Great Italian Wars Swiss Pike Block

Fielding a large pike block of 39 figures is a big undertaking.  An undertaking I do not tackle lightly.  Though once completed, I never regret the time spent.  The sight of a Renaissance pike block on the gaming table is a sight to behold.  Since these lads will see service as either Swiss or Italians, I need to figure out a suitable banner or two.  For now, they muster out bannerless.  

These 39 figures, distributed across three Impetvs-sized bases of thirteen figures each, are all Old Glory 28mm figures.  Having a number of Old Glory figures from this range, I continue to maintain that this is one of Old Glory's finest 28mm lines.  This block is a mix of armored and unarmored pikemen.  I know I make this claim for Old Glory's Spanish-American War range too.  Both ranges are excellent and continue to remain my favorites among Old Glory's massive diversity of figure lines.     

What is next for the project?  In the painting queue are a handful of Old Glory Swiss/Italian crossbowmen for a stand or two of 'T' classed missile troops.  

Switzerland: Berner Oberland and the Alps

Staubbach Waterfall in Lauterbrunnen at daybreak

Back to the occasional ramblings and travelogue from my May 2017 Switzerland adventure.  

After a two-day stay in Luzern (see Bourbaki Panorama, A Walk in Luzern, Mt Rigi), Nancy and I boarded a train and headed to the Berner Oberland with a destination of Lauterbrunnen.  On the journey, the train passed several bucolic Swiss towns.  The slight, intermittent drizzle added a sense of ambiance to the journey.  

With a brief train change in Interlaken, we headed south to the Lauterbrunnen Valley and our base for two nights.  The train change in Interlaken not only changed trains but train lines and rail gauge.  The rail line to Lauterbrunnen is along a narrow gauge rail run by a separate company.

Staubbach Hotel - Base Camp

Arriving in Lauterbrunnen, the sight of the town nestled in a deep and narrow gorge is breathtaking.  Adding to the spectacle is the sight of Staubbach Falls cascading from the cliffs above the town. 

Staubbach Falls

After checking into our room at the old Hotel Staubbach and quickly stowing our gear, we returned to the front desk to get a bus timetable to Stechelberg and the tram to the top of the cliff.  With a couple hours remaining before the tram closed for the night, we wanted to make a quick trip up to Gimmelwald just in case the next day's weather precluded a trip up the mountain.  

Lauterbrunnen Valley near Stechelberg

Taking the ride up the cliff in the cable car, the views of the valley below were stunning as seen in the photo below:

Lauterbrunnen Valley from tram to Gimmelwald

Once at the Gimmelwald tram station, we changed trams and took the next leg of the ride up to Murren.  Disembarking in a light snow and fog at Murren, we wandered around the small ski village before heading back down to Gimmelwald.

Nancy bundled up in the cold of Murren

While Murren is the fashionable ski village, Gimmelwald's fashion statement leans towards satisfying the cow culture.  The aroma of the two villages is distinctive.

A dairyman's collection of cowbells

A snowy and foggy Gimmelwald

Down off the mountain before the tram closed for the night, we found a restaurant to try a couple of Swiss staples. For me, I went for the raclette. Nancy chose Rosti. Both good meals. After a chilly walk back to the hotel, we discussed options for tomorrow. If weather was good, we planned an early trip back up the mountain taking the tram to the top of the Schilthorn from Murren.

The next morning was clear.  Anxious to get up onto the Schilthorn before the crowds, we arrived at the tram house in time to climb aboard the first cable car run of the day.  Joining us in that first carload were a few tourists but mostly staff and provisions.  

Sunny early morning in Lauterbrunnen

What a view we had as the cable car climbed off the valley floor!

View down the Lauterbrunnen Valley

We were treated to even more stunning views as the cable car climbed seemingly straight up to the top of the Schilthorn.  Magnificent!

First leg of the Murren to Schilthorn tram

Schilthorn Piz Gloria in distance

When we arrived at the top of the Schilthorn at nearly 10,000 feet, workers at the summit building were busily removing snow from the observation deck due to a heavy overnight snowfall.  The workmen were not pleased with early morning tourists wanting to walk about the observation deck before their task was completed!

Summit building

While we waited for the snow clearing to finish, we took a window seat in the revolving Piz Gloria restaurant for some hot chocolate.  As we sipped the chocolate, we enjoyed a 360 degree view of the Alps without moving from our seats.

For James Bond movie aficionados, the 1969 movie, In Her Majesty's Secret Service was filmed at this mountaintop.  The restaurant and building are filled with Bond movie memorabilia.  This theme extended even into the men's restroom.

"Shake, don't Stir!"

Once outside on the observation deck, Nancy called to me to line myself up at one end of an open-ended tube and snap a photo of her.  What did she have in mind?  I did not know until I stepped up to the other end of the open tube with a line of sight to the Eiger and Monch.  I was greeted by the following sight.  Yes, a star is born.  A Bond Girl, for sure.  Queue the music.

My Bond Girl

With sunny skies, the three mountain peaks of Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau are all clearly identifiable in their majestic beauty.

Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau

After another forty-five minutes taking in the sights, we climbed aboard a cable car and headed back to the valley floor, some 7,000 feet below.

Tram line to Murren with Eiger and Monch in background

Back at the hotel just in time to pick over the last of the breakfast buffet, we quickly made preparations to take the train to Interlaken.  Interlaken was to be the embarkation point for a cruise of Lake Thun.  The Thun Lake and castle cruise is an adventure left for another time.

Szluiner Grenz Regiment

The 18mm 1799 Suvorov in Italy and Switzerland project has not seen much action at the painting desk thus far in 2017.  The last figures to cross the painting desk were in March.  Fortunately, the 1799 project did see action on the gaming table with a pair of battle of Montebello 1800 games making their debut.

To redress the lack of painting progress, two battalions of Austrian grenz hit the workbench.  These 2 x 13 figure battalions muster out as the Szluiner Grenz Regiment.

The composition of the battalions is mixed.  The mounted officer is an AB Miniatures' figure while the foot are all Campaign Game Miniatures (CGM).  To my eye, the CGM figures are, on balance, only slightly below the quality of AB.  In many cases, the figures are on equal footing.  In some, I prefer CGM.  As for size, CGM and AB match very well. 

After these grenz march off the painting desk, two French battalions of CGM figures will take their place on the workbench.

Squadron of British 14th Lt Dragoons

I continue picking off small handfuls of remnants from the 28mm Napoleonic section of The Lead Pile.  Today's offering musters out as the 3rd Squadron of the British 14th Light Dragoon Regiment.

As almost all of the cavalry figures in the Peninsular War project, these four troopers are from Front Rank's excellent range.  In their early war uniform with Tarleton, they are ready to see action on the field of battle.  First, though, I need to raise another two such stands to join them.  This time, there is not another "lonely" foursome available with which to form a provisional cavalry unit.  Once I assess the contents of The Lead Pile, an order to Front Rank may be needed. 

In the painting queue (deep in the painting queue, that is), are two battalions of infantry for the project: one battalion British and one battalion Spanish.  When will these figures actually reach the workbench?  I know not.  Raising a battalion of 28mm Napoleonics always seems like work.  Rather, painting has switched to work on a few 15mm units for a variety of projects.  One of these 15mm units will likely emerge from the painting desk next. 

Another item to move from thought to action is the writing of a recent Battle of Mollwitz Battle Report.  The thing is not writing itself, however.

Battle for Pratzen Heights

French elite batteries deal death from the Pratzeberg

To Christen his recently completed "Game Palace," Scott held a Napoleonic game to mark the occasion.  The MacPhee Game Palace is a beautiful addition to the existing residence.  Although housing a detached garage, the building offers a large play room for the kids and a fine gaming room on the lower level for the adults.  Well stocked with everything a gamer could need, this is a fine gaming venue.

Since the game was held on December 2, Scott picked a portion of the Battle of Austerlitz to commemorate the 212th anniversary of this famous battle.  Using the rules, General de Brigade, the action would recreate St. Hilaire's attack on the combined Austro-Russian forces as they fought for control of the Pratzeberg.

While Scott provided a mostly unbiased accounting of the battle at MacPhee's Miniature Men, I will provide an account from the perspective of the Austrian commander in whose role I took.

Initial deployment

The battle begins with a Russian column strung out as it marches to take the Pratzen Heights.  The objective of the 20 turn game is to be the last to occupy the Pratzen Heights.  While St. Hilaire's force is an elite formation with nary a line battalion, the Austro-Russian force is a large rabble.  The Austrians especially represent a poor force with most battalions being composed of conscripts.  With a poor command structure, the Allies have a tough job even though they outnumber the French.

When the battle opens, the long Russian column is committed to a march upon the Pratzeberg.  Even though the Pratzeberg objective is in hand with lead elements of the Russian column, the Austrian column commander, Kollowrath, wanted to send new orders to the Russians.  Although the Russian commander fails to respond to the Austrian's orders, he does make the change under his own initiative.

Fearing if he continues on his present course he will be defeated in detail by St. Hilaire before the Austrian conscripts can come up, the Russian 4th Column reverses course and begins retracing its steps.  Back across the valley they go and climb the heights from which they only recently passed.  

Russians reverse course

Perhaps ordering the Russians to retrace their steps was wise since the Austrian rabble has great difficulty in undertaking any action. 

Austrian rabble frozen in place

While St. Hilaire's French advance upon the Pratzeberg, the Russians deploy on the heights opposite the heights.  Only the French batteries make the climb up the Pratzeberg.  Russian guns, although inferior, score a few hits as the French guns unlimber under fire.  

Face off on the Russian left

Finally, the Austrian column steps off with a goal of applying pressure to the French left.  Although outclassed by a wide margin, the Austrians are hoping to apply enough pressure on the French left to prevent these elite troops from reinforcing the Pratzeberg.

Austrian infantry advance upon Pratzen.

The Austrian jagers are thrown forward to harass the French legere.  With the jagers screening the advance, the Austrian brigade on the far right passes through Pratzen while the other Austrian brigade bypasses the village to the south. 

Austrians reach Pratzen

Zoom in on the Austrian right

As casualties mount on the jagers in their attempt to screen the Austrian columns from deadly French musketry, artillery begin scoring a few hits.  Allied artillery fire is not as effective as expected with only one in three finding its mark.  

Artillery fire dominates the valley

Perhaps contrary to doctrine, the Russian guns focus on silencing the French guns while the French batteries adhere to doctrine and target the Russian infantry.  With only French guns deployed in isolation on the heights, the Russian guns have no alternative.  If French guns can be driven off, the Russian infantry may have a chance to cross the valley without threat of annihilation. 

Face-off on Russian left continues

French guns in isolation

After taking significant casualties but satisfied they have allowed the Austrian brigades to approach the French left, the jagers fall back through their troops.  Austrian guns continue their harassing fire upon the French lines.

Jagers fall back through Pratzen

Having found itself as the sole target of the large Russian battery, one of the French batteries routs from the heights after suffering more casualties than even elite gunners can manage.  On the French left, the Austrians form up within musketry range of the French legere and pin the French in place.

One French battery withdraws from the heights.

Sensing an opportunity with a French battery slipping off the heights and the reluctance of the French infantry to take its place, the Russians step off and descend the hill.  With only a few turns left in the contest, hopefully the Russians have timed their attack appropriately.

Russians finally advance on the Pratzeberg

Still, the French make no move to take the heights.  With that, the Russians make a general assault on the Pratzeberg.  With their guns masked, the Allied infantry is forced to engage the French without support.  The threat to the remaining French battery is too great.  It limbers and breaks for the rear.

Allies make a general advance

Having pushed the last French battery off the heights, the Russians are in control of the Pratzeberg.  In the confusion of close range musketry fire, the French brigade commander finds himself in Russian hands.  With its leadership temporarily absent, the French do not counterattack to retake the heights.

Russians crest the Pratzeberg

To ensure that the Pratzeberg remains in Russian hands, the Russian grenadiers coolly pass through its faltering brothers.  The Pratzeberg is ours!

Russians hold the Pratzeberg

With 20 turns in the books, the game concludes with an Allied victory.  Wow!  What a battle!  Even though the Allies outnumbered the French, the quality differential in both troop and leadership was daunting.  Compounding the difficult task the Allies faced, the French held the initiative throughout the game.  That meant French formations could both move and fire first each turn.  Ouch!

Had the French taken the Pratzeberg earlier, the Russians would have had great difficulty taking the position at the end.  A tight game to the end.  An Allied victory did not seem attainable at the beginning but pinning the French left with the mediocre Austrians worked in essentially splitting the battlefield into two distinct battles.  Allied casualties were heavy but victory was worth the expense.  Yes, this is the account of the action to be delivered back to headquarters. 

Judeans for the Assyrian Wars

After switching emphasis from the Assyrian Wars project in November in which only one unit made it across the painting desk, December begins with a unit for the project mustering out early in the month.  What departs the workbench is a first for the project.  That is a stand of Judean infantry.  Another unit for the project is in work and another first.  For the unit on the workbench, the figures are BTD.

For those familiar with the sculpting style of Newline Designs, these 28mm Judeans are immediately recognizable.  Good looking sculpts that fit in well with Foundry's Biblical range.  Good figures at a good price.

Speaking of good price, Sean held an early Christmas sale during the month of November offering a 25% discount.  Already priced reasonably, a 25% discount is an excellent time to fill out some units.  That is exactly what I did.  I few more Babylonian infantry are on the way to the States along with a surprise or two.

French 4th Hussar Regiment

Another quartet of 28mm Napoleonic horsemen muscled its way onto the painting desk.  Like the quartet of French Chasseurs a Cheval before (see A Few Napoleonic Cavalry), these French hussars are left over from the purchase of a dozen unpainted figures on the secondary market.

These four, finely sculpted Front Rank hussars have been lingering in The Lead Pile for a long time.  Good to get them out of The Lead Pile, across the painting desk, and onto the "Painted" side of the ledger. 

These four, French light horsemen muster out as the 3rd squadron of the 4th Hussar Regiment.  The combination of red pelisse, yellow lace, and blue trousers is a handsome one; one of my favorites.

With the recent additions of the third squadrons to two French cavalry regiments, it seems only fair to push a British cavalry quartet into the painting queue.  Having two squadrons of the 14th Light Dragoons already on the roll, adding a third just makes sense.

Before British light dragoons can make it across the painting desk, a dozen Judean spearmen for the Assyrian Wars project need my attention.