Confederate Cavalry - Work in progress

Send in the cavalry.

It would seem that I can't complete any plastic miniatures without chopping and changing them first. These are my latest. First up the Confederate trumpeter. Only a small change involved hollowing out the trumpet. Not big difference but it does make a nice visual impact.












The next figure shows a trooper in the natural pose of resting the carbine on his thigh. Simply modification of removing the existing weapon and placing the carbine in the open hand.














Probably get these finished in a couple of months time.

Definitely Completed ACW Infantry Project (possibly)

After feedback from those rather nice chaps from the TMP website I’ve altered one of my command groups. Armed with my trusty craft knife I attacked the 35th Regiment Indiana Infantry command base last night and rearranged the figures and then reapplied flock. The new arrangement now seems obvious. In fact all the illustrations I’ve seen show flag bearers as leading the way. As usual I’m slowly but surely learning from my mistakes.

I’m now not sure what to do with the other 4 figure command base. The only proper solution would be to reapply them to a larger base with two other figures. The only problem is that would leave me with two miniatures floating about on their own which may look odd.

Conclusion of First 28mm Project

As a beginner I won’t recommend anyone trying to do what I did; painting over a hundred 28mm miniatures from scratch. In my youth I used to paint one off, large scale (54mm plus) figures. In fact the Italeri 1/72 scale AWI French infantry were the first small scale figures I’d ever painted here. Seeing all those blank figures in front of you can be intimidating (just like the real thing - if you’re scared by tiny little people with big hands armed to the teeth, that is).

After a fair bit of research I purchased three boxes of Perry miniatures directly from the manufacturer (very good service). This provided me with one hundred and eight figures in total. Equally divided between the Union and Confederate armies this gave me one command group of six figures and twelve blocks of four figure groups for each army. Using a CAD package to work out figure basing and ‘deployment’ I was surprised how much this preparation helped me later on.

The miniatures only require a small amount of assembling but this also enabled me to carry out a few modifications. Initially I went for a mass production line approach trying to paint all figures in one go i.e. all the jackets dark blue then all the trousers light blue and so on. With the Union figures this proved too daunting as progress seemed painfully slow and demoralising. Further down the ‘line’ progress improved rapidly as the figures were finally completed one after the other.

I’ve refined this method to block paint between six and eight figures at a time and then finish the highlights, shading and detailing etc. From a practical point of view this also helps prevent paint from clogging up my brush but it also prevents me from getting bored too quickly.

Overall I’m pleased with my first 28mm project and I’ve learnt from my numerous mistakes. In particular I need to improve on painting faces; most of my miniatures so far tend to look like they’ve just smelt something rather unpleasant, been given a severe wedgie or have turned into zombies.
Onwards and upwards.

Hampton’s Legion, Washington Light Infantry

From what I’ve recently read the old clichéd image of Confederate troops portrayed as wearing various colours and styles of uniform is largely historically inaccurate, especially so during the early period of the war. However I rather like this traditional image and thought it would make a nice counterpoint to my Union troops ‘factory fresh’ style uniforms so I decided to paint the Confederate’s to represent battle weary veteran troops.

My brother lent me a very interesting book 'Brassey's History of Uniforms American Civil War: Confederate Army.' Of particular note are the illustration's by Richard Hook. One in particular shows soldiers from South Carolina, Hampton’s Legion, Washington Light Infantry Volunteers Co. A. at the Battle of Seven Pines in 1862.

For more detailed information about the unit please follow the links below:
washingtonlightinfantry.org/

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_Light_Infantry

This painting formed the basis of my decision to paint some of the figures to represent these troops. The Washington Light Infantry (WLI) were first organized in 1807 and is now one of the America’s oldest militia units. They saw action in War of 1812. During the American Civil War the WLI formed part of Hampton’s Legion which formed almost a self contained army. Hampton's Legion was organized and partially financed by South Carolina plantation owner Wade Hampton III early in 1861. Elements of the Legion took part in almost every major campaign in the Eastern Theatre.

Hampton’s Legion was originally composed of six companies of infantry with the WLI forming the first company:

Co. A Washington Light Infantry Volunteers - Charleston

Co. B Watson Guards - Edgefield

Co. C Manning Guards - Sumter

Co. D Gist Riflemen - Anderson

Co. E Bozeman Guards - Greenville

Co. F Davis Guards - Greenville

Three cavalry battalions:
Co. A Edgefield Hussars - Edgefield

Co. B Brooks Troop - Greenford Co.

C Beaufort District Troop - Beaufort

Washington Artillery

The Legion, particular the infantry, saw action in the following major engagements:
First & Second Manassas, Peninsular Campaign, Seven Days Battles, Sharpsburg, Tennessee Campaign, Wilderness, Siege of Petersburg & Battle of Appomattox Court house. After suffering heavy looses at Antietam the Legion infantry were used for garrison duty therefore not being used during the Gettysburg campaign unlike the cavalry and artillery. The cavalry and artillery also saw action at the Battle of Bentonville. The infantry later formed part of Hood's Texas Brigade. The remnants of the Legion’s infantry surrendered with General Robert E. Lee at Appomattox Court House in April 1865.

Wade Hamilton III was an interesting chap. Born in South Carolina he serving as its governor and two terms as a U.S. Senator. He father served in the War of 1812 and his grandfather fought during the War of Independence. Along the infamous Nathan Bedford Forrest he was one of only two officers to achieve the rank of lieutenant general in the cavalry service of the Confederacy.

Hampton first saw combat at the First Battle of Bull Run in 1861 and was wounded five times during the war, including at the Battle of Seven Pines. In the Gettysburg Campaign Hampton received three saber cuts to the head as well as a sharpel wound to the hip.

In mid September 1864, Hampton conducted the "Beefsteak Raid", capturing over 2000 cattle, 11 wagons and over 300 prisoners from behind enemy lines with relatively light losses. After the glory came the tragedy. Later in the same year Hampton sent his son Thomas Preston, a lieutenant and an aide to his father, to deliver a message from Petersburg, Virginia. Shortly afterward, Hampton and his other son, Wade IV, rode in the same direction. After a short distance they discovered Preston's body. Hamilton’s son Wade IV naturally jumped down but he was also shot later dying from his wound.

Hampton surrendered to the Union along with General Johnston's Army of Tennessee at Durham, North Carolina. He died in Columbia in April 1902 aged 84.

Confederate Command Stands

Further to the previous post a quick update of the Command stands now complete with flags.

4 Figure Command Group

Flag from GMB Designs

6 Figure Command Group based on Richard Hook's illustration.
Flag from Flags For the Lads showing the very distinctive South Carolina Palmetto tree and crescent moon State Flag design.

Flag from Flags For the Lads

Almost There

After what seems like an eternity I'm now finished painting the Confederate figures - hurrah! There are only 54 of the little chaps but they are all unique due to the combination of different parts and paint schemes. Variety may be the spice of life but in the future I think I'll stick to nice and regimented (literally) uniforms.

Massed ranks of the Confederate troops waiting for the Yankees (and properly finished bases)

Here is a image of the command group based on the Hampton’s Legion, Washington Light Infantry Volunteers. More information on that will be posted at a later date. The only thing now left to do is to the paint and base the figures properly.

Next in line are two artillery pieces and both Union and Confederate cavalry, again all from the Perry ACW range. I've never attempted to paint miniature horses so that should be fun - I hope.

Modified Figures – Episode VI

Not sure if this really counts as a modified figure as there only slight alterations but here goes:
To compliment the Major James Conner figure mentioned in the Modified Figures II http://ubique-matt.blogspot.com/2009/02/modified-figures-episode-2.html posting I thought it would be possible to group several miniatures together, based on the Hook illustration of Hampton’s Legion in the Brassey's History of Uniforms American Civil War: Confederate Army book. The picture shows accompanying soldiers dressed in ragged clothing. One is shown sporting a green shirt which was obviously easy to replicate.













Before painting started I used a sharp scalpel and file to cut into the knee area to give the impression of torn trousers. Since this picture was taken I've repainted the shirt; I'm still trying to get the correct, more subtle, shade of green. This image was taken under quite bright artificial light, I'm still not convinced my painting technique is appropriate i.e. the shading on the trousers looks stripey. Although, saying that, the shading doesn't look that bad under normal daylight.

The only further other item needed to finish the figure will be to glue a bayonet to the end of the musket.

Modified Figures - Episode V Confederate Flag bearer

Another miniature modified to complete a command group. Pretty easy this one; Confederate Flag bearer, the right arm (holding the staff) came straight off the sprue. Modified left arm, chopped and changed hand. Still trying to decide if to have the chap holding the carbine:

or sticking the carbine to the back of the figure.

Decisions, decisions.

Modified Figures - Episode IV (a new hope) Confederate Bugle player

With this figure I wanted to have an alternative to the drummer that is offered in the box. Using a part from the Perry ACW cavalry box I trimmed the cords away from the bugle and drilled out the solid horn and mouthpiece. Wanting the instrument to look slightly battered I didn’t smooth out my tooling marks. The right arm for this figure was relatively easy to modify because separate single limbs are available from the spruce. However the left arm is a different matter. For both the bugle and flag bearer (coming soon) I chopped and changed the standard firing arm poses, removing and repositioning the left hand.

Top - Bugle and right arm straight from the sprue
Bottom - Trimmed down bugle and hollowed out horn.

Mock up of the figure. I find it useful to use white tack (less 'greasy' than the blue type) in order to get the 'look' of the figure right before gluing into position. Although looking at it now I might have to trim down the thumb of the left hand unless I try to claim he's a direct ancestor of the Fonz "Aaaay" (sorry, couldn't resist).

Modified Figures - Episode III (work still in progress)

Just a quick update on my (painfully slow) progress on my Johnny Reb miniatures previously show here http://http//ubique-matt.blogspot.com/search/label/Modified

Officer material - standard miniature













Painted Shotgun officer














Painted Confederate troops (unbased)
To show how easy it is to get some variety into the figures here's a picture of four two miniatures using two basic models. Quite an effective method by simply using different headgear and painting the outfits different colours.










Repainted Union troops
Here are the same two chaps seen earlier:
http://ubique-matt.blogspot.com/2009/01/acw1.html

Modified Figures - Episode II (work in progress)

In the next popular (with me at least) installment I’ve posted images of a number of Confederate figures I’m working on. These figures will be used in command units. To ensure that they look distinct I’ve been hacking away with my trusty craft knife.

All the following figures were taken from the Perry Miniatures hard plastic ACW Infantry box set (code ACW 1) with various parts taken from the ACW Cavalry box (code ACW 2). Obviously these figures need to be painted properly.

From the left:
No. 1
Shown here for reference, an officer figure made from parts straight from the sprue. Not much to explain with this one. Basic right arm with sword (there are two sword arm options available in the infantry box). This figure is made to resemble the confederate officer shown on the front of the excellent Peter Dennis box art.

No. 2
One of my personal favourites next: a shotgun totting Confederate officer. This chap is probably not entirely historically accurate; perhaps more appropriate for a dismounted cavalry officer but I think he looks rather dashing.

The shotgun was constructed from two equal lengths of brass rod glued together. These were then fitted to a cut down musket - the one with the right hand pulling back the cock. To give the figure a more natural look I had to reposition the right arm. As he’d holding the gun single-handed; rather than holding the shotgun across the body, I thought it would be better to have him balancing the gun in a more comfortable upright position. Using a small section of paper clip I pinned this part into place and then filled in the gap around the top of the shoulder. Finally I carefully cut through the solid moulded sword handle and glued this to the top to the scabbard.

No. 3
Another figure I’m particularly pleased with is this one based on an illustration by Richard Hook in Brassey's History of Uniforms American Civil War: Confederate Army. The picture show’s troops from South Carolina.Hampton’s Legion, Washington Light Infantry Volunteers Co. A. at the Battle of Seven Pines in 1862. The officer in the picture is apparently based on pictures of field officer Major James Conner. I thought that I could easily modify the Perry model to resemble this character.

A straight right arm with sword from Perry ACW cavalry pack was chosen as it closely resembles the illustration. A new left arm and pistol were needed. This proved to be a bit tricky as I had to trim away the majority of the ‘standard firing arms’ part to leave me with just the left arm. The left hand also had to be removed and repositioned; then the main body of a pistol was then glued on top of the hand. I also hollowed out the pistol butt from the holster. The impression of the figure wearing riding boots were made by simply carving and filing down the trousers to blend into the shoes, but leaving a slight baggy overhang.

No. 4
Confederate Sargeant - Sword removed, holster cut down to make a cartridge case. The entire original left arm was removed and then the standard ‘arms handling musket’ piece were glued into position.

Look to your left

Look to your right

Grand Army of the West (Midlands)

Grand Army of the West (Midlands)
Overall shot of my Union figures.

In column.

As my brother correcly pointed out there doesn't seem that many figures in display. In fact just 54 in all. I will have to pull my finger out and get more painted.

18th Infantry Regiment

18th Infantry Regiment
Following on from the 35th Regiment Indiana Infantry post these images are of the remaining ACW Perry hard plastic miniatures representing the 18th Infantry Regiment. As mentioned before these Union troops served alongside the 35th at the Battles of Stones River and Chickamuga. The National & Regiment flags of the 18th are included with the figures. Here’s a few brief notes taken from the ‘History of the 18th US Infantry’:
“By direction of the President of the United States, of date May 4, 1861, subsequently confirmed by Act of Congress, July 2, 1861, the infantry arm of the Regular Army was increased nine regiments, numbering from the eleventh to the nineteenth, inclusive; the new regiments to be organized into three battalions each, each battalion to consist of eight companies, the companies of each battalion to be lettered from A to H inclusive. Henry B. Carrington, a citizen of Ohio but a native of Connecticut, was appointed colonel of the regiment in 1861. The headquarters of the regiment were stationed in Columbus, Ohio, and recruiting started on the 1st day of July, 1861”

Following notes taken from, Thomas Crew
18th U.S. Infantry Reenactor, Regular Brigade Society

“After the creation of the 18th US Infantry on May 3, 1861 nearly 20 months would pass before the regiment lost its first man killed in action. During this time the 18th US actively campaigned through Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama. Yet the Army of the Ohio’s path seemed predestined to keep the regiment out of the fighting. At both Mill Springs and Shiloh the 18th US arrived shortly after the fighting had ended. Then during the Siege of Corinth the regiment took part in an assault that found the Confederate positions empty as Beauregard had withdrawn his army during the night.

A total of 102 men from the 18th US were killed in action or died of wounds as a result of the action at Stone’s River on New Year’s Eve 1862, the regiments first major engagement. Robert Kennedy ... fought at Chickamauga in two days of almost continuous combat. Before he was captured on September 20, 1863 near Kelly Field he had fired over 200 rounds of muzzle loaded ammunition, changing rifles several times as they became fouled. He was sent to Danville, Virginia where he escaped and was recaptured before being sent to Andersonville. Corporal Robert Kennedy C/2/18 lived to the age of 92 and his memoir is arguably the best civil war account of any enlisted man in the 18th U.S. Infantry.
The primary source for this information is Major Mark W. Johnson’s book That Brave Body of Men, The Civil War Campaigns of the 15th, 16th, 18th and 19th U.S. Infantry Regiments, Regular Army”
The 18th recruited a large amount of immigrants mostly German and Irish. Battles fought by the 18th during the American Civil War:
Siege of Corinth; Buell's Chase of Bragg; Perryville; Stones River; Hoover's Gap; Chicamauga; Siege of Chattanooga.
Battles of Atlanta: Resaca; Pumpkin Vine Creek; Dallas; New Hope Church; Pickett's Mill; Pine Hill; Lost Mountain; Kenesaw Mountain; Chattahoochee Line; Peachtree Creek; Siege of Atlanta; Jonesboro; Lookout Mountain.

Modified Figures – Episode I (in an occasional series).

Just to show what you can achieve with a sharp knife and a bit of patience, here are some comparison images of models all based on the same miniature. No major work was required, just enough to make the command block of not appear too similar if placed together. All the following figures were taken from the Perry Miniatures hard plastic ACW Infantry box set (code ACW 1) with various parts taken from the ACW Cavalry box (code ACW 2). First up:

Shown here for reference, an officer figure made from parts straight from the sprue. Not much to explain with this one.

No. 1
Union officer - Basic right arm with sword (there are two sword options available in the infantry box).

No. 2
Union Sargeant Flag Bearer - Shown here on both images in the rear corner. Sword and sash removed, holster cut down to make a cartridge case. The right arm (holding the staff) came straight off the sprue.

35th Regiment Indiana Infantry (Ist Irish)

Although the American Civil War (ACW) isn’t one of my main interests I greatly enjoyed playing a game on the ZX Spectrum called ‘North & South’ (1989) in my youth and I thought they’d be relatively easy to paint. These are my first attempt at 25/28mm miniature figures, bought directly from Perry Miniatures. This company seem to held in the highest regard in the wargaming community. The Perry brothers day job is working for Games Workshop; how they find the time to produce so much material is beyond me.

After preparing the figures, which seemed to take weeks as I have an irrational hatred of mould lines (and converted a few) the only thing left was to decide who the miniatures would represent. Before painting commenced I happened to drop into Questing Knight Games shop in Telford. The flag of the 35th Indiana Volunteers ‘1st Irish’ (US59) from GMB Designs caught my eye with its distinctive green Regimental flag. This unique flag was presented to the regiment in December 1861. After a few searches on the internet I found an interesting re-enactment site that revealed the following information.

The 35th Regiment Indiana Infantry were organised on 11th December 1861 and served throughout the American Civil War, being mustered out 23rd October 1865. It was known as the First Irish as it was made up of many Irish-Americans. Of particular interest is the fact that the 35th wore a distinguishing emerald green kepi. This Hoosier Regiment kept this kepi until the end of the war. I realised that this would provide an appealing focal point for my figures.

The 35th served as a veteran regiment under Sherman in the Western theatre. During the Atlanta campaign alone they lost over 100 men and took part a numerous battles throughout the war.

Coincidently a short time afterwards Osprey published Men-at-Arms ‘Irish-American Units in the Civil War’. This book contains a good illustration of a sargeant and the regimental flag. It goes on the highlight that the kepi was decorated with a gold wreath of shamrocks and the numeral ‘1’. This I tried to represent (badly) on the kepi/forage caps (I can never remember which is which).

Another coincidence is that the 35th served alongside the 18th Regiment at the Battle of Stones River (31st Dec. 1862 - 2nd Jan. 1863) and the Battle of Chickamuga (Sept. 19th & 20th 1863). I only mention this because the National & Regiment flags of the 18th Infantry come free (printed on the rule sheet) with the figures. The completed miniatures for the 18th will be the posted soon.

35th Regiment command stand.

35th Regiment unit with modified sargeant figure, note the distinctive green headgear.

Please note that the bases still need to be completed, flocked etc.

Confederate troops (in captured Union uniform)

These two figures were the result of the fact that I painted too many Union troops (what an idiot!). After realising my mistake, I thought I might get away with painting these figures to resemble Johnny Rebs in captured Union issue uniforms. To give the impression that these chaps had worn the clothes over a long time I added a few details such as knee and elbow patches (reminding me of my old RE teacher). I’m quite pleased with the stitches on the patches achieved using a technical drawing pen. Clearly I had to over paint the forage caps grey. Since the photos were taken I've also repainted the blanket. More conventional Confederates to follow soon(hopefully).