Osprey Modelling Competition

A little while ago (mid march) I entered the monthly Osprey Modelling competition. The theme was 'Dark Ages' and as such I used some of my Romano-British figures as my entry. Below were my entries, I'm not sure which was used in the end. The Osprey Blog should showcase these next week (commencing May 1st, 2017) I have been informed.

My Dux/Comes

The Infantry

It turns out that I won! I was rather surprised as I thought my efforts distinctly average, especially in comparison with some of the fantastic figures seen online. Anyhow, my prizes finally arrived today and I'm quite chuffed with what I received. All of it rather interesting and useful to my wargaming/historical interests. I have not heard anything at all about the game Scrappers but I intend to have a good look through and see if it is suitable for my modern/near future Eastern European post -apoc needs.

https://ospreypublishing.com/blog/april_miniature_modelling_2017/

My Prizes!

With the Muskets and Tomahawks game fast approaching I have been finishing off the last few figures required. I have also been (finally) getting to grips with my 28mm WWII US Paras from Artizan. Compared to the 18th Century uniform the dull colours certainly make painting a lot easier and faster. Hopefully the reinforced platoon should be ready soon, pictures to follow.

Compagnies Franche de la Marine 400pt List

This is my 400 point list for the upcoming three way/two sided game of Muskets and Tomahawks. The force is formed around a core of Compagnies Franche de la Marine regulars with some irregular Marine/miltia support with a few Ottawa to round the numbers out.

The thoughts behind the force are quite simple; the line infantry are the decisive arm and to be used to deliver the important blows via volley. The militia to harass, redirect the enemies attempts. Finally the Indians for scouting and aiding with the harassment, due to their small numbers they can not stand up in a fight but can make a few shots. Hopefully the force can do reasonably well and isn't picked apart due to the larger blocks of Marines.


1x Compagnies Franche de la Marine Officer - Regular, Light Troop, Visionary      32

1x Compagnies Franche de la Marine Officer - Irregular, Light Troop, Inspiration    32

10x Compagnies Franche de la Marine                                                                     80

10x Compagnies Franche de la Marine                                                                     80

6x Canadian Militia w/native                                                                                       60                                                                                           
6x Canadian Militia w/native                                                                                       60

4x Indians                                                                                                                   28

4x Indians                                                                                                                   28

Total                                                                                                                          400
              
For the officers some background has been created using the TFL Sharp Practice character creator. This is not anything overly serious but more some limited characterisation and role play elements outside of the narrative tables at the rear of the rulebook. The names are as of yet undecided as nothing suitably amusing has come to mind.

Capitan

• Military family but poverty stricken, a Gentleman
• Honourable
• Strapping fellow, fair face and affable

 A Canadian born fellow? would explain the relative poverty and military nature. Generally honourable makes for a good leader type character that cares about his men and useful for general interactions with natives/enemies.

Lieutenant

• Nobility with wealth and influence
• Rake
• Average Build, Handsome devil, dullard

 A younger son sent away due to causing mischief in the family home/operations? interesting counter point to the Capitan.

Göteborg City Museum

Having spent this past Easter weekend in Gothenburg I have a few pictures from the City Museum. I found the museum exquisite; the building beautiful, the exhibits well organised and informative in contextualising the artefacts and Gothenburg as whole. The majority of the photographs below are from a military history perspective as befitting this blog but there may be a few others thrown in if I deem them interesting enough.

My knowledge of the artefacts pictured below is not that great and as I forgot to take notes/photographs of the details there will only be a brief description/thoughts. Just enjoy the pictures!

Bronze Age Weapons. What appears to be a 'Grip Tongue' type sword, A classic Bronze Age Spear
head and what I can only assume in a ceremonial axe head of some type.

Two Early Medieval spear heads and a shield boss. I am
unsure whether these are Vendel or 'Viking' era.

A Dane Axehead, unsure of the date.

Three Swords, all of a different type dating from c700AD onwards.

A of Late C15th through to early C17th weapons and armour.

A of Late C15th through to early C17th weapons and armour including
caltrops and shot. I am unsure about the ceramic tiles and
why they were included in the display.

A Winged spear and a Swedish Morion/Pot

A very fine pair of flintlock pistols with ivory and gilt inlay.

17th Century wheelock arquebus.

A pair of 17th Century Swords. Right is a Swedish M1685 I believe. I am unsure
about the left example but it is earlier I think.

The equipment of a Gothenburg City Watchman

And finally, after all those poorly explained photographs comes something rather exciting. The only extant 'Viking' ship in Sweden! It is an exmaple of a Knarr, a trading vessel.