Windward Islands Squadron progress

Just a very quick update on the Windward Islands campaign. I’ve managed to get some more ships painted up, though they still need varnishing, ensigns and rigging. These will probably be split between the French and British so that Henry and I can start getting some games in. Now I’ve found a method I’m happy

The End of the Road?

I have to sadly announce that the Bloody Betancourt Blog will be closing for an extended period, due to me receiving what is called a ‘Section 21 Notice’, or a ‘no-fault’ eviction on my rented cottage as the owner wants to sell. It’s not all bad news, though, so don’t worry – I will be

Every hand to his rope or gun…

“England is under threat of invasion, and though we be on the far side of the world, this ship is our home. This ship, is England. So it’s every hand to his rope or gun, quick’s the word and sharp’s the action.“ Captain Jack Aubrey It’s been a few weeks since my last post, a natural consequence of

Standoff

15 October 1915 Lt. Nighy watched the artillerymen laying out the linen strips to form a letter on the ground – ‘L’; they were ready to fire. Quickly he tapped the wireless: ‘G-G-G’, and a puff of smoke told him the first gun had shot. He looked to the right, where his target lay behind

Wings at War: Planes and Trains

Although I’m developing a set of period-specific rules for my Paraguay, I’m also working on amendments to Wings at War: Duel of Aces to share with the Wings at War facebook group. I doubt anyone will play the variation, as it is very niche, but sharing ideas and projects is sort of the whole point

The 3:10 to Yaguarón – Part 1

Just a quick update to show some work in progress. One of the features of the air war in Paraguay in 1922 was the number of attacks on trains. In a sparsely populated country with poor roads, both side used trains extensively for troop movements and resupply, so it was only natural that I had

Patrick Hassett and Nicola Bo

As I’ve got my Government Air Arm Ansaldos almost finished, I thought I’d share some more stories of the pilots that flew them. Patrick Hassett Born in County Clare, Ireland on Saint Patrick’s Day 1899, Patrick Hassett was another who seemed to yearn for adventure. His service record is available through the National Archives, but

Stewart and Cusmanich

The air war during the Paraguayan Revolution of 1922 attracted all manner of adventurers, mercenaries and patriots. Two such men, one a Paraguayan national loyal to the government of President Eusebio Ayala, the other his English friend yearning for adventure, Sergeant Francisco Cusmanich and Captain Sydney Stewart. Cusmanich had been running a flying school when

Viva la Revolución

I’m still waiting for the Paraguayan decals to come from Dan at flightdeckdecals2400.com, but at least I can finish the Rebels’ planes as they had no identifying marks whatsoever. These are Ansaldos, a fast aircraft built in Italy. They were originally intended as front-line fighters, but although they were pretty manoeuvrable their speed and ceiling

Planes for Paraguay

Just a very quick update on my Paraguay 1922 project. I’ve got the painting (mostly) done on the Ansaldos (2 x SVA5 and 2 x SVA10 – one each for the Rebel and Loyalist air wings), the FK8 (complete with slogan painted on the sides) and the Breguet XIV. Just need to paint the crews