Which immediately raises the point, were citizens of the USA called 'Yanks' in 1812? Perhaps a reader could enlighten me. Anyway, a quick trip to the Royal Mail sorting office after work brought me two packets of little plastic men, who will masquerade as 1812 invaders:
I do like 'Hat' figures, and even the 'Hat' boxes, characterised by very neat packaging and good illustrations. If one was inclined to paint 'Hat's' Waterloo Dutch as, well, Waterloo Dutch, then the box top art would do nicely. But mine will become Americans.
The revival of this War of 1812 in 20mm plastic sent me scurrying to the Hobbit bunker to look out two other boxes of figures that I bought when I started on this project a few years ago. These are:
Some very nicely sculptured dragoons in a rather hard plastic (good, no flaking and no white glue needed as a primer). These will become the 19th Light Dragoons - the only British cavalry in North America in 1812. Finally, some guns:
A too-big, flimsy box (and contrast with 'Hat'), containing four guns and crew, but no horses, limbers etc.
Excellent ! On with the project!!
But, wait, do I really have to paint all this:
I don't know about 'Yanks', but 'Yankee' has good pre-Revolutionary roots.
ReplyDeleteOf course! So it must - 'Yankee Doodle went to town, riding on a pony...' How dull my brain becomes (too much paid employment). But your comment, sir, wins a small (virtual) prize for the fastest response to a query! As He said, 'Ask, and it shall be given', although that was about a more serious issue, I suppose.
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteIf you need more info on War of 1812 uniforms, check the following:
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/toysoldierwargame/info
In the files section are dozens and dozens of pics I found around the web, covering British, Canadian, and British units. (I also put up some scenarios, but they are geared towards "All the Kings Men" rules--might be adaptable, though.
Incidentally, being stubborn and iconoclastic, I prefer the earlier uniform worn by the British Light Dragoons until the new ones arrived in early 1814. (Some say they never arrived, but I haven't confirmed that one way or the other). Fortunately, the "extra" rider included in the Airfix Waterloo RHA set are perfect!
Best regards,
Chris Johnson
Hello Chris,
DeleteMany thanks indeed for the link! I've got a number of reference books I was looking through last night, most of which are by Rene Chartrand, but he's stronger on the British & Canadians. I also looked through my copy of Don Troiani's Soldiers in North America but was surprised to find only a couple of illustrations of US soldiers of 1812. So, thanks again!!
A wee plastic mountain awaits climbing,I look forward to seeing it being scaled...
ReplyDeleteAlan
Hi, Alan. As you'll see from tonight's post, I found a partly scaled plastic mountain to have a crack at first!
DeleteI always find planning and buying the best bit.....looking at a bleak mountain of unpainted soldiers is not so fun, but persevere. I have a penchant for 1/72 plastics and look forward to seeing these fellow done. Agree about HAT figures, generally they are excellent.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely - horrifying once one has liberated them from the sprues! But, I'll paint them by regiment and not all at once (96 from 2 packets - yikes!).
DeleteI went to Saint Marys University in Halifax Nova Scotia. Our rival university Dalhousie was founded with money gained by privateers in the War of 1812.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a brilliant story! I work at a university in England, and, of course, we're in a permanent quest for funds. If only the Vice Chancellor of the university would lead us on privateering forays - perhaps on shipping in the English channel, or, given our landlocked status, against tourist narrow boats on the local canal! Thanks for the comment - excellent!
DeleteNow I'd like to see that on the table top...
DeleteNow I'd like to see that on the table top...
DeleteLooks an interesting project , Tony
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tony. Yes, and this time I hope to see it through to die roll!
DeleteI shall be watching this project with great interest. I am a long time wargamer and recent reenactor of the XIXth light.
ReplyDeleteYou incredibly lucky fellow! Imagine being able to re-enact such a regiment! My re-enacting days were spent impersonating ragtag British in the nternational Brigades - all corduroy, shapeless sweaters and thin jackets - hardlt the Light Dragoons! Do you have a link to the unit?
Deletehttp://www.19th-light-dragoons.ca/ I suspect International Brigade uniform was a bit less pricey though. And then there's Wintringham et al ;)
DeleteExcellent. I'll link to it next time.
DeleteYes, my wife knitted a sweater, cords came from a retro supplier, the most expensive thing was £90 for a Russian rifle.