The Kingdom of Wittenberg

What's a cooking ...

2012-02-16T05:26:00.000-08:00

The main focus of my painting in the next few months will be to try and get the bulk of my 40mm project finished (still some casting to do from Prince August and Creartec moulds), the aim for each side is to have 6 battalions of infantry, 1 light battalion, 2 regiments of cavalry and 1 artillery battery. Current status:

Wittenberg:
6 battalions of infantry - 4 done,
1 light battalion - done,
2 regiments of cavalry - done,
1 artillery battery - done.

Saxe-Jarlsberg (an ally of Monrovia):
6 battalions of infantry - 3 done,
1 light battalion - part done,
2 regiments of cavalry - 1 done,
1 artillery battery - done.

My 28mm collection has been reorganised slightly. The Monrovian army has been tidied up, generals repainted, a couple of units re-flagged/swapped to bring them up to a strength of 9 regiments of cavalry; 12 infantry regiments; 2 light battalions and 3 artillery batteries.

The Wittenberg army has some additions planned: regiment of Cuirassiers, regiment of Dragoons and a light/jager battalion.

Also the palace facade may get a facelift, plus maybe some more interior rooms to make (banquetting hall perhaps - a bit of challenge that would be !)

Some much to do, so much fun to have ...

40mm: Beware the Hook

2012-02-11T03:19:00.000-08:00

There's a new outlaw operarting on the roads in the southern parts of the kingdom Wittenberg , known as 'the Hook'.

The Hook and his 'family' hold up a carriage ...

Hook and family are from the Irregular Miniatures 42mm pirates range; the range conatins some eminently generic figures and were so nice I bought them to add to my 40mm outlaw/militia/civilans.

Monrovian Generals..

2012-02-02T11:54:00.000-08:00

I've been tidying up by Monrovian army (storage etc) and while I was at it I thought I would redo the command stands, I had a couple based already and added some static grass to them; the other two are newly based..

First off General Warfuren (on the right) with his aid...

next General Zeinite (on the left) and his aide ..

General Stricknein (hat raised) and his aide ...

and finally the new commander (freshly painted) of the army Field Marshal Count Malpurgo Belladona (waving his baton) with his aide ...

a closer look at Belladona.....

Princess Elisenda crosses the border into the Duchy of Fenwick

2012-01-29T04:23:00.000-08:00

After Princess Elisenda and her party left the palace they spent a couple of days journeying north, they stopped for a short spell to stretch their legs by investigating the old roman ruins at Karsdorf.

Then on they went till they reached the border town of Harrusbrücke . A small escort of Fenwick horse grenadiers prepares to lead the convoy on ...

Zomverre V Monrovia: Withdrawal Ordered ...

2012-01-28T10:36:00.000-08:00

King Francis I of Monrovia has been discussing the situation of the army in Zomverre with his military advisors. Since the defeat at Pomeroy and the narrowly averted destruction of the army at Dornitz there had been much talk in court circles. The King was told of the current state of the army, supply problems, difficulties with communications and the poor weather. They also told him of the strength of opposition and the involvement of hired troops from the Duchy of Fenwick. None of the advisors would make a clear statement on the course of action to take next.

The King sat in his chair and thought for a while.. He then stood up and said:
King: Count Malpurgo Belladona
Count: Yes your majesty ?
King: Count, you will take control of the army in the field, you are now the Field Marshal, you will relieve Stricknein of his command. Bring the army back.
Count: Yes sire ...

Get them home !

King Francis spent a fretful evening worrying about the army; unable to sleep he donned his favourite suit of medieval armour and wandered the royal apartments ...

40mm: Saxe-Jarlsberg Dragoons

2012-01-28T06:41:00.000-08:00

The Saxe-Jarlsberg dragoons (Prince August home casts) have been reformed and re-equipped for the upcoming campaign season, here they are on parade ...

they march past Count Pottensdorf ....

Princess Elisenda departs ...

2012-01-24T04:20:00.000-08:00

After a late breakfast the Princes and her companions prepare to leave Wittenberg palace; the King and Queen have come to wish them a safe journey ...

The Princess will take the route north through the Duchy of Fenwick, avoiding Monrovia and then onwards to her next stop on her journey to France.

Princess Elisenda's last day at the Palace

2012-01-23T04:15:00.000-08:00

After organising the packing of her things in the morning, in the afternoon she took a walk with her companions and some members of the court in the palace grounds so she could see the llamas..

In the evening she attended a musical soiree held in her honour, she enjoyed the company of the court and the attentions of many young men seeking a chance to dance with her later on ...

The evening continued late into the night with much dancing ...

Princess Elisenda goes for an unusual ride ....

2012-01-21T11:50:00.000-08:00

The court inventor Georg Cantor has invited the King, court and local notables to a demonstration of his new invention. The King has given permission for the demonstration to take place in the palace grounds. As the invitees assembled they saw Cantor directing his men unloading a number of carts ...

They layout large reams of fabric and a large basket, then connect it via a long tube to some huge barrels (which contain the new gas Helion, recently discovered by Cantor). As the numbers of spectators increased they watched the fabric inflate and then after few minutes a large ball shape object floated off the ground, held by a tether. A wave of consternation and fascination surged through the spectators ... "Your Majesty, my Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen a balloon for flying up into the sky" announced Cantor.

Everyone is astounded and amazed, Princess Elisenda turns to the Marquis and can only say "Truly Amazing ..."

Cantor then asks, would anyone like to go for a short flight. There is a short pause and the King steps forward - "Yes Cantor I will ascend to the heavens with you ..."; before she knew what she was doing Princess Elisenda ran forward and joins the King - exclaiming "I'll go too !". They climbed aboard the balloon and Cantor let go the tether and up they went. They saw a nice view down one of the parkland driveways ...

They then ascended higher and higher....

While Cantor kept control of the balloon the King and Princess marvelled at the view to the north

and looked down on the parkland below ...

After a few minutes Cantor slowly let helion gas from the balloon and they descended slowly to the ground and landed with a slight bump. The ballon was a secured and the King and the Princess and those assembled returned to the palace and talked endlessly about the afternoon's events.

It would not suprise you to know that later on in the day in private the King was scolded by his wife for taking such a risk with his life in one of Cantor's flakey inventions; Princess Elisenda was also reprimanded for her impulisve behaviour by the Marquis, the Princess didn't care as she had such an exhiliarating experience.

Princess Elisenda attends a shooting party ...

2012-01-19T10:14:00.000-08:00

Josep Antoni the Marquis of Rubí is invited to do some game shooting in the palace grounds. Princess Elisenda, Antoni Folc de Cardona the Archbishop of Valencia (still in a monks garb, I wonder why ?) and their manservant accompany the Marquis.

The participants blast away merrily at the game flying from the woodland (the beaters are being kept busy) ..

Princess Elisenda watches as the Marquis tries to pot some game, even the Archbishop is taking part (apparently he used to go shooting with his father in his youth before taking holy orders).

Princess Elisenda goes on a small boat trip ...

2012-01-17T12:02:00.000-08:00

The members of the court and visitors to the Palace enjoy a walk in the grounds by the lake. Suitable entertainment is provided by the palace musicians in the pavilion. A boat is provided to take those who wish on a little sailing tour ...

Princess Elisenda and her manservant enjoy their little cruise ...

Princess Elisenda meets the King ..

2012-01-15T03:41:00.000-08:00

Princess Elisenda and her companions Josep Antoni the Marquis of Rubí, Antoni Folc de Cardona, Archbishop of Valencia (travelling in a monks garb) and their young manservant wait to be introduced to the King and Queen,

They are introduced to the King and Queen by Count Hermann ...

The King and Queen are delighted to meet the young princess and invite her to stay for a while to enjoy the diversions and facilities in the palace and its grounds, with an open invitation to afternoon tea.

Princess Elisenda arrives at Wittenberg ..

2012-01-14T04:20:00.000-08:00

Princess Elisenda and her party after having crossed the border into Wittenberg (see here), have finally reached Wittenberg late in the afternoon; after a stayover in Reichenstadt (the capital of the province of Gerundia), waiting for the roads to be passable again following the cold weather and snow during the Xmas period.

The Princess's convoy arrives at the palace gates (rebuilt since the visit of the Reich Duke of Beerstein), as the uhlan escort moves off, an officer from the King's chevalier garde arrives who will lead them up to the palace...

The princess and her party are greeted by the palace chatelain ...

The wagon carrying the baggage is being directed to the 'servant's entrance', the chevalier garde officer informs the princess's escort where their quarters will be and where they will be allowed to go in the palace grounds and the city of Wittenberg ...

The chatelain leads the princess's party through the main entrance hall to show them to the suite of appartments they will use during their stay ....

They settle in for the evening, taking a meal in their rooms. They have been informed they are to be presented to the King the next day.

to be continued ...

A cast of ...

2012-01-14T03:45:00.000-08:00

A shot of the bulk of the the figures seen cavorting round the Palace of Wittenberg (there are some seated figures not shown here). A slow accumulation over the years of various figures from various suppliers. A mix of Minfigs, Jacdaw, Foundry, Front Rank, Willie, Old Glory, Redoubt, Blue Moon.

I haven't got any of the Perry civilian AWI range; are there any more ranges that anyone can think or ? The hunt for more suitable figures goes on...

40mm: Mornin' campers ...

2012-01-12T12:03:00.000-08:00

Tent makers have finished their work and all is now finished at the campsite.( I made 7 ordinary tents plus one larger officers tent.)

Forge and blacksmith at other end, supplies and visiting water cart...

40mm: Some tents for the big fellas ..

2012-01-10T12:17:00.000-08:00

I received a pack of 10 white hankerchiefs for Xmas, hmm I thought they could be useful for something (apart from their normal function). Material for tents ! I needed some tents for my 40mm collection, so I scaled up the cardboard former I used for making my 30mm tents. One former ready to try out the hanky sourced tent ....

A hankerchief was cut in quarters, I used one piece and glued/stretched it round the former. Then cut the ends and glued them down, final touch I used a black fine marker pen to indicate the ties on tent flaps.

Looks OK to me, an order for more has been made to the tent-maker ..

Some new fence and wall sections ...

2012-01-07T07:02:00.000-08:00

I bought a couple of pack of Games Workshop fence/walls to provide some variety in my scenic accessories. What you get in a box is two sprues as shown below..

I based up the walls and fence sections; reworking some (eg used the gate from one of the wall pieces to add to a fence section)

Completed signposts (blank awaiting naming depending on scenario)

Some 40mm jagers in amongst the fencing ...

28mm figs this time ...

Walls finished with 28mm and 40mm figs shown ..

A closeup of the 28mm's ...

40mm: Wittenberg Army - Zinzendorf IR No 2

2012-01-03T12:14:00.000-08:00

My main Xmas hol's painting project is now complete ...

The men of the infantry regiment no. 2 from the province of Zinzendorf (recently inherited by the King) muster ready to prepare to march to join General Waldebeck's force in Vanderhof. The 1st regiment is also being made ready (i've some casting to do for these).

[figs are mostly Creartec cast figures with Sash & Sabre heads; except standard bearers, foot officer and drummer from Front Rank AWI range]

Stages of a Siege (tracking down a picture)

2012-01-01T10:19:00.000-08:00

! Happy new year everybody !

A few months ago I bought this nice coloured engraving of a siege in a charity shop for £5, (the engraving is about 16 by 9 inches). It seemed familiar but I couldn't place it.

We had some visitors today and I showed them the picture which is in our hallway, we talked about it - then I remembered the skyline - in C.Duffy's Fire and Stone book there is an illustration showing an engraving of siege - same skyline. A bit of digging on the net revealed there were a set of six, by J.Rigaud published in 1732 of the siege of Barcelona ( I have no. 3 in the set one from a later coloured english edition). So I did some further net searching and got images of all 6 of the original english edition, here they are for your enjoyment (click to englarge):

1- The opening of the Trenches

2 - Sallies defended and repulsed

3-Attack and Lodgement on the covert way

4 - Attack on the two Bastions

5 - Assault on the main body of the place

6 - the place given up to plunder

Tent-makers are busy ...

2011-12-30T05:07:00.000-08:00

The King has decided that his old command tent needs repair and enhancement (having seen the nice one in Wargamer's Annual 2012). The command tent as was ...

Using the old tent as a framework I modified it using 120gm paper: increased height by about 0.5cm, added end pieces; wider front opening with rolled back 'panels', extra roof detail and extended tent poles to hold a pennant/flag.

Tent all painted up and command staff and King in residence (I've added some static grass to the bases to improve the look of the figures)...

Waiting at the Border - Security Checks ?

2011-12-29T05:11:00.000-08:00

A visitor to Wittenberg - see this EvE post

---oXo---

Princess Elisenda and her travelling companions have arrived at the Wittenberg border; their papers and credentials have been examined and they are allowed through. They are unable to proceed until their additional escort of Wittenberg troops is ready. They have a had a meal in the nearby inn and while they wait are getting a little exercise and some air before being cramped up in the coach again.

The travellers: Antoni Folc de Cardona, Archbishop of Valencia (travelling in a monks garb);

Princess Elisenda; Josep Antoni the Marquis of Rubí; young manservant.

The commander of the princess's personal escort has mounted his horse, their escort of WIttenberg troops is ready; it is time to get back on the coach..

The small convoy led by an escort of Wittenberg Uhlans moves off into the countryside ...

What delights and marvels await the Princess in Wittenberg ?

Xmas Castaway ..

2011-12-27T04:34:00.000-08:00

Arriving shortly before Xmas these items will help the 40mm project along a bit. I have quite a bit of casting to do - so I got a hotplate and additional ladle plus a couple of new moulds and some accessories from Prince August.

I have been ejected from the kitchen as a new carpet tiles have been laid and a the hob cooker is to be replaced soon - so no more accidental spills of metal on the floor, no more using the kitchen sink or cooker allowed.

So the hotplate will enable me to setup to cast in the 'man cave' ...

Xmas Time in Wittenberg ...

2011-12-23T06:37:00.000-08:00

There has been a cold snap and the country side is blanketed with snow. The King and his family are visiting Count Herman's estate where the ornamental pond has frozen; a small 'skating party' is in progress.....

---oXo---

Some of the guests stay nearby the hunting lodge, if they feel too cold they can nip back inside...

The King and his family watch the skaters, Prinz Albrecht is having a go ...

The skaters enjoying themselves on the frozen pond ....

The geese are not to pleased that their pond is frozen over ...

One goose says to the other, 'What do you do whenever you feel lonely?'

The other one says, 'Oh, I just have a gander around.'

Brother James is feeling the cold and is wondering when the mulled wine will be served...

The food is nearly ready, mulled wine, soup and roast pig ...

The entire skating party scene .....

---oXo---

40mm: The Bridge at Hofheim

2011-12-21T04:43:00.000-08:00

My 40mm figs be-sport themselves on the table as the Saxe-Jarlsberg border war in the south continues...

More than the usual number of photies in the report to preserve the flow of the game - enjoy !

---oXo---

Scenario: Both Wittenberg and Saxe-Jarlsberg are trying to position themselves as best they can before the winter sets in. A bridge on the border of the Hofland has been identified by both sides being a key objective (a disused ford nearby may also be passable).

The Wittenberg General Waldebeck decides to send Captain Scharfe and a small force to secure and blow the bridge. Wittenberg force:

Kings Jagers (2 cys - 24)
Uhlans (1 sqdn - 9)
1 artillery Piece
Engineers (2) + packhorse

Count Pottsendorf, the Sae-Jarlsberg commander, has collected a scratch force together and given them orders to take the bridge and occupy Hofheim. To complicate matters an ambassador of the Imperium has demanded escort to Wittenberg via the Hofland. The Count reluctantly agrees and issues orders that the ambassador will accompany the force and be shown all courtesy (it does not pay to upset the Imperium's representatives if you are a small country). Saxe-Jarlsberg force:

Jagers (1 cy - 12)
Garrison Troops (1cy - 12)
Infantry Regiment (2cys - understrength total 15)
Squadron of Dragoons (understrength - 6).

Game notes:
Number of moves to set the charges on the bridge - 2D6 (set additional charge/repair fuse etc 1D6)
Number of moves for arrival of Saxe-Jarslberg units and Imperial Ambassador - 2D6.
Effect off explosion of chrages on bridge - D10 1-3, no effect 4-6 still passable, 7-10 Blown
Ford Passable (only tested when first attempting to cross) - 1D6 1,2,3 not passable, 4,5,6 Passable

---oXo---

Captain Scharfe and his small command pass through the small town of Hofheim and move towards the bridge over the river ...

They secure the bridge and cross to the other side to set up a perimeter, while the engineers prepare the charges (they've had to take powder from the artillery as the bridge is more robust than thought)

Captain Scharfe leads his men to secure the approaches to the bridge, while another detachment heads further downstream to cover a disused ford, the engineers are busy ...

The head of the Saxe-Jarlsberg column arrives and a parley is in progress to secure the Imperial Ambassador's passage....

The Imperial Ambassador's party make for the bridge. As the size of the 'escort' force which accompanied the ambassador becomes apparent, Captain Scharfe order his men to fall back to the bridge ..

The Imperial Ambassador is across the river an heading for Hofheim ...

The Saxe-Jarlsberg forces make their move, a fierce volley sends the Jagers back from guarding the disused ford over the river ...

The artillery hearing the sound of the firing, let loose a short cannonade on the Saxe-Jarlsberg troops ...

The Saxe-Jarslberg troops advancing on the bridge take the brunt of the cannonade and turn and run ...

Meanwhile the Saxe-Jarslberg dragoons attempt to cross the ford, the river is high and the current strong and their commander is nearly washed away - the ford cannot be used to cross the river.

'Stand well back' shouts the engineer officer, the jagers guarding the bridge move back ...

Kaboom ! both sides watch as the dust settles ...

The bridge has not gone, it is still just passable ...

The Saxe-Jarlsberg jagers make a rush on the bridge as the Wittenberg jagers cover the engineers who are trying to mend the fuse for one of the charges ...

As Saxe-Jarlsberg jagers move over the bridge, there is a sharp exhange of fire across the river ...

Kaboom ! The engineer has lit the faulty fuse and the explosion kills all the Saxe-Jarlsberg jagers on the bridge.

The bridge is blown and now totally impassable. A victory for Wittenberg; a disapointment for Saxe-Jarlsberg.

40mm: Contructing a New House

2011-12-17T11:31:00.000-08:00

I've been checking out my larger houses which I use for 40mm gaming and realised I could do with a couple more. I wanted something which was neutral enough for 18C and also to be used for my ECW gaming. I found a nice half timbered building picture in a book which showed the front and and one end. I scanned these, scaled then up and printed off two copies on 120gm paper. After some careful cutting I stuck them onto card to ensure everything was square and lined up.

Each section was cut off the card, then the house was assembled (with internal bracing) and stuck on a base.

I added a roof covered with some paper tilessheet, touched in the edges of the building and painted/flocked the base. Seen below with a couple of figures for size comparison

Zomverre V Monrovia: hostilities cease due to the Winter

2011-12-17T11:17:00.000-08:00

The wintry weather has begun and Zomverre is blanketed in snow, effectively bringing a halt to the campaign for this year. Both sides have moved into winter quarters. The Monrovians hold the key burgh town of Hohenloe and most of the south-eastern part of the country.

40mm: adding to my Brigands

2011-12-15T12:17:00.000-08:00

Bought some of the new Irregular Miniatures 42mm pirates to add to my brigands and outlaws; have modified a couple of figures to give them attire more suitable to central europe. Into the paintng queue they go ....

40mm: Saxe-Jarlsberg Guards on Parade...

2011-12-11T06:44:00.000-08:00

Count Pottsendorf and his aide watch the parade of the grenadier guards ....

The count muses (as he watches them march past) - 'the only regiment in a fit state for a parade' and frowns. Not a good year for the army fighting against Wittenberg forces - dragoons cut up while on the march and the infantry shot to pieces at Toppenhof. Still plenty to do to get ready for the next campaign season - rebuld the cavalry, get the troops back in shape, need to get more light troops....

40mm: Project restart ...

2011-12-10T06:30:00.000-08:00

My 40mm project has taken a back seat while I've been clearing off oddment projects and stuff for other gaming periods (WWII, Dark Ages and Pirates). I have been casting and preparing 40mm figures, such that I have a two regiments of cavalry and three battalions of infantry in the lead pile (and plan to cast up 3 more infantry battalions).

I've decided to get started on the painting with a battalion for the Wittenberg forces; the bulk of these are Creartec castings with Sash & Sabre heads, plus some Front Rank AWI hessians in the command group.

Hurry up boys, if we're quick we can get in front of those saxons ...

Sedan chair..

2011-12-06T11:15:00.000-08:00

The transport theme continues, this time a sedan chair from Redoubt..

A closer look at the occupant and carriers ...

40mm: Ornate Coach

2011-11-17T11:30:00.000-08:00

A repainted diecast toy (shown in last picture of this post) which came with a princess as a passenger and a coachman. I did these up as passengers and added a new coachman converted from a Nürnberger Meisterzinn casting. I reduced the number of the horses from four to two.

A look at the interior, with the orginal coachman repainted as a passenger, plus the princess in painted up..

Duchy of Saxony - reference info

2011-11-17T04:54:00.000-08:00

I indulged myself and bought this lovely book, mainly because my Wittenberg army is based on that of Saxony. Its a super book with lots of colour illustrations. After a quick peruse last night I thought I might tweak some of my existing units so their uniforms match up with what's given in the book.

Zomverre V Monrovia: Battle of Dornitz

2011-11-12T07:05:00.000-08:00

After their defeat at the battle of Pomeroy the Monrovians retreated towards Hohenloe. Field Marshal Stricknein by some deft manouvering had evaded his pursuers. However the Ducal forces soon picked up his trail.

The Monrovians had moved through a heavily wooded area and planned to cross the river Bruer at Dornitz. The Ducal forces split up one part following the same route hoping to catch them up and the other moving as fast as they could to try and head them off at Dornitz.

---oXo---

The Monrovians arrive at Dornitz and start to cross over the River. Field Marshal Stricknein and his staff keep an eye on the column. They have deployed the guards and two regiments of hussars to block the flank approach to the bridge.

In the distance the Ducal forces hurry towards Dornitz ...

As more units get ready to cross the bridge the threat from the Ducal forces occupies Field Marshal Stricknein and his staff's attention....

the Ducal cavalry gets closer ..

Field Marshal Stricknein sends a courier to the rearguard to change their route (to cross the river five miles east at the ford near Kornitz) in order to draw of their pursuers to prevent the risk of being bottled up. The Monrovian hussars start to move forward to make more space to allow infantry to deploy

Ducal lancers clash with one regiment of Monrovian hussars. As the Ducal dragoons gallop forward, the second regiment of Monrovian hussars flinches and routs backs disrupting and disorganising the deploying infanrty

The Ducal dragoons charges into the nearest regiment of infantry while Field Marshal Stricknein tries to rally his hussars...

The Monrovian hussars scatter their lancer opponents but set of in a mad pursuit leaving no help for their infantry who are set about by the Ducal dragoons. More Ducal cavalry is approaching ....

The Monrovian infantry routs and find their way blocked by heavy woods - the Ducal dragoons are in hot pursuit. The Monrovian hussars redeem themselves my counter-charging a regiment of Ducal cuirassiers.

The Monrovian hussars hold off the Ducal cuirassiers allowing more units to cross the river; but they eventually break and are pursued. The Ducal dragoons round up the Monrovian infantry by the woods who have surrendered. A second regiment of The Ducal dragoons try to charge the bridge but falter in the face of musket and artillery fire ...

Just as the last regiment of Monrovian infantry cross the bridge; there is a large explosion and bridge is left in ruins (the Monrovian engineers has been busy and mined the bridge); the remainder of their cavalry manage to swim across the river.

The Ducal forces fall back as they cannot get across the river. Their commander is satisfied having beaten the enemy, captured 3 regimental infantry colours and further weakened the Monrovian cavalty.

The other half of the Duical force in pursuit lost contact with the Monrovians in the forest, enabling the Monrovian column rearguard to find their way across the river to rejoin with the main body of their army.

Monks

2011-10-29T06:44:00.000-07:00

A selection of Monks for my Abbey church and elsewhere (mix of Redoubt and Gripping Beast)..

Hey, hey, we're the monk-ies
And people say we wander around,
But we're too busy praying
To put anybody down.

40mm: Howitzer

2011-10-23T04:39:00.000-07:00

Troops from the newly inherited province of Zinzendorf have been assigned to join General Waldebeck's army in the south. The first to arrive is a company of artillery and a howitzer.

Uniform is not historical, I liked the colour combo of yellow ochre, red with black facings. Howitzer is from the Matthias Manke Toy Soldier range with wheels replaced with Lego plastic ones, crew is Sash & Sabre with Front Rank heads.

Wagon - Converted Toy Brewers Dray

2011-10-23T04:33:00.000-07:00

I was given one of these (but in red), a Matchbox Brewrs Dray. More 1/76 size (20/25mm) but still has potential for conversion.

I removed the barrel load and sign, lowered the seat; gave the driver a tricorne head and repainted. Added a load to represent something covered over (masking tape wrapped round part of the barrel load).

Oh no - musn't get sidetracked ?

2011-10-15T03:30:00.000-07:00

Don't start too many projects I say to myself frequently. So in true fashion ignoring my own advice I started up looking at a new wargame period - Romans V Celts/Gauls
- see http://romansgohome.blogspot.com/

Which is also listed on the my other wargames blog roll.

A spot of tiffin ....

2011-09-27T11:39:00.000-07:00

Newly finished denizens of the palace feature here: Foundry painter in library and Jacdaw civilian pack LWC01 in the main hall

---oxo---

The King is having his portrait painted ...

Tiepolo (artist): You seem in good cheer today your Majesty ?

King: Yes, I received good news today - the Monrovians were defeated at Pomery in Zomeverre

The Queen is on her way to the royal appartments, accompanied by her ladies in waiting ...

Servant: Excuse me your Majesty, the Queen is on her way

King: That'll be all for today Tiepolo ..

The King and Queen enjoy a nice spot of tiffin ....

Raid on Swanhonloe ...

2011-09-24T05:50:00.000-07:00

In Monrovia, across the border from the newly acquired Hofland (taken from Saxe-Jarslberg during the 3rd Belgravian Wars), lies the town Swanhonloe. Reports of supplies being stockpiled there have raised concerns that Monrovia is preparing an attack. So a raid is planned ....

---oXo---

Men from the Kings Jagers, mostly in civilian dress (masquerading as brigands) assemble by the abbey of Alt-Liebstadt..

They move carefully towards the border to ensure they avoid the Monrovian border patrols ...

They cross the border successfully and pick their way through the marshes towards Swanhonloe

One party of jagers has seen off a Monrovian border patrol, some mounted jagers commanded by the 'Grey Rider' moves up to support the raid ..

The jagers engage the Monrovians garrison patrols at the edge of Swanhonloe ...

The rest of the garrison of Swanhonloe is called out in response to the attack ...

The jagers make good progress into the edge of the town ....

The garrison gets into position ...

The jagers move in closer ...

A firefight develops, while the jagers prepare to set charges/fires to destroy the buildings and supplies

The jagers force the garrison back down the main road and successfully set fire to two of the buildings and the supply stockpile ...both sides fall back due to the heat and the explosions ..

---oxo---

A successful raid, the Wittenberg forces destroyed two out of the three warehouses and the supply stockpile - hoorah !!

40mm: Bits and Bobs

2011-09-18T06:42:00.000-07:00

I've been cleaning up a load of Prince August catsings this weekend, two battalions of infantry and a regiment of dragoons.The musket of a couple of the dragoon castings didn't quite come out right so I converted them to one holding a pistol and a farrier with his axe.

I stumbled across http://www.lead-toy-soldiers.com/ in one of web searches recently - nice website and good range of items (a tad expensive though), I bought a couple of samples. Shown below are two mounted officers and a drummer with some figs from other manufaturers for comparison [Prince August (PA), Creartec, Drabant, Sash & Sabre (S&S)]

Making some marshy, swampy, pond bits ...

2011-09-17T07:23:00.000-07:00

For some time I've wanted some scenic items to portray marsh/swamp/ponds. My friend gave me some spare resin tree stump castings - which set me off trying to find a use for them. I spotted the 'Battlefield in a Box' Swamp set online - just the thing to act as base I thought. So when it arrived I unpacked - two ponds with four islands, nice but for me not useable straight off, I got all my spare bits and some scenic material out ...

I wanted another larger area of marsh so I made up a group of four marshy ponds on a piece of MDF, here is the main basic buildup with the resin tree stumps

and terrained up with plastic wood ...

I bulit three small ponds on circular bases, kept three of the 'Battlefield in a Box' islands and added a couple of tree stumps to the two ponds.

The bases and tree stumps were painted dark brown and the foliage clumps added to the tree stumps to make stunted trees ...

The pond areas were dry brushed with some browns and a bit of greeny blue and varnished using lots of Humbrol satin varnish. Then I applied a static grass mix and some Army Painter grass tufts to finish them off ...

A low level shot to get that marshy feel ...

Hey Hans did you here a hound barking ???

Abbey church completed ...

2011-09-10T04:11:00.000-07:00

It's taken me some time but I finally finished and settled on how to use my Pegasus gothic building sets (see here for initial build attempts). I ended up with a small abbey church. I made up some half pieces from 3mm mdf to create side aisles. Roofs are of cardboard/mdf and are removable.

I sprayed the whole thing up using Painters Touch Fossil spray paint, trial assembly of sections on basic base - 3mm mdf, card stand for abbey and cut up Citadel gaming mat for grass surround.

Interior of abbey paved using printed paper sheet and exterior flagstones marked out a using pencil ....

All assembled ....

One side aisle is removable (plus all roofs and second story) allowing for placing figs in the interior

Trial closeup shot of interior ...

Pesky paint pot lids ...

2011-09-10T03:51:00.000-07:00

The new style GW /Citadel paint pots were really annoying me. I could not get the lids to stay open, I tried bending the hinge back etc no joy - so I deployed a small piece of wood dowel to keep the lid open .

Hah ! close now you £$*£^%£$....

Zomverre V Monrovia: Battle of Pomeroy (part the third - finale)

2011-09-08T02:44:00.000-07:00

the battle continues ....

---oXo---

The Ducal cavalry engage their Monrovian counterparts, the Ducal curiassiers break their opponents and pursue cutting them up ...

The beleagured Monrovian right flank just holds off the the attack; they fight hard holding back the Fenwick grenadiers, while their musketry stalls the advance of the Ducal grenadiers, a second battalion of Fenwick grenadiers has swung round and started to pour file into the flank of the Monrovian battalions ....

The Ducal curiassiers have rallied from pursuit and crash into the rear of the Monrovians who had been holding their own ...

The Monrovian battle line had been moving forward slowly, man-handling their artillery. The Ducal artillery moved the focus of the their fire to Monrovian centre. The Monrovian Irish battalion breaks under the bombardment, the gap in the line will be filled by the Regiment de La Reine ..

Meanwhile the Ducal cavalry have routed the remaining Monrovian cavalry and have set off in pursuit, their supporting Fenwick cavalry move into position to encircle the Monrovian flank. The infantry on the Monrovian right flank are struggling to hold their position ....

The Monrovian infantry finally break (the light is starting to fade as the sun sets) ...

Field Marshal Stricknein orders up his reserve, two regiments of cavalry and the grenadier guards to prop-up his flank ...

Some of the Ducal cavalry returns from their pursuit, while their Fenwick allies move forward ...

The Fenwick cavalry is held off by the fresh Monrovian cavalry and the musketry of the Monrovian infantry holds back an attempted attack by the Dcual forces.

The Monrovians disengage and retreat, leaving the battlefield under the cover of darkness, back through Pomeroy and towards Hohenloe.

A great victory for the Duchy of Zomverre and her Fenwick allies.

---oXo---

Zomverre V Monrovia: Battle of Pomeroy (part the second - into contact)

2011-09-04T03:41:00.000-07:00

The battle continues ....

---oXo---

Fenwick grenadiers advance with Ducal and Fenwick cavlry in support towards the Monrovians right flank ....

On the other flank the Ducal forces have move forward slightly .....

Von Messing directs the attack, Fenwick grenadiers move-up, with Ducal infantry on their right ...

Fenwick Grenadiers and Monrovian infantry exhange vollies ...

The first line of the Monrovians rout after receiving a galling volley from the grenadiers who charge following through into the second line; the cavalry have charged home

---oXo---

All hangs in the balance - will Von Messing's gamble on attacking pay-off ?

to be continued ....

Zomverre V Monrovia: Battle of Pomeroy (part the first - opening moves)

2011-08-31T12:00:00.000-07:00

The Monrovian army commanded by Field Marshall von Stricknein, having secured the burgh town of Hohenloe moved uncharacteristically quickly northwards taking the Ducal forces off guard. General von Messing commanding the Ducal forces, recently re-inforced by more troops from the Duchy of Fenwick, decided to make a stand at Pomeroy.

---oXo---

The Monrovian infantry battle line has deployed. General von Messing commanding the Ducal forces prepares to issue orders.

The Monrovian cavalry starts to deploy ....

The Monrovian battle line ...

Ducal forces start their deployment ...

The Ducal heavy artillery batteries deploy on the hill top and start to fire on the Monrovian centre, Monrovian artillery return fire ..

Field Marshal von Stricknein watches the Ducal forces deployment and issues further orders ...

Ducal mounted jagers skirmish with the Monrovian cavalry disrupting their deployment ...

The Ducal cavalry deploy ...

General von Messing issues the order to attack ....

---oXo---

to be continued....

What a super book ...

2011-08-29T03:23:00.000-07:00

I've been working my way through ...

it is brilliant. super pictures and battle analysis/refight. I keep browsing through it and trying to scope out some sort of large battle - imagining my gaming table is dis-proportionately larger than it really is.

I've started setting out the next engagement in the Zomverre V Monrovia campaign ..

Von Messing commanding the Ducal forces watches

the Monrovians form their line of battle,

his troops position concealed by the hill.

Gosh I have got room for most of 18C collection to get on the table (just !), Ducal forces will move onto the table soon - more later ...

40mm:Boritzy Freikorps Grenadiers march past ...

2011-08-20T10:30:00.000-07:00

Down in the south outside Vanderhof the Boritzy Freikorps grenadiers are on parade, watched by Count Boritzy and General Waldebeck and the locals. The battalion marches past to music played by the newly raised Freikorps band.

A closeup of the Freikorps band ...

[All figs 40mm from various manufactures and home casts from commercial moulds. The band is by Peip Miniaturen - these figs are actually more 45mm in height, and I must admit to performing some leg surgery to reduce the height - not a problem as the long coats and musical instruments take the eye of the possible anatomical inconsistency]

Painting Figs - the splodge process

2011-08-20T04:01:00.000-07:00

...or perfection by degrees, whereby Prinz Albrecht of Wittenberg describes how he goes about painting his toy soldiers ...illustrated with watercolours showing some points in the painting process ..

---oXo---

Stuff what I use:

Undercoat: Acrylic Black Gesso
Paints: - Acrylics, mostly Games Workshop, Crafters Arcylics and some Vallejo (occasionally some Humbrol enamel)
Brushes - a real mix, of manufacturers; I tend to stick to Humbrol ones with a few cheapies for undercoating. May occasioanlly buy some expensive brushes if they are on special offer. To get the brush head side I want for fine work I trim down the brush removeing the bristles with a small pair of nail scissors.
Bases: 1.5mm Daler mounting board for 25/28mm and the 'penny piece' round size for singles; for my 40mm figures I use 2mm thick cardboad usually from damaged or retired A4 box folder lids and the 'two penny piece' round size for singles.
Varnish: Humbrol satin spray varnish

---oXo---

Usual order of activity (for infantry)....20 steps to delight ...

step 1 - tidy up figs (remove flash etc) and stick to painting 'blanks' - I generally use offcuts of foamboard, sometimes cardboard or plastic bottle tops for single figures.
step 2 - undercoat - slop on the gesso

step 3 - brown splodge - paint hair, muskets etc. If uniform is red or white (or light shade) the whole figure receives a brown undercoat.

step 4 - If main colour of figure is white or light colours, then I apply a first coat.
step 5 - paint over the flesh areas - hands, face etc

step 6 - trousers/waistcoats
step 7 - coats
step 8 - hats, boots and gaiters

step 9 - brown, touch over the brown areas if needed (usually as I splodge).
step 10 - facings
step 11 - paint bases of figures (snot green)

step 12 - hat trim/grenadier mitres
step 13 - buttons
step 14 - metal - swords, bayonets and gun barrels
step 15 - belts
step 16 - touch in: I work through starting with flesh, then dark to light sequence - amending any fluff-ups during painting
step 17 - Faces plus black line detail. Faces- I add dots for eyes, (sometimes eyebrows) plus moustache. Sashes etcs show some idea of the folds. For this I use a fine permanent marker.
step 18 - remove from painting blanks and fix to gaming bases
step 19 - paint gaming bases
step 20 - spray with satin varnish

---oXo---

For cavalry, similar scheme as above for the riders, horses done separately in approx sequence

h1 - brown overall splodge
h2 - tails, manes & hoofs
h3 - harness and straps (black)
h4 - gold - for brass bits on harness
h5 - white 'socks' etc
h6 - figure bases
h7 - touch-in
h8 - fix to gaming bases

Some Jager Conversions

2011-08-13T03:33:00.000-07:00

While sorting out the final figures for a jager battalion, I decided to add some variety to the unit by converting a few Foundry prussian jagers. I used some spare arms sets from plastic WSS figs, they seem to go well together. Piccy below, original unmodified figure in the middle...

Fenwick: Grenadiers on Parade

2011-08-08T04:17:00.000-07:00

Offciers review the status of the newly kitted out converged grenadier battalion (to be part of the Wittenberg Legion). They watch them drilling ...

and how well they form up into line ...

1. New Grenadier battalion from Jacdaw 30mm range; two companies match my existing two RSM battalions facings (blue and black), figures for the battalions for the other two companies to be bought and painted yet - will be from Jacdaw as well.
2 Watching officers Front Fank/Irregular,
3. House and barn Hornby Skaledale range.

A horseless carriage ?

2011-07-30T13:16:00.000-07:00

The King has left the museum and met Brother James who invites him down to the workshop of the court inventor Georg Cantor to see his latest invention ...a horseless carriage

Madame Givenchy studies the drawings on the workshop desk ...

While Cantor explains the how the carriage works to the King and Brother James - apparently an application of a perpetual motion device to power the front wheel drive.

A visit to the museum ...

2011-07-23T10:10:00.000-07:00

The older parts of the palace have been recently refurbished. The King is checking through with the archivist some of the items brought out of storage for the palace museum.

The items include:
- a collection of partisans, halberds and billhooks
- a dummy dressed with the early 18C uniform of a guard officer
- the silver Angsi of Namur (on the table)
- St Wigbert's relics in a casket
- A cabinet of curiosities
- The banner of the Bishop of Wittenland, last carried in battle at the end of the 17C
- The mummy of the Egyptian pharoah Rubbatiti
- An old suit of armour

Some closeup views of the room ...

(scene backdrop constructed from some spare parts from my Pegasus gothic building sets)

Zomeverre - Hohenloe open its gates ...

2011-07-17T03:53:00.000-07:00

The Monrovian forces invading Zomeverre having secured their position in the Vergessen valley continue their ponderous advance. They have reach the old walled burgh town of Hohenloe, the garrison of the city left the day before the arrival of the Monrovians taking a all spare supplies to the ducal army mustering in the north.

General Stricknein summons the town to surrender on pain of storm

the burgomaster agrees - not wanting to see the town ruined - the gates are opened ...

General von Messing commanding the Ducal forces is awaiting re-inforcements from the Duchy of Fenwick before he moves against the Monrovians.

40mm: Tussle at Tottendorf

2011-07-10T04:56:00.000-07:00

40mm figs skirmish game....

---oXo---

After the brigands raid on Apfelstrudel, a small force of troops was assembled to root them out - hearing that the brigands had establish a camp at the small town of Tottendorf, they set out. However their approach was reported to the brigands.

The brigands hold a short meeting to decide whether to fight or flee, they decide to fight (emboldened by their recent success at Apfelstrudel)

One group of brigands is posted at the bridge while another heads off to defend the ford over the river ..

The small Wittenberg force of some Boritzy Chasseurs and Kings Jager corps aproach the river ...

Captain Scharfe of the jagers falls wounded in the ford leading his mean across, initial brisk fire from the brigands forces the jagers back ..

Meanwhile the rest of brigands have left the town and are moving to reinforce the ford and the bridge ..

The chasseurs charge the bridge, the brigands just manage hold them ..

The chasseurs gain the upper hand at the bridge and the brigands fall back, while over at the ford the jagers have advanced and open fire ...

The chassuers are over the bridge and pursuing the brigands, at the ford the jagers are in a firefight with the brigands defending it ...

The jagers cross the ford in pursuit of the brigands who have made a run for it; the chasseurs drive home into the brigands who make a determined last stand ...

The chasseurs continue their fight, the rest of the brigands are now in full flight ....

The chasseurs reform, while their opponents have made a break for it ...

The jagers try and pick off a few of the stragglers , while the mounted jagers chase the largest group of brigands ..

The Wittenberg forces move into the town and search all the houses, some of the brigands escape, including their leader, into the forest on the other side of the town.

Tidy time ..

2011-07-02T12:03:00.000-07:00

A bit late for a spring clean (better late than never !), sparked off by a couple of acquisitions, firstly a 2'x3' whiteboard which has replaced an accumulation of post-it's spread around the gaming/modelling areas. Now I can see all the things I've got planned.

Secondly an anglepoise lamp with a desk clamp and an old grey ant-static mat (obtained from my workplace who were having a throw out - waste not want not). The desk and cutting mats I use had a thorough clean, its amazing how much gunge and dusty bits accumulate over a year+. I put the grey ant-static mat down as a workbench protector and put everything back; with the anglepoise clamped to the back shelf I have now got more room on the desk.

I've yet to put back the paints and work in progress, but its clean - at least for while :-). Next job is to tidy-up the sourrounding shelf.

Monrovia V Duchy of Zomverre - Vergessen Valley

2011-06-25T05:58:00.000-07:00

The Monrovians having secured their river crossing at Dormhausen have been slowly moving into the Duchy of Zomverre, they are now moving in the direction of the capital. General Zeinite is commanding the advance guard of 2 regiments of hussars, 6 regiments of infantry, 1 battalion of jagers and 1 battery of artillery.

General von Messing commanding the Ducal forces has given the task of fighting a holding action to General Hoffnung; he has given him 1 regiments of dragoons, 3 regiments of infantry, 1 battalion of jagers and 1 battery of artillery. General Hoffnung has chosen his ground to block the Monrovian advance and has positioned his troops in the Vergessen valley.

---oXo---

The Monrovians enter the valley

The Ducal artillery select their target and open fire ...

The Monrovians continue their advance up the valley ...

The Monrovians form up and prepare to attack the Ducal gun battery, the Ducal jagers in the wood to their flank are causing some annoyance ...

As the Monrovian irish 'wild geese' battalion advance to assault the guns the supporting regiment and jagers deal with the Ducal jagers in the woods.

On the other side of the valley the Ducal forces fall back, in the face of the Monrovian advance.

The attack on the Ducal guns stalls, following a hail of grapeshot ....

While the Monrovians reform the Ducal guns are withdrawn and an infantry regiment advances to protect the ford crossing.

The Monrovian advance slows on the other flank ...

The Ducal forces attempt to fall back over the ford ...

They are hard pressed, attacked by infantry and cavalry ...

They break and the hussars pursue ...

It is now dusk and the light is failing. On the their left flank, the Monrovians cannot manouvre into the open area by the bridge due to the threat posed by the Ducal cavalry; on the other side of the river the Ducal forces have fallen back and are leaving the valley.

The Ducal forces withdraw under the cover of darkness, they have managed to effectively delay the Monrovians. The Monrovians camp at the head of the valley; they will re-commence their forward thrust the next day.

Llama's in love

2011-06-17T12:14:00.000-07:00

The Queen has found a new animal for the menagerie (after some negotiation with the Hispanic ambassador), it has recently arrived. To distract the King from his worries about the war in the Duchy of Zomverre the Queen has taken him out into the grounds to see the new arrival.

King: How delightful, another llama; a lovely white one - what it's name ?

Queen: Her name is Lucy

King: I'm sure having a companion will cheer up Larry, he's been a bit mopey of late ..

Two men in the balcony were having a rather heated argument 'Don't push me or I'll pull you' one said, the other replied 'I like to see that, you can do little to me'; After they calmed down one of the ladies seeing the Llamas was heard to remark 'I've never seen anything like it in my life !'

Larry shows Lucy around the gardens and grounds of the palace

In a quite moment when there is no one around Larry and Lucy kiss ....

It looks like they'll be happy together ..

Church 'Lego' Mania

2011-06-17T11:40:00.000-07:00

Someone posted a shot of the Pegasus gothic building sets on a blog recently, I was hooked by the look of them and bought one of each of small sets #1and #2.

A manic evening was spent yesterday after they arrived constructing a small church; the sets provide the wall sections, flying buttress etc - but no roofs (25mm figs used for size reference)

after a day at work I came home and used all the bits I could for 'cathedral size'

I must now be a bit more sensible ? :-), and make something which won't fill up the gaming table too much and use the leftover parts to make a small chapel.

A couple of new additions ...

2011-06-14T12:15:00.000-07:00

Some new additions for my 40mm gaming. Firstly a market cross from Total Battle Miniatures 28mm black powder range. A couple of views,

and a rather nice 'Slipper and the Rose' toy coach which I picked up at a recent Toy & Train fair. The current driver will be placed in the coach and new one added - another little project to be getting on with

A strange calm descends ...

2011-06-04T06:46:00.000-07:00

The King and the Field Marshal pause for a drink while walking round the palace grounds discussing the situation in the Duchy of Zomeverre. Monrovia has committed most of its army to the invasion of the duchy. They can only wait for news ....

---ooXoo---

Meanwhile Madamoiselle Givenchy and her 'associates' scatter a herd of cattle as they return form some mischief in Monrovia.

(newly finished longhorn cattle from Irregular Miniatures, and Givenchy figure from Foundry)

Pamphleteers ....

2011-05-22T03:29:00.000-07:00

Scene: King Leopold and Count Herman Munster are in the library discussing the latest pamphlets circulating in the capital ...

Count:That dratted Jacob Braun who lampoons your majesty and the court has received a Stylish Pampleteer award.

King :I thought the last one 'The King loves llamas' was most amusing; his series 'Liasons Secretes dans Le Palais' was most entertaining

Count: In his latest pamphlet 'Is Munster a Monster ?' he acknowledges his nomination from Johaness Winkleman (and others), Winkleman is the the author of the popular pamplet series 'Journals of a Gigolo'.

King: You sound a little peeved Count, do you find that pamplet about you a little irritating.

Count: Yes rather. In the pamplet he has made seven statements about himself

King: What are they ?

Count: He writes :
- I have wooden false teeth
- I married a lady of distinction
- My favouriate colour is indigo
- I am a follower of the great preacher reverend Wilhelm Teller
- In my youth I sang in the cathedral choir at Salzburg
- I hold a doctorate in metaphysics, obtained while studying at Gottingen
- I have large collection of quill pens

King: That information could be useful to you, you may be able identify him and arrest him

Count: I doubt some of it is true, good idea though. He's also nominated some others for the Stylish Pampleteer award

King: Which ones are they - might have to get copies of them for a read if they sound interesting

Count:
- Famagusta Fraternitas - Andre Michel, I've read it - it's a load of philosophical twaddle
- Down with Powdered Wigs - Baron von Haarigerkopf
- Freedom for Pigs - Lady Veronica Swinehoe
- The ..

A messenger arrives, interrupting the Count ...

Messenger: My pardon your majesty a message from the Field Marshal, Monrovia has invaded Zomverre

King: I say !

Count: Not expected at all, our intelligence implied they were to move against us

King: Count, we best go down to see the Field Marshal in the map room to discuss the situation

More buildings and a cross

2011-05-21T08:39:00.000-07:00

The last (?) of my new buildings for my 40mm gaming

I decided I wanted a cross for my village, I had a browse through Ancient Stone Crosses of England by Alfred Rimmer for some inspiration. I scratch bulit one from cardboard, the shaft is made from part of the casing from a BIC biro.

The finished cross wih the three more completed buildings from TSS.

Count Boritzy and his Uhlans on the move

I've a hankering to add some more builidngs, perhaps something a little different. At the moment I would like to have something like the market cross at Wymondham in Norfolk.

40mm: Brigands raid Apfelstrudel

2011-05-14T03:47:00.000-07:00

My 40mm figs come out for a stroll ...

A convoy of ammunition and supplies is on its way to troops in the newly acquired Principality of Zinzendorf in the south (which is now part of the Kingdom of Wittenberg). The convoy plans to stop at the town of Apfelstrudel for a rest and to have some lunch. An escort has been provided for the convoy to deter brigands. However the brigands numbers have been swelled recently by disaffected members of the the population of the Braunlandt recently annexed from Saxe-Jarslberg; they have got wind of the convoy's movements and plan to attack it.

---oXo---

A meal is being prepared at the tavern in the town of Apfelstrudel for the convoy ...

The Jagers at the head of the convoy move into the town ....

The brigands are on the move ....

A convoy flank guard of more jagers has got lost and finally finds the town,

The convoy arrives in the town ..

The brigands cross the shallow river on the edge of the town ...

The convoy settles into the town and prepares to have their lunch ...

The brigands have crossed the river and move into the outskirts of the town, they are spotted by the jagers ..

As the fighting intensifies some of the regulars guarding the convoy move up to support the jagers ....

There is consternation in the town, the officer in charge of the convoy orders them to make ready to leave immediately ...

Fighting intensifies around the coach house...

The brigands capture the coach house, the convoy has already moved off while the jagers and the regulars hold off the brigands

The convoy is now hurrying its way back down the road they came along ...

The brigands rampage around the town ...

The convoy crosses the bridge, a mounted jager patrol assists with the withdrawal ...

The brigands find a nice lunch laid out, to the victor the spoils !

Buildings: Stable and Grain Store ..

2011-05-07T11:14:00.000-07:00

A couple of new buildings finished, these are stable and grain store (from TSS), they go well with my 40mm figures (three more buildings left to complete).

New Roofs for Old ...

2011-05-04T03:22:00.000-07:00

I've been sorting out my larger buildings that I use with my 40mm figs. The existing buildings have had new bases if needed and a touchin. I have bought some new buildings from Total System Scenic, which I have assembled and these will be painted up later. Looking at my church and barn, the roofs lacked some detail - they are made from cardboard and covered with 'tiled' paper sheets, piccy below showing barn and church.

I cut up some thick card to represent tiles and spent some time sticking them on one at a time. I thought it would be a tedious job, but it got to be fun as it was like doing a jigsaw puzzle in some ways (or perhaps it was the fumes from the glue ?). After all was stuck on a wash of dark red and a bit of dry brushing yielded the results I wanted - so now with new roofs ....

Stylish Blogger Award

2011-05-03T04:16:00.000-07:00

So I'm supposed to do four tasks:
    1.Thank the nominating blog and provide a link back (see below)
    2.Share seven things about myself, presumably beyond the realm normally covered by the blog (see below)
   3.Nominate more blogs you deem worthy to share your honor (see below)
    4.Let those bloggers know you nominated them (all done)

Thanks to the following for nominating me,

For Kingdom Of Wittenberg

Ross Macfarlane - Battle Game of the Month - http://gameofmonth.blogspot.com/
Mosstrooper - Tin Soldiering On - http://tinsoldieringon.blogspot.com/

For Nothelm Chronicle

               Mancave - The Man Cave - http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/

Now for seven things about myself (somewhat daft in content but hey why not) :
1. I don't have pineapples for breakfast
2. I wear size 13 shoes
3. I've never met or seen Michael Ellis in a department store
4. I don't like lupins
5. My star sign is Derry and Toms
6. I don't wear a false beard
7. My favourite comedy crew - Monty Python.

Blogs I feel deserve the same honor:
    Campaigns of General William Augustus Pettygree - http://generalpettygree.blogspot.com/
    The Duchy of Stollen - http://grandduchyofstollen.blogspot.com/
    Golconda Rising - http://golcondarising.blogspot.com/

Monrovians Cross river at Dormhausen

2011-04-29T02:33:00.000-07:00

After successfully capturing Dormhausen from the forces of the Duke of Zomeverre the Monrovian army crosses the river, building their bridge of boats at the site of the old ferry. A brigade of dragoons is in the progress of crossing the river ....

Field Marshal Stricknein (promoted recently from General) greets General Zeinite ....

A bit of a queue is building up on the other side of the river ...

To the east of the town, there is a screen of light troops and some hussars are off on patrol ...

Monvrovians V Zomverre - Battle of Dormhausen (day 2)

2011-04-23T04:10:00.000-07:00

The Monrovians commanded by General Zeinite had failed in their assault of the town of Dormhausen

and were planning another attempt the next day. The General's career was on the line, he had to take the town for the reset of the army to cross the river.

A scratch force from army of the Duchy of Zomverre under the command of General Hoffnung are still in posession of the town and will try to hold another day to allow the main body of their army to assemble.

---oxo---

Fortified by a nights sleep, a hearty breakfast and a few tots of rum; the Monrovians form up and move off to attack Dormhausen with the support of a fusilier battalion which was guarding the baggage train.

The jagers move on ahead, and the artillery deploys and opens fire on the town ....

The infantry move up, this time unaffected by the artillery fire from the Ducal forces ...

The Ducal militia, after receiving artillery fire and seeing the steady approach of the wild geese, turn and run - carrying the supporting regular company with them

General Hoffnung attempts to rally the militia as the Monrovians move into the town ...

A reserve company of grenadiers is committed to fray to bolster the defence of the Ducal right, they open fire on flank of the Monrovian column moving down the road...

The grenadiers having seen off the infantry battalion in column now engage in a firefight with the wild geese while the rest of the Monrovian infantry move up to attack ...

In a last ditch attempt recover his left flank General Hoffnung commits his cavalry, who encounter the Monrovian hussars ...

The Monrovians assault the Ducal right flank ...

The Ducal grenadiers fall back after being shot to ribbons; while the Monrovian fusiliers have crossed the wall and are into the town ...

The defence of the town collapses and the Ducal forces withdraw hastily covering the retreat with their cavalry. The Monrovians take control of the town.

Monvrovians V Zomverre - Battle of Dormhausen (day 1)

2011-04-21T01:24:00.000-07:00

Part of the Monrovian Army under the command of General Zeinite, has crossed the river using the bridge in the small Principality of Umathirmen and his heading north by the side of the river - their task to secure the town of Dormhausen where a full river crossing by the rest of the army is planned.

The army of the Duchy of Zomverre still being dispersed in winter quarters is unable to turn out in full. Their commander General von Messing, scrapes together what he can and tasks General Hoffnung with the task of holding the Monrovians off as long as possible while he musters the army.

---oxo---

The scratch force of troops from the Duchy of Zomverre, including militia, await the Monrovians ...

In the mid-afternoon the Monrovian column is seen ....

The column advances down the road with the wild geese battalion taking the lead ...

The Zomverre artillery lets loose a furious barrage and and un-nerves the irish, the hussar and artillery crew are similarly afflicted; General Zeinite tries to rally them. The rest of the infantry unperturbed by the wild geese battalion running past them pushes on ....

After more intense artillery fire the Monrovians propensity for ocassional instability under fire gets the worse of them and they turn and run. The troops from Zomverre jeer at their opponents.

The Monrovians fall back onto the baggage train and General Zeinite is able to rally them. They camp for the night and they will make another attempt on Dormhausen the next day.

---oxo---

A rather shorter than expected game - a awful run of abysmal dice for moral checks sent the Monrovian army off - they'll be back for more ??

Monrovia - troops on the move

2011-04-16T03:26:00.000-07:00

Two regiments of infantry leave the Monrovian capital, they are heading east to join the army mustering near the border of the Duchy of Zomverre

A view along the front of the defenses ...

Monrovia - new regiment of dragoons

2011-04-09T09:08:00.000-07:00

A new regiment of dragoons for Monrovia, these are Foundry Frech SYW figs; uniform is based on SYW French dragoon.

40mm: Ammo Wagon

2011-03-28T11:21:00.000-07:00

A new arrival arrives at the wagon works, this wagon and horses was donated to me by a friend who picked it up at a local 'car boot' sale (cast Nürnberger Meisterzinn moulds)

The initial conversion: a new trail spike from a wooden barbeque skewer; a seat at the front of wagon and top made from cardboard; rider modified to be in a sitting position.

I added some hinges from plasticard to represent the 'storage bin' doors and painted it up ....

You can't have enough wagons, the ammo wagon joins a supply train (all the rest of my 40mm wagons and pack animals)...

The King gets a new coat (of paint)..

2011-03-26T12:13:00.000-07:00

I've given the King and the Field Marshall a re-touch/repaint, their kit was getting a little bit tired after the last couple of years campaigning, they were orginally painted with enamels and had faded out slightly Anyway here they are refurbished ..

I've also painted up two figures to represent the King and Field Marshall dismounted, seen here with the rest of the general staff ....

40mm: Bringing out the big guns ...

2011-03-23T12:14:00.000-07:00

A nice big mortar for siege work, from Drabant 13 inch Mortar (code DM1117), with crew from Irregular Miniatures..

Also a the big gun, a Call To Arms 1:32 ECW cannon, but it looks OK with the 40mm gun crew cast from Creartec moulds.

The Gabions in the above pictures are from Irregular Miniatures (code LWA 20)

40mm: Encounter at Toppenhof ...

2011-03-19T11:50:00.000-07:00

Down in the Hoflandt - General Waldebeck and his troops blunder into the Saxe-Jarsberg interlopers near Toppenhof (an outing for my 40mm figs)

---oooXooo---

The Saxe-Jarlsberg troops under the command of Count Pottsendorf emerges into the open ground north of Toppenhof ...

only to find the Wittenberg troops under the command of General Waldebeck ...

As both sides start their deployment the Boritzy Freikorps grenadiers have some ground to make up to secure the right flank

The battle lines are drawn up ...

The Saxe-Jarlsberg forces advance into close musket range and vollies are exchanged ...

A firefight ensues, both sides hold their ground resolutely but casulaties are beginning to mount ..

The Saxe-Jarlsberg centre battalion loses it's resolve and makes a run for it ...

Another Saxe-Jarlsberg battalion breaks, they are in full retreat now, however their grenadiers fall back in good order.

A close run engagement - a win for Wittenberg !

40mm: Trouble in the South ...

2011-03-13T08:55:00.000-07:00

Saxe-Jarslberg's troops have crossed into the Hofland and are threatening the border towns. The Wittenberg army forces in the south-west, commanded by General Waldebeck, are marching to engage them.

The head of the column, the Boritzy Freikorps chasseurs plus some of the Kings Jagers (figures from my 40mm collection)...

Wolves and some bits and bobs ...

2011-03-11T12:30:00.000-08:00

Finished the Irregular Miniatures wolves, tricky to get them to look different from each other but they sort of do (?)

An assortment of completed single figures, from the left militia drummer boy (front rank), Madame de Givenchy ready for a fight (irregular miniatures), old crone (foundry), court painter (foundry) and a cantiniere (Jacdaw)

The court painter awaits his clear base and of course an easle and a something for him to paint.

Monrovia - Regiment de La Reine

2011-03-05T10:25:00.000-08:00

King Francis and General Stricknein inspect the newly mustered Regiment De La Reine (made up from Wargames Factory WSS plastic infantry - fiddly to assemble but worth the effort).

Cast away ..

2011-03-05T06:35:00.000-08:00

No I'm not stuck on a desert island - just been busy today casting some more 40mm Prince August figures. I cast a few oddments up so that I now have enough for one battalion advancing and another battalion marching. The main effort today was to cast a regiment of dragoons; I'd already done some trial castings with the moulds and added in some airvents to improve the metal flow - I cast 16 more figures today to make the regiment -

These are the older Holger Eriksson moulds (no 12 Cavalry Man sword up for the officers and no 42 Cavalry Rifle up for the rankers) the dragoon horses have choice of front leg pose and alternate tail - they look a bit odd with three front legs at the moment. There's work to do to remove the flash and tidy the castings; I now have a nice big stash of 40mm figs to paint. .

A little light relief ...

2011-02-26T10:09:00.000-08:00

Animal theme continues; this time some sheep ....

Some denizens of the forest - a bear and a wild boar ..

Animals from Irregular Miniatures; have more to come some wolves, cattle, deer and goats (quite a mix !). Doing some animals make a nice break from painting units.

Nothing like a run in the morning to clear the head ...

2011-02-19T10:22:00.000-08:00

As the weather improves, the Field Marshall starts his morning runs again; he needs to run off all that winter flab and get fit for the new campaign season. He runs round the palace and then once round the lake in the gardens and back to his room for a soak in a nice warm bath.

'Come on Fritz hurry up' shouts the Field Marshall (his dog seems less than enthusiatic). As he runs he muses on the state of the army and the potential threats from Monrovia. He is wont to exclaim Hah ! or Hrumph ! or Bot ! and an incoherent sentence or two as he runs round depending on what he thinking about.

Meanwhile the Queen's pet cat Mi-mi indulges in her daily staring contest with Larry the llama,

Larry usually gives in and lets the cat ride around on his back for a while.

On the Parade Ground ...

2011-02-15T11:24:00.000-08:00

The King enjoys a march past of the newly raised Royal Belgravian regiment ....

[figs: Crusader French officers, other ranks Foundry russians with a few spare figures mixed in]

Rumble in Bronstadt ...

2011-02-05T10:58:00.000-08:00

Madamesoille de Givenchy and her aunt the Marquise of Zinzendorf have been detained by the Monrovians and are being held at the interior police headquarters in Bronstadt; their associate the Grey Rider has orgainzed a rescue...(continued from here)

The Grey Rider is none other than Colonel Jakob Wilhelm Engel, a much decorated soldier who is part of the Wittenberg spy service working for Count Hermann Munster.

----ooXoo---

Monrovian dragoons, some mounted, patrol the perimeter of interior police headquarters at Bronstadt ...

Colenel Engel (the Grey Rider) leads a group of mounted men and some on foot across a ford on the road to Bronstadt, meanwhile Captain Scharfe and his jagers cross over by a footbridge ...

Captain Scharfe and his jagers cross over the river near the mill at Bornstadt into the outskirts of the town..

Captain Scharfe and his men are in position in the town; with Colonel Engel at the mill ready to make his move ...

Colonel Engel and his small group of mounted men ride up to the forecourt of the police headquarters and fire their pistols.....

They beat a hasty retraat followed by the mounted Monrovian dragoons; then Captain Scharfe and his men attack the interior police headquarters ....

The Monrovian dragoons are caught in an ambush as they cross the bridge by the mill ...

Captain Scharfe and his men charge forward and fight their way in to the interior police headquarters ..

The ladies are rescued and led outside to safety ...

Colonel Engel and his mounted men escort the ladies back to towards the border, while Captain Scharfe and the jagers hold the bridge ...

After a waiting a few minutes to check no-one is following, Captain Scharfe and the jagers start on their way back to the border.

Honk Honk - watch out for the geese !

2011-01-29T07:05:00.000-08:00

A battalion of irish mercenary troops on the march to Monrovia ...

Being inspected by Monrovian officiers ....

(Figs are Crusader French, uniform is the wild geese Infantry Regiment Lally)

Dire straits ?

2011-01-23T12:04:00.000-08:00

Madamesoille de Givenchy and her aunt the Marquise of Zinzendorf have been taken under escort by the Monrovians ...(continued from here)

----ooXoo---

The dragoons bring the captives to the interior police headquarters ...

The ladies protest their innocence, but the Intendant of police tells them they will be confined to a room while their coach and belongings are searched - they will be questioned tomorrow or the next day ...

Mademoiselle de Givenchy and her aunt settle into their quarters, sparsely decorated but well furnished ...

Meanwhile the grey rider is organising a rescue ...

to be continued ....

Coming soon ?

2011-01-22T07:26:00.000-08:00

Before getting back to the perils of Mademoiselle de Givenchy, a brief reprise of whats planned for new additions in the coming months

28mm:

A box of Wargames Factory WSS plastics which I ordered arrived last week, a great buy as far as I'm concerned - great looking figures and lots of spare bits to play with for conversions. These boys will find their way into the Monrovian army.

I've also got a few things already in the painting queue for the Monrovian army - two regiments of cavalry and a 'wild geese' battalion; there is also a battalion of jagers for the Wittenberg army.

40mm:

I've a couple of units waiting for painting and plan to add a few more. Also plan do buy a couple more moulds for cavalry and do some more casting.

Intermission ..

2011-01-09T10:26:00.000-08:00

The perils of Mademoiselle Givenchy have been interrupted by DIY jobs round the house, the old central heating fire/backboiler has just been replaced - so I have to fill some holes and touch up some paintwork and put up a new fire surround, so I'll be busy for a couple of weeks.

Stangely enough I am also working on a fireplace for a palace room, from a small plastic toy set that was the right size

Normal service will be resumed as soon as possible.

The Bird is in the Cage ...

2011-01-02T11:13:00.000-08:00

While returning to Wittenberg via Monrovia, Mademoiselle De Givanchy and her aunt the Marquise of Zinzendorf have been detained by the monrovians, they are being taken to Bronstadt to be questioned by the commander of the monrovian border guard.

Their companion, the 'Grey Rider' who managed to escape watches their carriage, with an escort of monrovian dragoons, from the edge of a wood.

A view of Bronstadt a small town used as the headquarters of the monrovian border guard ...

The 'Grey Rider' waits to see where they are taken and slips off across the border to get some help.

Making some footbridges ...

2010-12-30T10:21:00.000-08:00

Before the Kings Jagers get embroiled in their little adventure I needed to make some footbridges for crossing rivers. So I dug into my oddmments of cardboards and cut some lengths to fit across my standard river sections, these I scored to represent planking; after that on the underside I added some supports which double up as fixing points for some wooden post supports made from wooden skewers. Off to the paint shop ...

Out of the woods ...

2010-12-27T12:21:00.000-08:00

A party of the Kings Jager corps in civilian garb, led by Captain Sharfe, have emerged from the woods into a small village and are taking great care as they progress ... something's afoot ... (more to follow)

---oXo---

As my Wittenberg militia battalion is to receive uniforms, I spent a little time taking the figures in the best poses and basing them singly and converting a couple of officers adding muskets and a pistol. They can be used as armed civilians, brigands/smugglers, or in athe above case regulars in disguise (figs are a mix of Redoubt, Front Rank and Old Glory)

Merry Xmas ..

2010-12-18T11:02:00.001-08:00

The King and Queen of Wittenberg and the royal family

wish you a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year

Artillery drill ...

2010-12-12T05:29:00.000-08:00

The Loyal Belgravian Volunteers have recently been granted regimental status by the King of Wittenberg, here we see General Waldebeck and his aid watching some of the newly uniformed men carrying out some artillery drill with their battalion gun (uniforms have been ordered for the rest of the regiment)

(Figs: Artillery crew - Front rank SYW British)

Re-arranging the modelling desk ...

2010-12-12T05:22:00.000-08:00

I've been using my old PC for a while at my modelling desk, it's still going much to my surprise. I use it for looking up unifrom info on the net and also keeping up with blogs. Just recently my main PC printer has been misbehaving - it has now been replaced. It is tempremental - plays up for a while - the decides to work OK for a week or so the gets grumpy again. Anway its now joined my old PC at the modelling desk - now I can print stuff out, including flags. This has prompted a bit of re-arrangement.

Now I've got the PC/printer organised, I'm currently re-organising the rest of my stuff - found a few bits I'd forgotten about in the process.

Spot your Xmas goody ...

2010-12-05T05:44:00.000-08:00

A good item to request for your Xmas stocking (or just buy it for yourself for a treat) is Wargaming In History Vol 2, now available to order - hoorah !! Ordered mine last week. Front the front cover picture it looks like another corker from Grant and Olley.

Can be ordered in the UK from Ken Trotman books (http://www.kentrotman.com/marlatest/warghist2.htm)

40mm - Heads Up

2010-11-27T07:07:00.000-08:00

After much fiddling about I've finally finished getting ready another batallion for my 40mm project. The bulk of the figures are cast from Creartec moulds of prussian grenadiers, these have had their heads removed and replaced with some from Sash & Sabre. To finish off I bought 2 standard bearers, an officer and a drummer from Front Rank AWI Hessian range and gave them the same Sash & Sabre heads as the rest.

Prinz Albrecht Kurassier on Parade ....

2010-11-20T08:53:00.000-08:00

At the palace the King and the Field Marshal ride out to inspect the Prinz Albrecht Kurassier regiment (figs are from Front Rank)

---oXo---

Meanwhile in the south General Waldebeck

is on the move with his staff and small escort of Uhlans ...

I 've replaced my 40mm personality figure of General Waldebeck with a nice one from Drabant; he now wears a nice new coat and rides the horse presented to him by the King for his services during the 3rd Belgravian wars.

Cavalry - Work In Progress

2010-11-16T10:24:00.000-08:00

Kurassiers, from Front Rank, get one step closer the horsies finished - riders nearly there, hat lace and swords etc todo plus belts.

For my 40mm collection, I've finished casting a hussar regiment form Nürnberger Meisterzinn moulds, plenty of painting todo as my lead mountain starts building up again.

Raid on Hottenweldt

2010-11-13T10:58:00.000-08:00

Looming out of the early morning mist the fort commander spots the Wittenberg raiding force; the River Marines in their boats towing barges full of Grenadiers. The fort fires their cannon to little effect as the daywatch has not arrived and they are shorthanded ...

The Grenadiers land and make their way to the rear of the fort, while the fort's day watch rush through the main gate.

The River Marines reach the wharfs and start to disembark ....

Hearing the sound of cannon fire from the fort the town militia turn out and send a group of men to protect the warehouses...

The Grenadiers move to attack the fort entrance .....

The militia deploy while their commanding officer remonstrates with the garrison commander for not moving his regiment forward (he has strict orders to protect the town) ...

The River Marines work their way along the wharf, as the militia sets up a barricade to defend the warehouses

The grenadiers break through into the fort .....

the River Marines attack the militia defending the warehouses

The main body of the militia hold their ground; the River Marines have beaten back those defending the warehouses and prepare to set fire to the buildings. The raiders seeing the town garrison regular troops in the distance make a decision to withdraw

The River Marines cover the embarkation of the troops onto the boats while the buildings at the wharfside are ablaze .....

The rading forces leave, using their boats and some commandeered from the wharfside

Hottenweldt in Hesse-Limberger ...

2010-11-11T10:40:00.000-08:00

Its early in the morning at Hottenweldt, a view of the wharfs from the fort ....

A cart makes it's way down to the wharehouses from the town ...

There's a little bit of activity by the warehouses as some items are loaded into a boat ...

The day watch wend their way slowly up to the fort for another day on duty ....

Will they have a peaceful day ??