Danish Infantry 1848 Pattern Uniform

I have just had time to finish off a few more Danish infantry, despite the fact that all the kids have got flu and are off school and that the boiler broke this morning leaving us with a big bill and no heating or hot water until tomorrow lunchtime. Welcome back home Dad!

Off Travelling

Just a quick note to say that work commitments have meant that I will be working away from home until the very end of October.

I had hoped to post some more images of my new Danes and some more Austrians, however if everything works out to plan by the middle of November my stupidly busy workload will have been worth it and I can slow down a little and get painting again.

My next new post should be in a couple of weeks, until then I leave you with a rather lovely Detaille painting of a French bugler circa 1886.

Rob Mantle

It was with great sadness that I read today in The Foreign Correspondent of the untimely death of Rob Mantle. I first met Rob at the Continental Wars Society stand at Salute many years ago. This year I helped out on the display and spent a fantastic day, mainly with Rob on the "books and figures" part of the display. I am now very glad that this picture was taken of us. Rob's trade marks were his bow ties and waistcoats, an incredible knowledge of the various 19th Century campaigns and a very generous nature. After discussing my interest in the Schleswig Wars Rob promptly sent a whole bundle of information and images. A real Gentleman.

5th Hussars At Last!

The first squadron is finally finished! I have thoroughly enjoyed painting these figures even though I took a lot longer than I planned. I chose to mount them on lighter chestnuts and bays than I used for the Prussians and am happy with the overall effect. They look great on the table-the yellow flag (Helion-of course) really makes them stand out!

Rather than gabble on about them I will let the photographs do the talking!

Next post will be a Schleswig Holstein update of the latest figures before I return to the Austrian theme of the last few weeks.

Austrian 5th Hussars...First "Real" Base

According to The Plan, I should have finished all 6 Hussars by now. So much for The Plan then!

Painting output has been glacial this week, which is a shame because I am really enjoying painting these figures. I am particularly struck by how much equipment they are carrying.

Another thing that struck me as I painted away is how gloriously "retro" the uniform looked, even though it had been introduced in 1850. I imagine they will soon be serving in one of the 18th Century ImagiNations armies out there. "Von Pluckenberg Guard Hussars" anyone?

Lance Armed Troops = +1 In (First Round Of) Melee!

Yes, sometimes a man just needs a pointed stick to make that difference! In my case that pointed stick was a paintbrush with a kid free day!

Here is the first of the Helion Hussars. He represents a doomed trooper from the 5th (Radzetzky) Hussars. I chose this regiment as it is one of the "dark blue" uniformed hussar regiments and I really wanted to see if the Foundry Shade 66 (Napoleonic Prussian) was up to the job. I must say I think it looks very convincing comparing it with the colour plates I have.

I have a 6 figure squadron undercoated and ready to go. I hope to get cracking with these ones tomorrow night.

19th Century Austrian Figure Comparisons

The remainder of September and October will be mainly focussing on the Austrian army of the 19th Century. I thought it would be helpful to those thinking of starting out in this period with a few comparison shots of various manufacturers figures in my collection.

Starting from the left we have Helion 1866 Hungarians, middle we have the Baker Company (ex-Helion) 1866 figures and finally the Battle Honors 1859 Austrians (available from Old Glory 15s in the US) are on the right.

Unfortunately I do not have any Eureka or Mirliton Austrians to hand.

The Foundry Prussian officer is added simply because I think this figure is from the range people are most likely to have seen. For what it is worth I would say that Helion can just mix with Baker Company (but not in the same unit), but not with Battle Honors or Foundry. The rest fit together quite well-but have a look and decide for yourself !

Next up-Helion 1866 Hussars.