F&IW Fort and Terrain

[ffrum]

I made the acquaintance of Lance at Galloping Major via email when I ordered his figures to add to my masses of little painted men in the basement (all 28mm, except for some Eureka Toy Town Soldiers).

Lance encouraged me to join this Forum and post this photo I showed him of a fort I constructed some years ago.

I am very interested in this period.  I was raised only 3 miles from where Braddock was defeated in what is now Pennsylvania.  I have spent a great deal of time at F&IW sites throughout several states.  Many sites are in Pennsylvania, Fort Ligonier, Bushy Run, Jumonville Glen, Fort Necessity, Fort Duquesne, Braddock's defeat, Loylahana, Fort Bedford, Fort Pitt  and on.

 As a demonstration of my interest in this period, I have attached a photo of a recent game held using my model of the French Fort Duquesne, under attack by Major Grant.  

 I built this frontier, Vauban style fort in 1997 and over the years have used it at several conventions (Historicon, Rock Con, Little Wars and others).  The fort occupies an 8'x8' area and the two approach panels are each 4'x8'.  

The game accommodates up to 12 players and includes British, French, various Indian tribes Rangers, State Provincials, Militia, Couer de Bois and other figures.  The figures used include 3-400 Dixon, Front Rank, some Old Glory and Redoubt, artillery, wagons and canoes.  I use Brother Against Brother French and Indian variant, modiifed for rules.

Duquesne It is the largest F&IW fort I have built.  I have also built several smaller ones: Fort Robedeau (actually Amer. Rev.) in Pennsylvania, Fort Elizabeth from Western Illinois, several copies of an "Old French Fort" which was located near Joliet, Illinois and several other F&IW blockhouses and fortified trading posts.  All these were built in 28mm scale.   I am now considering building a large model of Fort Ligonier.

[Aaron]

I remember seeing that at Historicon and being very impressed. I live and work in the city limits myself and part of my daily commute includes a stroll on Grant's Hill.

[Prof.Witchheimer]

That fort is something special, indeed. This sets new standards for my coming Roman fort. I've just got some new ideas for it.

@ffrum - any chance to get some WIP pics of that one?

Edit: and some close-ups would be great as well!

[OSHIROmodels]

What a stunner 

Second the request for more pictures 

cheers

James

[fergal]

Now, that is something special.  Very nice!

I'm originally from Illinois and I wasn't aware of those forts!  

I now live in Vermont and am very interested in the period.  I've been trying to check off various locations since I moved, though the birth of my twin girls has slowed me down.   If you ever fancy a trip up for some research, I'd happily take you out for a pint if you bring your photos.  

Just noticed you were from Illinois as well!  Howdy, I'm from down state, Quincy to be exact.  Buy half my family is from the South Side (and one Uncle in Oswego out your way) so I've been through Joliet MANY times, but never knew there were interesting places to stop! 

[Captain Blood]

Wow! Superb   

[Keith]

Jeepers! 

[Barry S]

Nice 

[Marine0846]

What a beautiful piece of modeling.
Just outstanding.
Would love to see more pics.
Would love to play a game on it.
Thanks for sharing.

[Doomsdave]

Wonderful terrain building.  Like Fergal, I'm originally from Illinois as well.  I've been through Joliet many times and visited a couple of those historic sites. The only family remaining there is in Southern Illinois. Nice to see your work displayed here, I hope you visit regularly.

[Galloping Major]

That's got to be one of the most impressive layouts I've ever seen, so glad you decided to join us and post that pic, as the other chaps have said, look forward to hearing more from you 

Cheers,

Lance



www.gallopingmajorwargames.com

[Silent Invader]

I'm tempted to say that a lot of thought has gone into that project..... ;-)

Wonderful.  More images would be great, especially some close ups. How long did it take to make? There's some dedication required to keep a project like that rolling to completion.

[flags_of_war]

Sweet Jesus that is amazing. My small Blockhouse will pale in comparison.

I would love to see more pics.

[H.M.Stanley]

That's beautiful ... [sob]

[Axebreaker]

WoW!!

Christopher