Foundry Chasseurs a' Cheval Garde unit in 28mm

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........

Note the rear rank have their shabraques upturned - this was done on campaign to protect the intricate eagle embroidery

Badass command section

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 !