Reb Infantry and the Next Game

Having played in Matt's Pitzer Woods skirmish last week (see Action at Pitzer Woods), I figured that it was well past time that I bring my own ACW collection onto the gaming table.  Looking back through the archives, I was shocked to see that the last the 10mm ACW collection saw action was nearly two years ago at Shiloh (see Shiloh: Walking a Tightrope) back in NOV 2024!  I still remember those Shiloh battles vividly.

Not only did Matt's game and my wander through the archives and memory lane spur me to consider bringing an ACW battle to the table, but the archive meanderings motivated me to push some more CSA figures into and through the production line with some determination.

Mustering out from the painting desk today are four, 30-figure CSA infantry regiments.  That is 120 figures providing a big jolt to the painting totals for the year.  I needed that!  Figures are from Old Glory.  With these Rebels marching out, the collection now stands at more than 3,600 figures.  Although a number of Rebel command stands remain in The Lead Pile, I have exhausted the stockpile of marching infantrymen.  At least a a couple of bags will be needed to fill out the remaining command stands.  That situation is not likely to happen any time soon.  There are enough Federal infantry to field another four or five regiments but I am in no hurry to paint those either.  I could get cracking on more cavalry as my numbers are quite small for that arm of service.

What battle is under consideration?  Well, after some research, I have landed on Sedgwick's attempt to outflank Lee at Chancellorsville after having broken out at Fredericksburg.  Sedgwick's VI Corps meets Wilcox and McLaws at Salem Church.  More details are forthcoming as I work through creating a scenario and building the battlefield.  Early work suggests that about half of the 3,600 figures will see action at Salem Church.  I have reread Sears’ brief account of the battle and have a scenario that George (Musings on Wargaming and Life) kindly forwarded to me.  Both provide some good ideas.