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Showing posts with label Plastic Miniatures. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Plastic Miniatures. Show all posts

Friday, January 3, 2014

The 33rd Virginia Volunteer Infantry Regiment Emerald Guard



Hi Team
Today I'm posting about a Confederate Regiment, the 33rd Virginia Volunteer Infantry Regiment.
The regiment earned immortality at 1st Bull Run but I'm depicting them as they would have appeared at or after Gettysburg in 1863.
 ABOVE and BELOW: The 33rd advancing under fire.

As usual, they are based on 40mm square MDF with 'Golden Gel Medium' flocking paste (Coarse Pumice) which was coloured with 'Jo Sonjas' Burnt Sienna . The base was then dry brushed with Citadel 'Karak Stone' and finished with MiniNature grass tuffs and Army Painter Battlefield Grass.

The miniatures are mostly PERRY MINIATURES Plastics 'Confederate Infantry' but there are also a few PERRY, OLD GLORY 2nd EDITION and SASH AND SABER metals in there.
Flags are from FLAGS OF WAR.
I have based these chaps for playing LONGSTREET but they could easily work for BLACK POWDER or other rules.

As usual I obtained the following information from Wikipedia and checked it against my resources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/33rd_Virginia_Infantry


33rd Virginia

The regiment was organized and mustered into service soon after the secession of Virginia on 17 April 1861. It was formed of ten companies, which included men from Hampshire, Shenandoah, Frederick, Hardy, Page, and Rockingham counties. Two of these counties, Hampshire and Hardy, seceded in 1863 from the state of Virginia, forming part of the northeastern Panhandle of West Virginia.

The ten companies were:

1.A - Potomac Guards (Hampshire Co.)

2.B - Toms Brook Guard (Shenandoah Co.)

3.C - Tenth Legion Minute Men/Shenandoah Riflemen (Shenandoah Co.)

4.D - Mountain Rangers (Winchester, Frederick Co.)

5.E - Emerald Guard (Shenandoah Co.)

6.F - Independent Greys/Hardy Greys (Hardy Co.)

7.G - Mount Jackson Rifles (Shenandoah Co.)

8.H - Page Grays (Page Co.)

9.I - Rockingham Confederates (Rockingham Co.)

10.J - Shenandoah Riflemen(Shenandoah Co.)

 Originally, the regiment was commanded by Col. Arthur C. Cummings, though it would change hands many times through the war. The 33rd, along with the 2nd, 4th, 5th, and 27th Virginia Regiments, formed the famous 'Stonewall Brigade' under the command of the legendary Stonewall Jackson. The average height of a soldier in the regiment was 5'8", and the average age was 25 years; these figures fluctuated greatly as the years progressed.
 ABOVE and BELOW: I've based the 33rd as a big 10 base unit. Confederate units tended to be larger than their Federal counterparts on the whole.

 ABOVE and BELOW: All ten bases in line.
 
Action at 1st Bull Run (1st Manassas)

When the Union and Confederate armies engaged near Manassas Junction, Virginia on 21 July 1861, General Jackson and his brigade earned the nickname "Stonewall" when, as they retreated to reform along Henry House Hill, Gen. Barnard Bee cried out to his ailing troops: "There stands Jackson like a stone wall. Rally behind the Virginians!" Eight of the ten companies in the 33rd were present.

At the height of the battle, it was Jackson's first brigade, and more specifically, the undersized regiment of Colonel Cummings that turned the tide of battle with a well-timed charge against an exposed artillery battery. The successful capture of the guns is thought to be largely because, due to the lack of formality in early war uniforms, Jackson's men were dressed in blue, just like their Federal counterparts. Though the 33rd Virginia succeeded in capturing the guns, the number of men that made the charge (only about 250) were unable to maintain possession and were forced to retreat. The charge had halted the steady advance of the Union Army up to that point, and precipitated further charges by Jackson's other regiments. By day's end, the actions of the 33rd led to the complete rout of the Union Army, and played a major role in immortalizing the brigade.

The cost of immortality for Cummings' regiment was high. Of the 450 men who were present at the battle, the 33rd would suffer 43 killed and 140 wounded

The 33rd Virginia remained in the Stonewall Brigade in Thomas J. Jackson's Second Corps until the restructuring of the Army of Northern Virginia after his death in the spring of 1863. It was then put under Richard Ewell's command until the spring of 1864, when it dissolved at the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House.


Action at GETTYSBURG

Arriving late in the evening of 1 July, the brigade to which the 33rd belonged spent much of the second day skirmishing on the far Confederate left. It would not be until the next day that the 33rd would see real fighting. At 3:00 a.m. on the morning of the 3rd, the regiment was aroused and marched off with the rest of the brigade towards the enemy position atop Culp's Hill. After daybreak, the regiment advanced in line of battle towards the enemy who was "strongly intrenched in a most advantageous position." The regiment advanced up the slopes of the hill advancing "in intervals" as the men took cover behind rocks and trees as they advanced. Although the regiment exhausted its ammunition within an hour or two, at least part of the 33rd remained engaged for almost five hours, as partial supplies were received upon the field. During this portion of the fighting, Captain Bedinger of the Emerald Guard was killed while advancing towards the enemy. Captain Golladay, in temporary command of the regiment after the battle would write that Bedinger's body had fallen perhaps the closest to the enemy's lines.

Sometime around noon, the regiment was withdrawn from the slopes, reorganized and replenished with ammunition. The regiment was then moved several hundred yards to the right, and another advance was made upon the enemy. The fighting was intense and lasted only a half-hour or so before the regiment was withdrawn again and marched to the rear for a short rest until mid-afternoon. Again, the regiment was aroused, reequipped and marched to a position farther to the right of the line. From this time until nightfall, the regiment was only engaged in skirmishing after which the day's survivors quietly retired. Upon the field were left many whom Golladay considered the "flower of the regiment." Twenty-three percent of the 236 men who fought at Gettysburg were killed, wounded, or missing.

On 3 July, the Stonewall Brigade lost one of its former commanders, Richard B. Garnett, who was killed during the infamous 'Pickett's Charge,' possibly due to an injured leg that cause him to ride a horse into the battle.

As Lee began his long retreat in the rain on 4 July and 5, five members of company E, some of whom had been wounded two days before, were captured at Waterloo and Chambersburg. By the time the 33rd had re-crossed the Potomac and moved into camp around Orange Court House, the regiment numbered only 90 men. With the death of George Bedinger and the only Lieutenant, Patrick Maxwell, absent sick, Captain D. B. Huffman of Co. G, 33rd Virginia Infantry assumed temporary responsibility for the shattered Emerald Guard. On 31 August 1863, the 33rd was again mustered to be paid.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Express Miniatures: A painting Service review

ABOVE:"HUZZAH"! Prussian Hussars to be sure, 2nd Silesian.
BELOW: The same Hussars, but from a different angle.
Hi Everyone
Recently I heard a new painting service was operating here in Australia, so always keen to support the local 'Wargaming' community I thought I should send some miniatures off to the new venture to be painted.
I came to know of EXPRESS MINIATURES via The Miniature Page (TMP). I sent Kurt a email and soon had five 12 figure Squadrons of Prussian 18mm AB Miniatures Prussian Cavalry on their way to him. I also sent of twenty BOLT ACTION 28mm World War Two Germans and twenty BOLT ACTION 28mm World War Two  US ARMY GIs to be assembled and painted. I also requested that they all be based and flocked so that essentially they were 'Ready to play' as soon as they arrived.
BELOW: Two Squadrons of Prussian Landwehr Cavalry, 1st Kurmark and 1st East Prussian
As a rule I rate Painting Services on four criteria. These being Painting (this includes assembly, basing and flocking if requested), Value For Money, Customer Service and Packaging.
So how did Express Miniature Fair?
PAINTING: The miniatures were well painted. Neat with subtle highlights and shading. I like my troops to have that 'On campaign' look about them, and Kurt asked me if I wanted my lads looking as if they were just off the parade ground or had been doing some hard marching.
I didn't need to provide uniform references, (which is very convenient). I was particularly please with the basing and flocking however I do like my base edges (I mean the very sides) to be clean and free from any marks. Some of the bases had brown marls on them, detracting from the otherwise 'neat' black edges.
Assembly of the 28mm plastic Bolt Action Germans and Americans was good. I won't say excellent as their were subtle issues to do with positioning of weapons and or hands that I as a professional soldier picked up on as 'odd'. I'm being highly critical it's fair to say.

ABOVE: Prussian Landwehr at ease. 1st Squadron, East Prussia

VALUE FOR MONEY: I would rate Kurt's painting somewhere between 'Collector' and 'Showcase' quality. For example he charges $6.00 for a mounted figure, ($6.50 for Hussars). Given the savings on not having to send the miniatures overseas the charges are pretty darn reasonable. All in all I'd suggest that Express Miniatures are reasonable to good value for money. Convenience is a big factor here as I live in Australia and posting miniatures overseas for painting can be expensive and stressful, (Will they arrive ok? Will they return ok?).

CUSTOMER SERVICE: Quite simply this was excellent. I was always kept informed in regards to progress, and provided photos to comment on. For example I was sent a photo of the BOLT ACTION GIs and I wasn't really happy with the colour of their trouser, (too dark). This was quickly addressed and a new photo was sent within 24 hours for my comment.
Kurt even returned the miniatures to me personally.
Consequently I cant comment on PACKAGING as like I said, they were hand delivered.

BELOW: 1st Squadron, Pomerania.
You can see more photos and get some commentary on how these miniatures were painted and based right from the horses mouth so to speak HERE 

BELOW: The BOLT ACTION 28mm Plastic Germans.

BELOW: The BOLT ACTION 28mm Plastic American GIs

In summary I would recommend EXPRESS MINIATURES to anyone who wants their miniatures painted to a high standard for a reasonable price.
Cheers
Trailape Out! 

Thursday, January 12, 2012

On The Work Bench: Too Much!


Hi Guys
Above: This is what a work bench looks like when you have too much on the go at the one time.
And this is only about a 3rd,..
What you can see here is VICTRIX French 1804-7, French 1812-15, PERRY Dutch Belgians for the 100 days (1815), VICTRIX and PERRY PLASTIC British for 1808-12, REDOUBT ENTERPRISE Trojan War Personalities and some FRONT RANK Personalities for my Inagi-Nation and my friend.
But I am making headway. Just starting to base my Romans and Successors. See below:
The Romans and successors are mainly Foundry Figures, with some OLD GLORY Phalangites added to the Successor's ranks. 

 Finally, I'm continuing with my friend Arnaud's Duke of Marlborough. The horse needs to be transformed into a Grey, and the whole set will be dipped. He's a nice FRONT RANK miniature.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Tatty Highlanders

 Hi All
I'm promised on the TMP I'd upload photos of the Highlanders that GUNNER DUNBAR painted for me a while back and I've finally got around to getting them uploaded.
They two units are the 42nd and 79th Highlanders, ('Black Watch' and 'Camarons'). The miniatures are a mixe of VICTRIX and PERRY plastics, with some VICTRIX metals, (the Mounted officers and the charging Pioneer).
For those who claim you can't or shouldn't mix the Perry and Victrix figures, I think this shows they mix rather well. The Figures are based on 50mm x 40mm bases for LASALLE rules, (my perfered rules).
I'll add a few single mounted Characters also, and use them for SHARP PRACTICE.
The Skirmish bases are 45mm wide x 40mm deep with two figures indicating a Skirmish value of 2 (SK2).

 Danl (Gunner Dunbar) wanted to do these two units looking rather 'battered' after some tough campaigning and given they are destined for my Peninsular War British I thought it would be a good idea. Besides, when Danl has an 'idea' you know it's going to be good.
 As you can see these Lads have had a lot of modifications done and they really look 'Tatty'. Only the Officers and musicians look 'Regimental' with the rank and file looking rather 'worse for wear'.

 I just completed the basing and I hope I've done Danl's fine brush work and sculpting justice.


 BELOW: The 'Black Watch' from behind.

 BELOW: A VICTRIX metal mounted Colonel.
 BELOW: A Close up of the 42nd Skirmish base.
 BELOW: A close up of the 79th Skirmish base.

 BELOW: Hamish takes a ball to the chest: "OCH!!! Such is life,.."!
 BELOW: Captain Jimmy MacDoogla and Drummer Jock McPlop stagger under the Frenchie's skirmish fire: "Hoots Mon, but it's gettin hot"! 

 BELOW: The VICTRIX metal Pioneer seen charging!
BELOW: "The line will advance"!
The next Highlanders I'll get done, (hopefully by Danl again) will be for the 100 Days, so they will be more 'Regimental' in appearance. Gordons and hmmm,... not sure.
Please feel free to leave a comment.


Trailape Out!

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Johnny Reb! 28mm Perry Plastics


ABOVE: Ned Armpit, Confederate patriot!
Hi All
Just the first of my Rebs for TERRIBLE SHARP SWORD, (a Sharp Practice variant for the ACW).
The Miniatures are Perry Plastics, and painted using the 'Army Painter' method.

Cheers!

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

VICTRIX Peninsular British: 32nd Foot


(ABOVE) "Blimey Sir; steady on! The Frog's ain't goin no where,.." !
The Colour Party of the 32nd Regiment Of Foot. The Colours (flags) came with the PERRY Plastic British Box Set! Unfortunatly the Flags are for the 33RD FOOT!!! oooops. Oh well, I'll do the 33rd soon, so I'll just swap out the Ensigns.
Hi all!
Here is the second unit of VICTRIX 28mm plastics I've assembled and painted. This time it's the British 32nd Regiment of Foot. I tried a different method of painting this time, and am happier with the results. (See this entry on the 44th Foot I painted earlier).
DISCLAIMER! I freely admit I'm not a brilliant painter, so these are pretty much painted to what I consider a "Wargames standard". I don't do faces very well, so I don't bother trying.
As usual, I did use some parts from the PERRY Plastic box set, ( including Flags).
(Below: A close up of our "Enthusiatic Tommy". One of the advantages of plastic "kit" figs is the ease of "conversions" such as "Tommy" here).

(Above: The Brave 32nd advance on the equaly Brave Frenchmen)
I also used a differnt basing method. Again, better results I think.

Painting: I still undercoated the figures with a Matt Black spray, (available from any harware shop). I painted the coats with a base coat of Games Workshop Mechrite Red, then did a highlight of Vallejo AV Red and then a 2nd highlight using Vallejo AV Scarlet.
I also painted the soldier's pants as various shades of off white, pale greys' and the occassional browns.
Shakos and Packs I painted in a flat black, and then highlighted with a mix of flat black and "Flesh", (Dwarf Flesh by GW). You need to experiment a bit to get the right mix, but it does produce a very good "black highlight"
(Below: The Light Company)
BASING: This time I simply used some fine "gritty" sand I found in the gutter at work. Cost? Just some personal pride as i must haved looked like some lunatic derro as a gathered it up into an old plastic bag! Other than that; it was FREE!
I glued the figures to the VICTRIX bases using common PVA (woodwork) glue, and left to dry. A few hours later I covered the bases with the same PVA Glue and then dipped the entire base in the "gritty" sand. Again, I left to dry (overnight).
Next day I covered the base with a diluted dark brown ink wash, and (again) left to dry. I then Dry Brushed "Fawn / Light Brown" hobby Paint on the base, and then added dabs here and there of PVA Glue. I then sprinkled on the flocking grass and I was done!
Rather good result I think!
(Below: One last look at the 32nd Foot).
I based each member of the Regimental Colour party individualy on 20mm x 20mm bases. I also based the Flank Company soldiers (the Grenadiers and Lights) singularly.
As I intend to use the figures mainly for playing "SHARP PRACTICE", so I figured I'd need some single based figures.
The rest are all based 4 to a base, (40mm sqare).
Feel free to leave a comment!
Cheers.

Friday, August 14, 2009

The 44th Regt of Foot. Miniatures by VICTRIX


Above: The King's Colour and Regimental Colour of the 44th Regt of Foot.
Hi All
Well, I finally got around to painting some of the 500 plus VICTRIX British Peninsular miniatures I have sitting in boxes. I decided I'd have a crack at doing the 44th Regt of foot. Why the 44th? Simply because I hade their flag handy. The flags I used are actually one set of the flags that comes with the PERRY Plastic British, (the VICTRIX ones are a real tight fit on the staffs provided).
Anyway, not a bad first effort at Plastics. I did go a bit to far with the ink wash I think. I also need to touch up the trim on the Colours (flags), and paint in the Brass butt plates on the Brown Bess'.
I've based the bulk on 40mm square bases, with the flank coys soldiers on individual 20mm Square bases, (as I intend on using my 28mm Napoleonics to play Too Fat Lardies rules: SHARP PRACTICE).
I did place the Regimental Colour party on two 40 x 20 mm bases, just by way of an experiment.

Above and below: The Colour Parties with the KING's Colour (Union Flag), and REGIMENTAL Colour (Yellow). The Flags are from the Perry Plastic British Infantry box set

I also did a bit of "mix and match" with some heads and arms from the PERRY PLASTICS. I think this demonstrates the two makes are compatable.
The 44th seen here is composed of 8 bases of 4 figs each, (that's 32 figures total). 4 Grenadiers and 4 light Company figs, (and as I stated earlier, these "Flank" Company soldiers are based individually). I was temped to base the Colour Party troops individually also; and still might with subsequent Regiments.

Over all, I really like the VICTRIX miniatures. I only wish I was a skillfull enough painter to do them justice. I've asked my mate Dan, (of GUNNER'S WARGAMING blog) to do my Highlanders, (tartan is beyond my feeble abilities).
Only about 1000 Brits and French left to paint!
Please feel free to leave any comments.
Trailape OUT!