Friday, January 10, 2014

From PeterD: 28mm War of 1812 American Light Dragoons (60 points)


Peter accelerates his pace with this excellent unit of American light dragoons from the War of 1812.

From Peter:
My next entry for the painting challenge are these 6 members of the US 2nd Light Dragoons.  They will serve as a small unit in my war of 1812 Black Powder base games.  The figures are Perry Miniatures plastic French Dragoons, from the same box that provided the light infantry unit the Trojan Greens.  Conversion work was minimal - I trimmed off the Plastron of the jacket otherwise everything else was paint work.

The French dragoon sword is really too heavy for light dragoons but it works.  I retained the dragoon muskets instead of rigging carbines, I also used an arm from the dismounted figures so that one trooper carries a firearm in hand.  I don't have a lot of info on the horse furniture (I love that term, it makes me think of equine recliners) but i think the French sheepskin and shabraque works ok.  I really enjoyed painting these figures, especially the horses.  However, my patience is not really up to the task of the assembly and gluing as I always rush things to get to the good stuff (the painting).
There were two regiments of US light dragoons and between the two of them detachments served at mos of the actions of the War of 1812.  likely their best moment was at Crysler's farm where the 2nd charged British regulars.  They were repulsed by fire but their action allowed most of the artillery to get away.

Excellent work Peter! I must admit I'm a bit amazed at your output during this Challenge. It must have something to do with your daughter going to university halfway across the country this autumn! I look forward to eviscerating these Yanks on the tabletop...

These American light dragoons will give Peter 60 points and I see he has several others waiting in the wings so stay tuned for those.

12 comments:

  1. Nice work mate. I like the unit name across the rear of the bases. I should do that but it would require patience :-)

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  2. I feel exactly the same way as Mr Mills with regard to names on bases. Very nice work though and not something I see much of(American Napoleonic) so a real joy to see a bit more.

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  3. Nice work Peter, love that shade of blue!

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    1. Ray
      Thanks. I often struggle getting shades of blue and green that aren't too dull, light or bright. In this case I used a paler coat (craft acrylic Soldier blue I think) and then a thick wash of artist acrylics Ultramarine.
      Cheers
      PD

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  4. Michael and Clint
    Thanks. This is the first time I've used unit labels. I started using Word text boxes to print labels for my Naval games and was quite pleased with the results both with my ships and the land units. I've used red labels for British regulars, green for Canadians, dark blue for US regulars and pale blue for US militia.
    Cheers
    PD

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  5. Curt

    Yes I am much more focused this year. We've definitely found more spare time not having the busy teenager in the house. The other thing is I've started with smaller bite sized chunks, not 24 man units. And last year my photos sucked pond scum and I got frustrated with endless retakes. I ended up with figs painted but not submitted.
    Cheers
    PD

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  6. I don't know much of this war but you are doing great service to it

    Ian

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Thanks for your comment! As long as you're not a spam droid I'll have it up on the blog soon. :)