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Saturday, February 21, 2026

1st Dragoon Guards

Following closely upon the heels of the Highlanders, a body of British cavalry trot out from the painting table.  These troopers muster out as the 1st Dragoon Guard Regiment.  Figures are Eureka Miniatures and came as part of a rare bulk buy of unpainted lead from eBay.  The lot had more British cavalry in mitres than I can likely field, but a bargain is a bargain, right?  Well, a bargain only if I paint and field them!  I need to do some research on all of the units that sported the mitre whether in battle or on parade.
As well-known by now, Eureka cavalry are my favorite for this period and almost all of my cavalry across all nations are comprised of Eureka figures.  At last count, (just tallied this morning) there are over 1,000 painted Eureka cavalrymen in the SYW collection.  Who knew and how did this happen?
Besides more Highlanders for the period, a regiment of British foot is working through the production line.  The British foot figures are the last of the Blue Moon British sculpts in The Lead Pile.  After these are finished, then it is on to bags and bags of Old Glory British.  Yes, bags and bags...

On the gaming front, games have been non-existent this week as I recover from injury.  Monday sees me take command of the Prussian Army in Reject Richard's next remote Koenig Krieg SYW battle on hexes.  With Russian dispositions unknown, I have little idea what to expect.  I am sure that the Russian commanders will complain that Frederick got the better ground!  Should be fun.  
This morning, it is back to the painting desk and then putting the finishing touches on the scenario for the upcoming Montebello game.
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42 comments:

  1. Michal DwarfCryptFebruary 21, 2026 at 7:58 AM

    Very interesting unit and great paint job Jonathan!

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  2. Neil ScottFebruary 21, 2026 at 8:05 AM

    A nice looking regiment

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  3. Andy McMasterFebruary 21, 2026 at 10:33 AM

    Nicely done unit.

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  4. DaiFebruary 21, 2026 at 10:43 AM

    Murderous British grumble grumble grumble. LOL I'm sure even 400 years later there's Scots out there with that in their blood.
    Good looking cav mate.

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  5. NormFebruary 21, 2026 at 11:13 AM

    Nice job ….. and 1000 cavalry, impressive in anyone’s books. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

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    1. Jonathan FreitagFebruary 21, 2026 at 12:52 PM

      Thanks! I was surprised that I had painted over 1,000 SYW cavalry. The first thousand are always the hardest! Well, I injured my back this week cycling and lifting weights. This is an injury to which you are well-versed.

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  6. Phil RobinsonFebruary 21, 2026 at 11:37 AM

    Another fine looking unit to join the ranks!

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  7. david in suffolkFebruary 21, 2026 at 11:37 AM

    Dragoons look goosd, I can see why you like the Eureka figures. 1,000 of them - wow! Good luck as Frederick..

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    1. Jonathan FreitagFebruary 21, 2026 at 12:53 PM

      Thanks! Hopefully, Frederick will see better luck in this game. My Russian commander saw little luck against the Wily Ottomans in the last game of Richard's.

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  8. Ray RousellFebruary 21, 2026 at 11:49 AM

    They are rather nice, Jon. I've never seen Eureka 15's in the flesh, How do they scale up to other 15mm ranges?
    Looking forward to the game Monday night!

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    1. Jonathan FreitagFebruary 21, 2026 at 12:54 PM

      Thank you, Ray! Eureka cavalry are much bigger than other 15mm manufacturers. Going head-to-head against you is always a challenge.

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  9. rrossFebruary 21, 2026 at 12:31 PM

    They look great Jon. The Eureka figures are always very nice in whatever scale. Injury, what did I miss? Hope you are fighting fit again soon. Your comments about the 1000 figures painted and how did that happen resonates with my comments to Dai re my on collection!

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    1. Jonathan FreitagFebruary 21, 2026 at 12:56 PM

      Thanks, Keith! As mentioned to Norm, above, I injured my back at the gym this week. I hope to be back in fighting shape soon.

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  10. Lawrence HFebruary 21, 2026 at 12:34 PM

    SYW British cavalry always look smart and you have done a great job on these. Over a thousand Eureka cavalry is an impressive amount.

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    1. Jonathan FreitagFebruary 21, 2026 at 12:56 PM

      Thanks, Lawrence! I agree that the British always turn out smartly.

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  11. Christopher(aka Axebreaker)February 21, 2026 at 5:15 PM

    A very lovely unit Jonathan!

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  12. pancerniFebruary 21, 2026 at 9:37 PM

    Jonathan, a fine locking addition to your 7yw armies. No doubt they soon will have earned their spot in the battle line.
    Sorry to hear your injuries there in the gymnasium. Do take care of yourself. You have too many rides to report on and games to enjoy.
    Joe
    Ps We get another winter storm Monday, possibly more snow than the January clipper. More painting time.

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    1. Jonathan FreitagFebruary 22, 2026 at 4:41 AM

      Thanks, Joe! I see that you are expecting another massive winter storm. Out West, we have enjoyed a mild winter, thus far. Little snowfall likely spells trouble this summer when the rivers run dry.

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  13. Duke of BaylenFebruary 21, 2026 at 11:10 PM

    I hope your back recovers quickly and completely.
    Those mitres might suggest a look at the Hanoverian army too? You don't need a whole Hanoverian army just reinforcements for the British.
    Stephen

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    1. Jonathan FreitagFebruary 22, 2026 at 4:43 AM

      I hope the back recovers quickly too, Stephen! I built up an Hanoverian Army a couple of years ago including the horse grenadiers. There must be a few British units wearing mitres if only on parade. Maybe Scots Grey?

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  14. Ben CatoFebruary 21, 2026 at 11:26 PM

    They look great Jonathan! And never mind, 1,000 SYW cavalry is a good start and not to be ashamed of. I am sure you will have a decent amount painted in no time😂

    Hurt your back lifting weights..... moving the lead pile around again? Hope you are better soon.

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    1. Jonathan FreitagFebruary 22, 2026 at 4:45 AM

      You're funny, Ben! You think 1,000 cavalry may not be enough? Indeed! Moving The Lead Piles around could do my back in, for sure!

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  15. DavidFebruary 22, 2026 at 6:43 AM

    Great work on the new figures Jonathan! I think they multiply when we are not looking, strange forces at work in the Lead Pile...

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    1. Jonathan FreitagFebruary 22, 2026 at 8:49 AM

      Thanks, David! I think painted figures DO multiply when no one is looking!

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  16. RichardFebruary 22, 2026 at 6:46 AM

    Great looking cavalry, Jonathan. That is a stunning number to have painted.
    Hope you are fully recovered for the game tomorrow.

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    1. Jonathan FreitagFebruary 22, 2026 at 8:56 AM

      Thank you, Richard! No fully recovery by Monday but fit enough to sit for a couple of hours.

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  17. Steve J.February 22, 2026 at 9:18 AM

    Great work on the Dragoons Jon and hope you have another good game with the KK rules:)! Hope you've recovered from your injury and can get back into the swing of things soon.

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    1. Jonathan FreitagFebruary 22, 2026 at 9:27 AM

      Thanks, Steve! I hope to be back in fighting shape soon.

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  18. Amtmann B.February 23, 2026 at 1:50 AM

    I love British cavalry of the period. However I'm excited to see Marengo too. I was there in 2000 as a young guy in all the mud. Great paint job by the way...

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    1. Jonathan FreitagFebruary 23, 2026 at 7:58 AM

      Do you have photos from your 2000 battlefield walk?

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  19. Matt CrumpFebruary 23, 2026 at 2:14 AM

    Nicely done Jon….you obviously need more cavalry ?

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  20. Aly MorrisonFebruary 23, 2026 at 4:42 AM

    Lovely cavalry Jonathan…
    A 1000 SYW cavalry is certainly an impressive amount…
    I wonder how much all your collections weigh 🙀

    All the best. Aly

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    1. Jonathan FreitagFebruary 23, 2026 at 8:04 AM

      Thank you, Aly! Good question! If the collection was stored above ground that would be an important number to know. Since it is stored underground, in the basement, I have no fear of floor collapse.

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  21. AnonymousFebruary 23, 2026 at 4:07 PM

    Nice! Have you looked at some of the allied German cavalry for the surplus horse grenadiers?
    1000 SYW cavalry?! At 12 per regiment that’s 80 regiments plus spares for commanders’ bodyguards. 35 Prussian cavalry regiments takes care of nearly half. More because they’re twice the size of the British ones. No problem 😉
    Chris/Nundanket

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    1. Jonathan FreitagFebruary 23, 2026 at 4:21 PM

      Besides the Hanoverian Grenadiers a Cheval, what do you suggest? Looks like I have more work to do!

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