Shenandoah Valley, Fall 1862 (1 Viewer)

[Ken & Ericka Osen/H&A Studio]

Hi All!
I was inspired by Mike's recent photo dioramas of his new ACW collection and thought I would post a couple of images of a similar farm in the Fall of 62.
These same images were posted earlier on the H&A section of the forum, so my apologies if you have already taken a look at these.
This is a custom diorama that features many of the W. Britain scenic items I have patterned during the last couple of years.
They are all tied together and featured on a custom base measuring 27" X 27" finished with various H&A scenic products.

A young Confederate officer spots some stragglers at the end of the column and tells em to get a move on.

Some of the boys have been dilly dallying around the farm while the rest of the troops marched out and haven't even finished getting dressed yet.

Common boys... better me than the Provost!

 

[Scott]

You know I actually like fall better! Looks like something from around the Battle of Cedar Creek in 1864.

"Look out! Sheridan's coming!"

 

[Ken & Ericka Osen/H&A Studio]

Other than some missing chickens and pigs, this farm appears to have suffered little. The same cannot be said for other unfortunates in the valley.

You can bet that the smoke house is empty though...

 

[Ken & Ericka Osen/H&A Studio]

Thanks Scott... Fall is my favorite time of year too.

Looks like the boys are back on the road and will have to do some double time to bring up the rear.

Hope you enjoyed seeing some of our W. Britain Rebs in the valley.
Ken

 

[debrito]

Ken,
Your dioramas are always wonderful, but your trees are amazing looks better then real ones.

If one day you would like to share how to do those trees I will be the first interested to know.

Excellent job.

Rod.

 

[The Lt.]

Nice seeing you coming out to play Ken which you should do more often all work an no play you know the rest. Another beautifully done diorama base and photos. Gee no play time featuring the men of the 24th yeah I know got to keep the ACW and AWI lads happy and the periods are known to be your cup of tea....... Thanks for sharing them with us....Joe

 

[Ken & Ericka Osen/H&A Studio]

Joe!
I am waiting to get the next batch of pre production samples of the new 24th Foot before I take any images. Ericka and I are building a Grassy base to feature them on for fun, then we will post along with the rest of you. I have been looking at the various images of the area thanks to you and others and this will be something a little different for us.

Alan and I have both been busy creating new sculpts for the Fall catalog for this range, and I am pretty sure at least a couple will find there way into your collection up the road.

With that said however... you are right about me having a soft spot for the earlier periods and I promise there will be plenty more images of our new work before the OTSN show.
All the Best!
Ken

 

[Ken & Ericka Osen/H&A Studio]

Ken,
Your dioramas are always wonderful, but your trees are amazing looks better then real ones.

If one day you would like to share how to do those trees I will be the first interested to know.

Excellent job.

Rod.

Hi Rod!
I am looking forward to chatting with you in Chicago this year. We should have our room open by early afternoon on Thursday, so please look us up.
I think you are really going to enjoy this show... I understand it is your first time.
See you soon.
Ken

 

[The Lt.]

Joe!
I am waiting to get the next batch of pre production samples of the new 24th Foot before I take any images. Ericka and I are building a Grassy base to feature them on for fun, then we will post along with the rest of you. I have been looking at the various images of the area thanks to you and others and this will be something a little different for us.

Alan and I have both been busy creating new sculpts for the Fall catalog for this range, and I am pretty sure at least a couple will find there way into your collection up the road.

With that said however... you are right about me having a soft spot for the earlier periods and I promise there will be plenty more images of our new work before the OTSN show.
All the Best!
Ken

Had a hunch you had something up your sleeve just wanted you to spill the beans and I'm sure they'll be more than a couple ending up residing in my Land of the Zulus. Looking forward as others are to the fall catalog to see what WBritain's got headed our wall in all of the series.

Take care and as always nothing but the best headed your way.....Joe

 

[mestell]

I am very glad I inspired you to "play" a little bit Ken. Absolutely love the diorama, and although I like the fall season the best, so much more seemed to be happening "in the valley" in the spring. I know that smokehouse is empty. I should be getting my new smokehouse and well set by early of next week. Then all I will need is the farmhouse - can't wait.

Anyway, great job on the dio. Huzzah on your pictures and thanks for sharing them with us.

Mike

 

[Ken & Ericka Osen/H&A Studio]

Thanks Mike!
You are right on the money as far as the action in the valley. I just couldn't resist using my Rebs again on this one though.
Ericka and I are headed out the door on our way to a War of 1812 re enactment at Ft Erie in Ontario. I will try and get some good pictures to post when I get back.
See ya all soon!
Ken

 

[Andanna]

Thanks Scott... Fall is my favorite time of year too.

Looks like the boys are back on the road and will have to do some double time to bring up the rear.

Hope you enjoyed seeing some of our W. Britain Rebs in the valley.
Ken

Yes, I do. Tremendous diorama. Neat and unsurpassed attention to detail.

 

[Ken & Ericka Osen/H&A Studio]

Hi All!
We are back from the War of 1812 event at Ft Erie. We were so busy that Ericka only got a few images before we packed up and came back home. There was a great turnout of British and Canadian troops... but I will have to just take the camera with me next time a make it a point to get some images.
If you are ever in the Niagara Peninsula area you must make it point to visit the various War of 1812 sites and forts... you won't be disappointed!

Here the Grand Union flies over the Stone Fort.

Part of our small band of US Volunteers before assembly.

Ericka at the camp... with one of the guys rummaging around in one of the tents.

 

[mestell]

I know you and Erica had a lot of fun. Your pictures of your event remind me of the days when I did ACW re-enacting.

Mike

 

[thebritfarmer]

Very nice Ken, looks like you both had a good time. Now when are you going to make likenesses of yourselves for the Blue & Petticoats line

 

[Ken & Ericka Osen/H&A Studio]

Hi There!
Yes, we do have fun at these events. Living history has introduced us to some great folks all over the country with diverse interests and specialties. Although I am still active with a couple different periods, I just don't get out to do as much ACW as I used to... and when I do, it is usually just with the artillery.
When I was younger many weekends were filled with events at different sites and different time periods.. as my closets and chests can attest to. Now I often find myself attending as a visitor.

Maybe I can sneak a couple of figures into the line in the future... at least of Ericka and I when we were younger!

Here are a couple more images from the weekend of our small band falling in with the rest of the American forces at Ft Erie... and one of yours truly in My US Volunteer Infantry uniform and equipment. This is representative of many of the pre war organized companies throughout the US, that made up large parts of the army for short term service for a major part of this little known conflict.

I am sure that there were at least 250+ costumed participants at the event with the British and Canadians outnumbering the US at a two to 1 ratio.

 

[Lewey Gun Vick]

Great photos Ken! Thanks for taking time to share. I must say, The War of 1812 have some very spectacular and great looking uniforms!

Vick

 

[Jagdpanther]

Ken,

Awesome photos! Looks like a lot of fun. Always thought about doing reenacting myself,but haven't made a decision yet. If I did it would most likely be French and Indian War period.

 

[The Lt.]

Thanks for the photos Ken of both you and Lady Ericka nice seeing you outside playing and away from your clutter work bench....The Lt.

 

[Ken & Ericka Osen/H&A Studio]

Well no sooner that the boys caught up with the unit, their young officer has led them into into an hot situation!
I suppose if they would have known that the Yankees were this close they might have 'gotten lost' looking for some chickens at the farm.

All these Rebs are W. Britain figures... with more to come up the road...

All the Best,
Ken Osen