As discussed in an April 2015 post when I began setting up the Raab game (see Staining the White Menace), deploying the Austrians for the replay prompted me to consider and then undertake treating the white-jacketed Austrians with Minwax stain. At that time, only the white-coated infantry not used in the battle were give the dip. The results were pleasing.
With the conclusion of the Raab battle, I decided to tackle staining the remainder of the Austrian Napoleonic 15mm army. Now, this activity does not include the 18mm Austrians that are being built for the 1799 campaign. Those 1799 Austrians not already stained may receive the treatment some time in the future.
Having completed the staining task for the entire Austrian army, I figured a parade review was due. This is likely the first time the entire Austrian collection has been out on the table for a parade. Quite a mob, is it not? As units are mustered over many years, one can easily lose track of exactly how many troops have been called up for mobilization.
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| Austrian Army |
Formidable
ReplyDeleteThe multiple boxes of Austrians suggested a large force but once all laid out on the table, it is apparent. Do you think they will ever all see action on the table at once?
DeleteLet's do Wagram!
DeleteI always considered Wagram too big to play out in 15mm since the battlefield covered such a vast chunk of ground. Even my 12' x 6' foot table would not be large enough and would require multiple tables.
DeleteMaybe I should reconsider?
The scale of Wagram would be presentable in 6mm.
Jake, hint, hint...
I'm getting there. I think I have the same number of Austrian models as you, only they are in 6mm. Long term. perhaps we can drop my collection on your giant table to do the game right.
DeleteI will host your troops anytime!
DeleteAmazing and impressive!
ReplyDeleteThis is what happens after 20+ years of painting!
DeleteSublime or awe! ;o)
ReplyDeleteYour choice!
DeleteYour Austrians look ......Awe! :o)
Deletecheers,
Phil, I appreciate that!
DeleteA heck of a process to have to go through, but the results are well worth it.
ReplyDeleteThe staining goes much more quickly than you might think.
DeleteIt is better to stain the figures BEFORE they are based, however!
Impressive Austrians!
ReplyDeleteWhen all are on parade, it is an impressive sight.
DeleteA fine flock of Kaiserlicks! So, Jon, exactly how many of them are there?
ReplyDeletePeter, you know the figure count is right at hand, don't you?
Delete25 guns, 212 horse, and 1,110 foot.
A glorious collection. You could definitely do Wagram in 15mm if I could do it in 25! :-)
DeleteSeriously, probably the biggest and best (form a pure, fun game standpoint) I've ever done. Throw in a real chance that Johan shows up to keep the French honest, and it's a tight game!
Maybe I could pull off the troop counts in 15mm but I have always been concerned with the physical size of the battlefield. That would consume several tables, no?
DeletePerhaps this refinement of the Austrian's uniforms will bolster their morale, and provide them with the élan they lacked at the recently lost battle of Raab. Do I small a coming re-match!?
ReplyDeleteThat might work!
DeleteHad Johan's Austro-Hungarian force been composed of regulars, and not the high proportion of green/militia insurrectio, Eugene might have seen a very difficult outcome. Johan's defenders of Raab were certainly not the equivalent of his brother's army lining the banks of the Danube.
A rematch is a possibility but a different venue, for sure.
Jonathan, what a great collection! The effort to "upgrade" will be well worth it. I have just completed phase one of revarnishing all my armies with a new flat varnish (instead if the supposed matt spray varnish that left an unwelcome sheen that I have put up with for years) and I couldn't be happier with the results. I only have three armies to go now.
ReplyDeleteHi Mark, I have never had good results when attempting to use matt varnish. Like you say, it always leaves a bit of a sheen. Given that, I always use Testor's Dullcote. Some cans still can result in a slight sheen but must produce an almost dead flat result.
DeleteOnly three armies to go for you? That still suggests much work remains. If I forge ahead with staining the 15mm Napoleonics, I have a number of armies to treat.
Appreciate your comments!
Yes work will continue when we get home from our holiday - maybe a thousand figures to go. We passed quite close to you today, actually - well close insomuch as we live in New Zealand, you in the Palouse and we zipped through Seattle on our way to Alaska.
DeleteIn relative terms, 300 miles from Seattle to spokane is hardly a blip when you have traveled from New Zealand. Next time, make plans to stop by for a game or two!
DeleteHave an enjoyable time in Alaska. We took a cruise from Seattle to Alaska last year about this same time.
As expected you have been very busy Jonathan! That is one impressive collection!
ReplyDeleteChristopher
You have yet to see it all, Christopher!
DeletePainting is one of the activities for which I rarely grow tired.