It’s taken a few years but I’ve finally made some progress on the King’s army for 1642 in the English Civil War or Great Rebellion. It’s involved many a false start and no small amount of MDF but finally I’m satisfied that I’m about half way done.

The miniatures are now based for Simon Miller’s excellent “ For King and Parliament” which to my mind captures the look and feel of this period. We also play the odd skirmish of the equally excellent “ Pikeman’s Lament” so I was able to keep enough circle based minis for that system too. A brief reading of a Billhooks variant decided it for me. Stop the indecision and get a whole army finished a.s.a.p..

I’d gone through all sort of contortions over this army. Was I ever going to match Mr. Miller’s illustrations in the rule book? No, was the honest answer!

Rather, I would go for a 120mm frontage on a 150mm grid; all compact and bijou! The planned larger units would have the central pike units consigned to be the two pike only battalia in the Early Royalist list, the Royalists being deficient in firearms or preferring push of pike.

Now decided on a smaller, more realistic base-size, the musketeers were made into commanded shot. Two battalia in the expensive purple cloth were my veteran troops, whilst the average musketeers were less gaudy.

I am as yet undecided as to continue the TtS style basing for the Forlorn hope. Singles are easier to place in and around terrain, the multiple bases are quicker to move. I face a similar decision with my forth- coming ACW Federals and Napoleonics. The beauty of the rules are that this really is of little import; the joy of squares indeed.

Much as it pains me to tell my dear reader, I also prepared a Parliamentary unit, Dutch style Harquebusiers. I wanted a “ Flashing Blade”, gallant gentlemen look for my horse and although quite historical I had too many lobster pots for my liking.

The vast majority of these minis are the much missed Renegade miniatures. These are big, hefty minis that really are full of character. I now buy the truly excellent Bicorne range and Bloody Miniatures. All are handily by the same designer for the purist.

So, progress has been made. Firestorm Games sold me a very dusty last remaining box of Renegade Cuirassiers and I need to finish the Royalist horse now. Two more foot battalia wait in the garage and they may be augmented by some more presents if those Roundheads don’t abolish Christmas!

Best wishes

MB