Always looking for another way to get War of 1812 figures from existing figure releases, I was pleased to observe some rather easy adaptations that David Schneider brought to our last period game. These were basic Miniature Figurines Russian Line Jaegers (R.N. 14). To make a U.S. militiaman from this figure first the base of the shako is somewhat shaved to give it the tall round shape. Secondly the cockade on the shako is shaved off. Thirdly the sword is removed and the remaining stub filed down. Fourthly, remove the bayonet and then prime and paint. A member of the 113th Pennsylvania Militia Regiment as seen on Plate F, figure 1 in "The American War 1812-1814" by Philip R.N. Katcher, can be produced by painting according to that plate, or any unit desired. It could be painted, for example, with a black hat, dark blue shoes coat with white double buttons, grey pants, and black shoes and belting. Or it could have a light grey coat and washed-out trousers, or light blue, brown or even dirty white trousers. For the 1818 campaign of General Andrew Jackson or even the earlier attacks on Pensacola, the Spanish inhabitants and rural militias can be organized by employing the Der Kriegspieler Spanish Guerillas, kit number 201. United States Infantry of the War of 1812 period was capable of breaking up the regiment (Battalion) into skirmishers. Documentation: Phone call from David Schneider, February 9th, 1978. One of the better infantry regiments the United States fielded during the War of 1812 and often mentioned along with Colonel Winfield Scott, was the 25th Regiment of Infantry which saw much action in 1814. Because of this and the fact that few units ever reached full authorized strength, one should consult the troop returns before raising. David Schneider recently brought to a game his version of the regiment (see right). The basic figure was British Line Infantry, advancing and painted with: Light Grey Coat, White Pants and Belting, Brown Shoes Black Shako with White Cording, Dark Blue Packs and Blanket Rolls. For artillery support, Regular British Line artillery figure can be used. They have yellow plumes, but no trim on the uniform collars as the British had. The limber is British, while the &-un carriage should be French. This provides a pretty accurate depiction of U.S. artillery at that time. Back to Empire, Eagles, & Lions Table of Contents Vol. 1 No. 24 Back to EEL List of Issues Back to MagWeb Master Magazine List © Copyright 1978 by Jean Lochet This article appears in MagWeb.com (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other articles from military history and related magazines are available at http://www.magweb.com