Gettysburg 150th Anniversary

In recognition of the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, July 1-3 1863, some of the the family watched with me the Blu Ray Director's Cut of the epic movie "Gettysburg". This is the way to watch the movie. The 17 minutes of additional footage makes a huge difference to the quality and clarity of the story-telling. 

The additional footage is most helpful in the re-telling of the first day's battle, adding a richness to the story of Buford and Reynold's defense of McPherson Ridge. It also adds depth and historical understanding to the fight for Little Round Top. A marvellous movie in its best possible form. Highly recommended.

Hard to believe that 50 years ago I was first intrigued by the National Geographic Magazine article (Vol 124, No.1 July 1963) that first captured my interest in this most important and interesting battle.

The magazine article featured the most amazing stylized 3D diagrams of the battle. These inspired not only my interest in Gettysburg and ACW history but also my life-long passion for collecting wargames miniatures.

Most importantly, I have a deep respect for the men in Blue and Gray and an abiding sadness for their struggle. Robert F. Maxwell's 1993 movie of Gettysburg captures the poignancy, bravery and drama so well. The 5,000 re-enactors who took part in the movie and the excellent professional cast make this  a must-watch movie for anyone who cares to understand the battle...and its protagonists.

Panzer I

I have just received some new images from Neil Burt at Troop of Shewe of my latest commission. To add to my collection of early WW2 AFV's, I now have these PzKpfw I's, (Panzer I's). The models are newly released Panzer I's from Warlord Games who also made the tank commander. Neil has applied his usual authentic finishes and weathering to create to the models but tells me they required very little additional modification, other than the aerials he will add next.

Of the 2,574 tanks used in the invasion of France in May 1940, an astonishing 523 were these diminutive early Panzer I's.

Fontenoy

Not content with adding the massive strategic game Kabinettskrieg to my collection, I also ordered Clash of Arms new tactical game: Fontenoy, named for the 1745 battle of the War of the Austrian Succession. I have long been a collector of Clash of Arms games, with their amazing graphics, maps and research. This looks like the best so far.

Clash of Arms has also announced a BAR (Battles of the Age of Reason) "primer" to help understand and learn the complex rules behind their game system. Well, that went in the shopping cart too. What can you do?

Lace Wars

I have just found a new game publisher (well, new to me) Red Sash Games, Ian Weir's company. I have now ordered several games in the Lace Wars series, dealing in detail with the War of Austrian Succession, 1740-48. This is a few years earlier than my main interest, the Seven Years War, 1756-63, but has many of the same attributes in terms of tactics and glorious (but somewhat different) uniforms.

The counter graphics and maps are truly amazing, somewhat similar in the case of the counters to Clash of Arms BAR series. They are simply works of art. By ordering from my good friends, Noble Knight Games, I was able to obtain the campaign module, Kabinettskrieg, which contains updated maps and counters (over 3,000) for 3 of the games in the Lace Wars system, Queen's Gambit, Sport of Kings and Cockpit of Europe. Each game focusses on a different European theatre of war. Kabinettskrieg brings all three together in a huge campaign game.

Here is a sample of the counter artwork. Kabinettskrieg provides counters at the Battalion level for every army engaged in the War, including my personal favourite, the Reichsarmee of the Holy Roman Empire.

While I was busy burning through my fortune, I also ordered the Naval companion to the series, Mistral, a simulation of the War of the Austrian Succession at sea, in this case, the Western Mediterranean theatre. I thought Jeff might like this, what with his new-found interest in Age of Sail wargames. I will also use it as a bribe to get Jeff and Will into the Lace Wars!

Once again, beautiful art work on the counters and maps.

I should mention that I ordered the "Professional" series games. Although more expensive, you get die-cut, mounted counters this way. The alternative of a downloaded set simply requires too much work, mounting and hand-cutting the counters. I did this once before (see my Longest Day Blog entry). I don't have the energy or the time to do it again although it is a perfectly viable way of ordering the game components if you do have the time and patience. I think it is good that Red Sash Games provides both options. However, currently, the Professional series needs to be ordered from their stockist, Noble Knight Games.

Napoleonic French Imperial Garde Baggage Wagon, 1815

Napoleonic French Imperial Garde Baggage Wagon, 1815. The model is by Perry Miniatures, the painting by Leuthen Studios. The basing, as usual, all mine!

5th Dragoon Guards, Heavy Camel Regiment, Sudan 1884-5

Section, 5th Dragoon Guards, Heavy Camel Regiment, Sudan 1884-5.

This unit was inspired by the excellent book "Go Strong into the Desert" by Lt. Col. Mike Snook. I relied heavily on the illustrations by Michael Perry. The figures are by Perry Miniatures from their Sudan Range. The unit was painted for me by Carl Robson.

5th Dragoon Guards, Heavy Camel Regiment

Trooper, 5th Dragoon Guards, Heavy Camel Regiment

NCO, 5th Dragoon Guards, Heavy Camel Regiment

Officer, 5th Dragoon Guards, Heavy Camel Regiment

Officer, 5th Dragoon Guards, Heavy Camel Regiment

Officer, 5th Dragoon Guards, Heavy Camel Regiment

Officer, 5th Dragoon Guards, Heavy Camel Regiment

Trumpeter, 5th Dragoon Guards, Heavy Camel Regiment

Converged Grenadiers 13/26 von Finck: 'Mit der rechten Hand ans Gewehr!'

The elite 4-company 13/26 von Finck Converged Grenadier Battalion, major F. A von Finck commanding. This unit was painted for me by Leuthen Studios with figures by Black Hussar Miniatures.

The Battalion fought at Prague, Kolin and Rossbach. It was captured at Maxen in 1759 and had to be reconstituted with 4 companies from 4 different regiments.

13/26 von Finck Converged Grenadiers

13/26 von Finck Converged Grenadiers

13/26 von Finck Converged Grenadiers

13/26 von Finck Converged Grenadiers

13/26 von Finck Converged Grenadiers

IR13 von Itzenplitz, the so-called "Donner und Blitzen" regiment, provided 2 companies to the "coverged" Battalion. Using "Maurice" rules, I'm using 2 (of 4) bases for each of the musketeer regiments providing grenadiers.

IR13 von Itzenplitz Grenadiers

IR13 von Itzenplitz Grenadiers

IR13 von Itzenplitz Grenadiers

Officer, IR13 von Itzenplitz Grenadiers

Musketeer Regiment, IR26, von Meyerinck, provided the other 2 grenadier companies for the converged battalion.

IR26 von Meyerinck Grenadiers

IR26 von Meyerinck Grenadiers

IR26 von Meyerinck Grenadiers

Grenadiers, IR26 von Meyerinck Grenadiers

Officer, IR26 von Meyerinck Grenadiers

Drummer, IR26 von Meyerinck Grenadiers

The result is a very colourful battalion which should do well on the miniature battlefield!