From ChristopherS: Caesarian Romans (60pts.)

Sliding under the door with my last post! For a long time I've wanted to do Caesarian Romans in particular the Wargames Foundry ones as I always really liked them and to this day still consider them the best out there. I don't know why I never got around to doing them, but finally acquired some in a trade with my friend Mike. 

Once I started painting them I was having so much fun, I ordered a large amount of them in a Foundry sale which is only really how I can get them with the price increases, shipping and customs and all. Since I paint pretty slow by the time I need more miniatures some sale is bound to be happening. I suppose it's that way for many of us metal miniature painters as I still paint relatively few plastic and resin miniatures for many reasons that are commonly known like assembly, heft etc.

Somebody gave a great description of the Foundry Caesarian Romans looking like they are fighting on rugby pitch which translates to brutally fighting in a no quarter given or asked toe to toe manner which will really contrast well to the sophisticated look of my Hellenistic opposition I have planned. Plus Caesar vs Pompei , Spanish, Gaul and Germanic tribes and Spartacus Slave revolt all sound intriguing to do as each presents a completely different game. 

Lately I've been putting all my Dark Ages and Ancients on single bases and using blue tack to hold them onto movement bases which holds surprisingly well. I hate re-basing and I don't like sabot bases either and this seems the best solution for me to keep pace with my changing taste in base sizes I seem to go through. For example These bases are 120mm x 60mm, but I'm thinking of trying 100mm frontage to get a quicker start on gaming which won't be an issue as all I need to do is buy new movement bases rather than any dreaded re-basing.

I decided to give them a look that says they have been fighting for some time so I gave some with shield designs and others with just red to show not enough time to paint their shields as the next fight is already coming up. They are all in red to show a bit of a veteran status and one off the more experienced units.

Well that brings my challenge to end and not very many units to show for it(typical for me) plus my commenting fell off a cliff so sorry about that. That's 12 28mm miniatures for 60pts I believe.

Thanks for viewing!

Miniature Company- Wargames Foundry

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Having painted about a hundred of Ceasarian Legionaries in the past few years I can appreciate these and the wonderful detail you've gone to Christopher! The deep red, battered bits and variation between their kit give them a really dynamic look (BTW I went with 120mm base frontages also- I liked the space it gave me to be creative in the basing)

A fabulous way to close out your challenge - well done!

- Paul

From ChristopherS: Confederate Cavalry (60 points)

This will be third submission to the challenge and my second cavalry. I painted a union cavalry and now I'm adding a confederate to keep pace with the union. I really would like to find a way to paint cavalry quicker, but how I prefer my models to look pretty much requires the same method every time. Something about old dogs and tricks comes to mind....

The figures are once again the very lively and characterful Sash and Saber range which are really fun to paint and make you hum a civil war tune as you go through the process.

The paints I used were mostly Foundry as they have been my go to brand for many years plus of course the ever trusty Vallejo line with some Mig pigments for weathering rocks and stuff.

I'm not sure what I'll paint next as I still need more cavalry and dismounted cavalry for ACW, but some of my other collections are really in need of some additions right now.

Thanks for viewing!

That's 6 mounted figures at 28mm for 60pts. 

Well, I'd say it is not really necessary to learn new tricks when you are so very good at the old ones, Christopher! These Confederate horsemen look absolutely stunning. The painting is immaculate, with the meticulous highlighting and shadowing, and the variety in the "uniforms" is really very, very nice. You may be slower than others, but your results are definitely worth the wait. 60 glorious points for you!

Martijn

From ChristopherS: Union Cavalry (60pts.)

 

Adding more ACW to my collection. I'm kind of reluctant to move to other periods at the moment as I really need to add some units to play some scenario's I have in mind. This is the first cavalry unit I've done for this collection as cavalry always lags behind with me.

Almost all my major collections are lacking in cavalry and that's because I really don't like painting horses with all the straps and flesh to cover not to mention the riders typically have more fiddly bits then infantry! However, this year I've decided to try and put my head down and get some finished so I can increase the scenario's to play.

The figures are from Old Glory Sash and Saber line which really pack some character which I tend to lean towards. They are not as big as Perry and certainly not Redoubt, but work great in their own units. The colors used were mostly Foundry paints with some Vallejo here and there.

Next up probably more ACW and cavalry, but I really never know if that will be the case.

Thanks for Viewing!

Miniatures- Sash and Saber

That's 6 28mm cavalry figures at 10pts. each for a total of 60pts.

Christopher

I sympathise with you, Christopher, I'm not too fond of painting horses either. But, I have to say that you did a great job on these! And very nice figures they are too, full of character. Great brushwork, neat painting and effective highlighting. I hope that they may feature in many a scenario. I'm looking forward to seeing more! 60 points it is.

Martijn

From ChristopherS: 28mm ACW Causalities 35pts.

Hello fellow AHPC participants it's nice to return after a couple of years off. It did feel odd not being a part of the event and watching from the sides so it's good to be back as it's tradition after all! Since I'm notoriously slow in getting entries in it's no surprise I'm slow in getting my first entry in.

I've decided to start off with some ACW casualty figures as they are very much needed, but haven't got to them yet for reasons unknown. These will likely be my first of two batches as I will need more.

The figures are from Redoubt miniatures which are probably my favorite ACW figures as they really do pack a lot of character and are very painter friendly. The figures are large so you really can't mix them with other ranges very well, but in their own units work great.

I can't say what I'll do next because even I don't know, but I have been keeping the ACW theme going pretty well this year so an odds on favorite that will likely be next. I can't even prep for the challenge, because in the past 70% of what I prepped went back in the box in favor of something else!

I think I just managed to slide under the door and get this in before Curt hands things off to his minions.

All in 28mm so that's 3 standing for 15pts. and 8 kneeling or lying for 20 pts. giving a total 35 pts. 

Happy New Year!

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It's great to have you back with us Christopher! 

Great work on these casualties stands. I always enjoy your vibrant and saturated colour style and these don't disappoint. I look forward to seeing more ACW from you over the coming months.

Happy New Year!

- Curt

From ChristopherS: New Orleans Greys (100pts.)

The last challenge or the challenge before that I introduced my first miniature for my Texas War of Independence project which was a mounted Texian figure and since followed it up with a Mexican regiment outside the challenge. I decided I wanted to add to the project and thought it would fit right in with the challenge and the first thing I wanted to do were the New Orleans Greys.

The Texas War of Independence project is for Sharp Practice II which I think is absolutely ideal for this period due to the small size of the forces involved. I wouldn't want to build large armies for this as there were few large engagements(That came latter in the Mexican/American War), but the opportunities for skirmish is very large indeed with raids, feats of daring, rescues, and ambushes to name few!

The New Orleans Greys were a Military Volunteer unit comprised of 2 companies (122 men) that requested permission from Texas Provincial Government to fight in Texas War of Independence which agreed and also provided some financial assistance.

They were very well equipped compared to most volunteer militia with a uniform, musket, ammunition provided and often mistaken for US regulars and attempted to conduct themselves as soldiers so were also better disciplined then most volunteers. 

Of the 122 Greys 22 of them fought and died at the Alamo with their flag being the one raised over the fort. and reportedly on display in a Mexican museum. Some claim it was the 1824 flag which of course could be a possibility, but the only flag that I know of in existence is the Greys flag. The Greys also took part in the Siege of Bexar, Goliad campaign, and San Jacinto.

The New Orleans Grey flag in Mexico City which was once a light blue has faded to cream white.

When painting the figures I wanted to have a campaign look while still looking like they were part of the same unit so I went with a darker blue grey as standard uniform and then added a couple different shades of grey into the mix to show different dyes and the effects weather can have in changing the base fabric color. I also added some tan and brown pants as replacements or civilian clothes in leu of unissued trousers. Anytime I can find an excuse to mix and match I tend to take advantage of that as I like variety in a unit.

The figures are from Boot Hill miniatures are so packed with character one can't help smiling as you paint them. Just fantastic sculpting and a real joy to paint I must say!  The colors I used were Foundry paints and a small selection of Vallejo. 

I plan on doing some more units for the project as I just need to make a few more and I could have a small game and I really just enjoy doing the figures.

That's 20 x 28mm figures for 100pts.

Thanks for viewing!

Miniature Company-Boot Hill Miniatures

Fine work on these figures Christopher.  This is a historical conflict that I know very little about, and I really enjoyed the unit history. 

You've really managed to make it a cohesive unit while having aviation in poses and colouration.  Also really fine base work on view here.

From ChristopherS -28mm Settlers Defending (45pts.)

My first post of  the challenge is some skirmishing settlers for my French and Indian War collection which has continued to grow over the years, but has yet to see the battlefield which I plan to rectify this year. I suppose the delay has been I wanted to have the right amount before hitting the table ad hoc.

I think ever since I'd seen Last Of the Mohicans(1992) those many moons ago I was hooked with the period . The absolutely fascinating mix of Frontiersmen, regular infantry, Indians, settlers, militia creates a dynamic that gives many different opportunities of gaming from formal battles to bitter skirmishing all in different weather conditions and challenging terrain to navigate like spots of open fields mixed in with dense woods for example.

As for figures one is pretty spoiled for choice as most mainline producers carry a range of figures with some companies dedicated to the period itself. As for myself I went with Galloping Major and Redoubt miniatures as I find both quite painter friendly and packing tons of character.

The paints I used were my go to Foundry range which is my preference for anything Horse and Musket and earlier as I like the strong bold colors they produce. I also use some Vallejo paints which are great as well. The stones and such get a dusting of Mig pigments for some weathering.

I also painted up a preacher to help keep the spirits of the fighting men up and is a useful support option when playing Sharp Practice. I noticed I was short a supporting non commissioned officer for my French Compagnies Franches de la Marine so painted one of those up as well.

So that's 7 settlers, 1 preacher and 1 French Marine all 28mm should give me 45 points.

Thanks for viewing!

Miniature Company- Galloping Major, Redoubt Miniature

Great to see you back at the Challenge Christopher. Lovely work on these FIW figures.  There are some really nice shading effects and great basing.  I have to say that I also really like the cabins in the background, what is the source?