Monday 30 December 2013

18th Century coach

I was looking for a commercially available coach but couldn't find one that I liked that was affordable. I asked about for advice and finally came to the conclusion that I would scratch build one. The wheels are from Irregular miniatures, the team from Old Glory and the figures used are converted from ones bought at Guildford Courthouse battle site. The only addition I may make is to put some coach lanterns of if I happen to find any available. I'm not sure how I would scratch build them effectively. So all in all, this was free to build (in a way) as as the bought bits were from my bits box.






Tuesday 26 November 2013

Windmill

To start off, I suppose I should say that the initial plan was to build a small road side tavern. The shop in town which used to be my source for balsa closed a while ago which just leaves me with what I have in stock. This reserve, unfortunately, wasn't enough to build the tavern so I fell back onto a plan to build a windmill that I have had on the back burner for some time. It was meant to be a generic mill which could be found in 18th century Europe or North America. The one I had in mind, in particular, was the one which stood near Quebec City in what is now the grounds of Des Braves Park. I don't know what this mill would have looked like, nor do I know if anyone else does but I would have guessed that this wouldn't be a million miles away.
The construction is mostly made from balsa with some toilet paper used for canvas on the sails. The flour sacks are made from Milliput and the block and tackles and the ladder are from the bits box.








Friday 22 November 2013

Trois Rivieres Militia

Just finished this bag of Canadian Militia by Galloping major http://www.gallopingmajorwargames.com/index.htm.

That gives me a six figure unit for Trois Rivieres and another six figure unit for Quebec. The plan is to get another bag to paint up as Montreal Militia and then to add two officers to each of those three units when I get round to buying the Militia officers bag.


Tuesday 12 November 2013

Indian tree burial

This is something which I built a little while ago and has finally made it to the blog. The trees were made from twigs picked up whilst out walking and the foliage is horse hair with model railway scatter applied with spray glue. The platform was also made from twigs and bound together with cotton. I made a dummy from balsa to make the body shape and then covered it in tissue paper with a PVA glue solution carefully applied. The base is made from another useful, recycled CD.


Galloping Major free Rangers

or those of you who aren't aware, Galloping Major have some figures, not available in their normal range, which they will give away when you buy four bags or more from them. This is their 'soldiers free' Ranger.
These are also the last couple Rangers which I have to paint. That brings the total up to 26.


Sunday 10 November 2013

Warships and Naval Battles of the Civil War

OK, it doesn't say which civil war so I'll tell you. It's the American Civil War. That really gets on my nerves but that's the bad part over and done with.
Anyhoo...This large format book is exquisite with each page detailing a different ship from the conflict including ship stats and a complete history, complemented with colour illustrations. There are also some double page spreads with beautiful full colour illustrations of specific battles with a write up about the action in question. At the back of the book, there are alphabetical lists of all the boats from the ACW detailing the type of ship and its size.
If you are an ACW gamer or would like to become one, this is THE book to buy. Really, find it and buy it now!


ACW Naval

I thought I would prevent these two books together as they complement each other perfectly. These books are exhaustive on the subject matter and are full of black and white photographs and illustrations. You'll find information about the ships, battles, and their crews including uniform details. They may not be cheap but they are well worth the money for the ACW naval enthusiast.


The Siege of Quebec

This account by John Knox is the definitive, first person, account of the campaign to take Quebec in 1759 and comes beautifully bound and in a lovely Folio Society box. Knox also goes on to describe the battle of Sainte Foy and was present when Montreal capitulated. Another notable character featured in the tale is an, at the time, little known mariner by the name of James Cook. If you're going to read any account of the battle for Quebec, this is the one to read.

Library

In the coming weeks, I shall gradually be compiling a list and basic synopsis of books focusing on North American warfare. Hopefully this will be of use and I would also welcome suggestions for additions to this list. I may also have the odd obscure references which I picked up at various fortresses and historic sites.
These publications will be found in the 'Library' section on my blog.

Saturday 9 November 2013

Redoubt scalpers set no4

This is the fourth and penultimate set of scalpers from Redoubt Enterprises.


Friday 8 November 2013

Savage Wilderness

This novel by Harold Coyle isn't half bad. The central figure is a '45 refugee and we follow his trials and tribulations through the French and Indian War. It doesn't do anything special but it is an enjoyable read. He has also written some novels about the American Civil War.
ps Isn't that cover awful? Glad my copy doesn't look like that.



Where Right and Glory Lead

The story of the battle of Lundy's Lane 1814 by Donald Graves. This is the key battle in my favourite part of the War of 1812, the campaign for the Niagara Peninsular. If detail is your thing, this book is right up your street. A clear and enjoyable account of the battle which is backed up with an examination of the opposing forces right down to the weaponry used. You will also find an extensive list of bibliographical references if you want to look into matters further.


Thursday 7 November 2013

Provincial officers

This is an AWI British command pack from http://www.perry-miniatures.com/ which I have painted up as Provincial line officers for my FIW Project. From left to right, they are from the Massachusets, New York and Connecticut Regiments.



Narratives of the French and Indian War


This two volume set is excellent if you want a 'boots on the ground' feel for this conflict. It conveys, very well,  the great distances involved and also the hardships suffered by the people, both civilian and military.

Monday 4 November 2013

This is the third of the scalping dioramas from http://www.redoubtenterprises.com/.
I just have two more to paint to complete the set of five.


Saturday 2 November 2013

Scalping diorama from http://www.redoubtenterprises.com/



Friday 1 November 2013

Rogers Rangers command pack from http://www.gallopingmajorwargames.com/



Thursday 24 October 2013

Sleepy Hollow box set from http://www.bluemoonmanufacturing.com/ the pumpkin scarecrow is scratch built.


Sunday 13 October 2013

Rangers personality pack from Rangers personality pack from http://www.gallopingmajorwargames.com/



Sunday 29 September 2013

Redoubt scalpers

The first of Redoubt Enterprises scalping sets.