WIP Von Donop

     After the move and the organized chaos which is Christmas, work has finally begun again on my AWI's. I'm starting with the 30 figure regiment of Von Donop's Hessians as prescribed in the BG Scenario for Brandywine. Along with the 30 musketeer regiment I'm doing a set of 6 Von Donop Grenadiers for use in a combined grenadier battalion. I chose a large regiment like this to get myself trained back into painting after such a long layoff as well as the desire for a large enough unit to help smooth out any rough edges working with 25mm for the first time in years. Its already proving a challenge as I attempt the eyeballs and other greater spots of detail.

     Also on the painting table are some more 15mm Rep. Romans for fog as well as Ancient Spanish Cav., Numidians, and some successor cav. Another project is the finishing off of my "War Room" as moving back to our larger home allows great space and opportunity to design it as I choose, with only suggestions from the wife. However at present my attention is focused on getting my brush wet in AWI.

Moving, Remodeling, and Fusiliers

After our 2 year expedition into Minnesota, I've moved my family back to our larger home in Iowa. As unpacking continues there are a few remodelling tasks at hand, but the one I'm focused on the most is of course, my wargames room. I should be up and running again by the end of next week.

Whenever I have extended periods of downtime I tend to buy lots of lead, and this time around is no different. I've bought a few more ancients to take on, but most of all I've refocused efforts on my AWI project. I have nearly all the figures purchased for Brandywine and am making a few purchases for a southern conflict, maybe something with French. Other periods I've recently purchased into or will shortly, 1809 French/Bavarian/Austrian, Sudan (can't decide between 25/15mm), more ACW, and want to get into either the TYW or ECW. I've had an interest in the ECW ever since I got my hands on an early copy of Miniature Wargames featuring an article about Montrose's campaigns. I remember writing a paper about him while in the 8th grade and getting an F, because the teacher thought I just made this person up. A few days of presenting the research material cleared up that.

Along with lead, I've purchased more uniform research tomes and a few books for period reading. I'm about halfway through "FUSILIERS" by Mark Urban and I'm thoroughly enjoying it. Urban's writing style is enjoyable and the wealth of information about this regiment and the personalities involved with it are beyond measure to anyone looking for a good period read. My favorite AWI book prior to this has been "Almost a Miracle" by John Ferling. It now has competition.

This winter should be a very productive one on the wargaming front or at least the painting table. After a number of years of non-stop coaching I'm taking a year off to help my health and spend more time with my family. My oldest son and daughter have been wanting to get involved in painting as well so I'll have a couple of assistants. Stay tuned, I promise more frequent posts in the near future.