Legion du Midi c.1792 takes the field

Having raised a small battalion of chasseurs some time ago, I've finally completed two squadrons of light horse for the Legion du Midi.  These are my own castings, and their lighter blue uniforms add a lot of colour to the French Revolutionary Army.
MGB

18th Century Gentry's Gig, and Commercial carts

While having a break from painting figures I was keen to utilise some of my own home-cast carts, and some wheels kindly supplied by a friend. I wanted to see how far my castings could be converted into other forms of 18th century transport. Here is my attempt to represent a Gig, a light weight form of carriage that appeared in about 1780. Have also made a better man-handled street cart. Finally, the French Revolutionaries have also gained another provisions cart.
MGB

PRIMED and READY

Although I have not painted any figures for a while I was able to set aside some time to clear the flash and undercoat about 150 castings. I really do hate doing this, but it has to be done, and it clears the deck for when I do pick up the brush, in addition to the freedom to choose the unit I would like to complete. Recent arrivals, and largely flash free were some superb Crann Tara dismounted hussars. Must now decide which units will they represent.
MGB

Scratch Built Mediterranean Houses

Not much painting of figures lately, but I was interested to try my hand at using some corrugated cardboard which had arrived as packaging, and I had kept aside for about six months. The idea was to put together some smaller farm buildings which could serve in the French Revolution, or for many other conflicts in southern Europe over several centuries. Working on and off over two days, completed three buildings, and improved the roof on another older model.
MGB

British Corps of Marines at Greenwich

In addition to wargaming the French Revolutionary Wars, I also founded and run a living history group portraying Captain Pellew's Landing Party, being a detachment of Royal Navy and British marines c.1793. Earlier this year we were commissioned to support, over four days, a tall ships event in London. Those visiting the event must have numbered tens of thousands, and some fine photos were taken of our living history display. Imagine the surprise when having a chat with a wargaming friend, Chris Gregg, it turns out that he had spent some time photographing our portrayal with neither of us being aware of each others attendance. Here are a few photos taken of this event, including some by Chris. May I also invite followers to visit his own blog as he has a reputation for painting military subjects, and special commissions can be negotiated. (See Links)
MGB

Scratch built Windmill 14th to 18th Century

Finally decided to build a generic windmill, suitable for use in several periods. This is based on the type that appeared in Spain in the 14th century but continued as a popular style for many centuries more. The basic wood cylinder was originally part of a sugar container picked up in a charity shop for £1. My plan included, however, the incorporation of a Swiss music box that was previously part of my late mother's jewellery box, which also included a spinning ballerina. The tune being a fairly well known Spanish melody. With no intention of keeping the jewellery box, I could see a fun potential if I could include it in my windmill model; music and moving sails no less.  Pleased to report, it works, and I can't help smiling each time I wind the key inside the cylinder.
MGB

                                 

The Legion des Allobroges, all three sections form up

Among my recent castings are some cavalrymen for my Allobroges Legion. And I have also just put together a few artillerymen to operate the legion's own artillery section.
MGB