Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => Age of the Big Battalions => Topic started by: Mason on May 13, 2016, 04:40:33 PM
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Having finally decided to take a long awaited (by me, anyway ;)) plunge into some ACW army building, I have decided to begin with Hood's Brigade.
There are several reasons for this this choice.
Firstly, I have managed to waffle on enough at Legionnaire Bert that he has decided to join me and he will be putting together a Union army.
It turns out that he has also long fancied a dabble in the period so we are both pretty happy with this.
Bonus!
:D
Secondly, I fancied starting with a Confederate unit from Texas as I have the lovely New Orleans Grey's from Boot Hill Miniatures for some time and have been itching to paint them as they are great sculpts.
They were originally going to be used as a Republic of Texas unit for a VSF force but that boat has long sailed....
(I know that they are not an ACW unit but figured that at the start of the war there were enough units with rather more varied uniforms that I could get away with this, especially as there are two regiments that I have found in Osprey illustrations wearing a very similar fatigue cap that utilising them as Texan troops should not be too far fetched.
This may not go down well with the purists but I wanted to use them and am going to do so.
:D).
Thirdly, I have chosen Hood's Brigade as it is easy to get hold of the banners that I will need for them.
Being a predominantly Texan Brigade helps me fit the Grey's in too.
Here are the Grey's, that are going to outfitted as Company K of the 1st Texas Infantry, the 'Texas Invincibles'...(2nd edition, the first were the Daniel Boone Rifles).
(http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j478/themason73/themason73098/IMG_2244_zpsd2wzut6f.jpg)
They are mostly made up of the Boot Hill NOG's, with a couple of Renegade sculpts with similar caps (these fellas are not wearing the oilskin covers so will be painted plain grey whilst those with covers will be black).
The figures at the back that have been chopped up are Artizan Design NOG's that I picked up on the Bazaar some time ago.
They needed a little modification as they are from the command pack and were mostly waving their arms around in different directions. I did not want the regiment to look like they were attempting a rendition of the 'YMCA' dance, so they had to be altered. One of the BH figures was waving too, so he got the same treatment.
One of the AD figures was an officer drawing a sword, but as I had plans for a different officer figure from the BH range he would not have been used.
His arms, once the sword, scabbard and hands were removed, just happened to be in a convenient position to be banging a drum, so that became his role.
I just need to tidy up a few things on them, the most difficult of which will be finishing the drum and adding hands and drumsticks, and they will be ready for painting.
(http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j478/themason73/themason73098/IMG_2243_zpsh2adfvrq.jpg)
So, a little more work to do and the addition of one more pack from BH with a more 'Texas' flavour, and they shall be ready for colouring in.
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Nice idea Paul. :)
And if you get the flags digitised do please send me the images (Hoods texas brigade flags) for i´m making it in 20mm. :D
There where a lot of militia units that fought the first battles with that kind of equipment.
See the film "Gods and Generals" for some ideas. ;)
And some painting ideas:
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Nice start. :)
Have a half bothered project for the ACW in 15mm somewhere, I'm wondering if SP2 will restart it..
What rules are you going to be using?
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Ooh that's a bit out of the blue, looking forward to seeing how this develops Paul. Nice thinking "outside the box" with the Boothill miniatures, makes me look at the range in a different way.
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Rui: I am looking at the set that is available from Battleflag.
They do a set specifically designed for Dixon's Miniatures, which is slightly smaller, which may well work out well for 20mm.
http://www.battle-flag.com/dixon-miniatures-acw-flags.html
Thanks for the tip-off with the film, I will have to check that out.
:D
Nice start. :)
Have a half bothered project for the ACW in 15mm somewhere, I'm wondering if SP2 will restart it..
What rules are you going to be using?
Cheers, Ray.
Not 100% sure on which rules we will be using yet.
We are considering the quick rules that come with the Perry Battle in a Box set that Bertie picked up during the week, but may well check out Black Powder later on.
At the moment this is mainly a modelling project, hence my tinkering, until we have enough units to actually get some games in.
There is so much scope with this period with all the different uniforms that existed at the time.
It really is a falsehood, the assumption by many that it is just 'blues and greys'....
Ooh that's a bit out of the blue, looking forward to seeing how this develops Paul. Nice thinking "outside the box" with the Boothill miniatures, makes me look at the range in a different way.
Cheers, Jeff.
It is a little off of my beaten track, being the first 'proper' historical project that I have taken on.
I cannot resist a little 'artistic license', though.
There are a few more BH figures to convert and add to the unit when they arrive.
You know well enough yourself what nice figures they are, having painted enough over the last couple of years.
:D
I made a little more progress with the conversions earlier, with all of them ready for painting bar the drummer, who still needs a little more putty work done to him as he will be needing hands and sticks to get some noise out of it.
The drum itself is done and I have to admit that I am pretty chuffed with the result.
;)
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Shit, I'm supposed to be sending you some figures! I'll dig them out over the weekend.
Sharp Practice 2 does indeed look good for ACW.
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Shit, I'm supposed to be sending you some figures! I'll dig them out over the weekend.
Don't worry so am I. lol
I like the drummer, nice conversion.
Had you mentioned it I have the perfect drummer figure. The Mexican summeruniform is basically just a shell jacket, so the command pack can be easily changed into Texians/Americans.
You may also find the US army deserters pack will give you some alternate poses. :)
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Shit, I'm supposed to be sending you some figures! I'll dig them out over the weekend.
Don't worry so am I. lol
Dont worry, chaps.
There is still time for a few more manufacturer samples.
There are still a few more regiments to be put together and I am still looking at options.
:D
I like the drummer, nice conversion.
Had you mentioned it I have the perfect drummer figure. The Mexican summeruniform is basically just a shell jacket, so the command pack can be easily changed into Texians/Americans.
You may also find the US army deserters pack will give you some alternate poses. :)
Thanks.
I am enjoying working on the drummer and he is almost done now (although that Mexican fella would certainly have saved some time) and it has been good to push my boundaries with the putty pushing.
I may have to look at that Mexican uniform more closely, though....bearing in mind that I am considering adding a third rank to give the option of a larger regiment later.
I am happy with the additional figures already discussed for this regiment.
They will require a small amount of conversion but that will be the fun part of this particular unit, coming up with something a little different.
:D
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ACW??! :o ;D o_o ::)
Ah but wait... I can already see them marching into Upsheet Creek... 8)
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ACW??! :o ;D o_o ::)
Ah but wait... I can already see them marching into Upsheet Creek... 8)
lol lol
Not your cup of tea, then, sir?
Not enough bright colours, or just a lack of 'Blood Pink'?
As I mentioned earlier, it is an old itch to scratch, and I am looking forward to scratching it.
:D
As for them going to the Creek: It will be more a case of the Creek moving to them as I can use some of the scenery, so that IS an added bonus.
;)
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lol lol
Not your cup of tea, then, sir?
No - never got ACW. First wargame I ever played, aged about 5, with my older brother on his model railway layout - Airfix ACW.
My father in law is an ACW history nut. God knows why - he's English as they come. Books, videos, DVDs - he's obsessed with it. I just don't get it.
I can see why it's endlessly fascinating to American wargamers, of course, as a traumatic and defining chapter in the history of the USA.
But it's one of the few conflicts in human history that holds no interest or appeal for me at all... The first 'early modern' war? Maybe. Just not my cup of tea...
Still, I daresay many people feel the same about the periods and genres I happen to like... :)
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Question is, are you going to paint them yourself ;D
cheers
James
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Rui i do all the flags for Hoods brigade :)
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Mason i have these figures too and they are great. texas Rev is on ive wanted to do for a long time and ill be doing them for SP2 for sure.
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Right, I've dug out my ACW stuff. Any particular poses you're after; marching, firing, etc?
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Still, I daresay many people feel the same about the periods and genres I happen to like... :)
Fair enough.
Horses for courses and all that.
:)
Rui i do all the flags for Hoods brigade :)
You do?
I shall check them out later.
:D
Mason i have these figures too and they are great. texas Rev is on ive wanted to do for a long time and ill be doing them for SP2 for sure.
They are indeed.
We are also considering SP2 for smaller scale battles.
Right, I've dug out my ACW stuff. Any particular poses you're after; marching, firing, etc?
You do poses on request???
What kind of forum is this...?
:o :o
I shall PM you with my preferred options.
:D
Question is, are you going to paint them yourself ;D
That is the plan, Mr Hat.
;D ;D ;D
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That is the plan, Mr Hat.
;D ;D ;D
lol lol lol
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Rui i do all the flags for Hoods brigade :)
I shall check them out later.
:D
And very nice they are too.
I now know where I shall be getting my flags from.
:)
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Very interesting 'conversion' project Paul. 8)
Only just spotted it myself..... Must pay more attention! :)
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Very interesting 'conversion' project Paul. 8)
Only just spotted it myself..... Must pay more attention! :)
Cheers, Steve.
:D
Better get some bigger holes in your headgear, I reckon.
;D
I should be able to finish off the putty work today and then take some photos.
This thread will be pointless without them, wouldn't it?
;)
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I also do it in the 20mm scale as a sheet.
http://www.flagsofwar.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&path=137_149&product_id=1269
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I have quite a few of those Boothill minis and am keen to see your take on them,loving the conversions so far ☺
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I have quite a few of those Boothill minis and am keen to see your take on them,loving the conversions so far ☺
Well, the first few conversions are finished.....
(http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j478/themason73/themason73099/IMG_2262_zps5eslnuk4.jpg)
I am pretty chuffed with them, especially the drum, which was good fun and a bit of a challenge.
I still need to do a couple of conversions on this unit, but as I do not have those particular figures just yet I may get to slapping paint on before they are done.
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Nice green stuff work very tidy job
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Good stuff matey :D
cheers
James
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Well done Paul, great job 8)
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Nice work on the conversions,the drum seems to have come out very well,I also like the new arm on the Boothill Nogs officer,a good start :)
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Thanks, chaps.
I have been enjoying doing the conversions but it is probably a good thing that I do not have to do too many or I would never get around to painting them.
;)
I have finally found the figure that I wanted to use as the officer for the regiment lurking in my Old West bits box.
I am going to use the chap drawing his sword from the Boot Hill Mex47 Texian Command.
(http://www.boothillminiatures.co.uk/USERIMAGES/TEXIAN%20COMMAND.JPG)
I love that figure and it is just a matter of whether or not I convert his hat, as the rest of him seems fine to me.
Any opinions on that?
Convert it or leave it as it is...?
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Leave!
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If you do a militia unit at the begining of the conflict just leave the hat.
If you want more generic figures put a kepi for example.
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Nice choice,I'd leave the hat as is :)
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Like the drum; leave the hat.
Need an officer riding a donkey though. No idea why.
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Thanks, chaps.
:)
I shall keep the hat then....
I thought that it may look a little too 'early' for the period, although it is very characterful.
It is going to be difficult to resist painting him as Uncle Sam, though....
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f3/Uncle_Sam_%28pointing_finger%29.jpg/446px-Uncle_Sam_%28pointing_finger%29.jpg)
;)
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Nice work on the conversions. I was sorting the Tejanos for you yesterday and I almost packed that Texian officer for you. Didn't realise you had him already lol
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Nice work on the conversions. I was sorting the Tejanos for you yesterday and I almost packed that Texian officer for you. Didn't realise you had him already lol
Cheers, Mama.
I have been looking through the range and there is quite a bit that should prove suitable for the ACW.
There are a few packs that I shall be utilising at some point, so expect a 'proper' order soon.
;)
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Cheers, Mama.
I have been looking through the range and there is quite a bit that should prove suitable for the ACW.
There are a few packs that I shall be utilising at some point, so expect a 'proper' order soon.
;)
Excellent, the Tejanos have just been posted, should be with you tomorrow. :)
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Excellent, the Tejanos have just been posted, should be with you tomorrow. :)
Cheers!
:D
As soon as I get them I shall do the conversions and, once they are done, I can crack on with a brush.
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And since i´m a week soul and cannot help being stupid i will also start my own threat with a ACW squirmishing Project within a few days to get motivation from you to get me paint again. o_o
I will leave the 20mm one for a near future. ;)
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And since i´m a week soul and cannot help being stupid i will also start my own threat with a ACW squirmishing Project within a few days to get motivation from you to get me paint again. o_o
I will leave the 20mm one for a near future. ;)
I look forward to it, mate.
As for motivation to paint, you will also help me as I need to get my mojo back for brushwaving too.
:D
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Excellent, the Tejanos have just been posted, should be with you tomorrow. :)
And they are.
Cheers!
:D
Just a couple more minor conversions to do and then I can get the brushes out and mess them up......
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Also posted. Should be there by the end of the week.
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Looking forward to seeing these " coloured in" Paul :)
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Also posted. Should be there by the end of the week.
Cheers, mate.
I received another couple of parcels today so I should be sorted for some time now.
:D
Looking forward to seeing these " coloured in" Paul :)
So am I.
I just hope that I can remember how to paint.....
Which I should find out next week as I have finished the last few tweaks that needed doing so this unit is all ready to go now.....
(http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j478/themason73/themason73102/IMG_2288_zpsoz9ogg4s.jpg)
...simple stuff.
Just a hand removal, added cuffs, banner pole and a new hand to the banner bearer, the one on the left just needed a little repair work after I bent his arm forward and the other two swapped heads and had neckerchiefs etc added to hide the new joins.
Some of the putty work is a little rough, but nothing a file, some paint and the use of a flag wont sort out... ;)
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Mason, these are some lovely ideas and conversions. Your work with GS is impressive.
Hurry up and slap some paint on, I'm eager to see what you've got planned.
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I admire the detail on the conversions!
Consider me subscribed ;)
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Mason, these are some lovely ideas and conversions. Your work with GS is impressive.
I admire the detail on the conversions!
Consider me subscribed ;)
Thanks you, sirs.
:D
Hurry up and slap some paint on, I'm eager to see what you've got planned.
Yessir!
I shall make a start today.
;D
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I'm liking what you have done with the recent ones Pablo
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Paint, paint, paint!!!
Looking good Paul. 8)
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I'm late to dip my oar in as usual, Mason, but absolutely fine work as usual sir. I stand in awe of your fine work. I am sorry my meagre modelling skills wil only stretch to painting the Perry plastics in the ACW big box of goodness, but I look forward to putting an army on the table at least ;). This is turning into an inspiring project :)
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I'm late to dip my oar in as usual, Mason, but absolutely fine work as usual sir. I stand in awe of your fine work. I am sorry my meagre modelling skills wil only stretch to painting the Perry plastics in the ACW big box of goodness, but I look forward to putting an army on the table at least ;). This is turning into an inspiring project :)
For the record: Bert has finished at least two regiments (maybe more) and is well into the next two.
I, on the other hand, have just started painting the first.
::)
It is only a year later, though.....
:D
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I started mine for the Army Painter and still haven't finished a unit. I've got four part done though. They're only Sharp Practice sized units.
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Paul, get them painted... ;D
Maybe you inspire me!!! ;)