Weekend Update

As the summer turns into the autumn here in the Duchy, thoughts of Winter Quarters and projects uncompleted start to run amok. 

Before OttoCon, I was able to purchase a rather good-sized collection of....roughly...painted figures for the Franco-Prussian War. Far more artillery than I would ever need and plenty of Crapauds, even though many of them...almost all of them really, needed a touch up. 

The last few days I've been able to get a start on them, half-hour here, half-hour there, in between my course and over lunch and so on. 

Row upon row of men and guns being sorted...terrible work, really...but someone must do it...

As the figures were glued on wooden bases, I had to soak them first, then scrape, then go from there. 

A good many figures are my favourite old Falcon Miniatures, made by my late friend Jim Parcella. I love these pumpkin-headed lumps. Easy to paint. 

Three reconditioned battalions (or maybe regiments..) and two stands of Mitrailleuse 

The goal is to use Volley & Bayonet, with each stand as a battalion or a regiment, depending on how big of a battle I want to fight. But being just slightly clever, I also have 12 figures per infantry base, the same number you need for Howard Whitehouse's A Gentleman's War rules. And with a stand being a "unit", I can also play The Portable Wargame with them as well. 

Once I've got these little fellas all set, I'll have to make up an inventory to see what's lacking (truth be told, not much, I put four more battalions from the Lead Pile of Shame on painting sticks, with many more to spare) and fill in those holes. I've got a sizeable bag o' lead for the Prussians that I can follow up with. 

Maybe Christmas will be spent in the Ruhr Valley... 

Allez vouz!