The last post was supposed to be about Austrians but got hijacked by the Prussians so here is what I had planned to show you - two units (count them) of Austrian Hussars.
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| These are AN81 Austrian Hussar. |
Those of you who have followed this blog for a while will know that I had a hybrid unit of hussars for many years comprised of half figures in blue uniforms and the other half in a rather fetching parrot green. These were all figures donated by Don quite a few years back that I pressed into service with just a minimum touch up of chipped paint. The recent influx of figures from Don contained more identically uniformed hussars that have allowed me to make up two separate full-strength units.
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| The ones in green are the 4th Vecsey(?) and the blues are the 6th Blankenstein. |
I haven't done much work on these so most of what you see is Don's original painting. I have just touched up around the horses legs (which was necessary after de-flocking the bases) touched in any chipped paintwork, then gave them a couple of coats of gloss varnish.
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| The Replacement Depot bugler in the front rank. |
One interesting find in amongst the new recruits was a bugler that at first I thought was either a DK figure or a conversion but the code AC5 on the base didn't fit in with this. A query to Don suggested that it was a figure from the Replacement Depot of New York who had a range of rather Hinton Hunt looking figures back in the 70s. Goya was able to rustle up a copy of the catalogue (of course he did) that proves this correct.
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| A detail from the Replacement Depot catalogue. |
Thanks again to Don for passing on these figures and also to Goya for his sleuthing work.
A whole brigade of Austrian hussars - what a treat! For me they are the quintessential cavalry for that army but unsurprisingly many favour the more effective cuirassiers or the easier to paint chevau legers.
ReplyDeleteRob they do add a splash of colour in what is otherwise quite a colourless looking army.
DeleteCan't beat the dashing Hussars and both units are indeed rather dashing, lovely looking figures and very nicely painted, great stuff!
ReplyDeleteVery dashing indeed!
DeleteAgreed! A feast for the eyes, which spurs me toward my own looming large SYW Austrian hussar project later this year. Must admit that I feel kind of like Sir Edmond Hillary must have felt before he began the climb up Everest.
ReplyDeleteKidding aside, a lovely windfall and edition to your collection.
Kind Regards,
Stokes
I can see what you mean with the mountain analogy given the size of your amazing units but I'm sure you'll reach the summit!
DeleteHow splendid to be able to bring both regiments up to full strength. Hussars as part of an Austrian army - what could be better. The two uniforms contrast beautifully. They outshine the Hanoverians I'm painting for the 1830s.
ReplyDeleteStephen
Thanks Stephen.
DeleteThose are some eye-popping troopers! Are the movement trays new to your table?
ReplyDeleteThanks Bob. The movement trays are a recent acquisition in an attempt to speed up play in larger games - we’ll see how it works.
DeleteThese are terrific Ian - real little jewels. It is traditional to ask if they can also fight, but I'm sure they can!
ReplyDeleteTony, hopefully you’ll get the chance soon to see!
DeleteA couple of beautiful units there Ian…
ReplyDeleteI particularly like the Parrot Green…
All the best. Aly
Thanks Aly, parrot green has to be a top uniform colour!
DeleteI have been slow to comment as I wanted to count the units thoroughly. It is splendid news that these glorious colours can be shown off in discrete units. if this is Don's paintwork, then I love it. I look forward to showing just how effective Habsburg hussars can be. Not necessarily in a good way....
ReplyDeleteNigel, you shall get your wish!
DeleteMy inner OCD greatly appreciates the completion of the combined regiment into two magnificent regiments. Those really are smashing! You really must have quite the Austrian collection now, but one can never have enough... :)
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I was under the impression that the Reinforcement Depot figures had super thick bases to bring them up to 25mm size. Am I thinking about a different manufacturer? Any idea?
ReplyDeleteDavid, my Swedes have those thick bases but I don’t think they are by Replacement Depot but would like to know who did make them.
DeleteIf you really want to speed up your games you'll need to get a slidy table top, Ian! I can just picture these dashing fellows gliding across the surface after a gentle push.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea WM but I would have to put some edges on the table to stop them falling off!
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