buff cuffs and collar and no lapels). Brass helmet with beaded red turban (cross hatched with yellow lace)with white egret, also images with brown fur turban black horse tail, buff cloak with red collar, armed with sabre, carbine and a brace of pistols, buff belts (white belts), brown cartridge box. Black knee length gaiters. Some images have a Square blue saddlecloth (Dr Marbots) with blue pistol housings or a buff saddlecloth with white and red lacing (Mouilard), Saddle and tack black or dark brown.

1763 Buff coats, breeches, red collar, cuffs lapels lining and waistcoat. White buttons (pewter) white buttonhole lace on coat and waistcoat, red aiguillette worn on right shoulder, buff pistol housings edged white with six red diagonal central stripes on the housing (I have seen no images of this yet) or a buff housing with three red fluer-de-lys.

1767 Sheepskin housings edged buff for dragoons, black boots

Infantry
1758-62 Buff coats, breeches (white for summer, red also depicted possibly for the grenadier coy?), red collar, cuffs (no lapels) lining and waistcoat. White buttons (pewter) white buttonhole lace on coat and waistcoat and white lace around the collar. Brass helmet with red turban with yellow cross hatching, a yellow (French Masonic) Maltese cross cockade, white aigrette (feather plume) for Fusiliers, red aigrette for grenadiers and a single red epaulette on the left shoulder, buff belts, brown cartridge box. White knee length gaiters for summer, black for winter. All OR’s were armed with musket, bayonet and hanger (short sword) with a red brown musket sling.

1763 Buff coats, breeches (white for summer?), red collar, cuffs (no lapels) lining and waistcoat. White buttons (pewter) white buttonhole lace on coat and waistcoat. Fusiliers now wore tricorne hats laced white, grenadiers in short bearskins with fleur-de-lye brass plate and red aigrette, red epaulette all ranks, buff belts, brown cartridge box. White knee length gaiters for summer, black for winter. All armed with musket, bayonet and hanger (short sword)with a red brown musket sling.

1766 Buff coats, breeches (white for summer), red collar, cuffs, red lapels, lining and waistcoat. White buttons (pewter) white buttonhole lace on coat and waistcoat. Fusiliers now wore tricorne hats laced white, grenadiers in short bearskins with fleur-de-lys brass plate, buff belts, brown cartridge box. White knee length gaiters for summer, black for winter. All armed with musket, bayonet and hanger.

Officers
1758-66 Buff coats, breeches (white for summer?), red collar, cuffs (no lapels) lining and waistcoat. White buttons (silver) silver buttonhole lace on coat and waistcoat, silver lace on waistcoat, buff belts. Brass helmet, with leopard skin turban, with a white aigrette. A silver aiguillette for officers on the right shoulder. Also I found images of a brown fur turban, with a silver fleur-de-lys and a red aiguillette. I have seen no images of an officer in a tricorne, although I think this may of happened, so my colonel will be wearing one.

Musicians
I could find no decent information on the musicians (as usual for Légion étrangère regiments) so I made some semi educated guesses, based on the musicians of the Conde Infantry regiment and the Bourbon-Conde family colours (buff and red).

Brass helmet with red turban, yellow lace and white aigrette, Buff coats, breeches, red collar, cuffs lining and waistcoat. Six buff laced red reversed (upward point) chevrons on each sleeve(conjecture based on Bourbon Conde house colours), with buff swallows nests laced in red on the shoulder (conjecture, based on the Conde dragoon regt), White buttons (silver) silver buttonhole lace on coat and waistcoat, buff belts, brass drum with the Bourbon-Conde coat of arms, azure (blue) field with three golden Fleur-de-lys couped by a small red baston (based on the conde infantry regt drum).

Artillery
The legion was also iisued two light guns qouted as "sweedes", 4 pounders, I will use the fine Eureka 3pdr pieces for these. I also suspect amusettes may of been issued also, because at the seige of Zeirenburg four light pieces were captured by the British and Hanoverians, then the French counter attack recaptured two of the pieces back. Also the Fusiliers de Montagnes and Chasseurs de Fischer were issued them. I intend to scratch build one of these or get my mate mike to do it for me.

Colours
the colours below were carried by the Legion from 1758 to May 1763, a white cravat with mixed yellow and red cords I suspect, I think they also would of carried a kings colour, but if anybody knows for sure please leave a message below. In May 1763they were ordered not to carry any colours or drums into battle so I suspect they then became a true light infantry unit used for skirmishing, screening and outpost duties .

croix blanche, deux cantons ventre de biche à un losange en diagonal rouge, deux cantons rouges à un losange vertical ventre de biche. Just resize this one for your figures.

Since Front Rank do no standard bearers,musicians or extra officers I decided to have a shot at sculpting some helmets on some spare French officers, and musicians and I have left the colonel in his tricorne, here is the result so far.

If anybody has further information please let me know.

Cheers
Matt

further notes and assumptions
Information deciphered from:-
Alexndre Dr Marbot plates,
Mouilard plates
Funcken plates
I found an image of the grenadiers in short bearskins from 1760 from an image from the Royal Library Madrid collection, found in Rene Chartrand’s "Louis the XV’s army, light troops and specialists".
Voluntaires de Saint Victor were incorporated in 1763 which may of caused the hat change?
Officer Names were taken from the"gazette de France"
Universal magazine.

Terrain revamp

2010-08-08T02:41:00.000-07:00

The last few days in Goulburn have been exceptional winter days, frosty mornings and around 13 degree days with no wind. Today I decided to do a bit of a re-org in the shed, I bought two new storage boxes so I pulled out the terrain boxes and doing some re-sorting of buildings, trees, hills, fences, hedges etc

After I divided the trees into evergreen and other I decided to re-flock some and build a few more, last year I bought a heap of Woodland Scenic’s pine tree armatures that in my opinion failed to look like pine trees when flocked so I bought some Noch readymade pines instead. I have about sixty of the armatures so I have decided to turn them into Popular trees for lining roads, driveways etc. So I hunted through my supplies box and came up with a small amount of rubberised horsehair which I use for making my trees, added some glue to the armatures then waited for 15mins to become tacky, then attached the horsehair, waited another ten minutes then trimmed the tree to shape, then sprayed the tree with spray adhesive and added some Noch light green flock, waited for it to dry then sprayed with hair spray to seal it. I managed to make six popular trees before I ran out of flock, so off to a model railway shop this week for more flock supplies and whatever else I can find of interest.

On the painting front ACW, ECW, and ancients have been on the table, on the horse and musket front some WSS is next in line along with a few more moderns.
Cheers
Matt

Goulburn Valiant Stormers Swap Meet!

2010-07-22T01:38:00.000-07:00

Goulburn Valiant Stormers

"White Lead Elephant, car boot swap meet"

24th of July , Saturday 10 am -3pm
8 Railway Parade Marulan.

Weather permitting..it will be quite cold but should be dry...

Bring a blanket card table whatever and all the stuff you are going to NEVER read, paint or play with and sell trade or swap with others of a like mind discuss what you intend to bring or what you intend to pick up on this thread here

http://passageoflines.50.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=1220

We can get about 25 cars into the backyard so there should be enough room? A goodly distance between Canberra (1 hr 20mins) and Sydney (1 hour 40 mins) ..sausage sizzle coffee and tea available at the location and local eateries and coffee are part of the general ambiance.

Bring lots of bags or boxes to carry home your loot and lots of small notes, it is very hard to get change around here . Bring a raincoat and an umbrella and don't park on the railway side of the road, you will get a golfball through your windscreen!

cheers
Matt

Study and Reading

2010-07-08T02:58:00.000-07:00

Well not much happening in the Horse and Musket period for myself at the moment, with the clubs focus on ACW last month, and Ancients and ECW in the next two months. My painting table currently has ancients Romans and Sassanids, ACW (my last unit), some moderns and ww2 Germans on it at the moment.

However everything is not that bad as I need to get my digit out, because we are leading up to the clubs "Lace Wars" Convention on Sat 16th & Sunday 17th November at the Goulburn Soldiers Club, with everything Horse and Musket on display, most of us at the club are planning something, possibly three games from the club, WSS, 7YW and FIW along with the long awaited New Release of 'Wartime Miniatures' Hanoverians, which have been a long time coming but worth the wait!

In the meantime I have been collecting a number of books after a few suggestions from some friends, so lots of searching going on and asking questions about the best for the ........army.

My first purchase was 'Historische Uniformen', off a good chap on TMP who also added Alan Sapherson's Active Service Press Austrians and Prussian Basic Guides. This is just excellent even though it is in German (which I can read a little)it has some excellent plates and great cuffs, lapels and turnback guides for all of the 7YW and Napoleonic armies and even travels up to the Franco Prussian war.

Then I picked up this after searching for something else:-

Soldiers Accoutrements of the British Army 1750 to 1900. Just an excellent book for re-enactors, sculpters and wargamer painting guides!

But my most exciting purchase and Find so far (I just couldn't Believe it!) I picked up a volumes 1 to 4 first editions of "The History of the Uniforms of the British Army" by Cecil C.P Lawson. 1 book was in the USA $30 Aus, one in Australia $60 Aus and two in the UK $120 Aus inc postage! Only one doesn't have its dust jacket and all are in exceptional condition. Forget your Ospreys guys, these books are the definate collection for all of you Anglo British Gamers and historians out there, lots of descriptions, unit history, colour plates and BW drawings to feast your eyes upon!

I have resisted reading them this week while I try to finish of my ww2 and ancients minis, then onto WWS French and my 7YW British. While browsing Ebay I came accross listed in the wrong location French Musketry drill 1755 so its on its way!

Our club is holding its first "White Lead Elephant" swap meet on the 24th of July a the Cardinals house, full details next week or look here to see what will be in the carboot sale

Also I was hoping to get to Historicon in the US this year with Colin, but we decided to spend cash on a secret project which i will inform you about in the coming weeks.

cheers
Matt

Sextet in the Garden!

2010-04-18T23:01:00.000-07:00

Well I finally finnished my Eureka Sextet, I decided to base them so I could move them from a graden party to a interior easily for photographs. These figures were a nice change to paint, I just need the rest of my civilians done so I can then hold a garden party!

Back at it

2010-03-22T18:01:00.000-07:00

Well guys, finnaly getting some powdered wigs and warpaint on the table after our clubs WAb BC tournament so back to the table. My birthday was last week so I recived a few presents from the guys and the good Wife. Frank gave me the Eureka whale hunting crew which I promptly undercoated and should have done by the end of the week and some French 20mm WW2 figures, Dave got me some more Romans, Craig has promised me the new WAb 2.0 and Boyd bought me a Confederate Generals kepi. The kids bought me some books on the Greek Persian wars.

I have been painting Eureka's new Fredick and Voltaire and the musicians which I am putting together for a Garden party command vignette. I have also been finishing Bruce's Prussian btns bringing them up to 24 figures. I thought I would post some pics from the last lace wars game I played last year, the Prussians (painted by me about 5 years ago) are from Bruce's collection and the WSS French (painted by Dennis Oliver) are from Dave's collection.

cheers
matt

Looking for Motivation

2010-02-16T14:02:00.000-08:00

Well it has been a few weeks since I have painted someting to do with the Horse and Musket periods so I decided to watch last of the Mohicans and have a look around the net what I did find was a short French clip of the French Indian War, well worth a watch, It has done the trick and this week I am working on more French and some Indians

cheers
matt

Back from furlough!

2010-01-21T02:06:00.000-08:00

Well back to Sunny Goulburn after Christmas Holidays at Mum and Dad’s Farm at Glen Innes three weeks of no models and painting........it almost killed me.

Glen Innes was amazing compared to Goulburn, the grass was green and long, the cattle were fat and the river and dams were full. I managed to pick off a number of bunnies (132) with my son Louis as went for a drive around the property; it didn’t stop raining for almost two weeks so it became quite soaked we managed to get bogged three time. I went and had a look at my brother Tom’s new Horse complex that is almost complete and his new house additions, I helped him with his Fine Quarter horse stallions at his horse stud (as all of the staff were on Christmas holidays), collecting semen for export to the USA, Germany and around Australia (not at all fun!).

We then travelled up to the sunny Gold Coast and spent a week at Currumbin on the beach (well 100m away from the apartment) and went to the fun parks with the kids. We then travelled back down the highway to Forster to visit Grandparents and then back to Goulburn. We arrived home and decided to move rooms around and we painted my sons room (my old storage room and office) and did a big clean out all during the 40 degree Celsius heatwave we had. This week I finally got back to my desk to finish of Dave’s Romans and paint some stuff for sale at Cancon.

I managed to get quite a haul of books for Christmas just about all relating to the period:-
“Swords for Hire” The Scottish Mercenary James Miller
Malplaquet 1709 Christopher Scott
Raumillies Marlborough’s masterpiece Neil Litten
Oudenarde by Christopher Scott
“Storm and Conquest” The battle for the Indian Ocean 1809 by Stephen Taylor
“Birds of Prey” Wilbur Smith

I have finished “Birds of Prey” and I found it to be quite a good read, the book is based around the Dutch wars in Africa, Pirates, the battle for Ethiopia vs Muslim invaders and the Grail and was a seven out of ten for me. I am currently half way through “Swords for Hire” which is excellent so far with lots of short stories and campaign snippets mostly so far from the 30 years war, and the Polish Succession, well worth the dollars I think.

This weekend is Cancon (Australia’s largest convention) and I have a shed load of miniatures to get rid of as I have had a bit of a clean out, while I await my miniature display case to arrive in the coming week, I have gone through lots of boxes and storage bins, cupboards etc and reduced my terrain boxes so off to market they go.

I have also started a painting priority list for the next three months and a guide for the remainder of the year, I have come up with a meeting list for the club and a outline of the program for the year so I have some goals to shoot for.
I plan on finishing a number of left over projects from last year, finish my FIW British and French, my Imagi-nation army, 1/1200th Napoleonic naval and start my French WSS and Sassanids.

cheers
matt

Silly Season is upon us!

2009-12-16T02:11:00.000-08:00

Time has flown and another Christmas is upon us, lookig forward to great year ahead, a change of jobs and delving into the WSS. Well time to go over the years achievments on the painting front

20mm WW2 French 1 Regiment of 72 figs and paint five plastic tank kits
20mm Aircraft kits x 3 (French, German and Finnish)
28mm Warlord Celts about 100 figs
28mm Foundry Polish Renaissance 64 figures
28mm First Corps Republican Romans 220 figures
28mm Napoleonic German Battalions 156 figs
28mm Napoleonic Elite French 110 French 1805 Ligne
28mm Napoleonic Elite French cavalry 96 figures
28mm Napoleonic Elite eight Guns and crew
28mm Foundry ECW seven pike and shot blocks 240 figures
28mm Foundry ECW ninety six cavalry
28mm Old Glory 96 Scots
28mm 22 Civilians and 6 wagons etc for Horse and musket
28mm First Corps Imperial Romans 236 figs
28mm First Corps 90 Germanics
28mm Front Rank FIW 20 French
28mm 40 ww1 French (Sold)
28mm 40 WW1 Germans (sold)
28mm 30 Warlord ECW (sold)
28mm 180 Perry, Vitrix Napoleonic Brits, and French 1815 (sold)
28mm Bob Murch and Foundry Pulp figures 50 miniatures
28mm Gripping Beast 30 Vikings and 40 Late Romans
28mm Skanderburgers 32 infantry, 3 guns and 12 cavalry (mixed manufacture)
1/1200th 6 ships Napoleonic French and Dutch wars

No where near what I had hoped for the totals, but I did manage to finish two armies my ECW Royalist and the Imperial Romans (which had there first run last weekend). My lead pile did grow though so I need to concentrate on finishing a few more armies this year.

My display case is almost finished and I am looking forward to finally putting a large amount of my painted lead on display. I should be able to do a few pics after we return from Holidays. This year I intend to keep a record of purchases and painted so i can keep track of the lead pile!

Priorities for 2010
28mm WW1 Australian light horse
20mm modern Australians and Afgans (for demo game)
28mm Pulp and terrain for Feburary
28mm A & A Sassanids
28mm Front Rank WSS
Rebase 28mm Normans
28mm FIW British and French
28mm French 7YW
28mm Napoleonic French Infantry and cavalry and rebase and touch up some more German States Infantry
20mm Germans reorg and paint a absolute ute full
20mm WW1 aircraft.

I hope to take some pics in the holidays of my new table that i am doing for the Pulp game.

Have a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

cheers
matt

Guilty by Association

2009-11-22T20:06:00.000-08:00

It’s Dangerous when several wargame’s mates get together and discuss the upcoming year and what projects we would like to do for ourselves and the club in the New Year. Earlier this year Greg and I decided to buy and build a few Dutch Wars Langton Ships. The Langton ships are things of beauty I was quickly hooked, being quite ignorant of the Dutch Wars I searched around for some suitable books on the Age of Sail Naval period as this was my first foray into Naval gaming, I also bought some Napoleonic French and Spanish Langton ships to add to the lead pile and to play Boyd, Greg, Craig, Dave’s and Marks Fleets. I am yet to finish these off 100% as the rigging is difficult for my big pudgy fingers, and a little frustrating to say the least and I cannot believe the time that it takes, however the effort is worth it when I look at Boyd’s (see the British ships in the post below) Craig’s, and Mark’s beautiful work on them.

Last month I managed to have a lovely shopping trip on Amazon looking for suitable books on the Dutch Wars, only I ended up buying books for War of the Austrian Succession, War of the Spanish Succession, Nosworthy’s Anatomy of Victory and several Napoleonic books, and yes one lovely book on the age of Sail, I managed to blow my monthly budget entirely so no new figs for the next month or so!

After reading a few of the books and having a chat with Greg we have finally decided to dive into WSS period, Greg already has a reasonable sized Foundry Anglo Dutch Army it just needs a upgrade, Dave also has a lovely Foundry French as does Grant and I have a number of French and Spanish Front Rank minis that are in the lead pile, although I am interested in doing a Bavarian army for the period. I just love the big wigs and floppy hats and ridiculous vanity of the period.

The next discussion was what rules to use as we all have different ideas on scale and army sizes, Dave, Bruce and I tried Under the Lille Banners, Battles of the Ancient Regime and British Grenadier (which I like all three sets), Chris, Guy, Rex, Adam and Chris M like Might and Reason, and finally Greg and Grant want to use the Warhammer ECW Variant and Craig wants us to try the new Blackpowder rules so still a little more discussion and play testing required.

I am a fan of 1 figure represents 20 men scale as I prefer the role of brigade/ division commander over a full army commander so that rules out Might and Reason for me. I am interested in trying Blackpowder and the Warhammer variant also.
I would like to do Ramillies so I can build a mixed army of some sort and include the Garde Horse and Foot, but as a French defeat probably not a good battle to pick for aspirations, I am also interested in the Italian peninsula too and some of the German Catholic minor states and Bavaria.

On the painting front I have been doing my Langton ships, some more Indians and French militia and I plan to finally do my Conquest “Last of the Mohican” personalities for the Steve Dean Forum painting contest. Also lots of other things on the painting table at the moment, some more Pulp figs for my club scenario in Feb next year, also Craig’s 40th Birthday coming up soon so I need to complete some more Imperial Romans for his birthday games day in December and finish painting my 7YW French regulars .

I am also excited as my new display cabinets should arrive in three weeks so lots of reorganisation and period shopping lists will be made for the new year’s projects, I will leave you with a few WIP pictures of my Dutch Wars ships which I hope to finish soon.

WIP Langton ships

Cheers
Matt

Lace Wars 09

2009-11-15T01:08:00.000-08:00

Well a great day after three of the games pulling out at the last minute, we did however end up with some fine gaming and many laughs from the familiar crew at the club. I did think about naming and shaming those who failed to show, but I will let it pass as we all had a grand time at the Napoleonic congress two weeks ago, and I am in a forgiving frame of mind since the passing of Kevin last week.

Guy, Rex, Chris M, Chris and played two Pulp 7YW games, which judging by the fine gentleman behavior much fun was had by all. Lots of people in true character made for the typical kreigspeil pulp game, some sample pictures mostly from the second game below

Boyd and I played a fine Naval game using the Trafalgar rules, the British had 1 second rate, two third rates and one fifth rate frigate, the French arrived with one second rate, one third rate and one fifth rate, sad to report the French were smacked badly with the second rate and the fifth rate also sank (after the unsporting broadside by one of the British second rates) the only victory that the French managed was the British first rate managed to sail off the table! I do have a theory if I had managed to fully rig the French ships they may have fought better, some shots from the game!

Some shots from the FIW game

cheers
Matt

A tribute to Kev Jowett

2009-11-12T22:58:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday the 3rd of November many of us in the Australian Wargaming community lost a great friend. Kevin Jowett (of Battleline Scenics) passed away at the still young age of 44 from a heart attack.

I had only known Kev for about three years and we shared retail space at Cancon for the last two years, we went out for dinner, joked and laughed, and talked about new projects, and were looking forward to the 2010 event.

I am sad to say we never gamed together, as we lived 1100 klms apart, although we both promised we would one day. Kev and I both shared the same love of 7YW and Napoleonic French and planned to travel and visit the great battlefeilds of Europe, and visit the "big shows" in the States and England in 2011.

Kev was my Australian supplier of Front Rank, Mark Fenlon and First Corps miniatures, he was always fair in his dealings and carried some supurb terrain pieces also.

He will be sorely missed by myself, his fellow Fire Brigade officers, our wargames community, and his friends.

Kevin leaves behind his lovely wife Chris and his two boys, Oliver and James. Mine and many others hearts go out to them.

Rest in Peace Mate

cheers
Matt

Jibberish and ramblings

2009-09-13T22:44:00.000-07:00

Been busy painting guys, but tonnes of ECW, some Pulp (supur Bob Murch Figures) and some Elite Napoleonics, and work has been very busy as spring arrives here in Australia.

I have taken some pictures of the recent ECW infantry and some cav and bits and pieces. Some nice Perry, Foundry and Eureka mostly, and some old glory were added to the now oversize army, 9 pike and shot blocks of 24 figs each, and about 60 odd Horse and some dragoons, and lots of mad Scottish rabble! Hopefully all completed for the ECW club game on the 20th of September.

Back to Napoleonics for the remainder of the next two months in preparation for the Australian Napoleonic Congress on the 31stof October and 1st of November. Then back to 18th century French for Lace wars in November!

Managed to slip a few things in the shopping basket also, more plastic warlord games celts, some chariots and some cavalry and a number of ww2 books and mixed Ospreys. Also done a contra deal with a mate, I paint his figures and he puts together all of my plastic kits, I dug through my supply shed and surprise, surprise I had about 60 kits that needed to be built. Chris has finnished about 30 of them in four weeks, so hopefully I can pick the rest up soon, then the hard bit starts painting them!

cheers
matt

Skanderberg to fore!

2009-07-20T19:31:00.000-07:00

The Grand Duchy of Skanderberg

Capital Kavje
Ruling hereditary Family
Markgraf Ferdinand II von und zu Skanderberg

Forelle
Main geographic feature of the district are the five lakes - the Starnberger See and Ammersee, as well as the smaller Weßlinger See, Wörthsee and Pilsensee. The lakes were formed by the glaciers of the last ice age. Hence the district is also called Fünf-Seen-Land (five lake county). Excellent trout fishing is found in these lakes along with duck hunting. Great hunting can also be found Wild pheasant, boar and deer abounds in the woods.

The Herrenchiemsee is a complex of royal buildings on the Herreninsel, an island in the middle of the Ammersee, Skanderberg’s largest lake, 60 km south east of Kavje. The Augustine Monastery Herrenchiemsee, later converted into the Old Palace (Altes Schloss) and Herrenchiemsee Palace, also known as the New Palace (Neues Schloss) are the most famous of these buildings and are the biggest of Otto von Skanderberg’s palaces.

The Forelle region supports the largest Geworfene (commoners) and is the main trading centre of the nation. It also raises the most infantry and specialist arms.

Vore
The mountainous Vorsicht ranges are steep and treacherous mountains and home to very tough people. It is renowned for Andechs Abbey, a Benedictine monastery that has brewed beer since 1455. The winter palace was built by Burggraf Ferdinand I, Baron of Skanderberg in 1576 who ordered to re-construct the great Burg of Vore controlling the mountain passes. It was the venue of numerous battles also under his successors. The Duchy recruit’s a lot of its light infantry from this region, as they are tough and independent men and are excellent marksmen. The great winter hunt also occurs in the wild mountains and woods, men of nobility hunt for the groß Ziege (the great Goat) and de berg Wolfe and the rare der weißer bar (the white bear, who’ s pelt is used for the grenadier officers and regimental drummers bearskins)

Kreuzung
The wide plains of Kruezung make for excellent horse breeding and the grass plains for raising of livestock, it is also the breadbasket of the nation, a great trade of wheat, legumes and cabbage is done in the “crossroad” city. Many foreigners have nicknamed the city Kreuzung the windy city which tickles
the Geworfene (commoners) to no end. The majority of the battle line cavalry and some light cavalry are also raised in this region

History

The first known document of the Skanderberg’s from 30 September 1360 for Wyker Frosch in Mainz. The Skanderberg’s wereBriefadel (newer nobility) receiving their Nobility by patent after the gallant defence of the pass of Vore against the Ottomans in 1456. The Skanderberg’s have since that day controlled the Vore and the Forelle, only later conquering the Kreuzung from the Muslim invaders.

The Nation of Skanderberg has mixed ethic and religious views, the Forelle is entirely Catholic and the Vore mountains are a mix of Catholic, Orthodox and the plains of Kreuzung are a good mix of Catholic, Orthodox and Muslim. The ruling Nobility have recognised that the Muslims are better traders and horse breeders so have turned a blind eye to the Muslim religion in the Kreuzung valley, whereas the Muslim and orthodox religions are somewhat persecuted in Forelle.

The army is quite mixed with the Forelle Infantry and Artillery being somewhat European in Uniform and drill whereas the Mountain troops who in the majority are orthodox, dress in a eastern style with long robes, always armed with muskets and Nadziak (short axes) and in Kreuzung, the cavalry have three types: - Hussaren, Lancers and Reiter (heavy cavalry) and some Geworfene infantry mostly in eastern dress, they mostly fight in the eastern style and are almost indistinguishable from ottomans in dress and weapons.

The Officer corps is small but well rounded and educated in the art of war due to the constant border trouble in the east

The Skanderberg’s have always looked towards the emperor for leadership and almost follow his lead every time.

see you on the feild!

A long time between drinks!

2009-06-09T02:36:00.000-07:00

Well gentlemen long time between drinks,

lots of painting done but sadly not much in the way of the 18th century, late Romans, Imperial Romans, Celts, some 20mm ww2 French and Polish Renaissance have hogged my little painting time I have had. So this weekend just passed the Queens Birthday holiday here in OZ, I decided to get my digit out and take a few Pics and post them up. These are all from the from the French Indian participation game at “Highlander” , and a few pics of some Front Rank wagons and Militia I have done in the last 4 months, I will post the pics from the Might and Reason game also later on in the week.

cheers
matt

80th Foot "Gages light Infantry"

2009-02-17T23:50:00.000-08:00

In May 1758 Colonel Thomas Gage raised a unit of 500 light infantry at his own expense. They proved useful throughout the war but especially in the suppression of Pontiac's Rebellion in 1763-4, when, at the end of the SYW, a number of tribes (especially in the Great Lakes region) rose up against the British as a result of dissatisfaction with the British policy of treating the Indians as a conquered people, in contrast to the previous French policy of conciliation. The regiment is best know for the fighting at Bernetz Brook on July 6, 1758, just two days before the Battle of Ticonderoga. .

Uniforms and Colours of the regiment shall remain a subject of speculation.
Some sources speculate that they carried no Colours at all. Thought as to their
uniforms seem to run the gamut as well; ranging from 'brown coats with brown
facings and black buttons' to 'light brown coats with white facings and flat
yellow buttons' to finally 'scarlet coats with orange facings and yellow buttons.
The 80th Regiment of Light Armed Foot was disbanded in Canada in 1764.

I have used the Front Rank figures to represent my first company of Gages light Infantry, with two more coys yet to be finnished. I went with the med brown coat with brown facings as it was easy to do. The individual officer figure looks a little dark as I tried to achieve after five shadow on his face, it looks better in the flesh.

cheers
matt

Supply

2009-02-17T23:42:00.000-08:00

I have been working on some fine front rank wagons and some foundry pack animals to make up my 18th century supply trains. The front rank range is excellent and most equipment is available. Here is the first wagon i have finnished as i have three others on the go at the momement.

I will take some photos of my Gages Infantry that is finnished and my French militia also.

Cheers
matt

1 year old!

2009-01-31T23:31:00.000-08:00

Well the last 12 months has certainly flew along since I started this blog, I am happy with my progress of my foray into the Lace wars period. I have had about 4500 page hits on this site in the last 12 months, a big thanks to those who have linked from their blogs and websites. The encouragement from reader’s comments on TMP and various other discussion boards and websites has helped me try to keep up with my promises.

My main goal this year is to get the Goulburn Wargames Club “Lace Wars” convention off the ground, I also intend to this year complete a few more units of my British and French 7YW and FIW armies and make a return to AWI in some way.

On the British Army front, I have replaced all of my British First Corps figs with Front Rank figures from the Wolfe’s army range of FIW figures. I have also joined the Battlescape group build for a Hanoverian mainland Army, please if you have interest on a correctly uniformed figure for the Hanoverians, please join the battlescape’s groupbuild.

Front Rank figures will also fill up the ranks of the French European army which need to get a move on for our Lace Wars Convention. I am eagerly awaiting Conquest’s French line will replace the First corps and FR figs for the Line infantry for FIW. I have already bought some Conquest Coureur De Bois and Canadian Militia to replace the Front Rank light French Infantry.

I have also recently purchased a bunch of Conquest and Perry Indians to add to the Indian warbands, this will bring the warbands up to about thirty figs each.

On the AWI front I picked some Foundry British light Infantry on the second hand stall at CanCon, so they will make it to the painting desk very soon, I also managed to pick up some more Eureka miniatures, one gun and crew and few command figs at Moab last year. I hope to soon get the guns and crew painted in the coming weeks.

Still building a few wagons and bits and pieces, and a few buildings, I will post them in the coming weeks as I complete them.

Cheers
Matt

CanCon "whew"

2009-01-28T00:54:00.000-08:00

Well this year three of us shared space with Kevin Jowlett from Battleline Scenics, at the Canberra Convention. Colin, Kendo and myself bought along a lot of goodies for sale, a good 95% of the figures for sale were well painted and based examples of wargames figures (this is what we aim for).

Colin finally finnished selling off his entire FOW american division (as seen in the original army book centrefold) its only taken three years! Kendo had a fine selection of very well painted 28mm figures and a few 20mm. Myself I peddled miniatures that I pick up from flea markets and ebay during the year, paint and then sell, the profits I pour back into new figures for my current armies.

Several thousand dollars changed hands over the weekend, but sales were down on previous years, and I discounted a lot just to move it along, as it was I returned with three unsold units which is unusual.

I did purchase a reasonable amount of figures and books, I picked up a ACW book and two scenario books, FR FIW figures, some FR WOTR figs, some 20mm french vehicles and guns and some 20mm buildings, and finally a few bags off other flea market stands, to sell in the future.

What am I working on at the moment within the period, some FIW gages light Infantry and some line infantry, I will post them on the weekend.

cheers
Matt

Back into the Breach!

2009-01-15T23:52:00.000-08:00

I trust everybody had a grand Christmas and a superb New Years celebration.

I had a very Family related holiday and a quick break down the coast where I managed to read three books in a wee as I decided not to take minis to paint as usual. St Nicholas was very generous as i sent him a extensive list of needs and wants and he didn't fail!

Late last year after a long discussion with Boyd, Greg, Dave and Guy I finally sat down and made a list of what I have half completed this year and a new painting schedule for 2009, so I can up with a list that revolves around our club plans and games for the year.

This year I really want to put a dent in the unpainted lead pile, so I have promised not to buy or start any new periods (sorry retailers), or armies until I have put a very sizable dent in the boxers of unpainted lead and unmade plastic kits.

The guys down at the club will try stopping me from spending my cash on some new flight of fancy, so for the first time in years I have made a list of items required to complete armies instead of starting new ones ( I will publish this next week as I need to make the list before Cancon)

As I play a multitude of periods from 2500BC to moderns and only two scales being 20mm WW2 and 28mm for everything else, I plan to finish a number of half done armies that are making my lead pile look almost depressing.

I also plan to paint and sell off some half painted armies that are laying around, as I am a fairy quick painter, If put my mind to it, I have only two weeks till a major convention so I had better get my digit out.

As the year progresses I will post pictures of my projects and as this Blog is for horse and musket stuff I will only post related items here, the remainder will be on my other period blogs.

My Goals this year is to complete my French Napoleonic (16 battalions of 32 for GDB), my French 7YW (10 battalions), and my Republican Roman and Allied army (4000pts for WAB)the plans are flexible as long as the goals are completed by the end of the year I will be happy.

January Plan
Paint 40 ww1 28mm French (for sale)
Paint 40 WW1 28mm Germans (for sale)
Paint five battalions of Foundry Napoleonic Russians (12 figs each For sale)
Paint 96 Foundry Napoleonic Austrian’s (for Sale)
All of these are to be sold at Cancon in Canberra and most are at 50% or more

I also plan to start 28mm Foundry Polish Renaissance army 106 figures for the Guild Surprise Build and so I can play one of my mates Cossack or Imperial armies (see Scott Robinson's Blog Wab Ramblings)in late Feb or early March

February Plan
20mm WW2 French 1 battalion of 30 figs and paint five plastic kits (required for a ww2 Rapid fire 1940 club game) currently at 50%
28mm Ancient Germans and Celts about 60 figs (part of my Roman army and the Germans are for the first corps website) currently at 60%
28mm Foundry Polish Renaissance army 90 figures (for the Guild Surprise Build )
28mm Republican Romans (complete this army) shields, basing and faces hand and thirty cavalry, currently at about 70%.

March Plan
Complete Polish Renaissance!
20 and 28mm Buildings I want to finish a number of Resin Kits that are yet to be painted, all are built and two are actually finished out of 30+ buildings.

April Plan
7 years war Front Rank French four Battalions of 24 figures (some battalions are at 80%)
French Indian War Conquest and Perry minis 30 figures (more Indians!)bare metal!
20mm Germans 160 miniatures most are at 70%
start 28mm Baron wars army

May Plan
28mm Napoleonic French Infantry 140+ figures in 32 figure battalions with skirmishers some are at 50%
7YW Front Rank French continuation
finnish 28mm Vikings off 50 figs at 80%

June Plan
28mm Napoleonic French Infantry continuation
20mm 60 German Volksturm miniatures (bare metal)

July Plan
28mm Napoleonic French Cavalry three regiments of 24 heavy cavalry
20mm German vehicles numerous (+30) plastic kit and resin kits (bare)

August
28mm Napoleonic French Cavalry, three regiments of 24 heavy cavalry
28mm War of the Roses army and start scratchbuilt Castle (partial completed)

September
Revisit 28mm Napoleonic German Battalions (Rebasing and touch ups and new GMB flags)
ECW 28mm three pike and shot blocks at 70%
finnish War of the Roses army and start scratchbuilt Castle

October
Revisit 28mm Napoleonic German Battalions (Rebasing and touch ups and new GMB flags)
ACW 28mm Perry Union Brigade for JR3 most at 50%

November
Revisit 28mm Napoleonic German Battalions (Rebasing and touch ups and new GMB flags)
Finnish off 28mm Babylonian chariots and infantry (actually built just need some finer detail done)
ECW cavalry and more scots and Irish legion

December
Start 28mm First Corps Imperial Romans none started 120 figs
Start 28mm A and A Sassanid’s 70 figs

Well there it is,

I have a few Armies I would Love to start this year that are bare metal, my Byzantines, Jacobite 1845, 1815 British Brigade (180 figs) and Nassau Regt of 70 figs and 60 more Samurai and scratchbuild a early Baron wars castle.

I have also committed to the 7YW Hanoverian Group build at Battlescape and some Eureka 100 18th cent club builds which technically don't breach the rules as I signed up in 08!

Now back to the work bench
Cheers
Matt

Silly Season is approaching!

2008-12-09T04:07:00.000-08:00

Sorry guys I haven’t posted lately but I have been very busy with work lately with the economic downturn our company has laid off about 100 people Australia wide, I still have a sales position but my area has tripled in the last month and we have closed our Canberra office, so my car is now my office, I have driven almost 12000klms in the last 10 weeks so little time for painting, and with the silly season approaching I won’t improve till I am on holidays in two weeks.

I have been reading a lot (as I have been staying in Hotels a bit) and I have bought a number of great books in the last 10 weeks. Whilst I was competing at the Australian Pipe Band Championships in November, I picked up a few books from one of the highland suppliers, l will give you a short review of these period books I have picked up.

For all of those people who love the Jacobite rebellions of 1715 and 1745 (like myself) you will enjoy “the White Cockade” and other Jacobite tales by Stuart McHardy.

A cracker of a read with lots of short stories and tales of the coming of the Stewart’s and the support and loyalty of the Catholic Scots, McHardy is a great storyteller and has gathered a wide selection of tales which paints a vivid picture and really captures the feeling of frustration among the faithful Jacobites and their doomed cause.

I rate it ten out of ten (as I am one of the faithful!)

The second book is “Culloden Tales” by Hugh G Allison, another book of short stories and tales from the Jacobites perspective.

Unusually past and present tales are told, history of the clans and the Jacobite Regts that fought and died for the cause makes this book a great buy and has really got me fired up about painting up some of the FR Jacobites that I have awaiting some TLC. The Author works as a guide on the battlefield and he relates stories that he has gathered over the years he has worked there. I found it to be a most useful book that filled in a few gaps especially about units and clans that fought on Scotland’s most famous battlefield.

I rate it ten out of ten (see above rating explanation!)

I have been painting a little, some 18th cent supply wagons should be done this weekend, I have also been busy adding to the lead pile, I will get some pictures up later this week.

Cheers
Matt

"Ticonderoga" Moab 2008

2008-10-10T04:00:00.000-07:00

Well Guys the event finally happened, Andrew and I arrived a little late on the Saturday morning for set up so I called ahead too Andrew P so he could reserve our table. On the first day we had several "Brother against Brother" skirmish games after socializing and doing some shopping. Then I played about with the terrain for Sunday’s setup, as we ended up on a smaller table than expected, lucky I didn't finish the purpose built terrain for the table and used our clubs very transportable "TTSFN" (Total Terrain System For Now) which consists of styrene hills with removal blankets draped over it and a dyed cotton drop sheet. It worked well with the log emplacements I built, although a little small.

Not all of the French or British Regts I had planned made it to the table and I am ashamed to admit a few actually were based but not totally finished but still fought on the tabletop, however most actually were finished and I was very happy with the result, Scott also finished all of his promised French and British but failed to finish his Provincials.
We played the game twice on the Sunday with the British overwhelming the French both times, the Provincials were as outstanding and the French Dice were abysmal. Three of us actually knew British Grenadier quite well so the game flowed very smoothly, with rare checking of the rule book itself for clarification, we “gouburnised” the rules a little and changed a few things to speed up game play and do away with some book keeping. I had a very rare opportunity to lead my French to Defeat twice, Andrew was rolling like a girl and every time it counted it was a shocker.
Scott, Nathan and Andrew P lead the British to a resounding victory’s twice, with one or the other French flanks folding and then the centre collapsing in both games. Funnily enough the Scots copped terrible casualties in both games and stalled in front the abatis, never really contributing much except to look pretty, the Indians also helping to make that flank look very pretty but not achieving much.

Here are a selection of pic’s from the weekend enjoy!

42nd Foot "Black Watch" Lord John Murray

2008-10-01T05:02:00.000-07:00

At Ticonderoga the 42nd wore buff facings, the flag is from warflag is for the later uniform change in 1758 after becoming a Royal Regiment and becoming a blue faced regiment.

History
The 42nd arrived in North America in 1756 and was garrisoned in Albany, New York. On July 8, 1758 during the Battle of Ticonderoga, the 42nd participated in the famed charge on the French lines and attempted to storm the breastworks on Ticonderoga Heights, losing over half its number. On July 22, 1758 the 42nd Regiment of Foot was given 'Royal' designation, becoming the 'Royal Highland Regiment'. King George also authorized the raising of an additional battalion. This 'second battalion' was sent to the West Indies, seeing action at Martinique, and the capture of Guadeloupe in 1759. Later that year, the 'second regiment' joined forces with the 'Old 42nd' at Fort Oswego. Albeit speculation, perhaps this 'regiment' was simply reinforcements, clad in the new 'blue-faced' uniform, and carrying the new Colours. In 1759 the 42nd 'Royal Highland Regiment' took part in the siege of Ticonderoga and the capture of Crown Point, and was present for the French surrender of Montreal in 1760.

I am embarrassed to say that due to time constraints, I had to have my Highlanders painted by a good friend (and saviour) the good Cardinal, otherwise they would not of reached the demo table in time for Moab, these are the first figures i have ever commissioned so I am happy to say that I am very happy with the result.

I really hoped to have a crack at these lovely Front rank figures from the Jacobite rebellion range. I have as yet to due a grenadier company perhaps in the future I will do some myself.

Uniform

The 42nd highlanders wore the black watch (government set) full plaid pinned on the left shoulder with a brooch, red short jacket with buff facings and white lace with plain metal buttons, blue bonnets with a white feather, black belts and cartridge pouch a brown leather sporran , a short broadsword hang from a black belted baldric from the left shoulder, the hose were red and white diced (they probably wore Indian cloth leggings at Ticonderoga though)black shoes and brass buckles, metal fittings on the musket with a brass butt plate, buff or plain leather sling. Officers were marked by red sashes and gold Aiguillettes and lace and buttons. The Grenadiers of the Highland Regiment were allowed to wear Bearskin-Fur Caps, with the King's Cypher and Crown over it, on a Red ground in the Turn-up, or Flap The drummers possibly also wore the bearskin too, the drum had a buff body with the royal cypher with red hoops and white cords.

There are a few a arguements that surround a number of issues in FIW for this regiment, the first is that the Pipers wore the Royal Stewart, this is how I had the cardinal paint him, as musicians were paid for by the colonel.

Finally a red vertical pin stripe in the in the original plaid for all ranks not just the Grenadiers.

Cheers
Matt

27th Foot (Lord Blackeney)

2008-10-01T04:35:00.000-07:00

27th Foot (Lord Blackeney)

Flag from Warflag

Allowed to wear, in the centre of their colours, a castle with three turrets; St. George's colours flying, in a blue field; and the name Inniskilling over it.

During the French and Indian War, the 27th Foot saw action at Ticonderoga and Crown Point, and were present at the French surrender of Montreal in 1760.

I have painted my 27th regiment as per the 1751 regulations, The Coat, waistcoat and breeches are Brick red, the coat cuffs, lapels, linings, in the 27th buff facing colour. I refrained from painting lace on the hatmen (as the first corps figs have none) but the grenadiers and the drummers were suitably attired in white and yellow lace (as they are Front Rank figs).

I painted a white stock around the neck, white shirt cuffs, brown marching gaiters with black leather garters, black leather shoes, a black cocked hat trimmed with white, a black cartouche pouch with a buff leather should belt and buff waist belt. The long socket bayonet and the brass hilted short hanger sword, both sheathed in black scabbards, with brass tips. A tin water bottle with a plain rope is slung across the shoulder, along with a brown cowhide knapsack with natural leather straps and a natural canvas haversack. The musket has metal barrel and fittings and a brass but plate, with a buff sling.

Officers normally marched with fusils instead of pole arms, the officer lace, buttons and gorget was silver, Officers and NCOs wore a red sash either around the waist or accross the right shoulder, yellow gold aiguillettes and cords.

On the Grenadier Mitre Caps, the Castle was painted on a buff field, as on the Colours; White Horse of hanover and King's Motto on the red Flap, the rear of the cap had a buff band with a red monkey back with white lace, with a white grenade on a blue lace surround.

Drummers mitres as for the grenadiers except kings cypher, the uniform is in reversed colours with white lace, the drum had a buff feild with the three turreted white castle in the centre of a blue oval, red hoops and white cords.

"Under the Pump"

2008-09-29T05:49:00.001-07:00

Well with one week to go I am well and truly under the pump for completion, I have't posted for a while as I am busy trying to finnish everything for the Convention for the Labour Day Long weekend, I have also started a new job so I have ben only home on weekends, I have managed to take some French figures with me and I am confident I will finnish the 5 French batns completely. The British only require the drummers and the command stands to be based and standards placed on them.

My Highlanders are being done by the "Cardinal", the first time I have ever had anything painted for me for a very long time, but without his help I would neve of got the scots onto the table at all.

I have completed the log wall and another 140 trees for the table and finally solved the abatis with a seaside brush tree, it looks good.

I hope to take a bunch of pics on friday (as I have a half day then). Here are a few progress shots from the painting table, the finnished btns without basing and flags are on the right hand side.

cheers
matt

Provincial New York 3rd battalion

2008-08-27T15:23:00.000-07:00

Ok finnished another Provincial Batn, these figs are all early Front Rank Figures which I got off Kendo for my Imagination project, so since I had them laying around I decided that they should become a battalion for our Ticonderoga game, I decided not to put anything on the drummers mitres as this will be redone when I start my 18th century imagination and they will be sticking with the green theme for this project also.

I have decided to add all of the research I have on these guys also, and I will continue with this theme for the remainder of the painted units, so people can benefit from my work.

Col Oliver De Lancey’s New York Regiment (1300 and 1700 all Ranks)
1st Btn Lt Col Bartholomew LeRoux
2nd Btn Lt Col Melancthon Taylor Woolsey
3rd Btn Lt Col Beamsley Glasier

The New York Provincial Troops were wearing 1751 Regimental Uniform Coats that were Blue and had facings of red, with Blue waistcoats and breeches and Black cocked hats. Their firearms and accouterments, for the most part, came from home. By the end of 1757, the New York Provincial uniform was beginning to change, as their Regimental Coats were changed from the Blue Coats faced with red to Green Regimental Coats faced with green, and this would be the uniform that the New York Provincials would wear until the end of the war. (The Green colour was called a "Yellow Drab" and is not unlike the olive drab worn by the Military today.) The Officers in the New York Provincials were not issued their uniforms, and clothing, and therefore had to purchase their own uniforms, and clothing. In the early war years (1756 and early 1757,) the Officers were found in Red Regimental Coats with Blue or Green facings, and their lace was gold. As in the case of the enlisted troops by the end of 1757 the Officers began wearing Green faced green Regimental Coats with silver lace. But the colour of the Green of the Officers coats was a darker forest green. In the year of 1758 there were some other alterations to the Uniform of The New York Provincial Enlisted Troops, such as their hats brims were cut down to 2 1/2 inches and no longer "Cocked", their accruements were the same as was issued to the regular British troops, (but, instead of white leather belts, the New Yorkers wore natural leather or buff coloured belts.)

The drummers I have done are purely made up, the other two batns will be Eureka miniatures.

High, Ho Ranger!

2008-08-25T19:48:00.000-07:00

Well my Conquest Rangers are done, and what superb figures they are!

I decided to go for a mixture of clothing but sticking with a limited colour system so they all fit together, these guys are no particular ranger companies and some I have even painted as regulars in true campaign uniform.

They were a absolute pleasure to paint with not much flash and no excessive lines to delete (although a few had annoying ones) all pieces of equipment were well moulded and they figs all seem to have a bit of life about them.

I am so impressed by these guys I think I will sell my Front Rank Coureur de bois and Rodgers Rangers and replace them with conquest ones, some time in the future.

Enjoy the pictures and leave a comment if you have any questions!
Cheers
matt

Warpaint

2008-08-19T23:04:00.000-07:00

Well here they are, I finally got a good painting run on to finish off my “Conquest Woodland Indian’s”. These figures are just exquisite and I was a little intimidated with them, I hunted around the internet for some inspiration and came across the Robert Griffing artwork and other peoples work, along with the Osprey on woodland Indians.

As with all of my figures I based coated with Matt Black Auto Primer and then decided upon the most difficult decision the skin colour!

I ended up choosing a Games Workshop Colour “Tanned Flesh”, which I think captures the feel for me (some may disagree on the shade). I used GW Fleash wash over the entire figure after the base colours were on, this darkends the recesses nicely so I don't need to black line as much.

The hair and feathers gave me a few challenges, as originally I tried to paint a blend of red, black and white along with porcupine quills in them. I eventually gave up and stuck with bright red for a theme of red decorations and top knots and roaches etc, to tie all the figures together, I then went for neutral breech cloth, leggings, moccasins and leather work. I used brighter contrasting colours to pick out details and add a little colour to equipment and leggings.

I picked out the armbands, jewellery, torques and gorget’s primarily in metals, which looks very effective against the warpaint.

I then moved onto warpaint, the most difficult thing to achieve convincingly on models IMO. For the red warpaint I used GW Red than Magenta ink using several layers to achieve the desired effect. For the black warpaint I used thinned GW Chaos black and armour wash, I am extremely happy with the effect I have achieved with this. I tried a washed out yellow but it didn’t look 100% so I dropped the idea.

The weapons also had a few variations I used Vallejo and GW for the stocks and the bows, I then added some warpaint to a few just to mix it up a little along with brass and metal fittings.

All in all I am very pleased how these guys turned out, I hope they don’t run away when the first sign of trouble comes their way.

Cheers
Matt

More additions to the Colours!

2008-08-11T18:56:00.000-07:00

Sorry about not posting as much as I should but we lost our camera charger this month and we only found it on Saturday.

I have finished off a couple of more things, primarily more Provincials another three battalions of 16 figures (I think I will expand them to 24 as it works better and looks better). I also decided after much discussion on TMP, that I would like to give my Provincial units flags, so as the colonel I did!

The Kings colour being on the red field and the colonels on a white, just so I have some more colour on the battlefield and units without flags don’t fight very well!
Along with the Provincials I have finished a number of Conquest Indians, which I will post this weekend when I complete more.

I also started on the log wall which the French will fight behind and some more trees for the tabletop, I now have about 260 trees ready for the game, with another 60 to complete.

The British battalions are all at about 90%, the hatmen company’s are all done, and the commands and mostly done just waiting on drummers and finials from Front Rank also.

Also in the Front Rank order will be Gages light Infantry and Rodgers Rangers, along with the Highlanders and the Grenadiers for the combined Grenadier battalion.
Only 7 weekends to go, until our display game.

Cheers
matt

Lots of Work In Progress

2008-07-02T23:34:00.000-07:00

Well, finally my orders have started to roll in, started on some British Line and more provincials, rangers and more Indians.

My British are first corps figs and they look ideal for the FIW, I have six batns of these guys, not to much detail either lace wise so they will be quick to paint, No drummers though so I needed to order some with my second Front Rank Order, One battalion of 30 has almost been finnished (minus Grenadiers who will also be in the second FR order)I have also started some Conquest Rangers, these guys will be a mixture of uniforms so i can use them for a bit of everything from militia, rangers, farmers etc, the Conquest Indians are almost ready to ink and then complete (after painting tribal tattoos, warpaint and beading), the remaining three battns of Eureka figs also are awaiting a lick of paint along with all of my Front Rank French which have arrived and I cannot wait to get a brush to them.

here are some progress and workbench shots.

cheers
matt

Washington

2008-06-22T04:29:00.001-07:00

After taking some pics and talking to Kendo, he pointed out the saddle has no stirups! Perhaps thats Washington is standing!

Movement at the Station

2008-06-22T04:05:00.000-07:00

Finally Finished Eureka's Washington and his dogs Vignette, its been 80% done for a couple of months now, still quite happy with the result, I doubt he will get any game time soon though. Still a very nice model to paint, I think I've done the dogs some justice.

Currently painting some First Corps British but still searching for some suitable drummers to go into the units, possibly I will buy some Front rank Minis (which my British Highlanders and light Infantry will probably be)

The rest of my French Front Rank figures should all arrive this coming week, so they will be sitting patiently to be painted behind the British and American troops.

Last week I started to think about terrain and if I will use a drop sheet or build my tiles (which I have been meaning to do for years), drop sheets are a hell lot easier to carry and more adaptable when you are unsure of the available space for a display/ participation game. Tall trees are also a talking point at the club at the moment, thinking about removable tops so the troops can travel about easier, specifically the tall Canadian types.

Back to the painting table for me, only 14 weekends till the big event.

Cheers
Matt

Carillon (Ticonderoga) 250th Anniversary

2008-04-14T23:50:00.000-07:00

Well the anniversary of the battle of Carillon/Ticonderoga is coming up this year and a group of us are conducting a demonstration game on the October long weekend in Sydney at the Mother Of All Battles Convention.

We are currently in the early stages of planning and painting of the troops involved, I have started with my colonial regiments and finished one of the five I intend to have on the table, I also have started my Conquest Indians and colonial rangers, soon my French will hit the table, (along with a few new British and French that have just been ordered). I have started sketches of what the table layout will be, and started thinking about the multi function table layout.

The first day we intend to conduct the landing phase and the early skirmishes before we setup the assault on the heights and trenches of Carillon on the second day. The first day we will use Brother against Brother rules and on the second day British Grenadier rules, hopefully we will get the results we are after.

I hope to post my first unit of Indians this week.

Cheers
matt

Whew, I'm back

2008-04-05T01:49:00.000-07:00

Well finally things are settling back to normal after the New Zealand Piping Championships at Papakura, south of Auckland. Our band had two weeks playing and holidaying before we returned home to Australia , 6th was our best place for the event.

We returned to Australia for one weeks rest before attending a highland gathering at Bathurst and then Brigadoon at Bundanoon today, then a fortnights rest before Anzac day in Goulburn.

On the painting table this week doing some Conquest colonials and started the Indians after settling on a paint scheme, hopefully some eye candy out in the next week or so, also thinking about building a few blockhouses and frontier cabins, before moving onto the purpose built terrain for the MOAB convention.

Cheers
matt

Woodlands

2008-02-18T00:51:00.000-08:00

Well this past week I have been working on some very fine Woodland Indians from the Conquest 500 Nations Range. These are some of the best Indians I have ever set eyes upon, and frankly I am a little intimidated by them, as I want to achieve a beautiful paint job to do justice to the figures. I have about sixty figures to paint in total and I will be attacking them in batches of ten, so I will stay fresh, I will paint some Conquest Colonials to get a change of pace. I hope to have a unit out before March.

Further news, on our planned Demonstration game front, Scott Robinson and myself will be conducting a FIW demonstration Game at MOAB (Mother Of All Battles) convention here in OZ in October, Scott will be supplying most of the line troops, (French and British) I will supply a number of Indians and colonial troops, we will be using the British Grenadier rules with 1 figure representing twenty men, as no one has volunteered to do the Scottish Regiments, perhaps I may have to have a crack myself!

I will be starting the terrain after I return from New Zealand Pipe Band Championships and a family holiday in March , so stay tuned for a few tutorials, then.

cheers
Matt

Massachussetts Provincial Regiment

2008-02-06T00:17:00.000-08:00

The First of My French Indian War Provincial Regiments, Massachussetts provided six Regiments for the Ticonderoga campaign. They predominatly wore blue jackets with red facings, my reference for painting them was from the Knotel plates, I guessed that the officer lace would be white (silver) as the buttons were, but I could be wrong!

I am seeking a standard for these guys as I have no references as to what they carried, maybe someting similar to the British line "battalion" flag is my best guess, If anybody knows please answer my querry on the 18th cent message board on TMP (total Miniatures page).

The Eureka figures were a pleasure to paint, and I am very happy with the finnish I achieved with this unit. The Eureka figure I believe will also suit the British 60th Foot Regt (Royal American) uniform, as the cuff flaps and cuffs are as not pronounced as British uniforms.

This unit will hopefully take to the table with a few other Provincial regts and British and Indian allies for a demo game in October. I did think about giving the officer a musket or fusil, but I decided to use the spontoon.

Cheers
Matt

Eureka 28mm American Provincials

2008-01-28T16:27:00.000-08:00

I was excited to hear from Nic at Eureka that the FIW figures were available for me to pick up at CanCon, after a hiccup late last year with the greens.

Eureka are forging ahead with some new releases for the French Indian War range through the 100 club system, the latest hot of the press for those members who subscribed to the 100 club are the American FIW Provincials, those who ordered large numbers of figures receive theirs first, and the remainder of you will need to wait till later in 2008, so to wet your appetites, I thought I would do a short review on these figures.

These figures will be suitable for the Provincial regiments that fought in the war in Canada. The privates all have tomahawks and either turn backed jackets or plain jackets and all muskets have bayonets. The officers and Nco’s have sashes and swords, and have the option of halberd or musket, there is no standard pole included. The faces are well sculpted with great expressions (not that I am any good at getting expression with my painting of them). A great number of the figures will also double for AWI, and perhaps some of the fictional 18th century armies could be influenced to pick up some also.

First I will look at Washington and his dogs.

100AOR56 George Washington with horse and dogs – 4 piece

A lovely mini diorama, was produced by Alan, a dismounted Washington with two dogs and a horse, the sculpt is excellent with minimal flash, the horse looks small thats because I mounted the other figs on two cent coins and he was placed at the rear. Washington looks fine and dandy!

My favourite figures are the firing line, especially the ready posed figures.

Ready

100AOR50 F&I Wars Provincial Regular Infantry firing (4 )

The classic straight legged marching pose has been captured well with these figures.

100AOR51 F&I Wars Provincial Regular Infantry, advancing (4)

I like these figures, however I personally would of liked an officer with a drawn sword pose also, I may convert one or two with some spare swords that I have, laying around. I will probably add them to my AWI Regts for variation

100AOR52 F&I Wars Provincial Regular Infantry Officer (2)

The drummers are excellent, and I will probably add them to my AWI Regts for variation, especially the advancing figure.

100AOR53 F&I Wars Provincial Regular Infantry Drummer (2)

The ensigns have nice poses especially the standing figure.

A nice Nco figure, that will tell the privates to remain in the ranks!

100AOR55 F&I Wars Provincial Regular NCO (1)

Overall I am very impressed with these figures, I am thinking of buying some extra commands and mucking around looking for similar uniformed AWi regts to the FIW regts I paint so I can just change the command stands and viola more AWi troops.

I hope to get the first battalion done by this weekend.

Cheers
matt

Why Fine and Dandy

2008-01-24T19:48:00.000-08:00

When I was thinking about giving my 18th century blog a name, Fine and Dandy was thought of first, so here it is!

This Blog will focus on me and my friends 18th century miniature Wargames armies. I have always dabbled in this period and I love the gentleman like atmosphere. This period has lots of colour, fortifications and savages and it’s before the total war of the Napoleonic period.

The thought of buying a commission or raising of your own regiment appeals to me (my wife would say “allusions of Grandeur”), I could see myself quaffing fine brandy and port, eating stuffed pheasant, riding outstanding Hessian horseflesh on the hunt, or creeping through the woods worried about some Indian taking your scalp, or a scallywag Freicorps jager, or cheeky Yankee sharpshooter, taking potshots at you on some battlefield, leaving the men “having at one another, without restraint”!

I have armies for the French Indian war (French, Indians, British, and colonials for both sides), 7 years war (French) and the American War of Independence (British and Americans), with one unit for a French Marlburian period also.

All of my figures are 28mm and will be listed as to what manufacturer they belong too, I hope also to do some figure and book reviews from time to time, and just for something different some scratch built buildings and terrain.

I have not settled on any particular sets of rules yet, but I tend to lean towards the 1 figure represents 20 actual men scale or skirmish.

I intend to have a skirmish participation game ready for Moab later this year, so that will be the initial focus, than I intend to complete my 7YW French army.

Next year I hope to conduct a lace wars convention, possibly in the middle of the year, but I will need a little support from the guys at the club, before enough momentum is started.

So now to fulfill my promises!

Cheers
Matt