Massachusetts Light Infantry Officer

 This figure was previously featured on this blog at https://redcoatsandruffles.blogspot.com/2016/02/massachusetts-company-gimats-light.html.  However, I decided the officer needed a form of self-protection other than his sword, so he was supplied with a French fusil (light musket).  This makes him look far more like a partisan leader (partisan was the 18th century term for light infantry, etc.) and less like a typical line officer.

Now he and his light infantrymen can slink through the forests of Virginia, facing off against the British invaders under Benedict Arnold and later Lord Cornwallis. 

Figure by BMC, musket from MPC "Colonials".  Painted with Testors paints.

Canadian Militiaman of the French & Indian War

While most of my painted figures come from the American Revolution, I have finally taken the plunge and embarked on a small collection of painted French & Indian War figures.  The figure in the picture is the first one completed, but there will be more to come.

This figure is a French-Canadian militiaman of the French & Indian War.  He wears a light-colored shirt like his Indian allies, but dons a knitted red cap like many other Canadian militiamen.  Armed with a musket, tomahawk and three knives, this man is ready to fight les Anglois.

Figure is originally from Accurate's American Militia #1.  I converted him by shaving his bushy beard, cutting off the fringe from his shirt.  I sculpted him a knit cap and three knives, as well as changing his British musket to a French one by adding barrel bands.  This means he is likely armed with a military musket, rather than a "trade gun."  Figure painted with Testors paints.

Independence Day!

Happy Independence Day to all my readers!

These figures are a mix of MPC and Accurate.  They represent the militia (citizen soldiers) of the American Revolution.

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.

Landlord of the "King and Crown"



This figure recreates another minor character from Beyond the Mask Movie.  He is the landlord of a Philadelphia pub called the “King and Crown.”  It has a reputation for the best lamb in town.  As might be evident by its name, this pub is a favorite resort for Loyalists.

The original figure is from Barzso Playsets and captured the character wonderfully.  With a pewter mug in hand and head cocked deferentially, this man is ready to serve another customer.

 

Figure by Barzso Playsets; painted with Testors paints.

Interior is a Playmobil house and is furnished with a mix of Lego and Playmobil accessories.  Posters are from the website of the Loyal American Regiment.  Please visit their site at http://loyalamericanregiment.org/.

 

2nd Pennsylvania Regiment by Armies In Plastic

The 2nd Pennsylvania Regiment had an excellent reputation during the American Revolution.  They fought gallantly at Brandywine (1777), Paoli (1777), Germantown (1777), and Monmouth (1778).  The 2nd was a unit of trusted veterans and George Washington knew it.

When Major John Andre was captured and Benedict Arnold fled to the British, George Washington believed that West Point (where Arnold had formerly commanded) might be in danger.  He needed reinforcements to halt the British if they attempted to capture it.  He called on the Pennsylvania regiments, who marched 16 miles in 4 hours (from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m.) to reach West Point.  "When Washington got word of Wayne's forced march and timely arrival, he quite rightly called the feat 'fabulous.'" (1)

 

In 1781, the Pennsylvania Line mutinied because of a lack of pay, but the 2nd Pennsylvania did not initially join them "until the other troops threatened them at bayonet point and with artillery." (2)  The 2nd was sent to join Lafayette and his hard-pressed Continentals in Virginia.  There they took part in the Battle of Green Spring and ultimately, the Battle of Yorktown.

The 2nd Pennsylvania wore blue coats with red cuffs and lapels and white waistcoats.  Colonel Walter Stewart was the colonel of the 2nd Pennsylvania and he was an officer who cared for his men. "I find the little necessaries for my regiment difficult to be procured and at the most exorbitant prices, but I am determined to get them and have them I will if possible,"--Stewart wrote. (3)

Figures are by Armies in Plastic "American Revolution: French Infantry."  I chose French infantry as the base for these soldiers because they were cast in white plastic.  Most men carry "Brown Bess" muskets, but one man has a French musket (distinguishable by the barrel bands).  These soldiers are painted with Testors paints.  Click on each picture to expand it.

(1) pg. 65, Victory at Yorktown by Richard M. Ketchum
(2)http://www.243regiment.com/history_2nd.html
(3) http://www.243regiment.com/WalterStewartHistory.html

Female Civilian

Click on the picture to enlarge it

This figure is a female civilian during the American Revolution.  But this figure is slightly different than any figure I have painted so far because she represents my sister in her time as a extra for the movie Beyond the Mask. 

She (my sister, not the figure) has recently written a charming two-part account of her time on set.

Part 1 can be found at https://castlesinclouds.wordpress.com/2016/04/19/as-an-extra-for-beyond-the-mask-part-1/

And Part 2 at https://castlesinclouds.wordpress.com/2016/04/20/as-an-extra-for-beyond-the-mask-part-2/

The figure is a Marx recast.  The figure was originally supposed to represent a character from Johnny Tremaine, but has been recast and is a useful colonial-era young girl.  No conversion was required.  Figure painted with Testors paints.