The Advance Guard Has Arrived

The next show game is coming up in a few months. This time we are putting on a 28mm Franco Prussian War bash. Here is a sneak preview of the French Chasseurs entering an apparently abandoned village...

Seems quiet enough...

The figures are Perry and I am particularly fond of the trumpeter figures, he looks like he has walked out of a Detaille painting. The release of the plastic French infantry next week is eagerly anticipated. My order went in within hours of news of the release.

For the moment I am wading through those coldly efficient Germanic troops. There are quite a few in the queue! 

Union Cavalry Finally Completed

 Originally I took this picture of my newly completed Union cavalry as a taster for the club's Cavalier Wargames Show game for tomorrow. Due to a family emergency I cannot now make it and have handed my troops to go on without me.

I am sure they will not let the side down as currently my Union forces for Rebels & Patriots have a 100% victory rate for the scenario being played. I am sure the war correspondent accompanying the troops will soon be waxing lyrical with tales of "valor (sic) and glory"!

White Knuckle Ride

Much as I like artillery on the wargames table I often wonder how much fun it would have been to turn up in the day. Dodging potholes in my daily commute is an art even with 21st Century technology. These chaps had no suspension at all.

The ACW wargames show figures continue to amass. This little group completes my artillery contingent for the upcoming show. From now on it is cavalry all the way.

Let's hope that La-De-Da Gunner Graham* doesn't get thrown off before he can give them effective support.

* Apologies this is a very British reference to people of a certain age. 

Oh dear. What a shame. Never mind.

Firing Line Complete

 I managed to add another six dismounted Union cavalry to the collection last night. This afternoon they fought their first action at Neil's place.

They fought dismounted at the earliest opportunity (because their mounted counterparts were at best a bit "undercoaty" and at worst au naturel).

For a first show they did OK - one dismounted rebel cavalryman for no casualties in return. Plus, when the artillery tries to activate and turn on them Neil's rebels threw a double 1 and promptly retreated!

Hurrah for the Union!

Here Comes The Cavalry

I managed to get these fellows based up for a quick "Unit in Progress" shot. Perry Miniatures dismounted Union cavalry. 

A bit fuzzy but you get the idea.

There are 6 more to be based and the artillery limber and crew are coming along nicely which is handy as they are required on the battlefield next Sunday for a club test game. I really need to get my skates on with their mounted counterparts though!