DANISH WARSHIP ARRIVES (1863), also LEAD ROT!

                                ANOTHER 19TH CENTURY SHIP, HDMS ROLF KRAKE

A powerful warship has just joined my collection of toy gunboats. Very loosely based on the Danish vessel 'Rolf Krake', it is to serve in my Schleswig wargames, and other 19th century conflicts.

I'm not pretending the model is in anyway accurate, that would be pretty tricky in 54mm scale. I have purposely exaggerated the twin turrets, how much of the gun barrels are exposed, and also the funnel. I wanted it to be fairly compact, but also powerful looking. And it is meant to recreate a toy of the 19th-early 20th century. Mine is made of wood and card. The three masts are detachable. Most of my 'traditional-tin-toy' looking gunboats are about 12inches long, this latest addition is 16inches. 

I must mention just how sinister this black ship looks!

The original Rolf Krake was built in Scotland for the Danish navy in May 1863. I liked the fact it combined something of the steam ironclad monitors, and also sailing ships. This vessel was originally armed with four Swedish 68pdr smoothbore guns. And the first in Europe to rely principally on turret guns. The two turrets required a crew of eighteen to make a full turn in one minute. The ship was engaged in the Second Schleswig-Holstein War, and continued in service until scrapped in 1907. 

Why masts and steam? I read an article about a fairly contemporary German ship, it explained that coal might not always be available on long voyages to colonies, so they kept a backup system.

 

More information on this ship can be found on this very useful website..... .http://www.navalhistory.dk/English/TheShips/R/RolfKrake%281863%29.htm

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MORE NAVAL OFFICERS HAVE ARRIVED

I had mentioned to Chris that my collection could use some suitable captain figures for ships. When these were spotted on Ebay, he negotiated a very fair price. They only cost £5, including their delivery. The four railway station figures make perfect 19th century captains, and for most nationalities. I already had one in my collection, and I am able to home cast replacement arms. My thanks to Chris for sorting this out, another problem solved. They arrived on Feb. 7.

Danish officers.

Here are the figures after paint stripping. The seated figure looked very bad, covered in thick white paint and diminished hands and feet. I have now seen another, and it is the same, so clearly manufactured in this manner. I now believe it is a W. Britains civilian truck driver and dates back to the 1920s. The figure missing a base is an officer with sword belonging to a rifle unit. Have now discovered the railway  porter can also be painted as a 19th century midshipman.

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LEAD ROT, or a case of SCURVY?

Having never found a figure hit with lead rot in my collection, I have discovered my first example. And I'm in a good position to provide some info on this rare but much feared hobby disease.

1. The casting was discovered in one of my cardboard boxes containing over thirty Royal Navy figures, some plastic, but most were metal.

2. The figure was purchased secondhand in September 2020. Already painted, it was noticeable that the facial features were flattened, and the bayonet was practically broken.

3. A few weeks later it was paint stripped, and a home-cast head and rifle were added. It was then well primed, repainted, and given a coat of yacht varnish. The figure was then superglued to a piece of painted thick card.

4. The base of the figure was unaffected as it was made of thin steel. The casting was very soft, so I'm assuming a high level of lead. No sign of the manufacture. I am tempted to think it was a smaller manufacturer, or a home-cast.

5. This strange system of basing may help identify the manufacturer?

6. My own home cast extras are made from 80 to 100% pewter, which is very high in tin. Not surprisingly, the rot had failed to spread to my additions on this figure.

I have long thought that lead rot was caused by a mixture of factors, including climate. I still believe this can speed up the process, but the real issue is always the quality of the metal. I do now wonder if pure lead is more susceptible when covered in paint and varnish? I only suggest this because a member of my family has a pure lead tobacco box, dated to c.1750.

It has no signs of lead rot. But when I first viewed it in 2014,  after some time in storage, it had some very slight lead oxide (white) in a few places. A duster easily wiped it off, and it has not reoccured in ten years of displaying in a warm room.

Concerning the rotten figure, it was actually surplus to my collection as my landing party battalion had recently gained an officer. Thirteen is unlucky for some. I threw it away. You win some, you lose some, and it's just a poor quality trinket!

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US NAVY OFFICER FOR WW2

At a toy fair a trader kindly gave me a plastic figure. It was only 50mm high, and we concluded it was probably a police officer that had formed part of a toy car set. I decided to convert it into a US Navy officer. 

With a sharp knife, I removed the waistbelt.

And here it is, to be attached to my Seabees unit.

MGB

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RESTORING THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON

Last year I picked up a broken Iron Duke for £3. A splendid casting, and suitable with most 54mm figures (unlike Del Prado castings). But the figure was missing a sword and telescope. The paintwork was quite good, but some tidying was still required. I also wanted to replace the white cockade, necktie and waist-belt with black. I now feel it could serve as a foreign officer, including naval.

The photos don't do justice as the gold really stands out.

Originally....

MGB

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REPLYING TO COMMENTS FROM FRIENDS

Hi MJT. I was working with very cheap materials so I spent some money on a black spray and some tacks. It was definitely worthwhile. The spray paint cost £5.99, but I haven't used 25% of it. The whole model cost less than £10. I am very pleased with the result, I almost expect to see a tripod appear in the distance, lol.

Hello Roger. Yes, that website is very useful, and the fellow is to be congratulated on his efforts in creating it. Interestingly, one of the articles states the British were the bad guys to have attacked neutral Denmark during the Napoleonic Wars, and capturing practically their entire fleet. While I understand their position, which does have justification, you have only to see what happened to the Dutch and Spanish navies to understand the British position. If Napoleon marched into Denmark (which his armies later did, in preparation to invade Sweden). The French could have crossed the English Channel, or to Sweden, using skilled Danish sailors and ships. The British attack was unfortunate, but necessary, we could not put our trust in Danish politicians!

 Roger. Concerning wargames, my ships are totally linked to my toy soldier collection, and battles. The ships have added so much to my scenarios, campaigns, etc. Did not know there was a corresponding issue on some Zinc toys.... interesting!

Hello Hugh. I too have come across that treatment, using vinegar. To be honest, I never thought much of the figure to begin with, and having to replace the flat facial features did not help matters. I think the vinegar treatment would have solved the problem for a period of time, but that lead rot would eventually return. It does make you wonder what Britains put in their early castings as few of them get lead rot, I have never had one, it is always the home-cast stuff made out of church roof lead, lol.

Hi Donnie. That figure arrived in a box with six (genuine) Britains. I remembered there was something very different about the casting when I restored it, the metal was strange, and very soft. I'm not surprised at all to discover this is the first to acquire lead rot. You know I like a bargain, but restoring this figure did not seem worthwhile. I think my home-cast head and rifle were the only good bits, lol. Donnie, that ship is a welcome addition to my fleet....... it looks frightening!

Hello Graham. I've really enjoyed raising a fleet to serve with my fairly modern plastic and traditional lead toy soldiers. If I had none, I would have faked (off table) their participation, as I find amphibious actions particularly interesting. Having restored my late parents cast iron bench, I had some quality hard wood planks left over, shame to waste it. But half my collection is made of plasticard, which has also proved successful. I think it was Plato that coined necessity being the mother of invention...... well I wanted to also save money! I used a saw and a mouse sander. 

Yes Graham, I noted early on how others were using Railway figures to furnish extra staff officers, and naval officers. 

Cheers Brad. I seem to remember reading somewhere that the Schleswigers mentioned a Danish vessel during their wars as being notable for its black paintwork. There is no missing mine either, lol. I might try and seek out a public hall to stage a large naval action. By the way, a few days ago I completed a small unit of Carabinieri Genovese 1860. It's another period I would like to better represent on the wargaming table. 

TRANSPORT SHIP (and Frome Model Shop)

                                                    A COMPLETED TRANSPORT SHIP

On a recent visit to Somerset I picked up some plasticard. Have just completed a new ship for my collection. Rather than another gunboat, I wanted a vessel able to carry a battalion of infantry (12 figures). And for it to look like a vintage tinplate toy.

I must admit this project involved several rethinks. Inspired by two old tinplate toys, I've ended up with an amalgam of the two. But the paintwork took more time to sort out than the initial construction. I rejected a white model as it seemed to me to be too tropical, and some of my other models never looked great in white, and have been repainted. The second possibility included a fair amount of pink, but that didn't quite hit the mark either. Here are some more photos of the completed ship, serving with two others forming my 1848 Danish flotilla.

Construction and cost, £3

Inspiration No.1

Inspiration No.2

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A VISIT TO FROME MODEL SHOP

During a recent visit to family in Somerset, I was taken to Frome Model Shop. This really is a superb store, packed with military kits. They also had some cabinets with figures and models fully painted and based. The whole experience reminded me of my childhood visits to the legendary Harrow Model Shop during the 1970s, where Stuart Asquith had a part-time job. Unfortunately, time required us to move on, but Chris was able to take a few photos. 

By the way, the shop has a reputation for being very competitive in their mail order pricing, and I have often picked up some bargains....... you know I like a bargain!

And a few more photos from Frome

St.John the Baptist Saxon Church, built 685AD, was replaced by another during 1250-1420AD. 

A Lovely Day Out!

MGB

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REPLYING TO COMMENTS FROM FRIENDS

Thanks MJT. Either I built a transport ship, or try to balance figures on the gunboats..... something had to be done, lol.

Hello Brad. I thought that link might prove of interest. I confess, looking at Freber's photo of original ships, I could easily become a collector. Well, I'm pleased my transport ship is sorted, and I'm looking forward to seeing the Danish flotilla in action.

Thank you, Roger. I do think it has the tinplate look, which is vital for the traditional toy soldiers. Yes, these shops are now rare in the UK, but those remaining do seem to still bring in the customers. Model railway collecting has always had a larger following than toy soldier collecting, although Warhammer and Games Workshop secured many of the younger generations. The problem now is computer games are an easier option, in money and space, and young minds are attracted to easy options, and what is fashionable. 

Yes, Tony, I do agree. This one more than most, it really did strike me, this is what a model shop was meant to look like...... could have enjoyed spending real money in there. Too many toy shops are devoted to cuddly toys, and then go bust when the supermarkets take their vital Christmas trade!

Hello Donnie. I have used the bulk of one sheet, costing £2.50 (from the Frome shop). Also used a pen tube, costing 50p. The rest is odd and broken bits in my spares box. I guess there is about 50p of glue and paint which I should have included. The remainder of the plastic sheet is enough to construct either an ammo cart, or a field kitchen c.1914. I have a pair of cart wheels in my spares box, and a draught horse which all need to be used. Yes, it is a very rare sight these days, unlike new barber shops. I should have taken some photos inside, they wouldn't have minded!

Thanks Mark. Plasticard works best for lower deck models, and this one went together quite easily, I even found a steel bolt which allowed me to join the three parts of the engine.... luckily. Yes, the shop deserves to be promoted, it was a magical stop off to briefly visit. Could have spent 30 minutes in there with ease, but a roast dinner was awaiting our return, lol.

Thank you, George. We were both looking forward to seeing you both. And view your new home, and also visit the town. But it really was a memorable day, and fascinating to boot. I'm so pleased we linked it with Yuletide. That shop really did bring back memories of Harrow, although yours must be unique!

Hello Quinn. I have viewed the new model with various armies, and I'm confident it will prove extremely useful. Just waiting for an opportunity to field the entire collection in a c.1900 naval action, with five gunboats and two supply ships per side. Likely linked to the Dominion campaign. Unlike yourself, my best hope is to find some very large space indoors to stage it, those matchsticks can fly!

WARGAMING 1st SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN WAR (and New Additions)

                    A DANISH GARRISON IS ATTACKED BY A LARGE GERMAN FORCE 

For my Saturday game, the table was laid out for an 1848 Schleswig Holstein action. I distributed the armies and terrain in what I thought was interesting and photogenic. No bias here, I only look at the visual impact, and always allow any guest players to view and choose who they wish to command.

SCENARIO

A Danish brigade was encamped in a small coastal town. In the harbour was a naval gunboat with a heavy gun. The garrison comprised a cavalry squadron, two infantry battalions, a detachment of hunters, two field guns with crew. In addition, the local town furnished a small battalion of militia, and a company of militia hunters. The Danish commander was granted permission to request reinforcements, three dice would determine on which move they would arrive. It would comprise either an infantry battalion, or another gunboat.

Approaching the town were three battalions of German infantry (from various States), three companies of Jaeger, a squadron of cavalry, and a howitzer with crew. There was also a Hamburg naval crew manning a heavy gun. Supporting these regulars were three battalions of Schleswig volunteers, and one volunteer artillery crew with a field gun, all rated as militia for morale purposes. 

THE ATTACK BEGINS

MOVE ONE The Germans made an appearance on the table. MOVE TWO The Germans continued to advance, while the Danish signal cannon warned the garrison. MOVE THREE Both sides advanced, the Danes seeking to occupy the modest hill and windmill. The Ship gun opened up..... amazing, a D6 followed by a D6, knocked out the volunteer gun. The volunteer crew scattered. The Hamburg gunners fired back with their naval gun, hitting the Danish militia hunters, they now declined to advance further.

MOVE FOUR The general advance continued. The Danish militia rallied their Hunter company, who now agreed to advance. Both naval guns missed their targets. MOVE FIVE The Germans occupied a prominent farmhouse. Both naval guns inflicted a casualty, the Danish militia hunters fell to half strength and scattered. But the militia infantry nearby stood firm. 

MOVE SIX saw the Danish field guns open up. But the small arms were largely ineffectual. MOVE SEVEN The Hanoverians charged the woods held by Danish hunters. Initially they held and fired, but in the following melee the skirmishers suffered, their morale broke, and it spread to a neighbouring battalion of infantry! Elsewhere, some Hessian jaeger began to snipe at the Danish gunboat, no hits, but disturbing nonetheless. MOVE EIGHT saw small arms and guns bring down many on both sides, but none were broken in their resolve. Indeed, a member of the Danish royal family rallied a routing infantry regiment.

CASUALTIES

MOVE EIGHT Danish: 8, Germans:10.

MOVE NINE was bloody for both sides, but the Danes were able to rally their routing hunters. And the Danish militia holding the windmill more than held their own. MOVE TEN took the Saxon Guards below 50%, and their morale broke, with the nearby volunteer battalion behind them also going. The Danish cavalry charged the Jaeger, they barely held on. The Mecklenburgers charged the windmill but, amazingly, the Danish militia stood firm. 

CASUALTIES

MOVE TEN Danish: 13. Germans: 21.

MOVE ELEVEN witnessed the Danish cavalry continue their melee with the jaeger skirmishers, it concluded with the latter surrendering! While at the windmill, the Mecklenburgers tried again to enter but were unable. As loser in the melee, and under half strength, they now routed. The Hessian hussars witnessed the jaeger surrendering, and they declined to move forward. MOVE TWELVE the Danish cavalry declared a willingness to charge the Hessian hussars. AND, another battalion of Danish infantry began to appear near the town. The German commander sent word that he was willing to depart the field, this was accepted by the Danish commander. GAME OVER

TOTAL LOSSES

The Danish lost Seventeen (Infantry 5, Artillery 4, Navy 1, Militia 6, plus 1 deserter). The German Regulars lost forty one. (Infantry 25, plus 6 captured and another 10 routing). To this number we must add the Schleswig Volunteers. Only one casualty, but an additional 28 scarpered.

German prisoners are escorted away.

The best games rely on an interesting and believable scenario! But I did forget to grant a bonus to small arms firing from recognised marksmen, German jaeger and Danish hunters. Oh well, it was still a success, and enjoyable. 

                             

NEW ADDITIONS

                                                         NAPOLEONIC and MEDIEVAL

Spotted these on eBay, buy it now for £5 including postage. A few extra archers are always welcome, I will convert these into Saracens. Had a box of Airfix British Napoleonic Infantry in the 1970s..... fun to see them again. Still to decide how I will actually use them.

Couldn't resist working on the two Saracen archers!

This gives me nine archers, and eight javelin men.

WORKING ON MY W. BRITAINS JEEP

Went to work paint stripping this die-cast jeep, removed any residue, primed, painted, and then varnished. Decided to attach the model to my WW2 British Paras. It made sense, had already constructed a Para trailer out of plastic card in February, so it completes an interesting table piece. Also of interest, the Paras camouflaged their jeeps with black patches.

Still to add some unit markings, will be easier now the basic paintwork is safe to handle.

Primed and ready

Superb Quality Restoration/Reconstruction

Original Photo

PARA CREW FOR THE PARA JEEP

Picked up three Airfix para figures in the collectables shop for £1. A bit of a project, one of these needed to be converted into a seated driver. The standing officer now has a steel pin drilled into his foot and into the jeep footwell... nice and secure. 

A REPAINT JOB

Participating in the above wargame was a reconstituted unit of cavalry. I had decided to reduce one of my Spanish Cazadores cavalry units, and to convert them into Hessian Hussars. All went well!

Previously.......

AND ANOTHER JEEP ARRIVES!

I think this will be the last jeep for my collection. The Collectables trader kindly sold it for £6, and will be drafted into my American army. Just need to complete the spare tyre, and paint over any scratches. It was made by Dinky.

MGB

REPLIES TO FRIENDS COMMENTING BELOW

Thanks MJT. It was fun to fight something more colourful, and a little less modern! My next game will be Medieval, perhaps using my Saracens too........... Well, Chris has four days off work and has said we should fight another game. Likely Tues. or Wed.

Cheers Brad. I didn't want to undertake a 'major' conflict in the 19th century, nor did I want to invest too much time and resources in raising a collection. The Schleswig wars suit my situation, and I have enjoyed my three excursions into the conflict. Unfortunately, August, and now September have been humid, and often raining, so garden games were not viable. Oh well, an English summer! Yes, pleased with the restored jeep, completes my unit of Paras. About to distribute the Medieval armies on the table!

Thank you, Donnie. It seemed daft having six squadrons of Spanish cavalry when the collection is really a garrison force. Luckily, it only required a change of heads and some slight overpainting and I could have a Hessian unit. I'm tempted to repeat this process, to raise a hussar unit for the Danish. 

Hello Roger. The game started with a likely victory for the Germans, and then it all went wrong. Lucky dice kept the Danish in the windmill, and it stifled the German advance. And then the Danish cavalry did their job, and panic began to spread. 

Yes, one article mentioned the 'Mickey Mouse' rounded camouflage, although some examples are more like sharks teeth, lol. Amazed to see the Dinky jeep transfers were still ok.

Hi Quinn, my instincts also told me the Germans would win...... so I got that wrong! The big surprise was the Danish militia holding the windmill. Yes, they had a bonus in their morale because it is a 'declared position', but being charged made it likely they would panic. And that is what broke the entire German attack!