Tag Archives: Service

Peninsular War – Reinforcements

Just another quick update. I have based up over the weekend two more units by Terry from Piran’s Warriors painting service.

I have slowly been building a guards section for the Peninsular. The latest recruits are the middle guard, namely the Fusilier Grenadiers and the Fusilier Chasseurs.

While they don’t have the pomp and regalia of the Old Guard they do have striking uniforms.

As always the units are 18 figures strong for my rules, King George Commands And We Obey. The figures are by Elite Miniatures. I really like the style of these figures and Terry has done a great job of bringing out the detail.

In 1808 Napoleon issued a decree that removed the Eagle and Standards from all guard units except for the 1st Battalions of the Grenadier Guards and Chasseurs of the Guard, the units were instead issued Fanions.

Here are the fanions. Homemade and a little oversized. They should be 1m x 1m so circa 18mm in scale but I find that too small. Below are the fanions and file. Please help yourself.

My thanks also goes out to Michael Hopper who has provided details to some of the actual engagements the Middle Guard were involved in. I had never come across the Battle of Sepulveda. Having had a read about it, it sounds interesting and maybe I will give it a go when we can all be back together wargaming.

Here are the units

Thank you again Terry, a great looking couple of units.

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Filed under 28mm, Elite, Elite Miniatures, Imperial Guard, KGCAWO, Middle Guard, Napoleonics, painting, Painting Services, Peninsula, Peninsular, Piran's Warriors, Uniforms, Wargame Rules

Rebels and Patriots Update – Dismounted British Dragoons

Just another quick update. Just based up Perry AWI dismounted dragoons for R&P.

These were painted by Terry from Piran’s Warriors painting service.

I have based them on 25mm bases as they are a skirmish unit.

Fantastic, thank you Terry.

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Filed under 28mm, American war Independence, foundry, Rebels and Patriots, Wargame Rules

Lion Rampant/Saga Vikings

This is short update on my Victrix Vikings painted by Piran’s Warriors painting service.

I have the vikings a few months now but had not based them yet. Terry at Piran’s does include basing in his costs but I like to do my own.

Last night I had a few hours spare so I based the first 12 models. They had to be placed under the heat lamp to reduce time between stages.

  • Glue figure to 25mm mdf base.
  • Earth mix of pva glue, chocolate poster paint, bird sand and filler then applied to base.
  • Dry brush base with desert yellow
  • Dab pva glue around base and add static grass and or Cork rocks.

I think they look great. Just another 50+ to base.

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Filed under 28mm, Dark Ages, Lion Rampant, Painting Services, Piran's Warriors, Saga 2, Vikings

Battlemasters Empire army complete

A few more pictures from Terry, of Piran’s Warriors painting service, of the Empire army for my Battlemasters game.

They are finished. I will probably base they permanently on their game bases with good terrain. There will be no casualty removal.

Mention this blog to Terry before 1st December 2020 and get 10% off your painting. Checked him out at piranswarriors.com

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Filed under 28mm, BattleMasters, BattleMasters, Boardgames, Fantasy

BattleMasters update.

In my previous blog I talked about finally getting a painted BATTLEMASTERS game and had asked Piran’s Warriors to paint them for me.

Here are the next few pictures showing the crossbow and archer troops for the Imperial/Empire side.

Remember that Terry at Piran’s Warriors has offered a 10% discount on orders placed before 1st December 2020 if you mention this blog.

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Filed under 28mm, BattleMasters, BattleMasters, Boardgames, Fantasy, Painting Services, Piran's Warriors

More Reinforcements – ECW clubmen

Please find below the last unit from my initial order to Piran’s Warriors painting service https://piranswarriors.com/

These figures are a unit that I have had sitting in my painting pile for about 20 years, in fact I have another unit still to be painted. It might sound that I didn’t like them. The truth is far different, in fact it was this small group of figures and a cavalry unit (in particular a musician whose hat was blowing off) led me to buy Redoubt Miniature English Civil War armies. I was at the Devizes show cira 1999 and Redoubt had a stand and a display of stunningly painted units from across their ranges, but these two units jumped out at me. Like a small child I grapped a catalogue and sat in the corner and drafted a list. 20 years later I have nearly completed the collection. For me, they are the best figures on the market for ECW, most come with separate heads and the cavalry have separate legs and torsoes allowing too many options yet alone poses to mention.

Terry at Piran’s Warriors has done them proud. As before the basing is mine so if you like it thanks, if not do not blame Terry. They are based for my favourite ECW rule set, Victory Without Quarter. Please see previous blog about this stunning free set of rules.

The painting hits the mark and captures the rustic feel I was after. And that was the only instructions I gave. Terry contacted before varnishing to check I was happy with his choices. The remaining units will be off to Terry in time.

Fancy getting some painting done. Terry has offered a 10% discount on your first order if you place it before 1st December 2020 and mention this blog or my name.

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Filed under 28mm, Clubmen, ECW, English Civil War, Free Wargame Rules, Painting Services, Piran's Warriors, Redoubt Miniatures, Traders, Wargame Rules

More Reinforcements- The Portuguese

As promised a few weeks back, here is the next unit to be painted by Piran’s Warriors painting service.

I am so happy with how the unit turned out. The campaign look with varied trouser colour hits the spot and the faces are great. This is my first early Portuguese unit but will not be the last.

As per last blog, the basing is down to me. I am awaiting a new delivery of brass rod so have not yet done the flags.

These are Elite Miniatures, early Portuguese. I do like their figures as they almost have a caricature feel without over doing it.

Discount

If you need some painting give Terry a shout https://piranswarriors.com/ mention either this article/blog or my name to get a 10% discount off you first order as long as it is placed before 1st December 2020.

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Filed under 28mm, Elite, KGCAWO, Napoleonics, painting, Painting Services, Peninsular, Piran's Warriors, Uncategorized

New Reinforcements – New Figure Painter

A few months ago I was having a tidy up and came across a few regiments that were unpainted and to be honest I did not have any enthusiasm to paint them either. The reason was that they were additional units as my collections in the eras were already large enough but the figures are too good to get rid of.

I decided that I would send them to a figure painter but as my normal figure painter has ceased painting it would have to be a new one.

I was finally tempted by Piran’s Warriors https://piranswarriors.com/ I rang them and spoke to Terry. I discussed my requirement e.g. no basing, gloss and then matt varnish and his requirement regarding unit details. I posted the figures the next day and two days later I received an email confirming arrival.

Two weeks later I had a call from Terry advising me that the figures were next to be painted and had anything changed regarding detail.

Just over a week later I received some pictures of the figures. Perfect.

Two weeks later I was sent an email advising that they were ready and a breakdown of the full costs including postage and packaging. Having paid, two days later the parcel arrived. I have to say that the packaging was very thorough.

I have now based the first two units. These are Redoubt Miniature English Civil War 28mm Trotter cavalry. I asked one to be painted with orange sash and the other with red. Beyond that I asked for a mix of horse colours and uniform from Terry’s imagination.

I believe he has hit the brief perfectly. I could not be happier with the painting or the service. Please note that the basing and flag were my work so if you like it thank you, if not your cup of tea don’t blame Terry.

I hope you like them. I am still basing the other units; Redoubt ECW clubmen and Elite Miniature Napoleonic Portugese. These will be done over the next few days.

I asked Terry if he would be ok with me doing a post. He was happy and having checked out the blog made a very nice offer to any of you out there, including me of a 10% discount off painting costs for your first order, my next. The order must be placed before 1st December 2020. Just mention my blog when you contact Terry.

I will certainly be using Terry again. In fact I have just placed an order with Victrix for some Vikings and Saxons for two small Lion Rampant forces.

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Filed under 28mm, Elite, English Civil War, Lion Rampant, Painting Services, Piran's Warriors, Redoubt Miniatures, Reviews, Skirmish

Reinforcements – The Wargame Artist painting service

Almost a year ago I bought from a show a few packs of soldiers from a new manufacturer and therefore range.  The range was Napoleonic Spanish and the manufacture was Three Armies. I don’t have a large collection of Spanish but probably have always wanted to, not sure if it is the era, colourful uniforms or being an underdog. Whatever the reason I spotted these for sale and investigated. The figures I think are some of the best I have seen but buying them broke one of my main rules, do not buy figures from incomplete ranges. There were no grenadiers available at the time. The sculpture who is also the owner assured me that soon they would be available. The figure sat on the To Be Done shelf. Then about 3 months ago I spotted an advert for the Grenadiers and this reminded me I need some, so I ordered them. The figures are great and detailed as I hope you can see from the pictures. My only criticism would be that the bayonets are possibly too delicate for wargaming as a few had broken off in delivery and I have knocked a few off in handling.

On a slightly different note I had recently bought a painted British Napoleonic unit from Ebay and noticed that the seller offered a painting service. Following a chat I sent of a few units for painting. I must state that Sam at Wargame Artist admitted to not having a great knowledge of Napoleonic uniforms so I supplied the details, therefore any areas of the uniform that are incorrect are of my doing. Normally if I need units I send them to A Brush Too Far but Sam offered to turn the units around in weeks, definitely in time for my birthday.

Sam was as good as his word and last week the units turned up. The other great thing was that I was sent pictures at most stages to ensure I was happy with the work. Please check out the Wargame Artist site for details www.thewargameartist.com but basically there are two levels of service Standard and Deluxe. I sent figures for both services but did not request basing.

Spanish Walloon Royal Guard – Standard level

I think this unit is what sums up the Spanish Napoleonic era for me. Uniforms from a bygone age with bright colours giving a sense of showmanship. I really like the painting.

1st battalion Royal Walloon Guard. Only the first battalions in Spanish regiments had Grenadier Companies. 2 Companies of fusiliers and 2 of Grenadiers.

1st Battalion – The first battalion carried the King’s Colour while the other Battalions carried the Regimental Colour

1st Battalion – with homemade flag

2nd Battalion with 4 companies of Fusileers

2nd Battalion with Regimental flag

 

Irlandaise (Irish) Regiment – Standard level

 

Foreign Regiments in Spanish service were distinguished by light blue uniforms.

1st Battalion Irlandaise Regiment

1st battalion

1st battalion close up – may need to touch up the buttons

2nd Battalion

2nd battalion

2nd battalion close up of command. Buttons again.

 

Spanish Line Principe Regiment – Standard level

1st battalion

1st battalion close up – buttons need to be picked out in Gold. my error as I missed this detail off of my guide and did not spot in the updates.

 

Review

I needed to be more accurate with my details as I forgot about mentioning buttons etc but the work by Wargame Artist is great and turnaround time is fantastic. Thank you Sam.

I will detail a few more units in my next blog including some AWI and a few deluxe wild west figures.

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Filed under Reviews, Traders, Wargame Artist, Wargame Artist

Legionary 2019

On the day of the show everything went smooth. The journey to the show took only 6 minutes, I was first there so drove into the show and unloaded my car next to my allocated tables.

Within 90 mins I had the game set up, just as the rest of the boys from Plymouth turned up so we went for a fry up. The catering on site is the best of any show I have ever attended.

Terrain laid out now just add the troops

Sarissa Plantation house and barn with Renedra Church

River and bridge crossing by Amera Plastics

Renedra Cabin with door mat crops and hay stacks

The table size was 9×6

Here are the orders of battle.

Copy of Legionary 2018 Record sheet American Copy of Legionary 2018 Record sheet British

Procedure change

Normally we allocate a card to each commander and randomly draw then to see who is activated. We also include an end of turn card which allows all unactivated commanders to initiate a command test or fire, it also requires the shuffling of the reformed pack. Having just bought the Battle honours rules for WW2 we decided we would allocate a colour of card and allow the activated player to chose which commander to activate. The Joker was the end of turn.

The game

The British suffered in the first couple of turns as most of the Americans were activated  but only one or two British were before the end of turn. The Hessians took and early casualties from the heavy gun of the Americans and this in turn seemed to fixate the British on counter battery fire when activated.

Americans marching past their camp towards the sound of the guns

British advancing towards the Plantation. Light regiment to the fore

Hessians advance to the fence line all the time being pick off by Morgan’s rifles and a dogged 2lber gun.

British right flank entering the table

American left flank enter the table

Hessian batteries open up!

The British /Hessian centre tried to advance and capture the centre of the field. Holding the fence line was a small command of Moprgan’s rifle and a 2lber cannon. While this may not seem too much of a challenge, the marksmen’s ability and the range of the rifles made the Hessians too nervous and ended up targeting the rifles with cannon fire. Bad dice rolls for the British trying to hit the skirmishers and brilliant saving rolls by Steve in particular for the Americans meant they hang around far too long than the British wanted. By the time the rifles had been cleared the American centre was full of support.

The British Cavalry had attempted to advance and capture the centre ground but accurate howitzer fire caused many of the British cavalry to break.

Riflemen and cannon fire into the advancing Hessians

First unit to be broken!

A woman cleans the cabin hope the advancing British in the rear don’t burn it down.

American CinC with his dragoon guards

American heavy gun. This is a foundry model and comes with 6 figures but I only needed 4 as each figure represents the no. of damage dice is hits with.

British Cavalry advance towards the town centre. Due to bad dice they were to stay there too long and become the target of the American Howitzer.

British lights reach the plantation at the edge of the town.

closer look at the gun

The British native units were making their war steadily through the woods next to the river. this eventually bought them out at the bridge. Not wishing to venture into the open to the poor morale when in the open they shot from the wood edge hitting the mounted militia.

The British left was now trading shots with the American right which was advancing through the plantation and engaging the enemy, very well it must be said.

British right firing at the distant enemy. Maybe if they can capture the cabin the owner may provide refreshments or they could always burn it down!

American left wher militia are advancing through the woods

A cheers goes up in the British camp as the first American unit breaks and flees from the plantation

American left engage with British right in a fight for the cabin.

Morgan’s rifle get the reinforcements they hoped for.

View from rear of American right

Camp scene vignette from Perry

The Game ended and it was generally felt that while the British never secured the field, while the American’s were not in a great state to hold it. The American’s won though and so it was time to adjourn to the onsite cafe and have some Tea, I think the American may have even choked on it!!

Thank to Combine Oppos Wargame Group of Brian (British), Steve (American), Laurie(American) and Nathan(British).

I love the show with it being my local and as stated the venue is great, parking is free, loads of helper with trolleys if needed and best food ever. the only downside was the traders, many cancelled at the last moment and the ones that were there many sold the same items, great if you want Warlord items as you have the perfect bartering opportunity. What this can lead to is reduced sells and no returning next year.

Everyone helped pack up and I was home in 10 minutes unpacking.

 

Thank you all

See you all in a few weeks when we go to Weymouth for Fisticuffs which is at a new venue this year. Steve and Laurie have a secret game they are putting on so I cannot wait to see it.

Fisticuffs

Saturday May 26th   2018
Rembrandt Hotel ,12-18 Dorchester Road, Weymouth DT4 7JU

Next blog will probably be about some recently, eventually received TTCombat Wild West building

 

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Filed under A Brush Too Far, American war Independence, Demo game, Fields of Honor, Flags of War, Legionary Wargame Show, Old Glory, Perry, Redoubt Miniatures, Scenarios, Wargame Factory, Wargame Rules, Wargame Shows