Monday 19 February 2018

2mm ACW ... progress!

The curse of the blogger is your proclamations of new projects are there for the world to see. Looking back, I see I started this 2mm ACW project in June 2014! Curiously, this first post on 2mm has become on the the most visited pages on this blog with 1473 views to date! Must have been something I said! it's ^%$#&*-well time I finished it and actually posted some AARs!

Nevertheless, every project gets its moment in the sun, and 2mm ACW seems to be having just that. Besides, I want to start a Thirty Years War project in 2mm so it was time to get a wriggle on.

So, after a flurry this weekend painting is nearly complete and I am now working on basing (40x20mm). For me, one of the challenges with 2mm basing is to ensure they help show the direction the blocks are facing (very helpful with my dodgy eyesight).

When I based the Confederate force I was thinking I would need a label the rear corner for unit identification - I've since decided against that as I feel it detracts from the overall look on the table. Instead, I have decided to paint muddy ground behind the base to reflect the tramping of brogans through the pasture. I think this gives a good sense of movement for the units too.
I am working on some subtle 'landscaping' on each base with gravel, static grass and minute pieces of clump foliage. At this scale even the finest gravel looks like I'm recreating the Devil's Den! So some subtlety is required (in short supply here).
I can feel the project nearing the point where I can game with them (if I could only settle on a set of rules*!). In the meantime, I couldn't resist a quick layout for some pictures. I think the pictures show that 2mm - even with fairly rudimentary basing and paintwork can give a really good drones-eye view of civil war engagements!

*which will, of course, need to be sympathetic with my rather arbitrary decisions around basing!
 The next challenge is to flock all the bare spots I left for labels on the CSA bases! Doh!



6 comments:

  1. Your idea of muddy paths marking thoughts movement is inspired. I tried something similar with my based 6mm tanks.

    Formules, I can recommend Bloody Big Battles by Chris Pringles. Excellent rules for most mid to late 19th century wafare

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    1. Thanks, appreciated! It came out well and so easy to do. I like th esound of BBB - have looked at it before for other projects - I was hoping for a Regiment per block for this, but will let you know where I end up. Cheers Alan

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  2. So little and so beautiful! Impressive pictures...

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    1. Thanks! I'm really pleased with the outcome. I love the challenge of 2mm as a scale. Pictures are with a 'smart' phone so pleased with that. Must get a better camera!

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  3. They look most impressive. Great job!

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  4. Thanks Aaron, it's been surprisingly challenging to get a result I'm happy with. I finished the Union force last night and will tidy up the CSA then get them on a table! I was reading your post on Ken Burns Civil War - have the boxed set and CD, must get it out for some inspiration on terrain (my other real passion). The presentation of the American landscape is inspiring!

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