French Revolutionary Wargames 1789-1802: December 2017

Wargame Rules, Ratios, etc

RAISING MINIATURE ARMIES FOR THE LATE 18TH CENTURY

I am very keen to keep my wargame rules as simple as possible, yet capture the character of the 1790s. Morale dominates the games as the opposing sides are very different. Most of the French troops are 'levee' battalions, which I have chosen to base in column as their ability to change formation on a battlefield must have been limited, nor do I believe their volley fire had any great value. Of better quality, able to change formation, will be white-coated regular and blue-coated volunteer battalions, aided by a fair number of skirmishers. The British, Austrian, Dutch and German armies are often outnumbered, but they maintain the discipline and order of typical 18th century armed forces. Interestingly, French revolutionary cavalry have little in common with their later Napoleonic counterparts, the former are few in number, often poorly mounted, and no match for those in the service of the Allies. All figures are 28mm in scale, using a 1=25 ratio.

Sunday, 17 December 2017

Dutch Hussars arrive to stem the French Invasion c1793

Finally, the Dutch are now able to furnish some cavalry to support the three understrength British mounted units. But its still nowhere near the number the Revolutionaries can field. This regiment numbered less than 250 men and were often referred to as the Red Hussars.

Well don't ask me why, bought this in a charity shop for £3. I blame Allan at the Wittenberg Blog for the purchase. But I do have a feeling there are some fun projects lurking in this model, and I still have a fair number of fine cast wheels etc in my spares box. Happy Christmas!
MGB

Saturday, 2 December 2017

Dismounted Augereau Hussar-Guides take the Field

Just completed a dismounted troop of Augereau Hussar-Guides for my French Revolutionary army. The figures are actually designed for the mid-18th century, and produced by Crann Tara Miniatures. Because of their earlier portrayal, I used a knife to alter the bow-cockade for something like a round-cockade, appropriate for the 1790s. I must say, the figures arrived totally free of flash, and they are exquisite miniatures, what I call anatomically correct, no caricatures here. Hope my painting does them justice.
MGB