General de Brigade

Orange · Posted: Tue Jan 06, 2009 12:21 pm Post subject: AWI MILITIA

Photo isn't great (used a flash) but gives an idea of my latest unit in my slowly growing AWI collection:-

Although I know that this is sacrilige to true AWI enthusiasts, I have opted for a denser basing system as I feel it looks better.

Gentleman Johnny · Joined: 10 Jul 2008 Posts: 178 Location: Manchester GB

0,
The dense basing does create the impression these chaps are chattering away at each other; they don't seem happy and the officer with his hand raised appears to be telling them to shut up!
Quite atmospheric.
GJ

Greystreak · Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2009 11:48 am Post subject:

Bags of character in those figures, Orange--well done! The density of the basing doesn't disturb the eye at all! Very Happy

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Bryce Allen

Ronan the Librarian · Major Joined: 21 Jul 2004 Posts: 833

Well done, nicely muted colours as they would be for rustic civilian dress. I have to say that I like the "density" - far too many wargamers space the figures too far apart for H&M formations.
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You can lead a horse to water, but a toy soldier can no longer be lead (due to Health & Safety Regulations).

Giles · Captain Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 794 Location: London

Beautiful work, Orange - love the basing too! Laughing

Orange · Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2009 12:10 pm Post subject:

Gents,

Many thanks for the kind words.

My comments concerning dense basing arise from the fact that I am using the same space to figure ratio that I use for my 25mm Napoleonic figures, thus ignoring the 'loose files' element in AWI formations (and the basing recommendations in the BG rule book - sorry EC Embarassed

). I did experiment with wider bases but they just didn't seem right to me, an overhang from having spent so many years doing Napoleonics.

O

Ronan the Librarian · Major Joined: 21 Jul 2004 Posts: 833

Orange -

FWIW, I suspect that many Rebel units (both militia and Continentals) retained close order formation for much of the war, so there is nothing wrong with your idea - and as long as your basing is consistent, it doesn't have too much impact on the game. In fact, one Continental officer berates Wayne for using close order against open order British at a battle in 1781. Neither side's drill book(s) specified "elbows touching" but there would have been a natural tendency to "bunch" in action, especially among inexperienced troops.
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You can lead a horse to water, but a toy soldier can no longer be lead (due to Health & Safety Regulations).

Orange · Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2009 3:31 pm Post subject:

Ronan,

You have just supplied the best 'historical' justification for my basing system. Thank you. Wink

O

paulalba · Joined: 17 Apr 2008 Posts: 78 Location: Scotland

Orange,
Really like your painting and all round finish.
Very inspiring stuff.
best regards
Paul

Silver Whistle · Joined: 30 May 2008 Posts: 99 Location: ESSEX

Keep it up Orange, superb painting.