Dismounted Federal Cavalry in 10mm

With a long-running string of ACW battles on the table, it may not be much of a surprise that painting inspiration drifted toward fielding more figures for the 10mm ACW project.  If first day of Gettysburg is ever to see the table, Federal dismounted cavalry will be needed.  Having no such figures, I pushed a handful of Federal dismounted horsemen into the painting queue.

Off the painting desk today are 32 Federal dismounted horse soldiers.  Figures are from Blaze Away Miniatures sold through Lancashire Games.  These 10mm figures are superb.  Cleanly cast with crisp details.  These figures are larger than Old Glory's 10mm ACW figures that comprise the bulk of this collection.  In separate units and especially dismounted, no problem.  Actually, the Blaze Away figures make Old Glory's dismounted cavalry look quite unimpressive.  These models are gorgeous!  I picked up a few more during Lancashire Games' recent summer sale.  Added some Confederate dismounted cavalry and horseholders into the order too.

On the gaming table, Hood's attack at Gettysburg remains on the table.  With the score showing three victories to two for the Rebels in this series, one more playing is on deck for later today.  In today's battle, I take command of Hood's division while Peter (Grid based wargaming) commands the Federal defenders on Little Round Top, Houck's Ridge, and the Wheatfield.

I am not sure if I have ever beaten Peter in a game on Home Turf.  We will see if I can reverse those string of defeats later today.

Heavy Casualty Markers for RFF in 10mm

Brady-esque post battle clean up

Having mustered the 10mm ACW collection out for a Regimental Fire & Fury (RFF) game on the 27th, inspiration struck to paint a couple of Heavy Casualty Markers for the game.  Painting inspiration sparked after the game so no markers were seen in the Saturday game.  Since neither side reached the Heavy Casualty threshold, this point was moot.

The inspiration had actually struck in the weeks leading up to the game since my most recent order from Lancashire Games included several packs of Blaze Away 10mm ACW figures.  Before thoughts returned to the 10mm ACW project in anticipation of the upcoming game, Blaze Away was not on my figure radar having fielded the 10mm ACW collection solely from Old Glory 10s.  In a lark, several packs of Wounded and Horse Holders were added into the more traditional 1859 resupply.

Since only one marker per army is needed, these are quick additions towards "game enhancement."  Each market has two stretcher teams with wounded and three casualties strewn around the base.  Is there any question that these compositions depict a "heavy casualty" battlefield situation?  I think not.  When one of these is plopped onto the gaming table, it is clear that one side is facing an uphill battle from this point forward.