I started a 54mm ACW project some number of years ago and never got very far. Partly because I’m a really slow painter and partly because I couldn’t really decide what I wanted to do.
Fast-forward to a couple weeks ago when I uncovered several boxes with partly finished projects. One of these boxes contained several unfinished Confederate Infantry figures as well as an artillery crew.. I’m still not fast and not really all that good, but the figures are coming out ‘ok’.
Not shown is the artillery crew I finished last night as well as two more infantry figures to fill in the holes at the far end of the line.
I’ve even figured out how I will use the figures when I’m done…
I’ve decided to go the small game route; rules will be The Portable Wargame. Game will be played on a 4′ x 4′ square gridded surface (6″ squares an 8 x 8 grid). Games will be as small as 8 units per side with 12 to 15 units per side as a maximum size. My Infantry units will be 4 figures each. Artillery 3 crew figures + 1 gun. Cavalry will be two figures. The armies will be matched and likely a bit larger than maximum size to allow things to be mixed up a bit. While the confederates have a good start, I have yet to start on the Union troops. I always have a hard time with Union troops, but I was sure to cast some, so I could get a start.
Overall my figures will be mostly Scruby Miniatures. I have some Imrie / Risley Artillery crew that will be mixed in. I plan to use plastic horses for cavalry rather than Scruby horses (at 1/4 pound each the Scruby horses are just plain heavy and expensive). I know I have some other 54mm figures tucked away and as I find those, I’ll mix in any that mix in well. My plans call for each side to consist of:
- 2 x Artillery with crew
- 2 x Cavalry
- 8 x Infantry
- 1 x General
Plus anything else that strikes my fancy (Zouaves and perhaps Lancers).
If anyone is interested in painting some Union troops, perhaps we can work out a deal? Trade or pay or a mix?
Hi,
I am not a professional painter, but am considered fairly good (he said humbly), I’d be glad to paint some Union troops for you. Instead of doing this for money, though (assuming you even like what I do), I’d rather get some N-gauge AWI and Colonial figures, as all I have right now is infantry, which really doesn’t let me do too much with them, especially the colonials!
But at this point, let’s see if you like my efforts. If you could send me just a few figures (infantry, cavalry, a zouave, etc.) I’ll paint them up and send them back for your inspection. If I hear faint laughing from beyond the horizon (well beyond, actually, as I live in Virginia), I’ll know they don’t make the cut! If you do like them, we can take it from there.
Does this sound OK?
Best regards,
Chris Johnson
Chris Thanks for the offer. lets connect via email – will drop you a line shortly…