Army Red/White and Others...

Army Black...

2012-01-31T11:17:00.000-08:00

Alfront, a good friend of this blog, sent me this super photo of his burgeoning Army Black. These splendid fellows look ready for business and are painted by him. Can't wait to see more...

If you go down to the woods today...

2012-01-29T07:55:00.000-08:00

I decided to have a go at cheap and cheerful trees today. They still need another coat or two of paint before they are finished. I cut tree shapes from the card stuck them together in what would look like a Y from above (if you know what I mean) and painted them.I feel I need loads more but it gives an impression of what is to come.Let me know what you think...

Army Red/White- field of operations 1

2012-01-27T23:49:00.000-08:00

I have posted some photos of the area around which my forthcoming gaming will take place.The setting will be in the country surrounding Interlaken and the two lakes,between which it lies! I have as background the idea of a rematch of the Sonderbundskreig coupled with certain cantons aligning themselves towards Germany. The local Army Red/White brigade is centered upon Thun ( pictured in the upper postcard and located on the lower postcard map) and has mobilised in the light of forthcoming hostilities. Hopefully over the next few weeks I will have enough figures ready for a small try out on the tabletop...
Finally thanks to all who voted in my flag poll - watch for some new designs soon.
p.s now Paul has published his plans for 2013 o the Yahoo Group I must fix my army list and work towards it by purchasing then painting- time has a habit of flying by.I still cannot believe I was 21 years married Thursday past and my first born will be 18 next week...

Watch out there's an Army Black scout about...

2012-01-22T04:02:00.000-08:00

Across the snowfields near the border with the heimat of Army Red/White (well our sitting room rug actually) a lone Army Black jaeger is skiing.He is scouting out the location of enemy troops in the vicinity...

AIP figure with metal head and skis courtesy of coffee stirrers from Ikea.I had great fun making him and he has given me the desire to work further in plastic. One day I would love to put down the white sheets and fight a winter campaign over it.Anyone tried it?

A conversion experience of sorts...

2012-01-21T10:31:00.000-08:00

I have been working on an AIP Army Black conversion today.I have had little experience of plastic figures having been scared off by paint adhesion.However it is proceeding well and today at the local model shop I succumbed to Airfix 1/32 ww2 German inf. I remember them vividly from my youth.They are now moulded in blue plastic!

Using my copy of Roy Dilley's book I hope to convery them to late war Army Black chaps or even Freikorps. Hope to post AIP conversion completed tomorrow . I have also been working on metal Army Red/White gun crew and cavalry.

Army Red/White French style...

2012-01-18T12:07:00.000-08:00

Al Front kindly sent me these pictures of some Swiss figures by Starlux he bought in Edinburgh in the 1990s.They are super figures and a battalion of them would be just the thing in 1920s FLW onwards. Excellent looking chaps indeed!

A question of flags

2012-01-17T11:59:00.000-08:00

Army Red/White are currently deciding upon flags for their infantry regiments. I have posted two designs.One features the name of the town the regiment comes from ,the other the heraldic device for the town. I am unsure which to go for so I am asking you to vote in the poll at the side of the blog.Comments sought and alternative suggestions too...

How I got into Army Red/White

2012-01-16T11:27:00.000-08:00

...I blame family holidays to Switzerland at an impressionable age and Elastolin for beginning my Swiss interests. 40mm landsknechts,60mm (?) trappers and Indians and modern day (early 70s that is) composition figures all fuelled it. My parents bought me an Elastolin castle,now sadly gone, which my 40mm chaps fought over valiantly.
In the later seventies (I think) I picked up the above books - one surveys the Swiss Army throughout history and the other concentrates on ww2.I have posted pictures of just what inspiration they contain inside and out.Now if only I could find out more about Freyerabend and his paintings of late 18th century Swiss troops called up to fight Bony and his hordes...but thats another story for another time- yes ok it was that Military Modelling article that has remained in my mind,I wish I had cut it out!

Army Red/White advances

2012-01-14T09:01:00.000-08:00

In spite of my being in the doldrums last weekend with regard to the hobby (see my Tradgardland Blog for further details and the excellent advice I was given) I have bounced back and got down to business today. Army Red/White has featured heavily in my work as you can see. I am preparing the army for use next year in FLW forthcoming celebration.Along the way I want to try "Big Wars" rules too by Stuart Asquith and Jack Alexander.A copy of them was kindly sent by Joppy and I have read them with enthusiasm at night this week.The smaller units( 12 for infantry and 4/5 for cavalry) required fits in well with my current painting situation and space available.I am most indebted to Joppy for his kindness and the way this has "kick started" the 54mm modelling again for me-thanks!
The plan is to continue building Army Red/White for the foreseeable future and game (using Big Wars)with it small, interesting and tactical all arms games on the dining room table or floor. Come the summer we shall move outdoors. In forth coming posts I will outline my current thinking on a background to this Army Red/White civil war. Notes have been scribbled,maps consulted and I am having fun- what more can one ask of the hobby?

New Year in 54mm

2012-01-03T00:10:00.000-08:00

Well a new year has started here and little 54mm lead work done apart from thinking...

The sitting room has my daughters artwork to be submitted for Higher and Advanced Art respectively lying around in various states of completion. I am therefore doing no modelling lest I spill paint or glue on such wonderful creations. Not having a dedicated hobby room can be annoying at times...

I am coming to the conclusion I ought to finish to Army Red/White units I have before branching out into Army Black.This seems sensible to me and a way forward rather than going off on another tangent. When I have the few units I possess painted I will get a pack of AIP chaps to oppose the Swiss. In the meantime I will have fun with some ideas for Duchy of Tradgardland troops and try my hand at conversions.

The first picture of 2012 is of Swedish troops and I hope you like it.Do tell me gentlemen of your own FLW plans too.

Folding Bicycles etc

2011-12-31T07:45:00.001-08:00

I found these splendid images today whilst looking on the internet. This is my first post using the new Goggle Chrome blogger as my Internet Explorer appears to be no longer supported by Blogger- in other words change,annoyance and techy fuss! Apologies if the post looks odd. Anyway I am posting some images of troops training with folding bicycles as I am working on a couple of conversions of an Aide de Camp and Ducal guardsman for the Duchy of Tradgardland. I will post piccies soon I hope . In the interim enjoy these super drawings and a Happy New Year when it comes to one and all!

Inspiration

2011-12-29T23:25:00.000-08:00

My fellow gamer Alfront must be a mind reader as he mentioned "Vanished Armies" by Haswell Miller in a comment yesterday. I got it last year for Christmas ( I think) and was pouring over it once more yesterday afternoon .It is a wonderful book illustrated by marvellous paintings. I also have been enjoying an old friend in the form of my Almark book from circa 1972.I have photographed an example page for you to see. I trust one and all are having time in "winter quarters" to plan,daydream ,research and even model too.If so do tell us here what you are up to.

Inspiration for Alfront et al...

2011-12-27T23:22:00.000-08:00

A couple of Army Black images to encourage Alfront and others to use the bicycle clips- enjoy!

An excellent stocking filler

2011-12-26T09:27:00.001-08:00

Well an excellent Christmas day was had in Tradgardland- good food,company and pressies. Jan included this excellent stocking filler for me ( I had seen them online ages ago and forgotten about them ) which has great potentiality for FLW. Basically they are paper clips in the shape of bicycles. As you can see they would work well as bicycles for 54mm figures to hold. I feel also they could be bent in half as an early folding bike which could be attached to an infantry figure firing etc transforming him into a military cyclist. At less than a £1 a bicycle I think they are excellent!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-23T23:20:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from all here in the Duchy of Tradgardland to you and yours.Thanks for popping by here this year.This chap from Army Red/White is off home with his Christmas tree.May you have a peaceful lead-filled Christmas ( or plastic or pewter etc) and I hope to see you here again very soon...

"I really must..!

2011-12-17T22:55:00.000-08:00

It has been a year of "I really must..." here at Army Red/White and others! I have not advanced as far as I should with FLW . It is not for the want of trying, not for the lack of desire to see gleamy lead chaps manouvere upon the lawns here at the duchy of Tradgardland. Rather it is distractions,too many ideas and not finishing one project enough. So I post here incredibly early a resolution for 2012- to finish Army Red/White! There I have said it ,the die cast and the shoulder to the wheel.
I have loved my research and my images -it is time to use them to springboard me to action. Finally a distracting thought I have realised I would dearly like an Army Black in full splendouous panoply circa 1900- get behind me @+*£$ !

Miltary Cycling...

2011-10-19T00:59:00.000-07:00

Syldavian and Bordurian inspiration?

2011-10-07T08:25:00.000-07:00

I have posted some images which have inspired me as I have been thinking of Bordurian and Syldavian late 19th century uniforms. Let me know what you think...

Wintery pics

2011-09-19T12:35:00.000-07:00

I have posted some images that caught my fancy on the web today- Canadian forces winter kit! Enjoy!

Dogs etc of war...

2011-09-16T07:35:00.000-07:00

I have found the recent posts re dog drawn Begian machineguns @ FLW to be very interesting. I thought I would post images which would show the use of the dogs in German and British armies and an American mule pulled one.I hope you find them of interest...

Guess the Swiss uniform - part 207...

2011-07-30T22:58:00.000-07:00

Morning all! can I enlist your help to identify/guess the Swiss uniform?

My feeling is the fellow in green is an army officer and the chaps in blue a kind of railway militia guarding the tracks and tunnels etc.What do you think...

p.s I am tempted at raising a unit if I can glean enough info

Further prints...

2011-07-29T23:02:00.000-07:00

Morning all! I have posted another two plates,this time of cycle troops. The plates come in pairs -one with uniform details and the other an atmospheric scene of troops in a background landscape. As I have still got no info regarding the plates I shall be asking you all to help identify some interesting but unusual Swiss uniforms here. Sufficient to say that they will add variety to my units for the games of 2013 and before...

A plate and update...

2011-07-28T23:43:00.000-07:00

Blogger has deigned to allow me to upload a sample image today- my beloved mountain troops...
As you can see the plates are both inspirational and also excellent as a painting guide and reference...

Still no word re the Swiss Lake warfare book - I do not wish to hassle my contact in Austria so I will wait patiently...

Re the wooden ships- they are ensconced in a dry part of the garage and have had no work done upon them yet. We are at the stage of thinking what we will do regarding the garden in the light of a forthcoming new garage,subsequent landscaping changes in the vicinity and a desire to extend the veg plot in order to have more room to grow veg and fruit. In the light of the current fluid state regarding the Green Waters" the ships will be in dry dock at present...

A generous retailer...

2011-07-27T23:06:00.000-07:00

My long awaited CD arrived from Europe yesterday. It is filled with mouth-watering paintings of ww1 Swiss uniforms. However ,when I was using it , I could not locate the accompanying text on the plates...
I enquired about this from the vendor who said ( to cut a long story short) as it had not been advertised as not having text on it he would give me my money back. I,of course, replied I would return the CD first. In the intervening time I took to write an email I got an email back -I had been notified of a refund in full and told to retain the CD as a goodwill gesture! A most generous gentleman indeed...
P.S I was trying to upload a plate to show you but Blogger is playing up again- I will post one here when I can!

Update re Army Red/White etc...

2011-07-10T23:15:00.001-07:00

Morning chaps!
On my summer hols here in Tradgardland and this is the vibe one attempts to create...

Much thought but little practical work done in the realm of FLW recently. I have not started the wooden ships - inclement weather and other matters have caused this.

I have sent off for a series of prints of the Swiss army in WW1- looks like a definitive work as far as I can see. Certainly they are more detailed than anything else my robust searches have come up with. They were expensive by my hobby standards but will be well worth it. They will guide my painting ,planning and preparing for the Padre's 2013 fest...
Hopefully the plates will help Army Red/White to have as wide a range of uniforms as possible and add colour and interest to the army. I will tell you more when the plates arrive. Well that is all for now...

High Summer...

2011-07-04T01:06:00.000-07:00

It is high summer around the green waters that form the lake seperating the hiemat of Army Red/White and San Martino. The respective fresh water navies still lie in a polly bag in the garage untouched. The foilage has grown up around the shores of the lake and the lake itself could do with a mow I fear...
However I would like to start at least one vessel this week. The Swiss book has not been forthcoming and I am a tad tired due to the 4.00am smoke/heat alarm false alarm this morning- it took 45mins to get the noise to cease!!!!!!!!!!
Off to have a cuppa in the garden on my new Ikea chairs with Jan...

New to naval in 54mmm -some questions

2011-05-28T23:02:00.000-07:00

Morning Chaps!
Last night Jan & I enjoyed a superb concert locally by Ade Edmondson and the Bad Shepherds and during the interval my thoughts briefly tuned to the current naval project here... I wonder if you could give me some pointers? Ok, I love the novels of Patrick O'Brian and John Biggins but I am all at sea with this naval stuff!

Can you suggest a good source of fittings for ships- I am not too concerned for the highest quality brass but rather sometime I can mount on the balsa superstructure I intend to build

Naval enthusiasts excuse my ignorance but were any submarines used in Lakes in WW1- can subs be used in such places as the Italian lakes? I have a conceit of San Martino having a rusty.unreliable one to give them an edge upon army(navy)red/white)

Cheap naval figures in 54mm - any ideas

Finally any tips from those who have tested the waters already in this modelling area- I intend to build fun,sturdy vessels for garden use rather than scale models

Finally apologies for the shameless puns and I look forward to your suggestions. have a great Sunday one and all!

Boats for San Martino and opponents

2011-05-27T09:59:00.000-07:00

Our Joiner came today to remove a door and glass surrounds from the hall. I have posted before and after piccies...

More importantly
prior to leaving he cut out the basic shapes for my boats for San Martino and Army Switzerland.The photo shows them with 54mm fig for scale.The boats were cut from the cut out for the sink from time ago which I horded for such an occasion...

San Martino Aviation...

2011-05-14T23:24:00.000-07:00

So light blue and white it is - thanks for voting! Can I ask for your advice further regarding the aviation of San martino...

Reconnaissance from the garden front...

2011-05-13T22:48:00.000-07:00

Morning all! It has been a hectic week here at Army Red/White although not in the ways perhaps one would have wished. I have had paperwork deadlines this week coupled with a curriculum which expresses itself in terms of the worst of 1984's NewsSpeak and the excesses of complicated arcanely written wargames rules!

Firstly thanks to those who voted in the poll- I am most obliged to you all and will ask for you votes again very soon. We seem to be going down a light blue/white road which sounds excellent and reflects the way that San Martino seems to be moving towards being similar to a real country with a similar name. I liked the suggestion for the motto being "Anytime,anyplace ,any where.." and, as I am suffering from rusty Latin, leave it for you to translate for me!
My Austrian contact is working away to get hold of the aforementioned (in a previous post) book for me and I am grateful for his determination and endeavour. I will keep you posted. Thanks also for the link to some excellent uniform plates which have started me thinking about such matters on the painting table.
Finally I chose the picture included in this post partly to remind me to think of the San Martino Flying Corps ( myriad striped balloons flying over an ornate castle perhaps as the motto is sung as a sort of national anthem..) and also to have a look for where I put the 1/32 monoplane that is the Army Red/White air support so far!

Of Pictures and Polls...

2011-05-06T23:36:00.001-07:00

As promised some pictures and data regarding the 1941 Swiss Lake patrol boat. It is accompanied by a rather inspiring print of Army Red/White of around 1914. Don't forget to vote in the poll please why you are here...

Background to the green waters...

2011-05-06T11:50:00.000-07:00

I have been busy in quiet moments (if that makes sense) doing some background research into the Swiss army (sorry Red/White) and their preparedness to defend their water frontiers. Evidently they were not as well equipped as their neighbours prior to ww1 and did not remedy this until rather later. I will hopefully find out even more if and when I get hold of the book pictured here. I have been planning some input from San Martino too. More anon including a super ww2 vintage Swiss patrol boat in a couple of photos sent by a kind Swiss contact.

The green waters call in San Martino...

2011-05-03T22:13:00.000-07:00

It was an excellent holiday weekend - the pomp and pageantry of a Royal Wedding and weather which enabled Jan & I to tend to the garden in terms of both food production and flowering plants. A tad less wind but one cannot complain...

I have posted a picture of an area of the garden which I have been musing upon much of late as I ridge up the potatoes and wait for trains to work. The lawn would lend itself well to being the green waters of a lake which marks the frontier between San Martino and the homeland of Army Red/White. On my Tradgardland I posted recently about the joys of planning and dreaming in the hobby too. I mentioned there too the influence of Mr John Ruddles and his garden whose pictures always inspired me...

I am still just planning, thinking and researching . I know I have many irons in the fire already but some al fresco gaming beckons to siren like. I shall continue to plan and will keep you posted!

San Martino- in the light of poll results so far some imaginationeering....

2011-04-22T23:12:00.000-07:00

Morning all! In the light of the way the poll was progressing I thought I might get a few of my notes together re an opponent for Army Red/White.

Featured here is a fresco from the renaissance of the founder of the state- San Martino. He was a Roman soldier,benefactor of the poor and ,according to local legend ,was the benevolent local Governor of the city that has become the small but perfectly formed small state that is San Martino. He is depicted here cutting his own cloak to give half to a beggar- an idea he is said to have copied from his name sake St Martin the martyr of Tours.

San Martino is a small state which is tucked neatly betwixt Italy and Switzerland I believe, sheltered high in the mountains for the main part. It's history ,customs and lore will ( if it is the winner of the poll) be shared here over the coming months ahead.

I have also posted a picture of a member of the Guardians of the Border Regt who are responsible for patrolling the border with the neighbouring countries. Out in all weathers and expert in mountain warfare this elite light infantry unit is San Martino's first line of defence.

Your vote counts...

2011-04-21T23:12:00.000-07:00

As I was working on my Army Red/White (Swiss) I wondered if it might be fun to collect an opponent for them at the same time- working on/collecting both armies in tandem. I would like your opinion on what enemies army Red/White will fight against. Background scenarios to be worked out later. All you have to do is vote at the poll alongside. Thanks for taking part

Army Red/White -painted figures on my lawn...

2011-04-18T09:01:00.000-07:00

I'm on my Easter hols and I thought I would show you what I painted this afternoon...

Here is an Army Red/White general resplendent in his Dragoon uniform and sporting a rather fetching pith helmet from his days in the Swiss Geographical Society. He is accompanied by a Staff Officer wearing the traditional Dragoon uniform along with one of those new fangled experimental steel helmet. Both chaps are equipped with bicycles to aid mobility upon the battlefield. I hope that these are the first of many as the days lengthen and Spring moves ever forward.

Further scandanavian images...

2011-04-17T23:54:00.000-07:00

Found these a few minutes ago- sorry I can't make them larger... but enjoy anyway!

Beware those dashing and tempting tricorns...

2011-04-17T22:47:00.000-07:00

Morning chaps! I have just come accross these fantastic pictures of (from top to bottom) the 1910.1906 and 1923 model Swedish uniforms...

These chaps would make a dashing stir upon the tabletop,sorry grass,in our world of FLW - especially those sporting the tricorn!

Chariots of Fire...

2011-03-30T22:27:00.000-07:00

The Ladies of the Ducal Household (Jan, Zoe, Anna & Freya) have signed up for the Fife "Race for Life" with some friends in order to raise money for Cancer research UK. If you would like to sponsor them please follow this link: http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/jangruber0703

Radfahrer...

2011-02-20T00:19:00.000-08:00

Some chaps for FLW just assembled and begun and a view of the Ducal Library...

Inspiring images diverse in nature...

2011-02-18T23:53:00.000-08:00

Time flies since my last post. So to start 2011 here at AR/W some eclectic images to enjoy...

The die is cast...

2010-12-03T23:41:00.000-08:00

Well Gentlemen it's official,you read it here first. With the aid of the poll ( many thanks to those who voted) and with much consideration I have decided my army for the Centenary Games of 2013 ( loud roll of drums and trumpet fanfare please) will be ARMY RED/WHITE! No surprises there then eh what? I will work on them whilst in Winter Quarters. To celebrate I have posted some of my favourite Swiss images. Sit back with the coffee, brandy or perhaps muesli and enjoy!

An amazing vehicle...

2010-12-01T02:37:00.000-08:00

Can anyone shed light upon this interesting armoured car? A excellent modelling project for FLW is it not?

Wintery FLW inspiration and diverse matters...

2010-11-28T04:23:00.000-08:00

Some suitable photos for this wintery weather and perhaps FLW winter warfare inspiration to some snow bound games....
P.S you might enjoy trying to identify the nationality of the vehicles and troops depicted in the photographs.
p.p.s I haven't forgotten the caption competition and will announce a winner very soon- sorry for delays chaps!

Blatantly bicycle pictures only...

2010-09-12T03:41:00.000-07:00

Enjoy the piccies and don't forget to enter the bicycle related caption competition in the previous posting!

Caption required

2010-09-12T03:03:00.000-07:00

Gentlemen . I have not posted here for some time and thought I would start with a caption competition for this super photo.Please leave your entry as a comment on the blog here- I await your ideas with enthusiasm...

Cycling

2010-07-01T22:25:00.000-07:00

I am now off for my summer hols which is fantastic. I am reading a history of bicycles in warfare and recently found an article from "the Strand " magazine about these chaps -26th Midddlesex (cyclists) R.V . I t is really fascinating to read accounts of the drills used at the time as well as the use/potentiality of this kind of troops.

Unleash the Dogs of War...

2010-06-18T09:55:00.000-07:00

I do hope you enjoy this image of Army Black anti cyclist dogs...

Training pictures

2010-06-15T21:56:00.000-07:00

Good Morning one and all! A brief update here at Army Red/White etc - hopefully to hapen more often during the forthcoming hols. I have posted some images of "traditonal" training from our period . I am particuarly intrigued by the coloured postcard. I wondered if it was some event like the Royal Tournament but have not seen anything like it previously. As ever your input to clear up this matter would be gratefully be recieved...

2010-05-28T22:24:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted here for too long I feel. Life has been too busy and I have got caught up. I however have been really enjoying participating in a campaign with Paul Wright and Patrick. It has given me much to enjoyably ponder upon on the train to and from work. With my gallant Norwegians landed upon the island of Samso a battle will soon ensue...

Last night I was on some Swiss websites and post these images for your delight and entertainment. Have a good weekend whatever you are doing...

The Duchy of Tradgardland Navy Part 1

2010-04-18T11:41:00.001-07:00

Having seen these wooden warships on the internet (by Sampson-now sadly unavailable) I was rather inspired to try and portray some vessels of the Ducal navy in wood.

I will try and do some work myself but may employ Gary,our excellent joiner, to help with some of the tasks. I intend to use recycled wood from the garage and supplement it with balsa and other scraps...

We shall see where we go with this and also what time and funds allow. I am rather tempted by the Russian Ship/costal defence vessel that the Duchy of Tradgardland bought and renamed "Von Bergmann."

Mind map

2010-04-16T08:07:00.000-07:00

I have been "mind mapping" the Duchy in the 1930s and am quite pleased with the work so far.

It is still moving forward but I feel I am onto something. By the way do any of you find mindmapping helpful in your hobby thinking?

Uniforms for Landstorme

2010-04-08T23:24:00.001-07:00

Here are some photos of Tradgardland militia of Landstorme. They are depicted in the variety of uniforms they wear - which range across a wide spectrum from almost civilian to almost complete uniform. I hope to start work on some models very soon...

Tankettes of wood...

2010-04-05T02:41:00.001-07:00

In the Duchy of Tradgardland agricultural experiments were carried out in the 1930's ...

It was a "win,win" situation - the tankette drivers got practice at driving and the farmers gained help with the work around the farm ,especially ploughing in particular.

I am resolved to try and build/carve some tankettes out of wood for durability. I have little or no skill in this area apart from woodwork at school!! However it will be a challenge and we shall see what can be produced. Any suggestions more than welcome!

Easter

2010-04-03T12:21:00.000-07:00

A Happy Easter from all at The Duchy of Tradgardland!

Further uniform inspiration

2010-03-12T06:06:00.000-08:00

These Swedish uniform items from 1910 caught my eye

Possible uniform for the Duchy...

Plume and trims in Rose perhaps- once more let me know what you think!

1930's Tradgardland

2010-03-10T12:15:00.000-08:00

Another couple of images which have inspired my thoughts today...
1940 Danes and
modern ceremonial Swedes. I do find the Danish Guard uniforms very inspirational too...
More planning to do. Does anyone know of suitable figures for these and those in the previous post?

The Duchy of Tradgardland - a 20th century survival...

2010-03-08T12:04:00.000-08:00

Jean Louis has persuaded me to investigate The Duchy of Tradgardland in the 1930's... As part of this process I have collected these images of 1930 Swedish and Danish uniforms. I am rather drawn to the coloured image of the Swede marching in blue- homeguard ww2.
As Tradgardland has always operated as a militia based force it seems very suitable . I will pipe the uniform /depict the collar in Rose -the Ducal colour.Off now to do some more researching. As ever let me know what you think...

2010-02-11T13:04:00.000-08:00

I seem to be having problems posting images at present but will persevere. In the meantime enjoy these 1930's amy Red/White cyclists...

Further Norwegians...

2010-01-09T23:27:00.001-08:00

I have uploaded some more atmospheric prints of the Norwegian army 1905-1909 for your enjoyment.Yesterday saw me painting an Army Red/White
cavalryman - results will be posted here when I finish him...

The prints depict jager,cavalry and Guard- as written upon them in a charming period hand. Thanks to Stokes (aka Duke of Stollen ) for the fantastic link which allowed me to find the recent pictures.A visit to the optician yesterday secured my first pairs of glasses ,which arrive here soon , and will feed into hobby work as well as real work! My thoughts/future gaming plans, as a result of these pics, are moving northwards into Scandinavia- somewhere often in my thoughts and reading anyway...

Winter

2010-01-08T23:52:00.000-08:00

In the light of the recent cold weather here in the UK I thought it was appropriate to post some winter warfare pictures. They are of the Norwegian army of 1905 -1909 and include Norwegian Royalty ,not to mention ski troops. Enjoy the images and keep warm this weekend!

Cavalry

2009-12-27T11:55:00.000-08:00

Tonight I found some super images of cavalry from pre ww1 until ww2. I hope you enjoy them...

Christmas Greetings

2009-12-23T22:58:00.000-08:00

A Merry Christmas to all from Army Red/White. I have really enjoyed doing this blog- especially finding the images. I hope you have a great time wherever you are and I look forward to taking the blog into 2010 with figures,images and much more...

new images

2009-12-22T22:36:00.000-08:00

Some new images for you to enjoy . I hope to add more now I am on my hols. Must get down to painting Army Red/White too. The aim is to get it into action in 2010- even in the form of a small border patrol/defence army...

I'm back

2009-12-05T23:11:00.001-08:00

A happy St Nicholas day to you all. The kitchen is 99% finished and my thoughts can turn to this blog once more , amongst other hobby thoughts . I post a few images to get us up and running once more. I particularly liked "Haul the field gun" which looks typical of the terrain probs Army Red/white might face...
More updates asap

Bicycle ideas...

2009-10-23T06:55:00.000-07:00

Two interesting images showing bicycles. The first shows a bicycle being used to tow a heavy machine gun in WW1 and the second shows bicycle transport for the wounded. It would be great to see models of these in FLW...

Re 1905

2009-10-22T00:44:00.000-07:00

I found this map pertaining to 1905 which I believe shows plans for an invasion.It also shows the troop dispositions from 1905 also. If you click on the map it will enlarge to a decent size for further investigation...

Norway

2009-10-22T00:36:00.000-07:00

I thought I would see what I could find and was pleased with these photos . I am pleased to see cycle troops (my favourites...) as well as chaps in some fantastic spiked helmets.

The 1893 Cadets look very acw in their uniform and equipment- figure conversion possabilities are indeed an option here..The group in the picture with the curtains are from a slightly later period.

Some photos of Norwegian uniforms from the latter part of the 19th century and early 20th century.

Gilberte

2009-10-19T23:49:00.000-07:00

Those who were intrigued about my musical post are directed to the following link for more information:

http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/Swissinfo.html?siteSect=411&sid=658064

A song...

2009-10-17T23:25:00.000-07:00

A Swiss video to enjoy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdaeFuEXY4E
Hope you are having a good weekend one and all...

Something different part 2

2009-10-12T12:51:00.001-07:00

And now for something completely different-Greeks. Enjoy...

Something different...

2009-10-12T12:00:00.000-07:00

For a change I am posting some pictures of 1905 Norwegians- a year that could have seen a new Northern War but matters were solved with diplomacy.

Further mountain troops...

2009-10-02T23:37:00.000-07:00

I am posting some further pictures of mountain troops. Note the sepia postcard with some interesting closeup photos of equipment and useage of a machine gun in rough terrain...

Off duty...

2009-09-21T10:42:00.000-07:00

Some informal pictures of army Red/White at work ,rest and play...

Sentry box

2009-09-19T09:27:00.000-07:00

Found this photo of a Swiss sentry box . I think it is a border post . Note fascinating 18th century painting on the side of it. This is just crying out to be turned into a model....

Later Swiss circa 1939...

2009-09-16T03:05:00.000-07:00

Some piccies of 1939 Swiss and some reenactors portraying the same period. Enjoy!

Swiss Army pictures 1870s to 1914

2009-09-14T22:17:00.000-07:00

The future...

2009-09-08T09:58:00.001-07:00

Now FLW moves forward to the age of mechanised warfare I thought I would upload the following -enjoy!Army Red?/White will be prepared to met the new challenge!
p.s updates when time ,energy and camera allow...

Back online

2009-08-12T23:24:00.000-07:00

Well I have returned - complete with new computer and another fascinating image for you to enjoy.

It depicts the "joys "of using artillery on rough terrain...

I have been remiss of late with regard to painting my Swiss but hope to restart soon.

However I have not neglected Army Red/White - albeit in its 15th century mode. I fought a wargame with my regular opponent two weeks ago where my Burgundians were soundly thrashed by a Swiss Army. We used 28mm figures and DBM rules. As a result I have devoted what time I have had to finishing my 15th century French army of Louis Xl- it is moving forward well...

Coming soon...

2009-07-25T11:46:00.000-07:00

The Dorset figures didn't arrive today so I am posting a painting of what I am attempting to depict (dismounted) on the battlefield.

Guide Cavalry

2009-07-16T23:41:00.001-07:00

Giles, of Dorset , sent me this picture as a suggestion for my Army Red/White guide cavalry unit. I think it looks great and look forward to painting some soon...

post WW1

2009-07-12T09:46:00.000-07:00

Some pictures of Army Red/White moving through the 1930s...

Infantry

2009-07-09T22:44:00.000-07:00

Some super infantry postcards for you to enjoy...

Cavalry...

2009-07-09T06:09:00.000-07:00

Even more Cavalry images to enjoy...

More Swiss cavalry...

2009-07-08T23:10:00.000-07:00

I hope you enjoy these cavalry images as much as I do. I really must get some for Army Red/White...

18th century Swiss

2009-07-06T05:55:00.000-07:00

Those interested in the Swiss Army of the 18th Century might enjoy my current postings on my 18th Century Blog:

http://tradgardland.blogspot.com/

Pictures

2009-06-27T23:24:00.000-07:00

I post these two evocative images for your enjoyment. The 1915 Happy New Year card is a poignant reminder of people hoping things would be better in the coming year . The other picture appeals to me as an evocation of Switzerland and another age...

A gift...

2009-06-21T07:09:00.000-07:00

My daughters made this card for me for Father's Day. It was beautifully hand-crafted from paper and card and looks fantastic. What could be more appropriate for a FLW chap...

Mountain gun

2009-06-20T05:58:00.000-07:00

Giles from Dorset Miniatures sent me this superb firing mountain gun and crew today. It will look fantastic when painted. Not only that but it fires well too. Pictures of painted gun and crew soonish I hope

Rost and Grunspan

2009-06-17T11:17:00.000-07:00

Rost and Grunspan are a superb Swiss reenactment group. They depict ww1 and ww2 Swiss soldiers.They have a most interesting website.If you click below it will take you to a page showing moving images from 1912 as well as the Group today:

http://www.rost-und-gruenspan.ch/

Well worth a look and do explore the site too. Lots to see and inspire those of us who favour Army Red/White...

Army Black...

2009-06-15T12:17:00.000-07:00

This book has been on my bookshelves since 1971!!It contains superb illustrations in colour and useful other material too. It has provided me with inspiration for my first figure for my opposition for Army Red/White. He has painted up well and will look excellent as part of a unit. More information soon...

C in C

2009-06-14T06:25:00.000-07:00

Another picture re High Command- General Wille
- Commander in Chief 0f theSwiss Army inWW1.
At the dawn of the First World War, Switzerland confirmed its will to remain neutral and to avoid the conflicts which were going to set Europe ablaze. However, Switzerland was divided between the German-speaking Swiss who favored the Central Powers, and the French-speaking Swiss whose opinions tended to support the Allied Powers. As a Germanic-speaking Swiss, and close to Kaiser Wilhelm II, Wille benefitted from the pro-Germanic current and the disparity within the Swiss Federal Council, which counted only one member from the French areas [1]. In 1914, at the outbreak of warfare, a general mobilization of all military forces was issued. Wille, then a Colonel, was named General of Switzerland by the Federal Parliament on August 8, 1914 with 122 votes, against 63 votes for the other candidate, Theodore Sprecher von Bernegg [2]. Von Bernegg would soon assume the rank of Chief of the General Staff and a reliable partner of Wille's. The opponents of the general described him as “militarist” whereas his partisans saw in him a chief ready to manage an army in mobilization thanks to his pedagogical talents. Wille decided to concentrate the bulk of his forces (238,000 men and 50,000 horses) close to the borders, particularly in Ajoie and Engadine

Opposition ideas sought...

2009-06-13T06:21:00.000-07:00

As army red/white progresses well towards Brigade level and beyond I am looking for ideas to move towards collecting so I can field small games here at home. Your suggestions and rationale for them are eagerly sought...

best wishes

Alan

High Command...

2009-06-10T11:27:00.000-07:00

I am currently looking for inspiration for my Command figures for FLW. I found these images which have set me thinking.
I particularly like the greatcoats in one picture and the poncho-style /riding capes in the other one. Ideas for conversion possibilities would be appreciated...

magazine article...

2009-06-08T10:33:00.000-07:00

A couple of pages from a ww1 period magazine depicting Swiss mountain infantry.

In the Alps...

2009-06-08T10:11:00.000-07:00

High in the Swiss Alps Army Red/White is ever vigilant for invaders...
The photos depict two members of the 2nd Thun Mountain Infantry Regiment. With them is their Regimental Colour - kindly personalised by TVAG,thank you Sir!
The men are wearing the new feldgrau uniform newly introduced to Army Red/White. The 1st Thun Regiment has retained the older blue uniform for the present.

Up ,up and away...

2009-06-07T12:03:00.000-07:00

Army Red/White takes to the skies with these magnificent men in their flying machines.
Another weekend over -painting done,gardening too and I hope you have a good week ahead.With some sun- fingers crossed!

On the workbench...

2009-06-06T09:37:00.000-07:00

The first figures are nearing completion. Giles at Dorset has done me proud with his designs- thanks Giles! Note personalised flag (thank you TVAG !) with "Thun" upon it, skis courtesy of Ikea and the background features Swiss re-enactors in period uniforms. More figures ( and theses finished) tomorrow ...

Swiss circa 1917/18

2009-06-06T06:31:00.000-07:00

Today I got up at 6.45 a.m and carried on painting Mountain Regt Thun- pictures very,very soon! In the meantime here are some pictures of Late WW1 Swiss including an anti-aircraft gun, some unusual headgear and an officer observing an enemy aeroplane. Hope they inspire you too- I would love to see a model of the adapted field gun in Funnylittlewars...

On the move...

2009-05-31T00:03:00.000-07:00

In all terrain and all weathers,by foot,horse or internal combustion engine Army Red/White is on the move....

Enjoy further piccies from the Army Red/White Photo Archives! P.S hope to post here photo of Thun regiment standard bearer in next few days- paint,energy,glue permitting!