From BenG: 20mm Napoleonic British Rockets (16 points)

From Ben:

Here's a small entry I completed just for the hell of it. I bought this set on a whim ages ago and haven't actually painted any of the figures a) because they're butt-ugly, and b) our rules don't cover rockets! I'll check with the rules gurus to see if any of the big January games I haven't been involved in have special rules for rockectry, or else I'll have to make some up. I like the idea that any green troops or cavalry would have to undergo an automatic morale test to see if they are spooked by the hissing and screaming of the rockets on the first fire. Also some sort of randomised targeting that can even result in friendly fire would be the go, too! 

I like to add a little cotton wool to the end of artillerymen's portfires to give a little more detail, though I've learned not to add it til after the varnishing process. I've added it before spraying on the varnish but it collects in the fibres making a bit of a soggy mess!

The mold lines were pretty severe and required a bit of cleaning up, but the firing figure's face is pretty much obscured by the line. The set is an early HaT production which were only a slight improvement from Airfix's gnome-like sculpting, but I think they'll do for a novelty stand!

I dunno Ben, I think they turned out really well. I love smoke from the portfire - nice touch! I believe that when we've used rockets in the past we virtually had an equal chance of the opponents being able to choose the target, which made them quite fun (well, for me anyway).

These two rocketeers will give Ben 16 points.

From Curt: 28mm Old Glory British 42pd Rocket Section

 

JohnM was kind enough to trade to me an extra pack of Old Glory RHA rockets that he had left over from his own project. 

I have to thank John for doing all the hard work researching and tackling these guys first as I'd be clueless on how to proceed with all of the parts that were in the bag. I based this stand up pretty much the same as his own. Quality-wise these Old Glory figures are OK castings with good animation, and they paint up quite well, but they are nowhere near the same standard as the top-flight stuff from Perry, Front Rank, Victrix, etc. Nonetheless, they fill a niche that is not represented by most (if any) manufacturers.

I put them out in our last scenario. True to form they basically did nothing, but every time they fired it caused the French a little consternation as when they decide to hit, they can hit very hard - and they can cause particular havoc against cavalry. 

Oh, and these lads will give me six points for the Challenge! So, c'mon guys, buck-up - I'm leaving y'all in the dust!  ;)

From JohnM: 28mm British Horse Artillery - Congreve Rocket Battery

Behold, another entry for the Painting Challenge! This one is from John de Terre Neuve. Here are a beautiful set of stands depicting a Congreve rocket battery about to unleash their destruction (entertainment?) on foe and friend alike! These figures are 28mm castings from Old Glory Miniatures. 

John had started the rocket models prior to the Challenge (check out his helpful review here on his blog) so they fall outside the scoring, but the nine crewmen places him at the leading position on the scoreboard! Rumour has it that there are some French Cuirassiers soon to make their appearance, so keep posted (I understand there was a slight 'wardrobe malfunction' ;) ).

Great work, John!

Excuse me as I scurry back to my painting desk in an effort to catch up...