As part of my ACW pursuits, I rented the DVD version of “Gods and Generals”, a much longer version than the theatrical release at 220 minutes. I found it as impressive as the earlier “Gettysburg” movie. Again much use was made of re-enactors (and computer graphics) to bring the Battles of First Bull Run, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville.

According to one review that I read there were 7,500 re-enactors involved. The poignant scenes of the southern Irish fighting the northern Irish at Fredericksburg amazed me. I shall be checking the “previously viewed movies” bin for a copy in the near future.

While at Historicon, I met briefly with Perris Cooley, who along with his brother Jon has been sculpting the Franco-Prussian and other 19th Century figures for Old Glory’s 15mm ranges. We have corresponded in the past because of a mutual interest in the FPW and 15mm gaming. I once grumbled about the original FPW figures by OG as being too thin. Perris and Jon have gone a long way to rectify the range by re-doing many of the figures and increasing the range too. I had a chance to look at the most recent additions in the dealers’ area and to buy a pack of French mitrailleuse (machine guns). As with last issue’s reviews, I was impressed by the new figures. Jon also has a cool web site for the FPW (http://www.cs.cvtc.edu/cooleyjc/fpwar/) and some shots of the painted figures.