Well, more a framework really but last year's foray into the Great War has led to unintended ripples which threaten to warp my whole Atlantica history, geography and developing storyline. Since I am now ready to tackle both the traditional British toy soldier/Colonial look and my already developing storyline again, I have decided to intervene and put more distance between Atlantica and the Great War (and the 2nd Boer War).
There is actually a fairly narrow window of historical settings for the classic Victorian red coated toy soldier to march into battle before Khaki takes over. It runs roughly from roughly from the Zulu War to the 1885 NorthWest rebellion. OK the latter is not a popular one but it was the only one where the spiked helmet was worn on campaign. I have wargamed in this era in 15mm, 20mm, 25mm and 54mm so was trying to avoid it in 40mm but...oh well... It's just a very fitting period for wargames especially since the Russo-Turkish and Franco-Prussian wars, give a glimpse of what British involvement in a European war in the breech loader age might look like on a wargame table.
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| The Royal Faraway Artillery try out their new toy, a Gatling. The gun is a pre-release sample of the to be re-released 40mm Scruby model. Mike at Historifigs hasn't yet done (or at least didn't send me) a magazine so I used a piece of dowelling to represent the RN style magazine. I intend to use a naval crew but between the 4.7" and the naval 12 pdr, they were all busy. |
In practical terms this turning back of the clock to circa 1880 means that Oberhilse uniforms will regain their US influence, the Hougal rebellion has not happened so those units rejoin the ranks and the terrain, climate and native cultures will not be under pressure to change. I won't get to include motor vehicles just yet but the 20th Century and drab are still coming.
In addition to doing some painting, I'm also reconsidering the rules. Essentially, for this collection, I want the same number of units but more figures. Its possible to do that without changing the rules but this is the time to consider the pros and cons of a different, more OS style of rules for these games.
Splendid new toy for the R.F.A, I look forward to seeing it in action...
ReplyDeleteAlan
p.s strangely enough I have been mentally mapping Counterpania this morning and thinking of my history/ back story too.
That sort of thing does seem to be going around.
DeleteSplendid photo of the Royal Faraway Artillery- good job with the Gatling- and nice to see the
ReplyDeleteSailors too. Hope it won't be to long until we see them deployed against the Oberhilse Army. KEV.
Thanks, hopefully there will be a more fully documented game next week.
DeleteRoss Mac,
ReplyDeleteThe period you have chosen is interesting in other ways as well. On the naval front ship design was in a state of flux, with all sorts of different 'one off' designs being built.
My recent mini-campaign featured red coated 'Britannic' troops ... and I must admit that they did look nice on the tabletop.
Once my current Napoleonic project is completed, I am seriously considering building up some more small armies for the 1870 to 1890 period.
All the best,
Bob
I think the only way I'll incorporate ships in my 40mm games would be to use Morschausers idea of ships on floor stands moving around the table, but perhaps eventually a gunboat or 2 in an amphibious operation.
DeleteI think the only way I'll incorporate ships in my 40mm games would be to use Morschausers idea of ships on floor stands moving around the table, but perhaps eventually a gunboat or 2 in an amphibious operation.
DeleteWhat a rather nice looking gatling!
ReplyDeleteIt is, I foresee more of them on my table.
DeleteIt is, I foresee more of them on my table.
DeleteRoss,
ReplyDeleteYour post reminds me of one of my favorite quotes . . .
. . . "A plan gives you something to deviate FROM".
-- Jeff
Right, otherwise my deviations would be randomn!
Delete