69th New York Regiment (Meagher's Zouaves)

 It has been a busy summer with very little painting or gaming. Now that the nights are drawing in however I have finally been able to finish the new Jacklex Zouaves I started in July. The whole unit is kitted out in the Company K Zouave uniform as worn at First Bull Run.

I have always liked the uniform ever since I bought my copy of the Osprey Army of the Potomac. It was the first Osprey title I ever bought and still has pride of place in my ACW book section. 

A special mention about the flags which is a very fortunate recent discovery, 

Maverick Models flags (here). Not only is the range of flags huge they are also printed bespoke in the size you want them. Simply purchase the closest sized flag (6/10/15/25/40 or 50mm) and you will receive an email asking for the exact size you want. The flags here are the "effect" version - with plain flags (no texturing) also available.

With the REVO flags I used now being more difficult to find these are a fantastic alternative.

It Has Been A While

 I have been away from the painting table for a while but finally have had a bit of spare time to hit the backlog of figures. 

I would like to get these chaps finished by Sunday. 

These are the new 20mm Jacklex sculpts by Andrew Stadden which really fit in well in size and style. Worthy additions to the range.

An Act Of Incredible Generosity

 It is a long and convoluted story how a 28mm collection from the late, great, Jack Alexander was donated to our club (SEEMS) . 

Cutting it shortly, Jack's family wanted the figures to be used and be enjoyed after his passing and our club was a fortunate recipient; this alone is an act of incredible generosity.

When I heard of this I pitched in a bid for what was described as a batch "French Colonial" figures.

I do not know what I was expecting but when I met up with David Crook to pick them up my jaw  hit the floor:

 

There are hundreds of figures here, some I recognise and a fair number I do not. This now takes us into incredible, incredible generosity.

On Tuesday I was telling the world I would "resist all other temptations". By Friday I was making plans for these toys. I have made a new tag of "The Jack Alexander Collection". Watch this space!

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Jack's family and hope I can return their trust n a small part of his legacy. 

55th New York Infantry - Gilder Style!

 Moving on back to the Classic 20mm ACW collection I did fold and bought one last Gilder unit, this time the 55th New York.

Once again they are (my favourite) conversions from DN3 Napoleonic Belgian infantry with converted FN1 French Napoleonic officers and an Airfix standard bearer.

I plan to continue working on this project for the foreseeable future and try and ignore all other temptations! Famous last words indeed!

We Are Off To Broadside 2024

 For one last showing of the Battle of Bryson's Crossroads.

Now with a new Union Command stand.

Redoubt figures this time, Full of character.

The inclusion of a Zouave Officer is a sign of upcoming additions to the 28mm ACW collection!