French Revolutionary Wargames 1789-1802: November 2017

Wargame Rules, Ratios, etc

RAISING MINIATURE ARMIES FOR THE LATE 18TH CENTURY

I am very keen to keep my wargame rules as simple as possible, yet capture the character of the 1790s. Morale dominates the games as the opposing sides are very different. Most of the French troops are 'levee' battalions, which I have chosen to base in column as their ability to change formation on a battlefield must have been limited, nor do I believe their volley fire had any great value. Of better quality, able to change formation, will be white-coated regular and blue-coated volunteer battalions, aided by a fair number of skirmishers. The British, Austrian, Dutch and German armies are often outnumbered, but they maintain the discipline and order of typical 18th century armed forces. Interestingly, French revolutionary cavalry have little in common with their later Napoleonic counterparts, the former are few in number, often poorly mounted, and no match for those in the service of the Allies. All figures are 28mm in scale, using a 1=25 ratio.

Tuesday 21 November 2017

Legion du Midi c.1792 takes the field

Having raised a small battalion of chasseurs some time ago, I've finally completed two squadrons of light horse for the Legion du Midi. These are my own castings, and their lighter blue uniforms add a lot of colour to the French Revolutionary Army.
MGB

Sunday 12 November 2017

18th Century Gentry's Gig, and Commercial carts

While having a break from painting figures I was keen to utilise some of my own home-cast carts, and some wheels kindly supplied by a friend. I wanted to see how far my castings could be converted into other forms of 18th century transport. Here is my attempt to represent a Gig, a light weight form of carriage that appeared in about 1780. Have also made a better man-handled street cart. Finally, the French Revolutionaries have also gained another provisions cart.
MGB

Friday 3 November 2017

PRIMED and READY

Although I have not painted any figures for a while I was able to set aside some time to clear the flash and undercoat about 150 castings. I really do hate doing this, but it has to be done, and it clears the deck for when I do pick up the brush, in addition to the freedom to choose the unit I would like to complete. Recent arrivals, and largely flash free were some superb Crann Tara dismounted hussars. Must now decide which units will they represent.
MGB