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.

Heading home...

https://manoftinblog.wordpress.com/2020/03/08/celebrating-international-womens-day-2020-but-sadly-im-not-taking-the-girl-scouts-to-woking-games-day-next-weekend/

Now we are sixty and a day.

I had a most enjoyable birthday. The girls took me to Scotts restaurant in South Queensferry for lunch which was an excellent meal followed by coffee/cake in the Manna House Bakery. I was also able to use my free bus travel card and senior citizen railcard  to get there for the first time. People were kind in the gifts given-

 I am interested in the Arts and Crafts movement and am delighted with this metal work letter stand made in Glasgow http://www.victorianweb.org/art/design/glasgow/gilmour.html

I also got some reading. The atlas is a huge book , incredibly heavy and packed with fascinating detail.

Family came round for a meal later in in the evening which the girls prepared beautifully . A great end to a great day. The last word is for Jan who would have been 58 today. It was such fun when we met to have birthdays the day after each other. She will be much in our thoughts today.

Now we are sixty...

6/3/20