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.
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Wednesday, 7 February 2018
Italian Grenadiers 1798
A small but colourful post. Recently completed a company of Italian grenadiers, allies of the French Republicans. I think these home-casts look rather dashing painted up with white gaiters, and colourful mirliton hats.
MGB
Hi CB, for the record, when I portray an officer on campaign in re-enactment I occasionally wear tinted spectacles. Yes, they were advertised for sale in English newspapers from the 1760s onwards. We already controlled the seven seas, but sunglasses are required if you intend to take the beaches too lol. Michael
An unusual but striking figure!
ReplyDeleteJonathan, mirliton hats are something special!
DeleteMichael
Where did these troops see action? I might have to add them into my own FRW project.
DeleteWould need to check battle orders but its going to be in the Italian or Swiss campaigns of the late 1790s.
DeleteMichael
I love this beautiful uniform...and your great paint brush!
ReplyDeletePhil, saw several plates indicating mirlitons, just had to have them in the collection.
DeleteMichael
jolly nice figs
ReplyDeleteThanks Allan, the mould is working rather well at present.
DeleteMichael
Great looking figures. The small Italian republics threw up some great looking uniforms, well done.
ReplyDeleteThanks Robbie, they certainly did have some distinctive units. Its the last flourish of the 18th century lace wars.
DeleteMichael
Gorgeous
ReplyDeleteThanks Colin, for the compliment.
DeleteMichael
Italians have a reputation for style... Great looking unit! Sunglasses would round them off :-)
ReplyDeleteHi CB, for the record, when I portray an officer on campaign in re-enactment I occasionally wear tinted spectacles. Yes, they were advertised for sale in English newspapers from the 1760s onwards. We already controlled the seven seas, but sunglasses are required if you intend to take the beaches too lol.
DeleteMichael