New Units

Just finished two new units for my volunteer forces. The first is a unit of Lincolnshire Yeomanry in their dress uniforms. First formed (in this incarnation, there had been previous yeomanry regiments but disbanded) in 1901and disbanded in 1922, the regiment saw service in Palestine and France during WW1, Most of the members did not own (because of cost) the full dress uniform, and I'm informed that it was unlikely the regiment ever used lances! The figures are based on Langley models items.

The second unit is a bit of a mish-mash. It is an imaginery unit, made up again of various Langley pieces. I had four privates, a standing officer and a mounted officer already, from some years ago, so I ordered enough items to complete the unit to my normal regimental size. Unfortunately it wasn't till I had glued them all together and started painting that I realised I had the wrong head on the new batch.

This unit is rather special, as it is the only one (currently) in the new khaki service dress,the only one without a 'County' designation, and it's the only one where each member is named.. Because of this I have called it 'The Gentleman Pensioners' . It is commanded by Colonel Grant with the officer on foot being Lieutenant Wells. The other members of the group are, in no particular order, Tunstil, Young, Lawford, Wise, Quarrie, Stevenson, Asquith, Featherstone and Perry. All familiar names. Their is one private so far unnamed, and I'm torn between Suren or Stadden, though perhaps I should go with Britain?

I've spent today undercoating figures for another three units, but they will have to wait now, as we are away for the weekend, helping my sister-in-law celebrate the Jubilee at her village in Northamptonshire.

Have a patriotic weekend.

Book of the Month 1

While I was in town with the wife, clothes shopping, I was left in Waterstones to browse (she knows I can spend hours in a decent bookshop) and came out with this one.

It was on the 'new' shelves just inside the door. Not an author I know, but has written a couple of books which I may seek out now.

This is a novel following the exploits of a cavalryman in the Crimean War, starts of as a corporal, goes down to private, up to sergeant and ends the book as an ensign, having fallen foul of his RSM, fancying the RSM's wife, disobeying orders, not thinking much of most of the officers in charge, and generally getting himself involved in all the major battles of the war. Written very much in the 'Sharpe' vein and using, as its basic plot, the (factual) mysterious Staff Officer from the battle of the Alma. I won't give any spoilers, but it is an enjoyable read. Can't see it as a series though, as the wars practcally over by the end of the book. 

A Whimsical Interlude

I haven't had a lot of time for soldiering lately, retirement seems to keep one busy doing other things, so there's not a lot of progress at the moment. Troops are being painted, but slowly, and I'm trying to get a couple of buildings built. More on that later.
In the meantime, I've been neglecting the 'Steam' part of the blog (and the 'Torpedoes' but I'm working on it.) and while I have a model railway layout in the planning stage the shed bench is taken up by unpainted regiments. I did, however, get to the exhibition in Bury St.Edmunds last saturday, and while my wife says "if you've seen one model railway you've seen them all" I think she'd find this one somewhat refreshing.

I hope you enjoy this slight side-track (!) I know a lot of visitors to the show did.

Some 40mm (?) Cavalry

During a ransack of the shed earlier this week while looking for something I came across a small box containing three drop casting moulds and the pictured figures. Now, these must be about 20 years old, and I'd forgotten all about them. I remember commissioning them from a gentleman calling his business 'The London Garrison', when I attended one of the London Toy Soldier Shows, intending them to be the first of a range.

Unfortunately I never followed up, and these two, plus a standing figure in undress with swagger stick, were the only ones I cast up and painted (I notice the varnish is turning a bit yellow with age), and as I say, they were cast into the back of a cupboard.

The problem is, I don't know what to do with them now I've found them. I'm not even sure they are 40mm, though they are larger than 30mm and smaller than 54mm. I don't want to start a fourth scale collection, as economically it's unfeasable, so what can I do. Suggestions, on a (theoretical) postcard, please.

Another New Blog

As promised, I have begun a new blog to cover my smaller scale doings. This is at  http://thegrandduchyofhumperstein.blogspot.co.uk/  It's only a beginning, there's a lot of work still to do, but I hope you will take a look, post comments, and enjoy its whimsicality.

Retirement Arrives

Well, it's here at last. As from 4.30 this afternnon I am officially retired and my time is all my own. According to my wife I can now call myself as a 'househusband' as I can do the housework while she continues in her job!

I've had a quick look at the current projects and see I have some way to go. My 54mm toy soldier 'Heptarchy' project has about 50% of figures ready, the 28mm Grand Duchy of Humperstein project has half the troops and I'm researching a suitable oponent (this project has a considerable background, and may be the subject of a seperate blog), while the 30mm 18th century project is hardly off the ground. All of them need an infrastructure. There's also the numerous ship models (wargame and static display) and general woodwork I want to do.

Plenty to keep me out of the pub. In the meantime, here are a few more photos from the Musee Des Blindes in Saumur, apologies for the lack of captions.

Musee Des Blindes, France

I promised some photos from my recent visit to the French Musee Des Blindes (Tank Museum) at Saumur in the Loire Valley, here are a few of the 80 odd that I took. First a brief tale of the museum itself. Please excuse any poor facts, but I'm translating the french guidebook, as the english version is reprinting. thankfully the museum signage has english translations.

The museum is very close to the French Army Cavalry School, and the basis of the collection was started by a Colonel Aubry and built on by the Mistere de la Defense from 1965. It now houses some 850 vehicles with 250 operational, often taking part in local and national commemorations. there is a website -  http://www.musee-des-blindes.assoc.fr/

The museum extends over 10 large rooms, and these are
1914-18 war
Campaign of France 1940
German Room WW2
Room of Heroes - (Rommel, Patton, Kuthozov, Monty, Leclerc, and of course De Gaulle)
Room of Curiosities (including a 'training tank' with road wheels)
Allies of WW2
French post war room (including Indochina)
Room of engines
Modern Room

All in all a good three hours viewing, an enthusiast could be there all day. It is very underused, with only 7 visitors during our stay (including the three of us) and this on an Easter saturday.

The foyer, with a life size paper soldier on the wall. Unfortunately they've missed an opportunity here, as we didn't find any on sale.

Schneider CA61 from WW1.

A view of about half the German WW2 room

Voiture Pliable. Designed for airborne use, a very light 4 man vehicle that folds up into a packing case. and can be set up in 'several minutes'.

Part of the Warsaw Pact room

View of the WW2 Allies room.

AMX 30B - If I've got this right this vehicle is the only one of its kind. Developed by the French during the Iraq war for mine clearance, it is radio controlled.

I only regret that I couldnt get a picture of the anti-tank Vespa. A scooter fitted with a 75mm canon. You don't see many of those on model battlefields!

So that is just a taster. I hope you agree that it is well worth a visit. The Chateaux and wines of the area are great as well.