Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => Age of the Big Battalions => Topic started by: Lysandros on March 06, 2018, 11:41:21 AM
-
Sorry very blurring pics of some of my stuff.
-
A few more.
Thanks
-
That does look rather lovely and it’d be a dream to play on :)
-
Very, very pretty.
-
That is the kind of terrain I would love and strive to use, if I wasn't so pressed for practicality.
-
That does look rather lovely and it’d be a dream to play on :)
:-* :-* :-*
Already said...
-
I have the same thoughts as others-layouts like that would be amazing to play a game on.
-
I love your pics. Could we have some more please?
-
This is a really really nice game table.
Lucky me to play on this kind of table from time to time.
-
Fabulous!
-
Great terrain. All seems to blend nicely and look authentic.
-
A random few of the 50 units from the collection. I also game Normandy 1/35 . I am very lucky that l have a permanent set up in my large barn that l seperate by stud walls from work stuff. Gaming area is 20 feet by 7 ft .
Thankyou for looking.
-
they are really beautiful ... terrain and figures are fantastic!
:o :o :o
-
This is superb!
-
Great looking collection! And some pretty amazing terrain! I'd love to play on that!
-
Great looking collection! And some pretty amazing terrain! I'd love to play on that!
Gorgeous! A real fest for the eyes!
-
Sorry, all the superlatives have already been used. So, basically, what the others all said.
(Are these 40mm? I thought I recognised some of the poses.)
-
That is a gorgeous layout you have there!!!
-
Very impressive, not just the terrain but also the figs!
-
Thats a beautiful spread, Lysandros.
-
Now that's just bloody awesome...
-
I needed something to get my AWI “mojo” back and this is it! Thank you! It all looks fantastic (and so many ideas to think about)!
-
Once again thankyou . Yes they are all 40mm. Here some French AWI which were not used on the table . I have 2 brigades .
Please forgive my pic quality.
-
Please forgive my pic quality.
Pic quality? Sir, I praise your modesty! What can we say about fig quality!!! Marvellous!
-
Just thought I would explain what I mean by diorama game .
I have been greatly influenced by the Epic brilliance of Peter Gilder . Seeing his Sudan/Naps was groundbreaking , the ACW completeness of his Callum game was inspirational. Today I look to arguably the greatest collecter of figures today Bill Gaskin as my main influence .
Also ł love the detail and rich texture that model railway set ups achchieve . Generally far superior than wargames . I understand many have to be pragmatic but the richness of depth is sadly missing in our hobby . For me figures /landscape go hand in hand . One without each other leaves me personally as Mr Jagger " l can't get no satisfaction " . I understand that clubs night /competion gaming are very important to many and practical . For my taste it is underwhelming .
I game but the joy for me is the look . Every move a sort of film set of the mind . The game is rather unimportant as I don't care who wins or losses . Just to see a miniture scene every move . Really it is just a vechicle for everything to blend together .
Thank you for my thoughts and would be very interested in your views .
-
Fantastic work and I like your philosophy that drives your vision. I agree 100% with you but I've rarely managed to create such good looking terrain. I can set up a nice looking table with good portable terrain, but I just don't seem to have the skill to make a truly great table. I wish I could.
-
So glad you took time to 'define' what you mean by diorama gaming because I was a bit bothered by referring to your bases as dioramas - beautiful though they are. To me, a diorama needs to tell a story. But your overarching goal of a gorgeous game sits very well with me. I seek something similar to you though allowing for some of that pragmatism to creep in so not quite at your level and in my much much smaller chosen scale of 15 mm (or 18 mm sometimes).
What companies 40 mm are you using? I ask because if I ever need to go 'up scale' I plan to skip to 40 mm. And, getting older, that may need to happen but not quite yet.
Helps that this is my favorite period, the AWI, of course.
-
What companies 40 mm are you using? I ask because if I ever need to go 'up scale' I plan to skip to 40 mm. And, getting older, that may need to happen but not quite yet.
They are a real mix , Roughly 45% Fronk Rank, 35% Trident , 20% conversions but usually nothing complicated.
I know Sean Judd who scuplts the Trident 40mm
who kindly passed on many figs that were never released or one offs . Alec at Front Rank started 40mm as a commercial venture but also for himself . I have asked Alex if he would sculpt Highlanders in trews pay him upfront but he is reluctant as commercially 40mm has been a damp squid.
Both have there strengths , l think you have to be selective. Front Rank excel as formed lines units and Trident work as skirmishes, Indians etc.
The rules are blurred as my French Line are Trident with some head swaps for variety.
Doug of MSC has visted me in Blighty but at the time l hadn't bought the farm with its extra space for my set up .l think he is not too far from you
Kind regards
-
Fantastic stuff Robert - you finally got it out of storage ! - it was worth the wait - I love your French - did you ever get the legion cavalry done ?
Ian
-
Some raggaty Rebs .
-
Gorgeous! Really beautiful minis! :-*
You must be proud of your collection!
-
Fantastic stuff Robert - you finally got it out of storage ! - it was worth the wait - I love your French - did you ever get the legion cavalry done ?
Ian
Cheers Ian , I got the legion Cav sent to Mr T . He wasn't keen so pretty much sitting in limbo at his East Yorkshire hideaway .
I was thinking of using Perry Hussars 40mm to make a French squadroon in colpack and with sword , given up with the lancer element .
Not sure if they would be a little slight to match the other stuff . Any nap hussars you have interested in selling about 10 ?
A few 1775 to 77 Brits .
-
Awesome stuff! Cheers!
-
:o :o :o
Absolutely gorgeous everythings!
:-* :-*
-
Cheers Ian , I got the legion Cav sent to Mr T . He wasn't keen so pretty much sitting in limbo at his East Yorkshire hideaway .
I was thinking of using Perry Hussars 40mm to make a French squadroon in colpack and with sword , given up with the lancer element .
Not sure if they would be a little slight to match the other stuff . Any nap hussars you have interested in selling about 10 ?
Hi Robert
I think I have some castings somewhere and some Colpack heads - I’ll have a look and bring them to Salute
Ian
Ps I love the Trident Indians - did TR paint them ?
A few 1775 to 77 Brits .
-
Yes lan the Indians were done by Tony.
On the 40mm hussars l was actually thinking any painted to form a unit of 10 ,would Perry be ok with FR/Trident casts even if they would be on there own.
Thanks
-
With a little time on my hands lv'e added some new battalions , and bits and pieces.
Thanks and keep safe.
Rhode Island reg.
-
A sort of very late war Penn line reg , for my fictitious campaign if the war lasted another year, so I can can combine this with my French units. Smart issued new uniforms maybe from the French.
-
Indian warband in a game.
Sorry it's very blurred.
-
Excellent collection, wonderful terrain as well.
-
Excellent collection, wonderful terrain as well.
+1 :-*
-
I had somehow missed this thread. Fantastic set up, great figures, pretty inspiring. Gives me something to aim for and my missus to moan about.
-
American higher level commands.
-
Perfect, impressive!!!
-
Thanks for reviving this thread which I have completely missed. Its all so gooooood! :-* :-* :-*
-
Lysandros
Did you mix Front Rank Militia figures with Trident/Triguard ones? Who painted your Militia, the Brown/tan continental unit from two years ago and the brown unit from just a few days ago?
Much earlier, you mentioned you tried to get Front Rank to sculpt Scots in gaiter trousers; did you offer to pay for the sculpts or just pay for "X" amount of figures?
-
Rob
Absolutely inspiring - the best 40mm collection - period - I’m throwing in the towel - or am I ? 😂
Ian
-
Lysandros
Did you mix Front Rank Militia figures with Trident/Triguard ones? Who painted your Militia, the Brown/tan continental unit from two years ago and the brown unit from just a few days ago?
Much earlier, you mentioned you tried to get Front Rank to sculpt Scots in gaiter trousers; did you offer to pay for the sculpts or just pay for "X" amount of figures?
The militia and recent brown coated Pen line were painted by me
. The militia are a mix, l think you must cherry pick for best results.
No chance of Alec doing Highlanders in trews . I asked offer ed to pay in advance but not interested.
Cheers
-
Alec doesn't seem to be doing much sculpting anymore anyway : I don't think Front rank have had a release in any scale - be that 28 or 40mm - over the past twelve months or so.
-
Isnt there a sculptor who could design some figures that would be compatible with the style of the Front rank Figures?
-
Isnt there a sculptor who could design some figures that would be compatible with the style of the Front rank Figures?
I have the 71st Highlanders in trews by sash and Sabre as a stop gap . They are not so crisp , a couple of millimetres smaller and lighter bodies. With them raised slightly on the base , selective of marching positions avoiding the one crazy pose they are not bad.
Bagpiper , officer a little ropey.
Overall they have good movement as a whole unit marching.
I have the trident Highlanders in kilts as the black watch, so can have a small brigade.
Yes it is not impossible but l like FR faces , they are elegant not charactertures and l find it hard for others to match his style in 40mm. With 3d printers anything is possible but at the moment l am satisfied.
Cheers
-
Rob
Absolutely inspiring - the best 40mm collection - period - I’m throwing in the towel - or am I ? 😂
Ian
You're stuff can't be topped , nobody does it better with such conviction except for your taste in tight figure hugging t-shirts. Your a double winner and that is exceptional.
I'm not competitive so l'm sure they may be a triple.
( Suddenly with no football, cricket it has me back playing with the figures)
-
This is my Grenadier brigade from a while back.
They needed a little paint to restore them and bring them back to life. The original pic were ok but lfelt didn't do them justice as it was in a middle of a game with mediocre light.
Thanks again
-
Nice. What are the dimensions of the bases?
You know, it occurs to me that if Front Rank wanted to, they could increase the versatility of the range by adding some head packs. French tricornes for the Hessians, some loyalist head packs with feathers to use for the Continental bodies, and some additional cap sets for the Irish volunteers, Butler's rangers, British Saratoga caps etc...
I am shocked he never did cavalry for Tarleton's legion.
-
Nice. What are the dimensions of the bases?
You know, it occurs to me that if Front Rank wanted to, they could increase the versatility of the range by adding some head packs. French tricornes for the Hessians, some loyalist head packs with feathers to use for the Continental bodies, and some additional cap sets for the Irish volunteers, Butler's rangers, British Saratoga caps etc...
I am shocked he never did cavalry for Tarleton's legion.
The bases are 5 cm by 7 cm depth.
Alec will do anything for you at front ring you just have to ask.
He has most of the head varieties that anybody could want.
For late war British I use American continental line in short cut jackets no lace.. just ask Alec and he will do any combination that you want even if it's not listed.
He does round hats with feathers and not, British light infantry caps that are perfect for Saratoga. Combine them with the figures and you have nearly everything you want.
I will post you the pictures of the British guards brigade. They are are American line in short jackets with rounded hats just painted as British.
(The problem was with expanding the range that 40 ml never caught on. It was rarely bought in any quantity,. a few people doing skirmishing games was never enough to sustain it Being honest it's a dead duck)
-
British guards brigade.
-
Colonel civilians.
-
The bases are 5 cm by 7 cm depth.
Alec will do anything for you at front ring you just have to ask.
He has most of the head varieties that anybody could want.
For late war British I use American continental line in short cut jackets no lace.. just ask Alec and he will do any combination that you want even if it's not listed.
He does round hats with feathers and not, British light infantry caps that are perfect for Saratoga. Combine them with the figures and you have nearly everything you want.
I will post you the pictures of the British guards brigade. They are are American line in short jackets with rounded hats just painted as British.
(The problem was with expanding the range that 40 ml never caught on. It was rarely bought in any quantity,. a few people doing skirmishing games was never enough to sustain it Being honest it's a dead duck)
Thanks for the nice photos. The Guards brigade is indeed inspiring.
My observation is that Miniatures manufacturers rarely design ranges for the economics of it all but give you that excuse when they themselves lose interest. Does anyone believe that Perry are designing Great Paraguayan War miniatures because of the demands of the market?
Additionally, if you are willing to pay for both the sculpting and the mold making, then the maker shouldn't be able to cite a lack of demand as a reason not to do it.
Moving along, for your Guards brigade, you ordered the colonial short coated bodies but asked for head sets from other Call #s? If that is the case that does indeed open up some possibilities.
Are the 40mm FR British line and grenadiers one piece castings?
-
I’m not keen on the Sash and Saber AWI highlanders. Being pedantic, I find the heads don’t quite sit right and need extra green stuff to finish off the collars. When I need to do 70 plus of them, this makes it a bit of a chore.
I’m wondering whether the Trident British in cutdown coats but with highland bonnet heads might suffice. I’d pick out the better poses.
Any thoughts?
-
I’m not keen on the Sash and Saber AWI highlanders. Being pedantic, I find the heads don’t quite sit right and need extra green stuff to finish off the collars. When I need to do 70 plus of them, this makes it a bit of a chore.
I’m wondering whether the Trident British in cutdown coats but with highland bonnet heads might suffice. I’d pick out the better poses.
Any thoughts?
Alan,
If you and Rob both want Highlanders , would it not be easier and economic to have M. Make you some ?
-
I’m not keen on the Sash and Saber AWI highlanders. Being pedantic, I find the heads don’t quite sit right and need extra green stuff to finish off the collars. When I need to do 70 plus of them, this makes it a bit of a chore.
I’m wondering whether the Trident British in cutdown coats but with highland bonnet heads might suffice. I’d pick out the better poses.
Any thoughts?
Yes that is possible to use the cut down coats and add the bonnet heads , they even have the cartridge box to the front.
I haven't done it because l'm not a fan of the marching poses.
I was at one time thinking of adding the trident heads to the FR matching poses . What stopped me was that I don't find the heads particularly attractive, granted they are full of character but my god they can be ugly sometimes.
I will post Trident Highlanders in kilts later and the 33rd regiment in cut down coats from trident to show you the base body.
I am not a fan of the 33rd and have relegated them for bits and pieces but will give you an idea.
I think Ian has hit on the head and that is the way forward.
-
Alan,
If you and Rob both want Highlanders , would it not be easier and economic to have M. Make you some ?
Morning lan,
Is M who did your beautiful British artillery figures ?
One of the things that scares me is getting me the correct style, fine heads gracefulness , animation.
A marching figure, drummer, bagpiper, standard bearer officer combined, 4 figs with 4 separate head swaps plugins.
Cheers
-
Blackwatch in kilts.
(Trident figures)
-
Spectacular!
-
Morning lan,
Is M who did your beautiful British artillery figures ?
One of the things that scares me is getting me the correct style, fine heads gracefulness , animation.
A marching figure, drummer, bagpiper, standard bearer officer combined, 4 figs with 4 separate head swaps plugins.
Cheers
Hi Rob
No it’s a different guy who designs using traditional methods - he’s making some 40mm at the minute - his first and not AWI - might be worth looking at those when they’re done and decide from there
Ian
-
Morning lan,
Is M who did your beautiful British artillery figures ?
One of the things that scares me is getting me the correct style, fine heads gracefulness , animation.
A marching figure, drummer, bagpiper, standard bearer officer combined, 4 figs with 4 separate head swaps plugins.
Cheers
If you people know him, perhaps you could ask the owner of Front Rank to provide the "dollies" for a sculptor to work with to ensure that the house style is faithfully reproduced for both bodies and heads?
-
Blackwatch in kilts.
(Trident figures)
Wow, did you paint these?
-
Having some made is tempting. It’s quite a costly business though. At some point I want to try out the digital design to 3D print to resin master to metal production route just to see how it works out at the end, and how much detail gets lost over the process. Can’t put much time into it at the moment, too much else going on, but it’s definitely something i’ll be doing. Your results, Ian, look great.
-
I went down the bonnet heads on the FR marching pose for my 42nd
Clive
-
I went down the bonnet heads on the FR marching pose for my 42nd
Clive
Did you add the cartridge boxes ?
You could have used American in short jackets .
Cheers , thanks
-
Having some made is tempting. It’s quite a costly business though. At some point I want to try out the digital design to 3D print to resin master to metal production route just to see how it works out at the end, and how much detail gets lost over the process. Can’t put much time into it at the moment, too much else going on, but it’s definitely something i’ll be doing. Your results, Ian, look great.
This is Cornwallis 33rd. They could be maybe used for Highlanders in trews , they have a box to the front. Using a head swaps.
Being honest I've have relegated them , just not completely happy with the Trident march poses.
-
Wow, did you paint these?
The Highlanders were painted by the brilliant Tony Runkee .
He did a great job but l don't love the sculpts so they get rarely used. The 33rd is the same, great painting by Tony but the marching pose doesn't excite me and have been put away.
It's mad but l may do them again using FR.
Trident matching can be great miniatures but I prefer a more softer style.
( Guards , Grenadiers , Penn line, Rhode Island , myself)
-
Glad to see progress though I am bemused that you have two beautifully painted units that you don't like to use because of the sculpts. I find that once a game is underway, the players rarely pay attention to the specifics of the figures - other than their identity and capabilities within the game. Seems rather a luxury. But, heck, they are yours.
Not all that surprised that 40 mm hasn't gained traction though somewhat disappointed. As gamers age, such figures will work better for those with diminished eyesight. Alas, may of the sculptors are going to be in the same boat as they age. Maybe I need to start buying the figures now just in case!
Where have you sourced your civilian figures? (Civilians and animals decorating a game is really important to me - too often gaming battlefields are rather anti-septic environments compared to the real world - painting time and budgets impact, no doubt.)
Again, a beautiful collection and love the terrain.
-
The Highlanders were painted by the brilliant Tony Runkee .
He did a great job but l don't love the sculpts so they get rarely used. The 33rd is the same, great painting by Tony but the marching pose doesn't excite me and have been put away.
It's mad but l may do them again using FR.
Trident matching can be great miniatures but I prefer a more softer style.
( Guards , Grenadiers , Penn line, Rhode Island , myself)
I see what you mean about a softer style. Front Rank 40mm are more appealing to the eye in terms of overall proportion and subtlety of sculpting. Which is odd because the FR 28mm are sort of chunky and dumpy. Still, the Trident figures are highly useable.
In any case, I dont know why this conversation doesnt take place.
*Ring, ring*
FR: Hello?
40mm Fans: Hi, FR Owner?
RR: Yes, may I help you?
40mm Fans: Are you going to add to your 40mm AWI range?
FR: No, it really doesnt sell
40mm Fans: What if we pay for your sculpting and mold making and buy the miniatures?
FR: No, sorry, they dont sell and I have other things to sculpt.
40mm Fans: About that, we've noticed that you havent released anything in a long while, thus we would be delighted to compensate you for your time so that we get some figures that match the rest of your line.
FR: Yes, it all sounds very interesting but I am not interested.
Sounds to me like if this is something like the response, there is something else at work besides that the range doesnt sell.
-
I see what you mean about a softer style. Front Rank 40mm are more appealing to the eye in terms of overall proportion and subtlety of sculpting. Which is odd because the FR 28mm are sort of chunky and dumpy. Still, the Trident figures are highly useable.
In any case, I dont know why this conversation doesnt take place.
*Ring, ring*
FR: Hello?
40mm Fans: Hi, FR Owner?
RR: Yes, may I help you?
40mm Fans: Are you going to add to your 40mm AWI range?
FR: No, it really doesnt sell
40mm Fans: What if we pay for your sculpting and mold making and buy the miniatures?
FR: No, sorry, they dont sell and I have other things to sculpt.
40mm Fans: About that, we've noticed that you havent released anything in a long while, thus we would be delighted to compensate you for your time so that we get some figures that match the rest of your line.
FR: Yes, it all sounds very interesting but I am not interested.
Sounds to me like if this is something like the response, there is something else at work besides that the range doesnt sell.
Yes it is surprising that in 40mm FR is far more subtle , elegant, while retaining their crisp detail compared to their 28mm which some regard clunky ( maybe this is their earlier range's)
Please don't get me wrong , Trident are great figs , full of character , stylish and maybe are to the taste of people that prefer a more character driven style.
It's horses for courses but as l don't do skirmish games then FR does it for me in close formations. Alec sculpts "fine"excellent faces which tend to set a fig off.
Cheers
-
Sounds to me like if this is something like the response, there is something else at work besides that the range doesnt sell.
Interesting , please tell us your theory ?
Cheers
-
Glad to see progress though I am bemused that you have two beautifully painted units that you don't like to use because of the sculpts. I find that once a game is underway, the players rarely pay attention to the specifics of the figures - other than their identity and capabilities within the game. Seems rather a luxury. But, heck, they are yours.
Not all that surprised that 40 mm hasn't gained traction though somewhat disappointed. As gamers age, such figures will work better for those with diminished eyesight. Alas, may of the sculptors are going to be in the same boat as they age. Maybe I need to start buying the figures now just in case!
Where have you sourced your civilian figures? (Civilians and animals decorating a game is really important to me - too often gaming battlefields are rather anti-septic environments compared to the real world - painting time and budgets impact, no doubt.)
Again, a beautiful collection and love the terrain.
Gaming for me is the overall look. If anything doesn't look right in my book it will nag me. So a game no matter how good would lose its flavour. I like every element of the game figures and terrain to achieve the highest quality that I can do. I agree it's a form of madness . Personally I will overlook any game if terrain and figures don't work in harmony. I love the scratch built modelling element of the hobby which over the years I feel has taken a backseat to a generic commercial formula no matter how good.
40mm has been a total commercial flop. I understand it's just not practical for most people . Perry 40 , FR , Gringos 40 ranges are all incomplete in 40mm.
Cost wise they are double or triple if you regard plastics. There is no legacy of this scale in the modern era. Gamers can be reactionary , conservative , change is hard , expensive.
I'm very very very lucky that l have a barn away from the main farmhouse . This is a perfect bloke bolt hole,
Gym , sofas , vinyl collection , guitars , sports channels, cases of robust wine , IPA , and a 19ft by 7ft terrain set up. Really to do 40mm justice you need lots of space and understandably most don't have this luxury of space .
Size of fig for painting with diminishing eye sight l don't think is a factor as it has not worked in sells.
I hope that makes sense.
Cheers.
-
Smallwood's Marylanders
-
They have turned out very well indeed, great work on them. :)
-
Gaming for me is the overall look. If anything doesn't look right in my book it will nag me. So a game no matter how good would lose its flavour. I like every element of the game figures and terrain to achieve the highest quality that I can do. I agree it's a form of madness . Personally I will overlook any game if terrain and figures don't work in harmony. I love the scratch built modelling element of the hobby which over the years I feel has taken a backseat to a generic commercial formula no matter how good.
40mm has been a total commercial flop. I understand it's just not practical for most people . Perry 40 , FR , Gringos 40 ranges are all incomplete in 40mm.
Cost wise they are double or triple if you regard plastics. There is no legacy of this scale in the modern era. Gamers can be reactionary , conservative , change is hard , expensive.
I'm very very very lucky that l have a barn away from the main farmhouse . This is a perfect bloke bolt hole,
Gym , sofas , vinyl collection , guitars , sports channels, cases of robust wine , IPA , and a 19ft by 7ft terrain set up. Really to do 40mm justice you need lots of space and understandably most don't have this luxury of space .
Size of fig for painting with diminishing eye sight l don't think is a factor as it has not worked in sells.
I hope that makes sense.
Cheers.
I took a look at some of these companies. Perry do a lot of 28mm ranges that I have a hard time believing are commercial successes. I have no idea what Gringo40s is doing but their 40mm pricing is almost certainly going to eclipse sales. Sash and Sabre look to have thrown 40mm spaghetti against the wargaming wall with a lot of ranges left incomplete which looks a little sloppy.
Having said that, it could be that 18mm and 28mm suck the life out of other scales. It could also be that gamers suffer from OCD (Want everything to always match in terms of size and scale), hoarding (Collections of thousands of figures in a period which they can never hope to use), resale value (Who will buy my unit when I grow tired of the hobby or need money?) or are conformist and looking for acceptance from other gamers. Plus, most new entrants into 40mm have to paint up BOTH armies which automatically doubles effort, cost etc. Additionally, as you mentioned, there is the unit cost, especially of cavalry, not to mention the intimidation of painting larger figures which were originally intended for dioramas. Finally, the manufacturers of 40mm really dont advertise, promote or give examples of why 40mm is appealing as a scale. When you weight these factors, it doesnt seem that 40mm is a commercial flop but rather that it is astounding that it has had any sticking power at all.
But, part of the attraction of 40mm might be that it is a collector's scale which is also suitable for wargaming. I suppose it is incumbent on enthusiasts to figure out how to get vanity projects sculpted and produced. If a sculptor who is familiar with their own scale and creation is offered to be compensated for their time and expenses (especially if there are no competing opportunity costs), then they should be willing to produce whatever is asked of them. Any other response is one based in something other than market concerns. What those idiosyncratic concerns are, I haven't a clue.
-
Hessian Grenadier brigade
-
Pennsylvania campaign game this weekend.
1) continental battle line
2) Deleware and Maryland veteran brigade advance
3) militia cavalry and light dragoons cavalry guard flank.
-
Real eye candies! :-*
-
The more I see of your collection the more it inspires me to move my 40mm collections forward. So I have ordered piles of stuff!
-
I took a look at some of these companies. Perry do a lot of 28mm ranges that I have a hard time believing are commercial successes. I have no idea what Gringo40s is doing but their 40mm pricing is almost certainly going to eclipse sales. Sash and Sabre look to have thrown 40mm spaghetti against the wargaming wall with a lot of ranges left incomplete which looks a little sloppy.
Having said that, it could be that 18mm and 28mm suck the life out of other scales. It could also be that gamers suffer from OCD (Want everything to always match in terms of size and scale), hoarding (Collections of thousands of figures in a period which they can never hope to use), resale value (Who will buy my unit when I grow tired of the hobby or need money?) or are conformist and looking for acceptance from other gamers. Plus, most new entrants into 40mm have to paint up BOTH armies which automatically doubles effort, cost etc. Additionally, as you mentioned, there is the unit cost, especially of cavalry, not to mention the intimidation of painting larger figures which were originally intended for dioramas. Finally, the manufacturers of 40mm really dont advertise, promote or give examples of why 40mm is appealing as a scale. When you weight these factors, it doesnt seem that 40mm is a commercial flop but rather that it is astounding that it has had any sticking power at all.
But, part of the attraction of 40mm might be that it is a collector's scale which is also suitable for wargaming. I suppose it is incumbent on enthusiasts to figure out how to get vanity projects sculpted and produced. If a sculptor who is familiar with their own scale and creation is offered to be compensated for their time and expenses (especially if there are no competing opportunity costs), then they should be willing to produce whatever is asked of them. Any other response is one based in something other than market concerns. What those idiosyncratic concerns are, I haven't a clue.
Interesting debate - there is no doubt that you need reasonably deep pockets ( or diverting of funds required for non essentials - food , mortgage etc to do 40mm in quantity - but to put things in to perspective I’ve spent approx £20k on this obsession over the last 15 years - I’ve got friends who have lost that in a year as their car depreciates . You’re right our choice is limited which means we have to create more ourselves with conversions and private commissions - is that more satisfying artistically than choosing from hundreds of codes in 28mm and then picking up your brush - there have been many times I’ve envied the 28mm gamer - Avanpost have started a range of Napoleonics and already offer more variants than the entire 40mm Napoleonic ranges - and then add on Perry , Front Rank etc - not to mention the fantastic plastic ranges out there - we didn’t stand a chance !
Ian
-
Here's a thought:
Limited choice is better than being spoiled for choice. Are we happier now with gaming than 40 years ago when the choices were a fraction of what they are today? It is easier to collect now but look at how many have collected beyond our means to ever complete what we've bought (I am very guilty). If the choices were more limited, perhaps we would buy less and paint more - and play more and thus be more satisfied. Lysandros seems to have done a good job on his collection - perhaps that is a factor of limits? Or, maybe he has hidden piles yet to be spoken of! :o
-
Excellent pictures from a wonderful collection.
Having a limited choice of figures has its benefits, also converting figures is quite rewarding.
-
I am also a fan of 40mm figures. Yours all look really excellent!!
-
It's a great debate (scale vs. availability choices) - there's also a number of related elements that are connected to it too (gaming area required/transportability ease).....
Still, these 40s done so well, and presented so well are undeniable.....there's gents who buy pre-painted 54s and game magnificently with them too.
I'm not convinced artful beauty means gaming excellence though, but there's no denying the visual impact that size, and that superb attention to detail will generally exude - a quantity all on its own.
Unrelated, but a friend once pointed out that we can spend [expect] countless hours in painting-prepping our game collections and doing terrain construction for these presentations, in anticipation of precious gaming moments, and then perhaps set aside a handful of hours to get this other aspect of the hobby completed.
I'm greatly enjoying while being confined from this latter joy of wargaming, that there's such wonderful sights to be seen - as in this thread.
-
No matter how much choice there is, there will always be something missing. Someone, somewhere will want figures with or without gaiters or with or without lace details etc. I have seen collectors with thousands and thousands of Napoleonic figures still lament not having some unit in some special uniform. Some of these details really aren't important outside of the imagination of the collector's peace of mind.
It is true that sometimes too much choice interferes with the collector's imagination. From an aesthetic point of view, every figure in a different physical pose can be as disturbing as everyone in the same pose. Even for irregulars, too much variety can cause visual anxiety. I personally like a little bit of pose differentiation to create flow but I am not generally interested in a unit possessing either all one position or almost all different positions. This is because I like small "unit" actions as opposed to individual skirmish characters.
Who can focus on a good paint job if their eye is busy taking in the confusion of the unit's physical poses? It is true that there is the option of conversions but aside from that, some scarcity can be endearing and force both thought and planning in how to assemble and present units.
Back, to conversions. You may not be able to convert and if you are not skilled at this, it can prove expensive. Further, if you get figures painted by others, conversions can prove risky. Some figures cannot be created at all or require too much time to convert. Also, some conversion only take a new head set and a manufacturer can easily make those if they want too.
Some of the criticisms here aren't about choices but about aesthetics. I agree that the Sash and Sabre 40mm AWI are generally too crude for the period (Although very nice for both the ACW and Napoleonic campaign looks) and I personally am not a huge fan of the Trident figures which can suffer fro some design and anatomy issues. Even Front Rank suffers from enormous and sometimes somewhat "stiff" horse poses.
How much this all matters resides in the heart of the collector but it may just be the concern of idle neurosis. For instance, before I got involved in 18mm, I read all the comparisons and reviews about what style and maker synced with which other maker etc. The amount of typing that goes on about this is astounding. It seems like whenever someone is going to start a new army in say Republican Romans, the first move is to find out everything that exists in terms of miniatures and then start to parse it down to which makers work in sympathy to each other. The anxiety and worry over this is truly terrifying. However, after going through these endless Internet comparisons with a recent renaissance army in 28mm and seeing that after they are all painted and based, it is almost completely unnoticeable, I care less about this than I did. Now, really, the only thing I find to be an issue is whether the miniatures lend themselves up to unit basing for wargaming.
-
No matter how much choice there is, there will always be something missing. Someone, somewhere will want figures with or without gaiters or with or without lace details etc. I have seen collectors with thousands and thousands of Napoleonic figures still lament not having some unit in some special uniform. Some of these details really aren't important outside of the imagination of the collector's peace of mind.
It is true that sometimes too much choice interferes with the collector's imagination. From an aesthetic point of view, every figure in a different physical pose can be as disturbing as everyone in the same pose. Even for irregulars, too much variety can cause visual anxiety. I personally like a little bit of pose differentiation to create flow but I am not generally interested in a unit possessing either all one position or almost all different positions. This is because I like small "unit" actions as opposed to individual skirmish characters.
Who can focus on a good paint job if their eye is busy taking in the confusion of the unit's physical poses? It is true that there is the option of conversions but aside from that, some scarcity can be endearing and force both thought and planning in how to assemble and present units.
Back, to conversions. You may not be able to convert and if you are not skilled at this, it can prove expensive. Further, if you get figures painted by others, conversions can prove risky. Some figures cannot be created at all or require too much time to convert. Also, some conversion only take a new head set and a manufacturer can easily make those if they want too.
Some of the criticisms here aren't about choices but about aesthetics. I agree that the Sash and Sabre 40mm AWI are generally too crude for the period (Although very nice for both the ACW and Napoleonic campaign looks) and I personally am not a huge fan of the Trident figures which can suffer from some design and anatomy issues. Even Front Rank suffers from enormous and sometimes somewhat "stiff" horse poses.
How much this all matters resides in the heart of the collector but it may just be the concern of idle neurosis. For instance, before I got involved in 18mm, I read all the comparisons and reviews about what style and maker synced with which other maker etc. The amount of typing that goes on about this is astounding. It seems like whenever someone is going to start a new army in say Republican Romans, the first move is to find out everything that exists in terms of miniatures and then start to parse it down to which makers work in sympathy to each other. The anxiety and worry over this is truly terrifying. However, after going through these endless Internet comparisons with a recent renaissance army in 28mm and seeing that after they are all painted and based, it is almost completely unnoticeable, I care less about this than I did. Now, really, the only thing I find to be an issue is whether the miniatures lend themselves up to unit basing for wargaming.
-
New England Militia
-
The buildings l use are scratch built and are large 30mm . They are raised so troops passing are below doors , windows etc.
True 40mm buildings l find dominate , overwhelm , if you try and fight large battles. I feel you loose the grand sweep of the landscape but granted are impressive.
Skirmish l feel would ideal for perfect for larger buildings .
-
These New England Militia are really a must-see!
Can't stop admiring them!
An exquisite piece of your collection! Cheers!
-
The buildings l use are scratch built and are large 30mm . They are raised so troops passing are below doors , windows etc.
True 40mm buildings l find dominate , overwhelm , if you try and fight large battles. I feel you loose the grand sweep of the landscape but granted are impressive.
Skirmish l feel would ideal for perfect for larger buildings .
Oops !😂😂
-
Oops !😂😂
Your buildings are brilliant lan , 19 times BETTER than anything lv'e got .
You do award winning games that thrill the eye .
My buildings are just fluff , that look ok in the landscape but are not a factor in the game. They have no purpose.
Yours combine as an asset , in some ways the centre piece , the magnificent fort , monastery etc . Your doing it right as your numerous awards prove but l just do it a little different .
( I'm on a tractor )
-
These are the 1st and 2nd Maryland that I painted last year and sold on, which I'm regretting now - although they did go for quite a profit!!
I can't decide on which is best, blue or white background.
-
Beautiful paint job Alan - I’ve sold on many collections down the years - I regret all of them but needs must sometimes
Any news on our other little project ?
Ian
-
Thanks Ian. It's ticking along, but a longer timeframe due to the current situation.
-
The New England Militia are wonderful, reminds me to get my Spanish guerrillas finished.
Ian, the building is excellent, very impressive
Alan, the Maryland troops are wonderful, like the unit composition.
-
Superb thread this, so much wonderful work on show, top notch all round!! :)
-
I like the militia too. Who painted those?
I also see what some of you are saying about the Trident 40mm figures. Their anatomy, faces and poses are awkward. Additionally, with the Trident militia figures, they are too individualistic which at first blush sounds an odd criticism for militia figures but even with militia, there is the concept of flow and symmetry. The Trident militia look too much like action heroes rather than nameless, faceless, generic militia which can be handsome in their own right.
Do you have any close up photos of the Front Rank British?
-
I don't mind the Trident figures, there's enough choice to be able to pick out what you want. There are some serious noses, but they paint up well enough. For me it is the cost of postage and the various customs and fees at the UK end that puts me off.
-
In our hobby we want as many variants as possible , but the Perry unis I have feature three basic poses and some Command - and I love them more than the Heinz 57 units I also own
Ian
-
Excellent British infantry, I only use a few poses plus command figures in line battalions, irregulars and artillery will have more poses.
-
In our hobby we want as many variants as possible , but the Perry unis I have feature three basic poses and some Command - and I love them more than the Heinz 57 units I also own
Ian
Brilliant painting and brilliant sculpts.
-
I like the militia too. Who painted those?
I also see what some of you are saying about the Trident 40mm figures. Their anatomy, faces and poses are awkward. Additionally, with the Trident militia figures, they are too individualistic which at first blush sounds an odd criticism for militia figures but even with militia, there is the concept of flow and symmetry. The Trident militia look too much like action heroes rather than nameless, faceless, generic militia which can be handsome in their own right.
Do you have any close up photos of the Front Rank British?
I agree but beggars can't be choosers . Trident and FR figures have been selected TRYING to get a uniform ed firing line.
The picture is a mix of both manufacturers.
I totally agree there is an action figure leaning as most skirmish with them.
3rd and 4th fig are FR from left.
( All the militia is painted by me)
-
British line .
Showing FR traditional approach to marching.
-
( All the militia is painted by me)
Many congrats! They are first rate! :-*
-
Thank you , your such a gentleman.
I'm hoping to be in Epiros late July visiting friends but that may be wishful thinking.
-
Thank you , your such a gentleman.
I'm hoping to be in Epiros late July visiting friends but that may be wishful thinking.
My wife comes from Epiros, Arta. But we have a long time to visit the place after her parents died.
Whenever you come to Athens, please, let me know! Cheers!
-
British line .
Showing FR traditional approach to marching.
These are brilliant. I can hear the grenadiers march in the background. You painted these too?
I realize you are stuck for choices but I have a hard time believing that if you got a consortium together, that you couldn't get some soldiers sculpted by FR. It's a perfect solution for a business that claims it doesn't sell the things; your group pays for the sculpting, the mold making and the cast figures and the owners get to add the figures to the range.
Not that I know what's missing. Scots in trews? Men in roundabouts? It isnt like the uniforms were that unique in this era. Maybe head sets would enlarge the range? Looks like the Indians from Sash and Sabre are nice and theyre smaller casts so a perfect mating alongside the Europeans.
Incidentally, I looked at FR's 28mm AWI range and that also looks like it has gaps in it.
What do you think is missing from FR's 40mm AWI range?
-
In our hobby we want as many variants as possible , but the Perry unis I have feature three basic poses and some Command - and I love them more than the Heinz 57 units I also own
Ian
Most excellent. Have you ever tried to put a S&S 40mm Belgic shako head on a 40mm Perry Light infantry kneeling or firing figure? I ask because I see that S&S produce both kneeling and firing British line center companies but not the flank companies. And if someone wanted to do an 1815 British unit...
-
Excellent British infantry, I only use a few poses plus command figures in line battalions, irregulars and artillery will have more poses.
(http://)
I like these. It's true that what S&S lacks in precision, they make up for in what I call "flow" which is a certain smooth, harmonious blend of action and wargames use-ability. I wish they would make more things for Napoleonics. A lot of the things that would make me happy are relavely easy: French legere, Some Confederation of the Rhine style bodies and head sets, command packs for the Guard chasseurs a cheval, Old Guard chasseur infantry, Young Guard, Horse artillery crews for British and French. All of these could be easily modified from their existing figures in a couple of weekends.
You used the bearskins. Dont you find the S&S bearskins to be somewhat...bare?
-
My wife comes from Epiros, Arta. But we have a long time to visit the place after her parents died.
Whenever you come to Athens, please, let me know! Cheers!
I have limited time nowadays , especially around holiday time .
I have 3 holiday cottages , school age children , other concerns which dominate spring/summer months. We always manage 2 weeks during school holidays , we have friends in Kalamata and usually spend time in Pylos , Methoni , Korini ( where we were married in the church overlooking the sea.) So we are pulled to this area . Athens in August is the time to avoid as many Greeks do and head to the islands or family villages.
Strangely we went to a baptism near Kalamata and the president of Olympiacos was sitting with the parents , we had no idea .
My mother has an occasional apartment in Kypseli , Athena but rarely get time to visit it.
If in the future if l can visit it would be be a pleasure , many memories as a young man in Glyfada , Monastraki and Kolanaki.
If you come to the UK you are very welcome to visit us , my wife does excellent Kleftico , rabbit stilfado, mussel/prawn saganaki
.
Bravo
-
These are brilliant. I can hear the grenadiers march in the background. You painted these too?
I realize you are stuck for choices but I have a hard time believing that if you got a consortium together, that you couldn't get some soldiers sculpted by FR. It's a perfect solution for a business that claims it doesn't sell the things; your group pays for the sculpting, the mold making and the cast figures and the owners get to add the figures to the range.
Not that I know what's missing. Scots in trews? Men in roundabouts? It isnt like the uniforms were that unique in this era. Maybe head sets would enlarge the range? Looks like the Indians from Sash and Sabre are nice and theyre smaller casts so a perfect mating alongside the Europeans.
Incidentally, I looked at FR's 28mm AWI range and that also looks like it has gaps in it.
What do you think is missing from FR's 40mm AWI range?
Really the main ingredient is Scots in trews.
Jagers but Trident do them.
Alan will let use any heads .
An example is my Saratoga infantry.
They are American line , in British light infantry hats.
(Example below)
Round hats , light infantry caps are all covered.
Maybe the odd obscure provincial regiment could be covered but by adapting your nearly there.
The Grenadier brigade, British line are painted by me.
The Saratoga infantry are Tony Runkee.
-
Nice Saratoga infantry. How many British units do you have and what size is your average game?
Well, I suppose you cant blame FR for not wanting to sculpt some 8-10 figures for one unit, like the Scots. What did you do for Tarleton's Legion?
-
What did you do for Tarleton's Legion?
I have them, plus both British light dragoons.
They will be revisited to upgrade a few of the horses.
( I'm not in the barn till later , l will do a count up and post later)
-
I have limited time nowadays , especially around holiday time .
I have 3 holiday cottages , school age children , other concerns which dominate spring/summer months. We always manage 2 weeks during school holidays , we have friends in Kalamata and usually spend time in Pylos , Methoni , Korini ( where we were married in the church overlooking the sea.) So we are pulled to this area . Athens in August is the time to avoid as many Greeks do and head to the islands or family villages.
Strangely we went to a baptism near Kalamata and the president of Olympiacos was sitting with the parents , we had no idea .
My mother has an occasional apartment in Kypseli , Athena but rarely get time to visit it.
If in the future if l can visit it would be be a pleasure , many memories as a young man in Glyfada , Monastraki and Kolanaki.
If you come to the UK you are very welcome to visit us , my wife does excellent Kleftico , rabbit stilfado, mussel/prawn saganaki
.
Bravo
I've been several times in all these cities and spent many pleasant summer holidays at Gialova, Pylos.
If I ever come again to UK, be sure I'll visit you especially for the stifado rabbit! lol
Meanwhile, I admire your miniatures and watch the discussion here with great interest. Cheers!
-
Delaware continental line
-
Once again some excellent pictures, like the idea of head swops to get more out of a figure range.
-
I have them, plus both British light dragoons.
They will be revisited to upgrade a few of the horses.
( I'm not in the barn till later , l will do a count up and post later)
So, these Tarleton dragoons are trident miniatures? You didnt even consider the S&S versions?
-
Once again some excellent pictures, like the idea of head swops to get more out of a figure range.
Head swaps are one way to get ahead. Ive been thinking of getting some head sets for the French, maybe some for the Neapolitans.
@ian220756
I forgot to ask, did you paint those British Napoleonics?
-
So, these Tarleton dragoons are trident miniatures? You didnt even consider the S&S versions?
To jump in - I have hundreds of S&S infantry - not one cavalry figure - they are all wrong , the horses are terrible , but the main thing is the rider size - the legs are 5 ml too short - the whole figure is more like 30mm - compare that to Perry or FR - and there is no comparison - Trident are also pants in my humble opinion - that’s why I have so few cavalry
Ian
-
Once again some excellent pictures, like the idea of head swops to get more out of a figure range.
Head swaps are one way to get ahead. Ive been thinking of getting some head sets for the French, maybe some for the Neapolitans.
@ian220756
I forgot to ask, did you paint those British Napoleonics?
I like Rob had a lot of my collection ( mainly Confederates) painted by Tony Runkee , but the British are mine
Ian
-
- Trident are also pants in my humble opinion - that’s why I have so few cavalry
Ian
Tend to agree some what .
-
Canadians continental line
( They are generic and can be used for other units,)
-
Wonderful unit, like the uniform colours.
-
Very nice. I was looking at FR's short tailed continental figures and, in particular, the head strips. I couldnt see what the smooth front, visorless helmet head looked like in profile. Do you have examples of figures using that head?
-
Yes l should have something , l will post tomorrow if l have.(cocktail hour. Not in barn)
-
Very nice. I was looking at FR's short tailed continental figures and, in particular, the head strips. I couldnt see what the smooth front, visorless helmet head looked like in profile. Do you have examples of figures using that head?
I hope this is what you mean.
Cheers
-
Colonial militia artillery
-
Lovely artillery, like the basing.
-
@Lysandros
Yes, thank you very much.
What's the story behind the stripey trousers under the hunting shirts?
-
My first unit of North Carolina Militia now finished.
-
The first pic of North Caroliners looks like an oil painting! So well done! :-*
-
Those are excellent Alan, terrific job.
-
MiniPigs, there were units that had trousers made out of bed ticking that was striped cloth, perhaps that is the reason for the stripes. There seems to have been a fair amount of local adaptation to clothing conditions and the striped pants are one example of that.
-
MiniPigs, there were units that had trousers made out of bed ticking that was striped cloth, perhaps that is the reason for the stripes. There seems to have been a fair amount of local adaptation to clothing conditions and the striped pants are one example of that.
Could be.
@Lysandros, which colonial units really stand out on the table top?
-
Very nice Alan , the composition of the figures is excellent.
-
@Lysandros
Yes, thank you very much.
What's the story behind the stripey trousers under the hunting shirts?
It was quite common striped trousers . That unit is based on a osprey book of the combined Marylanders/Delaware battalion very late war . Even some Hessian units had stripey trousers.
The British l don't think so.
-
Could be.
@Lysandros, which colonial units really stand out on the table top?
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I have culled about 4 to 6 units because of disappointing sculpts.
I'm pretty happy with what is left and tend to change my opinion
regularly .
-
British line
-
Like the marching pose, sergeant looking down the line, drummer carrying drum, very nice figures and lovely paint job.
-
Like the marching pose, sergeant looking down the line, drummer carrying drum, very nice figures and lovely paint job.
...and more! Lace and buttons pop, the flags are superb and I love the colour of the breeches! very neat paintjob, congrats!!!
-
Continental line 1781
( French supplied uniforms)
I did take a picture sometime ago but lt was during a game and in blurry light
I think this does more justice.
-
Such a feast of eye candy, superb!!! :)
-
Amazingly beautiful! And what a detail!!!
-
Well, Lysandros, just as an act of kindness, mind you, I'll allow those units you find so offensive to be stored in my gaming area for as long as they are causing you mental anguish. Sound like a deal, sir? lol
-
Well, Lysandros, just as an act of kindness, mind you, I'll allow those units you find so offensive to be stored in my gaming area for as long as they are causing you mental anguish. Sound like a deal, sir? lol
I know it's mad . I have scrapped 8 battalions . Out of those I've cherry picked and made 4 new battalions. Basically kept the better sculpts and repainted , rebased . 3 very happy the other ok.
The luxury l have is that l have more than enough units that l can't get them on the table all at once , even on 19ft by 7ft.
There were some good heads in those scrapped units and they have been recycled and upgraded any existing units if needed.
They have become the spare box.
Cheers
-
Massachusetts continental line 1776 (restored)
This is the first unit l ever painted in 40mm . At the time there was no American line on the market except militia. So I used British line but painted them as Americans. I tried to disguise the Lace as I was just desperate to get an American line unit on the board.
So quarantine has allowed me to spend time on many units including this one. Paint has been restored, touched up as the years have taken their toll. So semi painted hopefully to be around for many years onwards.
Cheers
-
Hi Rob
Lovely looking unit - I love the brown colour you’ve used - it’s so great to see you with your mojo back - we were quite worried about you for a while 😂 - but like me , the world of social media can give you that spur to create bigger and better and a purpose to finish projects - you’ve become a new superhero for the 40mm fraternity - Tractorman ! I think you need to change your name 😊
Ian
-
Like the colours, adds some variety to the continentals. Lovely paint job.
-
Lovely colours. really!
-
Hi Rob
Lovely looking unit - I love the brown colour you’ve used - it’s so great to see you with your mojo back - we were quite worried about you for a while 😂 - but like me , the world of social media can give you that spur to create bigger and better and a purpose to finish projects - you’ve become a new superhero for the 40mm fraternity - Tractorman ! I think you need to change your name 😊
Ian
My real spur is suddenly I have time. Without sport to keep me active , family commitments and holiday cottages closed down, I have never been so free . Strangely I have enjoyed it somewhat but I do worry long-term about the economic meltdown.
Over the years many of the units colours that faded slightly, after , maybe varnishes have slightly darkened, you see figure anatomy differently from advice of friends and has given time for a revamp of sorts.
I rarely use social media but I have gone bonkers since lockdown. I just thought I would get the stuff out there for once as I could never be bothered to take it with me and demonstrate somewhere.l lost my mojo but lv'e become a tractor renaissance man . it's great to have it back and really enjoying mucking about again and it really fills time in meltdown.
I'm sure when the world goes back to normal you won't hear much of a dickie bird from your old China as life commitments
take over.
Kind regards , keep safe.
-
Militia skirmishers
-
New York Amalgamated battalion.
( This is one new unit made from the culled units.)
-
Impressive colours and lively action poses!
-
The skirmishers are great, like the charging unit, nice animation
-
Virginia continental line
-
More lovely units, top notch!! :)
-
Keep em coming, this a great thread. My Front Rank orders have arrived, this gives me the incentive to get on with them.
-
A mash up of odd and sods from culled units.
Trident, Sash and Sabre militia figures with head swaps.
Not sure about it .
-
Continental line
-
I, for one, would love to see a listing of all the figures you have for all sides of the conflict you've included: name of unit, number of figures, foot or mounted or guns. Also, what do you have in the way of civilians and animals for 'decorating' your games (or for in game objectives even)? If you don't have a careful inventory to share, here is your chance to develop one. (Sorry if you've already mentioned this but I haven't the time to go through the whole thread tonight.)
The odds and sods might not be your best work but if running the unit in a game, I'd be more worried about their performance on the field of battle than if they are 'top notch'. At current prices it appears one unit discarded, unpainted, is $50 bucks - add in the painting, basing time and...!
-
@Lysandros
So you have no problem with a unit with identical marching poses, or indeed, standing poses?
The Guards brigade fifer involved cutting the head off or is his head separate?
I looked at the S&S AWI Scots in trews and they really dont seem so bad.
For trident British infantry in cut down coats but using highlander bonnet heads, why does one have to use the marching pose? The Firing line or loading poses seem very nice
Maybe the crann Tara man can cast his 40mm AWI Highlanders in Front Rank proportions?
https://cranntaraminiatures.co.uk/product/highlanders-marching/
It seems to be on his mind
https://smalworldwar.blogspot.com/2019/05/what-is-correct-criteria-for-scale-or.html
-
Hi
I’m afraid the Crann Tara figures are not part of the digital range - they are a traditional sculpt in green stuff on 28mm scale - so non starter I’m afraid
Ian
-
I, for one, would love to see a listing of all the figures you have for all sides of the conflict you've included: name of unit, number of figures, foot or mounted or guns. Also, what do you have in the way of civilians and animals for 'decorating' your games (or for in game objectives even)? If you don't have a careful inventory to share, here is your chance to develop one. (Sorry if you've already mentioned this but I haven't the time to go through the whole thread tonight.)
The odds and sods might not be your best work but if running the unit in a game, I'd be more worried about their performance on the field of battle than if they are 'top notch'. At current prices it appears one unit discarded, unpainted, is $50 bucks - add in the painting, basing time and...!
Most of my Colonial battalions are generic . Red , white , buff facings on blue or brown coats and hunting shirts , with tricorns , light infantry caps, lot 1 in round hats . About 10 units.
2 perfect smart battalions for late war fighting if the war went on another year ( can be used for anytime)
Maryland and Delaware battalions .
14 continental line which can be used in all theatre's.
5 militia battalions.
1 continental dragons
2 rifle , 2 militia , 1 line , skirmishing units.
British 3 charging , 3 marching , 1 bearskin fusiliers, , 2 Highlanders , 2 Grenadiers , 2 light infantry.
2 marching Saratoga battalions.
( 33rd and Welch fusiliers will be painted next for very late war )
15 line battalions .
Butler rangers , light infantry, 2 Indians, loyalists skirmishers.
2 light dragoons
2 Guards battalions
Hessian Grenadier X 3, line X 3 , jagers.
French line X3 , 2 foreign line , French Caribbean , light infantry combined, l Grenadier , battalions.
I have lots of fluff , civilians , carts.animals etc
-
@Lysandros
So you have no problem with a unit with identical marching poses, or indeed, standing poses?
The Guards brigade fifer involved cutting the head off or is his head separate?
I looked at the S&S AWI Scots in trews and they really dont seem so bad.
For trident British infantry in cut down coats but using highlander bonnet heads, why does one have to use the marching pose? The Firing line or loading poses seem very nice
Maybe the crann Tara man can cast his 40mm AWI Highlanders in Front Rank proportions?
https://cranntaraminiatures.co.uk/product/highlanders-marching/
It seems to be on his mind
https://smalworldwar.blogspot.com/2019/05/what-is-correct-criteria-for-scale-or.html
I prefer the unit to look neat order, cohesive in what they're doing. Using American line for late war British with cut down coats you have limited choice with Front Rank. Head swaps give enough variety. I always wanted my British units to have the same trousers length. The fifer just has a plug head on.
I have the sash and sabre Highlanders marching , they are ok that don't quite fit the other figures they will do for the meantime.
Trident can be good but I just prefer the front rank heads.
It's a matter of personal taste.
-
Continental artillery
-
All the units you presented are museum quality!
But one of your last pictures of the civilians and animals, are all the money! :-*
-
An excellent collection, like the horse and carts.
-
I prefer the unit to look neat order, cohesive in what they're doing. Using American line for late war British with cut down coats you have limited choice with Front Rank. Head swaps give enough variety. I always wanted my British units to have the same trousers length. The fifer just has a plug head on.
I have the sash and sabre Highlanders marching , they are ok that don't quite fit the other figures they will do for the meantime.
Trident can be good but I just prefer the front rank heads.
It's a matter of personal taste.
You wouldn't use the Continental figures in long coats for raggedy campaign British?
-
Thanks for the listing, Lysandros. Impressive, you can run a lot of games. Really liked seeing the civilians and carts (your Fluff - I like that term.) No Spanish for Florida and points west?
I've barely begun working on my 15 mm AWI but it is an obscenely sizable collection, all told I believe I am over 5,000 figures counting horses, civilians dismounts, and dead (lots of dead, at least one per fighting unit of infantry, cavalry, or artillery).
Lots of it is primed and ready for painting but only two cavalry units actually partly painted. I actually have 20 historically correct cavalry units (correct in that the unit existed but not necessarily in regimental size like mine are).
All my cavalry are 12 figures, most of my infantry 18 figures, some at 24 figures. Artillery is one gun and four crewmen (might be Molly Pitcher pitching in somewhere). Rather a surfeit of leaders, not all being generals, of course. A bunch of civilians, too. And farm animals galore. I am profoundly influenced by a scene from a very old disney (I think) movie: Justin Morgan Had a Horse.
Oh, and I do have one four regiment brigade of Spanish to paint (already primed) along with Bernardo Galvez to lead them! I mix them in as part of my Franco-Spanish division (another 13 regiments).
Your work inspires me to get busy. Just way too much to get busy on like my colonials and Old West. Insanity but happy insanity. lol
Keep on sharing.
-
it's too bad that FR dont want to do any more 40mm, they would be the ideal company to sculpt a 40mm Grand Alliance range.
-
You wouldn't use the Continental figures in long coats for raggedy campaign British?
I always feel a British campaign look has to be cut down coats.
By 1777 many if not all were doing this . So long coats would be nearer to early war.
These are bloody Tarleton . Not sure about horse sculpts but they look better in real life.
-
I may say they already look nice and very well painted!
-
What is the flag for the Tarleton's Legion?
-
Thanks for the listing, Lysandros. Impressive, you can run a lot of games. Really liked seeing the civilians and carts (your Fluff - I like that term.) No Spanish for Florida and points west?
I've barely begun working on my 15 mm AWI but it is an obscenely sizable collection, all told I believe I am over 5,000 figures counting horses, civilians dismounts, and dead (lots of dead, at least one per fighting unit of infantry, cavalry, or artillery).
Lots of it is primed and ready for painting but only two cavalry units actually partly painted. I actually have 20 historically correct cavalry units (correct in that the unit existed but not necessarily in regimental size like mine are).
All my cavalry are 12 figures, most of my infantry 18 figures, some at 24 figures. Artillery is one gun and four crewmen (might be Molly Pitcher pitching in somewhere). Rather a surfeit of leaders, not all being generals, of course. A bunch of civilians, too. And farm animals galore. I am profoundly influenced by a scene from a very old disney (I think) movie: Justin Morgan Had a Horse.
Oh, and I do have one four regiment brigade of Spanish to paint (already primed) along with Bernardo Galvez to lead them! I mix them in as part of my Franco-Spanish division (another 13 regiments).
Your work inspires me to get busy. Just way too much to get busy on like my colonials and Old West. Insanity but happy insanity. lol
Keep on sharing.
I feel the Spanish campaign is a lost cause for balance .Any real battles of substance?
I think of isolated British posts/forts maned mainly by loyalist bit and pieces against overwhelming odds .lts impossible in most cases for the Brits to win as it's a sideshow or they don't have the resources to compete.
Granted it's a very colourful campaign , interesting units , maybe at skirmish level, the early raids by the Tory Florida rangers into Georgia would be exciting.
Also l think there are no Spanish 40mm on the market.
Cheers thanks.
-
British light dragoons
-
Thanks for the listing, Lysandros. Impressive, you can run a lot of games. Really liked seeing the civilians and carts (your Fluff - I like that term.) No Spanish for Florida and points west?
I've barely begun working on my 15 mm AWI but it is an obscenely sizable collection, all told I believe I am over 5,000 figures counting horses, civilians dismounts, and dead (lots of dead, at least one per fighting unit of infantry, cavalry, or artillery).
Lots of it is primed and ready for painting but only two cavalry units actually partly painted. I actually have 20 historically correct cavalry units (correct in that the unit existed but not necessarily in regimental size like mine are).
All my cavalry are 12 figures, most of my infantry 18 figures, some at 24 figures. Artillery is one gun and four crewmen (might be Molly Pitcher pitching in somewhere). Rather a surfeit of leaders, not all being generals, of course. A bunch of civilians, too. And farm animals galore. I am profoundly influenced by a scene from a very old disney (I think) movie: Justin Morgan Had a Horse.
Oh, and I do have one four regiment brigade of Spanish to paint (already primed) along with Bernardo Galvez to lead them! I mix them in as part of my Franco-Spanish division (another 13 regiments).
Your work inspires me to get busy. Just way too much to get busy on like my colonials and Old West. Insanity but happy insanity. lol
Keep on sharing.
That sounds a huge collection . Great that we both like fluff ,l have pigs , cows , milk maids , tavern drinkers , village people etc.
We are all insane and really collecting is never going to be rational.
What is your favourite theatreand why ?
-
They look great! Very neatly painted and the color of the horses is very convincing!
-
Out of curiosity, what are the iconic poses for AWi Scots in trews or gaiter trousers?
-
I think with Scott's charging is their iconic pose but l prefer marching.
Out of curiosity, what are the iconic poses for AWi Scots in trews or gaiter trousers?
-
Freemans farm this weekend
A overwhelming victory for the colonies as the Germans failed to turn up and got lost in the woods.
-
That’s a great looking set up. Very inspiring.
-
Your table is very inspiring, like the ox cart pulling the gun.
-
"What is your favourite theatre and why ?" Just saw your question.
I don't know that I have a favorite theatre but after contemplating I'd guess the Brandywine / Germantown and associated also rans and what ifs would stand out.
However, I've built my collection to cover all theaters from Canada to Saratoga, from Lexington to Long Island, from Brandywine to Yorktown, from Camden to Eutaw Springs, pretty much the whole war (within North America anyway - including the Floridas).
The AWI itself is my favorite period and if push came to shove and I could only keep one period it would be this one.
I do worry less about having the appropriate clothed unit as opposed to just having the appropriate unit (or, very rarely in my collection) a close enough stand in unit. I'm pretty sure I can do either Long Island or Brandywine unit for unit. Certainly close enough.
It is an addictive period, and addictive hobby, filled with happy insanity.
I've always found AWI has a ready audience of people willing to play. And most of the players know almost all of the battles quite well. Thus I intend to run fictional campaigns to avoid everyone having excessive hindsight. May on occasion do a historical battle.
-
You never painted a unit in all white hunting shirts?
-
The lightest lv'e done is Buffy off white for a unit.
There is an occasional off white hunting shirt in the odd units.
-
I should ask a question I asked on another forum. For miniatures, do you all prefer your British (or also Continental) light infantry units to all have the same headdress within a unit or different headdresses from stand to stand?
Similarly for British/Hessian grenadiers, do you just do the grenadiers of a unit as one facing color, different from stand to stand or mixed facings even on the same stand?
-
This has been an amazing read through for me this evening. I've just been conned into starting a 28mm AWI British army so my wargame buddy has another chance to beat me up on the battlefield! The scale of your collection and the beauty of you table and terrain and incredible! Not only has this been a joy to look through for the great photos but the posts have been superb as well, great debate and some excellent insight into the way different people go about achieving what they want from the same pool of models. Thabk you so much Lysandros for allowing us to see this amazing collection.
-
MiniPigs, my plan is to paint my grenadiers with their parent unit (where appropriate) but run them as grenadier battalions. Of course, at least one Hessian battalion was a full-time grenadier unit so it will be painted all the same. With my basing scheme, I'm not sure how the mix will work - three abreast per stand but six (or eight) stands per battalion (I think all the grenadiers will stay at six stands) but most likely mix them per stand to better know which stands should mix together. The challenging decision is how to do the command stand - and, yes, ahistorical though it may be, my grenadiers are likely to have standards to ensure players know what side the unit belongs to. Not everyone knows the period well and will need that extra clue.
For headdress, I generally try to keep all the same but will happily mix in one or two or so figures with bare or bandaged heads - but mostly the same. 15 mm makes it a lesser issue I guess.
-
Another charging British line .
Another game shot.
-
I should ask a question I asked on another forum. For miniatures, do you all prefer your British (or also Continental) light infantry units to all have the same headdress within a unit or different headdresses from stand to stand?
Depends on year/campaign. Up to the Philadelphia campaign, the British appear to have worn their leather helmets; other than a preponderance of the "Keppel" style (the "standard" form - false front, no peak, three horizontal chains around the crown - named after Maj Gen Keppel who chaired the committee on light company uniform), the type could vary from regiment to regiment - so from stand to stand in your example. From 1777 onwards, the British lights wore floppy hats turned up on the left side (apart from three regiments that arrived in the Carolinas in 1781 who are recorded as wearing "European uniforms" - and who suffered accordingly!), so that would have been their standard headgear across both Light Battalions.
The Continental Corps of Light Infantry started with Maxwell's battalion of picked men in 1777, then progressed to converged light companies from the 1778/1779 regimental structures onwards, supplemented by more "picked men" companies to expand the corps in 1780/1781. Initially, the men wore whatever headgear the battalion they were assigned from had, up until 1780, when La Fayette arrived from France with the leather peaked "butterfly" caps which are generally used by manufacturers to identify their CCLI figures.
Similarly for British/Hessian grenadiers, do you just do the grenadiers of a unit as one facing color, different from stand to stand or mixed facings even on the same stand?
Depends on your figure:man ratio - if a stand represents more than one company, then you sort of have to vary the facings; if it's just one company, then fine, all the same colour. The job is easier with Hessian Grenadier Battalions as they only had four large (by British standards) companies; British Grenadier Battalions could have anything up to 12 companies (the Light Battalions sometimes had 14), although 10 was more usual.
-
Seth Warner's Green Mountain boys .
-
Striking green! A beautiful unit!
-
Very nice :-*
Now that you started with green, any Continental Marines in the pipeline?
-
That's a nice shade of green.
-
Thank you maybe a little electric .
-
That's a nice shade of green.
Maybe a little electric but works well on the table
-
Very nice :-*
Now that you started with green, any Continental Marines in the pipeline?
No marines unfortunately that's in the near future I will tackle the first New Hampshire. They are all Green with light infantry hats according to to some references.
-
"What is your favourite theatre and why ?" Just saw your question.
I don't know that I have a favorite theatre but after contemplating I'd guess the Brandywine / Germantown and associated also rans and what ifs would stand out.
However, I've built my collection to cover all theaters from Canada to Saratoga, from Lexington to Long Island, from Brandywine to Yorktown, from Camden to Eutaw Springs, pretty much the whole war (within North America anyway - including the Floridas).
The AWI itself is my favorite period and if push came to shove and I could only keep one period it would be this one.
I do worry less about having the appropriate clothed unit as opposed to just having the appropriate unit (or, very rarely in my collection) a close enough stand in unit. I'm pretty sure I can do either Long Island or Brandywine unit for unit. Certainly close enough.
It is an addictive period, and addictive hobby, filled with happy insanity.
I've always found AWI has a ready audience of people willing to play. And most of the players know almost all of the battles quite well. Thus I intend to run fictional campaigns to avoid everyone having excessive hindsight. May on occasion do a historical battle.
Totally agree . The Americans tended to avoid battle till they have an advantage. The major battles everybody knows and they're not that many of them, tend to be overwhelmingly in the favour of the Americans at princetown and Trenton. 2 one-sided really to bother with. Many are glorious skirmishes.
I think the fictitious campaigns is the way to go forward as you say.
I'm I'm working on Canada in 1776with the Americans reinforced with new northern state units and the British with the new troops arriving from Britain.
-
2nd New Hampshire 1776
Sorry blurry pics
-
That is a nice unit, like them in the hats.
-
Keep it coming, this is great stuff to see.
-
Very neat painting, they look great!
-
Royal Welch Fusiliers 1781
Southern Campaign
Arguably the best unit on either side , we have tried to create a battle hardened veteran battalion on campaign.
T . Runkee painted figs just basing and flags myself.
-
The painter picked all the little details, very steady hand and nice shading!
Spectacular flags! One more great addition to your collection! Cheers!
-
Those are very nice! :-*
As are the rest. 40mm, huh? Quite a collection you have there. o_o
-
Cheers
All 40mm ,
-
Another nice addition to your collection.
-
Thinking aloud about the Front Rank AWI range, if one wanted to make up Saratoga British line units would it be better to use Saratoga caps on Continental bodies or on British fusilier bodies?
-
The 23rd Welch Fusiliers are excellent.
Paul
-
Thinking aloud about the Front Rank AWI range, if one wanted to make up Saratoga British line units would it be better to use Saratoga caps on Continental bodies or on British fusilier bodies?
I have used continental line ( no lace) in cut down coats and British light infantry hats . Arguably the British had started taken off the Lace on uniform.
It works for me.
As first unit in picture below)
-
Excellent
-
Lysandros, for the British, you seem to prefer the march attack positions. Is that merely a preference or do you find the Front rank charging/firing poses too crowded when mounted on bases?
-
Lysandros, for the British, you seem to prefer the march attack positions. Is that merely a preference or do you find the Front rank charging/firing poses too crowded when mounted on bases?
It's just an all-round practical pose. It can look ok attacking and defending. Charging pose is so limited to attack only. I do have 4 Brit units charging but look hopeless defending a fence. I do have 5 Continental firing lines , mainly because in they are defending, while only one Brit .
Colonials in firing pose (1st pic)
Brits advance ( front line in charge pose)
-
@Lysandros
I have been pondering the issue of AWI Scots in trews or gaiter-trousers which would sync up with the size and bulk of Front Rank 40mm AWI.
You mentioned you didnt mind the same pose for all the enlisteds and seeing your Guards unit gave me an idea.
Although I have not experimented specifically with the Scots heads from the Sash and Saber AWI Highlanders in trousers set, it seems to be the case that Sash and Saber heads sit well on Front Rank bodies. The opposite doesnt hold true but it may be worth a try to get a set of the S&S AWI Highlanders heads and try them on the FR Continentals in short coats and gaiter-trousers. Just a thought.
-
I've been pondering for a few weeks - if I went down the road of having some figures developed - and that's a big IF, I personally usually try to avoid musicians, drummers etc in my units if I can. From the gaming point of view, they don't add anything and I see them as a wasted figure, from the visual point of view though, they can complete a unit. Would a range of figures be more, or less, attractive if musicians were absent? Would highlanders without a piper, or infantry without a drummer, be acceptable?
This is just to gather a few more thoughts before I spend money my that wife would otherwise spend on vases and other assorted household clutter!
-
Well Alan,
If you have spare cash you could buy Robert’s entire collection instead - as he’s now put it up for sale 😉
-
Really? I don’t have that much cash!!
-
I've been pondering for a few weeks - if I went down the road of having some figures developed - and that's a big IF, I personally usually try to avoid musicians, drummers etc in my units if I can. From the gaming point of view, they don't add anything and I see them as a wasted figure, from the visual point of view though, they can complete a unit. Would a range of figures be more, or less, attractive if musicians were absent? Would highlanders without a piper, or infantry without a drummer, be acceptable?
This is just to gather a few more thoughts before I spend money my that wife would otherwise spend on vases and other assorted household clutter!
I think that there are arguments for both looks. It's nice to have musicians but you wouldnt miss them. Ironically, the more of a march attack position the unit is in, the less it might need musicians.
-
Well Alan,
If you have spare cash you could buy Robert’s entire collection instead - as he’s now put it up for sale 😉
I would imagine that 40mm collections are a limited market to sell into.
-
That is just spectacular. I did F&IW skirmish for a bit using Song of Drums and Tomahawks, and the beautiful 40mm Trident minis. Once of those collections I regret selling in hindsight.
-
Well, if Robert is selling up, I suppose somebody needs to keep this thread alive. So here’s some Grenadiers. They are intended to be the Grenadiers of the Florida Brigade, so pretty much 60th. I can’t imagine they would actually have had the ‘Just off the parade ground look’, Florida being pretty hot n humid, but they will suffice for the moment.
-
They look cracking!! Nice unit. :)
-
Very nice Alan - as you say the baton has been picked up !
-
Lovely, very realistic colour work there!
-
Lovely looking grenadiers, as you say may not have been in this uniform in Florida, but they do look the part.
Paul
-
The collection has been sold .
Some great work here from many brilliant painters .
Hopefully you can all keep the thread alive to encourage others.
Best wishes
-
Your well-staged pictures of these superbly painted armies kept us company since 2018.
Thanks for sharing!
Wishing you all the best!
Dinos
-
I hope whoever was lucky enough to purchase them will continue to post photos of games with them as they were a fabulous collection and a great incentive to my own 28mm AWI British army, thank you for sharing and good luck
-
I echo those comments, it would be great to continue to see the collection. All the best Robert.
-
Next off the painting table, 33rd, modelling the ‘just off the boat’ look, but they’ll suffice until I get my act together and produce some campaign look figures. Need to get some flags but pretty much ready for the table.
-
Cracking stuff Alan 👏👏👏
-
Excellent work Alan.
Paul
-
A progress shot of the next unit. First finished base of my second regiment of North Carolina Militia. Hopefully the full regiment will be ready in a couple of weeks.
-
Very nice sculpts and fine painjob!
-
I've been pondering for a few weeks - if I went down the road of having some figures developed - and that's a big IF, I personally usually try to avoid musicians, drummers etc in my units if I can. From the gaming point of view, they don't add anything and I see them as a wasted figure, from the visual point of view though, they can complete a unit. Would a range of figures be more, or less, attractive if musicians were absent?
I don't know about more or less attractive, for the latter half of the war they would certainly be more accurate without them. At some point during 1778, the British re-adopted a practice from the Regular units sent to Canada for the F&I War, who had armed all their adult drummers, bar one - who was retained as an orderly drummer for the unit CO (an extra drummer from the senior regiment in a brigade also supplied one for the brigade commander) - and sent the juveniles home to participate in recruiting. This would allow you to field units without "musik" - ie drummers and fifers - but you could use up any such figures on vignette stands, next to a mounted officer, performing the "orderly drummer" role (see what I did there?).
I'm not sure what Highland regiments did with their pipers, who were also felt to have a morale impact on the enemy as well as their comrades, and so may have been retained - again though, my guess would be that they would accompany the CO of the battalion. Incidentally, in complete contrast to the accepted "wargamerism" that pipers were not proper soldiers, but either civilians hired by company commanders, or a man from the ranks earning a bit of extra money, both the 42nd and 71st (at least) employed their pipers as the equivalent of fifers - ie there were two of them attached to the grenadier company of whichever battalion they were serving with and were listed as "drummers" on the Muster Roll.
(ps: I've sent you a PM about something.)
-
Front Rank is up for sale? Dark days for Front Rank enthusiasts; darker days for 40mm fans.
-
Yep, I'll have to put some orders in pretty quickly I think. Hopefully someone will pick it up, but if I had that kind of money I'm not sure I'd buy a wargames company!
-
After what seems like ages, another militia regiment. God I’m a slooooow painter!!
-
Absolutely beautiful painting :-*
-
Neatly painted, excellent shading and impressive flag!
A collector's item!
-
Another excellent unit.
Paul
-
Thanks for the comments. The flag is actually a Flags of War product, which Iain scaled up for me.
I wish 8 could paint faster, it’s taken me 2 weeks to paint 18 faces on the next batch, which will be 5th SC regiment.
-
Well this is an interesting discussion that I feel I have come rather late to.
As proprietor of Triguard Miniatures, the ranges formerly sold as Trident and Vanguard by Doug at MSC, I should probably have some things to say.
It is interesting to hear what people feel needs adding to the available ranges for the period. At this stage my focus is not on expanding the AWI range, as there is a lot in it already. However, I have discussed with Sean the sculptor, some medium term additions for the AWI range, specifically those Hessian dragoons without horses, dismounted British, Loyalist and American dragoon figures, and some French artillery crew.
What I do have about to hit the website, is AWI Spanish. As someone mentioned, there aren't any major battles to refight, but there is potential for skirmish actions around the sieges that took place. I have just finished "Pensacola" by Wesley S Odom; not a great read, but it does contain lots of information and ideas for smaller scale actions.
I'm now looking for some examples of Chikasaw, Choctaw and Creek Indians to understand whether or not the existing woodland Indian figures are suitable.
From my own gaming perspective, I have been focusing primarily on the FIW, painting up (and commissioning) both the British/American and French sides. We have recently gamed both FIW and medieval periods in 40mm at two local conventions, playing Rebels & Patriots and Lion Rampant. Great fun, and I will post some pictures soon.
My next project is an AWI one to help make the ranges more visible here, New Zealand, and hopefully to a wider market. I'm looking at skirmish level games focusing on the Siege of Pensacola, the Battle of Johnstown, or perhaps aspects of The Forage War (battle of Millstone Creek, etc.).
As far as marketing goes, I currently advertise in WS&S and will begin advertising in Toy Soldier Collector & Historical Figures from the next issue, 101. The customers I inherited with the business seem to be split fairly evenly between gamers and modelers, and I guess that is one aspect of 40mm figures that makes them different to other scales. That fact makes things both easier and more difficult, but does increase opportunity.
Now after a 40 year career in IT, I have had to come to terms with the figure manufacturing process and learn all about marketing (which really goes over my head) to make this thing work. There are lots of opportunities going forward, and plenty of room to develop 40mm as a scale familiar to gamers, and I hope I can have some impact on that.
As far as the ranges goes, any feedback is appreciated, and I will post updates here when it comes to new additions.
-
@Phillius
Speaking of Indians, how about a few Indian civilians? Men, women, children and elders?
-
@Phillius, PM sent.
-
I only collect 40mm and it’s been quite a journey trying to get the figures I need to complete my collection - my advice ? Finish your French & Indian Wars and then produce 28mm ranges from then on - 40 mm is a niche that has had its day - and I’m only talking about running a business here - I love 40mm - it’s the only scale for me but it will never pay as much as 28mm will - fact
Ian
-
5th South Carolina. I used the image below to base the uniform on. Whether it is correct is another matter, but it works for me. Flag to be added, probably just a plain blue with a white crescent, maybe Liberty in white.
-
Fabulous paint job 👏👏👀
-
As a counter-point to Ian's comments, I think 40 mm, rather than having had its day may be in its infancy.
Why?
Lots of gamers are aging and so is their eyesight and many will want to continue with their hobby but need bigger figures to do so. Could be totally off base but that is what I see.
If I go upscale, I will skip right over 28 mm and head straight to 40 mm. Of course, I just down scaled from 15 mm to 10 mm for one period - Vietnam (saved me at least $1,000 with what I collected). So that leap to a larger scale is 'out there on the horizon' somewhere.
-
Excellent work Alan.
Paul
-
If I was starting over 40mm would be the figure size of choice, but like so many of my 28mms they would likely remain unpainted for long periods😂
-
Sadly, I think I'm going to have to face reality in this project. I thought I could manage 3 40mm projects, but I don't think I will ever get to complete this, I now have 300+ war of 1812 figures to get on with, and a large number of Napoleonics so it's clear where I need to direct my time. It's a shame, as I really love the Front Rank AWI stuff, but I am going to sell them on to somebody who actually might get to use them.
So I'll be listing stuff on ebay in the next week or two, mostly completed units, but also some figures still in bags.
I started to have some AWI figures developed, but they were only at the dolly stage, so they can be used to develop something else that I know I will really need.
-
Hi all. Not trying to hi-jack this thread, but if anyone is interested, my 40mm Alamo is in this "Old West" thread I recently started.
https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=134031.0
Texian figures are Sash and Saber, & Triguard. Mexicans are Sash and Saber.