With the Battle of Rivoli formulating for a winter game, the French needed a few more light troops. To satisfy that goal, off the painting desk march two battalions of legere for this upcoming conflict.
These 26 figures are AB Miniatures from the French early period with legere wearing the early shako with side plume. Nice figures as expected from AB. The addition of these two BMUs completes the infantry portion of the French OB at Rivoli. Remaining to field are four squadrons from 22nd Chasseurs a Cheval. Those horsemen are working their way through the production line.
While the Montebello 1800 game featured BMUs at the battalion and squadron level, I may zoom out the scale a little for Rivoli and assign each BMU as two battalions or two squadrons. Of course, after I set out the forces for initial deployment, it might make sense to zoom back in to the battalion/squadron level. For solo play, the former may be more manageable. We will see. As they say, no plan survives contact with the enemy.
49 comments:
They do look nice, lovely blue colour!
AB figures are a treat. And the French Legere look great. Certainly one of my favourite units.
One of my favourites too!
Ooooo very nice!
A great looking unit, no doubt! "En avant!"
i like those a lot! That early ledger uniform is the best, very elegant but with some stylish flair!
Really nice Jonathan...
There is indeed something particularly dashing about the early Napoleonic light Infantry... more like Hussars a pied than anything else.
All the best. Aly
Great looking legere, Jonathan. I like the look of the early shako with side plume. Ah, too many changes during the period to keep up with!
Glad you like the shade of blue chosen, Mark!
AB figures are great but I find them a little more difficult to paint than some other manufacturers' 15/18mm Napoleonics.
Glad you approve, Fran! Very good to see you back into a regular round of blog visits!
Thank you, Ray!
"En avant" indeed! Thanks for your support, Phil!
Thank you, Peter! The early French not only knew how to dress to look snappy but how to fight as well. French flair in style; both fighting and dressing.
As for French style and dash, I agree! The French had a knack for a dashing style of dress in all branches of service especially prevalent in light troops. I was sorry to see the early French legere lose the mirliton so quickly. I would like to find some French legere in mirliton in 18mm then could field "hussars a pied" in my own armies. Perhaps a conversion is in order BUT I hate wasting figures...
Dean, you are so right! Uniforms evolved quickly during this time period not helped by the distraction and necessity of the Egyptian campaign.
3rd photo, end man in the second rank is looking up at the camera. He has a certain look of disdain ... love it!
Norm, you have such a good eye. I love it too!
March on, march on!! Beautiful units!!
Very nice!
Lovely looking lights! Early war Napoleonic French army of Italy are so dashing but really they should be sharing one pair of trousers between every two men! Still the ideal look is great!
Best Iain
Great looking regiment!
March on, march on!
Thanks, Tim!
Much appreciated, Iain!
Perhaps, my legere are overdressed for the occasion but when going into battle one must look their best!
Thanks, Simon!
Excellent unit Jonathan!
Looking good! It’s nice to complete s unit for an upcoming project. 😀
Thanks, Michal!
Thanks. It is good to finish units for an upcoming project. One more to go,
You did a great job once again! An original subject, you don't see painted units in this era so often. And I must say that I like these flags very much :) These AB figures are great, I would be interested to compare them to 1/72 figures...
Thank you, Phil. I do not have any 1/72 figures to compare but the ABs will almost certainly be smaller.
Another lovely set of these most elegant fellows--love the look of Rev French legere.
Thank you, Ed!
Very nice Jonathan. I am being more and more attracted to the revolutionary armies.
Another fan of the Legere uniform, and these two lovely units, Jon. I would have a hard time not painting the white piping on the collars and trousers, but one hardly misses them!
Thanks, Mark! Perhaps, having completed your 1813 project, this era could be your next period to tackle?
Peter, the thin piping on the uniform in 15mm would be invisible when viewed on the gaming table with my eyes and a chore to paint on the ABs. Some figures better lend themselves to painting the piping than others. I went the practical and expedient route. Next time, I will giving piping a try and see if it makes a difference.
It is tempting, but I need to sort out more storage space first.
That blue en masse is going to look very nice. Good stuff!
Thank you!
It will be interesting to see. I agree at tabletop distance it will likely be of little or no import... but I would still have to paint it on myself regardless! :-)
Very nice! I am working on early french for Marengo, so have some lights to do. I think I agree that leaving off the piping is best, its too much of a pain at that scale1
Thank you! Some figures lend themselves better to painting piping than others. I find the ABs difficult so leave the piping off. I am glad to be in your good company. I look forward to seeing your Marengo work. Marengo has been fought a few times on my table. Very interesting situation and a battle I would enjoy revisiting.
Perhaps, I should send you a few to try for yourself?
Lovely paint work. I'm trying (and failing!) to do Marengo, so need quite a lot of french lights. never liked painting the light infantry compared to the line but you've done a great job. what colour blue did you use?
Thank you!
The coat and breeches are Ceramcoat Navy Blue.
I think that they are looking perfectly. It's a shame that I had not that uniform, when I was in Marengo 19 years ago.
Thanks! I have been close to visiting Marengo on two occasions and never made it to the site. Perhaps, one day, I can visit the battle.
Do you have photos of your visit? I would enjoy seeing them.
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