“I believe that it’s called al fresco”

After an early frost the sun warmed the garden and my youngest daughter and I took the chance to tidy the patio and give it a spruce up. Later in the house I found a notebook with my musings from seven years ago. The plan was ( and still is) to use the patio for gaming ...

Maple Leaf Country: the battle rages on...

Click on the photos below for a battle report so far. I have added comments on the pictures...

I hope to report the outcome of the battle tomorrow.

Maple Leaf Country Battle, turn one and a quick question

 The initiative lay with the government forces who advanced towards White Cloud’s camp. The scouts met strong resistance from the enemy on the hill and were forced back after some hand to hand fighting. The Rifles engaged the enemy from the hilltop they had occupied but were driven back by heavy fire. Another rifle unit is locked into a melee beside the aforementioned hill. White Cloud’s men are advancing and holding the high ground and woods in spite of fierce opposition. White Cloud himself  intends to leave the camp and command in person.

Finally the question.

How do you work the labels thingy at the bottom of the blog posts? I would find it helpful to link posts. I can’t seem to get it to work.
P.s spent a lot of yesterday afternoon painting figures as the house needed quiet whist my eldest daughter had a three hour tutorial/lecture on Skype (or something similar) amazing what happens in the ether these days!

Albion’s neighbours - The Kingdom of Sweden

Across the sea to the East is the Kingdom of Sweden. Here are some Swedish troops in their 1906 test uniform-

Two infantry on manoeuvre in a built up area.

One of the  original concept drawings prepared at the time.

Eleven years ago I got an interesting book called “Report on Foreign Manoeuvres in 1912” which is filled with insights and comments on different armies as observed that year.

The above is the cover.It contains some fascinating glimpses of the time as evident in the pages below. Click on the photos to enlarge them for easier reading-

Note interesting section on the German civilian from the company who was the only one who could operate the equipment.

Fascinating comments on the role of cavalry,cyclists and an evaluation of the horsemanship of the officers.

Meanwhile in Maple Leaf Country...

Lying over the mountains in the  North West of Albion is Maple Leaf Country. It stretches from the Craggy Mountains to the island strewn shore by way of open country with cities big and small. Normally the local peoples and incomers rub along just fine together but there have  been problems just recently with the government.  Big Bob Ballantine ( leader of the notorious rent strikes movement) has gone to seek refuge with his friend White Cloud.

White Cloud offers Big Bob protection and all was fine for some time. However scouts have come back with information that a government force is making its way to arrest them both. Resistance is planned and plans prepared to stop the soldiers...

Meanwhile a government force commanded by Brigadier Timothy Horton- Starbuck consisting of  Rifle Volunteers, Naval Volunteers from the Grand Lakes, local scouts, Albion infantry and Guardsmen is on the way to make arrests. 

Here is the scene before the battle commences with initial troop dispositions-

Figures are both metal and plastic, vintage and modern . I intend to fight the battle using “The Tin Army” rules over the next day or so. Watch out for a battle report soon. Will the arrests take place or will the Brigadier meet his match?

Here’s what I have been up to between overthinking things and practical matters-

 Replacing arms on these figures and mending the gaping hole in the grenade thrower with a mix of glue and paper scrunched together prior to fitting a replacement head.

Making a replacement leg from a matchstick before adding a replacement head.

Chitting my potatoes,weeding and tidying the garden a little when it is warm enough. I feel it is important to have a number of projects on the go both indoors and outdoors. I therefore can flit from one to another in my hobby butterfly manner. Trying to finish /take forward things rather than buying more other than glue, paint etc.

Overpainting Swedes to Norwegians for the Portable Napoleonic Wargame

I really like the Swedes I bought from Jim Duncan. I admire his black  lined intricate style. Today I overpainted blocks of colour on some of the figures ( mainly coats, cuffs and plumes) to change them into 1808 Norwegians for a game set in the invasion of Norway during the Napoleonic Wars. They came out well and I still retain the charm of Jim’s figures.  The uniforms are not 100% accurate but give enough of an impression for me. I added some awi figures in to the mix as armed civilians/farmers.

I am working on some ski troops I have had for decades to army to the army.