Redoubt F&IW Naval Gun & Crew (Incl. A Couple of AW Miniatures)

Here are a couple of Redoubt naval guns and crews - with an AW figure added to each crew. Wanted the crew to have 4 figures per the Rebels and Patriots rules for artillery; as well as having a couple in the blue outer coats with red facings. The 3 crew figures from the Redoubt set have them in undress - as would be appropriate for manning the guns.

The smaller naval guns are intended for a Siege of Louisbourg skirmish game - the guns being able to be manhandled around outside of the fort proper. The scenario is planned to be based around the beach landing of General Wolfe and his "Red Division" made up of grenadier companies, light infantry, and the 78th Highlanders.

These Redoubt figures are on the larger side of 28mm, and match up very nicely with the also largish 28mm AW figures.

Left to right: AW, Redoubt, and Foundry. I like the large and robust figures from these makers - I also just received a few Galloping Major Hurons and Mohawks to add to the mix. As these figures will be used in small skirmish games with individually mounted figures, I wanted them to be able to stand up to this kind of use.

Next up are these AW F&IW French infantry. They will flesh out the previously painted units as well as adding a few more. The final result will be 7 infantry units of 12 figures each (3 being grenadiers in bearskins). These will be in addition to the French marines, coureur des bois, and Hurons. Probably more than needed for the Louisbourg scenario as the French were outnumbered about 3 or 4 to 1 by the British. Speaking of British, I am awaiting the arrival of a few more figures from Wargames Foundry to flesh out their army too. Thanks for stopping by and checking out what's going on here. Wishing you all the best!

Battle of Abensberg, 1809 - Using Rebels and Patriots Modified

My buddy hosted another great Napoleonic game - Abensberg, 1809 - this time using a slightly modified version of Rebels and Patriots. He's run this scenario before using Black Powder, but wanted to try it out with Rebels and Patriots as the gaming group he meets with regularly prefers these rules. For this game he had most of the line infantry in units of 18 and 24 figures - 24 is more than what is in the rule book, but this basically makes units last a lot longer. We also had cavalry in units of 12; double what the rules have. There were several artillery batteries with more than the usual 4 figure crew on both sides too. Finally, another modification was having commanders as separate entities on their own - that is, not part of units like the main rules. All of the mods seemed to work well and the game played out nicely for about 7 or 8 turns. I ran an Austrian brigade of mostly infantry on the right flank. My other buddy who ran the Austrian left had a couple of cavalry units - one each lancer (heavy cavalry) and hussars (light cavalry). I managed to hold off the Bavarian advance on my side and my buddy did a lot of damage to the Bavarians opposite him. His lancers in particular destroyed several of the enemy units, including cavalry, as well as reaching their end of the table and coming back again.

My side of the table (Austrian right) at the start of the game.

Austrian left with lancers and light infantry advancing on the Bavarian right.

Bavarian left - the units my brigade faced. I ended up destroying the unit of heavy cavalry by constant fire from my infantry.

Austrian left at the start of the game.

The Austrian right - run by yours truly. I had several large (18-24 man) infantry units, including two grenadier (Shock infantry) units.

My buddy's pooch - a possible Bavarian sympathizer by the looks of it.

Midway through the game. As always there was plenty of refreshments to keep players sustained.

A shot of my buddy's study with various military regalia - including tribal shields and Napoleonic headgear and swords - all authentic and picked up during his time overseas with the Army.

The "smoke" indicates disorder. The red and black balls represent individual casualties as most of the figures are multi-based. We called the game after turn 7 or 8; deciding the Austrian left victorious over their opposite, and my right flank pretty much deadlocked with multiple units still in the game.

It was a nice game and made me appreciate the rules even more. Looking forward to trying it out with the La Haye Sainte scenario which should work well for it. Thanks again for stopping by!

Redoubt F&IW British Light Infantry

More figures from the recent Redoubt order. These are also some nice, robust figures - similar to the French Marines. As I plan to do skirmish gaming with these with individually mounted figures, their sturdiness is much appreciated. Interestingly, the French infantry and grenadiers are somewhat smaller (shorter) than these, and their bayonets a bit fragile - particularly for skirmish gaming. In any case, these are perfect for their intended purpose. These 12 figures are from two pack - one with "jockey caps" and the other with "bowler hats". Both the headgear and uniforms were modified for the irregular type of warfare experienced during the French and Indian War.

They have buff (or yellow) and blue facings - both worn by various units that served in the war.

The figures standing upright - one loading and one with his musket upraised come with the musket and hands as separate parts. The separate part is actually intended to be used as loading - but I saw another blogger using it in the upright positions - stole the idea.

Besides the different headgear - both sets have identical body/poses.

The photo above is a comparison shot showing, left to right: AW, Redoubt, Foundry, Redoubt, Warlord Games, and Front Rank. They all are on the larger side of 28mm, and quite robust for skirmish gaming. Thanks for dropping by and checking out the blog. Wishing you all the best.

Redoubt F&IW French Marines (Compagnies Franches de la Marine)

These are some of the figures of a rather large (for me) order from Redoubt. I placed the order before my buddy offered to sell/trade back the Foundry, Redoubt and Front Rank F&IW figures I had sold him several years ago. Once I got back those figures I was able to have my initial Redoubt order amended to add these French Marines and a few other figures - removing some of the British Grenadiers from the order since I had the Foundry ones back. Grubby there at Redoubt was very nice in accomodating my request. Anyway, these French Marines are two different packs from the one I already had. They are on the larger side of 28mm which I like for skirmish gaming (single figure basing, etc.).

The packs come with an officer in each - I forgot which figures came with which pack so they aren't arranged that way in the picture above.

They're all in undress without their white (gris blanc) coats.

The previous six Redoubt French Marines were painted about 10 years ago and I didn't recall what blue I had used. I tried various combinations of Vallejo Prussian Blue, Dark Blue, and Flat Blue - including adding green to some mixtures, but just couldn't seem to match the earlier blue. The earlier blue has a brighter/lighter tone to it. 

The photo above has the earlier painted figure flanked by the newer ones. The difference in the blue may not be apparent but I hope to possibly find the right color later and add it as highlights.

The first row are the earlier painted figures. I'm finishing up some Redoubt British light infantry from the same order and hope to post pictures of them soon. Thanks again to checking out the blog, and wishing you all the best.

AW Miniatures F&IW French Infantry

Tried out AW Miniatures for the first time after seeing a size comparison of them with various other F&IW figures. I wanted something with similar size and bulk as the largish Foundry SYW French and British already in the collection. Ordered a small 8-figure pack off of ebay and was happy to see that they are indeed on the larger side of 28mm as the Foundry figures. They match very nicely in size and sculpting style to the Foundry figures - in fact, the AW figures' tricornes are a tad larger, but not too noticeable.

The figures are painted in pairs to represent various regiments which will eventually have 12-figures each. In the photo above, left to right: Cambis with red facings and waistcoat - they have alternating pewter and copper buttons and alternating silver and gold lacing on their tricornes; Marines with blue facings, waistcoats and breeches; La Reine with red facings and blue waistcoats; and La Sarre with blue facings and red waistcoats. I'm awaiting the arrival of an order of Redoubt French which will hopefully also match these. Plan to have 12-man units of each of these regiments for Rebels and Patriots.

These are listed as just French infantry, but the sword and bayonet combination was usually associated with grenadiers.

Comparison shot above, left to right: 1-Foundry; 2-AW; 3-Foundry; 4-AW; 5-Redoubt; 6-AW. Since the Foundry and Redoubt figures were painted 9 or so years ago, I forgot what colors I used. Vallejo Flat Red seemed to match perfectly, but the blue was hard to figure out. I ended up mixing a little green with the Vallejo Flat Blue to try and replicate the earlier painted blue - including the Redoubt Marines in undress uniform. As the Foundry figures are in mostly standing at the ready poses, the AW firing poses will be a nice addition to them.  

Rear comparison above - left to right: Foundry; AW; Foundry; AW. Note the Foundry guys have minimal equipment - no backpacks, and only the grenadiers have the sword and bayonet combination.

In addition to the Redoubt order, I also have a Foundry order with more British from their SYW range. The plan to is have enough figures for a 6-player game using the Siege of Louisbourg as the scenario. This will based upon the initial beach assault by General Wolfe which consisted of grenadiers, the 78th Highlanders, and light infantry and rangers. Just all the cool kids. Lol! Until next time, wishing you all the best in health and hobby pursuits.

Saga Game Day - Polish Crusader Warband vs. Vikings

Well, I finally got in another Saga game today using a newly formed Polish warband using the list in the Age of Crusades. Most of the figures were painted a long time ago and used in both WAB and Lion Rampant games in the past. The only new figures are a unit of levy bowman using Fireforge plastics. The warband did well against my buddy's Viking warband. I managed to kill off his unit of Berseker hearthguard and Gael warriors with my double-sized unit of mounted hearthguard and mounted warriors. The mounted hearthguard also took out his his warlord. My levy bowmen also took out most of his levy bows too. Here's the Polish Crusader warband below - if  I were to play them again I'd add another unit of levy bow. In fact, I only used two units of levy spears because they were already painted.

Here's a few shots from the game.

The Polish center and left wing - left to right: unit of mounted warriors, double-size mounted hearthguard, warlord in the rear of one of the levy spears, and finally levy bowmen. Oh, I should add that we didn't use a mat - and played on the bare table top. Note to self - need to get a 3x4' mat for Saga.

My buddy's Viking warband - left to right: Gael warriors (with double melee attack dice), levy bowmen, Bersekers with warlord behind them, and a unit of Shield Maidens.

My double-sized unit of mounted hearthguard charging into the Berserkers and about to totally destroy them - leaving their warlord open to a subsequent attack. I think this was when he activated his Gaels, and I used the Terror of the East rule to react by charging an enemy unit (the Bersekers) within Medium range (6") - it also added 2 defense dice which weren't needed as the initial attack destroyed them.

The Polish mounted warriors supported on their right by a unit of levy spears. I used the mounted figures with lances to indicate the hearthguard. Most of the warrior figures have handheld weapons.

Polish levy bows on the left whittling down the Viking levy bows.

Polish mounted hearthguard about to take out the Viking warlord. Although it wasn't used, the Polish board has a "Squires" special rule which allows a warrior unit with Short (3") from a hearthguard unit to swap casualties with it. I tried to keep the warrior unit next to the hearthguard unit for this reason.

Polish left wing - two intact units of levy, one each spears and bows; the Warlord comfortably behind them.

We kept playing after the Viking warlord was killed, and the Polish mounted hearthguard went on to destroy the unit of Gael warriors. My buddy erred by removing my two fatigues and reducing my armor to 3 - whereas he should've increased his warriors' armor since I was the attacker and destroyed his unit before it could retaliate.

End of the game with the Viking warlord and two of their units destroyed.

I should add that I didn't attend last Saturday's game day at Fort Steilacoom because I cancelled my game a few weeks ago. The reason being is I apparently got Covid, but thought it was allergies as the symptoms were very mild. Only after giving my wife the bug and she got tested did I realize had it. I actually recovered quickly and tested negative but didn't want to take the chance of spreading it at the game day. I think I picked it up a few weeks ago after attending not one, but three different gaming events - a Black Powder game with about 7 players, followed by a Chain of Command game with 5 players, and then a game day where I hosted a Rebels and Patriots game with 5 players. I actually thought I had an allergy as the symptoms were not only mild, but we had heavy smoke during the time from nearby fires. Oh well, I can finally say I actually got the thing after over three years without. Anyway, thanks for checking out the blog and wishing you all the best!

Brigade Games F&IW French Marines, Militia, And British Rangers

Painted the remaining figures from the Brigade Games order a while back. Just a few F&IW figures - 6 each of French Marines and Militia, and British/American Rangers. Although these are very nice sculpts, similar in size and style of Perrys, they don't match the majority of the rest of my F&IW figures. Specifically the Foundry, Redoubt, and Front Rank figures already in the range are much larger and more robust - particularly suited for skirmish gaming and handling individual figures. I'll see if my buddy who bought the other Brigade Games figures may be interested in them.

Painted in my usual method of block painted, followed by Minwax staining, and finally a few highlights.

Here's a comparison shot of the size/style differences - left to right: Brigade Games, Front Rank, Brigade Games, Redoubt, Brigade Games, Front Rank. They probably would be fine in separate units on the table in a pinch.

I actually got back the F&IW figures I had sold to a buddy several years ago - he saw my post about the Brigade Games figures I painted and offered to sell the figures back as he saw I was back into the period. I ended up trading the AWI figures I had painted a couple of years ago since he has a keen interest in the period. I finally added red overstripes to the kilts of these Redoubt Highland Grenadiers.

The Warlord Games Highlanders match up pretty well with the Redoubt and the rest of the larger figures.

In addition to a Redoubt order of F&IW figures, I'm also waiting on an ebay order of AW French Infantry. Supposedly these are also on the larger side of 28mm. Thanks again for stopping by and wishing you all the best.

Warlord Games F&IW Highlanders

Wanted to have a unit of these guys to represent the 78th Fraser's Highlanders who were present at the Siege of Louisbourg - the scenario I hope to use with Rebels and Patriots. They painted up pretty quickly as they have minimal uniform details to paint - most of the jacket lacing being obscured by the great kilt. Used a simplified version of the "Government Pattern" tartan - as it seems it was the most-commonly pattern worn by Highland units.

Although they appear to be in only two poses, there are actually four poses - with very slight detail differences. I do wish there was a firing pose though.

The buff facings were worn by the 78th Fraser's Highlanders as well as the 42nd Black Watch prior to them changing to blue after being made a Royal regiment in 1758. The 42nd still wore buff facings for most of their time in the F&IW - including the Battle of Ticonderoga.

An 005 Micron pen was used to add black stripes inside of the larger green stripes. They're not that discernable, but seems to improve the overall look. The pattern itself is painted for effect rather than accuracy - that is, the green stripes are probably spaced a bit too far apart, but at arms-length it looks okay and I think if the lines were closer it would look too "busy." Same as the stocking pattern - that's my excuse and I'm sticking with it.

They were painted the usual way - block painting and Minwax staining - followed by some highlighting.

Next are some Brigade Games F&IW Rangers, and French Marines and Militia. Thanks for checking out the blog, and wishhing you all good health.