After seeing few new recruits for the 1799 project muster off the desk since mid-summer and with thoughts of gaming Montebello in my head, painting returns to the 1799 project. Off the painting desk, this time, are 26 18mm AB figures to muster two battalions.
Having examined Orders of Battle for the Battle of Montebello in 1800, I found Austrian light infantry and grenz were needed. So, what do I put into the painting queue? Two battalions of French Ligne infantry destined for the 100th Demi-Brigade (regiment). Yeah, I know.
While I could have pulled Austrian grenz and light infantry from my 1809 Napoleonic project, I really wanted to field the early light infantry and grenz. A bit picky but I did want the earlier uniform representation and AB figures. Anyway, one can always use more French ligne, right? I thought so.
With the 1800 battle of Montebello delayed until I can field the missing links, progress is being made on the 1859 version of the battle. The terrain has been placed to cover the scope of both the 1800 and 1859 battles. While both battles included the town of Montebello, the 1800 battle featured Montebello as a western French objective and the 1859 battle featured Montebello as an eastern French objective. The battlefield expansion to include both battles, opens up the scope of each. Possibly confusing now but all will be made more clear when the battlefield is displayed. For now, back to the painting desk. A few units are in queue and awaiting their turn in the photo booth too.
Lovely job, sir. These AB figures are excellent - dumb question time - they are, what, officially 18mm? - how do they compare with Newline's little 20mm? or the old RSM figures? and - since I am now getting silly - how do they compare with the Napoleon At War 18mm box sets?
That's all the questions for now, I think - I really just wished to compliment you on your painting.
Thank you for the positive feedback! Unfortunately, I can address only one of your four questions. These ABs I rate as 18mm. I do not have any of the other figures you mention so cannot comment until I get the required data!
Lovely looking fellows, very nicely painted, what a lot of detail for 18mm. If you can't be picky with yourself, who can you be picky? As you said, can't have too many french line units. Best Iain
Bicorned French infantry seems to be catching this time of year! :-) These are lovely.
You can be forgiven for leaving the pi[ing off the cuffs, collars, and lapels (although I couldn't do it, one of the reasons that my brief attempts at 15's were, well, brief!). I love the varied flag designs of the Revolutionary units, and these are striking.
The Austrian Light infantry of the Montebello era had strikingly different uniforms, IIRC; the Grenz are more a matter of cut of the coat and the headgear.
I could easily do these early era troops, but after 45+ years, I still haven't finished all the proper Napoleonic Armies, LOL! I am, however, closing in. Just Spain and Naples left... for the most part. :-)
Agree about the great variety in the FRW French flags. So many permutations and all look good. The light infantry are in the basic 1798 infantry uniform with helmet. The uniform is pike-grey color as was later jager uniform. The FRW grenz look more like their SYW Brethren than the later Napoleonic grenz. I am anxious to field both for this early war project.
Forty-five years and still going strong. Now that is determination and persistence! Well done for you!
ohh Excellent work Jonathan!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Michal!
DeleteLovely job, sir. These AB figures are excellent - dumb question time - they are, what, officially 18mm? - how do they compare with Newline's little 20mm? or the old RSM figures? and - since I am now getting silly - how do they compare with the Napoleon At War 18mm box sets?
ReplyDeleteThat's all the questions for now, I think - I really just wished to compliment you on your painting.
Thank you for the positive feedback! Unfortunately, I can address only one of your four questions. These ABs I rate as 18mm. I do not have any of the other figures you mention so cannot comment until I get the required data!
DeleteOh, lovely, lovely work Jonathan!!! Troops in bicorne are my favourite, and these guys are marvellously painted!! Cheers and keep ´em coming!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! I am partial to bicorne-topped warriors as well!
DeleteBicornes, I love bicornes...And these ones are wonderful!
ReplyDeleteMerci beaucoup mon ami!
DeleteA lovely looking regiment Jonathan!
ReplyDeleteChristopher
Much appreciated, Christopher!
DeleteLovely looking fellows, very nicely painted, what a lot of detail for 18mm. If you can't be picky with yourself, who can you be picky? As you said, can't have too many french line units.
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
Thank you, Iain! Ah, I am in very good company regarding my compulsion to fielding the proper troops for battle!
DeleteBicorned French infantry seems to be catching this time of year! :-) These are lovely.
ReplyDeleteYou can be forgiven for leaving the pi[ing off the cuffs, collars, and lapels (although I couldn't do it, one of the reasons that my brief attempts at 15's were, well, brief!). I love the varied flag designs of the Revolutionary units, and these are striking.
The Austrian Light infantry of the Montebello era had strikingly different uniforms, IIRC; the Grenz are more a matter of cut of the coat and the headgear.
I could easily do these early era troops, but after 45+ years, I still haven't finished all the proper Napoleonic Armies, LOL! I am, however, closing in. Just Spain and Naples left... for the most part. :-)
Bicornes! All of the cool kids are wearing them!
DeleteAgree about the great variety in the FRW French flags. So many permutations and all look good. The light infantry are in the basic 1798 infantry uniform with helmet. The uniform is pike-grey color as was later jager uniform. The FRW grenz look more like their SYW Brethren than the later Napoleonic grenz. I am anxious to field both for this early war project.
Forty-five years and still going strong. Now that is determination and persistence! Well done for you!
Perfectly looking Frenchies!
ReplyDeleteGlad you like them!
Delete