Pontic Progress

Back in the dizzy days of Mithridates initial challenge to Rome it looked as though he would revive the fortunes of the Hellenistic World.  As the champion of Hellas, he naturally enough relied upon the daunting power of the Macedonian phalanx.  Obviously, I needed to provide him, or at least his talented general Archelaus with one.  I had a load of old Frei Korps 15 figures suitable for refurbishment.  I set about the task and these are they representing the liberated slaves so vital to the Pontic Army.

Not bad at all, I think. Once again, the old stuff stands the test of time.  They certainly inspire a sense of what a phalanx might look like. I’m pleased enough with them and now the rest of the array will be easy enough to complete.

The brush bristles played there part once again.  The savings are not to be sniffed at and have already been put to good use.

The mercenary Brazen shields are finished too.  In total I have six sturdy taxis of phalangites containing 96 phalangites and that is enough for a miniature Mithridates.

Should you be wondering if I have the scythed chariots too? I do indeed although they may need some attention.

Anglo Sikh War 15mm Command

My Anglo Sikh War games require command stands of Generals and Brigadiers.  I thought it might be useful to see what I had and where it all came from.  If you are considering the Sikh Wars in 15mm I hope you find it helpful. Let’s start with the British.

 

Here’s Sir Henry Hardinge Governor General of Bengal.  He started his lead life as a French officer from Black Hat.  I added plumes.  In real life he was a ex Peninsular veteran who had lost a hand in battle.  Annoyingly no sooner had I added the plumes when I came across the image of him above without any.  I tell myself they must have been shot off.

Sir Hugh ‘Paddy’ Gough another Peninsular veteran.  

He began lead life as a Black Hat Prussian officer.  I added his famous white ‘fighting coat’ with green stuff.  In real life high British casualties led to the Anglo-Irish Gough being much maligned for unsophisticated tactics.  The record shows otherwise, at Mudki he attempted a double envelopement.  He was apparently much loved by his troops.  

British Brigadiers from QRF and Black Hat now at Fighting 15s in that order.

Sikh high command here from QRF.  The lad in half armour is from their Indian Native Princes pack and is accompanied by an Akali.  I'm pleased to show this photo as unusually for QRF they don't have one on their website.

Here's another from the same pack based on a portrait of Lal Singh the General who betrayed his army to the British. 

 

I've added a plume and placed him with a Khalsa sharpshooter.

 Various Sikh commanders from Black Hat and QRF in that order.

Here are two Sikh Brigadiers, converted from Irregular's Sikh Dragoons by simply removing their carbines and adding a hackle like plume. I'll need a couple more of these.

 

I have a couple of US/Mexican War American officers who will be pressed into British service too.  Finally, two British Generals from Black Hat/Fighting 15s I'm puzzled by the head gear. 

 

Preparing for the Battle of Ridgeway in 15mm

I thought I’d do the Fenian invasion of Canada using Rebels and Patriots which rather splendidly provides a list for both sides.  Huzzah!   I wanted to do this in 15mm and so I was immediately confronted with two problems.  First, where were my Canadians to come from? Second which ACW figures will be compatible with them?

Fortunately, I now know the answers and so the project can proceed.  The Canadians come in the form of British from Rank and File 19^th Century Miniatures available via Timecast 15mm.  I think that they match best with Battle Honours 15mm ACW figures.   

So, without further delay let’s have a look at the toys.  You can see what 19th Century Miniatures have for Ridgeway below. Note the Albert Shako and Kilmarnock cap.

These are straight out of the bag.

You can see here how they scale with some Battle Honours Confederates who are about to rediscover their Irish roots. 

 

Once again.

Good enough for me I think.  I thought I'd paint a few up and see how they looked.

Strictly speaking I should convert the British coatees into jackets.  This could be very simply accomplished by applying a small ball of 'green stuff' below the left belt line of each figure and then flattening it and squaring it off.  That would provide the line of the jacket and could be done in moments.  Perhaps I will do so, but the pose of the figures means it would only be really noticeable from below.  So maybe I won't.

Either way, as you can see, the Battle of Ridgeway now seems eminently doable in 15mm.