French Revolutionary Wargames 1789-1802: October 2020

Wargame Rules, Ratios, etc

RAISING MINIATURE ARMIES FOR THE LATE 18TH CENTURY

I am very keen to keep my wargame rules as simple as possible, yet capture the character of the 1790s. Morale dominates the games as the opposing sides are very different. Most of the French troops are 'levee' battalions, which I have chosen to base in column as their ability to change formation on a battlefield must have been limited, nor do I believe their volley fire had any great value. Of better quality, able to change formation, will be white-coated regular and blue-coated volunteer battalions, aided by a fair number of skirmishers. The British, Austrian, Dutch and German armies are often outnumbered, but they maintain the discipline and order of typical 18th century armed forces. Interestingly, French revolutionary cavalry have little in common with their later Napoleonic counterparts, the former are few in number, often poorly mounted, and no match for those in the service of the Allies. All figures are 28mm in scale, using a 1=25 ratio.

Friday, 30 October 2020

CHARITY SHOP FIND

I'm rather pleased with this latest find in a charity shop. Its an earthenware model of an early industrial building. At a loss to understand why it was made, perhaps to hold an internal light? Its well crafted, and looks perfect with 28mm figures. Originally buff-coloured, I gave it a prime, and painted it in more realistic colours. I've also covered the original foliage with more authentic tree scatter material. Not bad for £4.

MGB

Monday, 5 October 2020

Royal Navy Ship ready to Set Sail

This model had been laying dormant for about two years. The fragile plastic masts had broken off, the ship's wheel was out of scale, the guns were missing, the paintwork was poor. I was seriously thinking about converting it into a prison vessel, as it certainly wasn't seaworthy. Pleased I decided otherwise, the strong wooden masts, rigging and sails, and new paintwork has made this something I'm keen to use The RN Ensign was added today.

MGB

Friday, 2 October 2020

WARGAMING WITH 54MM TOY SOLDIERS, a new blog

Have recently set up my third wargaming blog, devoted to larger scale figures. I must admit its been an enjoyable and nostalgic journey working with toy soldiers I remember from my childhood. Here are a few photos from recent posts.

MGB

(VISIT https://wargamingwith54mmtoysoldiers.blogspot.com)