Numidian Cavalry

 I have now finished the Carthaginian forces with the last unit coming off the production line.  These are 1/32 HaT light cavalry figures, again painted using speed paints:

I now have a whole pile of primed and based Roman figures that I have begun to work through. The first batch should be completed in a day or two.

African Infantry

 The other half of the HaT African Light Infantry set is complete and ready for the table.  Not brilliant results this time, but will do if viewed from a couple of feet away!

More Punic War 54mm Figures

 Speed paints are allowing me to produce a unit every 24 hours or so.  I have a bit of a production line with a unit being based and primed, while another is being painted. Off the conveyor belt today is a unit of Italian allied infantry:

And some African light infantry.  Their grey tunics are supposed to be off white, but the Speed Paint comes out as a murky grey colour.  I am not too happy with the way the paint has gone on to the shields, looking a bit blotchy.  I think the reason for the latter is a different primer.  I ran out of my trusty Halfords white and the alternative was a bit glossy which may explain the result.

Off to Halfords tomorrow to replenish socks!

54mm Punic Wars Spanish

 Another Speed Paint project.  These are 54mm Spanish infantry from HaT Industrie.

Based and primed on Saturday, painted yesterday this group of 16 HaT figures joins the ranks of my Carthaginian War figures.  I used Speed Paint washes over matt white primer.  The figures were touched up with acrylic metallic colours:

More fun with Speed Paints - Gallic Warband

 I continue to experiment with Army Painter Speed Paints.  Here is the latest effort.  The subject is a 16 figure box of HaT 54mm Gallic Warband.  

Having sprayed the figures white, I left them for 24 hours to properly set.  Over Friday evening and a few sessions yesterday I finished them off.  Speed Paints certainly live up to their name as the paint covers large areas evenly very quickly.

I will leave them for 24 hours and then apply a matt varnish spray:

I have a few boxes of these figures which I will work through when the mood takes me.

Battle Report - 1690 Battle of the Boyne Part 1

 After a fair bit of painting and preparation of the table the scene was set for a wargame refight of the Battle of the Boyne.  Bob Black came over and decided to take on the role of the Jacobite forces commander King James II.  I was to play as William of Orange.  

Advancing from the north the Williamite forces would have to cross the Boyne river to destroy the Jacobite army.

William's troops were better equipped and trained, consisting of a mix of English, Dutch, Danish and Irish, but had the task of defeating a defending army on the other side of a river. For the battle we used Command & Colors Jacobite Rising rules with 54mm metal figures. Here are the opening positions:

The Jacobite right wing on the south bank of the Boyne. James can be seen on the hill top left.

The Williamite right wing, with the Dutch guards, supported by artillery preparing to make the initial advance across the river at the Oldbridge ford.

The Williamite left flank with cavalry and infantry covering the ford opposite Rathmullen:

Williamite troops begin to wade across the river to open up the action over on the Jacobite left;

The Williamite probe over the river gains momentum, however the Jacobite infantry begin to close in on the river bank:

The battle for the river bank intensifies.  The Williamite troops are unable to use their muskets in the river and despite causing some casualties amongst the Jacobites they are forced to give ground.

As the action in the river takes place, James (Bob) launches his right wing cavalry across the Oldbridge ford, forcing Williamit gunners to abandon their guns and forcing a Dutch guards regiment to break.

The battle around the Oldbridge ford grows in ferocity and a counter attack by William's right wing cavalry destroys the Jacobite cavalry, although for the time being Williams move on the right has been checked.

William now turns his attention to his left flank where the Jacobites are a little weaker.  Williamite cavalry storm over the ford and set about some Irish militia.  A Jacobite cavalry counter-attack is destroyed as Williams infantry moves across the river in support.

On the Williamite right the Dutch and supporting cavalry regroup.

Unfortunately Wlliam and James had spent rather too long at lunch and there was insufficint time to complete the battle, which still hangs in the balance.  

In part 2 it is hoped to conclude this fascinating action

Battle of the Boyne

 The final troops arrive, just in time for today's battle.  Both sides are now taking up positions on either side of the River Boyne.

More converted Del Prado cavalry, representing Oxford's Horse:

Michelburne's Regiment of Foot:

And a heavy cavalry regiment wearing the rather outdated lobster pot helmets:

Let battle begin!