From DaveB: Happy New Year! History with Compagnie Franches de la Marine (120 points)

  Epic holiday music

Greetings all! It is wonderful to be back in AHPC and it has been an eventful year. I received my 20 year letter which means my military service is set to expire in the next 18 months or Nov2024. No more deployments for the Old Man unless things get really bad. I have been ordered to not run anymore and I can only kick in two more doors....meniscus linings do not heal it turns out. On a side note, bicycle riding is a torturous exercise that derives grand amusement from my kids as I ride. They are all doing exceedingly well and are all living their own lives now and forcing me to travel all over Michigan to see them during holiday times.

I have scored many bits of hobby goodies (some in the picture below), but this post is all about my passion project of the French and Indian War, or the Seven Years War, or Queen Annes War, or as I like to say World War the prequel. When Europe erupted, all the colonies followed suit which did make it a global war with some places being more grand battles and others skirmishes. Since art school in the 1990s, I have been sketching and building notes on the forces involved in the North American Theater.

I have already painted several tribes and being native myself; Algonquin, Pottawatomie, Ottawa, and Iroquois have all been painted. At Adepticon, I received a parcel of Anglo troops to be ambushed in the American woods. Above is a very dapper Lieutenant of a Compagnie Franches de la Marine. I decided the Junior Officer( he does look a touch like the Snow Lord hence Lt Campbell) was an excellent choice to lead these fellows out as he does look very hirsute stylish in navy blue with the saber and scarlet sash. his fire-lock has been adorned in feathers from his native friends. He is wearing suitable forest attire in some leather gaiters to protect him from the briers and brambles. He has all kinds of equipment and knives on his belt and pouches as his theater of operations would be far ranging. Although French military, he is pure Canadian. The French Marines were organized into companies under a Captain and were made of local people with some being from France but most were settlers and residents of the colonies and were experienced woodsmen, trappers, and hunters. These men came from every European Nation. The officers were Canadian as they came from wealthy Canadian Families.  The French had a better handle on North America than the British. The French treated the first nations and colonists as equal partners especially in military operations. The French Marines punched well above their weight as they were primarily skirmishers and used the forests and terrain to their advantages, but were still drilled in line warfare and could form up with the French regulars in line formations. The French Marines were Canadian Milita and very good at what they did.

more on the desk including HH models freshly built

I used speed paints to block them in then worked Citadel and army painter acrylic paints to punch up the colors and highlights.

These are all warlord games metal models and did have some flash, but i really like the faces and animation on them

The gunsacks, leggings, gaiters, blanket coats and capotes.

They are milita and although they had some uniforms mostly they wore gear they would have been comfortable in and would help them, hoods are favored in the northern forests.

They have many styles of hats including the popular sleeve caps from recycled uniform coats. Anchors and company insignia would be sewn on them or brass plaques.

The officer cadre with the good captain flanked by his juniors being Mr Campbell and a Metis. 

I really liked the faces on these miniatures but the hands on them are like flattened sausages

So many wonderful poses and of the 20 troops I had no duplicate figures

I intend to use them in Black Powder, Muskets and Tomahawks, and Longrifles.

Silver bayonet is coming to North America and a few of these guys could find their way into those games as well.

just look at that magnificent ginger 'stashe

20 French Marines preparing to split of into fireteams

100 points plus 20 points for history!

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It's fab having you back with us in the Challenge, Dave. Welcome!

It's great to hear that you and your family are all doing well and that you're adjusting the best you can to Civvy Street. I always enjoy your entries that have a connection to your Indigenous heritage. These French Canadians look terrific (especially that officer with the impressive whiskers), and seem more than ready to school their Anglo adversaries in the fine art of woodland warfare. More please! :)

Well done and a Happy New Year!

- Curt

From PeterD - The Battle Santiago For Overdues and Returns (58 points)

WARNING:  This post is 25 years in the making, has lots of naval and personal history and I am too verbose at the best of times.  

In February 1998 I relocated from Halifax NS to Regina SK.  I spent the first two months in a sublet apartment with almost no furniture until my wife and toddler daughter joined me in April.  At loose ends with my evenings and weekends I bought an Xacto knife, sandpaper and some bass wood and started carving Pre-Dreadnought battleships for the Spanish American war.   I got some work done and then my family arrived, we moved into a new house and you know the rest....

In early 2011, I set up a blog and my second post featured my 1:1200 scratch built ships from this project which I had begun working with again.  Venturing onto the internet allowed me to meet gamers who lived within 2km of me, and my fleets made it on table in 2012.   I am not sure what happened but I'll ascribe it to real life.

In September, 2023 I went to Philly for Society of Actuaries exam meeting.  During some time off I went to visit USS Olympia, Admiral Dewey's flagship from Manilla Bay.  This time I think the bug took up permanent residence.  Fleets were ordered in 1:2400 scale from Tumbling Dice as I no longer have the patience for scratch building.  And my veterans came out for another test game.

OK, initial blather over, let's move on to the models.  Fast service from Tumbling Dice meant that I these arrived and were assembled and primed in time to get initial paint on during my wife's book club in November and then December hit and they sat.  So yes full disclosure, these were started prior to the Challenge but Curt tell's me that Overdues and Returns allows for that.  So I represent the full fleets from there battle of Santiago 1898.

First up is the US Navy with USS Texas, USS New York and USS Brooklyn leading the way.  I will note that the US Navy painted all of their ships grey for the war, but I've represented them in their much spiffier white and ochre peace time livery.

• Texas was built as a second class battleship to counter South American navies.  She was the first major warship built in the US for many year and construction was delayed as industry tooled up.  Therefore while her design was au courant when ordered in 1886 it was passe on completion in 1895 such was the speed of naval development.  She was considered slow and underarmed but gave a good fight at Santiago.
• No such worries with the Armoured Cruisers New York (ACR2 completed in 1893) or Brooklyn (ACR2 completed in 1896) which had a good balance of speed, protection and firepower. 
• New York was the flagship of Admiral Sampson in 1898.  She almost missed the battle at Santiago, as she was taking Sampson off to see his Army equivalent the ex CSA General Wheeler and only arrived at the very tail end.  She had a long service with two name changes to free up names for new construction and was finally decommissioned in 1932 in Cavity, where she was scuttled in 1941.
• Brooklyn had her turrets in a schwacky French-style lozenge arrangnement and was the flagship of Commodore Schley in 1898.  Schley had his moments during the war but was senior officer when Spanish came out to fight.  He narrowly avoided ramming the Texas, but sank the entire Spanish squadron with Brooklyn doing much of the heavy lifting.  There was a bun fight between Sampson and Schley after the war over who did what,

/

Next up three American Battlewagons, USS Indiana (BB1), USS Oregon (BB3) and USS Iowa (BB4).

• Indiana was lead ship of her three ship class, the others being Oregon and Massachusetts (which was off coaling and missed the battle).  They were designed for coastal defence and thus smaller than contemporary European designs and had low freeboard.  But they were well armoured and packed a punch with 4*13" main guns, 8*8" intermediates plus light guns.  They were overarmed and there was a lot of blast interference between the 13" and 8" guns. 
• Oregon was the most famous member of the trio.  Built in California she relocated 14,000 nautical miles around Cape Horn to the Caribbean in 66 days.  This level of efficiency probably scared the pants off of European navies, while the length of the voyage lead to the building of a canal by a certain Roosevelt.  She chased the Colon for over an hour until the Spanish ran out of decent coal. 

Last of the American are some light ships.

• USS Vixen and USS Gloucester were armed yachts, taken over by the navy, stripped of their finery and armed with light quick firers.  Gloucester was formerly owned by J P Morgan.  They were useless against big ships but shot up the Spanish destroyers.  While most of the Tumbling Dice models are really nice, I am not a huge fan of these casts as they don't yachty enough.  I may try to fine substitutes.
• The USN didn't build destroyers until the 20th Century but employed torpedo boats during the war.  USS Ericsson was part of the Santiago blockade but went off with Sampson to meet the army.  The rules I plan to use (Long Face Games Broadside and Salvo), represent torpedo craft in flottillas instead of individual ships so I've grouped them two per base.

Now over to the Armada Espanol (yes that it still the official name).

First up are the three armoured cruisers of the Infanta Maria Teresa class, all of which were sunk at Santiago.  These were standard armoured cruisers if slightly under armoured and influenced by the Royal Navy's Orlando class..  The biggest problem was the hopeless state of efficiency in the Armada.  

• The Infanta Maria Teresaflies the flag of Admiral Cervera who commanded the squadron.  She was named for a Spanish Princess who was the first wife of Louis XIV and thus green grandmother of Louis XV.
• The Almirante Oquendo was named for the Admiral who lost the battle of the Downs in 1639.   Other Oquendos had prominent roles in the 1588 Armada.  If your Spanish (or Scottish) you celebrate valiant losers.
• The Vizcaya was named for the Biscay region.  She had the misfortune to visit New York on a friendly tour just after the destruction of the Maine and without knowing what happened.  She was slowed considerably by a dirty bottom in need of a scrub (this brings back memories of saving with my dad).

• Cristobal Colon was a member of the Italian Garibaldi class cruisers, and was named for some guy who figured he found China.  Half sisters served in the Italian, Argentine and Japanese navies.  They were fine ships but Colon sailed without her 10" main guns due to a bun fight with the makers.   She nearly escaped at Santiago but her supplies of good coal ran out and she couldn't maintain a decent speed.
• Reina Mercedes was on station at Santiago when Server arrived from the Canaries.  Named for the first wife of King Alfonso XIII (she died six month after their wedding), she was old slow and not much use at anything.   Too slow to join Cervera's planned escape she did trade shots with the US Navy during the siege and was eventually sunk as a block ship in the harbour entrance. 

• While most of the Armada was old and cranky, they had some shiny new destroyers ordered from the UK.   Cervera sailed from Europe with three destroyers, of which the Furor and Pluton were sunk at Santiago.  Terror and engine troubles in transit and ended up in Puerto Rico where she traded shots with American blockaders.
• I can't find any records of Spanish torpedo boats in combat in 1898, but they had quite a few and there's always what ifs.

Blather over and a project well under way after 25 years.   I'll have ships from the Pacific side of operations later in the Challenge.  

Points wise I make it 19 ships in 1:2400 at 2 points per hull is 38 points plus a 20 point room bonus for Overdues and Returns.

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Excellent work and interesting history Peter, but better yet a wonderful bit of personal lore on your first efforts as well.

These look terrific and I very much look forward to seeing them on the tabletop. While these little models certainly look the business, I do appreciate the clear labelling and sturdy basing. I will do my best not to break off any funnels or masts in our next game, which would be a better fate than my poor Griffin and Flagellants, (ahem) I'll say no more. ;P

Well done!

- Curt

From DaveS - Exploring the Congo - 70pts

 So, it's my first entry into the challenge this year.  I have set myself a very modest target this time, and my goal is to try and use the Challenge and the library to work my way through the "Pile of Potential" (or cupboard full of shame depending on whether the wife is listening)  To this end, I have decided that I will be trying very hard not to buy new models for this challenge.

The fates have already conspired to make the Challenge as hard as possible for me.  Whilst I was basecoating a pile of Battlemechs in grey, I noticed that the Airbrush trigger had gone weird.  Closer examination revealed that the bottom of the lever mechanism had broken off, rendering the brush inoperable until I can replace it.

So, faced with having to change plans very early, I reached into the drawers of potential, and came across the models of Lady Isobel Poppington's expedition.  I bought these for Congo by Studio Tomahawk a long time ago (Years........), and when I looked at the quality of the casting, I simply lost heart, and they got put in the drawer.  But since I am supposed to be reducing the pile of shame, I got them out and got going.

First up, I tackled the Bowmen (women?).  These were probably the cleanest of any of the casts, and were also really easy to paint, simply using citadel contrasts.  They aren't the best models that I have ever done, and the photos show up a LOT of issues, but at gaming ranges they look good enough.

Next were the two Bearers.  These models are again painted really simply with contrast paints.  Again, I am happy with the way they look for "tabletop use"

And finally, we have some Askaris.  These were also painted with contrasts in the same way as the others, and again I am happy with the results.

One consequence of finding these mixed in with a load of other "potential" in a drawer was that I managed to miss a number of the models in my first gathering.  What this means is that I have another Bowman, and Another Askari to paint for these units, as well as the rest of the expedition.

So this should count as 10x28mm models for 50 points, and I am also going to claim the overdue and returns bonus from the library since they should have been painted several years ago, making a grand total of 70 points to start me on my way.

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Welcome back Dave!

While you may be a little uninspired by these models, I think they look excellent. I really like the contrasting yellow and the bases fit the theme perfectly. If I may ask, what Contrast colour did you use for their flesh? The results look great. 

Well done and Happy New Year!

- Curt

From BenitoV: First entry, New Acquisitions and Happy New Year (40 points)

Today I officially start the Painting Challenge this year, overrunning my planned schedule due to a busier festivities calendar than anticipated.

My opening contribution is this small but attractive little vehicle "Luchs" or "Lynx", used by the Wermacht during the Second World War.

This AFV was an evolution of the early war's Panzer II and was officially named as Panzerkampfwagen II Ausf L. The Lynx saw service until mid-1943 in the recon units of the German divisions, but had a limited production (around 100 units in total according to Wikipedia).

Mine is a 28mm resin 3D printed model from Eskice miniatures with a nice level of detail. Painted in sand yellow with a faded and worn 2-color cammo scheme, it will see action mainly in my future Normandy 44 theater games.

This is a (relatively?) new acquired (and printed) model (early November) that I reserved specifically for the Challenge, where I'm planning to submit a series of WW2 recon vehicles over the next weeks. I'm going to count it for the "New Acquisitions" section of the Library (should Curt agree on this).

Therefore my initial scoring will 40 points: 20 points for a 28mm vehicle plus 20 points "New Acquisitions" bonus.

I take this opportunity to wish all fellow Challengers, their relatives and friends a great 2024, and kkep those dice rolling! 

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It's wonderful to see you back, Benito! 

This Luchs is a great little model and you've done a very nice job with it (some of the newer 3D prints for vehicles are first rate). I like your addition of the aerial and decals to properly finish it off. Great work and a Happy New Year to you and yours!

- Curt

  

From MattW - Front Desk New Acquisition Statue (30 points)

Front Desk - New Acquisition 

First cab off the rank for this year is a Reaper terrain piece I picked up last week while purchasing some paints. This will join my skirmish fantasy collection. 

Points 

mounted figure 10 points 

New Acquisitions location 20 points 

Total 30 points 

Cheers

Matt

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Welcome back Matt!

This is an excellent use of a heroic mounted figure - she makes a terrific bit of statuary.

Well done!

- Curt

From Rhunt - A mixture of models (20 pts)

This is my second entry to the Challenge. I painted four different things this time. Some fantasy and some sci/fi. 

First up is the commander for my High Elves.

Very fancy model. I wanted him to stand out with gold.

I tried some dry brushing on the shield to bring out the designs. I think I need more practice but I liked it.

The next entry is another space marine. I love Ultra Marines so this is one of them.

The next thing is a fantasy fighter. He's a Bones model that Dad gave me.

The last model is a Chewbacca from Imperial Assault. He's not the right size or base for Legion but I still wanted to get him painted.

Those four models are my work for the last few days. I'll have more soon.

Score:

4 28-32mm models = 20pts

Total = 20 pts

Happy New Year!

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Great work Rhys! I really like your wonderfully ornate High Elf commander and dour Ultramarine and, really, who doesn't love a Wookie?  Keep them coming!

Best wishes for the New Year!

- Curt

From TomL: Mounted Egyptian command, History (50 points)

 

These are Perry Miniatures British commanders of the Egyptian army (Hicks Pasha, Baker Pasha & Slatin Pasha). They are the last remnants of my abandoned British Sudan project. These were assembled and primed but never painted and garnered no interest when I sold off the painted and NIB portion of the forces.  Perhaps they will find a new home once painted…

Painted mostly with Foundry paints. Horses were based with colored primer and stained with oil paint as per a helpful guide from the Yarkshire Gamer I saw long ago (Thanks Ken).

Hicks Pasha & Baker Pasha

 

Slatin Pasha

 

3 x 28mm mounted miniatures = 30 points

History = 20 points 

For a total of 50 Points.

 

I will be away from my painting desk for a week, so I will see you all again in the new year. Hope it is a healthy and happy new year for all. 

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Great looking Egyptian commanders, Tom! Ken's recipe has done you good service as your horses look excellent. I also like the arid groundwork - very in-theme. Well done!

- Curt