French Revolutionary Wargames 1789-1802

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.

Monday, 23 January 2017

Salm-Kirberg Artillery and Baggage Waggon, 1793

More work on my various Salm-Kirberg units serving with the British Army during the 1790s. Have just completed a command base comprising an officer in the infantry battalion having a chat with another belonging to the horse artillery section. And I have also put together a supply waggon. Although officially civilians were hired to look after the baggage train I have long felt that some units may have allowed a few regulars to help manage this operation.
MGB

Saturday, 14 January 2017

Street lamps for my Georgian Town

Just a brief entry. Picked up these two brass street lamps in a charity shop for 75p. Possibly a little large but when they are painted up, I think they will look great in my Georgian town.
MGB
UPDATE

And here is a second photo, both street lamps have really painted up nicely. MGB

Monday, 9 January 2017

British Royal Artillery 18pdrs for 1793-1796

For far too long my British-Emigre artillery train for the French Revolutionary Wars comprised a modest 12pdr, two 6pdrs, two 3pdrs, a medium howitzer, and a light galloper gun. In almost every game the British were unable to stem the tide of numerous French battalions attacking in column because the British artillery had little or no impact. Well my Royal Artillery has now been reconstituted and can now muster four 18pdrs, a medium howitzer, and the light galloper gun. There is also a potential of two Dutch 12pdrs, and two Royal Navy 18pdrs. This is a 'real' artillery train, with the ability to hold positions and besiege French positions. The gunners too have also received some improved paintwork. (The original light and medium guns are to be transferred to my Royal Artillery for the AWI, and are much more appropriate for that period.)
MGB

Thursday, 29 December 2016

SPARE MUSKETS FOR THE ARMOURY

Decided to spend some time clearing my spares box. Nearly 100 brown bess muskets, charleville muskets, and some civilian firelocks and carbines are now painted and ready. Also cleared some baggage items. MGB

Monday, 19 December 2016

SALM HORSE ARTILLERY 1790s

I already had a make-shift horse artillery for my Emigre/German Salm Hussars but I really wanted something better. I'm a lot happier with this model. Converted Hinchcliffe figures and galloper gun with my own bearskin-crested hats. MGB

Saturday, 17 December 2016

The 4th South Carolina (Artillery) Regiment 1776

Just completed two galloper guns for my South Carolina Artillery Regiment, serving in the American Revolution. Interestingly, this unit was able, apparently, to serve as horse artillerymen, and included limber riders as part of their formation. The figures are converted Hinchcliffe X-range.
MGB

Tuesday, 13 December 2016

AWI COMMAND BASES

Can muster a few more command bases for my AWI Crown and Revolutionary armies. The figures are Fife and Drum, with an Old Glory, and several converted X-RANGE from Hinchcliffe.
MGB