3rd New York regiment 1776

   The original 3rd New York regiment is raised by Colonel James Clinton for five month'sservice.   They were assigned to Major General Philip Schuyler's Northern Army and toke part in the Invasion of Canada.  Arriving at Quebec they join the forces under Benedict Arnold.

 With enlistment expiring General Montgomery and Colonel Benedict Arnold attack in a desperate attempt to capture the city on 31 December during a blizzard. The attack fails, but the siege is maintained into spring.  Enlistment expired and the regiment is disbanded.

The 3rd New York is re-raised, re-officered and rearmed for nine month's service in the spring of 1776.  It is commanded by Colonel Rudolphus Ritzema (who had commanded the First New York in Canada  in 1775). This version of the Regiment is composed of companies raised in the New York city area. 

   In New York city the regiment  is assigned to  Brigadier General Alexander McDougall's brigade.  Uniforms, based on deserter reports are either gray or blue coats faced green as well as the usual mixture of civilian clothing.  The regiment misses the battle on Long Island And takes part in the retreat northward.  They  form part of Washington's lines around White Plains New York in late October.

   on 28 October The 1st and  3rd New York Regiments, Smallwood's Maryland Regiment, 19th Continental Regiment from Connecticut (all of McDougall's Brigade),  Haslet's Delaware Regiment and Alexander Hamilton's battery reinforce two Massachusetts militia regiments on  Chatterton's Hill.  This is to protect Washington's right flank at White Plains.  During the Battle there they repel the main British assault, but are outflanked by Rall's Hessian brigade and forced to retreat. This is the 3rd New York's first fight.

    The regiment takes part in the retreat across New Jersey.  On December 26 the 3rd New York takes part in the Battle at Trenton.  Afterwards, enlistment up they are either discharged or recruited for the third (and final time) as the 3rd New York is again reorganized.  This term to extend for three years, or the duration of the war.

  I have painted the 3rd New York in it's blue coats faced and lined green.  Matching waistcoat were typical of many regiments in 1776.  Figures are from Fife and Drum minuatures.  Flags are  from GMB. As no documentation is available for this regiment At this rate I have followed Washington's advice of a regimental and national type color.  These are the New York colors carried later in the War and a liberty flag which is mentioned in several Crown Forces accounts as captured during the battles around New York city.

5th U.S. Infantry regiment 1813

The 5th US infantry regiment was raised in April 1808.  During the War of 1812 the regiment took part in the fighting At Stoney Creek, Plattsburgh and Cooks mill (the final battle of the 1814 Niagara campaign).

  The 5th United States Infantry regiment is dressed in the 1813 mid war uniform.  The coate has a red collar and cuffs with white lace.  In addition the regiment has been issued the new tombstone style shako cap.  These are slight but noticeable differences from most of my collection which represents the 1814 Niagara campaign.  This way I am able to add more units for a better balanced army but still be able to tell them apart.

The beautiful regimental colors are from Flags of War.  They produce a beautiful yet under rated series of flags which deserve a high recognition in the wargame world. Figures are from Brigade games. Very nice figures which fit in well with my figures from Knuckleduster minuatures.

New project: 1776

 Although quite happy with my Rev War armies up to now something was missing.  Many of my favorite regiments took part in the early 1776 campaign around New York city, across New Jersey and ending with the battles of Trenton and Princeton.   In fact, this campaign has long held a fascination for me.  I have spent many happy hours reading about it;  and have visited many of the sites associated with it.  So, irrational as it appears I just had to raise a number of regiments to fight battles from this campaign.

  My long term plan is to start with the American regiments.  After all how can you war game this conflict and not have regiments like Haslet's Delaware or Smallwood's Marylanders in your order of battle?  I was fascinated by the fight at Pell's Point after reading a report by Colonel Lamomi Baldwin so I have to add Glover' s brigade too.

   Not to forget the Crown forces!  I wanted addition Hessian regiments.  Who better to add than Colonel Rall's hard fighting but doomed brigade made up of his regiment and the Knyphausen and Lossberg Fusilier regiments.  For the British a Grenadier and Light Infantry battalion is a must.  Finally a couple loyalist regiments in green coats (which is actually more correct for 1777).

For battles one could not do better then fighting Trenton after Christmas day.  Not a traditional holiday activity  for the entire family but let us start a new tradition!  Princeton is a under appreciated action that deserves to be on the table top.  The delaying action at Pell's point could be a very different game.  And of course the Battle of White plains for me is a must. Must buy lots of autumn colored trees!

 Figures will be from both Fife and Drum miniatures and RSM.  Both lines are very similar in size and shape and fit very well together.  In addition I would like to add a few Kings Mountain figures to my collection. Flags will be either  computer made or bought from GMB.  I like the paints from rapier I have tried recently so they are my go to paints for now.

  To fund the project I already have a number of unpainted castings I have recently discovered.  I also have unfinished projects I lost interest in years ago.  A few American Civil War (25mmm plastic and some metal), some 1859 and 1866  Austrians (25mm and 15mm) and other miscellaneous figures will be sold or traded for new lead.

Please stay tuned for his this project works out.

Game Night at the club

  I do not always mention the club game night.  This is because often i am having too good a time to make notes about the game or take pictures.  Such was the case last month when I played in a fast pace and fun civil war naval game.   This month it was just as fun but I did take a few pictures and notes.

  If you have not yet visited Ed Meuller's blog please do.  Ed combines a great sense of humor with extremely inventive wargame ideas.  These came together in a wickedly fun game, " Loot the Baggage Train. " .Or, as Ed himself said;  "Loot the Baggage Train!" (30 Years War): This game represents that moment so characteristic of this age when the lure of looting the baggage train overcame any interest in the battle. In this game, players will control a file of dragoons, Croats, or "Polish cossacks" as they all converge on a semi-abandoned baggage train. Loot the train; loot the other players. It's every man for himself: the player who comes away with the most swag, wins. 

  So it was everyman for himself and much dealing and backstabbing and bribery.  Each player has four figures.  Both a mounted version and dismounted version.  I commanded a file of German dragoons.  We all races about uncovering wagons and small cashed of loot.  When you arrived at a market on the table it might have swag, or it might have nothing.  Some markers contained a grenado, which could be more deadly to the thrower then the reciever.

The infamous granado

Tossing the granado into the open window

High point for me was discover a grenado.  I used this to race up to a house, and toss it through a open windown.  I was lucky in that it exploded in the house and not in my hand!  Sad to say no one was in the house and no loot was found.  

As to who won?  That was not the point of the game. All had a wonderful time with much laughter.  A perfect game night.  

My bag of swag

Mamacita and Old Squinty Eyes

What are you looking at?

  My daughter Alexandra did a art project years ago.  They were two watercolors of foxes who she named Momacita and Old Squinty eyes.  We have them framed in our living room.  And after all these years they still being Janine and I great joy.  In addition there is a fix who lives in the woods around the back of the house who we are sometimes in the late evening or early early morning.

 When I was adding farm animals to my table top scenery I noticed Warbases made foxes.  So I had to add them.  After all with all those chickens and geese two foxes could be very happy around here!

Geese, and chickens and sheep, on my!

  Continuing my theme of brightening the table top I have added more live stock to my farms.  I was inspired at Cold Wars by a Sharp Practice game by 95th Division which had many unusual items scattered about the table. George and I talked about it all the way back to the Boston area.

  Why geese?  Why not!  They get in the way of things.  They make a great swaking noise and look fun being scattered by cavalry.  While most of my birds are domestic, I have included two Canadian geese.  After all it is the Niagara campaign.

  You need sheep, and a shepard.  These are based on sheep at Old Sturbridge village.  Janine and I took our yorkee Fritz for a walk there last fall.  While he was fascinated by all the animals (and they him) he was particularly interested in the sheep.  So I added them to my farm.  The Shepard is from Hovels and his loyal dog sits by.  Look closely by the sheep and a rodent is scurrying away.

  The lady feeding chickens I saw on Der Alter Fritz's blog .  Reminded me of our farm program at Minute Man National Historical Park. We had period cows which we used to keep the grass down in the fields.  At the Hartwell Tavern we had period  chickens.  The figure reminded me of a couple of my seasonal staff.

  Lastly, we have the family cat.  Note he is hard at work keeping the local rodents away from the house!

  These were great fun to paint and will look good in the table.  Based on a suggestion here I will be putting on a game with small cavalry units chasing each other about and collecting "forage" to bring back to the army.  local militia horse will try to protect the locals.  The invading horse getg points running off live stock and damaging the farms of local malcontents.

 Figures were from either Hovel's or Warbases.  Great service and very reasonable priced.

Where are my followers?

  Not sure what has happened here.  I went onto my blog this morning and all my followers had disappeared!! Where there once had been a listing of kind souls who followed this humble blog were now a blank space of nothng. A black hole. Nothing!

  I am all alone. Please note picture of Mark pondering this mystery.

  So, if anyone can explain what has happened, and why I would be very grateful.  I have sent a message to blogger. It is a mystery to me.....

U.S. Regulars 1813

  Just finished a regiment of regulars for my War of 1812 Army.  These are from Brigade games and very nice figures they are.  They fit into my collection which is 90% Knuckleduster miniatures.  Similar pose, and slim figure.  The sculpting and details are very good.

 Since they are slightly different i wanted to make them visually different also.  I have my 1814 army;  so I painted these in the late 1813 uniform.  This has red collar and cuffs.  Not a major difference, but a difference still.

  The regimental colors are on order and have not yet arrived.  These will be from Flags of War.  Painting the figures I used my new Rapier paints.  These were recommended to me and I am extremely happy with them.  Nice flat finnish.  A great variety of shades and colors.  Highly recommended!

Fusiliers de Morliere part 2

  Corrected my error in not ordering enough figures.  Now I have finished the entire regiment and a splendid unit of light troops they are.  Very dashing and ready to cause trouble for the foes of France.

More French Artillery

Another gun and crew added.  Great looking figures and an amazing amount of detail on the cannon barrel.  With this gun and crew i now have a two gun battery for my small force.

Figures are of course from the outstanding line of miniatures from Crann Tara.

Getting started in the War of 1812

The War of 1812 is a fascinating period and provides great opportunity for miniature war gamers.  The armies are perfect for table top battles.  They are colorful and offer a wide variety of Uniforms and troop types.  In addition due to the recent anniversary there is a abundance of materials out there.  I just (nearly finnished) my Niagara 1814 project and am branching out adding more colorful regiments.  If you are interested in gaming this conflict here is a short guide to help get you started.

Uniform guides:
When staring the period I found these guides to be very helpful.  They are moderately priced and avalible from On Military Matters.  They provide the basic material you need for organization and uniforms.

Barbuto, Richard & Manley, Stephen WAR OF 1812:V1-Uniform Guide of the U.S. Forces

Barbuto, Richard & Manley, Stephen WAR OF 1812:V2-Uniform Guide of the King's Forces

If you get into the period and want more these two books are the definitive uniform bibles.  Outstanding!

Chartrand, Rene A MOST WARLIKE APPEARANCE: Uniforms, Flags and Equipment of the United States in the War of 1812

Chartrand, Rene A SCARLET COAT: Uniforms, Flags and Equipment of the British Forces in the War of 1812

Books:
 Berton, Pierre.  Flames Across the Border: 1813-1814
Volume 2 in his general history of he war.  A very evan handed popular history. He has a great number of characters he follows throughout the war.  If your looking for a military history this is not it.  But it grabs your attention and holds your interest.  One of the two books that got me interested in this strange conflict.

Eshelman,  Ralph E.  In Full Glory Reflected: Discovering the War of 1812 in the Chesapeake .
More of a coffee table book.  But the illustrations by Gerry Embelton are outstanding.  Great for inspiration.

Feltoe, Richard.  Redcoated Ploughboys: The Volunteer Battalion of Incorporated Militia of Upper Canada, 1813–1815
Great regimental history of one of my all time favourite regiments.  

Feltoe, Richard.  A Crucible of Fire: The Battle of Lundy's Lane, July 25, 1814 (Upper Canada Preserved - War of 1812)

Feltoe, Richard.  Upper Canada Preserved — War of 1812 6-Book Bundle: six book series
A six volume set of the War in Canada from start to finnish.  Outstanding!

Graves, Donald E.  Field of Glory: The Battle of Crysler's Farm, 1813

Graves, Donald E.  Red Coats & Grey Jackets: The Battle of Chippawa, 5 July 1814

Graves, Donald E.  Where Right and Glory Lead! The Battle of Lundy's Lane, 1814
Again, a great fan of the author.  Great military history studies of these battles but a top notch historian.  

Lord, Walter.  The Dawn's Early Light.
The other book that got me interested in the ad or 1812.  Covers the Bladensburg/Baltimore campaigne.  Again more of a popular history.  I am a huge Walter Lord fan, and enjoyed this very much.

Malcomson, Richard.  A Very Brilliant Affair: The Battle of Queenstown Heights, 1812
Brilliant history of this battle.


Miniatures:
Before starting your collection I would recommend picking a year.  This is because American regular uniforms differed greatly from early war to mid war to late war.  While I might mix mid and late war I would not recommend mixing early war.  The British and Canadian units had some differences by year but not as much.

Early war  US uniforms

Mid war

Late war

I would highly recommend these two figures lines.  The majority of my collection is from Knuckleduster miniatures.  They are very reasonably priced and cover the entire war in all its uniform variations.  all pictures on this article are Knuckleduster miniatures.  The  Brigade Miniatures fit in very nicely with Knuckleduster.  They are very well sculpted and detailed.  As of now they have figures for  1814.  In addition Old Glory miniatures has a fine of figures for the conflict with some specialty figures no one else has (including President Madison).

http://www.knuckleduster.com/shop/
(Look under free down loads.  Forrest provides great unit guides on how to build your regiments)
http://brigadegames.3dcartstores.com/War-of-1812_c_450.html


Blogs:
 These blogs have inspired me and provided great assistance in starting my own collection.

Lots of very good uniform information here:
https://www.thelordz.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=13757

Rod has been my mentor and guru for all things War of 1812:
http://warof1812war-gaming.blogspot.com

Chuck Smith's blog filled with wonderful infirmation:
http://warof1812wargaming.blogspot.com

Rules:
I will not give out any suggestion on rules.   Each table top gamer has his or her idea of what makes a good rule set and what they like to play . For me, I have settled on my Mr Madison Mets Fife and Drum.  These are the rules for Rev War found  on the Fife and Drum miniatures site.  I have made a few twists and turns to them.  They provide a fun, fast and old school type game which I dearly enjoy.  My Advice is find a set of rules which mirror your tastes and use them.

Good luck, and happy gaming!

Militia in hunting shirts and round hats

   One can always use another militia unit.  No matter the time period.  Especially if they have round (top) hats!

  These figures are from Brigade games miniatures.  I picked them up at Cold Wars.  I had heard very good things about the range and was eager to see if they fit in with my Knuckleduster miniatures.  They do!  Similar style and look correct together on the table top.

  These figures will be a generic militia unit.  The round hats and hunting shirts fit in for the  Niagara or Upper Canada,  the Chesapeake bay area and New Orleans.

  The black flag with the death's head belonged to a New York militia regiment.  The other flag was similar to one I saw in Lossing's field book diverge War of 1812.  I think two flags look way better in a infantry regiment.

  Very happy with these fine fellows.  I will be working on a Brigade games miniature regiment of American Regulars in mid war uniform soon.

Based for trees

  Always looking to add trees to my collection of terrain.  When you game American Revolution and War of 1812 you need plenty of woods to provide cover for you rifle men and indians, and for period atmosphere.  Most of my trees are individual based.

  At Cold Wars this year I got some extra trees free when I bought some river sections.  Since they needed to be based I used some pre cut GW based I had lying around unused.  I think they look good this way.  I may create some addition bases like these to use to break up line of sight in games.  I am going to add some woodland type animals to some for color.  But more of that in another posting.

Gabions

  A most useful item.  These gabions came pre painted and ready to use.  Picked them up at Cold Wars.  I will have to think up some scenarios to use in future games.

7th New York Hussars 1814

  The War of 1812 was not known for its cavalry actions.  One can always find an exception to the rule but for the most part cavalry played a very minor role.  But that has not stopped any miniature war gamer from fielding these colorful regiments.  And something about cavalry on the table top means glorious charges no matter the historical realities.

  Adding to my American army I already have two mounted regiments. One of American regular Dragoon and a militia regiment in hunting shirts and too hats.   But I just had to add these fine fellows.  As militia they most likely paid for their own uniforms.  And from the looks of These fellows they must have been from the upper crust of society.  Not content with plain uniforms they modeled theirs on the European hussars that graced so many Napoleonic battlefields.

  I can find little information about them so I cannot tell if their actions in the field resembled their uniforms.  Perhaps they got no further from the Niagara frontier then their own town greens.  perhaps most of their actions of dating were with the local ladies.  But I am sure on my table They will be involved in many heroic actions.

  Figured are from the Old Glory line of miniatures.