54mm AWI Loyalist Cavalry - Tarleton's Legion

 Good Day Grognards and Young Guard!

Last year I was delighted to find a range of 54mm AWI models that exhibited a high level of detail.  In my humble opinion, they are second to none.  The company is LOD Enterprises.  A hair larger than the Armies in Plastic and BMC/ Americana models that dominate my collection, it is not significant enough to keep from using them.  They match well against the size of the AIP Cavalry already in my collection.

I can't wait to get these models on the table.  There was a small issue with my purchase.  One of the mounted troopers was missing a sword scabbard, so the guys at LOD made it right and sent me an entirely new model to fill my ranks!  Shame GW doesn't give customer service like that any more!

I promised I'd send LOD some pics of the finished troops on the wargame table, but due to my game being derailed by snow at SOA 2022 in January, they have yet to get to the table for gaming.  I will make good on my promise to the good folks at LOD!

In the meantime, here are some pics of the troops I staged.  As you can see, they are based on Tarleton's Legion. They are Loyalist troops raised in the colonies to fight for the crown!

PAINTED MODELS SCORECARD:

2021 Painted Models: 169

2022 Painted Models: 10

(I promise, there are many more to come!)

Until next time, keep your powder dry and your saber sharpened!  CHARGE and GAME ON!!!!

Terrain on a Budget 2

 Welcome back Fellow Grognards and Young Guard!

Today's post will be a quick one, showing off a little gem I found on the shelves of a Dollar Tree last year.  Only this year, working up to my 54mm AWI game for Siege of Augusta, was I able to finish this project (literally the night before the convention started in my hotel room).

If you haven't been in a Dollar Tree, you should honestly stop in from time to time. I have stumbled across items that can be repurposed for wargaming.  Often around Christmas or Halloween, the have items that make good wargaming terrain with a little TLC.

This time, I spotted a bag of 54mm Cowboys and Indians. It came with a wagon and a horse, some cowboys and some Indians as well as a campfire and a cooking pot and hanger.

Having hot glued the campfire and the post legs to some thick cardboard, I then base coated the assembly. A short time later, after some quick paint work, I flocked the base and....TA DAA!  Campfire for my AWI camps.

PAINTING SCOREBOARD:

2021 Painted Models: 169

2022 Pained Models:  4

Until Next Time...Keep the campfires burning...and GAME ON!

Wasteland Warriors - Thundarr the Barbarian

Greetings Fellow Grognards and Young Guard!

As promised, it's time to get some blogs posted on what's been keeping me busy on the wargaming front.  I thought I'd start out with a little something different.  Having been on the painting warpath, trying to get my 54mm AWI ready for Siege of Augusta became a long and arduous task, rather than a labor of love.

After having to have left Siege early due to a pending freakish snowstorm in the South, I ended up not putting on the game after all of that work.  Before pressing on into more regiments, I was able to make some purchases and find some old friends from 80's Saturday Morning Cartoons.

Crooked Dice Miniatures in the UK puts out some amazing (and costly) models for their 7TV games.  For those not familiar, 7TV is a game with flow and mechanics based in a typical TV show or movie from the 70's and 80's.  With models ranging from Knight Rider, Battlestar Galactica, V - The Final Battle, Omega Man, Road Warrior, Planet of the Apes, James Bond, Austin Powers and such, you can relive all of your favorite movies and shows on the table top.

I was stunned to find two models, in their Atomic Age Savages range, that hold a special place in my 80's heart.  It was none other than the Sunsword wielding hero, Thundarr the Barbarian and his companion, Ookla the Mok.  But, sadly, there was no stunning Princess Ariel!  After contacting Crooked Dice about the errors of their ways to no avail, I figured my only hope was to find an alternate model or get lucky and hope some like minded wargamer had designed a 3D print of the Princess/ Sorceress.

Having searched high low on the 3D print market, I was able find a princess (other than some 'unique' versions of the Disney princess of the same name), I set my sights on find a manufactured model that fit the bill.  One of my recent tricks has been to recycle Heroclix figures for use in other games.  There are many models in their ranges that work in other wargames.  Just cut them carefully off their clix base, glue them to a new base, touch them up or paint them as you wish and off you go!

In this case I found too models that seemed to fit the bill.  One was Vertigo; having her hands forward almost as shown on the DVD cover above.  The second was Donna Troy, who had her hands above her head yielding some type of force power.  After rebasing the models, using internet and the cover images of Princess Ariel, I repainted the minis in her likeness.  I don't think I did half bad!   You can decide.

Below is the fruit of my labor!  I will be using them in upcoming games of 'Wasteland Warriors' Fistful of Lead by Wiley Games.   I'll be sure to share the AAR report.

So until next time...Ookla, Ariel.....RIDE!!!!!

And GAME ON!

PAINTING SCORECARD:

2021 Painted Models: 169

2022 Painted Models:  3

What's New in 2022?

Greetings fellow Grognards!!!

It has been quite some time since my last blog.  Life has been busy and there have been some ups and downs for sure.  

Now things are starting to normalize, so I thought I'd take some time to drop a line and talk about what's to come in 2022!

I have been busy for sure and found some time for the hobby.  I hope to post some on Siege of Augusta 2022 as well as Giga Historical Day; both excellent events.  Also, I have found a great skirmish level game that is miniature agnostic and covers many genres; Wiley Games, Fistful of Lead rules.  I have added Jaye Wiley's blog, 'Baron's Blog', as well as Wiley Games links to my blog.  Highly recommend you check them out!

This year we will have some product reviews. I have expanded into the neoprene and vinyl battle mat realms.

I've also come to the realization that I will always have far to many minis than I can ever hope to paint in a year or a lifetime, so I've decided to keep the number on hand 'CLASSIFIED' to lift my spirits (or hide my shame) and report only the positive accomplishments for the year and attempt to out-do my 2021 totals.   Surprisingly, I have many to add already this year.

This year there will be a wide variety of minis shown.  I've made great strides on my 54mm AWI, completing regiments of French Infantry and Artillery as well as Loyalist Infantry and Cavalry!   Thrown in for good measure, I've added another British Artillery team and a campfire set to add to my encampment.

I have not given up on the Dragon Rampant projects.  They are primed and ready to paint, with fresh troops arriving daily.  Orks and Dark Elves will be up first.

As my investments in Wiley Games continues, the model variety grows.  These games allow me to pick up a bunch of new shiny models, that I would not have grabbed before.  Star Wars Legion scale models, for example, have been on my current work list.  This has also allowed me to dabble in 3D printed purchases and come dangerously close to purchasing my own 3D printer!

So much in the works...so much to catch up with on this blog!  I promise to get some more project pics posted this weekend.

Well, until next post Grognards and Young Guard, keep your powder dry, your bayonet sharpened and your eyes on the treeline!  2022 is going to be a great year on 'Of Dice and Army Men'!

GAME ON!

54mm AWI Continental Light Dragoons

 Greetings Grognards and welcome to another installation of 'Of Dice and Army Men'!

It has been some time since my last post, so I do apologize.  Much to do on the home front these days, but finally had a chance to make good on my original promise of getting those 54mm AWI Continental Light Dragoons painted and ready for the table.

So, without further delay, I'll get stuck in....

All of the models (6 for this unit, however 5 come to each AiP box set) again are from the Armies in Plastic line of 54mm soldiers.  Being made of soft plastic, they do present some challenges.  Just as with my British Light Dragoons; sabers, pistols and rifles were going to present an issue for paint adhering even if made specifically for plastic.

All figures were first washed with warm soapy water and left to air dry.  This was to remove oil and mold release agents.  First, using a modeling knife (carefully...) I trimmed away the portions of the tricorne hats to give them more of the dragoon helmet look.  Refer back to my article on the 54mm AWI British Light Dragoons for full details. Once again some pipe cleaner cuttings were used to make the whispy horse hair trails/ tassles/ 'thingees'...(with the later probably being the more technical term).

The sabers, pistol and rifle were all given a good old coating of mod podge.  This would help allow them to flex but still hold paint.  Next was a good old base coat in gray with the Rustoleum plastic primer.

After drying, I selected the first victim, er...volunteer from the squad to be my test paint.  I like to select one model to test out the paint scheme before I go crazy over the rest of the troops, only to hate it and then have to start all over again.  Always good to avoid that nonsense whenever possible.

I started with the officer of the troop and went for the look of the American 3rd Light Continental Dragoons.  Their jackets would be white with blue trim.  The bugler would be a reverse of this color pattern.  I painted the officer all of the way through and once done, went back over the blue with a more royal blue.  I am very pleased with the outcome.

Next was the bugler.  Painting him all the way through, I was glad I had gone with the more royal blue as it really popped for this jacket, making him standout and it looked more historically correct.  

After that I powered through the remainder of the troops.  The next day, I was able to gently brush on stain to get the detail wash.  The temperature around here was changing to colder weather, so they had to dry two days in the garage before hitting them with a good old matte coat of spray to knock down the shine.

Overall, I really like these guys and can't wait to get them on the table.  I'm thinking about taking them to Siege of Augusta in January 2022 (check the link on my blog webpage view) for some Rebels and Patriots games.  Also, may run them with a modified Firepower rules from Perry Miniatures.  I like the spectacle of the large figures at a convention.  I run 54mm Civil War as well and may drag them along, but that's another story...

Hope you enjoyed the latest, so that checks off another army from my list.  Updated scorecard below.  Not quite getting to all of the goals so far, as the pile of unpainted has grown..no multiplied exponentially is more like it.  Somehow I found myself going back to old school 3rd Edition Warhammer 40k.  There is now a Chaos Night Lords army on the table, built and waiting to be primed.  All figures were ebay rescues.   So now the big question is do I finish the Night Lords or move back to finish up the elves I have rescued for Dragon Rampant?  We'll just have to see.  So until next time...

Keep your saber sharp, your powder dry and your pistol at the ready.   GAME ON!!!

Next...hmmm...let me know what you would like to see next...Elves or Night Lords?

2021 Painted Miniatures Scorecard

Unpainted:  Classified

Painted:  169

Dragon Rampant AAR - Frost Giants vs. Western Men

 Greetings Fellow Grognards!

Once again, welcome and thanks for checking back!  It has been quite some time since getting some posts, so I'm catching up a bit.  Today I'm loading for your review some details around a Dragon Rampant battle my daughter and I had a month back. 

The forces involved consisted of the "newly" painted Frost Giant Warband (30 pts.) and my Western Men Warband (29 pts.) consisting of my GW Empire soldiers.  Game was played on a 4'x4' section of my gaming table.

Back Story:

Having caught wind of the great treasures to the north, in the mountain kingdom of the Frost Giants, Captain Fritzinger marshalled his troops and headed out on the road to riches!

Ever watchful, the Frost Giants were alerted by their woodland creatures to the approaching Men of the West.  Frost King Jarren called his bodyguards and his beautiful yet sorceress wife, Queen Elmir to his side.  They would be ready to defend the sacred tombs of the Frost Giant Kings of Old.  With a blow of his great horn, the Winter Wolves were called to join them.

For those not familiar, Dragon Rampant is generally fought with units of loosely grouped troops.  Some special rules do require troops to rank up.  For this battle, the Frost Giant King of Old's Tomb was placed in the center.  The Frost Giant Cave is on the north side and general trees, rocks and hills were placed around to simulate the mountainous area.  Turn limit was not set, so this was going to be knock down drag out event to get some game turns under our belt.  In Dragon Rampant, not every unit will move ever turn.  Unit activation is required, so sometimes large portions of the forces would sit still, but the odds are in your favor for this not to happen, unless you just roll as poorly as I did most of the game!

I'll let the pics speak mostly for themselves and give you some flavor for the flow of the game.

Queen Elmir heads for the high ground to oversee the field of battle and ready her spells.  The Winter Wolves and King Jarren head for the Tomb, while his trusty bodyguard takes care of business behind the cave.

The brave Pistoliers rush forward to flank the Frost Giant Army...

...while the Spearmen and Crossbowmen advance and anchor their positions on a rocky outcropping.  Needless to say, the Knights weren't ready to advance and held up Captain Fritzinger and the Greatswords over some discussion of who was getting the larger cut of the treasure.

The King, Queen, Bodyguard, and Winter Wolves move now towards the Pistoliers...

...hungry like a wolf...or pack of wolves...

The stage is set for the first clash...

CHARGE!!!

RUN!!!!

Having killed a wolf, but taken wounds themselves, the Pistoliers trotted off...

Not full yet, the Winter Wolves decided to take on the Spearmen, who had gone to Shield Wall.

The pups were set fleeing!!! and the Spearmen advanced.  The Pistoliers had continued their exit and went to the sidelines...The right flank of the Western Men finally began to advance behind the Knights who apparently won their earlier 'discussion'.

The wolves scampered off while Frost Giant King Jarren and his Bodyguard advanced to do battle with the Western Knights!

Handgunners take up position on the hill...

The Queen's sorcery sees off the Spearmen as she cast frost bolts upon them...

Having dealt the King a blow and rallying from combat, the Knights again prepare to charge, when the King's Bodyguard steps forward to defend his King!

The Spearmen rally...but their joy is short lived...

The Queen watches the coming fight...

The King and the Bodyguard are hard pressed by the remaining Knights and Fritzinger and the Greatswords, taking wounds...the Bodyguard buys time for his King!

Queen Elmir works her healing magic and energizes the Bodyguard and her King over successive turns, healing some of their wounds, but would it be enough?

The Bodyguard, protecting his King, while the Queen worked her healing magic, saw off the remaining Knights, leaving their broken bodies about.  The Captain Fritzinger's blood was up and the Greatswords continued to press home the fight!

...while the Handgunners came off their perch and advanced, seeing an opportunity to fire on the King!

The Crossbowmen advanced and let loose upon the Bodyguard...

...having taken some crossbow bolts, the Bodyguard pressed his attack...

...while the Queen, who had been wounded herself, watches the battle for her opportunity...

The Crossbowmen, having lost the fight, turn and flee to be run down and cut down to a man...

the Bodyguard, having been healed by the Queen numerous time, was victorious!

...Captain Fritzinger and the Greatswords, passing over the broken bodies of the Knights were caught between the Bodyguards...

...as the King watches the slaughter of his enemies commence!

...the Handgunners, with thoughts of riches, stepped forward to even the score with the Frost Queen...

...but King Jarren would not let this happen...

King Jarren charges into the Handgunners and the carnage begins...

...as the final Western invaders as cut down as the Queen watches...

Well there you have it...the first Dragon Rampant AAR.  It was a glorious battle and my daughter's first on the table top!  Without saying, the Young Guard crushed the Old Guard!  This game would have been over with my loss a long time ago, but we wanted to play.  Don't discount the Queen.  She healed up here warriors and trashed some troops herself.  Although the model count on both sides greatly differed, the toughness of the troops balanced it out.  As you will note dice by the giants...these represented the number of wounds they had remaining.  The King, and each of his Bodyguards had 6 wounds a piece.  The Queen had 12 wounds, but a significantly lower armor value.  The flow of the game is quick and can turn at a moment.  Being model neutral is awesome as I used both Reaper and GW models for this battle.  Can't wait to square off against the Young Guard again!

So, as we say, until next time...GAME ON!!!

UP NEXT:  54mm Continental Light Dragoons (if they are in the box I think they are in...)