Saturday 28 May 2016

Connoisseur Napoleonic Kings German Legion Hussars

Two squadrons of KGL ready for some action

A quick post today showing two squadrons of KGL Hussars for the ongoing actions in the Peninsular.

It it did surprise me that the range of figures available for these chaps was very limited indeed.  In fact I think in 28mm the Connoisseur range from James at Bicorne Miniatures may well be the only ones with the correct peaked hussar busby/headgear.

The peaked busby, so unique to the KGL Hussars, is well depicted in this shot 
Once again, these figures were designed and originally sculpted by Peter Gilder and like a few of his figure ranges, they were limited in poses and variety by modern day standards.  For example these chaps have no musician figure available with them in the range and it is something I will revisit down the track as a converting project.  I am told that for the metal used in the initial period of release was very conducive to soldering, cutting, bending and chopping.

Tuesday 24 May 2016

General Von Alten Napoleonic Command Stand

The man himself set in suitably Belgian countryside
In the light of some more command stands being photographed I thought it would be an opportune time to present General Carl August Von Alten who commanded Wellingtons 3rd Division at Waterloo.

This formation was heavily engaged during the battle and Von Alten was severly wounded.



The famous painting that the vignette is modelled upon

The magnificent diorama put on in Hanover at the Bomann Celle Museum is to thank for this wonderful command stand.  As I recall the piece was commissioned through Najewitz Modelbau by Jens Najewitz specifically for the museum at the superb rendition of the battlefield of Waterloo to commemorate the 200th anniversary last year.

Nice Hovels covered well in the background


The pose of the groom and the dog are absolutely perfect
The figure is still available through Schilling-figuren in Germany and was originally scuplted by the very talented Franz Germershaus.

Another view to show that I do, on occassion, get my sons to clear the wargames table!
The Bomann Museum was one that I did have the good fortune to visit many years ago on a business trip to Germany.  My memories of the delightful town of Celle were that it was shut almost exclusively on a Sunday but it was beautiful to wander around in.  The museum itself was delightful with all manner of wonderful uniforms and weaponry from the Napoleonic period and it obviously focussed upon the German contingents of the allied forces.

Lots of uniforms of the Hanoverians, Kings German Legion etc.  Unfortunately very little in the way of English translations on the exhibits and even less available in the somewhat limited shop at the museum itself.  However it was still very good.

It would be amazing to see the Waterloo Exhibit today though.  Maybe next year...

Thursday 19 May 2016

Napoleonic Command stand - General Hugh Halkett

General Halkett looks over teh field - lovely Perry Miniatures

As part of the constant growth of my Napoleonic collection, late last year I finally based these two figures in order to provide some brigade commanders for my Anglo-Dutch army at Waterloo.

One of the beautiful character figure packs that the very talented Perry twins have designed include a number of divisional and brigade generals.  In this case, I have based up the reasonably talented General Hugh Halkett who commanded the 3rd Hanoverian brigade in Clinton's 2nd Division at Waterloo.

Brunswick Mounted Colonel figure painted as a Hanoverian ADC

The command stand works well with the added field puddles in my opinion

Halkett also served in the Peninsular and saw some action with the independant KGL under Von Alten.

Really need to straighten up that bloody sword!
 A few more command stands to post in the coming week

Wednesday 11 May 2016

British 95th Rifles - "Reform to the left"



"On my order the 95th will reform to the left...REFORM!"
During the past year the opportunity to work to a deadline did wonders for my output and general habit of shuffling unpainted and semi-painted figures from one part of the painting desk to another.

There is no doubt that the Waterloo Battle Day project at the NWS was a proverbial kick up the backside for me on many fronts.


"Left is that bloody way Riflemen Costello!"
It also helped me draw inspiration from many wargamers blogs around the world. One image when I was hunting about for different ways to present units on the field was of a unit of Riflemen moving their rear ranks as the front ranks still issued fire upon the enemy.  For the life of me I cannot now find either the image nor the blog to give rightful credit for their creativity but when I do, rest assured they will; get their due honours.


Perry plastic rifles at the rear
This was a easy choice for me to try and replicate and add my own creative edge to.  It was obvious that the range of plastic riflemen that come with the Perry British Infantry box set would be perfect to represent the boys all scurrying off in good order to reform.


The rear officers and NCO marking the spot!

This shot gives a good shot of the attempt at some dynamic action to the stands

Combined with the metal Perry British Rifles Command advancing set it gave sufficient movement without the need to cut or solder a single figure.  This suits myself, my family and my Health Insurer down to the ground!

Suitably diverse group of figures which captures the "Light Infantry" feel of the regiment

Ready for action at the crossroads to the old village church


A few more special units to capture in coming months along with the continued work on the 1805-07 project.


NEWSFLASH - I found the original post on the blog that wholly inspired the unit above.


You can check out the excellent work from the Fawcett Avenue Conscripts here:


Fawcett Avenue Conscripts


It was really annoying me that I couldn't give credit where it was so thoroughly deserved.  All good now!