Friday 28 July 2017

Napoleonic update

Hi!
Here are the first pictures of the Austrians cavalry, based and almost ready for action. I have yet to paint the cavalry standard of the Hussars. I also have to attach the stats on the rear of the base and add a command section to the cuirassiers. Possibly even the Hussars.
Austrian Hussars, Uhlans and Cuirassiers



The cavalry work out well as 1 figure = 2 squadrons. As each base = a division that is 3 divisions of cavalry.
You may notice that the front of the base of the cuirassiers is darker than the back. I paint the bases prior to flocking to give better coverage.
A problem with the infantry. I tried to maximise the facing colours of the infantry in the Austrian army. I had wanted 4 units to a base with 2 units of each with the same facing colours. One behind the other. This wasn't strictly necessary as each individual unit would be 2 battalions of the same regiment. But I wanted the look of it. I thought I had done enough but have found it not to be the case.
I could make up an avant-garde unit with the cavalry and one unit with some artillery thrown in. I like the thought of that. But that would mean a sparse base as the avant-garde was only brigade strength. I could halve the stats to give a proportionate effectiveness. I wonder if anyone else has done that?
I will take a moment to assess the quantity and type of figures required to make up the bases for what I have at the moment. It will mean that I will drop the French start for now to finish the Prussian and Austrians as there will be extra painting. But it will mean larger armies for both. This re-evaluation is because I had wanted to clear all the unpainted figures that have built up. Now I have to add to the pile!
I know, though, that I am short of cavalry for the Prussians so this is no bad thing.

Until next time.


Saturday 22 July 2017

Blucher basing

I have received the bases from Sally4th (Sally4th).
Instead of the 80mm bases I have opted for the 75mm size since the measuring implement is ready made.
The idea, if you remember, is to use each base as a division. I have looked at many depictions and found that, to me, just 1 or 2 battalions doesn't look like the effect I want.
Having tested how the figures will look on the base I have opted for 12 figure battalions in 2 ranks. That will be 4 battalions to a base which would look more like a brigade or division.I had thought to go for a slightly smaller figure ratio but I think it is the right decision for me. There won't be a lot of space between the battalions side by side but a there is a discernible gap.
I need to order some more figures from Heroics & Ros (heroicsandros) as the French I bought from eBay is a mixed bag of all the different types and I have no idea what is what and if they are enough for a corp or two.
Perhaps even a bag or 2 of the ancient British for the warbands?
Pictures when the first are based.

Monday 3 July 2017

Poems for Wargamers 3


Fighting South of the Castle

They fought south of the Castle,They died north of the wall.They died in the moors and were not buried.Their flesh was the food of crows.“Tell the crows we are not afraid;We have died in the moors and cannot be buried.Crows, how can our bodies escape you?”The waters flowed deepAnd the rushes in the pool were dark.The riders fought and were slain:Their horses wander neighing.By the bridge there was a house.Was it south, was it north?The harvest was never gathered.How can we give you your offerings?You served your Prince faithfully,
Though all in vain.I think of you, faithful soldiers;Your service shall not be forgotten.For in the morning you went out to battleAnd at night you did not return
Anon 124 BC