The Grand Duchy of Stollen

Another great old Knoetel illustration, detailing soldiers from a few of Frederick's free infantry formations. N ot much happening in the way of toy soldiering the last several weeks, but that does not mean I have been completely idle either.  Just busy thinking, as we are wont to do, about what might be next in the painting queue. For a long time, I have intended to assemble a small -- semi-fictitious -- Freicorps of troops comprised of various arms.  Strike while the iron is hot say I!  Or at least still warm.  Ok, tepid.  But in the wake of considerable summertime painting and tabletop activity, it seemed like an opportune time to do that in the interest of keeping The Grand Duchy of Stollen project moving forward with a fall and winter painting challenge.   After a few evenings down here in Zum Stollenkeller having a look through the leadpile, here's what I'm considering.  Besides a squadron of recently purchased Minden Uh...

After the Battle of Hohenfriedburg by Carl Roechling.  Just about my favorite illustration of 18th century troops.  An argument in favor of oversized standards, colors, and guidons for our tabletop troops if ever there were one. S adly,  this particular weekend -- as feared since the school year kicked off for all three of us here in The Grand Duchy two weeks ago -- leaves little time for soldiering here after about three delightful months of, for yours truly at least, a reasonable degree of painting, modelling, and actual gaming.  As will, no doubt be very familiar to many of you coming out of summer holidays and vacation time, you still have to get the same amount of things done with 35-40+ fewer hours of formerly free time each week.   For me, it's mowing the lawn when it dries out enough outside and prep for Monday's classes, plus all of the usual family stuff, which have left precious little time for myself over the last couple of days. Si...

The situation by the end of Turn Two sees the Zichenauer defence (right) to the east of the various built up areas, more or less deployed to meet their Stollenian attackers.  The latter are still marching onto the field and have not yet deployed for action. T he morning of 1. September 1769 dawned gray and rainy but cleared somewhat and dried out by midday although the threat of additional rain hung in the air.  The Zichenauer rearguard had retreated to the village of  Sägemühledorf and environs since losing to the Stollenians at Blasthofheide on 12. August.   The Zichenauers, commanded by Colonel von Kohlkopf, withdrew southward where they were  caught by a Stollenian advance guard just outside the small village of Sägemühledorf .   Von Kohlkopf, not wishing to incur the wrath of his commander, the notorious General Phillipe de Latte, reluctantly decided to give battle and let the chips fall where they may.  Here then is the account of t...