Thank you to everyone for their very kind comments, they are very much appreciated.
The re-fight is essentially as always, a war-game as Bill has alluded to with his dice observation, with the photographs being the documentary evidence of events.
This method provides interesting opportunities for pictures as the action progresses.
The elevated pictures of the Antietam heights are obtained by one of my extensions being raised on wooden blocks.
I must thank my very good friend Thomas Mischak for painting and providing some of the Speira figures seen in these pictures. His painting skill far exceeds mine.
Thank you again.
Chris
Gallery
The Battle of Antietam ( Sharpsburg) 17th September 1862
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C M Dodson
- Posts: 2572
- Member since:
01 May 2015, 18:48
So your process is part wargame! I wasn’t sure, but had always assumed the shots were reconstructions of the actual battle. I would love to know more about your whole process visa vi the gaming part.
Bill
Bill
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Bill Slavin
Supporting Member (Bronze)- Posts: 1294
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24 Oct 2016, 14:55
Hi Bill.
The re fights are to a scale of 1 mm equals 1 metre.
The rules are my own using movement and firing tables.
The artillery is ala Charles Grant with a measurement stick and diced variables.
I have pinched the Black Powder movement idea which introduces unpredictable results on occasion. I like the blunder idea too.
The late Peter introduced me to these rules a few years ago.
Morale is a major factor.
I am considering delays to the arrival of the various Corps but the BP movement rule may be enough for my purpose.
Casualties are replaced with suitable figures and the originals can then make up new units saving a lot of painting.
All troops are individually moved. Time consuming but fairly easy on my sand table.
Any unit losing fifty per cent or more is finished for the day.
A bit of paperwork keeps the battlefield clear of dice, markers, coffee cups etc.
Best wishes,
Chris
The re fights are to a scale of 1 mm equals 1 metre.
The rules are my own using movement and firing tables.
The artillery is ala Charles Grant with a measurement stick and diced variables.
I have pinched the Black Powder movement idea which introduces unpredictable results on occasion. I like the blunder idea too.
The late Peter introduced me to these rules a few years ago.
Morale is a major factor.
I am considering delays to the arrival of the various Corps but the BP movement rule may be enough for my purpose.
Casualties are replaced with suitable figures and the originals can then make up new units saving a lot of painting.
All troops are individually moved. Time consuming but fairly easy on my sand table.
Any unit losing fifty per cent or more is finished for the day.
A bit of paperwork keeps the battlefield clear of dice, markers, coffee cups etc.
Best wishes,
Chris
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C M Dodson
- Posts: 2572
- Member since:
01 May 2015, 18:48
Thanks for the explanation, Chris. Outside of the game mechanics, I guess you are photographing after every turn (or when the table tells an important part of the story) covering bases with flocking etc. for the shot? I’m totally fascinated by this as I love the interplay between game and art that you create, and the whole idea of narrative and story-telling within the framework of wargaming. Very cool.
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Bill Slavin
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24 Oct 2016, 14:55
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The terrain and the distribution of the different units are simply perfect. Superb work, Chris! 
Santi.
Santi.
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Santi Pérez
- Posts: 1876
- Member since:
28 Aug 2016, 19:42
The Battle of Antietam ( Sharpsburg) 17th September 1862 6.45 AM to 7.00 AM .
Overview.
The Union First Corps, Major General Joseph Hooker commanding is attacking in a broad sweep from the East to the West woods.
The Union First Division, Brigadier General Abner Doubleday commanding is making good progress into the West woods with the Iron Brigade, led by Brigadier General John Gibbon engaged in fierce fighting.
Meanwhile, Union Sharpshooters of the 2nd United States Sharpshooters under Colonel Henry A V Prost are engaging the Confederate forces under Brigadier General Jubal A Early.
In the centre, the Union Third Brigade of the Third Division, Colonel Thomas Gallagher commanding, has been flanked by Virginians of Winders Brigade.
These crack troops of the ‘Stonewall Brigade’, commanded by Colonel Andrew Grigsby, unleash devastating volleys into the Federals from behind the Hagerstown Pike fence. The shaken Third Brigade is forced to retire as a result.
Meanwhile, First Brigade, Second Division, Brigadier General Abram Duryee commanding has taken significant casualties from Confederates on the Smoketown road and has also been forced to regroup.
However, the rest of Brigadier General Ricketts Union Second Division is clearing the East Woods and pushing the Confederate defenders back towards the Mumma farm.
The Confederate artillery under Colonel S D Lee around the Dunkard church are coming under increasingly effective Union artillery fire.
Major General Joseph Hooker and his Corps staff, positioned by the Miller farm spring house, receive news that the Union Twelfth Corps under the command of Major General Joseph K F Mansfield is approaching the East woods.
Forwards, the Union forever!
Overview.
The Union First Corps, Major General Joseph Hooker commanding is attacking in a broad sweep from the East to the West woods.
The Union First Division, Brigadier General Abner Doubleday commanding is making good progress into the West woods with the Iron Brigade, led by Brigadier General John Gibbon engaged in fierce fighting.
Meanwhile, Union Sharpshooters of the 2nd United States Sharpshooters under Colonel Henry A V Prost are engaging the Confederate forces under Brigadier General Jubal A Early.
In the centre, the Union Third Brigade of the Third Division, Colonel Thomas Gallagher commanding, has been flanked by Virginians of Winders Brigade.
These crack troops of the ‘Stonewall Brigade’, commanded by Colonel Andrew Grigsby, unleash devastating volleys into the Federals from behind the Hagerstown Pike fence. The shaken Third Brigade is forced to retire as a result.
Meanwhile, First Brigade, Second Division, Brigadier General Abram Duryee commanding has taken significant casualties from Confederates on the Smoketown road and has also been forced to regroup.
However, the rest of Brigadier General Ricketts Union Second Division is clearing the East Woods and pushing the Confederate defenders back towards the Mumma farm.
The Confederate artillery under Colonel S D Lee around the Dunkard church are coming under increasingly effective Union artillery fire.
Major General Joseph Hooker and his Corps staff, positioned by the Miller farm spring house, receive news that the Union Twelfth Corps under the command of Major General Joseph K F Mansfield is approaching the East woods.
Forwards, the Union forever!
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C M Dodson
- Posts: 2572
- Member since:
01 May 2015, 18:48
Another fantastic chapter of this wonderful story, Chris. You always leave us wanting to see more.
Santi.
Santi.
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Santi Pérez
- Posts: 1876
- Member since:
28 Aug 2016, 19:42
ModeratorStunning work Mr. D, my highest compliments to you. As you may have guessed I am enamored by your exploding caisson - brilliantly executed! I am mystified by your ability to plan and execute such a number of highly detailed scenes complete with authentic structures and landscape. Your attention to detail is consummate and as I've said before your images may as well be still pictures taken during the action itself. Especially in these times of pervasive technology seeing the results of your meticulous hand crafting is most inspiring.
FWIW I live about 2 miles from Ft Early and reside in the town he spent his life in. The battle of Lynchburg was a small affair but critical in keeping the supply lines to Richmond open from the West. Early, Gordon and Breckinridge chased Union Gen Hunter over the Blue Ridge mountains. Lynchburg was saved by train whistles blowing and crowds cheering in a successful bluff to convince Hunter reinforcements were arriving by the hour. Magruder's tactics still worked like they did against McClellan.
Epic?amazing?fantastic?; words fall short to describe your work.
FWIW I live about 2 miles from Ft Early and reside in the town he spent his life in. The battle of Lynchburg was a small affair but critical in keeping the supply lines to Richmond open from the West. Early, Gordon and Breckinridge chased Union Gen Hunter over the Blue Ridge mountains. Lynchburg was saved by train whistles blowing and crowds cheering in a successful bluff to convince Hunter reinforcements were arriving by the hour. Magruder's tactics still worked like they did against McClellan.
Epic?amazing?fantastic?; words fall short to describe your work.
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Bessiere
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23 May 2019, 15:50
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Beano Boy
Supporting Member (Gold) - Posts: 8086
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You really are the master of TV-shows/movies in this scale! Totally fantasicsupermarvelous!
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Susofrick
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19 Feb 2008, 12:10
Somehow it keeps getting better and better. Your posts are always the highlights of my days -- perhaps a sad fact, but true nonetheless -- and I keep returning to them again and again. Thanks again for sharing all the ingenious, clever modelling and wonderful presentations.
John
John
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John Simmons
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17 Apr 2020, 14:12
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Another great addition to the tale, Chris. Like Bessieres, I especially liked the very dramatic exploding caisson.
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Bill Slavin
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24 Oct 2016, 14:55
The Battle of Antietam ( Sharpsburg) 17th September 1862 7.15 AM
Timeline 7.15 AM
Captain John Pelham has been forced by heavy Union counter battery fire to re locate from the Nicodemus Heights to the Hauser Ridge behind the West Woods.
Union artillery under Captain J Albert Munro have also repositioned themselves by the Miller farmhouse to support the first Divisions attack.
First Division, Brigadier General Abner Doubleday commanding are engaged with Confederates by the West woods. Serious losses are now slowing the advance.
The Union Third Division under Brigadier General George G Meade are continuing their advance towards the Smoketown road although the impetus is slowing, again due to heavy casualties.
Major General Thomas J. Jackson is conferring with Brigadier John B. Hood as to wether his last reserve, currently breakfasting in the West Wood, should be committed.
Confederate wounded seek solace behind the Dunkard church.
Colonel S.D. Lee’s artillery reserve are still in action despite mounting losses from effective Union artillery fire.
Confederates from Brigadier General Roswell S. Ripley’s Brigade are defending the Mumma cemetery adjacent to the Smoketown road as the Union advance from the East wood continues.
These are the last fresh unit the Confederates have in this area.
The First Corps assault is now flagging due to the losses incurred.
However, the Twelfth Corps, Major General Joseph K. F. Mansfield commanding has started to arrive between the North and East woods and is preparing to deploy.
An ADC from Major General Joseph Hooker delivers orders to expedite this deployment, to maintain the pressure on the battered Confederate line.
Mansfield, inexperienced and recently appointed to command is eager for the fray!
Timeline 7.15 AM
Captain John Pelham has been forced by heavy Union counter battery fire to re locate from the Nicodemus Heights to the Hauser Ridge behind the West Woods.
Union artillery under Captain J Albert Munro have also repositioned themselves by the Miller farmhouse to support the first Divisions attack.
First Division, Brigadier General Abner Doubleday commanding are engaged with Confederates by the West woods. Serious losses are now slowing the advance.
The Union Third Division under Brigadier General George G Meade are continuing their advance towards the Smoketown road although the impetus is slowing, again due to heavy casualties.
Major General Thomas J. Jackson is conferring with Brigadier John B. Hood as to wether his last reserve, currently breakfasting in the West Wood, should be committed.
Confederate wounded seek solace behind the Dunkard church.
Colonel S.D. Lee’s artillery reserve are still in action despite mounting losses from effective Union artillery fire.
Confederates from Brigadier General Roswell S. Ripley’s Brigade are defending the Mumma cemetery adjacent to the Smoketown road as the Union advance from the East wood continues.
These are the last fresh unit the Confederates have in this area.
The First Corps assault is now flagging due to the losses incurred.
However, the Twelfth Corps, Major General Joseph K. F. Mansfield commanding has started to arrive between the North and East woods and is preparing to deploy.
An ADC from Major General Joseph Hooker delivers orders to expedite this deployment, to maintain the pressure on the battered Confederate line.
Mansfield, inexperienced and recently appointed to command is eager for the fray!
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C M Dodson
- Posts: 2572
- Member since:
01 May 2015, 18:48
Things are looking shaky for the Confederates!
Thanks again for bringing this battle alive in miniature, Chris. As always, your staging, buildings and terrain are spectacular, and your figures fill it with the chaos of battle (and at times, horror - is that a head being blown off??!
)
Bill
Thanks again for bringing this battle alive in miniature, Chris. As always, your staging, buildings and terrain are spectacular, and your figures fill it with the chaos of battle (and at times, horror - is that a head being blown off??!
)Bill
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Bill Slavin
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24 Oct 2016, 14:55
Bravo Mr D! A gorgeous selection of battle scenes you have created and photographed with consummate skill. I had an ancestor with Hood's brigade so I follow this thread with particular interest. How he survived the war is anyone's guess but since he opened a general store after the war family has surmised he may have been in the commissary.
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Bessiere
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23 May 2019, 15:50