LUNDY'S LANE, A PREVIEW

Drummond and Riall placing bets on the Congreve rocket's trajectory as the 89th stands behind them in terror. (Perry command figures, Front Rank sergeant,  Victrix artillerymen, and Knuckleduster line infantry)

The most furious battle ever fought between Canada and the United States, Lundy's Lane is a large battle featuring most, if not all, of the troop types present in the Niagara campaing of 1814. The time is drawing near when I will have sculpted everything necessary to fight this battle; as it stands at the present, I have the American forces covered handily, but still have British artillerymen, Congreve rockets, and mounted command to complete, as well as Native Americans (more a factor at Chippewa than Lundy's Lane).

In the months ahead, I'll be highlighting various units in the War of 1812 with photos, descriptions, and painting guides in order to encourage your own projects and entice you into buying more Knuckleduster miniatures! (Should have known there was a catch). By way of a preview, here are some photos of the Battle of Lundy's Lane on my own wargame table, soon to be descended upon by a half-dozen middle-aged men grasping copies of Black Powder in chubby hands, cuticles still bearing unmanly traces of craft paints; a phenomenon you're all undoubtedly familiar with.

First off, here's a look at the British center, situated in and around a graveyard at the top of the battlefield's prominent hill. Since this photo was taken, the British colours were affixed to their pikes. The center-front unit, the 89th, was one of only three units carrying colours that day. The others were the 1st Royal Scots and the 103rd :

 Here's a view of the British right, giving a bit of a panorama of their line:

 Hercules Scott hastens forward with a relief column. One benefit of making your own soldiers is the length of said column. Notice the meeting house and British center on the top of the hill.

 The sedentary militia trying to think of a way to impress Drummond  in order to avoid having their ammunition taken away and distributed among the regulars. Notice they were not one of the three units carrying colours that day.

 The Yanks come on in serried ranks, and head straight for the dubious cover of a split rail fence. Since this photo was taken, Porter's militia (top left) have gotten flags for their poles.

I will be adding more photos and more information about units, their uniforms, and other bits of trivia next time . . .