With glorious spring weather in the Pacific Northwest, outdoor cycling mileage has seen a big boost with an offsetting sacrifice in time at the painting desk. Afternoon workouts are much more enjoyable cycling around the region rather than sitting in the boring confines of the stationary bike. Still, perseverance with the brush continues albeit at a reduced rate.
Off the painting desk today are reinforcements for Suvorov's army for the 1799 project. These dozen Cossacks wear the black Astrakan cap familiar to the Don Cossacks. The caftans and trousers are an assortment of mid to dark blue although the photos really do not show such distinction.
Figures are Eureka Miniatures from the 18mm SYW range. Excellent sculpting and a much needed addition to bolster Russia's light infantry arm. From OBs on the 1799 campaign, it seems Russia brought mainly Cossacks west for the campaign. Several more Cossack regiments will be needed for the project. Only a handful of Russian hussar, dragoon, and cuirassier regiments appear infrequently in the campaign. Most heavier cavalry roles are filled by Austrian horsemen.
With eighteen new units mustering off the painting desk thus far in 2016, perhaps it is time for a parade ground review?
Fantastic painted minis Jonathan!
ReplyDeleteAppreciate that, Michal!
DeleteMost impressive Cossaks Jon!
ReplyDeleteMost impressive comment!
DeleteExcellent, Jon! I am looking forward to some 1799 games!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Scott! The project is on the brink of testing our gamesmanship in the earlier period. While I could field enough for a game now, I could use a rebalancing to include more cavalry and artillery.
DeleteLovely work Jonathan.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ray!
DeleteThose are indeed nice Jonathan! I see your painting hasn't slowed down in the least.
ReplyDeleteChristopher
Thank you, Christopher! April painting has slowed down due primarily to good weather and two weeks of travel for work.
DeleteGreat looking Cossacks, Jon. IIRC, at least in later years, light blue distictives were indicative of the Hetman's own regiment
ReplyDeleteThanks, Peter! I saw an illustration with the light blue cap bags but did know its provenance. Good to know and, as always, you are a wealth of information.
DeleteWithout looking it up to be completely sure, as you are planning to do more regiments ("pulks", IIRC almost all of the other DOn Cossack regts have red distinctives in one shade or another. I'm away from home, so I checked my own blog post for the reference, and from 1812 on all red except the light blue of the Ataman's regiment became official. Prior to that the choice of color was up to the individual commander. Nafziger says there is no record of these colors, although I wonder if newer works by Rawkins or Summerfield might shed some light there. Regardless, some shad(s) of red, including Raspbery (worn by Orel Cossacks as well, and ofyen shown as similar in hue to "Polish Crimson") would likely be the safest choice. However, it looks like other colors are possible pre 1812 (and surely Cossacks were not known for their respect for regulations anyway!)
DeletePeter! Thank you for providing such detailed information. I read that red (or some shade, thereof) was most common but was drawn to the light blue. Based on your info, I will return to reddish distinctions on later pulks.
DeleteTo be fair, those would not be out of place in the Crimea or perhaps even later.
ReplyDeleteI agree! These figures could see service from 1700 to nearly 1900.
DeleteGreat cossacks Jonathan!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mike!
DeleteImpressive Cossack unit and very nice!
ReplyDeleteAppreciate your support, Phil!
DeleteGreat looking cossaks lovely paint job as always, so is it cossaks in 28mm next for the great game?
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
Iain, thanks for the comment!
DeleteFor the Great Game project, I think next into the painting queue will be a 12 figure unit of Russian lancers. They will only be lancers in name only. You see, all carry a carbine or musket. Looking over the summary in the last post, more Russian regulars would be a useful addition too. Cossacks will find their way into the painting queue eventually.
They look great Jonathan!
ReplyDeleteThanks, James!
Deleteit doesn't matter the era or the time period. There is just something awesome about mounted lancers. Nicely done.
ReplyDeleteAgreed! I could use more of the fellows.
Delete