Austrians Marching to the Sound of the Guns

With a second regiment of Sardinian grenadiers recently called to arms, the Austrian command counters by calling up additional Austrian infantry.

Stepping off the painting desk today are two battalions of infantry from IR#32.  These battalions arrive in a mix of dress having both kittel and greatcoat.  Each battalion musters 18 figures from Lancashire Games' 15mm 19th Century range.  Excellent figures that I really enjoy painting.  I find the mix of white kittel and grey greatcoated infantry appealing.

The two battalions of the IR#32 comprise only two of the four battalions present in an Austrian infantry regiment.  With each battalion having a strength of 18 figures (72 figures regimental strength), I decided to break this effort into two parts.  The second two battalions will work their way into the painting queue later.

In the meantime, the painting desk saw increased activity as I bore down on the end of the first half of 2019.  Getting into the books as painted in the first six months of the year were 620 figures.  Having completed that total, I find myself two-thirds of the way to my 2019 goal of painting 900 figures (see Project Plans 2019).  Thus far, work remains on task with the 1799 and 1859 projects in 15mm and 28mm Celts seeing the bulk of production.  A handful of completed units remain to be photographed while painting continues.   

28mm Zweihanders by CRM

During the recent series of Italian Wars To the Strongest! games and after I put the collection out on parade, I noticed that another stand of zweihanders could be recruited for the collection.  In the process of fielding the last pike block, I did not have the necessary figures to add the block's complement of zweihanders.  One or two Old Glory leftover swordsmen were painted but not enough swordsmen to field a four-figure skirmish stand.  Or so I thought.

Digging through The Lead Pile, I came upon a handful of zweihanders picked up in a figure exchange with Jake.  Not sure what I gave up in the figure swap but I received a handful of Casting Room Miniatures' (CRM) figures from the Renaissance range.  Three of these CRM figures made it onto the painting desk and joined one Old Glory figure (second from the right) on the stand.  The sculpting is good but the anatomy is suspect on certain figures but painting is straightfoward.  Overall, when painted and based, the figures make a pleasing sight.  The great swords are fabulous!  Look at the size of those things.

While not much on the gaming front of late, the painting desk has seen action.  A handful of units are finished and awaiting their turn at the photo booth.  A good mix of projects are crossing the workbench including Italians Wars (28mm), 1859 Franco-Austrian War (15mm), Ancients (28mm), and WSS (10mm).  The San Martino battle has been reset.  I am looking for some time to return to the table to give the scenario another try.

Despite cooler temperatures and a couple of days of rain, weather has been good on the Palouse and cycling enjoyable.  With the arrival of summer, the rapeseed is in bloom with its bright yellow flowers and wheat is tall enough to wave in the breeze.  Early summer is a fine time to be out on the bike.  A few photos from Friday's post-work, afternoon ride follow.  With the camera mounted on the handlebars, it is difficult to provide a more expansive view that is available at eye level but the near, ground-level perspective provides some of the color contrast.

Amber waves of grain

Rapeseed in bloom

Sardinian 2nd Grenadier Regiment

While this four battalion regiment has already seen service in the recent San Martino battle, it only now makes it into a pass-in-review.  These 48 figures form the four battalions of the Sardinian 2nd Grenadier Regiment.  Figures are from Lancashire Games' excellent range of 15mm figures.  I find the Sardinian sculpts not as handsome as either the French or Austrian infantry in the same range but good figures, nonetheless.  For me, a batch of 48 figures is about the largest group of 15mm figures I care to tackle at one time at the painting table.  Working this quantity is painful in process but satisfying when completed.

In their first outing in battle at San Martino, the grenadiers performed superbly.  Attacking without fear, they drove the opposition before them and charged across a stream to engage and defeat the enemy.  Beginner's luck?

When expanding the OB to encompass more of the San Martino action, I realized that additional units are needed to complete the Sardinian OB.  More artillery and grenadiers will be required.  Not many.  Perhaps two more battalions of grenadiers and two or three guns.  Expect to see these recruits working their way through the painting queue.

Sash & Saber Kickstarter Arrives!

Sash & Saber Kickstarter contents

Early in 2018, Sash & Saber announced a Kickstarter project to jump start a proposed French & Indian War range of figures in 25mm.  Being a fan of Chris Hughes' work from his 25mm Napoleonic and ACW ranges, I knew the figures would be to my liking and that the risk of non-delivery was low.  Throughout the process, Chris provided frequent updates including photos of newly sculpted greens as they emerged from his workbench.

Fast forward to May 2019 and a big box from Old Glory (who casts Sash & Saber figures) arrived on my doorstep.  In the box were several dozen figure packs, all neatly hand labeled along with two resin buildings.  While I had ordered three buildings, the third was not far behind after a quick email to Chris.  It seems the resin building supply chain was having difficulty keeping up with demand.  

Selection of blockhouse and small cabins

Having a FIW collection already completed (yeah, "completed" is a famous last word) and relatively dormant (when did I last game or add to this project?), why commit to a Kickstarter project?

As noted earlier, one reason to commit to the project was to help in getting this low-risk project funded.  If my small contribution might push the bar towards fruition, why not?  

Second, the Kickstarter promised a number of figures not among the ranks of my troops at present.  Here was an opportunity to add provincials, British in cut down coats, British and French militia, casualties, and a number of Natives.  If response was great enough, even troops on snowshoes would be added.

Third, the Kickstarter offered some enticing incentives including a bonus of a resin blockhouse and a small cabin.  The temptation was too great.  I really wanted to add the buildings.  The ability to fill in some missing troop-types sealed the deal.

While figure delivery stretched out beyond the projected timeline, never was there a concern that the figures would not arrive.  Status updates were frequent and informative.  As for Kickstarters, this one from Sash & Saber presents a model for all others to follow. 

I look forward to sifting through the packs of figures and picking a few to add into the painting queue.

Last of the BTD Celts

"Last of the BTD Celts" is only momentarily true.  While this dozen represents the last batch of BTD Celts in the The Lead Pile, a recent BTD sale including Celt chariots and cavalry prompted an order to resupply the Celts.  Just when I think I have conquered and cleared-out a small portion of the figure bins, BTD holds a sale and I relapse.  Sigh.  On a positive note, the newly raised Celts could use an additional chariot or two and cavalry.

The problem I have with BTD cavalry is that they are simply huge.  Outside of Renegade, no other manufacturer seems to match them in size and heft.  Perhaps, BTD Celt cavalry would be a good match to Renegade but I have yet to receive any.  Some 28mm cavalry look like little ponies or colts next to the big BTD and Renegade cavalry.  I sure regret not buying more Renegade figures when they were both available and cheap.  Ah, those were the days.

With BTD's recent announcement of order fulfillment challenges, it may be awhile before I see an  influx of this BTD lead.  Patience is a virtue.  Until then, a Celtic warband from Crusader Miniatures is in work at the painting desk.

Cycling and Hiking the Palouse

Sunday was Father's Day in the USA. 

Open roads of the Palouse

With expectations for a family activity later in the day, I set off on the bike to get the road work in before the day truly began.  Having the luxury of early morning temperatures around 70F, I set out on the 30 mile loop.  Roads were free of traffic on this holiday morning. 

More open roads of the Palouse

Still more open roads

While I typically ride mid-afternoon after the workday has ended and ideal daytime temperatures are present, an early morning Sunday ride presented much more company than usually seen.  The roads are nearly devoid of cyclists during midday especially when the heat begins to rise in mid-summer.  This morning I came upon several small group of riders.  In this part of the country, I never pass a fellow cyclist without receiving a wave and/or a salutation.  Sometimes these greetings are in French or Italian.  I think they are being funny.

Traffic! Buongiorno!

More traffic! Bonjour!

After returning home no worse for the wear, I cleaned up and prepared for the next item on the day's itinerary.  Next up?  A trip to Lake Coeur d'Alene, Idaho for lunch and a hike.

Lake Coeur d'Alene from Mineral Ridge 

The planned hike was a trek up to the summit of Mineral Ridge overlooking Lake Coeur d'Alene.  The lake is one of many beautiful lakes situated in North Idaho within an easy commute from Spokane. 

Beautiful blue water of Coeur d'Alene

The hike consisted of a three-and-a-half mile loop with much of the dirt path winding up among the many switchbacks leading to the summit.  Views from the top are spectacular.  Well worth the discomfort of plodding up a steep incline on an 85F, mid-June afternoon. 

Nancy still smiling after the hike to the top

This was a very enjoyable way to spend Father's Day outdoors on the Palouse. 

NEW! Early French Napoleonics

French Line Courtesy OldGlory15s

New 15mm Napoleonic figures!  Yes, that is correct and hot out of the casting room!

I received an email from Old Glory 15s on Monday announcing additions to their "old" and mostly dormant Old Glory 15mm Napoleonics ranges.  What piqued my interest?  Late Revolutionary French in bicorne and early cavalry.  Troops perfectly suited for expanding my 1799 project.  Also in this release are French for the early Imperial period (1805-1807) but I am only concerned with the 1799-1803 period for now. 

French Hussars Courtesy OldGlory15s

A few sample photos from the website are included and the figures look first rate.  The photos for the French in bicorne for the Late Revolution and Early Empire period are the same.  Both show grenadiers.  The Early Empire packs list grenadiers and voltigeurs as part of the contents while the Late Revolution do not.  Will the Late Revolution packs include grenadiers and voltigeurs, we shall see.  Before I had second thoughts, I quickly tapped out an order to sample some of figures.  On order are three packs of infantry, three packs of cavalry, and one pack of artillery.  

French Artillery Courtesy OldGlory15s

Package size has been downsized to 24 infantry, 8 cavalry, or 3 guns and crew for USD$10.  For the Late Revolutionary French, this release includes:

• 3 packs of French infantry
• 5 packs of cavalry
• 5 packs of artillery
• 7 packs of Consular Guard  

Details may be found at OldGlory15s/19th Century Miniatures. These are most welcome additions especially since Late Revolutionary French cavalry are scarce.  The figures look good, no?