Battleground in the TV Times

An article from the TV Times previewing Battleground. Thanks to Roy Lowson for sending it in.

My Hero 2

The future MP for Liverpool by Doug Mason.

Every chap of good taste wants his own miniature Banastre Tarleton, and i am no exception. Luckily  the legend of paint brush and soldering iron that is Doug Mason kindly agreed to create one for me. The basic figure is the Suren British Legion officer (armed with trademark pin sabre) mounted on a Hinchliffe horse (my favourite of the 'dramatic' Gilder horses) that he controls via wire reins (another Mason trademark).

Every sensible scouser turns up to a fight mob-handed, and our future MP for Liverpool is no exception - the British Legion cavalry are hot on his heels. These, and other DM creations, will feature as soon as i've based them up.

'A Military Gentleman' now on general sale

John Ray's masterpiece is now available to anyone who missed the pre-launch offer. In short: if you can afford it then buy it, you will not be disappointed.

The hobby has not seen the like of this book before, and won't again (unless perhaps John does another). John and his team have taken the journal of an officer who served in Europe and America, dramatised his story, and illustrated it with literally hundreds of plates, sketches and photographs of John's vast collection of 30mm bespoke figures, buildings, ships and terrain. You get land and naval battles, sieges, vignettes and civilian scenes. Every element of this work is superb, no corners have been cut. It's even physically impressive: a solid 'Troiani sized' (approx 12" by 9") hardback of over 300 pages.

The nearest comparison that comes to mind is Curt Johnson's 'Battles of the American Revolution' but it's a poor comparison - 'A Military Gentleman' blows Johnson out of the water and into the outer atmosphere.

So, if you are an 18th century wargamer, appreciate state of the art sculpting, modelling and painting, or just enjoy a beautifully produced book, then go on, spoil yourself......

The Birth of Hinchliffe Models

From THE BULLETIN (the journal of the British Model Soldier Society) October 1967 edition:

Eligible bachelor seeks cavalry brigade

Casimir Pulaski in search of a command. 

My miniature version of one of the more tragic figures of the AWI* is a Hinchliffe Prussian Hussar (OPC50) with a Suren head (appropriately enough from George Washington, with added tache). The figure is based on the Batowski painting (which is unlikely to be particularly accurate, but it's one of the iconic images of Pulaski, so what the hell....).

My rebel cavalry force is in urgent need of reinforcement, the reasons for which will become evident shortly.

*Forced to flee his homeland, shunned by many rebel officers, and mortally wounded during a futile charge - this man clearly broke a few mirrors in his time.

Pioneers

 Right lads, they want a kitchen extension, conservatory, and oak floors throughout....

In more ways than one - the Black Company of Pioneers was one of the first all black units of ex-slaves raised during the AWI. Most loyalist units were mixed, and these chaps too were eventually integrated into the Guides and Pioneers.

Thirsty work.

These loyal servants of the King are conversions of Connoisseur Egyptian artillerymen, tools by Minden.

At Home With Hinchliffe

An article from Mil Mod February 1979 issue timed to coincide with the launch of the Calder Craft brand. I was interested to see Robert Fort get a mention - as we know he was Bicorne Miniatures original sculptor.

In the same issue we also have reviews of 1978s Northern Militaire (sponsored by Hinchliffe Models of course), and Nationals (wherein we are told that a certain Doug Mason was runner up in the 'Class 5' painting competition).

Everybody's Got One

Leading the charge or the rout? The foot are all basically Hinchliffe, with a head swapped Suren rider on a Connoisseur horse.

Surely every AWI wargamer has had a version of the 2nd New Hampshire regiment circa 1777 in their collection at one time or another? Personally i blame Charles Lefferts - who can resist the allure of sky blue coats and buff small clothes? Whilst the more recent Troiani depiction of the unit is likely to be more accurate i prefer the more colourful Lefferts/Mollo version - so in this case i'll definitely be 'painting the legend'.

Inspired by the ex-Gaskin piece Mike Siggins showed us some time ago i'm going for an all action unit.

A couple of officer conversions (Foremost French with new heads). 

Now all i need to do is finish the 30 odd rank and file.......

A History of Tradition

An interesting article on the legendary London shop can be found here on the website of Toy Soldier Collector magazine.