First company of French Perry's fusiliers (almost) done

 12 September 2023

Seems like ages but the first company of the 'in the pipeline' pile of plastic figures is done except for finalising the base which I will do when the regiment is finished. They are (obviously) French line fusiliers on campaign. 

One of the things that distresses me when I take the photos is that the figures can be enlarged and I see every fault and lack of skill which drives me nuts!! I am sure everyone else can relate to that.

That said, on the wargames table they look adequate (I hope).

In the pipeline August 2023

I thought I might indulge myself and post here what I have planned between now and the end of the year (hopefully). By others standards this will seem minute but this old pensioner has a lot going on and I am lucky if I get an hour a day to model, let alone a day to play a game!

So here goes and yes, these are all plastic. The cost of getting metal figures in bulk to Australia is beyond me sadly.

1 Box of Perry's French infantry

To be painted as French for a change. I have 'orphan' Hinchliffe Chausseurs and Grenadiers that need line companies to make up the regiment.

1Box of Perry's French Hussars 

To be painted as Bavarian hussars. One good thing about 1812 on hussars from all nation is that their dress was basically similar.

1 Box Victrix French foot artillery

I will paint one of the gun and crew as Bavarian (using a head swap) and the other two guns as French. I cannot identify if the Irish legion, Nassau or the Swiss had artillery in their units.

1 Packet Victrix Bavarian infantry

I will paint some as a line battalion and some as light to go with my HaT Bavarians.

I will update the blog as I go along.

29 August

French infantry ready for undercoating. I have been comparing Vallejo filler with liquid green stuff. Green stuff shrinks a lot more but is easier to apply so I will use a mixture of both in future depending on the figure. I will also be using Army Painter light grey primer.

Yes, those are wine bottle caps, have to look after the local industry - or that is my excuse!

Close up

Perry's French Heavy Cavalry Generals

 14 August 2023

I have just finished these lovely figures from Perry's 28mm metal range. I have been inspired by my fellow bloggers who have done some lovely command vignettes to do something with my French cavalry command. On reflection, I would have painted one as a Carabinier general but that is hindsight. I am looking forward to having them 'on the table'.

I know there are 'faults' in the paining but every time I try to fix one I create another. It is so frustrating not having the best eyesight and steady hands. How surgeons do micro surgery is amazing to me.

French line foot artillery

 21 July 2023

Finished my Perry's French 28mm line foot artillery. I have tried to make them look a bit worn from campaigning. I can't wait to get them on the tabletop!

Give away

 GIVE AWAY

These plastic HO figures were purchased in England in the mid 1970's. I no longer have any use for them and, as EBay now has very intrusive requirements to sell products I am happy to give these away to a good home. Please note, it is all to one person as I am paying the freight.

If you would like to add these to your collection (I am not into ancients, I thought I might but then life took over and I barely have enough time for Napoleonics) please email me your address - aussiechris1952@gmail.com. I also have some sprues that came with Wargames Illustrated that I will add.

29 July 2023

Well I am amazed, not one taker as of today, amazing.

Chris

Berg Lancer finished

 14 July 2023

Finished my Berg lancer, I am quite happy with it and the casting was excellent from Tradition.

The French line artillery piece is nearly finished, waiting on nuln oil to arrive for the metal parts. The crew have had a basic coating but a lot of detail work to be done then its on to another box of Perry's French infantry and a metal command piece.

Berg Lacer 1812

 Begun my next project - a Berg Lancer of the Guard. As followers know, I like the more obscure units of the Grande Armee and I have been wanting to paint one of these for a while. The basis is a Polish Lancer figure from Tradition who's uniform is essentially identical (except for colours) as the Berg Lancer. I did consider the more colourful Chevau-Legers but all that pink and white was a bit much. One has to wonder what Murat was thinking of when he chose the colours!

This is a good history of the units early period: https://www.napoleon-series.org/military-info/organization/Berg/c_BergLancer.html

Later info is available here: https://www.goonhammer.com/goonhammer-historicals-unit-focus-berg-lancers/

Image from the web

Basic painting stage - about 1 hours work.

 

About half way there, the black wash needs toning down. The sabre and lance will be added last.

Rear view

As a side job while painting the lancer, I have this 28mm Perry's French 6lb cannon and crew primed.