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Thursday, 4 June 2020

Mini not quite Waterloo


This week I found that I was a year older but on the plus side was pleased to receive by way of a gift, more TSS terrain units together with some custom cut hills. The hills include a 4-foot ridge which provides a serious defensive position that the Duke was keen to take advantage of straight away. Napoleon was equally keen to try out his latest Guard unit and so deployed the entire Grande Armee ready to attack.

The view from the allied ridge across a shallow valley towards the French lines. Does anything look vaguely familiar to you?
The emperor had placed a grand battery on the opposite side of the valley backed up by his heavy cavalry in reserve.
Wellington held the Guards in reserve behind his ridge (the ridge looks quite massive in this photo but is actually only 40mm high).
Ok, this is the photo you've been waiting for - the massed ranks of the Imperial Guard.
The French infantry wait patiently for the order to advance whilst the Grand battery pounds the allied line. That's Grouchy nearest the camera - surely some mistake? 
On the French left flank the Guard is screened behind three line battalions including Poniatowki's Poles.
Things get underway with a spirited attack on Hougo-Sainte.
At the same time, following an heroic resistance, the Prussian Jagers are forced out of Saint-a-Mont

Sensing an opportunity Napoleon is quick to order a general advance.

While the Grand battery continues to pound away just like the good old days in the 60s.

There's not much the British can do except stay nailed to their ridge and grin and bear it.

Ominously, behind the French front line, their cavalry are massing and moving forward.

To be continued…


24 comments:

  1. That is absolutely wonderful

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  2. Beautiful...but just don't deploy the Rocket Corps!

    Like a bull the rockets are attracted to red.

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  3. Ah the Rocket Corps, I knew there was something missing!

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  4. Why has that dandy (penultimate photo) nailed the rosbifs onto the ridge instead of behind it? Where is the Duke, this looks too easy, is this a trap?

    Super looking game; I think the 2nd photo is truly gorgeous and from a game in progress rather than a parade.

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  5. Splendid. The picture of the massed ranks of the guards is so colourful and vibrant.

    I also noticed the eagle on your Poles. It is very nice.

    But the key question is how are your new unit of Old Guard going to fare on their first outing with the varnish barely dry.

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  6. Rob, the Duke considers it unsporting not to give the French something to shoot at!

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  7. Mark, that eagle was sculpted from Green Stuff but I'd never be able to repeat it! The new unit is safely tucked away at the back...

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  8. Hi IAN- A magnificent collection of Hinton Hunt- you've really stuck to your guns to produce a remarkable result. All photos are delightful- well done Ian. Cheers.KEV.

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  9. How wonderful and colourful. After all these years (10?) following this blog from the early days it has been an absolute treat seeing this collection of mostly vintage HH's grow. If it was me I would have sold 'em, started again, sold 'em, started again etc etc, so I really admire your staying power with with this project Ian. Long may it continue :)

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  10. Lee, well I already sold them once so I guess I'll keep this lot a while longer!

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  11. Wonderful setup, lovely figures, buildings and terrain, very inspirational

    Paul

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  12. A visual feast sir...

    All the best. Aly

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  13. Fabulous show Ian - that really cheered me up a lot! The soldiers look marvellous, the new scenery bits are great too. I wouldn't like to have to puff up that ridge to fight anyone!

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  14. Paul, its been great to get so many figures out on the table, an inspiration to myself as well!

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  15. Tony, yes it does look like you would need grappling hooks to get up there - perhaps 30mm hills would have been more sensible?

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  16. This is the ultimate vintage validation, Ian. I think it's way beyond being a simple wargame - more like an epic kinetic art installation.

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  17. Ah Matthew you are too kind!

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  18. Yes, it's what WM said. But point of detail, when his Grace wished to offer the Emperor something to shoot at, wasn't it generally Belgian? This is a glorious show to brighten up my weekend. Thanks, Ian.

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  19. Nigel, good point - the Belgians will be coming soon!

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  20. This is magnificient Ian. Two Airfix Waterloo farmhouses in the same game, who could ask for more?!

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