El Cid Page

I've updated my El Cid page with some more pictures of the mounted part of the army. Once again been practicing with the camera and managed to get out doors to take the photos which does seem to improve the quality (thanks Paul). I will eventually sort out the infantry units and add those as well. Sometime in the future I think I'll add some more gallery pages (once I crack the photography) to cover my other WAB armies, Arthurian, Germanic tribes and Huns.

Photo update & 10,000 hits

First off thanks to everyone who follows this blog and my desperate attempts to get the lead mountain painted. When I first set it up it was more a diary for myself for the differing wargames and projects that I was partaking in. So once again thanks for view and thanks for the comments.

On to comments , following some good feedback I've been spending time with the camera trying to work out how to produce some better photos. Being a typical bloke I never read the instructions when I got the camera and now cannot find them. So with much fiddling about I believe that the quality will improve, but still along way to go compared to some photos you see on other blogs.

Fencing

First up some fencing from Hovels. I picked these up on Ebay about a year ago and have only just gotten around to painting them. I followed the same process as I used for the worm fences. Balck undercoated and successive drybrushing of dark brown up to cream. They are based on lolly pop sticks to give them a bit of stability.

Finally finished the bases and added a flag from the Perry box set to my first 28mm unit.

Progress update

Finally got around to taking some photos of the various figures that I've painted this last week.

First up my haradrim warriors. These will probably get used during the Clubs many role-playing campaign.

Following some advice in the comments, been practicing more with the camera. New haradrim photo added, looks much better but still needs some work

Next up is some of the command figures for my Rohirrim, Theoden, Gamling , Hama and 2 versions of Eowyn.

Lastly my pulp figures, Trevelyan Willoughby-Smythe, Lady Henrietta De la Pole and the old sea dog Captain McCabe, a dour Scotsman.

Quick update

Been quite prolific on the painting front this week (sorry no pictures). I seem to be spending a lot of time going through the unpainted lead/plastic mountain. With less funds available I have to be a bit more circumspect in my purchases and resisting impulse buys into new periods.

So far I've added Theoden, Gamling, Hama and 3 warriors of Rohan to my Rohirrim force.  Staying with Lord of the Rings, I've painted 11 Haradrim warriors, can't find the 12th one. I did these in a simple white with red colour scheme, quite like the effect. I've also put together a force of 21 easterlings which I plan to get done over the next few weeks.

For the pulp game I've done 3 figures, the 2 mentioned in an earlier post from foundry along with a sea captain. I'll wait to see how Thursday's game goes before determining what else to paint.

To finish off I done some 15mm hovel ACW fencing. I mounted these on lolly pop sticks, which gave me enough for 9 lengths.

28mm Confederates

Finally finished painting my first unit of the Perry Plastic ACW figures. First up is a 20 figure strong unit. I've multi-based them all as I intend to use them with either Black Powder or Fire and Fury. I've quite enjoyed putting the unit together. I've got enough figures to do 2 more 20 figure unit and a small unit of 8 figures to act as skirmishers or pickets.

They still need the bases finished and a flag added. Just need a new colour cartridge for my printer to print it out.

Pulp action

Looking forward to the club next week as Mick is going to put on a Pulp game. So far he is not letting on exactly what the story line is. I've got the 2 special agents that foundry produced as freebies for Wargames illustrated many years ago. gives me a reason to paint up at least one. Already gone a name lined up ' Trevelyan Willoughby-smythe' ex soldier and agent of the crown. Have to think of a bit more background to flesh him out, but first got to get him painted.

Battle of Cedar Creek

After last weeks Battle of Bakersville at the club, it was decided to do a follow up battle. The situation was as follows. After the defeat of 2 Union Corps at Bakersville, Lt General Ewell (Me) advanced a little north of the town and rested the Corps, whilst Longstreet pursued the remenants of the Union forces further north. Arriving late at the Cedar Creek Lt General Ewell called a halt and the Divisions of Rodes, Johnson and Early settled down in their current locations.

As dawn broke, Brigadier Hampton and his cavalry whom at earlier been dispatched north of the Creek sent back a messenger with the news that he was in contact with the lead elements of what he estimated to be a full Union Corps. He estimated that they were no more than an hour away before they would be upon our encampments.

Rodes' and Johnson's Divisions were positioned as shown on the map below. Early was somewhere to the East and would be marching to the sound of the guns.

The Battle unfolds

As the union Corps of Sykes advanced down the lane they were met with a hail of shot from Hampton's troopers which checked their initial advanc. it then took a number of turns for the Union forces to begin to deploy north of the Creek. This allowed Johnson to bring forward his Division while Rodes prepared to defend Bolton farm and the main ford.

Hampton's brigade quickly re mounted in the face of heavy pressure and rode of to the west to try and find a way through the woods and circle behind the union troops. The Union V Corps then began to deploy its artillery while pushing forward their infantry across the creek to meet Johnson head on. It was at this time that Early arrived from the East and fell upon their flank. It took over 6 turns of heavy fighting and stubborn union resistance to finally force them across the creek.

Johnson's Division advances

Early's Division appears

It was at this time then General Rodes' saw his left flank threatened by the appearance of a second union Corps emerging through the woods to cross the creek. They was also supported by a Cavalry Dision. Rodes quickly re aligned his defenders and re positioned his artillery to meet this threat, despite being heavily outnumbered.

Union III Corps arrives

It was at this time that disaster befell the union V Corps, despite gallantly hanging in they eventually wee swept from the field. Of 8 Brigades, only one remained. General Sykes himself was captured by Avery's brigade along with 2 reserve artillery batteries. For the Union III Corps things did not go much better when finally getting into position to launch an attack on Rodes, the Confederates promptly charged them, sweeping aside Humphreys brigade. With both Early and Jonson advancing to support Rodes' gallant defenders the III Corps broke off its assault and retreat back into the woods, leaving the Rebsonce more in charge of the field.

Some extra photos of an enjoyable game

V Corps finally driven back

2 Confederate brigades prepare to defend the ford

update

Finally got my temperamental camera to work and get a couple of photos. A single photo of Brooke's and Zook's brigades from Caldwell's Division. Bringing the strength of my union forces up to 18.

Next up I painted up some test figures for a 28mm confederate brigade. I followed the same colour schemes as I had done for the 15mm but with an extra layer of highlights. They've come out quite dark (even more so in the picture) but that is the way I like them.

Lady Eowyn

Decided to paint this just for the fun of it. One of the GW versions from Lord of the Rings. It was a simple paint job using vallejo acrylics. I just base coated the figure then gave it a thinned wash of black acrylic, then re highlighted. Didn't come out to bad. just need to base the figure and she can join the rest of the ranks of my Rohirrim.

Where next?

After doing the re-fight of Gettysburg I've been spending some time pondering on where I take this project next. For the Confederates I completed II Corps and have completed Hoods Division and 3/4 of McLaws' Division from I Corps. With a small Division of cavalry under Stewart this gives approx 24 brigades a fair size for club games. For the Union I have both III and V Corps support by Buford's cavalry Division giving me 16 brigades. The union is rather heavily out gunned. So to balance things out I've decided to complete the Union II Corps under Hancock, or at least a couple of the Divisions.First up will be Caldwell's Division as I got enough left over infantry figures to complete the 2 small brigades of Zook and Brooke. I'll post some pictures when they are finished and if the camera decides to work.

After this I'll need to make a decision. I'll either push on and try to complete both sides, a rather mammoth task or I can switch to some 28mm. I've got 2 boxes of the plastic Perry miniatures and 1 artillery piece. I may paint these up for use with Black Powder, got the rules but never done anything with it. So far the 28mm's are looking favourites.

Battle of Bakersville

Well once again my camera decided to play dodgy b****rs and decided not play. Yet when I got it home it suddenly decided to work. think its time for a new one as its let me down once to often. As for the battle itself. A resounding victory for the Confederated.

Detailed below is the letter the commanding officer (Bayley) wrote to General Lee about his victory:

'General R.E. Lee,
Sir it gives me great satisfaction to inform you that We have met and destroyed the better part of 2 Union Corps at Bakersville. The Union were in a very strong defensive position situated on 2 wooded ridges. Having marched through the night and with an early breakfast I ordered Maj General Rodes and Maj Gen Johnson to assault what I deemed to be the biggest threat, the Union position overlooking Bakersville itself.

The Union Corps was entrenched with riveted artillery on the high ground. Maj General Johnson led the assault with Maj General early in close support. At this stage I was unaware that Maj General Rodes had been delayed but was coming up hard and fast on Early’s left. The initial assault was checked but our boys held firm on the Union ridge. I was dismayed when the Union cavalry, 2 full brigades advanced towards Rodes in the centre and a second Union corps advanced from cover on our far left to threaten Rodes too.

Maj General Early led his division in person and encouraged his boys to charge again. Johnson was re-aligning his boys to cover a threat from Union troops advancing from behind the Union ridge to threaten his right. Rodes re-deployed his division to cover the Union cavalry and second infantry corps threat.

It was relief I can tell you when I heard artillery over by the river. It would seem Longstreet and 1st Corps had arrived, albeit 3 hours late. They assaulted the second Union held ridge and gave my corps much needed respite from both Union corps.

The Union cavalry attacked the flank of Early’s left brigade but were held. My Corps artillery finished the Union cavalry brigade and they fled the field. The second Union cavalry brigade foolishly charged the guns of Rodes division and suffered a similar fate. Hit on 3 sides by combined artillery and Kentucky long rifles they too were destroyed.

Early and Johnson stormed the ridge and what remained of the Union corps were heading north. We estimate the Union suffered in the region of 5,000 casualties whilst our own were modest at just over 2,000. Lt General Longstreet is pursuing the enemy north whilst I will rest my 2nd Corps at Bakersville before moving in support of him.

I have included copies of my orders and personal correspondence so you are fully apprised of the situation.

Yours respectively Lt General Ewell, Commander 2nd Corps.'

That pretty much summed up how it went.

Club Game

On Thursday at the club I'll be putting on an ACW game. It involves the Federal force digging in on a wooded ridge overlooking the town of Bakersville (made up) The Confederates have arrived with greater numbers and must drive the Federal force from its position before darkness falls. I've sent the orders to the 2 C-in-C's for them to divide their forces between their junior officers. Really looking forward to this and will definitely remember to take the camera to get some pictures.

ECW action

At the club on Thursday we had another run out of the Victory without quarter rules. this time I actually got to play and Neil volunteered to run the game. Taking command of the Royalist was a bit daunting as they were so far unbeaten in the battles so far. The scenario was based upon a follow up of the last battle where the Roundhead infantry had managed to escape. Our job was to finish them off. It was made slightly easier as I hadn't finished Loudon's foot which left the Roundheads slightly under manned.

The battle followed pretty much the 2 previous engagements with the Roundhead cavalry being rather badly handled by Prince Rupert (Charlie). This was followed up with Mackworth (Mick) promptly locating Fairfax's and Overton's foot in two walled enclosures. Buccleugh's Scottish foot had the ignominy of being charged by Astley's freshly raised regiment of foot, uphill and being promptly destroyed.

The battle ended with Fairfax's foot surrendering their colours and the Roundhead left wing cavalry fleeing the field. Just wished I had remembered to take the camers to get some photos of the game.

Re organising

Following the re fight of Gettysburg, I've decided to re organise the troops that I had painted up for the Western theatre into suitable units for Gettysburg. For the union I have managed to just about put together V Corps under Sykes. All that I need to add is 1 Corps Leader stand, 2 artillery stands and 1 brigade at 7 stands. Once these are done and I combine forces with Jon, between us we will have the following Corps, III, V, XI & XII and Bufords' Cavalry Division. That would only leave I, II and VI Corps to complete the union troops. That's more than half completed.

For the Confederates I am trying to put together Longstreet's Corps, namely the Divisions of Hood and McLaws who fought on day 2. So far all the troops are done for Hood and only 2 brigades to paint for Mclaws along with the supporting artillery. That is not an insurmountable task. Best get the paints out again.

Update

Just updated my other blog after the re fight of the 2nd day of Gettysburg. Plenty of pictures.

http://therebelyell-scotty.blogspot.com/search/label/Battle
Hope you enjoy

Gettysburg Refight

Just got back from Micks, re fighting the 2nd day of Gettysburg. I took the role of General Ewell with II corps. My initial orders were to capture and hold Cemetery hill and Culps Hill, supported by Dave in his role as AP Hill. To say our attack was successful was an understatement. We both smashed into the union XII and I Corps and proceeded to remove each brigade from the game before any assistance could arrive from III corps. We did benefit from being able to attack at 4 AM which meant many of the union Corps were still to arrive on the table (got to make the most of your opportunities). After the initial assault the game settle down into a bit of a slug fest with neither side being able to claim a victory. Eventually with honours even the Confederates were allowed to withdraw with the union unable to mount any form of assault. It seems that just like in history the union managed to check the threat towards Washington.

I did manage to take some photos which are below. However cannot remember which action was which. Hope you enjoy.

Victory without quarter

Managed to give these rules another run out at the club last night. Once again it was an enjoyable game even though i was only umpiring. the game was a follow up to last weeks Royalist victory with the Parliamentarians attempting a counter strike. Their plans went awry from the initial set up. With all their infantry on the left flank to advance and occupy some hedges and a large overlooking hill. The centre was held by 3 troops of horse and a small unit of commanded foot. The right flank was also all cavalry with 3 troops.

The Royalist sprung a surprise on their initial deployment. Occupying a small frontage in column they ignored the hedged fields and smashed straight into the Parliamentarian centre. With Langdale's horse holding off the right flank roundheads, Rupert with overwhelming numbers smashed into the centre. The round heads this week did put up a stiffer resistance, but the supporting foot of Percy and Bard finally shattered their lines. The Roundhead infantry spent most of the battle marching to the sound of the guns. By the time the reach the battle, the Royalist centre was unengaged and able to turn and meet the threat. Eventually time ran out and the Roundheads were forced to retreat, much discussion within their ranks on how for 2 battles running their veteran infantry had little impact within the game, and just how could the hold the royalist cavalry, especially the regiments of Lucas and Rupert who did much to unsettle their own horse.

I did manage 1 picture before the camera packed up, showing the start of the Royalist advance. Bayley did get some photos which he has promised top send through and I'll post them when I get a chance.