Independence Day

Happy Independence Day from Redcoats and Ruffles!

Some of the residents of Redcoats and Ruffles listen to the town crier read the news of the Declaration of Independence.  “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights.  That among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

"Liberty's Kids" Gallery

 In celebration of finishing all three main characters from the TV show "Liberty's Kids", here is a little gallery showing our heroes and heroine in action.

Benjamin Franklin's Gazette is eager to print a report on the action at Turnbull's Farm.  He is assigning his team of James Hiller (green waistcoat), Sarah Phillips (blue skirt), and Henri Lefebrve (red waistcoat) to gather information.

James Hiller interviews American and French officers.  The Gazette will be pleased to have this first-hand information.  A few earlier reports have appeared, but none have demonstrated the accuracy and clarity that these young reporters can achieve.  Sarah and Henri can be seen to James' right, also jotting down their notes.  Sentries ring the house, and one sits on a stool to  enjoy a pipe.

Despite control of much of the countryside by American militia, it still pays to be careful when scouting for news.  Those investigating events and asking questions are naturally suspicious characters and it would not do to incur even more suspicion by being seen meeting with rebel officers.

Moving carefully out of the house was a wise precaution, as the reporters are stopped by a British patrol.  However, Sarah Phillips is usually able to talk her way out of trouble by demonstrating her Loyalist sympathies.  The privates of the 80th Royal Edinburgh Volunteers regard her as a heroine, for she expressed her opinions of the Continental Congress too freely and escaped from captivity in the skirmish at Turnbull's Farm. (http://redcoatsandruffles.blogspot.com/2019/11/skirmish-at-turnbulls-farm.html)

 In addition to her own exploits, she is honoured as the daughter of Captain Phillips, believed killed at Turnbull's Farm. His body was carried from the field by the grenadiers, but he was not dead.  He is currently recovering from severe wounds suffered at Turnbull's Farm.  However, he is unable to endure the rigors of campaigning, and the grenadier company is currently without its captain.  His wife Lady Phillips has joined him in his convalescence.

2018 Figure Recap

In 2018, I painted 26 figures to add to my growing collections.  Each group of related figures is highlighted below.

Click on any picture to expand it.

 
Three American militiamen by Accurate.  The mounted militiaman is a conversion of an Accurate body with Marx legs and rifle.  The horse is from Classic Toy Soldiers.

The militiaman in red cap has been featured on this blog at
http://redcoatsandruffles.blogspot.com/2018/03/militiaman-from-mollo-and-mcgregor.html

Three Continental soldiers from ATS.  The two in blue coats will join the 2nd Pennsylvania, while the third joins the light infantry (featured in http://redcoatsandruffles.blogspot.com/2018/11/continental-light-infantry-in-hunting.html)

These three soldiers are British Infantry at Culloden, produced by Replicants.  While they suffered from much flash, the figures themselves were splendid and a joy to paint.

Moving on to the British, the 43rd Regiment of Foot has begun its mustering.  In a pinch, these figures can double as British marines.

(Why did I paint three soldiers of every unit last year?  It certainly was not intentional)

At last, a unit with four figures!  These men are from the Hesse-Cassell Regiment von Bose.  They were previously featured on this blog at http://redcoatsandruffles.blogspot.com/2018/04/hessian-regiment-von-bose.html.

Yet another unit with three recruits!

These soldiers are from the French Regiment Gatenais, and sport distinctive purple lapels and cuff piping.

The 18th Century is not complete without civilians.  Six new figures (including two reinforcements for the petticoat brigade) have moved into town.   Five are based on movie characters from Liberty's Kids and Beauty and the Beast.

Four of them have been featured on Redcoats and Ruffles at:

http://redcoatsandruffles.blogspot.com/2018/05/libertys-kids-character-james-hiller.html
http://redcoatsandruffles.blogspot.com/2018/01/sarah-phillips.html
http://redcoatsandruffles.blogspot.com/2018/11/beauty-and-beast.html

More information on each figure (if he or she has not been highlighted already) to follow, including manufacturer, conversion, and paint. 

Allies Arrive

This blog has mostly featured British and Loyalist troops opposed by American revolutionaries.  Now this trend is changing.  A treaty of alliance has been signed and His Majesty Louis XVI has sent soldiers to aid the Americans in their struggle against Britain.

More French infantrymen will be arriving in the forthcoming months.  To read more about the engineer and the role of the French Royal Engineer Corps in the American Revolution, visit https://redcoatsandruffles.blogspot.com/2018/01/french-engineer.html

Painted Figures of 2016

One of my goals for the past year was to paint 25 figures.  I succeeded, painting a total of 26 figures.

The first group showcased is the center company of the 80th Regiment of Foot (Royal Edinburgh Volunteers).  They muster 11 men, including an officer and flagbearer.

 Next is a group of six militiamen completed this year.  The man waving his hat makes an excellently patriotic NCO, while the armed minister is ready to resist both Episcopalianism and George III.

 The 2nd Pennsylvania Regiment received their own flagbearer in 2016.

 I began a French & Indian War collection in 2016 by painting this French-Canadian militiaman.  Comrades and opponents are not far behind...

In my opinion, no military diorama is complete without civilians, and these six personalities will add color and charm to any layout.  A tavern keeper, gentleman, porter, and printer all fill needed roles in my 54mm colonial world.

Another fledgling collection of mine is the Seven Years War in India.  It was bolstered with the recruitment of an EIC European and Sepoy.

Last but not least come these two enforcers from the American Revolution-era movie Beyond the Mask.  In the movie, these black-coated gentry follow the orders of Charles Kemp and harass his opponents.  I have given them the nickname "Kemp's Greys" based on their facing color.

And that was my progress in 2016!  2017 will see even more additions to my 54mm armies.  Stay tuned!

June Photo Gallery

Here is a group of pictures I took recently.  All figures are 54mm scale, hand painted by me.

"Charge of the Royal Edinburgh Volunteers"

The fusiliers of the 80th Royal Edinburgh Regiment charge while the grenadier company of the 80th supports them.

"Close with them, boys!"

Two disciplined formations, the 2nd Pennsylvania and 80th Regiment, prepare to fight it out hand-to-hand.

"Defenders of Virginia"

A group of three Virginia militiamen open fire against the British invaders of their homeland.

"Local Assistance"

A local loyalist instructs a British officer about difficulties ahead while British soldiers march.

80th Regiment Center Company Finished!

I finished the last figure for the 80th Regiment of Foot, Center Company last Friday (click the picture to enlarge it). The 80th, also known as the Royal Edinburgh Volunteers, arrived in Virginia with Benedict Arnold in January 1781 and served at the Siege of Yorktown. Now all these jolly lads need is varnishing and basing (a few figures already have this) and then their unit can be featured on this blog.