"Antietam 17th September 1862" Topic

I am in the preparation and planing stage for my Antietam refight in 20mm.

However, before hostilities can commence some building work is required.

First off the Dunkard Church on the Hagerstown pike.

‌

‌

Happy modelling,

Chris

Nice looking Dunkard Church. We are currently doing the campaign in 15mm regimental. We did the fighting on September 16th a couple of weeks ago.

We will do all the main parts of the battle and if I can get enough players committed, we will do as much of the entire battle while still be able to reach the center of the table top.

Right now I am trying to figure out how to do the terrain for the Sunken Road.

link

I am researching this battle extensively but you might find these wonderful maps of help from the Library of Congress.

link

The sunken road was really a rain washed gully so you might choose to have higher ground looking towards the Piper farm and carve it out.

I use a sand table so elevations and depressions are no problem.

Best wishes,

Chris

Next up the D R Miller farmhouse.

This building has recently been renovated by the NPS following extensive research.

‌

Lots to do.

The Rohrbach bridge.

‌

Happy modelling.

Chris

I have now completed the Mumma farmhouse and am very pleased with it.

The Confederates burnt it down at the original battle but I do not fancy that. However, if in my re fight it is necessary, the interior has a position to place one of my ‘burn trays' and that with a damaged roof, should look the part hopefully.

‌

‌

‌

Happy modelling.

Chris

I was not sure about a tiled roof as some pictures have the tin variant on some of the LOC pictures.

However, I am of the opinion that these are later roof variants as the main picture clearly shows either tiles or shingles.

I stained the whole building in a black ink after painting to represent nearly one hundred years of weathering on the structure.

The girls have popped round for a look.

‌

‌

I am pleased with my log cabin which hopefully will be the basis of a hospital scene in the future.

Chris

‌

Confederate Divisional commanders and ADC's

I have been cutting, swapping and chopping and am quite pleased with the results so far.

My painting ability is nothing compared to some on the forum but I think they convey a good image and as a bonus are much easier than Highlanders!

‌

Henry Piper Farm and slave quarters

I have now completed the two principal buildings.

‌

Some tidying up but I am quite pleased with them.

Confederate Gun battery

I fancied a break from buildings and decided to see what one of my gun batteries looked like on camera.

I am quite pleased with this quick scene. The camera, as usual, has found the flaws which will be rectified.

The crew are from the genius known as Massimo and the Parrott cannon is the excellent Speira product.

Decent team crews seem very scare so I converted my own. Art Miniturian horses provide the muscle and the commander is Stretlets.

‌

‌

The target is my home town!

Chris

Awesome stuff!! Tell us more about the bridge? Is it a scratch ?

Thank you for your kind comments.

All the elements are scratch built and if you visit this link there are full details of the processes used along with much more.

link

I hope to commence my refight in the New Year following the competition of Quatre Bras which is nearing its climax.

Best wishes,

Chris

The Joseph Sherrick Farm.

The model will be embedded in my sand table as per the original hence the ‘flying' version shown here.

Lots to do.

‌

Chris

James Ewell Brown Stuart

‌

Having graduated from West Point in 1854 Stuart served with the US army in Texas and Kansas's .

He took part in the Indian frontier wars and was also a part of the US force that captured John Brown at Harper's Ferry.

Having resigned his commission as a Virginian he then served under Thomas Jackson in the Shenandoah campaign. Jackson put him in charge of the 1st Virginia cavalry.

Stuart's exploits in the Peninsular campaign was a public relations sensation and he was promoted to command the cavalry division during the following Virginia campaign.

Further success including capturing General Popes uniform and the pursuit of the fleeing Union army after 2nd Manassas.

Stuart had a flair for not only audacity on the battlefield but personal flamboyance with his ostrich feathered hat and luxuriant beard.

His entertaining and the dispersed nature of his forces during the Maryland campaign did not help the Confederate forces following the discovery of Special Order No. 191.

Personally, I think that the Stretlets Stuart is too squat.

Therefore I chopped his head off and stuck it on the Italieri cavalry officer. The colour scheme is from the illustrated Don Troianis's painting. Mr T, a terrific researcher has Stuart's hair as a reddish brown.

My research suggests brown and indeed I came across this lock off the great man taken after his death at Yellow Tavern.

theminiaturespage.com

‌"TMP link

Stuart's plume was created from static grass and then cut to size, I am pleased with the result.

The general officer is constructed from an Italieri US cavalry telescope chap sliced and matched with a a Stretlets officer holding his hat.

theminiaturespage.com

‌"TMP link

The head is from the tiny but eminently useful Newline Civil War gunners.

Lots to do.

Chris

John Otto part two.

I have now finished the Otto house and am pleased with the overall result.

I have learned a lot building these houses and hopefully my skill set is improving.

The camera has shown a few tidying up areas as always.

Whilst not perfect I feel John would have still recognised his property on the way home after a few glasses of Applejack.

theminiaturespage.com

‌"TMP link

The girls are back again.

‌

Next up the Joshua Newcomer house I think.

Chris

Confederate cavalry conversions

I am looking for something a little different to represent some of Mr Stuart's command on the left wing.

A little chopping, head swaps etc has resulted in something more to my liking.

The horse holder is a Newline bare headed artilleryman chopped in half, stave removed and remounted on an Italeri Confederate cavalryman.

My general with the hat is a Stretlets running Union guy suitably chopped on a Highland Waterloo 1815 horse.

‌

Lots to do.

Chris

Infantry organisation

I have commenced painting up the troops required and whilst not up to some of the phenomenal standards of the forum, I am quite pleased with the ‘look'.

‌

I am using brigade units of approximately fifty troops per unit. Whilst not exactly correct as some units were smaller or larger than others I feel from past experience they work well.

The organisation and troop figures are taken from the excellent Maryland Campaign part 2, Antietam by Ezra A Carman.

Colonel Carman actually fought at Antietam and in 1864 was hired as a historical expert to investigate the campaign.

Based on his exhaustive research, edited by Thomas Clemens and based on a one to twenty representation I will need 1500 Confederate infantry and 2400 Union troops.

On top will be the artillery and associated cavalry, staff etc.

These figures represent the troops present that took an active part in the action following the actions at South Mountain etc.

One of the benefits of Civil War troops is that apart from a few select units, The Iron Brigade for example, the uniforms are simple and homogenous.

This allows troops to be painted up as firing lines, marching etc and mixed as appropriate for the situation they find themselves in.

Happy modelling.

Chris

Confederate cavalry

I have painted up my conversions and am quite pleased with them.

There is a little tidying up required for my horse holder it seems, the camera is merciless!

‌

Incidentally, I found this wonderful link regarding cavalry actions and the inherent problems for commanders which is applicable to all eras I would suggest.

smallbutimportantriots.com/2018 … e-charges/

Lots to do,

Chris

Ambulances

My very good friend Thomas Mischak sent me along with some other goodies the Imex ambulance set as a birthday present recently.

The set is basic but effective and depicts a Rucker ambulance.

This ambulance was very popular from the mid war replacing a host of inferior designs but, unfortunately was not around for Antietam.

I did some research and found this fascinating article.

link

From this it seemed a Rosecrans, named after the general, would be satisfactory, so out came the knife.

I found this wonderful replica, also called a Wheeling to base my design on.

‌

‌

‌

Following chopping I redesigned the suspension with card for the springs, balsa for the brake and riding board.

‌

Piano wire and balsa made a step for the rear.

‌

The horses are Revell with green stuff and Hat Austrian artillery chains.

The main pole is balsa again with some chain from the bits box.

The reins are cotton with a little PVA to stop the fraying. A special mention to Mr Crynns for that tip!

‌

‌

‌

It's not 100% accurate, but I think it gives a good ‘feel' of the original and I have plans for it in the future.

Many thanks to Thomas again.

Chris

Union artillery.

I have been building up and converting artillery for the Union forces.

The limbers are Revell and Imex suitably chopped.

I have used thin wire for the traces which here are loosely positioned.

The cassion is scratch built utilising a Revel limber and then adding a new running board and a balsa box. The handles are thin wire bent to position.

The horses are Art Miniturian together with chopped up Prussian Art Miniturian riders featuring new heads.

I had a few of the Hagen riders but it seems sadly that they are now discontinued.

‌

I have stolen a genius idea from Egbert and I hope he doesn't mind.

By photographing from the wonderful Gettysburg Companion by Mark Adkin and reducing it on a text file, I was able to print out the 12pdr cannon instructions that were pasted into the inside of the limber boxes.

How fantastic is that?

theminiaturespage.com

‌"TMP link

Once again the camera has shown up a few details that need tidying up.

Lots to do.

Chris

Battery Wagons

I felt that some battery wagons would add interest to the artillery units and found these lovely diagrams from the Osprey book series. This one is from the ACW artillery, (1) Field artillery book.

‌

I first did some measuring and then marked out some thin balsa with the component elements.

‌

The limber is a chopped down Revell item. The box bit is saved to make a ammunition box for the cassions I made before.

The elements are cut out and then glued together.

‌

I then used card to create the iron work and chopped it to size.

The roof section was created out of paper, glued and trimmed to size.

‌

The completed box section was then glued to the chassis, and the wheels added.

I used some modelling chain for the wheel lock and also for the hay rack section pinched from a HAT Austrian wagon box.

The towing hitch was then cut to size and a hook created by melting a ring from the remaining length with a soldering Iron.

I am very pleased with the finished item which is awaiting a delivery of hay to complete it.

‌

Happy modelling.

Chris

First off, great stuff. Second, where did you get the bridge? I've been looking for a bridge that would almost be exactly that one. I'm doing a 1st Manassas diorama with the action at the Stone Bridge? TIG

Thank you for your kind comments.

The bridge is scratch built using card and decorators caulk.

I am now experimenting with modelling plaster as it is easier to work with.

For details on how I made this item please use this link.

link

Happy modelling.

Chris

Well worth following that link. The early work on generals is superb. I do love to see figures chopped up and limbs or heads swapped to give something unique. R E Lee is superb as shown.

The bridge work is inspired and great to see many photos of the original structures on the battlefield.

The battery wagon above. I suspect in any photo one would mistake it for the full size original.

Thank you Mr D for your kind comments.

Quatre Bras is still ongoing but I hope to employ a lot of the ‘ learns' to make Antietam something a bit special.

Best wishes,

Chris

Divisional commanders and ADC's

I have been chopping up various guys to make staff as the choice is a bit limited.

Stretlets have some generals but they are a bit dwarfish.

However, they are still useful and when chopped can be quite effective on remounts especially.

‌

The Imex coffee drinker made a most pleasing cavalryman having a ‘ before we go' drink. Similarly, the Revel saluting ‘fatty' when slimmed down makes a pleasing ADC.

‌

Lots to do.

Chris

The John Flook Farm ( Nicodemus house )

This property is located north of the Mary Loacher cabin at the foot of the Nicodemus heights, approximately half way between them and the D R Miller farm.

The heights overlooking the property were initially occupied by several Confederate batteries under Major John Pelham which very effectively enfiladed Hookers early morning attack.

I found these excellent articles to be most interesting.

link

link

The property is privately owned as it does not lie within the current NPS area and visiting is therefore restricted. Google maps, normally very helpful are not so useful as the house lies away from the main road.

However, I did find this picture taken from the direction of the Miller farmhouse.

The trees, very much in evidence here were not so prevalent in 1862.

‌

However, I found the NPS register of historic places dated October 1982 that states the present building was built in 1875.

link

Back to the drawing board.

This is a picture taken from the Battery D, 1st Rhode Island artillery position that was engaged in an artillery duel with Pelham looking towards the heights. The building in the mid distance looks very much in keeping with the area and so, using artistic license I have built my building in a similar style.

‌

‌

Lots to do.

Chris

The Joshua Newcomer House

‌

‌

Located slightly west of the Orndorff ( middle ) bridge over the Antietam creek on the Boonsborough Pike, the building was originally built in the late 1780's by Christian Orndorff 11. This picture shows the property on the left hand side looking towards the bridge. The heights were occupied by Union artillery.

‌

His father lived next door in a property that is no longer present. The creek, diverted through a race served as the power source for a grist and sawmill facility.

‌

‌

There was a large barn there too.

This view is of a long gone toll house looking down to the bridge from the Union side of the river with the barn in the distance.

‌

Following various owners the property was bought by Joshua Newcomer in 1853. The enterprise was very successful with the property being valued at $10,000 USD in 1860. A huge sum for those days.

In 1862 with the impending battle drawing near the family left the property for safety elsewhere. The damage afterwards was significant but because it was difficult to prove who had caused it he only received $145 USD from a claim of $3,097.15 USD!

‌

This, somewhat fanciful picture with a mill that looks nothing like Mr Gardeners picture taken just days after the battle was discovered by my wonderful wife, Der Feldmarschall.

This part of the battlefield saw limited action as McCellan, partly due to Pinkerton's (of the agency fame) inflated Rebel strength reports and his own caution.

Reports suggested that McClellan thought Lee could mount a massive attack here ala Malvern Hill and hence the defensive nature of Fifth Corps on the 17th.

I felt that the bridge and house will tie the battlefield together as the Rohrbach bridge is a bit out on a limb otherwise. I will have a think about the mill or barn depending on footprint later.

Whilst there are some nice pictures of the property, Google Earth was most useful in looking at the rear of the property especially.

‌

‌

I have decided to alter the rear slightly regarding the amount of windows as I do not want an office block.

The present property has shutters. Although the 1862 pictures do not look like shutters are present I wonder if they are closed giving the impression of not being there.

‌

I will take a view nearer to completion.

Happy modelling.

Chris

12Pdr Parrott rifled cannon

‌

These weapons were deployed as long range artillery, principally on the heights above the Antietam creek.

The cannon was not well regarded being described as too light for siege work and too heavy for field work, not a good recommendation.

It gets worse….

Despite being supplied with the best fuses the piece was described as inaccurate with a propensity to burst just before the breech band.

‌

Indeed the concerns led to the replacement of these pieces after Antietam in the Army of the Potomac by 3inch ordnance rifles and 10Pdr Parrotts.

I initially was going to get some of the lovely Speria 30Pdr pieces to use for the refight.

Unfortunately however the tube is massive and the carriage totally different from its 20Pdr cousin.

I looked upon the Revell British Artillery pieces and decided that with a bit of chopping they would provide a good carriage.

‌

The tube is a piece of wire with greenstuff applied around it, hollowed at the end and left to dry. The breech and cascable are then added with a touch hole.

The rope is cotton wound around a former and added along with the chain.

I need to build the trunnions and clean up the tube before painting but the result is pleasing so far.

‌

Lots to do

Whoops. I titled tis as 12 instead of 20 Pdr by mistake.

Old age I think.

Chris

Parrotts part two

I built up the trunnions with Greenstuff and following fitting, topped them with tissue paper brackets.

The elevating handle was made by twisting some picture wire into a bow, placing over the cut down plastic spike, pulling tight and then cutting the ends to size.

The end result, whilst not a 100 % is to my mind quite pleasing.

‌

I have built up three cannon as my Union batteries will comprise of three pieces, whilst the Confederates will be two.

Incidentally I found this wonderful picture of PART of a Union battery.

‌

It makes you realise how much space these guys took up in real life as against the usual war gaming interpretation.

Happy modelling.

Chris

Conversions

The recent Stretlets ACW releases have some lovely individual poses that readily lend themselves to chopping.

Also, swapping bits of Imex and Revell can be rewarding.

Mounting Stretlets tops on Italieri US and CSA cavalry has given some extra poses for the Divisional staff.

‌

Lots to do.

Dr. Chris Frankenstein

Joshua Newcomer farm Part two.

I have completed the edifice and whilst removing the porch I think it has the ‘feel' of the original.

Upon reflection it, because of the shutters is a little larger than I would have liked and as a result it's footprint is exaggerated.

I will construct the bridge and take a view as to the other structures in the pictures. A shame, but as stated before the size and wealth on display for 1862 is staggering.

‌

‌

The girls are being nosey again.

Lots to do.

Chris

Antietam( Orndorff ) Bridge

Located on the Boonsborough pike east of Sharpsburg, crossing the Antietam creek the bridge was built in 1824 by a Silas Harry, replacing a previous wooden structure as part of the ‘Turnpike boom ‘ bringing further prosperity to the region.

The construction was stone and the structure lasted until it was replaced by an iron bridge following the ‘ Johnstown flood' of 1889.

The bridge was witness to the Confederate retreat from South Mountain as well as a limited foray by the Union forces on the 17th.

These pictures were taken by Alexander Gardner after the battle. Along with the Newcomer pictures it is noticeable that the terrain is very undulating.

‌

‌

‌

The ladies having a picnic must have had stout noses as the field would not have been cleared completely only five days after the action.

To my mind apart from the entrance and exit the bridge is very similar to the Rhorbach ( Burnside) bridge.

I therefore used a duplicate cardboard centre section that I retained from the previous build.

On this occasion rather than use decorators caulk I tried DAS air drying clay.

Personally it is not for me. The stuff cracks as it drys, warps the cardboard and I had to start again with decorators caulk which I find to be a friendlier medium.

The bridge was built up as per the Rhorbach project and the ‘wings' have been added.

‌

‌

Lots to do.

Chris

Orndorff Bridge Part two

I have now completed the bridge in a similar colour scheme to the Rhorbach ( Burnside) bridge and am quite pleased with it.

‌

Happy modelling.

Chris

Confederate cavalry and generals

I bought these exquisite figures from Germania Figuran .

They are designed as the 1st Virginia cavalry and also feature J.E.B. Stuart and J B Hood.

I have used them generically.

The pack comes with paper reins but I used horse hair which seems to have worked well.

The figures are resin which is very delicate and brittle.

Also, you need to make your own bases which is a bit of a pain.

If they were metal they would be world class in my opinion.

‌

‌

Lots to do,

Chris

John Brown Gordon

‌

Mr Bessieres and myself have discussed this most remarkable gentlemen several times so I thought I would model him as a thank you for his kind suggestions.

J B Gordon of Scots descent was born in Georgia in 1832 and finished his education at Georgia University graduating to the Bar in Atlanta.

With his father he ran several coal mines and also practised as an Attorney.

Having been elected Captain in his regiment at the commencement of hostilities despite no military experience, he rose to the rank of Colonel when his regimental commander resigned.

He saw action in the Peninsular campaign where he was wounded in the eyes at Malvern Hill.

Having been posted to the Richmond area he missed Second Manassas but at Antietam he and the 6th Alabama ( part of Rhodes Brigade) found themselves positioned at the sunken lane in the Confederate centre.

In the original action Mr Gordon was shot in the calf, again further up his leg, again in his left arm, severing a small artery and also his shoulder.

Another Minnie ball went through his left cheek and out through his jaw leaving him face down drowning in his own blood.

Nevertheless, the indefatigable Mr Brown had the luck to have another ‘ball' go through his cap which allowed the blood to drain away.

He was incredibly nursed back to health by his wife and resumed command again going on to further adventures.

Whilst a bit beyond my project I found this lovely story.

At Gettysburg he attended a wounded Francis Barlow, a Union Divisional commander whom he thought subsequently died.

After the war, the two met in Washington and Gordon asked Barlow if he was related to the late Francis.

Francis, who had survived, asked Gordon if he was related to the Gordon that had ‘killed' him.

Astounded that Barlow was the original the two remained good friends from that day on.

Stretlets have a Gordon figure but he is mounted. A Colonel on horseback at this period of the war would have been a sitting duck so I decided on a foot representation.

I thought about using this chap as per a Don Troianis picture but felt a more energetic pose would be more in keeping with this astoundingly brave gentleman.

The Stretlets Union Generals has a chap with the big bushy beard without sideburns.

I decided to put a Kepi on him along with a map case rather than go bare headed.

theminiaturespage.com

‌"TMP link

Happy Modelling.

Chris

The Stone Mill

‌

The mill and substantial house that stands behind it are located on Burnside Bridge Road just outside the town of Sharpsburg.

Built around 1800 the mill was used for flour production taking advantage of the spring stream flowing from the town into the Antietam creek.

During the original action the Confederates made a stand here as they fell back from Burnside's advance.

I managed to find pictures of the mill and house from the LOC and NPS .

‌

‌

The house behind is again substantial and I decided to ignore it in favour of the rather unique mill.

I could not find a picture of the front and Google Earth was limited due to the location off the main road. I have therefore pinched the front elevation from another mill.

‌

Also I was intrigued about where the wheel would have been. I did a bit of digging and found this wonderful website that provided the answer, it was underneath the building.

link

The US Army map confirms the watercourse route and the elevated base suggests a water race flowed under the building providing the power.

I have used cardboard with decorators caulk for the construction.

‌

‌

‌

During my investigations I also found this wonderful history of Sharpsburg.

link

There are some wonderful pictures of the Orndorff mill, I am tempted…..

Happy modelling,

Chris

Conversions and Corps flags

I have been converting more staff gentlemen including a HAT Prussian with a Newline head.

‌

It is nice to see this set back in the shops at last.

The Confederate standard bearer is a Stretlets chap heavily mutilated and grafted onto an Italieri US cavalry pair of legs.

Horse hair reins add to the cavalryman in my opinion.

My understanding is that the Corps flags and unit motifs were commenced in 1863 under General Hooker following suggestions by Mr. Kearny.

However, prior to this General Order No 102, March 24 1862 authorized Corps Flags as follows:

Corps Flags were to have a national flag with a small square flag, of a different color or set of colors, on the same staff as the national flag

I Corps – red, II Corps – blue, III Corps – red and blue in vertical halves, IV Corps blue and red in horizontal halves; on March 26 General Order 110 modified this for III Corps to have a square red and blue flag vertical with (i.e reversed red and blue) the the same change for IV Corps.

I have therefore created the 1st and 2nd Corps flags but can not find any information about 5th, 6th, 9th and12th.

I decided to have separate Corps flags as to mount them under a National flag would either make them insignificant, hardly the objective when ID was the name of the game, or require a staff the height of a telephone mast.

Any information about these flags/colours applicable to Antietam would be much appreciated.

Best wishes,

Chris

Orndorff Mills

I had a quick measure of my table and have succumbed to constructing the mills at the middle bridge as I have had some ideas for future pictures.

Also, there was heavy skirmishing here at the original action.

The pictures I have dug up give a good idea what the original looked like but I have used a little artistic licence.

The building was part stone and part timber so I have used cardboard as well as balsa.

The windows are adapted plastic ones from the bits box

‌

Rev. John Conrad Bucher has popped round to bless the construction.

Originally from Switzerland he apparently was the minister in Sharpsburg around 1764 when the original construction took place.

My chap was originally a conversion to accompany the Irish Brigade. However, my very good friend Thomas Mischak has found someone a lot better suited( and painted) to the task.

Lots to do.

Chris

Orndorff grist mill part two.

I have completed the grist mill but have not finished or attached the mill wheel as this is linked to the saw mill which I am about to commence.

The Confederate army retreated from the battle of South Mountain across the Orndorff bridge and I feel that it will make a nice opening shot in order to set the scene.

This picture shows the derelict original mill with the new iron bridge in the background, its predecessor being damaged in the great flood.

postimg.cc/v159Qt1P]

[/url"link

postimg.cc/KkNMTcDB]

[/url"link

postimg.cc/347GW0m3]

[/url"link

postimg.cc/BPn1BWmy]

[/url"link

The girls are getting pretty well travelled these days.

Lots to do.

Chris

Orndorff Mill part three.

My project has expanded way beyond my original concept as I discover more about this fascinating subject and it's many quirks.

However, even I was surprised to find myself researching early American saw and grist mills!

However, onward we go and following a bit of research I have constructed the Orndorff saw mill.

These pictures show the mill in disrepair.

‌

The metal bridge in the background is the replacement of the damaged Orndorff bridge.

‌

The construction is card and balsa with two Wills water wheels. Chopped up twigs provide the lumber.

I am not sure if the cardboard saw teeth are correct but they give the idea I feel.

‌

‌

The water race will use my sand table and watercourse system.

I have loosely arranged the buildings to show the idea.

‌

Back to chopping up and painting troops I think.

Lots to do.

Conversions

I have been chopping and swopping in order to get the troops I need.

Head swops are the easiest way to make a difference especially if the original is a bit ‘iffy'.

Hence the Italieri crisp heads are grafted onto the Stretlets Whitworth officers which transform them.

The Italieri Union artillery chaps by the addition of pistols and swords make good infantry officers.

The Revel No.3 has an enormously thick lanyard. Horse hair or thin wire is much more effective.

It is really your imagination that is the limit here.

I have rescued an Airfix conversion that I did thirty odd years ago and brought him up to date as a map clutching ADC.

‌

Lots to do.

Happy modelling.

Chris

Artillery conversions

The choice of artillery teams and gunners on the market is a bit restricted in my opinion.

The Revell , Stretlets and Imex are good. The Speira figures very nice and Massimos figures are lovely.

I have some SHQ guys which are nice too.

Unfortunately the Italieri figures are all draped up for winter and whilst the heads and arms are useful the rest is not so good.

The horse teams are a fantasy with no riders.

However, I am in need of large numbers of these gentlemen and have had a go at chopping up the Zeveda Guard artillery men to get a bit of variety.

The plastic is a little tough but with care they can be hacked into shape.

I tried the normal artillery set too but the chopping off of the huge blanket rolls and back packs is both difficult and not particularly rewarding.

Hats Austrian artillery riders are much easier due to the softer plastic.

Italieri heads with their lovely detailed faces and green stuff water bottles to cover up ex sword chopping seem to give a good result.

‌

Lots to do.

Chris

Bank Barns

The majority of the barns around Sharpsburg are based on the bank barn system.

The idea was to position the barn on the back of a slope allowing easy access to the upper floor and keeping the lower area more sheltered from the weather . Animals were kept downstairs and crops upstairs .

I found this instructional link to be useful as to their history.

PDF link

The Sharpsburg barns are enormous structures and I initially considered just ignoring them as their footprint is so large.

However, I feel that a few barns will add to the ambience of the place dependant on the ‘look' when I start laying everything out.

The Battlefield from Sharpsburg moving north until the Dunkard church looked a bit empty so I thought the Reel barn would be an appropriate start.

David and Sarah Reel and their seven children lived on the farm and evacuated it prior to the battle. Used as a Confederate hospital the barn burnt down trapping a great many wounded in the flames.

‌

Alexander's picture clearly shows the scorch marks on the stonework.

‌

I made my model out of card and balsa and am quite pleased with it. I have started to manufacture door handles from thinned out picture wire and intend to upgrade my earlier buildings now that my experience has grown.

‌

‌

The ramp is a little steeper than I would have liked but I have to consider space as I do not want a runway. Hopefully, when buried in the sand table the angle will not be so apparent .

I also considered, as so many of these barns are similar, to do a generic base and then attach the wooden upper story. The Sherrick and Orndorff barns have a similar ‘flying ‘ element and this has worked well.

‌

‌

The Mumma and Roulette barns are enormous and I do not think that there will be space for them as they are so close together. I am looking for rolling farmland, not Manhattan.

Lots to do.

Barns, Part two

I have now finished the Orndorff / Sherrick barn barn.

The camera has revealed that the door handles have moved and look too big. It is merciless but useful.

‌

It's not a copy of the original but I think it would be recognizable to their owners.

Happy modelling.

Chris

The Clipp House

Located on the Roulette Lane leading to the now infamous ‘Bloody Lane' once stood the tenant property owned by William Roulette but occupied by a Mr. A Clipp.

The property, now demolished, was a one and a half story frame house.

‌

I have used the picture as a reference. The still standing Piper slave house gives an idea in my opinion of the more simplified construction and features of this type of property. Indeed, some of Gardner's pictures of Sharpsburg show very basic features rather than the grandeur of the farm houses.

‌

Balsa wood forms the modelling medium, measured in basic proportions to the picture and sketch allowing for window and door sizes.

‌

‌

It helps from experience to add the ‘furniture' to doors ( from card and wire) prior to fitting canopies etc in order to paint them.

‌

Cut wire forms the hinges and a Wills slate plastic roof tops it off.

‌

I score the woodwork to represent the planking with a modelling knife.

‌

The chimney was a piece of balsa rod, covered with decorators caulk and then scribed with a stone effect.

‌

Lots to do.

1st U.S. Sharpshooters.

‌

Hiram C. Berdan was a mechanical engineer and inventor born in 1824.

He was also an expert shot and an amateur US champion who proposed raising a regiment of expert riflemen for the union army.

On the 30th November 1861 he was made Colonel of the first and second regiments of sharpshooters.

The prospective recruits had to put ten rounds into a ten inch circle at two hundred yards and demonstrate an ability to judge distances, calculate wind effect and trajectories.

By Antietam the units had gained a formidable reputation and were armed with the Sharps breach loading rifle ( as opposed to the Sharps carbine).

They were recruited from all the Union states ( as opposed to the normal style of a state regiment) and were dressed in a green uniform. However, some men used the blue jackets both because of a lack of replacements but also that they stood out from the rank and file, thus becoming targets of value themselves.

I wanted to have a small unit of these fellows and initially was drawn to the excellent Speira offerings.

However, as usual, I wish to have something a bit more dynamic and trawled the bits box.

Chopping and Greenstuff along with Brunswick back packs have resulted in a motley crew which will allow movement and firing poses for the upcoming action.

The running bugler I am pleased with. A chop of an Imex artilleryman with Itallieri head and cavalry bugle arm.

theminiaturespage.com

‌"TMP link

The Stretlets bases are usually quite large but by slicing them in half the figures become more homogenous.

I found various sites of interest but this one is very educational.

link

Lots to do,

Chris

On to Richmond!

I have finished a Union Brigade of approximately fifty figures.

These are Stretlets with a converted commanding officer.

‌

The good news is that unlike Napoleonics there was a lot of uniformity so marching and combat units can be interchanged without the need to do extra poses once they go into action.

Lots to do.

Chris