Wargaming the American Revolution (Game Report)

A group of SKG3 members gathered in Devon recently to fight a wargame set in South Carolina, during the American Revolution. To inspire us all to raise and paint up our collections, players are allowed to raise armies without restriction on points or numbers that are fielded, as long as time and effort has been made to paint and base them in an attractive manner. To put it another way, there are no point or numerically balanced armies in history. This system has certainly inspired us all to clear those lead figures, if only to field something new each time we play a game.
    I took up the dubious position of raising the Rebel Americans, to be commanded by a family member, Chris. Opposing us was a largely elite force of Crown light troops under George, and a diverse contribution of German mercenaries and native Indians under Lucas. There was a possibility that Lucas would arrive late from work, and we included this into the game, giving George the expectation of reinforcements.
   Our House rules played extremely well and although it ended in a tactical draw all agreed it had been a spirited action. Here are a few photos from the game which was played over two evenings. While the Rebels were able to inflict heavier casualties it was the splendid showing of the 63rd Foot which took the glory, their volleys driving off larger numbers, and while they broke on occasions it was special to see them rally and once more enter the fray. MGB

18th Century Pigs and Pigsty

Work continues on my farming community. Here is my recently completed pigsty, being French farmers, the pigs are Ass Black Limousine, correct for the period. Figures were purchased from Crann Tara in the UK. The pigs are heavily restored 1930s toys.
MGB

Georgian Miniatures in a Georgian Cabinet

Shamed by others who have found a system to store and display their 28mm collections, I decided to keep an eye out for something that might provide an answer.  Here is my new acquisition from a local charity shop. Costing only £30, its a fair piece of reproduction furniture, and came with hardly a scratch. When I add to the number of glass shelves, and some rewiring to restore the internal lighting, it should be able to hold all my 18th century collections. There are some superb buys to be had in secondhand brown furniture, and they will last considerably longer than much of the popular and contemporary rubbish in production.
MGB
ps. Hope followers like the new column for 'labels' which may serve to find previous entries on this blog.

Farmers prepare for Market Day

Have been working on some 1930s Brittains/John Hill farm animals. Here are some 18th century Tamworth pigs being taken to market. Its been a real pleasure restoring these old toys: working with milliput and wire, and new paintwork. The farmers are available from Crann Tara in the UK.
MGB

More X-RANGE painted and ready for the AWI

With several members in my living history group raising 28mm AWI figures to wage war on my Rebels, I have been forced to clear some lead figures, to better protect my Georgian town from potential attacks. Here is my South Carolina Artillery, also known an the 4th SC Regiment. They appear to have operated both field and garrison carriages in different actions so I have not attached them to a particular piece. Several castings have had the heads converted, others have been replaced. Arms and legs manipulated with pliers. Have also raised a number of Delaware Continentals to better support my numerous militia.
Michael

French Marines, Navy, and Privateers prepare for War!

Have been working on my French Marine battalion. Decided it was time to muster all my Revolutionary naval forces. Still lots of work to do repairing, improving, and augmenting. MGB

MARTELLO TOWER, 1790s

Having constructed my Georgian town and harbour, it was time to improve its defences. Accordingly, here is my new Martello tower. I picked up the wooden pot in a charity shop for 50p, the red rotating frame and carriage is made out of left-over plastic sprue, the barrel is a Hinchcliffe Model's 18pdr. These towers were common in the Mediterranean and they impressed the Royal Navy enough for the British Crown to start constructing the same in our colonies in 1796, and in Great Britain and Ireland from 1804. A typical garrison mustered less than thirty men. I think this model will be a useful addition to my French Revolutionary scenarios. MGB