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.

Injuns

Hinchliffe AWI natives (codes AW11 and 12). I really laboured over these chaps - i've never been any good at large areas of bare flesh (insert your own punchline), nor warpaint. It also has to be said they are not the best of Gilder's work.

The Indian Department officer began life as the American standard bearer - he thanked me profusely for his free transfer to the good guys.

For my money Steve Hezzlewood's FIW natives for Pax Britannica/RSM remain the best available in 25mm - more of which anon.

18th Continental Regiment

The anticipated vintage content has yet to appear so i'm afraid we'll have to be content with some more of my old tat. Here we have part of the 18th Continental Regiment of 1776. As a tribute to the frugal times of the 1970s i intended to create an entire thirty figure unit from (conversions of) a single figure, but as you can see i fell at the first hurdle (hint - there's a horse in there). The basic figure is Hinchliffe code AW40 Minuteman advancing.

Of the various conversions i was most pleased with the drummer (huge right hand though, potential pugilist).

The OC started life as PF7 Blucher.

Vintage Siggins

Classic Hinchliffe Rifles and Cacadores painted by a youthful Siggins back in the 1980s.