One Way to Model…

[OotKust]

Call me old fashioned, but not an antique…

I wrote something yesterday but the site ate it, so here’s the link without much boasting to go with it. My Minifigs© 25mm French (in name anyway) and an array of ‘Allied’ forces from 1805.

On Flickr :- https://tinyurl.com/davew-Flickr-Collection

Feel free to let me know what you think, or ask… anything,

😉 cheers dave

 

[willz]

Vey nice looking Napoleonic’s,  very cool looking display of fine figures.

[General Slade]

I love Minifigs.  It’s a great-looking collection.

[OotKust]

Thanks gents, I’ll use this thread to post more WIP as and when, like the token ‘cuckoo’ for the 2/ 26 Legere:-

The figures were actually painted and based two decades ago! Mea Culpa!

~dave

[Andrew Beasley]

The first wargaming shop I ever went to used to sell Minifigs out of cardboard boxes and had the full catalog you could thumb through to order from. Amazingly, he (Mr Toyne – I was too young to use his first name) would order single figures for you if you wanted and zero P&P charge.

Spent most of my money of VFW / LOTR but remember the friends (and older players) getting excited when ‘the big order’ arrived by post and was unpacked in the shop – felt like hundreds of these figures went off the shelves (well counter) in minutes.

I remember the dismay when the figure price increased to over 10p each – was real bad news to the fantasy players on limited money but never really stopped the Napoleonic players!!!

[OotKust]

Hi Andrew,

Appreciate the comments.

We didn’t have a ‘local’ store, well it was mostly railways… but I suspect the same level of excitement occurred when we received a new little brown box in the ‘post’ from the UK. Had to buy bloody ‘Postal Notes’ in £1-5 designations as overseas currency was restricted until the late 70s.

Some of these figures ARE actually from that vintage, I’ve never sold off Minifigs (except a few non-French) since I decided to ‘concentrate’ on a French army- we had damn all of them but myriads of Brits- so I wasn’t going there any more! Damn colonials!

There are actually a lot more units comprising the ‘army’ as such, I’ll have to detail what that is since my ‘other’ posts are all but sanctioned!

cheers

dave

 

[Tony S]

There’s something quite appealing about the simplicity and smoothness of Minifigs.   Very clean.

I’ve got some figures twenty years old too…but not painted or based, so there’s no need for your “mea culpa”!  🙂

[OotKust]

Tony S wrote:

There’s something quite appealing about the simplicity and smoothness of Minifigs. Very clean. I’ve got some figures twenty years old too…but not painted or based, so there’s no need for your “mea culpa”!

Yes Tony thanks! But that ‘simplicity and smoothness ‘ has begun to wear off a touch. I actually find myself excited when painting samples for my ‘allies’- which are all 28mm based opposition (WF/ CRM/Eureka now), but compatible for use with the Minifigs.

And if anyone is asking WHY?- I simply point to the 45 year investment into them!. I do enjoy the research and customisation I do, perhaps not great modelling, but efficient, in the mode of museum historicals- they’re all individuals!

cheers dave

 

[Brian the Kiwi]

Thank you for sharing photos of such well turned out troops! I will certainly go back to your photos when I am looking for some inspiration!

[OotKust]

Brian the Kiwi wrote:

Thank you for sharing photos of such well turned out troops! I will certainly go back to your photos when I am looking for some inspiration!

Well thank you Brian, that’s the kindest form of support for my eccentricities!

I really should build up the ‘back catalogue’ though as there’s a lot of prior work that hasn’t been documented and perhaps hasn’t seen any action for a long while either. They do get out but often it’s smaller games and play-tests that don’t involve large numbers.

Do we know each other? I was once part of the ‘conventions curcuit’ having been active from Auckland to Canterbury and a quite few places in between, but mostly back in 80-early 90’s before I got a management job and had to put in a good show.

regards

davew

[OotKust]

Well, even as modelling waxes and wanes, I have to keep moving so heres another Frankenstein moment as a line chasseur officer is ‘migrated’ to a Guard chasseur in undress (ie the habit/ second dress), done Friday:-

Stage 2 is to add the required aiguilette and then assemble which I did last night and is drying. I’ll then undercoat, possibly with or without mount, though I’ve found I prefer former version now as it gives one more area to ‘grip’ a wet figure and not spoil anything. Horses are easy when left till last!

The other officer will also lose his head shortly and be depicted wearing his pelisse, much as ADCs would do as ‘hard riding’ young men. Again he’ll be a Guard Chasseur.

As you probably know many young/ junior regimental officers were seconded to ‘staff’ duties within the Garde and also the Etat-Major-Generale (Berthiers’ Grande-Armée General HQ).

cheers dave

[OotKust]

A simple update of a set of Imperial Etat-Major ADC’s and the beheaded figure above.

The ‘important’ chaps are (Minifigs 25mm)- Capt. Lejeune (yes the painter) and Capt. Girardin- both ADC’s attached with Mal.Berthier however rubber-banded to the main man; the Chasseurs officer becoming an ADC to Bessieres; well naturally!

I particularly like the lighter shade of ‘blue’ on Girardin, by using a white base then a thinner wash of blue, rather than solid pigment. No pretence they are anywhere near finished, but doing this helps me ‘formulate’ my command vignettes. Lejeunes uniform is that depicted by Bucquoy in his series (for 1806 so it was probably a replacement!).

Just to show my favour has spread, heres my CRM ex-WF castings for the Russian 3rd Artillery Regiment, for Miloradovics corps at Austerlitz. These were just 6 pounders but anything can be used when necessary.

cheers ~d

[OotKust]

©dww_2022

Napoleon- The Leadership Team

Napoleons youthful ‘age’ is often benchmarked as significant, compared to his military opponents, and very often this is accurate.

However, he was a man of due diligence and perspicacity himself, and used those around him who suited, no matter their age or origins.
Such is the case when considering his army, and more importantly, those he chose as leaders.

As I am modelling a French 1805 Corps, plus ‘supports’, I’ve taken to maintaining a register of those most important in the hierarchy, and the models I will use to create these men. Let me remind you that my ‘commands’ in gaming terms are 1:1; that is each named individual is present with each leader- if they have two or three ADC’s, I depict them all.

The few characteristics based around important dates, relate core competency, promotion and durations and awards.

Using 1805 and Napoleons age in the campaign, just 36 years old, thus I measure those around him. This is important when selecting suitable other models for officers, aides and support characters I suppose one could call them.

I was surprised when I reviewed some of the ‘elders’ of the Imperial group, so will just restrict myself here to the top most and basic data for them. Some are extremely common names, others not so much.

Note that in my research [and therefore descriptions] I do not subscribe to the common form of applying a persons maximum role, rank or dignitary status at some future point. To take that to its’ logical conclusion, one would always then refer to Napoleon as the ex-Emperor of France. I do not bother with most dates and events after 1807 (the critical end of my interests).

Officers Aged 50 and Over

Berthier- Louis-Alexandre Age: 52 Born July 1753 Enlisted Jan-1766 (Geo-Engineers) and subsequently promoted General 1796. He served in the American Colonies, subsequently as ADC to LaFayette 1780. He was when promoted placed due to his overt abilities as Chef d’état-major in 1796 in the Armée d’Italie.

He lead, controlled and organised the highest command group under Napoleon- the Etat Major-Generale (Army General Staff), and as such held the unique rank, literally, of Major-Général of the Army. Alongside which from time to time he combined such a role and knowledge, with the ‘administrative’ role of Minister of War. As such, and Marshal of the Empire, he held the Grand-Cordon of the Legion d’honneur from 1804.

Dumas- Mathieu Age: 52 Born November 1753 Enlisted in 1773 in the Genie and promoted General of Division only in 1805, due to his post I imagine. He also served in the American Colonies and ADC to Rochambeau 1780 so clearly was a well known associate to Berthier in war.

In the Grande Armée he was placed in command, as one of three highly respected individuals called ‘Aides-Majors Generaux’ who each were ranked as Adjutant-Commandants whilst simultaneously holding their ranks of General of Division, to the Second (2eme) Section (Maréchal des logis) of the EM-G. He held the Commandeurs Cross of the Legion d’honneur from 1804.

Belfort- Jacques Renard (!) Age: 52 Born December 1753 Enlisted in Apr-1770 in the Royal Cavalry and was still a Colonel in 1805 of the 12e Cuirassier Regiment.
He was awarded for his actions during the campaign and Austerlitz the Commandeurs Cross of the Legion d’honneur AND promoted General de Brigade in the post Austerlitz recognition of 26 December 1805 (we better not call it ‘Christmas’ as it apears it wasn’t at the time). The ‘awards’ happened to coincide with his 53rd birthday. The Division (Nansoutys’ First Heavy Cavalry) was subsequently in pursuit of the Russians. He was one of the oldest cavalry commanders in the army. Great name btw, Jacques the fox! However strangely, he is not inscribed on the Arc de Triomphe!

Ordener- Michel Age: 55 Born September 1755 Enlisted in Jan 1773 in the Royal dragoons and served across a variety of regiments in all ranks. Distinguished in 1800 in the Army of the Rhine he was subsequently promoted to command the Grenadiers à Cheval of the Garde Consulaire. Promoted to General de Brigade (as were all Garde ‘Colonels’) and made Commandeur of the Legion d’honneur June 1804. Grievously wounded at Austerlitz, he was promoted General de Division in the post Austerlitz recognition of 26 December 1805.
Unable to recover from wounds, he retired from the military to civil occupation before dying in 1811.

Piston- Joseph Age: 51 Born in 1754 Enlisted in 1791 in the Royal Cavalry and joined his new home as Gen de Brigade to the Carabiniers in 1793! In June 1804 he was awarded Commandeur of the Legion d’honneur and remained in command of the 1er (Carabinier) Brigade of Nansoutys’ 1er Heavy Cav Division. Post Austerlitz he was promoted GDV and he retired in 1808.

Scalfort- Nicholas Age:53 Born February 1752 Enlisted in Apr-1788 in Royal Cavalry and became a General de Brigade August 1803 at the Army of the Coast. Awarded Commandeur of the Legion d’honneur June 1804. Leading the 2eme Brigade of the 3eme Division des Dragons (Gen de Division Beaumont) he performed better than more junior officers.

These are some of the senior officers who ran and led some of the critcal formations of the Grande Armée.
– –

cheers

[OotKust]

Weary of the ‘old’ commands and gaming generalship, and of course encouraged by gamers using advanced modelling artistic licence, I decided to produce my own senior command scenery as well.

A vignette for a particular instance- Marshal Davouts early morning arrival near Austerlitz. Why him? Well I could spin a yarn, but I’ve made myself a golden rule- no troops without commanders ANY MORE! [Had far to many in the old days].

So when my ‘New Right Wing’ started to take form, enthused very much by Bob Goetz new (now old) Austerlitz 1805, I challenged myself to produce a ‘draft’ version of what my ultimate commands would look like.

Thus the Marshal, lain in wait for 3 decades to get a job [ie beyond a cosmetic paint job), has been customised (Minifgs) and had a core of ‘support’ added. Not your usual officer laden bumph- his younger brother was a Colonel and ADC; an escort from the 1er Dragons, both a trumpeter for signalling and a veteran acting as close defense with musket ready; and a ‘Polish’ liaison officer who acted as local interpreter, and/ or knew the geography well to act as guide.

Thus at some 7:30am on December 2 1805, the marshal halts at a stream bank to observe events before crossing. Apologies it has no depth of field to clearly show the figures that are, 99% finished with a few touch ups to follow.

A shot from the back gives a clearer view of the elements involved:

==>> 502 Bad Gatewaycloudflare so pic wont load right now.

regards -dave

[OotKust]

In view of the IT problems experienced [trying to ‘edit’ a posted topic] I’ll just try throwing the ‘from behind’ view up now as a separate post- done very quickly…

davew

[OotKust]

Just thought I’d post an update, with atmosphere…

Marshal Davout contemplates,lurking in the bushes on the raised embankment, the proposed route across the parallel stream that runs North-South from the Turas high Plains (to the West of the Goldbach), approaching Tellnitz about 7.00am on 2 December 1805.

 

He will soon after crossing with his scant command party, be met by an officer of the 8eme Hussars who is riding hard to inform him that the 3eme de ligne is hard pressed defending the town by enemy, Austrians it seems.

He will send an ADC officer forward to see for himself, while Davout returns to the marching Brigade commanded by Heudelet de Biere, an experienced regimental (demi-brigade) leader and General, some few kilometres back near the Turas High road, marching somewhat toward Sokolnitz.

Once Heudelet de Biere receives the verbal instructions from his Marshal, with conditions depending upon what the ADC finds, Davout goes back along the route to hurry along and direct his other Divisional troops under Friant across country North of the ‘lake’ (another settling pond really) Ottmarau that will lie in their path and on to Sokolnitz. Heudelet will not reach Tellnitz until approximately 0800. The men will have marched 10kms in 3 hours, with a triple ration of eau-de-vie issued.

With Heudelet de Bieres’ brigade moving off at a ‘pas de course’ fast pace* in columns; Davout also sends the rest of the detached 1er Dragons in support under command of Heudelet.

Later when he encounters the 4eme Division des Dragons under Bourcier (Sahuc being the senior Brigadier), he detaches their artillerie-legere peloton (3 pieces) to also follow  Heudelet to Tellnitz. They arrive to succour Heudelets brigade from disaster about 0815.

Meanwhile, taking a swift repas whilst the Division passes, now directed across country, he arranges with Friant the march directly on Sokolnitz. It will be two hours before they arrive.

*According to John Cook Esq. from ‘First Empire’ 150 paces per minute. I believe they took a 5 minute rest after 55 minutes march. Redressing the ranks and allowing stragglers to catch up, they were off again 5 minutes later.

Hopefully he will see action this Summer…

regards dave

[OotKust]

Three years ago [2019] I decided to kick myself into gear and get tHose damn lead piles moving.

Well I tried in various ways- modern research required to not only find out what I’d missed but also if things had changed- surely not? How could history change???

So one of those formations that I’d partly planned was Oudinots Grenadiers de la Reserve [1805]. I had some voltigeurs done, but not whole battalions as we believe they existed.

Nowadays I rely on a spreadsheet to define who, which and what units wore, as best I could. Who had ‘those’ companies; who wore bearskins; which version of uniforms should be depicted; and the biggy- was it true that the entire Division adopted shakoes after the salient reports on the miserable appearance of men in rain soaked ‘chapeau’ in moderate Brittany and Pas-de-Calais?

Well I pumped up a couple of battalions- who knows why I started with the Second Regiment [81e de ligne bon]-

and [9eme de ligne bon]

Well, if theres no current progress, at least I have the memories…

cheers dave

[OotKust]

Progress you say?

Well, very little I suppose… not that picking up 20-30 figures and cleaning and modifying paint jobs isn’t some kind of progress- just not the banner catching variety I guess.

So with some standing time (and 3 weeks sidelined due to yes, that lurgy finally arrived- so January ’23 was lost to me anyway), I’ve pulled back to ‘completions and refurbs’ mode.

So the starting point-

1. Pontooniers;
2. Engineer/ Sapeurs and
3. Dragons a Pied bon

All are near completion, say 85%, dragoons less so as numbers per regiment facings need balancing, as well as single command.

Get these characters available and more scenarios will unwind…

–

And yes, the artilleryman is there because he’ll be joining the engineers in a modified form (sans bearskin)- he was a random figure left over from a multi-bag purchase, and I’m not creating those!
–

Refurbishing a second hand purchase that was all ‘plain green’ and a few metal bits sticking out; hence the ‘varied’ look- those little figures, nearer 20mm, no idea who they are but I’ll squeeze them in units rear ‘rows’ (lets not call them ranks coz they’re gonna be a skirmish mob)… and yes, they actually had an Eagle (with squadron guidons) with every battalion!

A token gesture to the hard marching poor sods of the dismounted cavalry they had to do in 1805, and later…

cheers d

[willz]

Nice figures OoKust, those French sappers are cool looking and the dragoons are very smart.

[OotKust]

willz wrote:

Nice figures OoKust, those French sappers are cool looking and the dragoons are very smart.

Thanks willz, I’ve made my ‘working men’ tend to be dirty and active dress, so these Miniature Figurines ‘sets’ are good; half the engineers and all the dragoons are from Ian Hinds place I mentioned elsewhere.

I needed these ‘technical troops’ to ‘fill out’ to the working parties you need for such; pontoons also available and one piece of train; just not worked out the ‘design’ of how to stage them, but no rush on that.

One should equally have some for the Austrians, as reading more about them they ‘threw’ as many bridges as in Italy (and with Suvorov) as the French.

cheers dave

[OotKust]

Well in the zig-zag of life… here’s one out of the blue that I’d been sitting on for a couple of years. Dang it when you think you’ve got it done… back in 2020 I completed a unit that had sat at 50% complete (the unit of 3 chasseurs bases this time- not the paint job, for more than a decade, due at my insistance at lack of corroborative information).

Then, out of nowhere (well the websnetts) came a memoir with a short snippet of info

“at the end of 1807 there were no voltigeurs, merely a carabinier and 8 companies of chasseurs until the regiment returned to France” (in 1808 although I have lost track of the exact quotation).

So here they are, corrected to 2023 now…

Those other ‘technical’ corps alluded to above have been quietly getting their complete dress ready for the prom as well…

And no, nothing to do with PLDs adventures and research, but if he comes up singing a different song, I may just go into meltdown… :-]

regards d

[OotKust]

Those Hinchliffe purchased recently gave me a side issue to work on. Herewith an ‘unknown’ half-company of Russia 1813 Horse Artillery as a WIP (lets call it 95% done);

The final figure to fit in I had to paint from scratch a week ago, matching as I went. He’s the loader standing off top right, yet to be detailed.

The others as bought were well painted and gloss sprayed- they only needed some red piping, sabre scabbards recoated to all  silver (steel) and a few slight touch ups.

In the ‘leave it as is’ vein of resurrection of the old H. I hold, I’ve done the same with these. I could have created a full 12 gun battery- however, I have a cunning plan (like Baldrick!) to add some putty crests and use the other unpainted models of them as part of my 1805 Coalition force.

I’ve come to realise the word ‘Allies’ is hardly appropriate for this time and instability of both minds, monarchies and governments!

The staged ‘Winter’ snow drifts are because I completely forgot I was not doing the 1805 Winter version! Nevertheless they did fight in a bit of dingy weather so it’s not so bad. Subject to revision I guess.

cheers dave

[OotKust]

Corrected this March post to display the phoTograph in line…

OotKust wrote:

Well in the zig-zag of life…

So here they are, corrected to 2023 now…

-d

[OotKust]

I thought I’d posted on TWW my ‘history’ of wargaming French Army- the lack of an index for things like ‘Favourites’ etc. means less than efficient control I find.

So herewith, a bit of the mass d’armes that comes out a few times a year to collide with others of similar ilk.

The Dragoon Division- actually only four of the six regiments; those others being the single brigade of Cuirassiers actually completed- no the boxes are not sufficient to include all the commanders as well…

IMG_3570 3e Div Dragons storage 2019_sm by DaveW[/url], on Flickr

Details on the regiments involved are adjacent to this if you care to view.

Another, some of the infantry:

IMG_3322_2019 review- 3eme Division fusiliers ©dww 2023 by DaveW[/url], on Flickr

As I wrote in caption (theres more so please visit…) A general view of my 20 year old painted Minifigs, 8 line battalions comprising Legrands 3eme Division of 4th Corps d’Armée (Marshal Soult)- missing are the two elite legere battalions.

Just to reiterate my point about making 1:1 commands (as I have since the 80’s), regardless of what rules/ writers say/ expect, heres the 3eme Division leadership team (I suppose you’d call them today…):

IMG_4509_sm 3eme Division by DaveW[/url], on Flickr

Well, thats an update- the 60 odd figures on my painting table don’t count do they!?

regards-davew

[willz]

Very nice looking battalions, you will have to stop posting these photos.  It makes me want to collect some Mini figs😀.

[Skip]

Fantastic army

28s are awesome figures, I marvel at them at every convention and enjoy playing with the big boys there as I have 15s, a massive collection started in Old School with small basing at that ( Empire) to bother with flocking.

[OotKust]

Thanks guys!

[OotKust]

Another time and place- a mock-up basing for the commander of La Garde Imperiale a Cheval- finally Marshal Bessiéres appears after years of research and customisation in Minifigs™ 25mm scale.

He appears with his Etat-Major- both personal and military staff, regimental Chasseurs and ADC’s.

The group is probably one figure light at this stage, but all present were known or likely to be in attendance, given the protocols of a marshal of the Empire. Larger pics available here:-

IMG_6910_sm 46% Bessieres Command 2023.

A further view from a rear 3/4 shot:-

IMG_6913_sm Bessieres Command- 1805 by DaveW[/url], on Flickr.

 

[Heroy]

Super good !

🙂

[OotKust]

Alexandre my thanks in your confidence.
Just Premiere ADC Major Barbanegre (Jean Baptiste) Ofc604 as a Gr à Ch to complete next.

[OotKust]

Linking

OotKust wrote:

Minifigs Horses- Adapting and Utilising

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[Author]

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