You will remember that earlier this year I was the lucky recipient of some very nice vintage Hinton Hunt Prussian castings from Ian. Amongst them were quite a few of PN.5 (the figure cast with a separate musket). I've been wondering about the best way to animate these so couldn't resist having a go and after several attempts I came up with this.
I did try a few other options but none of them looked very realistic poses so this rather safe version will be the one I use for a unit.
This week I was fortunate to get an invite to Tony's for a War of the Spanish Succession game with his superb Les Higgins forces using his Corporal John Lite rules. The rules have some similarities to C&C but Tony has done away with cards and introduced a clever brigade activation system instead. The game progressed at a fair old pace and we fought to a conclusion in four hours which was impressive. Tony has already posted an AAR here so what follows are just a few photos of his lovely toys.
 |
| This is the view from my side of the table. I went for the Austrians again as it seemed a good idea after my success at Nigel's last month. |
 |
| French cavalry on the move. |
 |
| The view from Tony's side of the table. |
 |
| I've always had a thing for cavalry with lobster-pot helmets. |
 |
| This cavalry clash was a big one and it lasted for the whole game. |
 |
| My lads got a lucky break with a random event double move that allowed me to rapidly advance my centre. |
 |
| This village was worth 1VP to whoever held it. Here you can see the French have beaten me to it. |
 |
| And here you can see that I have pushed them out - hooray! |
 |
| These very smart chaps are from Hessen-Kassel. They went forward bravely and immediately routed. The mini-dice shows which brigade they belonged to. |
 |
| This unit of French cavalry hid in a turnip field for much of the game. Nice to see those old Britains hedges. |
 |
| In the last turn of the game I managed to destroy one of Tony's guard cavalry units and unhorse both of his cavalry commanders (that was 3VPs). |
 |
| More Hessians this time hanging back a bit. |
 |
| The table at the end of play, I managed to just pull off a victory on points. |
 |
| Here the Comte de Marsin pushes forward with a regiment of infantry but a bit late to affect the outcome of the battle. |
Next up will be a few more Austrians then things will definitely be going in a Prussian direction.
The Prussian pose looks fine. I did think marching with musket on shoulder, a favourite of mine, but I think the right arm is too long to be left hanging. So, I reckon you’ve cracked it.
ReplyDeleteSaw the game on ‘Aspic’ already, looks great. Don’t do yourself down, even a win on points is pretty good for Austrians in the world of wargaming.
Thanks Rob, the musket on shoulder might work but there is already a figure in that pose in the Prussian range and I wanted something different.
DeleteLooking forward to seeing the Prussians when you do them, Superb looking game, really top notch, so many lovely figure on the table. Tony has a super collection.
ReplyDeleteThanks Donnie, Tony’s collections certainly are top notch!
DeleteI think your Prussian looks excellent - I'm sure Marcus would have approved.
ReplyDeleteYour photos of our WSS game give an interesting supplement to mine - very nicely done. Again, my compliments on your win. It was an odd game; I started off getting lumps kicked out of my army, then laboriously clawed my way back into things, and then it all turned to rat droppings very quickly at the end. I couldn't face your cavalry at all - well, I could face them, but not if we were actually fighting at the time!
It did seem at one point that you might claw yourself back for a win but then the Guard cavalry broke and your generals took a tumble. A great game and a real bonus to finish it in such a relatively short time.
DeleteAnd another great Austrian victory. Can't get enough of them. I like what you've done with the Prussian. I lacked your imagination, and mine just shouldered their muskets. I do think they look distinct from the single piece marching chaps. Look forward to seeing your unit.
ReplyDeleteThanks Nigel, I do feel like an honorary Habsburg these days!
DeleteNice work on the Prussian…
ReplyDeleteThere was also a British figure with separate musket…I had some and my fifteen year old self managed to bend them around a bit into a sort of running at the trail pose…
Tony’s Game ,Toys and Table look magnificent…As always.
Definitely take the win old chap 😁
All the best. Aly
Thanks Aly, you’re right about the British one, I have a single casting that the previous owner had also done in the at trail pose.
DeleteLovely looking game. There is something about the Command and Colours approach that I may need to consider, as it allows for colorful armies and less fiddly casualty removal. I would however feel like I am betraying the memory of Bruce Quarrie...
ReplyDeleteDavid, there’s nothing wrong with a bit of C&C whilst still revering Mr Quarrie!
Delete