AussieAndy | 08 Feb 2015 9:04 p.m. PST |
Hello I have had in the back of mind for some time the idea of an AWI project. I have bought quite a few books, but I haven't had a chance to ready any of them yet, due to other priorities. I am coming to the USA in a couple of weeks and will attend Cold Wars. It has occurred to me that it might be an idea to buy some Blue Moon AWI at Cold Wars, so that I can haul them back to Australia myself and save on postage. The problem is that I don't know where to start, as I have no idea which figures I will need to populate my armies and I haven't got the time to even start doing the research in the next couple of weeks. Based on my very limited knowledge, I am more interested in the campaigns of Washington's army than the southern campaigns. I have had some quarter – baked ideas about trying to adapt Might and Reason, but using each unit as a battalion, rather than a brigade because I already have SYW British and German states armies that I could use for AWI while painting up the proper figures. I am hoping that I can buy Blue Moon stuff to do the bulk of my forces at Cold Wars, although I recognise that I'll need to buy more later. So my question is: which troop types should I buy? For example, should most of my Continentals be in uniform coats, hunting shirts or something else? I apologise in advance for my ignorance on this topic and for asking such broad questions, but any advice would be appreciated. Thank you |
cavcrazy | 08 Feb 2015 9:42 p.m. PST |
I like a mix of uniforms in one unit, making them look all scruffy seems more realistic to me. |
Doctor X | 08 Feb 2015 10:04 p.m. PST |
I would do my Continentals in a mix of "regulation" uniforms with hunting shirts etc. It would be unusual for a unit to be completely in complete regulation uniform except late in the war or maybe a few rare exceptions that don't come to mind right now. As mentioned, they also look better. |
bandit86 | 08 Feb 2015 10:43 p.m. PST |
here is a couple of pictures (google images is your friend)
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AussieAndy | 08 Feb 2015 10:51 p.m. PST |
Thank you. So a mixture of Continentals in regimental coats and hunting shirts (with each type having a mixture of cocked hats and round hats) would be about right? Maybe with some militia thrown in as well? What about the British? Blue Moon has a number of different options. I am looking for the types that would give me the most use. I am assuming that the British would have amore uniform appearance. I am also guessing that there won't be much artillery or cavalry on either side. Thanks again |
korsun0 | 09 Feb 2015 12:21 a.m. PST |
Two good links here to previous threads about the AWI in general… TMP link TMP link |
Fat Wally | 09 Feb 2015 12:59 a.m. PST |
I'd also suggest getting your hands on a copy of 'Rebellion' the Black Powder AWI supplement. It is packed with useful info on the history, organisation and dress of the various contingents. A must have for a newbie of the period. |
Frostie | 09 Feb 2015 4:02 a.m. PST |
I'd go for Pendraken 10mm a fantastic and comprehensive range and easy to paint, they look great |
79thPA | 09 Feb 2015 5:04 a.m. PST |
John gave some very good advice (listed in korsuno's first link); I was going to post it, but couldn't readily find it last night. |
Khusrau | 09 Feb 2015 5:08 a.m. PST |
The Mollo book is good for plates, organisation and a potted history. Available very cheaply second hand. I think I paid A$ 11 for mine inc. postage. |
Dave Crowell | 09 Feb 2015 10:01 a.m. PST |
My Rebels have more uniforms than they probably historically ought to. This is because the uniforms are what makes it easiest to distinguish one unit from another on the table top. Also I like researching and painting uniforms. Non-uniformed troops have a great advanage in this period, they can serve as militia for either side, as well as Continental regulars. |
historygamer | 09 Feb 2015 1:50 p.m. PST |
Well, you have certainly asked a rather complicated question. Washington's Army had three major campaigns, with a mixture of uniforms, even from the same state. 1776 – New York – color of coats all over the place. Militia were separate units, not mixed in with regulars. No regulation uniforms at all, probably had a very civilian look. 1777 – Philly campaign – more uniform look, PA militia own units. 1778 – Monmouth – more uniform still, French lottery coats making the scene, predominantly blue faced red, or brown faced red British: 1776 – round hats and round about jackets the rage under Howe 1777 – ditto 1778 – probably still ditto, as Clinton takes command of the army and marches back to New York Blue Moon has an outstanding collection of British in round hats and round about jackets. The also have some in cropped regimental coats as well as full 1768 Royal Clothing Warrant. They also have a wonderful line of mixed continentals (some in coats, some in cocked hats, some in hunting frocks, some on round hats). Peter Pig also has a good line of figures more specialized – Guards, British Light infantry (feather in round hat). Hope that helps. |
AussieAndy | 09 Feb 2015 6:40 p.m. PST |
Thank you for your advice and suggestions (especailly those who read the original post and responded accordingly). |
Early morning writer | 12 Feb 2015 6:20 p.m. PST |
BE CERTAIN! Contact Blue Moon/Old Glory 25 ahead of time and let them know what you want to ensure they have it – otherwise you might get disappointed, depends on what they bring and I recollect they said they will be hauling less going forward unless so contacted. Just a heads up. |
GROSSMAN | 13 Feb 2015 8:21 a.m. PST |
Fast and cheap would be to go with the Old Glory 10mm strip figures. Easy to paint and a relatively complete line that you can fill in with Pendragon and other mfgs. Only down side to those is the way they are based and how that will effect the rules you chose ( I suggest Guns of Liberty) The Blue Moon figures are excellent but don't match well with other mfgs as they are on the large size. Check out the Old Glory Army Deal card if you are going to buy the whole lot at once, can save you some money. |
historygamer | 13 Feb 2015 8:36 a.m. PST |
Blue Moon matches well with Peter Pig, which is also an extensive line, and not bad with Minifigs. |
Supercilius Maximus | 13 Feb 2015 10:17 a.m. PST |
Really? I can see Minifigs and BM together, but I would have thought PP were on the small side compared to those two. Anyone know what happened to the Polly Oliver re-launch? It was all looking good at Salute 2014, but nothing much seems to have happened since, other than the release of some flags in September – there's nothing on their website or blog since then. |
Der Alte Fritz | 13 Feb 2015 11:05 a.m. PST |
You might want to contact Old Glory and set up a preorder for any Blue Moon figures that you want. That way you can be assured of having some metal to carry back on the plane with you. OG provides this service. Fritz |
historygamer | 13 Feb 2015 12:25 p.m. PST |
Now I'm really going to eyeball the BM to MF and PP. :-( |