From Ushant to Scilly

Part 1: The Models

by Rob Morgan

Somewhere I still possess a Skytrex/Triton 1/1200th wargames fleet for the Baltic, built and converted years ago, but for these games, can I suggest several alternatives, which are much more suitable for the tabletop.

Gunboat/Landing Barge

First there's Langton Miniatures (phone 01726-882805 for lists) the crème de la crème of 1/300th scale models, and though a little more expensive than other Napoleonic ranges, almost everything you need for a 'Hornblower in the Baltic' scenario's here. A launch rowed or sailed, Jolly boat (for a ship's cutter) British - and Danish gunboats, a small yawl and a landing barge all appear in the list. Here too, can be found a 3-gun Shore Battery, and small packs of 24 figures, including Officers and Ships Company (for sea duties) and a landing party and gun crews, a range of just about every gun and carronade used in the Napoleonic Wars is also available, and these are most attractive. British or French artillery is also available from the Langton list. From the same source come three much larger, and expensive models, a French Lugger or Chasse Maree (to represent Blanchfleur) and five different styles of Brig Sloops, for HMS Lotus & HMS Raven. While a cutter like the little HMS Clam comes in three variants.

I must say that where the slightly larger vessels are concerned despite the seemingly apparent, but not immense difference in scale of 1/450th, I use the 'Peter Pig' pirate ship range which has a sturdy Brig, Sloop and Merchantmen (as reviewed in issue 141 of 'Lone Warrior') for the vessels in the Frisches Haff, the least useful 'pirate' in this list, No. 7 described as a schooner, will with minimal effort and reduced sail provide decent barges.

There are a few other items, which can be used, including the 1/300th 'Irregular Miniatures rowing boat. For the Russians and Prussians ashore, 'Irregular's' 6mm list is the source again, and the same goes for heavy siege guns.

There's an option in 15mm scale, which includes using the 'Peter Pig' rowing boat, and 'pirate' crew-they look fine as Napoleonic seamen, don’t worry. These can be backed up by using figures from the 'Peter Laing' 15mm Napoleonic series, all very cheap at 11p a figure. Try F45 a seated oarsman for a seaman, and F47, British seated infantryman in a top hat (he's a marine, naturally!); while F46 is a seated Frenchman, he's in a bicorn, but F48 a seated British figure in a shako will serve as one too. Pack the boat, and put a small gun well forward, one of the 'Pig' pirate figures has one, put the ensign in the stern starboard position, and that's it. If you want a couple of good seamen gunners and an excellent standing 'Hornblower' go to the Table Top range of 15mm figures, for a delightful small set of figure s and a gun (again much cheaper than the bigger ranges).

Oh, and for a good barge in 1/300th scale, A115 in the 'Peter Laing' range, now manufactured, as most members will know, by John Mitchell (see LW 140 for a review), is a pontoon for under 50p, and this makes a very sturdy barge. I suspect it isn't necessary to suggest any suitable 15mm Russian, Prussian or French troops, everyone has a favoured range.

From Ushant to Scilly Part 1: Hornblower for Lone Wargamers

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