I am somewhat late to this ball and have, to date, been remiss in posting the progress of the French third brigade. So, I’m attempting to remedy that now, with a quick introduction and update on recruitment.
First, this project marks a full-circle return for me, as far as my wargaming career goes. In high school, I used to frequent the now legendary shop of one Todd Fisher. The Emperor’s Headquarters, here in Chicago , was a Mecca
But I apologize for waxing sentimental. I now find myself, for the first time since those salad days of sprawling EHQ battles, painting Napoleonic models. Dave Taylor is the kind of gamer who is so enthusiastic that you can’t help but catch some of his passion. From the first conversation about a large, exhibition game of Black Powder at Adepticon, I was in. 100%. I had already started collecting some of the Perry Brothers’ French infantry, so I was more than agreeable to take up arms alongside Brien and Joe, taking responsibility for the French third brigade for our Salamanca
My first battalion (work in progress shot below) is nearing completion. I’ll post some more detailed shots of the finished bases just after the holidays. My plan is to update regularly and stagger my infantry battalions with guns, command, and my Dragoons. Well, thanks for letting me drone on. I promise my next post will be 90% photos of toy soldiers.
Vive l'Empereur,
Dave Pauwels
Woohoo!
ReplyDeleteGreat looking models Dave, and a nice little tale about Todd and the Emperor's Head Quarters. I was lucky enough to interview Todd in 2009 for Wargames Illustrated. I remember one of my early questions was something like "What is it about the Napoleonic period that first grabbed you?" Todd's response was along the lines of "Well if you can't work that out, I'm not sure we should continue this conversation."
Fortunately we did continue, and five months later I took the plunge myself.
Cheers
Dave
Dave,
ReplyDeleteGood stuff. They look great but I was expecting a great looking army from you. :) I am a little jealous because I didn't think the mix of infantry with greatcoats and regimentals would look good but I am impressed. Too late for me to pull off that endeavor but either way all of our French will look great on the table. I look forward to seeing what you do with your cavalry. A painting project that I am dreading. I don't know why but I really dislike painting cavalry of any type. :)
Thanks gentlemen.
ReplyDeleteI've been doing some research on the greatcoat debate. Some sources seem to indicate that the colonel would order either greatcoats on or off. So, technically, you would have a standing order as to whether or not the entire battalion would be so equipped. However, on campaign, it seems plausible that some troops would choose to wear/not wear them based on the weather conditions. Personally, I have always opted for the less-uniform look whenever possible, so a mixed unit suits my taste. I am doing a unit of Calpe French, who are all in greatcoats though, along with a Victrix unit without.
Dave P.