Balloons in the American Civil War.

[Westmarcher]

Another of life's little blows. 

Feeling deflated, are we? I understand your disappointment. I was the same with "Gone With The Wind"  - nothing to do with ballooning whatsoever.

Anyway, what were you expecting? A balloon shaped like a bicorne? 


P.S. Paul, are the lights on yet?
P.P.S. Did anyone notice that the Civil War balloon was also called Intrepid?

[Techno]

Anyway, what were you expecting? A balloon shaped like a bicorne? 

I'm afraid I keep seeing a painted ball valve from a cistern.   
What is it in reality, Andy ?
Cheers - Phil

[fsn]

I was hoping for something a little more colourful.

Maybe a bit more Montgolfier than Zeppelin.

As an aside, I do find early military ballooning fascinating.

(Please no jokes about the Prince Regent's tummy.)

[Leman]

I'm afraid I keep seeing a painted ball valve from a cistern.   
What is it in reality, Andy ?
Cheers - Phil

It is actually the purpose made Irregular Miniatures 6mm ACW balloon and wagon with crew. One of the crew is serenely lying on his back gazing up at said balloon. Figures painted in such a way that they can also represent FPW engineers, plus both the Union and French colours are red, white and blue (yes, I know the French balloon was yellow and I have no idea of the colour of ACW balloons - despite having had the chewing gum card showing it plummeting to the ground in flames - which never happened).

[Ithoriel]

Union balloon "Intrepid"

[d_Guy]

How disconcerting for the rebels having Gen Maclelland (?) staring down from on high!

[Leman]

I have General McLellan's great, great something or other staring down on my ACW games.

[fsn]

How disconcerting for the rebels having Gen Maclelland (?) staring down from on high!

It's worse than that. On one balloon he's looking to the left, on the other he's looking to the right.

Does that mean the balloon-McClellan is actually alive? 

[d_Guy]

It's worse than that. On one balloon he's looking to the left, on the other he's looking to the right.

Does that mean the balloon-McClellan is actually alive? 

Dang! Good catch - he bestrides the world like a colossus!

[d_Guy]

I have General McLellan's great, great something or other staring down on my ACW games.

Is it preserved under glass?

[Leman]

No, he's a descendant, but I'm not sure how far down the line. His father, also a McLellan, was a US serviceman stationed over here.

[O Dinas Powys]

It's worse than that. On one balloon he's looking to the left, on the other he's looking to the right.

Does that mean the balloon-McClellan is actually alive? 

The eagle is also holding different flags, *but* is pointing in the same direction... 

[Maenoferren]

I aim to have a balloon in my Anglo Egyptian force for Suakim...