Del Prado conversion

 From French Marshal to Hamilton's Horse.

The Del Prado figure of Marshal Turenne, Battle of the Dunes 1658 is a good size to match my 54mm collection and wears a uniform suitable for the 1690 campaign in Ireland.  Unfortunately he is waving a baton rather than a sword.  However, I was able to buy some sword arms and other bits from Tradition of London and quickly replaced his right arm.

The Turenne figure is quite common and can be found cheaply on eBay.  I now have five.  My plan is to create two four figure mounted regiments.

Otherwise the figure was pretty much good to go.  I decided to paint the figure as Williamite Hamilton's Horse, with grey tunic, faced in red.  The horse was repainted too:

Hamilton's Horse is on the left, with Turenne in black on the right:

Just to show the scale of these figures he is set alongside one of my foot units - Dutch Foot Guards:

Del Prado - Scale Issues

 In my previous post there was some discussion about the varying scales amongst Del Prado figures.  Here is an example.  Two figures from the same range, on the left Frederick Henry II of Orange and on the right a British Dragoon 1704.  It can be seen that the left hand figure is much larger in height and bulk:

If using these figures alongside conventional 54mm castings care is needed to determine their size before investing in them.

Jacobite Rising 54mm Cavalry

 I have been after some cavalry for my Jacobite Rising scenarios for some time.  In 54mm scale, metal cavalry work out to be quite expensive, with a painted figure coming in at around £100.  I need four regiments of four figures each.

However, there is an inexpensive source in the shape of Del Prado figures.  In their 'Cavalry through the ages' range there are a few figures that would fit the late 1600 - mid 1700 period.  One such figure is the 'Blenheim Dragoon'. These were available in large numbers and can be picked up for £ 3-4 secondhand.  The paintwork is a little dull and scruffy in places, but with some touching up and new facings they look quite good.  

Here are the first three regiment:

I am looking at other figures in the range, especially to provide cavalry for my 1690 collection.  More on that to come.

British Infantry 1690

 Last weekend I painted some more 54mm Williamite period troops.  This time it was some British infantry from Irregular Miniatures.  In fact they are from the Marlburian range but Ian Kay very kindly changed the heads to incorporate the broad brimmed hat that preceded the tricorne.

These troops are from Kirke's Irish Regiment that fought with King Billy in 1690.  They were a delight to paint, only taking a few hours using speed paints:

Speed Painting

 On Wednesday I thought that I would experiment some more with my 'Army Painter Speedpaints' by painting a small unit of 54mm Scots.  In all I painted five figures to add to three previously painted. To begin, I sprayed the figures with rattle can white primer, which is the key to getting the right results with these paints.

I then painted the face and lighter areas, working up to the darker tones.  In all it took me about three to four hours over several sessions in the day to complete the figures.  Once dry, I took them into the garden and gave them a spray of matt varnish:

The figures are from Irregular Miniatures 54mm range, listed as ECW/Jacobite highlanders. I think that the result is quite acceptable for wargame figures, although I don't think they would pass muster in a figure painting competition. 

Jacobite Rising - Battle Report

Several days ago, Bob Black called by and we decided to give Jacobite Rising a go, but using my 54mm troops rather than the game counters. 

The game was based upon the idea that a strong Jacobite force had severed the Government road, cutting off supplies and support to units in the north.  The Jacobites had established themselves astride a river valley, largely holding a low ridge.  A Governemt force of mostly regular troops has been tasked to clear the route and destroy the Jacobite force.

With three foot guards battalions and another nine line units the Government forces confidently advanced towards the Jacobite lines.  However, they did not bargain on a full tilt highland charge, supported by Irish Piquets on their right flank.

The highlanders wild charge sends the Northumberland Regiment towards the rear:

The highlanders continue their headlong advance pushing everything out of their way, while Jacobite cavalry swing around the Government flank:

Having taken some casualties the highland charge begins to slow (under the rules they lose combat power once below full strength).

Meanwhile, over in the centre, the Government regiments are also pushing forwards, coming up against the lowland units and French Scots.

A Foot Guards regiment is attacked by cavalry and French infantry, but despite taking some hits they fight off these attacks.

After several rounds of fighting the Jacobite lowlanders are slowly pushed towards the rear and Jacobite casualties are mounting.

Over on the other side of the river a Highland and a French regiment await the advancing Government regiments, which are hemmed in by the river.

The Royal Ecossais are in disarray as their general rides up to give support

At the same time the Lowlanders begin to rally.

Once again, the Jacobite cavalry charge into the Foot Guards.  The guards hold and the cavalry are forced back to their own lines.

Having reorganised the Highlanders charge once more.  This time they are beaten and destroyed by the Guards musketry.

The highlanders are destroyed:

Over on the opposite flank, led by their general, the Royal Ecossais drive into the Government lines, while some highlanders attempt to force the ford:

And, as all of this is going on, the Lowlanders, with a French regular regiment push forward (the Jacobites had a lucky break with the cards, drawing a succession that allowed major advances in the centre).

Heavy fighting erupts in the centre, with both sides taking casualties.  The Jacobites, however, having been on the back foot are beginning to make gains.

The fighting turns into a bitter hand to hand struggle for the centre as the Government line slowly gives way:

As French infantry and lowlanders pour fire into their ranks, two Government regiments break:

The Government artillery is forced off the hill and the redcoats pull back again. The Government commander decides his troops have had enough and breaks off.  The score is a draw, but the Jacobites win the day by holding their blockade of the valley:

This was an enjoyable game and looked superb with all of the troops on the table.  It took a little while to master the rules and there are a couple of areas that need further reading but otherwise the mechanics worked well.  The highlanders were great, charging about the place.

54mm Jacobite Rebellion

 Next week Bob Black is visiting and we plan to play a game and generally catch up on all things wargaming.

I thought it would be fun to try out Jacobite Rising by Compass Games.  However, instead of using the little wooden blocks we could play on the table, using our combined 54mm metal figure collections.  The table has been set up, with the Jacobites sitting astride the main north road, cutting off Government resupply operations.  A government force has been despatched to remove the blockade:

The Jacobites holding the higher ground, with troops from Regiment Royal Ecossais and some lowland units, highlanders in the foreground:

Government forces arrive on the field with a mixture of Guards and line battalions, seen here working through the trees on the river bank:

And a general view of the field, with Government forces lined up on the left, Jacobites on the right:

We will probably play this next Tuesday, after which I will write up a report.