In between projects I like to fill in by painting the odd miniature and build up Napoleonic units over time. I prefer the smaller scales and do not usually game in 28mm (for Napoleonics at least) but as the scale allows for gorgeous detail on minis, I enjoy painting the occasional showcase pieces whenever I am idle or short of inspiration for new projects. Visitors to my blog will recall that way back in February last year I posted a Chasseur a' Cheval Garde officer which was an absolute joy to paint. Now his unit is finally recruited and he proudly leads his men into a charge........
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Note the rear rank have their shabraques upturned - this was done on campaign to protect the intricate eagle embroidery |
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Badass command section |
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An infantryman's view of the charging unit |
Needless to say, the elite Guard Chasseurs are one of the most - if not the most - colourful units of the Napoleonic era and for this reason are very popular on wargame tables. The figures themselves are from Wargames Foundry. The officer and his mount is a classic sculpt and the troopers are highly detailed even though their busbies do appear a little oversize. On the other hand I found the horses to be undersized which give the impression of ponies rather than the sleek light cavalry horses specially hand-picked for the elite of the elites. What's more is that half the unit have the shabraque ends upturned - this was done on the march to protect the embroidery from mud and such. However, since the men are in parade uniforms I could see no reason why their mounts should be represented in campaign mode. That said, however, these figures will always make an impression both on a table or in a display cabinet.
Carry on gaming and thumbs up to health workers everywhere !