Well. at the Duchy of Alzheim we are busy packing things up as our renovations seem likely to re-commence next week. This is a good thing as it will render us with a more civilized amount of that unutterable luxury - more living space. In my personal case this will also mean a dedicated hobby space that I have taken to calling a 'shedio' - part shed, part studio and wholly man cave.
However, before this is to happen, current hobby activities need to be reduced to the size of a paining tray again and so I am now just painting - in dribs and drabs - just a few Napoleonics.This isn't really a problem as I am deciding on a few long term projects at the moment and deciding whether I can face painting a few hundred fairly gaudy troops will be a deciding factor. And just to complicate matters a little, I seem unable to choose between Spain and Egypt and so am plumping for both. I also am entertaining a horrible suspicion (based on starting to re-read Marbot) that I may also get stuck with the French and Austrians in italy in the 1790s.
Anyway, that's another kettle of fish and I have hopes of some inter-operability at least among the cavalry and the guns.
Here's today's issue. What's wrong with this picture? I started painting the line infantryman on the left initially thinking he's an elite company bod. Look at that plume! A Voltigeur, surely. Then I noticed he's got no epaulets. Uhh. Ok. A fusilier then. The chamois collar became red. That's right, I thought. But then there is that plume. Did they wear them? I always was under the impression that he ought to have a pom-pom (I'm thinking of the 6-company structure...). His shako is rigged for full dress, though, so perhaps a plume is plausible?
Then there's the officer. Is his plume OK if he's with the light company? Or ought it be white?
This is what Napoleonics do to a man.
The figures themselves are Bicorne and lovely. The officer was very easy to paint, the fusileer less so due to his strapping nature, but we got there in the end. Each took a painting session each to get through. More have been purchased.
Next up are some Formost 30mm Line gunners which look very dishy - technically for 1812 on, but I won't tell if you don't.
However, before this is to happen, current hobby activities need to be reduced to the size of a paining tray again and so I am now just painting - in dribs and drabs - just a few Napoleonics.This isn't really a problem as I am deciding on a few long term projects at the moment and deciding whether I can face painting a few hundred fairly gaudy troops will be a deciding factor. And just to complicate matters a little, I seem unable to choose between Spain and Egypt and so am plumping for both. I also am entertaining a horrible suspicion (based on starting to re-read Marbot) that I may also get stuck with the French and Austrians in italy in the 1790s.
Anyway, that's another kettle of fish and I have hopes of some inter-operability at least among the cavalry and the guns.
Then there's the officer. Is his plume OK if he's with the light company? Or ought it be white?
This is what Napoleonics do to a man.
The figures themselves are Bicorne and lovely. The officer was very easy to paint, the fusileer less so due to his strapping nature, but we got there in the end. Each took a painting session each to get through. More have been purchased.
Next up are some Formost 30mm Line gunners which look very dishy - technically for 1812 on, but I won't tell if you don't.
8 comments:
Very nice!
Do you still have Sharpe and his lads?
Sorry, you've gone over the edge.
I do rather like Bicornes despite their not being like what I usually like. They look even better with your painting.
Not my period really but I do believe the cords were worn by some regiments for all companies for several years after they stopped being authorized. Likewise with plumes, by 1808 they were for flank companies but some regiments did have them for all. Since they plume is a ball plus a plume I expect the idea was for customers to clip off unwanted plumes rather than carrying yet another catalog number. It is the presence or absence of a sabre and 2nd crossbelt that is the real mark of the flank company.
But put these thoughts of shakos out of your mind lad! If you paint bicornes for Italy they can also be used in Egypt early on and some later since not all battalions had the pouf caps and vari coloured coats. If you add some Russians for Italy you are then well on the way to the AngloRussian expedition to Holland and then........
Time for a stretch at Shady Acres with a blanket over you lap and some warm milk! ;-) In an case, beautiful painting. I wish I had it in me to return to Napoleonics, but so far, the will simply isn't there. Now, Holger Eriksson 18th century figures? That's another matter entirely. What's the timeline on your Shedio?
Best Regards,
Stokes
I do have Sharpe and pals somewhere. Somewhere being the word at the moment!
Ross, thanks for your reply. So now I have the pleasant choice of tall plumes? Lovely! As for the rest, it's pleasant to daydream, even if an abyss yawns at ones' feet.
Stokes, I saw your most recent blog post. Lucky beggar. The shedio is likely to be ready by the end of April. Getting there.
Greg
They look very fine to me! But I'm always style over substance.
Thanks Conrad, I like the figures - they're right up my own very narrow little alley.
I'm right there with you on style vs substance...
Cheers,
Greg
Yes the plumes should be removed for the fusilier figures. Bicorne did use standard heads across the fusilier and voltiguer/grenadier figures. It's OK to leave the plumes on the officer figures. It seems so long ago since I worked with Frank Hinchliffe on the Bicorne range.
Mr Mason? Thanks for your comment - yes, what would it be? More than thirty years, surely!
The Bicorne range are so very nice. Surely every wargamer ought at least have a unit of the Chasseurs of the Guard.
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