I didn't have time to properly introduce these gentlemen to you before they were tumbled headlong into the battle of Dresden. They are Tirailleur Grenadiers of the (Young) Guard painted as per the Hinton Hunt painting instruction sheet.
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| This is possibly the fastest I have ever painted a unit of Hinton Hunt figures as I did the whole lot in one batch - not sure if I'll use that technique again as I find it midly stressful. |
The figures I used were:
22 x FN/71 Tirailleur Guard (charging) - one converted to drummer
1 x FN/70 Young Guard Officer (charging) - converted to standard bearer
1 x FN/74 Young Guard Officer (marching)
The flag is another of my hand-painted Pepsi-Max can ones. I'm not very happy with it particularly when it's stood next to the fantastic flag WM painted for the Voltigeurs.
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| I thought the flag would be relatively easy but it just wasn't! |
On the subject of superb painting by WM I'm currently in the process of upgrading the Prussian Brandenburg Uhlans he painted for me 10 years ago. If you remember the unit is comprised of 6 x Uhlans and 6 x Landwehr Lancers as they were the only figures I had at the time. The recent influx of Prussian Uhlan castings means I can expand them to a full unit.
To do this I'm having to attempt the impossible and try to match WM's style. Difficult not just because he is an exceptionally talented painter but also because he uses enamel paints whilst I use Acrylics.
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| PN.39 Landwehr Lancer Trooper (mounted) charging - the one on the left is mine and the one on the right is WM's. |
Stage one has been to increase the Landwehr Lancers by 6 using some castings generously donated by Goya and Nigel. I will have to make a few small changes to the original figures (lance colour and shoulder tabs) to transform the whole lot into a Kumark Regiment but I think they will work well together.
I like to paint units in one batch, but that's not because I enjoy it (I don't) but to ensure I don't have to match an earlier paint-job. I find matching my own painting can be frustrating - I did start out by trying to match WM's style but have given up and just do it my way. You have my sympathy.
ReplyDeleteOver the years I’ve shied away from batch painting as being a bit tedious but it’s definitely faster!
DeleteLovely looking unit, very nice indeed and the lancers are lovely little models too.
ReplyDeleteThanks Donnie!
DeleteI think that flag is blinking brilliant, Ian! This is a really spectacular battalion. The lancers are coming along nicely too.
ReplyDeleteThanks Matthew I appreciate that!
DeleteBrilliant painting (and flag) to my eyes! Your brushwork is always a real visual treat.
ReplyDeleteKind Regards,
Stokes
Thanks very much Stokes!
DeleteThe flag is excellent.
ReplyDeleteGoya
Thanks Goya although I seem to remember your Russians and Prussians trying to shoot holes in it!
DeleteThe flag is very well done, especially the eagle.
ReplyDeleteYou'll curse me, but I think the cornets in two corners of the flag would be more appropriate for the tirailleur-chasseurs. The turnbacks of the chasseurs à pied are alternately adorned with a grenade or a cornet.
The grenadiers à pied systematically have a grenade on all their turnbacks. I think the tirailleur-grenadiers should have a grenade in each corner of their flag.
As I mentioned, only one tirailleur-grenadiers flag remains. It is assigned to the 5th tirailleur-grenadiers; however, it bears neither grenades nor cornets, but stars in the four corners of the flag.
https://lacasadelrecreador.com/fr/blog/166-fanions-du-bataillon-franaise-1808-1814
In terms of vexillology, the grenade is considered the prerogative of elite units, and the horn or cornet is the symbol of the light infantry. Thus, I believe that the flags of the tirailleur-grenadiers have either a star or a grenade in each corner, and the tirailleur-chasseurs have either a star in each corner or a grenade in two corners and a cornet in the other two corners.
But this is my opinion. No regulations exist regarding this flags, and I repeat, only the flag of the 5th Tirailleur-Grenadiers is known to us. It is now on display at the Musée de l'Empéri in Aix-en-Provence.
Thanks FF your comment about the grenades does seem logical.
DeleteNow that is a proper battalion of Tirailleurs! Beautifully done and I'm with Mathew on the flag, very nice. Something about the brilliant white of the flag with the red of the harness (what is the proper name of the flag belt?) and the blue jacket create a stunning ensemble. Very nice!
ReplyDeleteThanks David.
DeleteGreat to see the new additions
ReplyDeleteStephen
Thanks Stephen, they got off lightly in the Dresden game but they will be back again for Waterloo later in the year!
DeleteWhat a handsome unit! The flag and lancers both look just as nice! Don't be so hard on yourself, this is excellent work. 😁
ReplyDeleteThanks Bob, note to self take a chill pill…
DeleteDeeply impressed by the tirailleurs. I can see why Goya's gentlemen couldn't bring themselves to hurt them at Dresden. The faces are especially lively. Perhaps they are celebrating their victory. And you are much too hard on your flag painting skills. This one is really convincing; and in acrylics too. Respect, sir.
ReplyDeleteThanks Nigel, maybe they were just happy to be on the table after so many year in the lead pile!
DeleteThose French types do look good!
ReplyDeleteThe match on the lancers looks fine by me.
Thanks Matt!
DeleteBeautiful crisp painting Ian, the main image blew them up to around 54mm scale on my screen and they still look fantastic! What a wonderful collection of vintage soldiers.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Lee.
Thanks Lee, glad you like them!
DeleteA lovely looking unit indeed Ian…
ReplyDeleteYet another one I have on the to do list…
The Lancer looks great and fits very well with Matthew’s work…
All the best. Aly
Thanks Aly, apologies for adding to your to do list!
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