Flames of War II: the Reckoning

Despite initial setbacks and frustrations, there is something uniquely fun about the new scale of figure. When I saw a great deal on a Festungkompanie, I immediately snatched it up to expand my new German force.

THe box came with more than 3 platoons of Grenadiers in Late War configuration with camo smocks, helmet covers, and MG42s for each section. The sculpt allows for use as Grenadiers, Panzergrenadiers, (or  more elite and less scrupulous units...) I painted mine in Heer uniforms, using the Splinter Pattern for the smocks and helmet covers.

After playing my first game, I decided to line the bottoms of my squad bases using felt squares cut to size. This allows them to stand in place even on the slopes of hills. To help keep track of platoons on the table and in storage, I've added small roman numerals to the backs of the bases to denote which platoon they belong to.

Sparks of War: a first taste of Flames of War

Though I initially had no intent to start another game system, I had always eyeballed the Flames of War tank blisters at my FLGS's. Many moons ago in college, i had picked up a single Tiger 1E tank (if you're going to paint only one tank, it might as well be the Tiger), and played around with paint jobs, but never got it to my satisfaction.

Recently, my friend and former employer was digging his way out from beneath his lead mountain, and asked if I'd be interested in painting up his German midwar Grenadier platoon. Of course I could not resist the opportunity to try a new figure range, so i gleefully accepted.

As my first attempt at a new and much smaller scale, going from my usual 28mm and 25mm figures down to the tiny 15mm men, I found myself feeling furstrated and ham handed. Though I had nearly 8 years under my belt painting the larger sizes, I was reduced to roughly the same amount of control that I had as a beginner in the hobby. My brush felt big and my strokes were heavy. I believe i finished my first stand of infantry as much by force as i did by finesse.

As is visible in the photo, I'm also learning about photographing the new scale.

Perry ACW Plastics, part 3

I've completed my first small section of my Perry American Civil War infantry. The plan developing in my head right now is to paint half the box for each side of the conflict, so as to make a matched set for small skirmish gaming (and potentially as posses in Legends of the Old West...).

I chose the golden grass instead of green for two reasons; it gives a good contrast to the very blue figures, and it kind of works for trampled crops. When I get enough of these all painted up, i'll add standing wheat to the very front rank.

Perry ACW Plastics, part 2

I have completed my test figure for the bulk of the infantry that came in the box. These have a good amount of customization available, with choice of hats and arms. Some models come as a nearly one piece marching pose, while others give the option for skirmishing, firing line, or reloading poses. I did the first one in the classic toy soldier pose of standing with shouldered rifle, aiming downrange. Again, the detail is better than what i'm used to in plastic. I love the way the Perry brothers sculpt faces; so much expression.

Perry Plastic ACW Union Infantry

For now the base is simple earth, as i have not figured out how to implement the rest. My pipe dream is to base them so that they appear to be marching through a corn or wheat field, with intact crops on the front rank.

And here is a comparative size shot next to a classic Valhallan figure from GW's metal ranges of yesteryear. Being my first miniatures almost 9 years ago now, theirs is what I consider a standard size.

Perry ACW plastic figure next to Games Workshop Imperial Guard metal

Perry ACW Plastics, part 1

I've just received my shipment of the new Plastic ACW figures from Perry Miniatures, and am really excited to get working on these. While the American Civil War is not necessarily my strongest suit, I wanted to give these fine figures a try.

I am also interested in the new direction that the perry Brothers are taking. I am a fan of their lead work, and consider theirs among the very best available. I was naturally curious as to how their work would pan out when done in plastic, and also excited at the cost effective armies that may come as a result of their dabbling.

I've worked on a few riflemen and one officer. IMHO, the officer painted up a bit like Matthew Broderick form Glory... (and that Rorschach fellow ought to be put away for all his offensive imagery!)

84th Foot

Eighty Fourth Highland Grenadiers.

The French

I am finding myself more interested than I had originally though I would be in the regular armies of the AWI period. As much as I have enjoyed researching and painting forces like militia irregulars and Indian war bands, the call of the uniformed force kept haunting me.
Having already done a few redcoats, I wanted to try something different, so I ventured into some French soldiers from the revolution. I chose the Saintonge regiment because 1, I could find some good reference pictures, and 2, I really liked the green facing look.
The models I painted for these were Old Glory AWI french soldiers. From certain angles they look fine, but the molds are too narrow, and the men look rather weedy. Some of the faces look good, but others are lacking in detail, anatomy, and expression. Like the whole model, some faces look great from the side, but from the front look squished.
Mass painting has, however, made up for this, and I dare say they look good in a group.
By and by, their charleville muskets are very accurately sculpted.