The Coin is Spinning....

I have sent off for some sample Spencer Smith 30mm Classic ACW figures to have a play around with in terms of painting and converting. The kepi types will stay as they are and initially the only thing I need to worry about is shaping a suitable fez. As mentioned, I plan to use the hat wearing figure for this as the crown will have a little more height and so should therefore be easier to shape.

The infantry will be organised as per a large Charge! style regiment with four companies - a grenadier, two centre and a light company. Cavalry will be on a squadron basis with three squadrons being about right. An artillery battery of a couple of guns will complete the set up. I will also add a machine gun and perhaps a heavy artillery piece in due course. Suitable personality figures would also be needed to add a little character - especially for the respective commanders - and without revealing too much I can safely say that the spirit of Percy French will be well represented…..;-) The figures will be individually based although I will probably make use of movement trays for gaming purposes.

In keeping with the overall look should I opt for these figures the terrain will be quite simple and stylised. I will make the buildings I need as required - it has been a long time since I last did that but it should be easy enough for the look I am after - along with any walls, defences and bridges. Roads and streams will be from Hexon although I will have some felt versions for use on a normal table.

The armies I am building are to be set in 1891 so the uniforms will probably seem a little archaic but close enough to not matter - these are 'imagi-nations' after all - and certainly there would be a historical precedent for wearing older styles given the parlous state of the respective treasuries.

I will most certainly be embracing the naval side as well and will look forward to building some of the ironclads in use - even the Russian circular monitors may make an appearance!