Put a Pike in that Cork!

I have read enough blogs over the years to have learned a few tricks along the way - those a-ha moments when I slap myself on the forehead and think "why didn't I think of that before?!". Maybe this will be one of those moments for you... or perhaps not.

Need an easy way to apply paint to those pikes, spears or other pointy fiddly bits laying around the table? I have found that wine corks work perfectly for such a thing.

Brilliant right?

Some Nice Things that Have Caught My Eye

Here are two things that have recently caught my eye:

Dux Bellorum: Arthurian Wargaming Rules AD 367-793

I have a long interest in this era of history and this region of the world, so when I discovered that Osprey was publishing a new set of Arthurian rules written by Dan Mersey it captured my interest greatly. There was an article and interview with Mersey about these rules in the most recent Wargames, Soldiers & Strategy magazine. When asked "what makes your game different from other rule sets?", Mersey replied:

"I suppose the big one is that I have focused on recreating battles from a very short, defined period of history. Using a set of rules designed exclusively for use in Arthurian Britain means that I've worked out what I think is important and what to ignore, unlike those ancient rules that try to cover 4,000 years."

He raises an interesting question regarding generic(ish) rule sets that span large amounts of the historical timeline versus rules that aim to recreate a very specific period of history. Which do you prefer? While I didn't have any immediate plans to jump into painting and gaming this period, I'll be picking up this rule book to add to my bookcase for future fun. (and yes, I also know about Dux Britanniarum).

Crann Tara Miniatures
These new Scottish highlander miniatures by Crann Tara Miniatures are simply fantastic and quite honestly, I can't wait to paint some of them. These figures are in true 1/56th scale (about 33mm) and are intended for the Jacobite Rising of 1745. Again, this isn't a project I had on my radar, but I know some of these models will find there way on to my painting table!

Highlander Pikes WIP No.2

I wasn't able to get all eight pikes painted and based this weekend like I had hoped, but I did manage to get seven painted to my liking. I'll finish the last pikeman this week and then get back to the lads carrying the muskets.

Highlander Pikes WIP No.1

My goal for this weekend was to paint and base eight Scottish Highlander pikemen. Well, I am off to a decent start - despite being distracted by other things, I nearly completed four figures yesterday (I still need to paint a tartan on the bald man's plaid and do some touch-ups and highlighting to the others) . After a week away it was very enjoyable to spend some time at my work table.

I really like the model of the bald pikeman from Eureka. He is completely wrapped in his plaid and has discarded his bonnet. Unlike the other figures, he doesn't hold the pike in one hand, but instead holds it close to his body, almost using it for support, as if it were a staff or walking stick instead of a weapon. He seems to be a wise veteran, perhaps just returned from fighting in the Thirty Years' War.

Today should see some more progress as there is a baseball game this afternoon and I like to paint while listening to a ball game.

Time in the Mountains and Goals for the Weekend

I've spent the greater part of this week on vacation in Breckenridge, Colorado with my son and wife. We enjoyed the mountains, hiking, the pool and the cooler weather - but all of that recreation didn't result in any progress on my ECW project, but that is probably a good thing as I am excited to spend some time on painting this weekend.

My goal for this weekend is to get two bases (8 figures) of pike fully painted and based. That might be a lofty goal as I am sure there are some errands around the house I need to attend to, but I'm going to try nevertheless.

I did put another order into Eureka USA for some additional figures for the Highland warband unit I am planning on adding to the Badenoch Royalist Battalia (that is Pike & Shotte speak - I guess groups of units are called Battalia in those rules).

Speaking of rules, I do plan on playing some games with all these little army men I am painting. But, it looks more than likely that I will need to provide both sides of the conflict to have any playing partners - so I will be alternating finishing regiments for the Royalists and Covenanters for awhile, which means I need to start thinking of the Covenanter regiment that I want to work on next.

Badenoch Regiment WIP Photos

The Badenoch regiment is coming along great and I am having a lot of fun with the painting. Last night I was able to get the models completed for the base that would be carrying the regiment's second flag - the Banner of the King of Scots.

I also took some time this morning to take some photos of the entire regiment as it currently stands: 3 bases of shotte and 2 bases of banners and pike. So, to complete at least the pike & shotte portion of the regiment I still need to finish three more musket bases (12 models) and 2 bases of pike (8 models). 

I have decided to add a small highland warband to the regiment which will be fun - and of course I still need to paint and base the commander of this brave lot, Ewen Macpherson of Cluny and his piper.

The Banner of the King of Scots and ensign.

Out on morning drill while waiting for the rest of the lads to arrive.

ECW Flag: Banner of the King of Scots

I needed a second flag to be carried by my Royalist Badenoch regiment - so what could possibly be better or more suited for the battlefield than the Banner of the King of Scots (Bratach rìoghail na h-Alba)?

I created this flag using Adobe Photoshop at a suitable resolution for printing (300 ppi) and when printed the final flag measures approximately 40mm x 36mm.

Please, if you like this flag, feel free to download the large version and use it in your own ECW Scottish Royalist regiments.

Banner of the King of Scots. Click for printable version.

On the Highland Trews

"... the trews was undoubtedly the ancient dress of people of condition or of any respectability both in the Highlands and Lowlands of Scotland; it was more especially worn by persons on horseback often without boots; it was commonly made of a kind of chequered stuff called Tartan though sometimes of stuff of one colour only. It completely supplied the place of breeches and stockings covering the feet the legs and the thighs. As a winter dress, particularly in time of snow, it was reckoned infinitely preferable to the kilt. When the trews were worn upon a journey, the plaid was carried over the left shoulder and drawn under the right arm."

On the Highland Dress

Sir John Sinclair
October, 1796

A highland warrior I am painting wearing his finest tartan trews.