Growing up in Western New York State, the history of 18th-century colonial conflict among European and Native American nations was all around me. The French and Indian War (1754-1763) in particular has been a personal growing interest as an important sideshow to the larger Seven Years’ War (1756-1763) which is arguably the first true world war. Not only did the war end French dominance in North America, it also laid important social, political and military groundwork for the world-changing American Revolution (1765-1783). That the important FIW gets so little attention in American history makes it all the more fascinating for me to pursue the period as a wargamer.
French and Indian War Miniatures
After years of painting other eras in multiple scales, I’ve recently decided to dip my brush into getting some miniatures from the FIW added to my collection. The long-held standard for the period is the extensive offering from Conquest Miniatures. Through a partnership launched with Warlord Games in 2012, Conquest’s metal line of French, British, Indian and Colonial models have reached a larger audience as part of Warlord’s Black Powder system of rules and miniatures. Although a bit larger in scale to Conquest, I’ve also picked up models from the old standard Blue Moon Manufacturing and the excellent casts from Galloping Major Wargames. I’ve also found many of the figures, particularly artillery and transport models, from Perry Miniatures to work nicely for FIW. Muskets & Tomahawks and the latest reprint of Sharp Practice have further popularized the period among miniatures gamers who are all of a sudden clamoring to fight in the forests of 18th-century colonial North America. All in, I’ve got plenty of figures and rules to satisfy my FIW gaming for some time to come.
Check out the links below as I build out my miniature forces and scenery of the period.
Miniatures
British Colonial Militia from Kings Mountain Miniatures – COMING SOON!
British Regular Infantry from Conquest Miniatures
British Regular Infantry from Blue Moon Manufacturing
Civilian Workers, Guides and Pack Animals from Fife & Drum Miniatures and Wargames Foundry
Colonel George Washington from Eureka Miniatures
Compagnie Franches de la Marine from Conquest Miniatures
French Canadian Militia from Blue Moon Manufacturing
French Canadian Militia from North Star Military Figures
Rogers Rangers from Galloping Major Wargames
Scottish Highlanders from North Star Military Figures
Virginia Provincials from Galloping Major Wargames
Woodland Indians from Conquest Miniatures
Woodland Indians from Galloping Major Wargames
Woodland Indians from Knuckleduster Miniatures
Woodland Indians from North Star Military Figures
Scenery and Terrain
Building Fort Necessity in 28mm
Conestoga and Supply Wagons from Perry Miniatures
Re-Building a 28mm Wilderness Fortification
French and Indian War Gaming and History
While I’m waiting for the paint to dry, I keep reading up on the period, visiting historic sites, watching documentaries, listening to podcasts and playing a lot of FIW boardgames.
