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.

Wargamers' Holidays

Some early publicity for the original WHC as Mil Mod's chief scribbler (and Roy Orbison tribute act) Ken Jones pays a visit to Peter Gilder. From Mil Mod May 1980.