A thank you to our suppliers

I was inspired to do this post by one at the end of last year along similar lines on 'lorenzosenventh's', The Wargaming Erratic blog in which he thanked all of his hobby suppliers.
 

The post on The Wargaming Erratic blog that inspired this one.

2020 was my biggest year of 'resource gathering' to date. This is one of the largest single purchases of the year, a heap of (chiefly) Hat figures from Tactics. Lots of Napoleonic loveliness!

Like many (most) in our hobby 2020 was one of serious 'resource gathering', i.e. it was my biggest spending year on record! I know that I am not alone as I have spoken or been in email correspondence with people from several of the companies listed below and the common theme was that "...it was like Christmas from February (2020)...". This was, no doubt, marvellous for business, but we need to remember that it was done under difficult circumstances, changing conditions and rules, under the shadow of a pandemic and with a level of exposure of each of them to the risk of infection.

So, following lorenzosenventh's lead, I would like to thank the many people who support my habit... I mean hobby, especially in the past 12 months, or so.

A 'haul' from the Lucky Toy Soldier.

Just one example of a retailer who has kept on keeping on during the pandemic; no mean feat since he is in Italy and I made this order in April 2020. It took over three months to arrive, but did nonetheless.

Potemkin Russians from Hagen Miniatures.

Another example of a vendor going above and beyond. I knew nothing of this amazing little period of Russian military uniforms until this year. I wondered how I might represent them in 1/72, only to find that Hagen manufacture these beauties. With postage through the roof I thought that I'd be waiting until sometime this year or beyond to get them, but a clever and accommodating idea from Uwe and Andy saw them sent in a combined package.

Thank you to all of the people involved with the companies and businesses below!

Figure manufacturers

Strelets*R

Over the past three to four years Strelets have become the premier manufacture of 1/72 scale figures in terms of range, quality and quantity. Throughout 2020 they managed to maintain a prolific rate of output of quality figures (including a completely new range of figures for the War of Spanish Succession).

Hät (Pacific Coast Company)

Hät were the premier manufacturer of 1/72 scale figures (with a smaller range of 28 mm and 1/32). They have 'hiccoughed' a bit lately, following a change of ownership and a move to a new production process based on computer design and production of masters. There are signs that this is beginning to bear fruit with a release of new sets late in the year, and more in the pipeline.

Linear a

A smaller manufacturer of 1/72 plastic figures that has been producing a range of novel, character-filled sets, particularly for early ancients (classical to early imperial Roman). The development and release of new sets seemed to have increased throughout 2020.

Mars

Another smaller manufacturer who focusses on figures (1/72 and increasingly 1/32 as well) for periods or ranges not covered by others. This past year I purchased some great additions from them for my increasing interest in 'things Ottoman'.

Redbox/Orion

Yet another manufacturer of 1/72 scale plastic figures who fills some of the many gaps. The focus is on 'doing a range 'completely', so numerous sets are released around a specific campaign or range of troops. Their Russians for 1805–07, released in 2019, are a good example. I purchased some of their figures for my developing Ottoman army this year.

Hagen Miniatures

Manufacturers of specialised, metal figures in a range of scales, including 1/72. I have purchased a few, specific Napoleonic figures from them in the past, but this year picked up the wonderful Potemkin Russians pictured above.

Newline Designs

A good range of 20 mm figures in metal that blend in well with 1/72, as well as other scales that I don't use/collect.

Irregular Miniatures

Manufacturers of a wide range of figures in 'every scale known to man'! I have bought only figures from their 2 mm and 20 mm ranges. Ian always provides fast, efficient and friendly service.

Black Watch Miniatures

A new venture in which Uwe from Hagen has combined with figure sculptor Massimo to produce yet more specialised figures in 1/72 aimed at diorama makers and wargamers.

 Hinds Figures (Hinchliffe)

Not figures that I purchase often, but I have sought a few Hinchliffe figures, particularly the original molds/scale and Ian provides excellent service.

 

Retailers

Tactics

The best known, best and much loved miniatures store in Perth. My main hobby supplier. The shop is literally bursting at the seams with stock but they are still always happy to get in special orders. Even pre-Covid-19 I was increasingly buying from them via email requests and posted packages.

Military Hobbies

Base in Adelaide, Andrew is my 'go to' vendor for Strelets figures. It's great to deal directly with him. He sells a wide range of figures, many of them rare and second hand types, through his two shops (Military Hobbies and The Toy Soldier Experience).

Drum and Flag 

Rupert from Drum and Flag is friendly, efficient and helpful. He has a great range of new and second hand products to boot. Little wonder that he is one of the most respected vendors in the hobby (from the many positive comments that I see about him).

Transport Models & Kit Lady

I came late to Mark and Liz's shop when I was directed to them by Armies in Plastic. Based in Preston, England I dealt with them entirely via their excellent online store and email. Unfortunately (for us) they retired last year, although both of them have an eBay store in which they are selling their remaining stock.

'Cronwallis' (eBay seller)

While an eBay seller, Bruce gets a special mention as I have purchased from him several times. He has an excellent range of sets of 1/72 figures at reasonable prices, many of which are no longer available from retailers. He is situated in Adelaide, so postage is reasonable and simple, which is a bonus.

Ace Radio Controlled Models

Another local hobby shop in Perth (Midland). As the name states, they mainly stock radio controlled models but do have some plastic kits and figures, including quite a range of Pegasus and Emhar.

The Luck Toy Soldier

Fausto's online store based in Italy stocks new and rare plastic figures.

Bold Frontiers

Australian vendor of Armies in Plastic. Friendly and helpful, but do not carry the range that Transport Models did.

Various vendors that I have purchased from infrequently, including last year

Hannants

Hearn Hobbies

Metro Hobbies

Hobbyland

Models2U

Kingkit

Wargame Vault

Various eBay sellers

Subts

Weekyness

Australia Games

Book and magazine publishers

Pen & Sword

The largest publisher of military books in English with a huge 'back catalogue' (including books of imprints such as Frontline and Greenhill) but also prolific new releases.

Helion Company

A publisher of titles that tend to be for less-written-about periods/aspects of periods. I purchased a couple of titles in their 'Century of the Soldier' series this last year, which are excellent publications.

Éditions Heimdal

A publisher whose books have featured on this blog quite a lot this year—'cause I love them!

Le Livre Chez Vous

Previously I have purchased back issues of their magazines and also books, simply via the website, but restrictions on postage has seen that suspended temporarily. I wanted to get some more back issues of Gloire & Empire related to the Italian and Egyptian campaigns. It took a few emails to organise, but the staff were really helpful and accommodating of an out of the ordinary request from the antipodes.

Karwansaray Publishers

I am particularly keen on Ancient Warfare magazine, which I buy direct from them on an occasional basis. They continued to publish last year and I picked up two issues of this quality magazine.

Baccus 6 mm

Chiefly a figure manufacturer, but I do not wargame in 6 mm. I have, however, purchased several of their Polemos rules in the past. This year I picked up Polemos SPQR (as a pdf) after reading several reviews and playtests on blogs.

Book vendors

Naval & Military Press

A fabulous supplier of discounted books who regularly has super specials. The books are keenly priced, even with postage from the UK.

Librairie Le Vieux Livre

A vendor from France with a fine catalogue of second hand books, chiefly in French. I only 'discovered' him this year.

Forties Factory

A vendor from France that stocks several military titles, chiefly from French publishers, amongst other militaria and bric a brac.

Fishpond

A large, online warehouse that is an excellent source of many hobby-related books. A great thing for us is that the postage is 'free' (i.e. included in the listed price), so one knows the total price.

Various vendors through AbeBooks

World of Books

Book Depository International

Thrift Books

Irish Booksellers

Salsus Books

La Boisserie

France Champagne

Cadeby Books

Other

A bit 'off topic' but I also want to mention two categories of constant interest and stimulating content related to my hobby.

Little Wars TV

The fellows at the self-styled 'greatest wargames club in the world' produce some excellent, professional content. I suspect that they were originally aiming this at fellow wargamers, but they have now expanded to more of a promotion of the hobby (while still being of great interest to fellow wargamers).

I strongly recommend that you support them with a few dollars via patreon.

All Bloggers

I have a long list of blogs that I follow. Most feature on this blog, all of them are listed on my Solo Slow Wargaming blog.

Thanks to you all for your interesting, stimulating, often thought-provoking and or humorous content.

 

In ending I can do no better than to quote 'lorenzoseventh':

So thanks to them all for allowing me to pursue my hobby even in the midst of a global pandemic.

Books: influential, favourite & a newie, plus back to preparation for the quasquibicentennial

It's great how a theme is picked up and passed from one blogger to another. Things like the painting challenge, the figure advent calendar and this one: influential books.

Back on 11th December, Nundanket at Horse and Musket Gaming made a most interesting post about books that had been influential in his getting into the hobby. Iain of caveadsum1471 followed suit with a post about a splendid tome, 'Military Uniforms: The Splendour of the Past' that had been an early inspiration for him, as well as images of his fantastic looking library. Matt of wargamesinthedungeon went to do the same but, realising that he'd done one already about that for his 500th post, re-publised that, along with some of his library!

Reading, collecting and admiring books is a huge part of the enjoyment of the hobby for me. I have even mused that, if forced to one of those 'choose your favourite pet' kind of choices, I would take the books over the figures. So, here's my little bit of input of influential books, favourites in the library and a quick review of a newie.

Influential books

For me the most influential books have to come down to the duo du Garde Peach's Story of Napoleon and Bruce Quarrie's Napoleonic Wargaming. The former took me down the path of an interest in Napoleon and all things napoleonic and the latter was the first book about wargaming that I owned/read and the first rules that Dad and I played. They have both been eclipsed since, many times over, but they remain special to me and I still remember how I enjoyed reading them and pawing over them as a boy.

I had numerous volumes in Ladybird's Adventure from History series, but none grabbed me quite like the Story of Napoleon. Add to this some sets of Airfix Napoleonic figures and I was on my way. Actually, I considered making dioramas rather than wargames. The idea of wargaming came from a suggestion from my dad and the purchase of Quarrie's guidebook and rules followed.

Quarrie's rules may have had numerous glitches, but his practical guide, suggestions, descriptions and photos were a fabulous source of inspiration to me. I longed to have sufficient figures painted so that we could play our first game. It took about four years to happen, but a life-long hobby/obsession was born.

Favourite books

Fast-forward some 47 years from du Garde Peach, or 40-odd since the first wargame, and the shackles are well and truly off! The home library has steadily increased over those years, particularly the past 20 and especially the last ten or so. I have been taking advantage of the fact that books (like figures) are cheaper than they were back then, in relative terms, plus a greater ability with age to invest in the hobby. In fact so 'crazy' have I gone in recent years that now even I consider that I have enough and am limiting myself to only a few, specific and/or really special additions.

One bookcase for 'periods other than Napoleonic'.

Main bookcase of Napoleonic books, organised from general history/biography then chronologically.

Smaller bookcases carrying on the chronology.

Some small bookcases with assorted periods and most of my wargaming rules.

 

I enjoy all the books that I have but, if forced to choose my favourites, it would come down to The Anatomy of Glory (a reprint of which I reviewed last year) and two series of books about Napoleonic uniforms: those by Eugène-Louis Bucquoy and Guy Devautour and the 'splendeur' series by G. Charmy.

A simple bookcase that I made recently to hold my now most prized books: about uniforms, especially Napoleonic.

Brief review of a newie—L'infanterie de ligne 1814-1845

Having greatly enjoyed the first volume of Jouineau and Mongin's book on French infantry of the line (reviewed here), I immediately pre-ordered the second. I was not disappointed.

The second volume has all the features that I enjoyed in the first: pages and pages of colour plates illustrating different types of infantry (privates, NCOs, musicians, ensigns, officers) and uniforms from several regiments, detailed plates of items of uniform and equipment, descriptive text in easy-to-comprehend French (for my intermediate level) and numerous reprints of uniform plates, photographs of extant items of uniform and other illustrations of troops.

Above and below, examples of the pages illustrating different uniforms of troops types and various non-regulation examples.

A sample of one of the many pages illustrating items of uniform of the Bardin regulations.

Plates showing examples of troops/uniforms or extant uniform items are also dotted throughout the book.

 

The text begins with a description of the uniforms of officers from the mid-empire to the 1812 Bardin regulations. The second chapter describes the Bardin regulations in detail, regarding both uniform and equipment, with copious illustrations of each.

A sample page of uniforms of the second restoration (above) and July monarchy (below)

The book is about half Napoleonic with the rest devoted to infantry of the period of the second restoration through to the July monarchy (Louis Philippe)—the period of Hugo's Les Miserables. I would, of course, have wanted all Napoleonic, but I knew it was across these periods when I ordered it. The post-Napoleonic French army is not one that I intend to collect and paint, although one learns to never say never in the figure collecting and painting caper! My only complaint about the book is that there is no mention of the specific nuances of the French infantry uniforms during the Hundred Days, nor any illustrations specific to that period.

Highly recommended: eight Napoleons

Back to the quasquibicentennial

The quasquibicentennial (a largely made-up latinised term for the 225th anniversary) of 1796 approaches rapidly!

I have not painted Napoleonic (revolutionary) figures for some two weeks or so, having decided, in an about-turn, to finish off First World War French and Germans first. Now, with these completed, it is back to Napoleonic figures.

Vistula legion, Frankfort am Main infantry and assorted others that are ready for the final stages of painting

Not much progress with my French for 1796 to early empire recently, save for some grey blanket rolls. While this is likely incorrect for the Italian campaign, the figures were designed for the Egyptian campaign and I'll use them through to 1805–6.

 

I'll complete some of those that have been waiting for final touches since earlier in the year and apply my usual approach of continuing the use of a colour to bring infantry of the Armée d'Italie to completion.

References

Bucquoy, E-L and Devautour, G (1977) La Garde Impérial: Troupes à Pied. Tome 1. Les Uniformes du premier Empire J. Grancher, Paris, France. 

Bucquoy, E-L and Devautour, G (1977) La Garde Impériale Troupes à cheval. Tome 2. Les Uniformes du premier Empire J. Grancher, Paris, France. 210 pp.

Bucquoy, E-L and Devautour, G (1979) Les Cuirassiers. Tome 3. Les Uniformes du premier Empire J. Grancher, Paris, France. 189 pp.

Bucquoy, E-L and Devautour, G (1980) L’Infanterie : L'infanterie de ligne et l'infanterie légère. Tome 4. Les Uniformes du premier Empire J. Grancher, Paris, France. 189 pp.

Bucquoy, En-L and Devautour, G (1980) La Cavalerie légère : les hussards, les chasseurs à cheval. Tome 5. Les Uniformes du premier Empire J. Grancher, Paris, France. 189 pp.

Bucquoy, E-L and Devautour, G (1980) Dragons et Guides. Tome 6. Les Uniformes du premier Empire J. Grancher, Paris, France. 189 pp.

Bucquoy, E-L and Devautour, G (1980) Etat-major et service de santé. Tome 7. Les Uniformes du premier Empire J. Grancher, Paris, France. 134 pp. 

Bucquoy, E-L and Devautour, G (1977) Gardes D’Honneur et Troupes Etrangers. Tome 8. Les Uniformes du premier Empire J. Grancher, Paris, France. 205 pp. 

Bucquoy, E-L and Devautour, G (1977) La Maison de l’Empereur. Tome 9. Les Uniformes du premier Empire J. Grancher, Paris, France. 123 pp. 

Bucquoy, E-L and Devautour, G (1985) Fanfares et Musiques des troups à cheval 1640 - 1940. Tome 10. Les Uniformes du premier Empire J. Grancher, Paris, France. 126 pp. Location: Fisher collection, York.

Charmy, G (2002) Splendeur des Uniformes de Napoleon: Cavalerie. Tome 1. Editions Charles Herissey, Rennes, France. 326 pp.

Charmy, G (2003) Splendeur des Uniformes de Napoleon: La Garde Imperiale à Pied. Tome 2. Éditions Charles Hérissey, Évreux, France. 234 pp.

Charmy, G (2003) Splendeur des Uniformes de Napoleon: La Garde Imperiale à Cheval. Tome 3. Editions Charles Herissey, Rennes, France. 251 pp.

Charmy, G (2004) Splendeur des Uniformes de Napoleon: Infanterie et Regiments Etrangers. Tome 4. Editions Charles Herissey, Rennes, France. 285 pp.

Charmy, G (2004) Splendeur Des Uniformes de Napoleon: Costumes Du Sacre-Armes Drapeaux Et Decorations. Tome 5. Editions Charles Herissey, Rennes, France. 269 pp.

Charmy, G (2005) Splendeur des Uniformes de Napoleon: Marine-Gendarmerie-Artillerie-Génie-Gardes-Ecoles. Tome 6. Editions Charles Herissey, Rennes, France. 288 pp.

du Garde Peach, L and Kenney, J (1968) The Story of Napoleon. Adventure from History Ladybird Books Ltd, Loughborough, England. 51 pp.

Jouineau, A and Mongin, J-M (2020) L'infanterie de ligne 1814-1845. Tome 2. Éditions Heimdal, St Martin-des-Entrées, Bayeux, France. 160 pp.

Lachouque, H and Brown, ASK (1978) The Anatomy of Glory. Arms and Armour Press, London, England. 564 pp.

Quarrie, B (1974) Napoleonic Wargaming. Airfix magazine guide 4 Patrick Stephens Ltd, Cambridge, UK. 64 pp. Location: Fisher collection, York.

Obfuscation

This is the second 'rant' post in a week. I shan't make a habit of it, I promise. This blog should be about figures, books, history, ideas, analysis and games in the Napoleonic era.

I beg your indulgence once more though.

How Not to Stand Out in Any Crowd, Steve Kayser

 

My topic relates, somewhat, to my tongue-in-cheek request last week asking people to post less frequently. As I said, I really enjoy following the blogs of others and derive great joy, knowledge and interest from the marvellous range of figures, games, projects, reviews, campaigns and so forth that are the subject of people's posts. Keep 'em coming.

There is one thing that detracts from this: TLI/TLAs.

Three-letter initialisms or acronyms, where the number three can also be two, sometimes four, occasionally more. I have even seen it done for one! Sheesh.

The Woodchips, by J Daniel

Sadly there is far too much of this in my field (agricultural science). It is not as bad as in medicine, for example, although there are still plenty of times when one reads stuff and thinks, “did that really need to be made into an abbreviation/initialism?” There is enough space. I particularly dislike it as notation for a treatment. I was most pleased to see this topic raised as a concern in a recent issue of Nature.

If it is bad in science, it is out of control in wargaming, particularly wargame rules. Every unit type, factor, test, many of the outcomes; right down to the near ubiquitous use of D6 (gosh, I am guilty of that one!). You find yourself having to flick back to find out what the BMV or UFF was.

It does not stop there. It is done for nearly every war—mind you, I have never see the Napoleonic Wars referred to as NW, thankfully. Just another way in which the period is a cut above the rest, haha?!

The one that really, really drives me bonkers is names of rules. It seems that no-one can resist. Have you tried BP? No, what about NB? Surely you have heard of DBN (which one?) or SII, GNBAS, FOG, B, ESR, BE, GdB, MdE, GdA, GdD, CDB, RtR, L, LB, MA, MN, M&M, NFD, SB, SN, VlE, V&B, GB?

Arrrrrgh! Just write it in full, so everyone knows what the hell you are talking about!

If you won't do that, then please, please take a moment to pause and ask yourself, "do I really need to abbreviate this or to create an initialism?". Is it really understood by all?

Here endeth the rant.

Tom the Wargamer

I was directed to this fabulous young fella's videos thanks to a post on Graham's Scotia Albion blog.

Open and genuine. I encourage you to have a look at his You Tube channel. Perhaps even subscribe? Great stuff from a youngster in the hobby.

Another chip or two

A few more kinder steps with these early French.

 

 

The brown that began with Ottoman Deli cavalry carried on to adding backpacks and musket wood to these before it took me to First World War German infantry!

First world problem

When I began blogging, back in the day (2010) it immediately became an enjoyable part of the hobby for me. Equally and increasingly, I came to enjoy reading and looking at other blogs with a wargaming/figure painting/amateur history type of bent. Initially I limited myself to 'follow' those blogs with a focus on Napoleonics or at least a lot of content related to the period. Progressively, and in recent times, exponentially, I have expanded the range and number of blogs that I follow. It is now up to some 359.

 

Hence the title of this post #. I am having trouble keeping up!

(# Unlike many, many words and expressions that are adopted by business, commentators and the public, 'first world problem' is not in my list of the 20 number 1 expressions that I hate. To me it is a modern version of 'poor little rich kid', but I particularly like it as it is self-effacing and a reminder to have a little perspective.)

This is not purely due to the number of interesting blogs that I am trying to follow. I don't know whether it is a factor of many bloggers having more time at home, but some of you are posting several times a week and I need you all to slow down. I could make this 'following' thing a full time job and I do need to get some work done!

All jests aside, I really enjoy the range of content and particularly the excellent photos that people take and post. Besides which, those with a lot of pictures are easier to follow!

Keep it up and long may you all enjoy your hobby and blogging.

Here is a list of the (current) top 20^ number 1 expressions that I hate (in no particular order)

1. Elephant in the room
1. Back in the day
1. Sounds like a plan
1. Like
1. Élite (the best example of this was a sports commentator speaking of ‘élite communication’ on the footy field)
1. Park that
1. Issues board
1. Workshopping
1.Correct
1. At the end of the day
1. Punches above its/his/her weight
1. It is what it is
1. Agile
1. Move forward
1. Take home message
1. Artisan (as in artisan toast)
1. Organic (when it has nothing to do with carbon-based molecules/lifeforms)
1. Evolve organically
1. Not Robinson Crusoe
1. Fake news

(^rapidly expanding to 100: new normal, unprecedented... probably should be in the top 20)

Actually, I do have a number one: elephant in the room. If there *was* an elephant in the room I reckon that I, at least, would point it out. Quite effusively, in fact. I was shocked, surprised and saddened to learn that the origin of this is not 21stC business but likely from Dostoevsky referring to a fable "The Inquisitive Man" written by Ivan Krylov in 1814. Of course, it was not over-used, back in the day.

Fleshing out plans

An extended morning of painting today let me finish applying flesh to 233 early French infantry that are at the forefront of my 15-year plan; focussing my Napoleonic reading, collecting, painting and likely some games or other ‘recreations’ with miniatures around various quasquibicentennial / vigbicentennial^ events of 1796–1815.
^My best attempt at 'latin' terms for the 225th/220th anniversary; pleased to be advised of more appropriate terms.

French revolutionary infantry: undercoated with flesh applied

I really enjoyed the focused activities for the Napoleonic bicentennial, but, not starting until 2010 meant that the Revolutionary and early Empire did not get included (not to mention only re-fighting some of the battles of the latter Empire). I now plan to go back to the 'beginning', starting next year with the 225th anniversary of 1796.

The Revolutionary French infantry that I applied flesh to today will initially represent troops of the Army of Italy, later being pressed into service for the Egyptian campaign (initial phase) as well as part of the forces for the Marengo and 1805 campaigns.

The vast majority of the figures are Strelets' excellent French Line Infantry (Egypt), with half a dozen Hat Napoleonic Early-Mid French Marching, a couple of Italeri French Infantry 1798 - 1805 and four officers from the Hat 1805 French Line Infantry. They took a while to prepare ahead of undercoating with a number of head-swaps and some more major alterations to make drummers and standard bearers.

Hat 1805 French Grenadiers and Voltigeurs, with a pile of fusiliers in the foreground

These early French are now in the pipeline along with the other Napoleonic—early French in greatcoats, Oudinot 'grenadiers', French foot dragoons, early Russian infantry and later French in greatcoats—as well as non-Napoleonic figures that I am painting.

Oudinot 'grenadiers': infanterie légère

Oudinot 'grenadiers': infanterie ligne

1805 French in greatcoat (actually not issued until 1806)

Foot dragoons for 1805

Early Russian infantry

Late French in greatcoat—thrown into the mix