Battle of Seven Pines I

February 7, 2022July 3, 2023 ~ anthony ~ 4 Comments

*Close up of the redoubt (original: John Banks Civil War Blog)*

So looking at making some terrain features for ACW battles, I found myself drawn to the twin houses and redoubt that formed such a focus of the Battle of Seven Pines. While a few detailed photos taken in June 1862 show the twin houses clearly and from differing angles the redoubt that formed a contested focal point of the battle is difficult to make out in most of them.

The close up at right comes from the fantastic blog of John Banks, which I think of as essential reading for Civil War gamers and buffs alike. The photo shows a basically dirt rampart construction, it is difficult to make out if any internal bracing existed, though I suspect it in all likelihood did, and apart from the records that and maps that show the redoubt was occupied by artillery, (1 NY Coy A) other details of the redoubt are hazy. For the twin houses, I am going to try and replicate them in 3D-modelling software as close as I can before I print them for battlefield use. Given that the twin houses really are just a mirror of each other, I will design one, and just let the software flip the whole model for me.

Casey’s* Redoubt

Luckily I had already made a redoubt earlier and while it has less earth ramparts than the photo above and below suggest it will suffice for my needs. (see redoubt post)

*Close up of a twin house*
*(original: John Banks Civil War Blog)*

Twin Houses

2 story square clapboard, brick chimney on east side, door on west (offset to the south), 2 windows upper and lower floors on north and south sides. 12 pane sash windows open (so only 6 panes visible). half circle detailed fascia, chimney detailing at top. hip roof, almost pyramidal. (Design note: 3 part print for FDM printers: roof, fascia detailing, main building.)

Other

The Battle of Seven Pines is also a notable battle for the use of observation balloons by the Union forces, and while McClellan ignored much of the intel that came from the use of the balloon, I do think it would be a fun vignette to model for the table top. (So this is possibly something to add to the list for the future)

* Brig. General Silas Casey was the divisional commander when the redoubt fell to the confederate forces under D.H. Hill. Wrongfully blamed by a sick McClellan for turning certain victory into an inconclusive draw, Casey was to spend the rest of the war in largely administrative posts.

Reading (still): Welker, David A., The Cornfield, Antietam’s bloody turning point. (2020) ISBN: 978-1-61200-832-5

Char Grill Bar

February 3, 2022February 3, 2022 ~ anthony ~ 4 Comments

Char Grill Bar is a chain of western styled Hawker stalls located in various locations all over Singapore. This test was conducted in one of the two outlets in Sembawang, at a place that has become an almost regular haunt for I and a few friends, as it is not far off the path home, though we usually partake of the SGD $15.00 ribeye steak, this review is all about the Cheeseburger.

At SGD $6.50 this is the cheapest burger I have tasted in Singapore, add SGD $7.00 for a Tiger, and this makes SGD $13.50 all in for the burger and 2 beers. At that price you could have a second 750ml Tiger (so four beers) and only be 0.50c over the single dollar sign cost rating.

The burger follows the established accepted build of, bun, lettuce, tomato, raw onion, patty, cheese, and bun. This is the first burger I have tested thus far to include onion, albeit of a raw variety, it was surprising to find an extra ingredient on an offering so cheap. The patty was well cooked, and yet still slightly juicy, though it had no discernible seasoning that I could taste. The ingredients were fresh, and it was a good size to eat with your hands. The bun was un-toasted, so it is important to start eating it almost immediately, but it did hold together without making too much mess. The burger comes with seasoned fries, and coleslaw as two of the side options. As a side; the slaw is some of the best I have had in Singapore, with just the right amount of Mayonnaise and the right consistency, fresh veggies and a nice balance. Not like the watery limp stuff often found elsewhere.

Slightly less messy than the offering at Butcher – The Burger Bar, the burger here includes onion and being cheaper by half a beer, it’e worth the drop in, or even a look if you are this far North or near any of their other outlets on the island.

Rating 7/10 for flavour, and $ for price.

A Gaming Catchup

January 19, 2022March 28, 2026 ~ anthony ~ 9 Comments

For nearly my entire expat experience of 2 plus decades I have managed a yearly catchup with a good mate: a few beers, some nibbles and a game or two in his gaming room*. After a two year COVID forced hiatus, he and I were able to once again resume my run of bad-luck as a victory turned into a defeat just as a battle concluded and my 1’s were trumped by his 6’s.

So two quick games, the first Romans on Romans using Hail Caesar, a failure to charge home by my cavalry saw the battle turn against me very early on as I defended a ridge. Then an American War of Independence game using Black Powder, where a straight slog saw some initial lucky rolls turn in the later part of the battle as a near run thing came down to the last turn…and the dice do not like me. It was the second game that has me reflecting more and more on the rules I use especially given the popularity of Black Powder for many of my favourite periods, but… (And those but’s probably need a musing all to themselves)

Apologies for the poor quality of the photos, full blame for this goes to me.

Thanks to Greg for the great game and hospitality.

* This gaming room has served as the benchmark since the first time I ever stepped into it; part library, part gentleman’s club, part bar, part military museum with a wargaming table, it is quite simply, inspirational. And something I have always aspired too.

Reading (still): Welker, David A., The Cornfield, Antietam’s bloody turning point. (2020) ISBN: 978-1-61200-832-5