Griffin Co. Supplies (Review)

While not as glamorous as the front lines of battle, supply and logistics are important to any military operation.  Too often, 54mm armies--and their monarchs--are somewhat hampered by a lack of supplies in that scale.  The jolly tars of Redcoats and Ruffles   Scattered sources allow for some supplies, but few companies offer a large assortment of goods.

Enter GriffonCo, (https://www.griffonco.com) a manufacturer of 3D printed items.  Their items are scaled for 28mm figures, but several are usable by 54mm figures.

The picture shows several different products from GriffonCo.  All (except the barrels and the small chest) are exactly as they come from GriffonCo.  The barrels received a light wash of black or brown, and the metalwork on the small chest has been painted.

A complete list with links to each piece is below, (along with my opinions).  The photo shows each piece in order left to right, along with six different figures for size comparison, again from left to right: MPC, Accurate, Barzso, BMC, Armies in Plastic, and LOD Enterprises.

Loot Sacks.  Rather small for 54mm.  More the size of money bags than grain bags. https://www.griffonco.com/collections/outdoor-scatter/products/miniature-crates-treasure-chests-bags-and-containers-for-dungeons-dragons

Treasure Chests.  These small chests of loot are my personal favorite.  Enough money to be easily carried (and enjoyed) by 1 or 2 figures.  https://www.griffonco.com/collections/outdoor-scatter/products/miniature-crates-treasure-chests-bags

Village Barrels.  This set of 3 barrels is useful, but smaller than the larger size below.  https://www.griffonco.com/collections/outdoor-scatter/products/miniatures-barrels-for-dnd-or-dungeons-dragons

Folded Sail Cargo.  What looks like a sail to 28mm figures is a garment or blanket for 54mm figures.  And you can never have too many spare clothes or blankets. https://www.griffonco.com/collections/outdoor-scatter/products/folded-sail-cargo

Large Barrel.  The perfect size for 54mm figures...except for thirsty sailors!  Better get two to be on the safe side! https://www.griffonco.com/collections/outdoor-scatter/products/large-barrel-or-cask-for-dnd-9491

Tarped Cargo.  A nice versatile pile of tarped goods. Slightly under knee-high for 54mm figures. https://www.griffonco.com/collections/treasures-loot/products/miniature-tarped-covered-cargo-sets-for-dungeons-and-dragons-9982

Treasure Chest.  This bigger chest can be used for more than just pirate gold...women with large wardrobes or emigrants travelling to a new world will appreciate it as well.   https://www.griffonco.com/collections/terrain/products/miniature-treasure-chest-set-for-dungeons-dragons

Crate.  It does what its name says.  Very useful and perfectly sized for 54mm figures.   https://www.griffonco.com/collections/terrain/products/miniature-crates-treasure-chests-bags-and-containers

Stone Wall (Hobby Lobby)-Review

"James, we're journalists, not spies!"

Do your troops need cover in an intense firefight?  Maybe your farms would like a sturdy enclosure to mark their land?  Are your spies requesting an obstacle to screen them from prying eyes?  A stone wall is a necessity for all of these things, and this particular one is admirable for 54mm soldiers.  Now you can recreate the retreat to Boston (1775) or the storm of Leuthen Church (1757), along with numerous other battles and skirmishes!

Manufactured and distributed by Hobby Lobby (a U.S. craft store chain), this wall is distributed as part of their fairy garden line "My Garden Friends."  Of course, it is easily repurposed!  Published dimensions are 6 5/8 inches long, 2 1/16 inches high, and 3/4 inch thick. (For dimensions, ordering info, and store availability, visit https://www.hobbylobby.com/Floral-Wedding/Floral-Supplies/Fairy-Garden/Stone-Wall/p/89747906)  It is factory painted, so color schemes do vary slightly.  Also, the original can be coated with glitter, but it is easily ignored.  The wall in the pictures is "off-the-shelf" with no conversion or paint.

Based on the dimensions, it is a substantial obstacle for your 54mm troops.  But more importantly, can soldiers fire over it?  Standing against the wall to fire are (from left to right), an Armies in Plastic soldier, an LOD soldier, another Armies in Plastic soldier, and an ATS soldier.  All of them have the height required to rest their musket on top of the wall and fire over.  The only soldier that I had trouble with was a standing firing BMC British grenadier.  His gun is held far too low to reach the top of the wall.  The rest of the figures worked just fine.  In addition, most 54mm troops will be able to look over the wall at their enemies, while remaining fully defended by it.

This wall also makes a quick backdrop for action!

Though Redcoats & Ruffles focuses on the 18th Century, this piece is good in multiple eras.  I will certainly be acquiring more of them in the near future!

Helmet Soldiers' Muskets and Pistols (Review)

BMC Queen's Ranger with Helmet musket

I enjoy doing conversion work on 54mm figures.  Many changes can be sculpted, like cartridge boxes, haversacks, and many kinds of hats.  But when it comes to firearms, it is easier for me to simply add a premade weapon than sculpt one.  Unfortunately, I have not found many companies that offer muskets for 54mm figures.  Helmet Soldiers offers muskets, pistols, and other weaponry for your troops.  Find them at http://www.helmetsoldiers.co.uk/weapons.html.

They offer both the French Charleville and the British Brown Bess, with and without bayonet.  Also they have a pistol that resembles the French An IX (Year 9) Cavalry pistol, though it is described as a "Universal" pistol. All come cast in a clearish white plastic.

 

 The Charleville musket (top) is approximately 67mm from butt to bayonet tip.  This makes it an excellent fit for soldiers at the taller end of the 54mm world (such as BMC).

The Brown Bess musket (bottom) is approximately 60mm from butt to bayonet tip.  It is smaller and lighter than the Charleville, which is slightly odd, considering that the reverse was historically true.  The Brown Bess' size means that it works well with smaller 54mm figures, like Marx, Accurate, or A Call to Arms.

The "universal" pistol is barely 12mm long and quite thin.  This makes it unsuitable for use as a dragoon or Sea Service pistol.  However, this size makes an excellent choice for a "muff pistol", a small, easily-concealed means of defense.

If your noblewomen need a defense against highwaymen, or your pirates would like an increase in their firepower, this pistol is an excellent choice. 

 

 

 

 

"Stubble Stan" (a BMC figure) wields one of their "universal" pistols in his right hand, with a Sea Service pistol in his left.  Hopefully this shows just how small the Helmet pistol is when compared to the other pistol.

 

Disclaimer: I am not sponsored or otherwise subsidized (including free product) by Helmet Soldiers.  I'm just one collector passing on knowledge to another.  Do make sure to check out www.helmetsoldiers.co.uk for these and many other fascinating products!