Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => Age of the Big Battalions => Topic started by: Gangleri on September 03, 2020, 10:48:46 PM
-
Hello,
I am starting on a new project, one I have had in the pipeline for several years, about the events the events that took place during the American Revolution in the county where I reside, Westchester County, New York. Though now known as the home of quiet suburbs and scenic reservoirs, during the Revolution it was just about the worst place in the Colonies. After the British had seized New York City, the county became the scene of five years of incessant conflict. The southern edge of the county was firmly in British hands, the northern edge included the Hudson Highlands, an American stronghold by means of which the Continentals choked off passage of the Hudson River, and in between lay the benighted "neutral ground," formerly admired as a pleasing and fertile region, against which played out a gruelling small war of raid, counterraid, and pillage, in which local and familial feuds merged with the larger conflict of the war. The farms of the county fed both armies, and many of its inhabitants were drawn, or forced, to take sides, while others hoped simply to stay alive and put away enough food for the winter. In this effort they were impeded not only by the uniformed soldiers of each side but by the notorious Patriot raiders, the Skinners, and their Tory rivals, the Cowboys - more on them in a later post.
I intend to represent the bands of men who fought to control Westchester. Accounts of some of the larger actions often describe platoon or company strength units from multiple regiments being combined for these undertakings, making for a varied and colorful set of participants and a pleasingly diverse set of uniforms to paint.
Test models for the 5th New York Regiment, Highlands Department, Continental Army
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50302918172_7e52edb32a_b.jpg)
The 5th NY was recruited in southern New York and entered the line in early 1777. It would see extensive action in the Westchester Highlands as well as further afield. They had a pleasing brown-faced-blue uniform coat and of course the non-standard extras characteristic of war. Perry metals and plastics.
Test for 3r Battalion DeLancey's Brigade, New York Garrison
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50302918227_8569da4347_b.jpg)
Influential Loyalist Peter DeLancey, of Hugenot descent, raised three infantry battalions of Tories for the Crown, drawn from loyalists in what is now called the "tri-state area:" southern New York, western Long Island and Connecticut, and northern New Jersey. The brigade was among the cream of the Loyalist units and was always bivouacked and drilled alongside British regiments. The first two battalions were shipped south in 1778 and did good work there, but the 3rd remained near New York, bouncing between various postings (including a stint at Setauket to guard against raiders from Connecticut who rowed across the Sound in whaling boats) and frequently employed in the many small actions in the region. Here they are shown in their "middle" uniforms (red faced green) and in winter dress, when they exchanged their breeches and hats for brown overalls and caps. The caps themselves are a matter of debate, sometimes shown as peaked caps instead and with various emblems, or none, on the front. These are meant to show crowns, though I may change that. The buttons should be in groups of three (for the 3rd battalion), but it's too tedious a task to change that, and I settled for scraping the lace off. Have to say that while the plastic British kit is generally excellent, the tumplines are had to fit cleanly on the miniatures.
Next up I will have to bring these squads up to full strength while I wait for new troops to arrive in the mail.
Thanks for looking.
-
A very good start for your project, really nice work on the troops so far. A very interesting campaign to pick.especially as it of local interest to you, look forward to seeing your progress. :)
-
Nice! Looking forward to seeing how this turns out.
-
Good start on the figures and a very interesting slice of history to base your games around
Looking forward to seeing more
-
Very interesting, nice work. Do you have any suggested reading on this?
I live in downtown Manhattan, just below DeLancey street. Division street was the boundary between DeLancey's estate and that of the Patriot Rutgers, who fled to New Jersey and then Philadelphia. The British burned Rutgers' home.
-
Very nice painting. Your white linen and the red on DeLancey's men look right on the money IMO. I think Cooper's "The Spy" is supposed to take place in Westchester County. It has been years since I read it, but IIRC it was chock full of small-unit scenario ideas.
-
Very interesting, nice work. Do you have any suggested reading on this?
"Grand Forage: The battleground around New York City" by Todd Braisted is precisely the book you are looking for. And, having bought it myself, I can thoroughly recommend it.
-
"Grand Forage: The battleground around New York City" by Todd Braisted is precisely the book you are looking for. And, having bought it myself, I can thoroughly recommend it.
Yes, that book is superb reading for anyone with a slight interest in the period!
I bought that a few years ago when I was beginning planning on my Sleepy Hollow project. Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown are on the northern end of Westchester County on the shores of the Tappan Zee. I was debating between going with AWI (more Hessians about) or what I settled on was FIW (more factions, and a few Hessians). The Westchester area is perfect for AWI skirmish games.
If you're looking for any buildings to use, Things From The Basement has a number that are perfect for the Dutch Colonial style of New York and New Jersey. Several of the kits that Joerg did for the project are historical: The Martling House, the School House, and the Corn Crib; and the Van Allen House from the movie fits in just fine too:
https://www.thingsfromthebasement.com/store/c35/Inspired_by_Sleepy_Hollow_-_The_Movie.html
They also have some new kits coming out soon that I'm looking forward to. This summer they did a Kickstarter for the Farms of Gettysburg. Two of them are just perfect Dutch Colonial style with stonework and double chimneys: The Thompson House and the Slyder House. I've come across several illustrations of very similar buildings up in the Hudson Valley region for colonial times. The KS orders are likely to be filled by the end of this month, then they'll go in the store after that. That's when I'll grab this pair to use in Tarrytown.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tftb/farms-of-gettysburg
For local defenders, you can also include Mother Hulda, local sharpshooter and witch! Shunned by Sleepy Hollow society and living on the edge of the wilderness, Hulda was adept at hunting rabbits for food and barter. She was killed in action while providing a critical role in breaking up a British landing during the Revolutionary War.
When we visited Sleepy Hollow for holiday celebrations over Halloween 2017 for a foliage recon tour and holiday festibrations, there was no marker for her grave at the Old Dutch Church. Just came across the news that this was rectified in style in October 2019. Looking forward to seeing this when next we can return:
https://theolddutchchurch.blog/2019/11/21/example-post/
-
Skirmish scenarios can be had by getting the books by Norman Desmarais. There's
"Guide to the American Revolutionary War In New York" – November 1, 2010, available on Amazon. The work he put into these books is amazing. He's catalogued just about every battle, skirmish, incident or sneeze during the war. Often with info about
how many people were involved.
I grew up on LI, but now live in NJ. I've been doing skirmish games based in NJ, which had similar problems to Westchester, especially across the river in Bergen County. For skinners and cowboys, take a look at Perry's mounted militia. Can be used for either side!
Where do you game? We have an active group in Essex County, NJ.
-
I grew up on LI, but now live in NJ. I've been doing skirmish games based in NJ, which had similar problems to Westchester, especially across the river in Bergen County.
Do yo have "The Revolutionsry War in the Hackensack Valley: The Jersay Dutch and the Neutral Ground" by Adrian Leiby? Excellent book.
Interested in the Desmarais book - sounds very like the 4-volume "Nothing but blood and slaughter" by Patrick O'Kelley, which covers the Southern campaigns from 1774 through to the end of the war.
-
Skirmish scenarios can be had by getting the books by Norman Desmarais. There's
"Guide to the American Revolutionary War In New York" – November 1, 2010
Thanks for the tip, just ordered a copy from Book Depository.
We have an active group in Essex County, NJ.
Do you folks come up to Huzzah! in Portland Maine? It's a top flight miniatures convention in May [well, at least when it's safe and practical to hold conventions...] It would be great to have some more 18C games there!
-
I am delighted by the interest this thread has generated and grateful for the compliments
Very interesting, nice work. Do you have any suggested reading on this?
I live in downtown Manhattan, just below DeLancey street. Division street was the boundary between DeLancey's estate and that of the Patriot Rutgers, who fled to New Jersey and then Philadelphia. The British burned Rutgers' home.
I hope you have had a drink or two in Delancey's old tavern, now Fraunces Tavern!
In addition to the worthwhile recommendations from other posters, most of which were new to me, I can add one further thing. Try contacting local historical societies and the curators of local museums dealing with the colonial period. They often have a trove of local knowledge at their disposal and are very pleased to find others with an interest in it. If you are interested in a particular action or locale, they can be of great help. Similarly, reenactment groups, or even just their websites, often have access to good material, especially primary sources that describe the units' involvement in smaller fights. Not to mention information on uniforms, equipment, etc., which can be very difficult to pin down for the AWI and especially the Continentals.
And if I can insert a bit of self-promotion, here are some posts I made on a blog a while back:
https://wellrallyonceagain.blogspot.com/2015/10/battle-of-white-plains-anniversary.html
https://wellrallyonceagain.blogspot.com/2015/12/philipsburg-encampment-part-i.html
https://wellrallyonceagain.blogspot.com/2016/01/youngs-corners.html
Very nice painting. Your white linen and the red on DeLancey's men look right on the money IMO. I think Cooper's "The Spy" is supposed to take place in Westchester County. It has been years since I read it, but IIRC it was chock full of small-unit scenario ideas.
Thank you very much. I was really trying not to make the linen too bright. I think the last redcoats I painted (from any era) were 54mm Accurate British AWI nearly 20 years ago, so I was bit concerned about how they would turn out. And yes, a lot of The Spy takes place in nearby Rye, NY. And I believe Cooper wrote it while he was living just down the street from where I am, though sadly the house does not survive.
I bought that a few years ago when I was beginning planning on my Sleepy Hollow project. Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown are on the northern end of Westchester County on the shores of the Tappan Zee.... If you're looking for any buildings to use, Things From The Basement has a number that are perfect for the Dutch Colonial style of New York and New Jersey. Several of the kits that Joerg did for the project are historical: The Martling House, the School House, and the Corn Crib; and the Van Allen House from the movie fits in just fine too:
https://www.thingsfromthebasement.com/store/c35/Inspired_by_Sleepy_Hollow_-_The_Movie.html
For local defenders, you can also include Mother Hulda, local sharpshooter and witch! Shunned by Sleepy Hollow society and living on the edge of the wilderness, Hulda was adept at hunting rabbits for food and barter. She was killed in action while providing a critical role in breaking up a British landing during the Revolutionary War.
When we visited Sleepy Hollow for holiday celebrations over Halloween 2017 for a foliage recon tour and holiday festibrations, there was no marker for her grave at the Old Dutch Church. Just came across the news that this was rectified in style in October 2019. Looking forward to seeing this when next we can return:
https://theolddutchchurch.blog/2019/11/21/example-post/
Thank you, thank you for this link! One of my hopes is to get the period architecture right, whenever possible basing it on surviving buildings. So these are just perfect.
And as far as Sleepy Hollow goes, I am going to incorporate it, and other Irving stories, into this project as well. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is one of my favorite stories, and I have been going up to the old church in the fall almost every year. Though of course the story is fanciful, there is a lot of authentic detail in it, such as the van Tassels (a real family whose descendents still live in the area) finding a headless Hessian corpse and burying it in the churchyard.
Skirmish scenarios can be had by getting the books by Norman Desmarais. There's
"Guide to the American Revolutionary War In New York" – November 1, 2010, available on Amazon. The work he put into these books is amazing. He's catalogued just about every battle, skirmish, incident or sneeze during the war. Often with info about
how many people were involved.
I grew up on LI, but now live in NJ. I've been doing skirmish games based in NJ, which had similar problems to Westchester, especially across the river in Bergen County. For skinners and cowboys, take a look at Perry's mounted militia. Can be used for either side!
Where do you game? We have an active group in Essex County, NJ.
Yes, southern NY on both sides of the river, northern NJ, western LI, lower CT - all had similar experiences, and like Westchester, NJ was heavily ravaged. On top of it, the troops on both sides were constantly being jumbled together for excursions in the whole tri-state area, so while I am focusing on Westchester, the troops could be used for a scenario anywhere in the area.
I am more of a painter than a wargamer and had not really thought about rules, scenarios, etc., but since you have all offered many resources for wargaming, and since some of you appear to be in the area, I will give more thought to this matter. I don't actually have a place to game but if I can stick with this project and others are interested we could assemble somewhere.
More to follow soon, and thanks again.
-
...Do you folks come up to Huzzah! in Portland Maine? It's a top flight miniatures convention in May [well, at least when it's safe and practical to hold conventions...] It would be great to have some more 18C games there!
I made it up a couple years back, ran a small game of the 1859 Battle of Montebello. My wife has family in Maine and we spend a lot of time there. I had planned to attend this year with an AWI scenario, but the plague intervened.
-
Thank you, thank you for this link! One of my hopes is to get the period architecture right, whenever possible basing it on surviving buildings. So these are just perfect.
And as far as Sleepy Hollow goes, I am going to incorporate it, and other Irving stories, into this project as well. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is one of my favorite stories, and I have been going up to the old church in the fall almost every year. Though of course the story is fanciful, there is a lot of authentic detail in it, such as the van Tassels (a real family whose descendents still live in the area) finding a headless Hessian corpse and burying it in the churchyard.
For the Things from the Basement kits, the Martling House is based on photos of the actual house in Tarrytown, which was the site of the first murder in town, during the Rev war. The School House is based on a photo of the second school house in Sleepy Hollow built in 1865, which was very small, but larger than the first one of which there are no illustrations — so this model is reduced down from the second one. The Corn Crib is modelled on a restored 1740 one at Abraham Staats' farm in New Jersey.
At some point when I'm a bit more caught up on building other kits, I hope to be able to persuade Joerg to do a kit of the Landrine House as well, where Major Andre was held prisoner. It's a good example of typical small inns of the area. Of course, if someone else were to persuade him first, then I would have to buy it too...
The best resource on the haunted side of the Hollow is Legends and Lore of Sleepy Hollow and the Hudson Valley by Jonathan Kruk. There's a lot of good material in here for period gothic flavour. He's a master stroyteller and we had the delight of hearing him tell the Legend of Sleepy Hollow in the Old Dutch Church at dusk on Halloween! It's definitely worth catching one of his performances for anyone who is in the area in the fall.
I can also recommend one of the books mentioned earlier: The Revolutionary War in the Hackensack Valley is superb reading.
Nice blog posts, thanks for sharing those!
-
This is all pretty cool. The Misses and I are looking at moving back east and would love to do something similar. But we are still undecided where to move to. But i am sure once we figure it out, I will hover up all the local history.
-
I hope you have had a drink or two in Delancey's old tavern, now Fraunces Tavern!
I have had drinks there in the past and attending an AWI program upstairs. It is now owned by an Irish company. I went by there yesterday evening but the wife and I decided there were too many people at their outdoor dining area. We passed and went on to a place that had a much lower density.
-
I do indeed have the "Hackensack Valley" book. Explains alot of things I came across when I used to work in Bergen County.
For those interested in the Petite Guerre around NYC during the AWI, I would also recommend "Sound Rising" by Richard Radune. Gives a good account of privateering, the whaleboat war and English raids into CT.
Also, "Lost British Forts of Long Island" for both raids and great info on AWI fortifications- lightyears better than the Osprey.
-
Hello, folks.
Here is my latest work. I'm a slow painter but have been chugging away. Bases have arrived and will soon start tarting them up.
More Tories:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50395782886_cfc24091b3_b.jpg)
A drummer and lieutenant to lead them, converted from Royal Welch Fusiliers:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50395091103_d71a4e3590_c.jpg)
Some more of the 5th NY
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50395091298_ec36b3747d_z.jpg)
And the first of the Westchester militia:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50395947047_b328b3569e_c.jpg)
Got a few more men for the 5th NY and 3rd/DeLancey each, then it will be on to the next unit.
C&C welcome :)
-
Ooh, off to a great start!
-
Gangleri-
Outstanding paint jobs. How many do you have painted up for:
-Delancey's
- 5th NY
-militia
at this point? Typical units in Muskets&Tomahawks, my go-to skirmish game for AWI
run 6 to 10 figures.
I have a horde of militia, 16 Butler's Rangers, a passel of civilians, 50 iroquois, 16 US riflemen and 14 Jaegers.
And yep, as the figures show, I game Mohawk Valley scenarios too.
The group I game with keeps a big number of AWI figures of all kinds that we also use.
Brits, Hessians, Continentals, those mounted militia and also US and UK dragoons. Plenty of
terrain.
If you're interested, we game at a place called Maplewood Hobby in, well, Maplewood, NJ.
Respond here.
-
Ooh, off to a great start!
Thanks :)
Gangleri-
Outstanding paint jobs. How many do you have painted up for:
-Delancey's
- 5th NY
-militia
at this point? Typical units in Muskets&Tomahawks, my go-to skirmish game for AWI
run 6 to 10 figures.
I have a horde of militia, 16 Butler's Rangers, a passel of civilians, 50 iroquois, 16 US riflemen and 14 Jaegers.
And yep, as the figures show, I game Mohawk Valley scenarios too.
The group I game with keeps a big number of AWI figures of all kinds that we also use.
Brits, Hessians, Continentals, those mounted militia and also US and UK dragoons. Plenty of
terrain.
If you're interested, we game at a place called Maplewood Hobby in, well, Maplewood, NJ.
Respond here.
Hi, Marek. I am planning about 12-14 figures for regular units, around 10 for specialists and 6-8 for mounted. Currently at 9 Delancey, 8 NY, 4 militia. Would be very much interested in joining you all one of these days - Maplewood isn't too hard for me to reach. Will keep you advised.
-
Things From the Basement now has their Farms of Gettysburg kits up in their store. The Thompson House and Slyder House are perfect for Westchester County and New Jersey. I'll be getting these shortly for Tarrytown.
https://www.thingsfromthebasement.com/store/c45/Historic_American_Buildings.html
-
Gangleri-
Great. We welcome all new historical gamers. Give me a shout when you
have an idea when you'd like to game. Email:
marklewski@yahoo.com
-
Cat- You're right. Lee's HQ makes for a nice Dutch Colonial. Just paint the stone as "red sandstone" (ie: the ubiquitous brownstone).
By the way, how does one paint the stonework on these buildings? The stones are outlined, but not raised. Can't dry brush them.
Paint them each individually?
-
Cat- You're right. Lee's HQ makes for a nice Dutch Colonial. Just paint the stone as "red sandstone" (ie: the ubiquitous brownstone).
By the way, how does one paint the stonework on these buildings? The stones are outlined, but not raised. Can't dry brush them.
Paint them each individually?
The style of stone work they've done on these houses can be raised with small dabs of gesso. I haven't painted up any in this style yet to show. With or without the gesso, they can be dry-brushed; just brush each stone at a time.
Here's some close-ups of other stone work I've done. I spray paint lightly with several different colours to get a speckeled stone, and then dry brush on top to vary the colours and add highlights. The church foundation is completed. The pieces of the School House foundation have been sprayed, but not dry-brushed yet; before painting, I did use the small curved blade to notch the corners and add some texture.
I expect for that these new kits that I will spray stone speckle on the walls, then dry brush individual ones, then paint the mortar work around them. I'll likely try the gesso on them.
Oh, and Tarrytown has a lot of grey stone, really depends on locality.
-
I lived in Westchester County for 57 years (1961-2018). Scattered throughout the county are many markers commemorating skirmishes and homes. This was my favorite “ At A Skirmish Here On October 23, 1776, Ten Hessians And One American Fell” in 1776 this was the site of Morrell’s Tavern. The marker is next to the North Columbus Avenue eastbound exit on the Cross County Parkway.
-
Cat-
Thanks!
-
Quick test on basing. Trying to fit the autumnal theme but somehow it's not quite there. Suggestions welcome.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50442847846_43bec01e40_c.jpg)
DeLancey's are finished (apart from basing), 5th NY is nearly there, and work has begun on the next unit!
Cheerio.
-
I use SuperLeaf, amazing quality. Pricey, but each jar is a lifetime supply in each colour. I've stocked up on a good autumnal variety, so I can also distinguish units by different colour foliage (depending on what type of tree they tend to stand under).
: 3
https://www.sceneryexpress.com/SuperLeaf/products/1289/
I'll begin detailing my bases shortly, but here are a couple of colour leaves in action on the building's scenic base:
-
Buy a cheap jar of Mixed Spices and use that as a floor.
-
The classic thing to use for miniature leaves are the seed pods from white birch trees. And NOW is the time to gather them. Let them dry if they're not dry already, and break them apart. You'll get tons of "leaves".
And, they're FREE.
By the way, your bases look fine.
-
For the basic first layer ground flocking, I use a lot of cinnamon tea (Bigelows brand here). After enjoying the tea, I let the bags dry out for a few days, then break open the pile and give the leaves a thorough drying and sterilising in the microwave.
Takes a little experimentation to get the right timing to dry them thoroughly without getting to the point of starting a smouldering fire...
-
Good grief, JW. I just caught this and realized it was you
Use the assorted spices mixture for Fall NY ground cover.
Mix your own by raiding the spice rack.
Oregano is good. Anything that resemble leaf scatter
Mix in some twigs broken up into tiny, tiny pieces as if they were small sticks in 28 mm scale.
See you at the outpost
-
A really engaging project 8)
-
Thanks to all for the suggestions. I will try to make use of some of them as I progress. But I cheated a bit and used some woodland scenics autumn foliage.
The classic thing to use for miniature leaves are the seed pods from white birch trees. And NOW is the time to gather them. Let them dry if they're not dry already, and break them apart. You'll get tons of "leaves".
And, they're FREE.
By the way, your bases look fine.
Thanks for the advice. I have used birch and beech mast on my LotR collection but have never managed to get it to lie naturally.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50501435368_6ed950403c_c.jpg)
I think it's a bit crude but at least at a distance gives the right effect. I guess the trick is not to overdo it or it looks too garish.
DeLancey's are done btw.
-
Very nicely done and a great project. I've been looking for a red-coated Loyalist regiment to add in as I have a greencoated unit and another in the pipeline.
-
Well it works for me. They are a good looking gang. :D
-
Next unit is on the workbench! Scammel's Light Infantry.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50534626796_fcb7cd976d_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50534626751_3bcb01643b_c.jpg)
Just some greenstuff to bring the uniforms into line with those of the typical Continental Light Infantry. I couldn't find a definite description of the appearance of Scammel's men, but since they were drawn primarily from the New England light infantry, it's highly likely their uniforms were as good as identical.
-
Looks like they will be a nice foil to DeLancey Tories. lol
-
Have been a bit slow lately in working on this project but was able to finish the 5th NY this weekend. All in all I am quite pleased with them.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50606073877_8a087d5175_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50605210343_e43f293fb9_c.jpg)
The design on the drum, a sun in splendor, is conjectural, but I saw it on a 54mm 5th NY drummer and thought it looked great (though the tensioners hide much of it).
Next up, the light infantry and some scenery.
-
A sold looking crew.
-
Looking very nice.
There was an item that slipped my mind under the autumnal flocking question. A key bit that I use for the bottom layer of mine is crushed walnut shells. I got a pound or two bag in the terrarium aisle of the pet store for a couple of bucks; gave away several tubs to club mates, and still have several lifetimes' supply left. It's particularly nice for smoothing the ledge twixt figure and base.
In other Westchester news, watched a great lecture on Zoom today, "Tarrytown: Traitors and Spies, Patriots and Allies, British Boats and Hessian Ghosts!" It was recorded and a video should be online sometime soon. I suspect it will be on this YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQOMXjRq2pXu71gy2k8TvRg
Revolutionary Westchester 250 has already begun the run up to the 250th anniversary events.
-
Hello all,
Work continues slowly but steadily on this project. I was able recently to finish the next detachment, Scammell's Light Infantry. This regiment was formed from recruits from New England light infantry units and given to Alexander Scammell, adjutant general to George Washington, who had requested a combat command. The outfit was stationed along the Neperhan in western Westchester in the summer of 1781 and then led the great march down to Virginia later in the year. Scammell himself was mortally wounded at the storming of Yorktown.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50962894071_5ebb281a05_z.jpg)
The regiment was formed very late in the war but is generic enough to represent any of the other Continental light infantry formations.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50962992737_1cc3b4db2a_z.jpg)
Information on the uniform is scare but it is a safe bet that they would have looked very similar to the other Continental light regiments from which Scammell's was recruited. I kept the distinctive caps (with added cockades, plumes, etc) taken from the Perry American box, added shoulder scales, but omitted the chevrons seen on some light infantry uniforms.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50962992762_1d7e7f6712_z.jpg)
They are mainly Perry plastic American bodies with a mix of Perry arms (including some from the dismounted French dragoons).
C&C welcome.
-
Great paintwork and a very nice looking unit. Your use of the Perry Miniatures figures works very well. I'm taking notes
-
Very nice job on the figures and basing.
In passing, Division Street in the Lower East Side of Manhattan was the dividing line between the Rutgers (Whig) and Delancey (Tory) estates. Nearby Delancey Street is still a major east-west street downtown.
-
Thanks all for the kind words!
In passing, Division Street in the Lower East Side of Manhattan was the dividing line between the Rutgers (Whig) and Delancey (Tory) estates. Nearby Delancey Street is still a major east-west street downtown.
A different Delancey will be making an appearance on this plog soon...
-
Nice!
-
They look great!
-
Lovely work, really like the Autumn basing, great idea
Cheers
Matt
-
Hello again,
Another unit finished, this time the Westchester Militia.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51012530907_54be94288f_z.jpg)
Mainly made from Perry Northern militia sets. The flag is one captured at White Plains in 1776, but the red came out a bit dark, and I may go back and make it brighter. This was also the first time I made a flag from aluminum (beer can) instead of painting it on paper and then attaching it, and I think this is the method I will use henceforth.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51012439386_5d0e21eea6.jpg)
Another shot. The black militaman is made from the Ethiopian Regiment command, minus a bayonet and with his smock changed to look more like a greatcoat.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51011724388_8dcaf4c81a.jpg)
These are the first of several historic personages I plan to include in this project: the men who captured Major Andre. Isaac van Wart, David Williams, and John Paulding (L-R). van Wart is just a regular milita model; van Wart became a deacon later in life, and this model seemed suitably dignified for a man of moral virtue. Williams is made from one of the English officers from the Ethiopian set. Williams was in an (unknown) NY regiment earlier in the war and went to Quebec with Benedict Arnold, so I painted him in 3rd NY regimental coat. Paulding, a well-known member of local Patriot groups, was imprisoned in New York City but escaped after stealing a jaeger's coat, and there is some reason to believe he was wearing it when he encountered Andre some months later. Paulding is made from a converted jaeger officer to represent this.
Hope you like 'em. Best to all.
-
Looking very nice!
Yes, metal flags work great, I've made a number from various types of heavy duty foil and love them.
-
This is such a great thread, great painting but the additional information you put in is really helpful, the war in that area must have been similar to what we see today, blurred front lines, no mans land is every mans land, little skirmishes and lots of real nastiness at times as we've seen in the Balkans, Middle east and Afghanistan. Looking forward to seeing more.
-
I love the thought and research put into this project. Coming from Upstate New York myself, the period is of much interest to me and I grew up hearing about it often... but your depth of knowledge on the period far surpasses mine.
Your thoughtful decisions on creating personality figures is brilliant.
-
Thanks very much for the encouragement and compliments.
Looking very nice!
Yes, metal flags work great, I've made a number from various types of heavy duty foil and love them.
Yeah, I'll use metal from now on. But now I have to find a way to include more flags in this project!
the war in that area must have been similar to what we see today, blurred front lines, no mans land is every mans land, little skirmishes and lots of real nastiness at times as we've seen in the Balkans, Middle east and Afghanistan. Looking forward to seeing more.
Exactly, not to mention the score-settling, personal vendettas, etc.
I love the thought and research put into this project. Coming from Upstate New York myself, the period is of much interest to me and I grew up hearing about it often... but your depth of knowledge on the period far surpasses mine.
Your thoughtful decisions on creating personality figures is brilliant.
Thank you! There are some similar projects about upstate AWI, will forward to you if you're interested.
-
By all means, please. Much appreciated.
-
That's pretty cool I would be interested in seeing some of the upstate projects as well.
-
That's pretty cool I would be interested in seeing some of the upstate projects as well.
By all means, please. Much appreciated.
This a great blog: http://gilesallison.blogspot.com/ He's done a bunch of AWI stuff (and has branched out into other areas) but has some great work on Oriskany a few years back.
And this one is good too, a lot of stuff on specific battles both North and South: http://paintingshed.blogspot.com/
Enjoy!
-
Thank you kindly!
-
Not much of an update, just the first autumn terrain and a sneak peek of what will be my next unit.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51086432887_4c15dc0bef_z.jpg)
Best to all
-
The Cossacks that Catherine the Great almost loaned to King George?
-
Nein. Die Soldaten auf dem Foto sind Jäger!
-
Cool Hussen Jegers.
-
Nein. Die Soldaten auf dem Foto sind Jäger!
Hesse Cassel, Hesse Hanau, Brunswick or Anspach-Bayreuth?
Or "all of the above"?
-
Hello, folks. Been slowly working on the project but have been caught up with finishing and defending my dissertation. Now that's out of the way, I should be able to speed things up.
Recently, however, I was able to finish my jaeger. I got quite tired of painting the dark uniforms by the end, but they look all right now they're done.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51201247308_884fe5a0f1_z.jpg)
Also got some more small scenery done.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51201044606_6bbc81ea7b_z.jpg)
And some big scenery in the works.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51201822289_1a57690fdf.jpg)
Best to all.
-
Looking good!
-
They look great! and like they are up to no good. :D
-
Nice work on those Jaegers. Especially like the small tree on the one fella's base...
-
Those are very nice. I do like that Perry's officer. My Jaegers are accompanied by newly liberated livestock.
-
Those are very nice. I do like that Perry's officer. My Jaegers are accompanied by newly liberated livestock.
Just doing what Jaegers do. lol
-
Visited your thread several times yet failed to leave a comment. That's a real no-go, the more since I've drawn quite a lot of inspiration from your project. I'm particularly impressed by your focus on local history and your attention to terrain. So, many thanks for sharing! :)
-
Hello, all.
Another update, long in progress. A detachment of fusiliers from the Regiment von Ditfurth. As far as I could reconstruct they were on garrison duty, etc. in the New York area and would have been engaged in the kind of conflicts I am interested in.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51264908068_08316babde.jpg)
Some conversion work was necessary to represent the gaiters and also the ties on the turnbacks (not visible in these pictures). All of them are uniform as Hessian garrison units were generally under strict orders from the Princes not to permit variation in the uniform. Since I am not using standards for most of my units, I turned the color-bearers in the Perry command pack into fusiliers with muskets taken from spare arms in the plastic sets. Normally they wore the leather sheaths for the colors wrapped around their shoulders. However, they will pass for greatcoats worn in the same way; I believe Hessian regiments permitted use of greatcoats for sentries in the colder months.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51263982772_1abcf18082_w.jpg)
Drummer with the Hessian lion.
This was the first time in years I have batch-painting anything, and it was a slog.
Visited your thread several times yet failed to leave a comment. That's a real no-go, the more since I've drawn quite a lot of inspiration from your project. I'm particularly impressed by your focus on local history and your attention to terrain. So, many thanks for sharing! :)
Very pleased to read you have enjoyed it and gotten something out of it. I will try to keep adding local touches throughout the project.
Best to all.
-
Ooh, a very handsome lot of von Ditfurthers!
-
They are one colorful looking unit. :D
-
Lovely work there. The use of the colour bearers turns the command pack into something very useful for those of us who favour small scale actions.
-
Lovely Hessians. Just dandy. :)
When I pronounce that in my head, I always do it like Gen. Mercer does in the movie The Crossing. He almost hisses the ss's in Hessian...
-
"And in support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our Sacred Honor."
Happy 4th of July to all who celebrate.
-
Happy 4th and happy Sunday to are English cousins.
"And in support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our Sacred Honor."
Happy 4th of July to all who celebrate.
-
Hey folks, just a small update to the project. It's been far too hot to paint much but I did get a bit of terrain done - a nice full barn for either party to pillage.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51322943000_4198d88d79.jpg)
It's an MDF barn is from Warbases, which I clad with stripwood and S-scale shingles. I'm not too much of a hand with buildings usually, but I think this one turned out all right.
Best to all.
-
It looks pretty good to me.
-
Looks great!
-
Thank'ee, gents!
-
Not familiar with the original kit, so I can't fully appreciate the amount of work you've invested here. But it sounds like a serious overhaul – and to a very fine result. Well done! :)
-
Not familiar with the original kit, so I can't fully appreciate the amount of work you've invested here. But it sounds like a serious overhaul – and to a very fine result. Well done! :)
Thank you very much. Like many MDF kits, it's very cleverly designed and easy to build but textureless and of a rather sterile appearance unless one resurfaces the outside.
-
Like many MDF kits, it's very cleverly designed and easy to build but textureless and of a rather sterile appearance unless one resurfaces the outside.
Yes, MDF kits shine with some detail work applied, and this was applied very nicely!
-
Hello folks.
Some more scenery today. I have recently been reading from a book on the history of the Boston Post Road which describes in detail the experiences of Enoch Crosby, whose intelligence work later inspired James Fenimore Cooper's novel The Spy. Crosby was involved in a number of successful attempts to infiltrate groups of local Tory recruits and arrange for their apprehension. To maintain his cover, he would be arrested and interned with the Tories and then later "escape." One such undertaking involved his being marched up the Boston Post Road in late 1776 toward the Westchester Highlands, and the description of his travels was very interesting to me. Even at this early stage, the Post Road was suffering from poor maintenance, with deep ruts going unfilled, fences starting to fall, and vegetation beginning to grow into the roadway.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51368293951_41311fba88_z.jpg)
The text mentions alder and sumac starting to crowd into the thoroughfare.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51369300980_feeaffe767_z.jpg)
The sumac didn't come out right - they look too much like normal trees. You can see the fence rails starting to tumble down on the left (before being carried off for fuel). Also in the back is a stretch of stone-and-rail fence that one occasionally sees here.
Overall the road is perhaps still in better shape than probably fits the period I am focusing on, but maybe in the future I will make another section in worse repair.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51368514783_5cdc3954c3_c.jpg)
Mood shot of some Continentals on the march.
I have another larger building, and then it's on to the cavalry. Until next time!
-
That is a great looking post road.
-
Over the past weeks, I have been slow, but I have not been idle. Here is my latest update.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51625971851_6471c9c10b_z.jpg)
Here are the Westchester Refugees, the titular Cowboys of this plog. I will have more information on them when the unit is complete - still needs some commanders, but I don't like to paint too many horsemen at once. I have most of them in the 1780 uniform, issued presumably to bring them in line with their Southern counterparts, the British Legion, but I include one in the earlier uniform of contract hats and green-faced-white coats (made using a converted 1st Continental dragoon).
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51626829460_1e7f16625a_z.jpg)
Here is another shot with some of the small conversions I've made to make them each a bit more unique.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51626829510_8f8ea50283_z.jpg)
Some characters for the tabletop. Left to right: jack of all trades Mr. J. Townsend (see the Townsends Youtube channel), a well-to-do gent, and an escaped slave.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51626192828_95f224ebb9_z.jpg)
And finally, Mother Hulda, mentioned by Cat early in the blog.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51626829390_f187d4411e_z.jpg)
She is based on a Reaper Dreadmere Hag. I cut her legs a bit shorter, removed or altered her wicked implements, replaced her broom with a musket, gave her a powder horn, and altogether tried to tie her into the 18th century as an odd-looking but realistic figure.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51626192678_e3d06a9dae_z.jpg)
Nobody knows who Mother Hulda was, or even what her real name was. She had a European complexion, but spoke no English, Dutch, Low German, or Delaware. A local Weckquaesgeek man, who had traveled far, could communicate with her through a different Indian language, but he did not identify which one. The best theory I have come across is that she was a European who had been abducted by a tribe elsewhere in the northern colonies as a young girl and had been completely absorbed into that culture. However, there is some belief (I don't know where it originates) that she was originally from Bohemia. She lived north of Sleepy Hollow and, though Dominie Ritzema declared she should be avoided as a witch, local people regarded her as a wise woman (hence her name), esteemed for her herbal abilities and skill in acquiring the pelts of small animals. Presumably ignorant of the affairs of the larger world, she appeared unbidden to help defend the area from a British raid and was killed. I hope in time to keep adding more figures of local color and perhaps even local legend.
More later,
Gangleri
-
Those figs all look good. Interesting backstories, too. Well done!
-
Great stuff mate, especially Mother Hulda.
-
Very nice work on the cavalry and on the back story. I do like a narrative and Mother Hulda's own story lends a little gravitas.
-
Never heard of Mother Hulda before. She sounds interesting.
-
Hello, folks. It's been a long time since I updated this plog - the usual impositions of life, and the death of my father (he lived to age 102!), kept me from doing so. But in the meantime, despite not posting, I have been working on my Rebels and Tories when I've had the time. Here are the results.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52263781738_42beae101f_b.jpg)
Here are the Cow-boys as they are now. In the front is James DeLancey the younger, founder and commander of the Cow-boys, or as he preferred, the Westchester Refugees. A former sheriff of Westchester, he knew the county "like the back of his hand" and was well-suited to the skirmishing and ambushing that was typical of the region. Though his uncle, the famous Oliver DeLancey, was a staunch Loyalist, DeLancey seems initially to have intended to remain neutral, but he became a Tory of the purest water after Patriots destroyed some of his property in what is today Yonkers. Later on I will likely add some un-uniformed Cowboys, but for now they're finished.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52263769796_3db2c913a3_z.jpg)
These are (still somewhat shiny) test models for some Queen's Rangers in cold-weather uniform. They will be a mix of plastic and metal Perrys with round contract hats - NOT the commonly depicted incorrect uniform that stems from a later Loyalist unit in Canada. This thread https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=130937.0 was quite helpful in getting the details right, although I see now the waistcoats on my test models should be the same green as the coats.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52263769721_88b05cbfeb_z.jpg)
I am going back and adding casualties to each of my units, so here are the casualties for the Hessian fusiliers and jaeger, the 5th NY, and my militia.
I am also working on a few vignettes to add some 'local color' similar to the Mother Hulda I made a while back. The following passage from Joseph Plumb Martin's memoirs always has stuck in my mind. In it he describes a small but memorable scene from his time in Westchester with the Light Infantry.
There was an Irishman belonging to our infantry, who after the affray was over, seeing a wounded man belonging to the enemy lying in the road and being unable to help himself, took pity on him, as he was in danger of being trodden upon by the horses, and having shouldered him was staggering off with his load, in order to get him to a place of more safety. While crosssing a worn out bridge over a very muddy brook, he happened to jostle the poor fellow more than usual, who cried out.
"Good rebel, don't hurt poor Hushman."
"Who you call a rebel, you scoundrel?" said the Irishman, and tossed him off his shoulders as unceremoniously as though he had been a log of wood. He fell with his head in the mud, and as I passed I saw him struggling for life, but I had other business on my hands than to stop to assist him. I did sincerely pity the poor mortal... most likely there he made his final exit.
Surely this scene, and a thousand similar ones that went unrecorded, show that curious mixture of kindness and cruelty that so often seems to emerge in war.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52264038234_e73c567a3d_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52264038254_4892392c18_c.jpg)
To fit the vignette easily to a single base I simplified the story by omitting the bridge, but I think it captures the spirit of Martin's account. I also experimented for the first time with a mud effect from Army Painter.
I've nearly finished some other units as well but will hold off showing them until completion. Until then, all the best.
-
Looking great as always! Also, let me offer you my condolences - 102 though, what an age to reach! Glad to see you're posting stuff again - just bought some of the same Dragoons the other day so this is very inspiring.
-
Great looking figures, and setup very nicely on their bases
-
Always enjoy seeing your Cowboy and Skinner posts. And that is a Great vigette.
-
Great work! 👍
That particular incident saddens me but thanks for bringing it to my attention as it helps personalize the conflict and is thought provoking.
-
Gangleri - condolences on the loss of your father, was he a wargamer too?
That's building into a nice collection - I'm glad the other thread was helpful.
-
A. As others have done, I offer you my condolences. But at 102, he outlived the odds-makers by a wide margin!
B. Lovely figures. Well done, as usual for you...
-
I may have missed it but have you played any games yet for this?
If so, what rules are you using?
-
Glad to see you posting again. The dragoons are very nice indeed.
-
Thanks to all for your kind words.
Looking great as always! Also, let me offer you my condolences - 102 though, what an age to reach! Glad to see you're posting stuff again - just bought some of the same Dragoons the other day so this is very inspiring.
High praise from another detail-oriented AWI guy :) The dragoons are great models but benefit from a bit of tweaking, I find, to give them a "campaign dress" look.
Gangleri - condolences on the loss of your father, was he a wargamer too?
That's building into a nice collection - I'm glad the other thread was helpful.
Yes, your posts in that thread were immensely helpful. I may wind up adding a few flank company men just for the variety, based on the information you provided.
My father was never a wargamer, but he loved "toy soldiers" and gave me my first sets (mainly Britains) as a boy, as well as his own toy soldiers from the 1920s. And some years ago for his 95th birthday I posted this : https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=76759.msg939207#msg939207
I may have missed it but have you played any games yet for this?
If so, what rules are you using?
I have not yet played any games - and indeed don't even know which rules I would use (I'm open to suggestions)! My projects wind up being solo activites, in part because there aren't gaming groups close to where I live. But I do have hopes to play one day, maybe once I add a few more units.
A. As others have done, I offer you my condolences. But at 102, he outlived the odds-makers by a wide margin!
B. Lovely figures. Well done, as usual for you...
Thanks very much. And yes, he beat the odds by a long shot! Although I imagine he was chagrined that he didn't achieve his goal by beating the record set by his favorite cousin in Australia, who made it almost to 103. Perhaps they are joking about it together now in the hereafter.
-
Hi folks, just a quick update. I was able to complete the next patriot unit, the 3rd New York regiment.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52350668500_dc58601e79_z.jpg)
The 3rd NY started out with an appealing uniform of gray faced green, which I used on my version of David Williams way back when. However, they later acquired a more standard uniform of blue faced red which fits the middle/late-war period I am focusing on.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52350242496_2cce8f788d_z.jpg)
The officer is a converted Militia officer, and the drummer was originally a Hessian. I will add another drummer without the reversed colors, which will allow the unit to be fielded instead as the 5th Connecticut, which also wore blue faced red but seems not to have reversed colors for musicians. Both regiments were active in Westchester.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52350560449_9267588295_o.jpg)
I added some other conversions (overalls, hats, etc.). The Scots bonnet is taken from a photo of a reenactor. I also used a few Brigade Games miniatures to add some variety. It's my first time using them, and they are very nice. Although they appear a bit spindly at first, they blend in quite well with the Perrys. My only criticism is that the faces all have the same high cheekbones and pointy noses.
More to follow soon.
-
I always enjoy seeing this project updated.
Also happy to see the Birgade games figs seem to work well withe Perry Bros plastic/metals. I was worried that they might be too big so just ignored the range.
-
Looking good! And I am also glad to hear the Brigade and Perry work well together.
-
Wonderful work.
-
Great stuff as always - I like the rag rag yet uniform look of that unit.
-
What an excellent thread. The specific history of Westchester County is largely unknown to this Canadian. Please keep us appraised of your progress. Thanks again for sharing.
-
I always enjoy seeing this project updated.
Also happy to see the Birgade games figs seem to work well withe Perry Bros plastic/metals. I was worried that they might be too big so just ignored the range.
Yeah, I was worried about the same thing, but thankfully they fit together quite nicely.
What an excellent thread. The specific history of Westchester County is largely unknown to this Canadian. Please keep us appraised of your progress. Thanks again for sharing.
I'm delighted you have found it interesting! As a Canadian you may be aware that many Loyalists wound up in Canada after the war particularly in Nova Scotia and certain parts of Ontario - this would include many of the Tories in Westchester. James De Lancey, the commander of the Refugees from a few posts ago, became a prominent politician in Nova Scotia, for example, as did his uncle Stephen De Lancey, formerly a lieutenant colonel in the New Jersey Volunteers. The De Lancey family in particular is of interest, not only settling in Nova Scotia but sprouting an offshoot in the Bahamas as well as a large branch in Kent that produced several MPs and also William De Lancey, who was on Wellington's staff in the 100 Days and was mortally wounded at Waterloo.
Great stuff as always - I like the rag rag yet uniform look of that unit.
Thank you, that is just the effect I was going for.
I also have another bit of work to show you all, something a little out of my comfort zone.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52367066078_b13ddff6a6_o.jpg)
This is my version of the Valentine-Varian House, built in 1758 in what is now the North Bronx. The Bronx was for a long time not a New York City borough but part of Westchester County and was the scene of much activity in the war, some of which I will soon cover in this project. Isaac Valentine, a well-off blacksmith from Yonkers, built the house near the Boston Post Road, and it was a common stopping-place for traffic moving between Manhattan and points further north. Naturally its location meant that it would be on the front lines during the war, and it was frequently occupied by men of both armies.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52367262320_a4506728e5_o.jpg)
The house formerly stood several blocks north of its current location, along Gun Hill Road (named for an American artillery park established there at one point), on the ground currently occupied by Montefiore Hospital, but in the 1960s it was moved adjacent to the Reservoir Oval on Bainbridge Avenue. I used to walk past it almost every day for the several years I worked in that area.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52365900602_71e9092620.jpg)
I am not much of a scratch-builder, and this project was a bit torturous for me, with the result that I let it drag out for probably over a year. I originally intended to carve the stonework onto foam like the fantasy buildings I've made, but I ended up masking the building in some stonework texture sheets from a railroad scenics company, which brought its own complications. I may go back and add some Virginia creeper onto the walls for a bit of variety.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52367262330_1d76db233a_o.jpg)
Some Tories march past the house.
(https://historichousetrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/In-Line-Image_0014_Valentine-2-1024x670.jpg)
I'm relatively pleased - it seems to match the original fairly well.
For more information (and visiting hours, etc.): https://historichousetrust.org/houses/valentine-varian-house/
Until next time!
-
The house came out great, and a superb example of Dutch-Colonial architecture!
-
Great work! As a native New Yorker I would say it certainly looks the part. 👍
-
Hello again, folks.
Here is my latest addition, the Stockbridge Militia. The Stockbridge tribes were an association of peoples from the eastern bank of the Hudson river, primarily Mohican, Wappinger, and Munsee (a branch of the Delaware/Lenape). They dwelt primarily in western Massachussetts and what are now Columbia, Putnam, and Dutchess counties in New York, with their chief settlement at Stockbridge, MA. They were mainly "praying Indians" (Protestant converts) and had been staunch allies of the British and Americans in the French and Indian War, having developed close relations with their white neighbors in the region. Due to a land dispute with the Crown government that affected both whites and Indians in the area, they took up arms for Independence when the Revolution began and fought throughout the Hudson Valley and the tri-state area, often in conjuction with the Continental Light Infantry.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52448695962_6a8f0c751e_o.jpg)
In 1778, while contesting the no-man's-land of Westchester, they ambushed a British foraging party. In relatiation, Major Simcoe of the Queen's rangers organized an assault on the Stockbridge outpost in what is now van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx. The ensuing fight, called by several names, including the Battle of Kingsbridge and the Stockbridge massacre, saw the militia all but obliterated. Trapped by infantry from several notable formations (including the QR and Emmerich's chasseurs), the Stockbridge withdrew into an open field but were ridden down by the British Legion and Queen's Rangers hussars, with only a small portion (around 10 of the unit's 50) escaping into some rocky ground. The fighting was quite fierce, with the Stockbridge leaping onto the hussars' horses to pull off the riders, and the action nearly cost the life of a yet-to-be-famous Banastre Tarleton.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52448695957_ca9cdc6caa_o.jpg)
I used the Perry Stockbidge set, but to add variety I also added some Indian Chiefs and converted American riflemen. The appearance of the Stockbridge was famously described by Johann von Ewald, with the distinctive woven hats and throwing axes.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52449737323_8becbedfb9_o.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52449220731_0a8294e3ba_o.jpg)
I added some patterend work to the equipment, based off some more or less contemporary examples.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52448695942_8e5535ed58_o.jpg)
At Kingsbridge, the militia was commanded by Daniel Nimham, sachem of the Wappinger tribe, and his son Abraham. When cornered in the the open field, Daniel, who in 1766 had traveled to London and met with King George, urged Abraham to flee to high ground, but he himself refused to yield, proclaiming "I am old and can die here." He was mortally wounded by Simcoe's subaltern, and his son Abraham also perished. For Daniel, I used the Chief in a uniform jacket to mark him out as a leader and signify his relationship with Mordecai Gist and several other noteworthy Continental officers.
I hope in the coming weeks to visit the battlefield and provide some more information on the action.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52449220716_379f90c1df_o.jpg)
Also, I painted some Indian civilians from Brigade Games. These are meant to be people from the local Weckquaesgeek tribe who lived near the Hudson River in Westchester.
More to follow soon - I have a Halloween update in the works!
-
Very cool! I had not heard of them and sad to read if their demise. But still a very interesting read.
-
A fascinating piece of history brought to life. Cheers for that. 👍
-
Beautiful work!
-
Well done on those. I particularly like the chap in the blue regimental gesturing with his tomahawk...
-
Outstanding work!!!
Great job on the history of the AWI in Westchester.
I've been up that way many, many times living on Long Island.
Right now, I am working on Oriskany which is farther North.
But I really need to circle back to Westchester, once I finish off the Mohawk Valley.
Again, wonderful stuff!!!
-
Looking great, it's especially nice to see some Stockbridge warriors - and that little piece of history is very interesting as well!
-
Excellent project, covering some unusual - but fascinating - aspects of the war.
-
Thanks all for your kind and encouraging words.
Outstanding work!!!
Great job on the history of the AWI in Westchester.
I've been up that way many, many times living on Long Island.
Right now, I am working on Oriskany which is farther North.
But I really need to circle back to Westchester, once I finish off the Mohawk Valley.
Again, wonderful stuff!!!
Thank you! Where on the island are you?
Well done on those. I particularly like the chap in the blue regimental gesturing with his tomahawk...
Thank you! I'm pleased with him as well, he looks suitably commanding and authoritative for a sachem.
I have a small Halloween update for all of you.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52464434006_90483d9fed_o.jpg)
Everyone knows the story of the Headless Horseman, written by Washington Irving and retold many times by others. There are some interesting texts on the origins of Irving's story that trace the merging of European and local influences on "Sleepy Hollow." Irving was a friend of the real van Tassel family, whose members were much involved in the affairs of the war. One of the family's stories about the war was the discovery of a headless Hessian which the family buried, often taken as the original inspiration for "Sleepy Hollow." Exactly how and when this discovery and burial is supposed to have occurred is unclear, but one interpretation involves the beheading of a Hessian artillerist by roundshot at Merritt Hill (in Harrison NY) in the aftermath of the Battle of White Plains. The story is that Elizabeth van Tassel buried the corpse after her baby was rescued from a burning building by a Hessian during a raid in 1777, a full year after White Plains, so it is unlikely the two events are really connected. (I will feature more on the raid in a future post). Nevertheless, the discovery and disposal of corpses by civilians must have been relatively common in Westchester, so I have made a little vignette that depicts a possible "origin story" for the Headless Horseman.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52464434021_0a7f383b85.jpg)
The female is converted from a Perry civilian lady who was a bit too fancy and summer-like. The male is one of the American "drag-rope men" with his coil of rope trimmed off and the vest resculpted. And the Hessian is painted as an artilleryman in reference to reports of the action at Merritt Hill in '76.
Happy Halloween!
-
Yesss, that is a required foreshadowing piece of work!
-
Brilliant! This post adds to my “missing Upstate New York” Halloween nostalgia. 🎃
-
Great stuff!
-
Brilliant! This post adds to my “missing Upstate New York” Halloween nostalgia. 🎃
"Upstate" New York is a mysterious place. Once you set foot north of Yonkers, you never know what might happen!
Bringing you another Tory unit today, one that needs no introduction, the Queen's Rangers. They had a lengthy service record in the war but in particular they are of interest to me because of their participation in the Stockbridge battle mentioned earlier and because of an action in Mamaroneck, just a short distance from my home, during Howe's movement towards White Plains in 1776. A force of Rangers occupied the village in support of Howe's advance from lower Westchester but were overwhelmed in a daring night attack by Col. Haslet and his Delaware regiment.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52525480571_b2c6f936b0_z.jpg)
Here they are. I relied much on Baron von Wreckedoften's knowledge of the real uniforms given the confusion/misinformation about this unit's appearance. In keeping with the autumn theme they are in winter dress: shortened coats of green trimmed green, with green waistcoats. I used Perry British infantry in short coats/broad hats with the feathers and lace trimmed off, as well as some Brigade miniatures and kitbashed Perry American/British plastics.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52525013247_9dc6bb541d.jpg)
Officer and drummer. I couldn't find any information on the drum design so chose a simple royal cipher.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52525480596_0354d8c06d_o.jpg)
Some conversions. On the left is an attempt to show someone wading through shallow water, achieved by cutting off the feet, scultping some ripples, and applying repeated coats of gloss modpodge. On the right is a Ranger in a Scotch bonnet - maybe seconded from the Highland company.
Till next time.
-
So the tall cap we see them wearing in art is incorrect?
-
"Upstate" New York is a mysterious place. Once you set foot north of Yonkers, you never know what might happen!
I recall a conversation with a friend from Long Island who was insisting that Sleepy Hollow was "Upstate"
Me: "It's inside the northern edge of Westchester County, it's on the Metro North Hudson Line!"
Her: "Oh, well I suppose then."
: 3
-
So the tall cap we see them wearing in art is incorrect?
Not exactly - rather it didn't appear until 1780. The attached hussar company had (different) caps pretty early on since they had gotten a bit of red-on-red fire and that might be part of the confusion.
-
More nice looking chaps. In that batch, I particularly like the guy wearing the tam....
-
I lived in Westchester from 1961 through 2018. Folks from the Island and New York City often called anyplace north of The Bronx "upstate". We in the lower hudson valley and the real upstaters always got a good laugh out of this.
-
Hi, folks. Time for another characteristically delayed update.
First up is a set of Hessian mounted Jaeger from Brigade Games.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52676087765_2d45b57072_o.jpg)
Mounted Jaeger seem to have been relatively common in the war, much like their counterparts on foot. They were intended to function as scouts and explorers. However, they were equipped as cavalry rather than mounted infantry, with sabers, tall boots, etc., possibly to their irritation when they had to dismount and fight on foot with their rifles, slung at their sides when on horseback.
Notably, they participated in the skirmish at Edgar's Lane (1778) in what is now Hastings. A local tavern owner and Patriot agent, Peter Post, cultivated the image of a reliable Loyalist in order to spread misinformation. On one occasion, he directed a Hessian foraging party through a defile, assuring them it was safe, though he knew that men of Lee's Legion lay in wait. In a brief, sharp action, the Continentals ambushed the Hessians, firing into them as they passed. 12 mounted Jaeger at the front of the column attempted to charge Lee's men but were counter-charged by Lee's dragoons. More than 20 of the 80 Hessians were killed in the attack and subsequent pursuit, and others captured. Some days later, Hessian cavalry caught Post and beat him badly, which long after was regarded as a terrible misdeed, though to my mind he got off much better than he had a right to expect.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52676087760_ffe6a36f96_o.jpg)
It's good that somebody makes these (and there's also a neat set of horse-holders), but I did not particularly enjoy painting them. Some sculpting was needed to correct small omissions in the uniforms, and the horses don't quite meet the standard of the Perry mounts. They are a bit spindly, and one of the sculpts is noticeably shorter than the others.
I also have some more civilians. These all seem hale, hardy, and unconcerned, but I hope to add some in more distressed poses in time.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52675656026_311e8f0e99_o.jpg)
Perrys with a Brigade Paul Revere in the back, standing in as a local citizen warning either side, or maybe just his neighbors, of an approaching force.
Some conversions. Fairly normal from the front...
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52675656006_2119954ffc_o.jpg)
but from the back...
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52675942589_b54125aaf9_o.jpg)
The Brigade Indian came with a second musket over his shoulder, which I altered into a gunstock club. And the other fellow is one of the American dragrope men. Formerly, he was holding his lower back after his exertions, but I have turned him into an unfortunate soul about to meet his maker in front of a firing squad. Deserter? Mutineer? Pour encourager les autres? Who knows.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52675147547_908eb11b81_o.jpg)
More infantry to follow, eventually.
-
Great job on all that. Well done!
-
Great job on all that. Well done!
+1 to that and great painting. Also like the snippet of history you've provided about the Hessians.
-
Hi, folks. Long time no post, but that doesn't mean I haven't been working. I have a few units nearing completion but didn't want to post until they were fully done. Now I present the first of them, the 9th Massachusetts.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53270628371_75d9f6451e_z.jpg)
The 9th Massachusetts was a fairly distinguished regiment, coming out of the Massachusetts Line and created during the 1777 reorganization from the remains of two "Continental" regiments. They were quite active throughout the Northern theater and also assisted in guarding the Westchester Highlands. Most pertinently a company of the 9th was stationed near Young's Tavern when it was attacked during the famous raid in midwinter of 1780, where they were badly cut up.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53270628376_b21ace8894.jpg)
Uniforms seem to have been blue faced white with buff or white trousers, white hat feathers, and green or even plaid waistcoats. I have also given them the white-in-black cockade issued after France joined the war.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53270911988_47f3a0b2d1.jpg)
More casualties.
And some buildings. First an outbuilding, perhaps a storage shed or even a smokehouse ready for plundering.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53270628351_74f309c141.jpg)
Also a burned-out barn, surely a common site in that theater and in all wars.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53270911948_34f2239e12_o.jpg)
Depending on where the fire burns, wooden buildings often collapse just as much, or more, than they burn away, so I tried to capture that.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53270984914_51f2ae816a_o.jpg)
And lastly a little bit of local color, a sturdy Dutch bouwer with his scatter-gun.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53269734267_5fd6ed8a9b_w.jpg
This is a slight conversion from one of Bloody Miniatures's Puritans. The clothing is deliberately somewhat anachronistic as the Dutch, especially in more remote spots along the Hudson, were known to hold to their old customs and habits, including their dress. There is even a wildflower in the Northeast called "Dutchman's breeches" because of the similarity to the baggier breeches common among the old Dutch settlers. These Bloody Miniatures sculpts are just a delight to paint.
More to follow soon.
-
Looking good mate!
-
Yeah - that stuff does look good. Well done!
-
Great looking progress!
-
Thanks to all!
And I now present my next Continental unit, the Rhode Island Regiment. The regiment shared the typical complicated pattern of reorganization and renumbering that was common in the Continental Army and was formed from the amalgamation of the 1st and 2nd Rhode Island which themselves had gone by several different names. It was posted to Westchester late in the war, indeed not many months before the march to Yorktown, but had enough time to participate in an action at Pine's Bridge.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53286118454_5f8cd910d6_o.jpg)
Even at the time it was often known as the Black Regiment and is now sometimes described as the first group of black American soldiers, but in fact the regiment was racially mixed, with many American Indians and white soldiers as well, especially later in its service. It was of course officered by whites. It was active during the early Northern phase of the war but spent the later part guarding Rhode Island until being shifted southwestward to Westchester and then Virginia.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53284855817_1f787f71f6_o.jpg)
At Pine's Bridge a detachment of the regiment, along with troops from other New England regiments assigned to guard against incursions into Connecticut, were ambushed and cut up by DeLancey's Refugees. Their beloved commanders, Col. Greene and Maj. Flagg, were killed and their bodies mutilated. It is often remarked that this was done in revenge for their leading black troops, but I think it is more likely due to the general brutality of the conflict in Westchester, since DeLancey's unit, like so many others, also contained black troops.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53286118459_c26950678c_o.jpg)
Of course, for me a good part of the appeal of doing this regiment was the distinctive uniforms: white hunting shirts with pointed red cuffs, white trousers, and leather caps with an anchor blazon, crowned with with white and blue feathers. I sculpted the fringes of the hunting shirts onto some Brigade Games British light infantry, as well as changing the cuffs and adding some plumes; for some, however, I put the Brigade Games heads onto Perry bodies (Lee's Legion infantry). The Paul Hicks sculpts are very good, but the faces invariably are distinctively pointy, and I tried (clumsily) to resculpt some of them with more Afrocentric features.
Next up, some more Loyalists.
-
Fantastic work! I love the detailed brushwork!
-
Great work and a good representation of a very interesting unit!
-
Fantastic work! I love the detailed brushwork!
Thank you!
Great work and a good representation of a very interesting unit!
Thanks very much. That's high praise coming from you!
-
Hi, folks. Here is a rather belated Halloween update. Had hoped to get this done in time for the 31st but just couldn't make it.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53312658955_12d2c0317d_o.jpg)
Here is a little graveyard to set a somber mood.
"Remember, friend, as you pass by,
As you are now so once was I;
As I am now soon you shall be:
Prepare to die and follow me."
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53312546189_ab949c9069_o.jpg)
The gravestones are just pieces of balsa wood or plastic sheet cut to shape. Inscriptions are done with watered-down black paint. I used some designs from the time period, which I have often seen in old graveyards here in the Northeast (and duplicated in my own Halloween decorations!). I am interested in cemeteries and the way grave markers have changed over the generations. In this period gravestones (if decorated at all) were still carved with somewhat caricaturish symbols of melancholy: death's heads, willows, faces of lamenting cherubs. Though a bit cartoonish, they still seem at this time to have been meant as mementi mori, rather than the more sentimental decorations that would become popular some decades later. Sometimes they were accompanied by morbid admonitions to anticipate a rapid joining with the deceased. The high rate of infant and child mortality is reflected by the profusion of small grave markers set level to the ground, not infrequently without so much as a name engraved. These small stones sometimes also mark the graves of slaves, who in more rural areas were buried amongst or near whites, rather than in separate grounds as was usually the case in cities.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53312185021_69f0f1af21_o.jpg)
Dominie Ritzema in the Sleepy Hollow graveyard.
-
I like that cemetery. It looks like a colonial cemetery!
-
Hi, folks. Another update on the slow but somewhat steady work for this project.
Here is a detachment of Tory militia raised from New York City and its immediate environs. They appear from time to time in accounts of the goings-on in Westchester - primarily in the descriptions of the late-night abductions and arrests of men from "the other party," often seized in their homes during raids. It was nice to paint all the civilian clothes after so many regular uniforms. The officers are in common coat colors of Tory units, green faced white from earlier in the war, red faced green from later on; eventually there was an attempt to standardize Loyalist uniforms as red faced blue.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53372952174_cd687d6a1a_o.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53372819618_cfbe2fce46_o.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53373088180_be03b339da_o.jpg)
The flag is simply the standard of British North America. Apparently this was sometimes flown in an unaltered form by Rebel forces early in the war as well.
-
Nice and colourful unit.
-
Great stuff as usual! The graveyard is simple yet very effective!
-
great stuff.
-
The flag is simply the standard of British North America. Apparently this was sometimes flown in an unaltered form by Rebel forces early in the war as well.
Ironically, given the role of tea in fomenting rebellion, the "Grand Union" flag hoisted over the Rebel lines during the siege of Boston was identical to the flag of the East India Company - red-and-white stripes on a field with the union flag in the top canton.
-
Ironically, given the role of tea in fomenting rebellion, the "Grand Union" flag hoisted over the Rebel lines during the siege of Boston was identical to the flag of the East India Company - red-and-white stripes on a field with the union flag in the top canton.
I did not know that. Very interesting!
Great stuff as usual! The graveyard is simple yet very effective!
Thank you. I am pleased with it as well.
great stuff.
Thanks!
Nice and colourful unit.
Thank you. It's fun to paint these militia units to make them a bit colorful in their civilian clothes.
-
The flag is simply the standard of British North America. Apparently this was sometimes flown in an unaltered form by Rebel forces early in the war as well.
Quite reasonable considering that from the start of the shooting on April 19, 1775 until the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, we were all British! King George declared us to be in rebellion on 23 August, 1775; but we were kind of slow in figuring that out and there was still a faint hope of reconciliation.
In the early morning hours of April 19th, no one went around shouting: "The British are coming!" That just would have confused all of us British. The alarum was: "The regulars are out!" Flying the British flag was a good way to signal to the British army regulars that they were firing on British subjects.
-
Nice looking figs. Well done, lad!
-
Hi, all,
Haven't been painting much these past weeks, somehow wasn't much in the mood. But I am back at it again and can offer a small unit to keep rounding out my Crown forces.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53490919859_fa2f2979f2_o.jpg)
Here is the rifle section of Emmerick's Chasseurs. This outfit was raised by the redoubtable Andreas Emmerich (often given as "Emmerick"), an interesting and capable man who authored a treatise on partisan war using his experience in the AWI. Having eventually returned to his native Kassel in Germany, he met his end in front of a French firing squad in 1809 after starting a partisan insurrection against Napoleon's occupation.
The force was originally a large company of riflemen and as such performed admirably in the Hudson Highlands in '77. Following these successes, Emmerich was authorized to expand the force into more of a Legion, with additional light, line, and mounted companies. These however became known for poor discipline and near-mutinous behavior, evidently caused in part by an irresponsible officer cadre, and the legion was disbanded in 1779. The reliable elements were attached to other loyalist outfits, including the Queen's Rangers and New York Volunteers/3rd American regiment; some of them were blown across the Atlantic by the big storm of 1780 while en route to Charleston and played no further part in the conflict. The rifle section saw action in the Hudson Valley and Westchester at various stages and fit nicely into my project.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53490769358_a5ec67a809_o.jpg)
Uniforms were green faced blue, an unusual combination that proved difficult to make "pop." Sources show both green and white waistcoats, so I've included both. I used the Perry plastic Continentals for the laceless, long-tailed coats, as advised in various notable AWI blogs like Steve's Painting Shed and Giles Allison's blogs. Bayonet scabbards were removed and some alterations made to turn the muskets into rifles. It was fun to get to use the casual marching arms, which are lovely and characterful and seemed appropriate for the looser discipline of the unit.
Next up I will have to start working on American cavalry. More to follow (eventually).
-
Those guys look good, too!