| C M DODSON | 02 Jul 2021 9:33 a.m. PST |
Mr Millers Cornfield I have been constructing the Miller cornfield, one of the many present on the battlefield. url=https://postimg.cc/rRmVXr1r]
As previously described the farmers employed a chequer board pattern of sowing. I tried this but the result is problematic from a visual aspect as the ‘corridors' for harvesting make the field look very thin. I decided to place three stalks at each intersection creating the impression of greater density. This seems to work well but I will scatter my Nigella to replicate the nearly ripe nature of the stalks. I am very pleased with my snake fencing although some weathering might be appropriate on the diagonals. url=https://postimg.cc/TLT20ShQ]
Lots to do. Best wishes, Chris |
| C M DODSON | 07 Jul 2021 11:17 a.m. PST |
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| FlyXwire | 09 Jul 2021 6:19 a.m. PST |
Chris, this is looking terrific. I see your watering can in the background – keeping these natural-looking scenics alive are you? ;) Really enjoying the evolution of "Antietam 17th September 1862" coming together here! |
| C M DODSON | 14 Jul 2021 7:08 a.m. PST |
Swift flowing waters. The name Antietam means swift flowing waters and co incidently I found a link, somewhat late in the day as sculpting is well progressed that is most informative. Lots of information here including topography, streams and soil types. I has started to fill the ploughed fields with microwaved soil but realised that this would look strange with sand coloured roads etc. PDF link However, the Hagerstown pike area is indeed a darker soil type so that's where it will go. A bit over the top but why not? Streams. url=https://postimg.cc/1fgQBzfX]
Heights url=https://postimg.cc/Bt732FZR]
Soil types url=https://postimg.cc/kBkdpdbc]
In the meantime I have been completing the sunken road, Piper cornfield and orchard along with the Roulette farm.
View towards the sunken lane. url=https://postimg.cc/G4G10SP1]
Sunken lane looking north. url=https://postimg.cc/rdT2qCgR]
Clip house, the girls are out for stroll. url=https://postimg.cc/njc8DFyH]
Mr Roulettes bee hives and Mumma stream. url=https://postimg.cc/XBpTs2Nm]
The 132 Pennsylvania regiment suffered here in the original action when a Confederate shell disturbed the bees causing them to swarm. The Roulette farm under construction. url=https://postimg.cc/TycM1LH7]
The trial photos are a brilliant way to discover errant fencing etc. Off to the West woods I think next which will start to key things together a little. Lots to do. Chris |
| C M DODSON | 20 Jul 2021 2:12 a.m. PST |
The middle Bridge and Newcomer house. I have now sorted out the Middle bridge area with its grist and saw mills. url=https://postimg.cc/HVbzGRZH]
url=https://postimg.cc/PNpKyP1C]
The Newcomer house is in position and the Boonsborough Pike is taking shape on its long sweep towards Sharpsburg. The Mill wheels will sit in their plastic water filled bath for filming purposes as it saves me chopping the wheels in half. The mill race was designed to divert the flow to the wheels and survived an attempted demolition by Union troops who had hoped to lower the water level further down the creek. url=https://postimg.cc/RW9Rvdyt]
I have started the West wood with the Dunker church taking pride of place on it's little eminence. url=https://postimg.cc/yWMjbsTv]
I have noticed some fences need telling off and straightening up. The camera sees all. Progressing nicely. Chris |
| C M DODSON | 27 Jul 2021 9:22 a.m. PST |
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| C M DODSON | 01 Aug 2021 6:40 a.m. PST |
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| C M DODSON | 04 Aug 2021 10:50 a.m. PST |
A GOOD DAY AT THE OFFICE I have been constructing the Rhorbach bridge heights and am pleased with the result. The bridge will be on an extension much to Der Feldmarschall's dismay. However, it will be a portable section so hopefully her space will only be temporarily occupied. View from the bridge towards Mr Tomb's position. url=https://postimg.cc/7JDSVshS]
url=https://postimg.cc/jLxFqvcW]
I have completed apart from fine detailing the centre section with the Reel barn, Dunker church etc. I am pleased with the West wood so far. Reel barn in need of a spirit level check. url=https://postimg.cc/nsjKc9N9]
url=https://postimg.cc/t7tcH83Q]
url=https://postimg.cc/kBTh28YT]
Looking North West from the Piper farm with a nice view of the wonderful garage door for Peter. The Piper buildings are level, it is the cameraman who is not. url=https://postimg.cc/NKLCmMWB]
The stone mill and big spring. url=https://postimg.cc/qtPstMdb]
I have now commenced work on the final ‘pop up' which features the West wood and Nicodemus heights. The cornfield on the heights hid Confederate batteries under the Command of Captain John Pelham at the original engagement and will do so again. I have therefore left gaps in the corn for the guns. The rear plate will be removed when everything is in place to tie in the skyline .
url=https://postimg.cc/MfDVr7fN]
url=https://postimg.cc/BtGzkJ1B]
Lots more fences to build and even more stone walls. I never thought I would need so many trees for what is meant to be open country. Full speed ahead! Chris
A GOOD DAY AT THE OFFICE
I have been constructing the Rhorbach bridge heights and am pleased with the result. The bridge will be on an extension much to Der Feldmarschall's dismay. However, it will be a portable section so hopefully her space will only be temporarily occupied. View from the bridge towards Mr Tomb's position. url=https://postimg.cc/7JDSVshS]
url=https://postimg.cc/jLxFqvcW]
I have completed apart from fine detailing the centre section with the Reel barn, Dunker church etc. I am pleased with the West wood so far. Reel barn in need of a spirit level check. url=https://postimg.cc/nsjKc9N9]
url=https://postimg.cc/t7tcH83Q]
url=https://postimg.cc/kBTh28YT]
Looking North West from the Piper farm. The Piper buildings are level, it is the cameraman who is not. url=https://postimg.cc/NKLCmMWB]
The stone mill and big spring. url=https://postimg.cc/qtPstMdb]
I have now commenced work on the final ‘pop up' which features the West wood and Nicodemus heights. The cornfield on the heights hid Confederate batteries under the Command of Captain John Pelham at the original engagement and will do so again. I have therefore left gaps in the corn for the guns. The rear plate will be removed when everything is in place to tie in the skyline .
url=https://postimg.cc/MfDVr7fN]
url=https://postimg.cc/BtGzkJ1B]
Lots more fences to build and even more stone walls. I never thought I would need so many trees for what is meant to be open country. Full speed ahead! Chris |
| C M DODSON | 17 Aug 2021 1:09 a.m. PST |
Roulette farm storehouse Having nearly finished my battlefield preparation I have begun fine tuning the scenery and upon noticing a usable gap decided to construct the Roulette storehouse. url=https://postimg.cc/RNBMNgQ9]
I would like to use this area as a hospital scene perhaps. Once again the LOC have the details although the existing, original structure does not have windows. url=https://postimg.cc/ThmddzbC]
Being a stone, log and timber property I opted for the non windowed version as it is still standing. url=https://postimg.cc/Lgz2xPSr]
The structure is cardboard with twigs halved for the timber and caulk on top as per the original construction method. I used the similar method on the Mary !oacher farm. Perhaps belatedly, I also came across this work which is immensely useful to students of the battle. link However, it does confirm my layout so I am quite pleased with the progress to date. Fascinating to see the Mumma stream in the background. Check. Next up, conversions. Progressing nicely. Best wishes, Chris |
| C M DODSON | 19 Aug 2021 3:35 a.m. PST |
Back to fences My late friend Peter, a Civil War authority, used to say when setting up war games scenery for this period that you should never put too much fencing up as it destroys movement and slows the game. Very true, but the miles of fencing at Antietam have been placed as accurately as possible by reference to the Library of Congress's wonderful maps, commissioned at the time. Post and rail fencing is a sturdy construction requiring some considerable effort to dismantle. Pictures of the Hagerstown pike after the battle show this. However, worm fencing was designed to be quick to build and easy to repair. The pictures by Alexander Gardner show them scattered around after the battle and this poor fellow along with the grave of Lt. John A Clark 7th Michigan lies amongst the bits. url=https://postimg.cc/jWKZXqBL]
I have therefore converted some Union chaps as I would like to show the fences being cleared during Hookers advance. url=https://postimg.cc/Bj2mHPYr]
Lots of chopping and kit additions primarily from the Revel/Accurate Union man standing at ease. The guy kicking the fence down is an Airfix WW1 chap with an Imex top that I am quite pleased with. Off to the Rhorbach bridge extension. Happy modelling. Chris |
| C M DODSON | 24 Aug 2021 10:25 a.m. PST |
Rhorbach Bridge I have designed this element of the battlefield as a temporary extension that can be brought into action when required. This keeps my wonderful wife, Der Feldmarschall relatively happy as she can still access the garage and means that I do not end up in hospital! General Burnside was having a severe case of the sulks on the 17th as his supposed friend McClellan had split his command and as a result he did not commence the attack on Lee's flank until pressed by threats of demotion late in the day. I have designed the extension so that it dovetails with the main table allowing the troops to fight it out over the bridge. Scale is a problem here with the bridge model being disproportionate so I will probably double the range of small arms to compensate in this area. As this is a portable unit I have used polystyrene to keep the weight down. url=https://postimg.cc/ygnRD6n9]
url=https://postimg.cc/6T5RDR5h]
url=https://postimg.cc/CdPDY1Rp]
url=https://postimg.cc/zVyhfrhb]
url=https://postimg.cc/4Hd9VCF0]
There is some tidying up to be done before the ‘set' is ready for use but I am happy with the basic unit. Happy modelling. Chris |
| CHRIS DODSON | 05 Sep 2021 7:33 a.m. PST |
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| FlyXwire | 05 Sep 2021 7:42 a.m. PST |
Chris, awesome views as ever. Maybe you could spray this all with latex someday, and we could buy your Antietam terrain molds to cast duplicates out of expandable foam…..man, wouldn't that be a dream come true!!! |
| CHRIS DODSON | 30 Sep 2021 5:19 a.m. PST |
Our darling boy McClellan ! George Britton McClellan was viewed with great suspicion by Lincoln but was adored by his men. A superb organiser and reconstructor of the Army after the disaster at Second Manassass he dithered in his pursuit of Lee during the Maryland campaign. At the original engagement following extensive fussing over dispositions he effectively ‘relinquished command' and apart from a brief foray, stayed at his Pry house headquarters. I intend to factor in his indecision in my refight. Nevertheless I want to show him with the troops and to that end have done some chopping to recreate some of his fan club. url=https://postimg.cc/dLvQ4d8g]
There is some tidying up to be done but I am hoping the scene I have in mind will be appropriate. In the meantime Paddy Kearney has a few words. YouTube link Happy modelling. Chris |
| FlyXwire | 30 Sep 2021 5:49 a.m. PST |
Chris, I enjoyed yet another of your updates here! The video – how period immersive, yet poignant still. |
| CHRIS DODSON | 12 Oct 2021 10:51 a.m. PST |
George revisited. url=https://postimg.cc/8FRSB5c1]
I have started to lay out the ‘setting the scene' story to the refight and was immediately unimpressed with my McClellan from two years ago. A bit of research and a lucky find of an Art Miniturian casualty resembling the good general resulted in a head swap and and an upgrade. url=https://postimg.cc/TLTXk65n]
Seeing as he was dead I repainted his head and am pleased with the result. url=https://postimg.cc/YG8BZsQZ]
Progress. Best wishes, Chris |
| CHRIS DODSON | 31 Oct 2021 2:13 a.m. PST |
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| CHRIS DODSON | 03 Nov 2021 8:18 a.m. PST |
Tents part two. I showed my tent to Der Feldmarschall who condemned it as Sh1t! Not very ladylike. I have therefore erected a new tent with an inferior toilet tissue that does not have the quilt that derrières of distinction prefer. It is, I think an improvement, but the construction is a nightmare due to the tissues fragility. I took a little trial shot and low and behold a tent peg has broken off! url=https://postimg.cc/Jyd0xKFb]
I will graft a new one on but in the meantime I am finishing off the Confederate dispositions as according to Carmen and the LOC. Let battle commence! |
| CHRIS DODSON | 15 Nov 2021 2:48 a.m. PST |
As part of my ongoing research I located the film that was filmed on the actual battlefield with the assistance of the NPS some years ago. It is splendid stuff both as a narrative and also uniform/equipment/ scenery etc as they were meticulous in their research. Happy viewing. YouTube link Best wishes, Chris |
| CHRIS DODSON | 27 Nov 2021 7:39 a.m. PST |
Tents and conversions My very good friend Thomas Mischak has sent me the new Hagen command set along with the Lee and Longstreet set for my project. I can never thank him enough for his kindness. I have decided to utilise these figures for a Union command scene with our friend George. The Union HQ was at the Pry house but I do not wish to construct this edifice for just one picture as it is off the table. I therefore thought a command tent would be in order. url=https://postimg.cc/2btRJCVT]
Another head swap and ‘Little Mac' is busy pondering his latest West Point theory presentation in a command tent. Mr Porter ( Fifth Corps) is in attendance. The tent is balsa , picture wire and tissue. I would recommend using split twigs as uprights as the construction is very flimsy. The Union staff set up telescopes and binoculars for the good general to observe the action. I fashioned a large spotting telescope from a thin rod of plastic with glued tissue paper to enhance its bulk and lens/ eyepiece. It is mounted on the Stretlets camera tripod. George's map is a reduced print ‘ Ala Egbert style' taken from an original army map. I was going to use four horse teams for the artillery but felt that the six horse teams had a better look. url=https://postimg.cc/V0bQP2tw]
This means lots extra horses so I used tissue and greenstuff to make up the riderless horse packs on the Zvezda Russian artillery horses. I also found some more surrendering Germans and a cowboy. They chop up nicely to make Confederate prisoners. The Stretlets Union officer pose comes in for criticism from PSR and quite rightly so. However, I think that the idea is sound and by replacing the hand and sword with an Italieri cavalry chaps weapon a more acceptable result is achieved . The Stretlets bugler in enhanced by chopping off his trumpet and replacing it with an Imex bugle. Incidentally, this period of the war saw the increasing introduction of bugles as a more efficient signalling system than that of drums. Happy modelling , Chris |
| FlyXwire | 06 Dec 2021 8:18 a.m. PST |
Chris, I've got something for you to consider here – capturing overhead views of your table expanse. If you could take a series of photos of your board from directly above, with nice resolution – maybe thru a series of overlapping shots taken down one side, and then back up on the other length – these pictures could be digitally assembled together (back from their "collage" parts, into a unified, complete overhead map image), then your 3D diorama work could be digitally printed out onto vinyl or fleece material, for making scale wargaming mat(s) for gaming Antietam on. I could do the digital reassembly work if you like, or you could approach one of the many GB-located game mat companies, and make a deal with them to take all your hard work here and render it into marketable wargame mats (I certainly would pay for the opportunity to get a great-looking mat(s) based on sections of your modelled battlefield here)! Dave |
| CHRIS DODSON | 07 Dec 2021 8:43 a.m. PST |
Hi David. That would be very kind of you and you would be more than welcome. The only problem is that the Confederate forces are now in their original starting positions awaiting a 6.15 AM kick off! I can get in my loft and look down so in theory it is possible. Perhaps it would be best to do this at the end of the action before the table is cleared for the next battle? If you could let me have your e mail address I will see what can be done as an experiment at the moment. It might make a good tactical picture of who is where . Best wishes, Chris |
| CHRIS DODSON | 07 Dec 2021 8:43 a.m. PST |
Cold garages and conversions The weather has been below freezing and I have not been able to work on the battlefield because of the cold. However, all is not lost and three more brigades of Confederates and two Union brigades have been completed. The Mumma farm complex was burnt down as it was considered a potential haven for Union sharpshooters . This is obvious on my recreation of the field. A Staff Sergeant James F. Clark was in charge of a detail from the 3rd North Carolina infantry from Ripley's brigade that initiated the fire . He actually wrote to the Mummas after the war to apologise for the destruction. I wanted to recreate this event and to that effect chopped up some troops and am pleased with the results. url=https://postimg.cc/TpxScyp9]
More casualties representing gunners and various head/ arm swaps for officers are in evidence. I found two Jacklex metal wheels and sliced them up to represent battle damage on a couple of Italieri cannon that I also enhanced with the prologue ropes. Whoops, there are mould lines on the barrels. The camera sees all. I have also drawn up the timetable for the action and am finalising my rules for the conduct of the troops. Thomas Mischak also found this super link. YouTube link Lots of ideas here. I am not sure about the date as according to PSR some of the figures involved were not produced then. Once the weather warms up I am hoping that Hookers attack can commence. Lots to do. Chris |
| CHRIS DODSON | 05 Jan 2022 11:32 a.m. PST |
Bits and bobs Following Thomas's Gettysburg link I selected a few Hat drums and fashioned tissue paper webbing to represent discarded drums. url=https://postimg.cc/WDqrTbxW]
I also purchased some Speria rifled muskets which are nice if not a bit flimsy. Massimo's Hagen wounded set also has some truly excellent and also more durable weapons for dressing the battlefield. I found this informative video on sharp shooting weaponry. YouTube link The Confederate forces had it seems ‘sharpshooter' battalions who in reality were effectively skirmishers. The really good shots had specialist sights on their weapons and were allowed free range on the battlefield . The British Whitworth rifle was a specially prized weapon with excellent long distance accuracy but cost a fortune. At $1,000 USD in gold ( $27,000 USD at todays prices) for a base model it was an extremely rare battlefield sight. It's unique side telescope and hexagonal barrel we're its distinctive features. I therefore decided on a couple of Enfield equipped sharpshooters and constructed the brass optical sight with plastic stretched sprue. I also have constructed more explosions as the first lot have gone missing. This time I used wire, rather than sprue as it is more flexible. I spray of hair product and a dusting of sand produces the debris flung up by the explosion. Incidentally I found an excellent reference video on Civil War fuses which really explains the mechanics and why the South was disadvantaged. YouTube link Excellent stuff. Lots to do. |
| CHRIS DODSON | 17 Feb 2022 7:27 a.m. PST |
Major General Ambrose Powell Hill url=https://postimg.cc/MXfgdnMZ]
Having graduated from the USMA and seen service in the Mexican and Seminole Indian wars Mr Hill resigned his commission from the US army upon the secession. He subsequently rose to command the Light Division in Longstreet's command,
seeing action in the Seven days Campaign, Cedar Mountain and Second Manassass. The initial stages of the Maryland campaign saw the temperamental Hill falling out with his new Corps commander Jackson over marching protocols and being placed under arrest. However, his command was restored when the inevitability of battle became apparent to Jackson. Charged with investing the Union garrison at Harpers Ferry he was urgently recalled by Lee with instructions to march to Sharpsburg. I have researched this gentleman especially with reference to his red ‘battle shirt'. There are several paintings of this but the evidence of it seems somewhat vague. However, I did find this excellent site that suggests he was wearing it at Antietam. aphillcsa.com/shortbio.html I have chopped in half a Confederate cavalryman from Italieri, stuck a Stretlets officer on top and then added a pistol and map case. url=https://postimg.cc/gXgcsnnH]
The Stretlets sword is more of a cutlass so an Italieri Union cavalryman kindly donated his sword arm as a replacement. Two lengths of cotton extend the reins to the correct position. I think he looks the part, but we shall have to see if he and his famous Division save the day again. url=https://postimg.cc/Rq0ZFQDs]
url=https://postimg.cc/bSdyBpnc]
Happy modelling. Chris |
| CHRIS DODSON | 03 Mar 2022 4:59 a.m. PST |
Back to the Mumma Farm As the action unfolds it is my intention to recreate the destruction of the Mumma Farm. The positioning of the farm so close to the Confederate positions makes its destruction, to prevent Union occupation, an obvious military necessity. Whilst the initial burning phase will be more conventional I am hoping to get something more akin to my Ligny pictures by using real fire. The original farm was burnt nearly to the ground. This is a picture taken by Mr Gardner showing the extensive damage.
A close inspection reveals his camera wagon on site. postimg.cc/YhVYFvhm]
"link I do not wish to destroy my original model and have therefore created a duplicate with less features to the front in order that I can burn it down. postimg.cc/B85KRNNx]
"link
postimg.cc/jWYf8B6x]
"link
The roof is removable but I have chopped a hole in the front to position my burn trays before setting them alight.
postimg.cc/ph2Fv813]
"link With the correct camera angle I hoping that it will give me the picture I seek. postimg.cc/4Y9tQX92]
"link Fingers crossed for the garage ! Lots to do. Chris |
| CHRIS DODSON | 06 Mar 2022 9:25 a.m. PST |
Munitions mayhem The original pounding of the Confederate artillery positions before the Dunkard church was referred to as ‘Artillery hell' by those involved in it. The Union batteries of position above the Antietam creek have already destroyed one Confederate cannon in my re fight and I want to create an impression of the bombardment. I played with exploding cassion's in my Ligny refight and was pleased with the result. url=https://postimg.cc/z3rYgL8Y]
However, I sought to improve the effect and to that end chopped up an Itallieri ACW limber and rebuilt a balsa ammunition box. url=https://postimg.cc/JsmTRNpQ]
This was then crushed by pliers and the resulting bits, along with the broken wheel were then mounted on stretched plastic sprue. The heavier sections were mounted on unwound picture wire to support the weight. url=https://postimg.cc/zyjxvyMY]
Thinned cotton wool and some flecks of paint to represent the bang resulted in a most pleasing result. url=https://postimg.cc/67pYv9J2]
I am now chopping up the poor mounted crew to represent the resultant casualties. Lots to do. Chris |
| CHRIS DODSON | 11 Mar 2022 8:30 a.m. PST |
Iron Brigade My re fight has, after two superb morale throws seen the Iron Brigade engage in hand to hand combat following a successful charge. I had modelled some normal troops for this kind of event but not Mr Gibbons compatriots who have a different uniform. I looked through some WW1 and Franco Prussian Germans and after a bit of chopping and with HAT heads settled on these gentlemen. I will mix them with the Stretlets conversions and see if I can get a decent picture. url=https://postimg.cc/T5hFYKB2]
The Union forever! Chris |
| CHRIS DODSON | 17 Apr 2022 5:46 a.m. PST |
Getting ahead of myself. 9th New York Infantry, Hawkins Zouaves This unit was formed in 1861 by Rush Hawkins from the ‘ New York Zouaves' a private military club first created in July 1860. url=https://postimg.cc/cvTBfXmh]
Rush sought out the uniforms and created the light infantry regiment in the fashion of the French Army Zouaves. After seeing service with Mr Burnside in the Carolina's campaign they joined the Army of the Potomac as part of Burnsides 9th Corps. Mr Rush was on leave during the campaign and commanded was taken by lieutenant Colonel Edgar Allison Kimbell. url=https://postimg.cc/hXh1bV5q]
Kimbell was a Mexican War veteran who at the original engagement led his troops towards the ‘spires of Sharpsburg' suffering substantial casualties in the process. He was later killed by a Union Brigadier Major General Corcoran in 1863. Allegedly, Kimbell was drunk when challenged at a sentry post and the incident escalated until Corcoran, exonerated at an inquiry, shot him dead. You can not make these things up! I have used the excellent Kennington troops, now under SHQ miniatures to represent these men. The figures are a little on the large side of 20mm but still fit in and look the part . url=https://postimg.cc/FfRgp3C4]
I originally was going to use and convert the Hat and Itallieri offerings exclusively.
However, I will use some of these for the firing lines and dead as required. I was going to provide a Union flag for this unit but a little research suggests that the 9th NY Volunteer infantry received a silk regimental colour on 5th June 1862 from a Mrs William Moffat outside her home on Fifth Avenue. url=https://postimages.org/]
My wonderful wife ‘Der Feldmarschall ‘ found a brilliant application called ‘print to size ‘ which gets rid of the hassle with word documents. url=https://postimg.cc/9DcB4vGz]
The flag was reduced from a picture to size and then printed. Lots to do. Chris |
| CHRIS DODSON | 24 Apr 2022 3:09 a.m. PST |
Casualties. Antietam was America's bloodiest day and my refight is going the same way with over one hundred and fifty casualty figures deployed in Hooker's now stalling assault so far. Stocks are down by half so it's time to recruit more. Pillaging my old Itallieri and some Revel guys and removing their bases has provided some semi useful poses for the overview lying around scenes. Art Minaturian Austrians and Prussians are better for closer work, whilst the Speira figures are generally the best for detailed pictures. url=https://postimg.cc/4KBLRSJH]
The YEKROL ‘ Bull Run' set has some pretty hideous plastic bound casts but chopping off. obscuring bases etc has resulted in something a little more acceptable. These figures are spoiled by the sculptor's penchant for draping them over each other, cuddling horses etc which makes chopping them out very tricky. Lots to do Chris |
| CHRIS DODSON | 20 May 2022 2:15 a.m. PST |
Frank Beckers excellent Blog has always been very interesting and a recent post alerted me to the availability of some ACW artillerymen from Kai Furhman. I have posted the link below. tabletopdeutschland.com/2018/11 … mica-2018/ The figures are very nice and artillery pieces etc are also available. A scroll through Franks ACW work will give full details but in the meantime I have painted these fine fellows for Antietam. url=https://postimg.cc/3dgTZCfW]
The paintwork is not as good as the excellence of Frank's work unfortunately. Lots to do . Chris |
| CHRIS DODSON | 22 Jul 2022 2:52 a.m. PST |
My very good friend Thomas Mischak has sent me a gift containing some super ACW officer models from Studio Historia. They are printed figures and the detail is superb. I think that 3d printing can achieve extraordinary results but the fragility is still a problem. url=https://postimg.cc/Z05D3HVh]
url=https://postimg.cc/K4pp5TH3]
I had to swap the sword of the dashing Union chap with an Italieri plastic one as it disintegrated. Perhaps the more delicate bits could be done in metal as attachments? However, I have painted them up and look forward to seeing them in action in the near future. Thank you again, Thomas. Chris |
| CHRIS DODSON | 03 Aug 2022 1:06 a.m. PST |
The Reverand William Corby. ( The fighting Chaplin). Father Corby was the first Catholic priest to sign up with the Army of the Potomac choosing to minister, initially, to the Irish Brigade. His family provided him with a fine horse and clothing to effect his ministry, bringing spiritual help to the troops. Here he is, bottom right with his fellow chaplains in 1862. url=https://postimg.cc/QKpHcz3Q]
He is famously remembered at Gettysburg for giving absolution , from a rock, to the Brigade before going into action. Indeed there is a monument celebrating this action on the battlefield. However, he is also described as accompanying General Meagher at Antietam giving General absolution to the troops with temporary alters. My good friend Thomas Mischak sent me some lovely sculpts a few years ago and I am planning on recreating his deeds for my re fight. url=https://postimg.cc/4YsNpjDN]
Our Chaplin survived the war, having brought comfort to the dying without regard to his personal safety and ended his days as the President of the Norte Dame University Indiana. Fascinating stuff. Chris |
| C M DODSON | 11 Sep 2022 8:56 a.m. PST |
Massimos wonderful dead and wounded offering through Hagen has lots of bits that are useful for decorating battlefields including hats. I wondered if I could manufacture a few extra ones and began by chopping off the Stretlets Confederates hats as they seemed better than most. The Union ones were Italieri for the same reason. I pressed them into plasticine to hold them before melting a hole for the head. url=https://postimg.cc/XXBnV2d0]
The ring thus created by the molten plastic was then removed with a sharp knife. I painted them up and used a darker colour to highlight the hole. url=https://postimg.cc/zHhN0B8f]
Overall, whilst the camera has shown some discrepancies, I am pleased with the result allowing me to clutter up my scenes even more. Lots to do. Chris |
| CHRIS DODSON | 19 Oct 2022 1:43 a.m. PST |
More casualties The casualty list after two hours of battle is accelerating and whilst I have deployed several hundred dead and wounded the demand is growing. Whilst some ‘generic' chaps are useful the closer up pictures require something a little better. I went hunting in my garage attic and found a large box of Prussian causalities from Art Miniturian etc. A little chopping, a few head changes and I am back in action with the first batch of ex Prussians. postimg.cc/pmvqs4jt]
"link Lots to do. Chris |
| CHRIS DODSON | 02 Nov 2022 7:13 a.m. PST |
Conversions My box of Prussians keeps on giving. Greenstuff water bottles, blanket rolls, head swaps and the ever useful Airfix WW1 American set provide lots of scope for the ferryman. url=https://postimg.cc/VSLgsws9]
Lots to do Chris |
| hayesncsu | 03 Nov 2022 7:50 p.m. PST |
This is my first time seeing this thread and it's amazing! Your work is just stunning!! |
| CHRIS DODSON | 04 Nov 2022 1:32 a.m. PST |
Thank you for your kind words. It's a big project but the research and modelling as well as the refight itself have been most enjoyable. Best wishes, Chris |
| CHRIS DODSON | 26 Feb 2023 4:55 a.m. PST |
Medics and mayhem My Prussians just keep giving. Head swaps with Art Miniturian chaps, Airfix, Stretlets et al. Green stuff water bottles and hey presto! url=https://postimg.cc/JD7hXrFf]
Let the imagination do the running. Lots to do. Chris |
| CHRIS DODSON | 02 Apr 2023 11:52 p.m. PST |
Wagons roll…..Part two A recent American forum discussion threw up the question of what colours US Civil War wagons were. My previous research suggested olive green but examples of blue with red wheels came to light. url=https://postimg.cc/hh6rTtZY]
A researcher on that forum actually posted the official colour scheme which was of interest. url=https://postimg.cc/HjVzryz5]
Further enquiries by myself has led me to conclude that battery wagons were olive green and ordinance wagons blue gray with the redish brown wheels. The interior was red. I decided to stick to the two colours as I wanted a worn look and not a factory finish. I like the idea of a captured item for a hospital scene to complement my Rucker ambulance. Therefore as per the previous posting I have converted an Imex wagon to represent a captured US item. url=https://postimg.cc/RNtTRxjZ]
url=https://postimg.cc/Lq9B2YhJ]
The horses and trails are HAT Austrian artillery specimens. url=https://postimg.cc/5XMSKkVq]
url=https://postimg.cc/5Xqqhq9c]
A most pleasing result. Oh no! The merciless camera has shown up mould lines on my driver and some sloppy painting on the horses feet. Some tidying is still required. Happy modelling. Chris |
| CHRIS DODSON | 28 Jul 2023 11:49 a.m. PST |
Recruits for the butcher. url=https://postimg.cc/vD7RR02k]
My Prussians have been brilliant for casualties but after nearly four hours of combat I am running out of victims. A rummage in the loft provided Austrians and Dutch Belgians amongst other things. I will need these chaps for a future project so I have just painted them rather than chop them. However, I am very pleased with my Austrian officer converted to Brigadier General Samuel Sturgis. I chopped off the bicorne, hollowed out a Union hat and by slicing his hand was able to insert the hat for a most satisfactory result. He will look splendid leading the assault on the Rhorbach bridge. Happy modelling. Chris |
| CHRIS DODSON | 21 Oct 2023 2:05 a.m. PST |
Further to my last post I have discovered First Section. They are the artillery equivalent to the Ohio Volunteers and are a mine of information. Here is an example of how teams were hitched with some excellent pictures for reference purposes. There is even a chap sitting on a limber in one old picture although I think he is posing for the shot as wet plates took time to expose. Brilliant stuff . fb.watch/nP1Wdn3Xbh Press on the emblem to access their Facebook page. Best wishes, Chris |
completes a Confederate river ironclad.
