Saturday, 28 March 2026

Austrian parade and another drubbing at Goya's

Back last July I posted a review of the Austrian infantry but of course since then recruitment has continued unabated so I thought I would treat you with a full review of the complete Austrian army.

There are now 12 units of foot, 6 of cavalry and 6 batteries.
This brings the whole force (including generals) to 400+ figures which is surely enough?

I'm thinking even Bonaparte must be starting to take them seriously!

The map reading generals section - always good to know where you are.



On Monday I was invited to take in more seaside air at Goya's with a game billed as the AWI battle of Cowpens but as we were using his War of 1812 collection it had more of that sort of feel about it. The rules were standard Commands & Colors Napoleonic.

We played the game twice swapping sides. In the first game I was the Americans (on the left) and Goya played the British (on the right).
These are all Airfix British figures painted as US troops - they look great.

All the troops on my left flank were militia and once the redcoats advanced they seemed to melt away.

The result was a swift and decisive victory for Goya. These troops are of course Hinton Hunt so no wonder they were winning.

The second game played out in a completely different way as although the militia once again ran away it wasn't far enough to give me any VPs. Then somehow the US troops got the upper hand and before I knew it I seemed to have no army left...

It's always a pleasure to see Goya's troops on the table even if it results in a double drubbing!

26 comments:

Prufrock said...

Splendid Austrians and game!

Donnie McGibbon said...

What a parade! A superb looking army, look very impressive. Good looking game as well, lovely figures on a lovely looking table.

Stryker said...

Thank you very much Prufrock!

Stryker said...

Thanks Donnie and yes Goya’s troops look great and nice to see such an unusual Napoleonic army.

Mad Padre said...

Absolutely splendid Old School game and figures, your Austrians look the business. Good to see a general who is willing to read a map and maybe even stop and ask for directions! :)

Rob said...

The Austrians are a most impressive collection. I would've thought Napoleon already took them seriously, given how he had been trounced the last time he marched down the Danube. He must be terrified now.
Do you have many Russians - they don't really seem feature much?

Stryker said...

Thanks Mad P, three map readers is probably belt and braces but sensible!

Stryker said...

Thanks for reminding me Rob Napoleon doesn’t like to talk about it! I have quite a few Russian infantry in the lead pile but lack any heavy cavalry so they are on hold for now.

Anonymous said...

Stryker, I think you are being too hard on yourself. The cards definitely weren’t with you but despite that the second game was pretty close.

Goya

Stryker said...

Thanks Goya let’s go with ‘the cards were against me’ I feel much better already!

Matt said...

Both collections are awe inspiring. I doff my hat to you both.

Stryker said...

Thanks Matt I accept your doff on behalf of us both.

Duke of Baylen said...

The Austrians look formidable especially the grenadiers and hussars. The Cowpens game was intriguing too. The stepped basing made me curious. Is it permanent or does it "come apart" for different kinds of games?
Stephen

Stryker said...

Thanks Stephen. I assume by stepped basing you mean my movement trays? These are lipped trays that keep the troop stands together to speed up movement (from Warbases).

Busker said...

What a great display of troops. You must be chomping at the bit to get the Austrians into battle?

Stryker said...

You’re not wrong there Simon hopefully they’ll see action soon in the June game.

Bob Spruster said...

The Austrians look super! You did a fine job with them. Am I wrong, or do you have an iffy track record while battling in the new world?

Stryker said...

This does seem to be true Bob but applies to Europe also!

Jeffers said...

You need more Austrians…😎

Stryker said...

Ha ha Jeffers!

David said...

Impressive! Must resist starting a new nation!

Stryker said...

David, you keep saying that but who are you trying to convince?

Aly Morrison said...

The Austrians look splendid…
As does the ‘War of 1812’ game…. One of my favourite periods.

All the best. Aly

Stryker said...

Thanks Aly.

James Fisher said...

What a fabulous parade Ian! Your beautifully painted figs look even more impressive en masse.
AND a wonderful looking game. Congrats to Goya on the figures and set-up. The result matters not when getting together with a friend to play in such a good looking game?!
Best wishes, James

Stryker said...

Thanks James.