The North Tradgardland ski troops ( distinguishable from Norwegians by having skis of the same length unlike Norwegian ski troops whose skis are one long and one short) are organised into two units. One is armed only with rifles whilst the other has a sledge mounted light gun as well as rifles for personal use.
Here we see the sledge mounted gun being put through its paces on a recent training day. The gun is pulled by the men using ropes and leather straps. Extra gunpowder and shot is carried on another sledge not depicted in this illustration. In action the gun is loaded and fired by some of the unit whilst the others offer supporting fire with their rifles.
Competitions are held between different North Tradgardland villages to see which village team can haul the sledge gun the quickest and then fire it the most accurately at a target, often in the shape of a medium sized troll, painted on wooden boards.
The other ski troops compete in races over difficult distances involving skiing and rifle firing.
A nineteenth century painting depicting a medieval North Tradgardland warrior.
A nineteenth century painting depicting a medieval North Tradgardland warrior. 
I like both the gun and the illustration of former times
ReplyDeleteStephen
The illustration is by Kay Neilson, it is great l agree.
DeleteAlan Tradgardland
More great figures! Did you make the sledge gun/mount the gun on the sledge or was it bought as is?
ReplyDeleteChris/Nundanket
Thanks. The gun/ sledge is as bought, probably Napoleonic Russian maybe Bicorne Miniatures. It has been here for years and years so l forget its origins.
DeleteAlan Tradgardland
The practical side of me wonders about the technique for taking the sledge down an incline. A fine looking unit.
ReplyDeleteIt depends on the excellent training and skill of the North Tradgardlanders. Men acting as brakes are attached at the back for example . It admittedly is a slow process l believe.
DeleteAlan Tradgardland
My Kinder Egg Disney Frozen stone troll is wisely avoiding the woods of North Tradgardland when the artillery are practising - you can see this fine troll and some fine Nordicness in my Frozen blog post https://poundstoreplasticwarriors.wordpress.com/2023/02/05/pound-egg-princesses/
ReplyDeleteJust popping over now…
ReplyDeleteAlan Tradgardland
These really are great fun Alan!
ReplyDelete