Monday 26 February 2018

"Here come the Prussians" as the 1805-07 project continues on the workbench

Prussian 1806 style musketeers and Grenadiers prepare to be mustered.  That's "Mustered" by the way, not
"Mustard" though I do like a bit of Dijon and those famous German Bratwursts! 


There was a slight lull upstairs as a few coats of paint were being meticulously added to the 2nd fusilier battalion of the Russian Fangoria regiment.  In recent months I have been making a conscious effort to try and keep the wargames room to a higher standard of order and function than...ahem...it may have been allowed to drift to in the past.  I have gotten into the habit of pulling out figures that are fully painted and just awaiting basing, been distracted, and then simply put them on boards flat and placed them back on the shelves.  Not only a lazy and inefficient use of space but poor from an aesthetic point of view as well..


As such, I felt an urge to free up some space on my figure shelves and my 1806 Prussians were the first cab off the rank.


The Elite figures in this range are slightly smaller than the rest for some reason however this doesn't detract from the
figures at all.  In fact it gives them quite an elegance that befits the period and the army. 


These figures, well half of them, were purchased from friend Nathan at Elite Miniatures Australia a few years ago.  They are all from designer Peter Moreby's excellent Early Prussian Elite range and are lovely figures.  I must confess to having a real affection for the period which originated from so many of the early Wargames Ilustrated magazine photo-shoots of his wonderful collection of 1805-07 figures that graced the pages in those days.


How can one not be inspired into wargaming as a young boy by that magnificent shot.


As I said, half were from Nathan and the other half were painted to match the style as closely as possible.  Not perfect but certainly acceptable.  Some GMB flags need to be ordered to replace
these ones and some mounted officers painted up to lead these fine Prussians into battle.


A few spares which will be added to an additional battalion with a quick change of facing.


Those Grenadiers look the part.  As you can see, the older style basing of the Colonel on his mount will still be the
case for these figures in the 1805-07 project.  You can see that the jutting piece of MDF is simply placed next
to the base and then fixed by simply mounting the horse with PVA white glue across the join.  Simple.

The plan is to have these lads, along with some Saxons that I have on the shelf, to support the Russians in some 1807 action and on occasion take on the French alone.  I will only look at build a maximum of two brigades of foot plus a brigade of cavalry and supporting artillery as that should be enough to add some variety to the table top for future games.


I will paint up a Prussian Fusilier battalion in the next month or so and then see how they look before deciding on the next unit.  All good fun and I am getting closer to having all these lads on the table soon for an early period GdA game before too long.




The Brigade Commander purchased painted and based by Nathan




16 comments:

  1. Bravo Carlo. I may have later Napoleonic Prussians but have always thought that the earlier 1806ish version would make a fine sight on the table top. The cavalry in particular would be spectacular.

    Salute
    von Peter himself

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    1. Cheers Peter and I’m with you, the cavalry with their bicornes and gorgeous I informs would be most impressive.

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  2. Ah indeed , inspiration alright .

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  3. Very nice...
    Normally when I think of Prussians my minds eye takes me to the later more conservative uniforms...I forget how colourful those earlier Prussians can be....

    All the best. Aly

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  4. Replies
    1. Thank you Serguiss. I am very much looking forward to getting these lads on the table soonish!

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  5. Lovely looking early Prussians! What's that "only two brigades of foot plus cavalry " are you sure there won't be any mission creep?
    Best Iain

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    1. I promise Iain that I will stay to that restriction...I hope.

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  6. early Prussians certainly look good and these are no exception

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    1. Thank you very much Kerry. I’ve always had a soft spot for then ever since I saw Peters photos in WI as well as the AB Collection and ranges I’ve seen in 18mm. Truly beautiful sculpts.

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  7. Carlo your units look so good. These look so involved in whatever it is they will be doing - my view of what the Elite figures bring to a table. Like you I have trays of figures that have been started and then put away - but in most cases needing much more than just basing. Perhaps I should declare an amnesty on them and get them done.

    Richard

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    1. So true on the Elites Richard, they have a particular look when in mass, which is unmatched. The problem with you and I is that the passion for the hobby is often inversely proportionate to the time we have available for the hobby. It can be quite difficult to finish off those projects that’s for sure.

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  8. Akin to the Russians, I much prefer these earlier, more colorful Prussian uniforms. These look super, Carlo!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you very much Peter - they certainly look the part don't they?

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