Kepis and Bayonets -New Opportunities

A few years ago QRF produced a range of “big” 15mm figures for the Risorgimento. It sort of coincided with Rebels and Patriots. I thought why not? Not many figures needed.

Also I knew a bit about the Papal Zouaves who went on to fight for the French Republic in the Franco -Prussian War.  Myles Keogh who died with Custer. Myles was one of the Pope’s Irish soldiers- St. Patrick’s Battalion. Commanded by Myles O’Reilly.  They had an interesting time of it. 

The Irish boys got medals for stalwart service. Some Lakota lad ended up with Keogh’s medal. Small world. 

Also Garibaldi, QRF do the figure. Three variants I think? Very nice and we will soon be seeing all of them here.

I ploughed ahead and bought sufficient figures. Then I fell at the first fence. I didn’t like QRF’s Papal Zouaves. What to do? Peter Pig provided a nice ACW Zouave in kepi. But! The figures were a bit small by comparison with the QRF biggies.

Something to sort out later and somehow I didn’t. The project stalled. This happens now and then.  Progress cannot be forced.

Fast forward and I ordered Studio Tomahawks Kepis and Bayonets supplement for ACW and the FPW. Before completing this post Kepis and Bayonets arrived complete with cards. Two working days. I know people who could learn from that.

Anyhow, it happens I have some Battle Honours ACW that were too big for my true 15mm ACW collection. Also, I have a somewhat under developed Franco-Prussian collection.  True 15mm. Surely they both can have an outing now.

That’s not why I bought Kepis and Bayonets though. No, the prime motive was gaming the Risorgimento and The Fenian Invasion of Canada. For both I have small collections I had thought never destined for completion. 

Now I’m looking forward to all kinds of fun. Naturally I will report back. I should mention the Greek War of independence looks susceptible to the Studio Tomahawk treatment. I already have the figures.

Meantime I have resolved the Papal Zouave dilemma. Blue Moon Zouave in kepi is just the ticket. Lots of figure variation and a good fit with the QRF biggies. Of course with command that is 40 figures. Luckily there were 4 battalions of Papal Zouaves so that is fine. I will field 3 such once the figures arrive.

This led me to look at what else I might add. Old Glory have a 19th Century Europe range with an Italian sub set. I have just received some of their Lancers. For the moment here are some of Garibaldi's Red Shirts.

I'm intending 4 units of Red Shirts.

Above and below QRF Papal Heavy and light Dragoons. I'm not sure if QRF will sort itself out. I'd like to think so.

If you are thinking of Dunne's British contingent I wonder if the Blue Moon Mutiny British infantry sans visor might not do? They have a havelock and I'm not sure Dunne's lads did. Mind you unaccustomed Italian hot weather might account for them adopting havelocks. 

My version of Dunne's fellows above are from QRF. Alright I think. Lively even.

More as we go along. You see my progress so far on this page.

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.