Sunday 14 June 2015

Big Brothers VII

With the lead squadron of the second half of 3e régiment de cuirassiers complete, there leaves only four miniatures left to paint before I have two full regiments ready for action or four medium sized units in Black Powder terms.







I’m in UK next week with only a few days left before heading to Istanbul for a conference and thence to Slovenia on holiday. So those last four are unlikely to be finished until I’m back in mid-July. Still, I've made a start, so we'll see how far I get. Then it’s on with the second horse artillery battery and limbers for both batteries, as well as the divisional commander.

Saturday 6 June 2015

Russian Test Paint

Here's my first stab at pinning down paints for my next big project - a Russian Infantry Division c.1812. These figures will eventually form the Grenadier platoon of the 1st battalion of the Reval Regiment (i.e. they were predominantly ethnic Estonian and blond)


The matt black undercoat was sprayed on with any gaps picked up with the paint brush afterwards. Then they all received a generous dry brushing with Citadel Rhinox Hide. This helps my aging eyes pick out the detail, as well as provide a natural shade for most tones. Brass work was dealt with using Army Painter Weapon Bronze and Citadel Ironbreaker was used for the musket barrel, bayonet, and canteen.


All the metals received a wash of Citadel's Agrax Earthshade and Nuln Oil, and base colours were then applied: Foundry Russian Green Shade (69A) for the uniform, Citadel's Codex Grey for shako cords, sword knot, greatcoat, and webbing, XV-88 for the breeches, shoulder straps, and blond hair, Dark Flesh for skin, Skrag Brown on the musket furniture, and Army Painter Chaotic Red for the pompom, collar, turnbacks, and cuffs


After applying Foundry Russian Green (69B) to the jacket and waistcoat, the breeches and great coat enjoyed a coat of Citadel Baneblade Brown, and the pompom, sword knot company distinction, turnbacks, and facings Khorne Red. The mid skin tone was Cadian Fleshtone, to which a hint of red was added for the lips. Some white was added to the Codex Grey to provide a mid tone for the shako cords, webbing, and sword knot. Finally, the shoulder strap received a layer of Averand Sunset.


The original metal paints were used to highlight the canteen, barrel and brass work, and some black used to add some shade/definition to the shako, pack, cartridge case, and gaiters. The jacket and waistcoat were highlighted in Foundry Russian Green Light (69C). However, the breeches actually received several coats at this last stage, Karak stone (which was also applied to the great coat) and Ushbati Bone. I then added a little white to the Ushbati to do a final highlight. Pure white was used to highlight the shako cords, webbing, and sword knot. Army Painter Dragon Red was the highlight for the facings, sword knot company distinction, turnbacks, and pompom, and Citadel Yriel Yellow for the shoulder strap. The skin also enjoyed two layers, Citadel Ungor Flesh with Elf Flesh highlights. The hair was a mix of Averand Sunset XV-88 with white added for the final highlight.


I finished off my using the Rhinox Hide to provide a 'suggestion' of eyes over the flesh shade. That's it - any suggestions or criticisms will be gratefully received - better now than 60 odd figures into it!


Monday 1 June 2015

Big Brothers VI

The delay was to allow me to finish off two squadrons this month and bring you the first half of:

3e Régiment de Cuirassiers

In May 1635, Timoléon de Sercourt d’Esclainvilliers' company of light horse was integrated into Cardinal Duc régiment, fighting as part of that unit at the Battle of Rocroi (1643). 

Around the same time the unit was retitled régiment d'Esclainvilliers and then, c.1656, régiment Commissaire général cavalerie. After nearly half a century of service – mostly in Flanders – the regiment became 3e régiment de cavalerie in 179, fighting at Valmy and Marengo, before becoming 3e régiment de cuirassiers c.1802.


The 3e régiment de cuirassiers fought at Austerlitz, Jena, Eylau, Friedland, Eckmühl, Essling, Wagram, as well as sending a detachment to Spain. Along side 1r and 2e cuirassiers this detachment formed the1r regiment provisoire de grosse cavalerie, which eventually became the 13e régiment de cuirassiers.


For the invasion of Russia, Col Charles Eugène Lalaing d’Audenarde commanded the regiment under Général de brigade Bertrand Bessieres as part of 1r divsione de grosse cavalerie.


Serving France through the Franco-Prussian, First and Second World Wars, as well as in Algeria, the regiment was finally disbanded in 1998 as part of the general reorganization of the French Army that followed the end of conscription.



In 1812, they were dressed in traditional Cuirassier garb, with red collars pipped blue, blue cuffs pipped red, red cuff flaps, and red turnbacks.



So, aside from collar colour, the easy way to distinguish these boys from 2e régiment de cuirassiers is in the colour of the musicians' sheepskins, which are the more traditional black.