From SidneyR: The Count of Bucquoy's Horse, and field gun, 1688 (98 points)

My sixth submission for the challenge is the second half of the Flemish regiment of Horse of the Count of Bucquoy. They follow hard on the hooves and spurs of the first half of the regiment which I submitted two weeks ago (with apologies for missing a submission last week). They will be joining my Flemish, Spanish and German army from 1688, focused around the fictional town of Laarden in the Spanish Netherlands, but leaning on history for the uniform and flags of the units concerned.

The figures in this submission are all 25mm Wargames Foundry from their Marlburian range, including the horses. They’re painted in Vallejo and the bases are by Warbases (in 3mm laser cut MDF). To save a little time, I added the flag from "Flags of War", and the finial is from Bicorne Miniatures. There’s very little conversion work on these cavalry, although the feathers are almost all added with green-stuff.

I've shown the new cavalry together with their front rank comrades in arms, below, ready to take the field with the Lorrainer and German Horse (up next on the painting table).

The Flemish Horse are joined by a large field artillery piece from the small but potent arsenal of the Citadel of Laarden. The figures were intended to be part of a 'BFG' themed round submission, but sadly real-life intervened and I didn't come close to finishing it in time (well done and huge respect to everyone who entered, and again to the winners!). Yes, fellow Challengers, there is a lesson here. I should make my themed round submissions a bit more personally manageable!!

The figures around the Wargames Foundry cannon are from Dixon's 'Grand Alliance' range, with Wargames Foundry matross helping out. I’ve been experimenting with a slightly lighter tone shade for the ground base (inspired by fellow Challenger, Benito - Anibal Invictus, from his blog). For years, I've simply painted the ground work (a mixture of 'Polyfilla' filler, gravel and sand) with a very flat matt Humbrol Black (33). 

This time, I’ve used Flat matt Humbrol Brown (110) and shaded up from there using Vallejo Beige Brown, Vallejo Khaki and Vallejo Stone Grey. I think this produces a brighter base tone which I think works with the gun carriage and figures. The tufts are from WWS and Warbases, inspired by the great figure bases created by another of our fellow Challengers, ChristopherS (Axebreaker). Huge thanks to both Benito and Christopher for their inspiration and encouragement over the years!

I’ve also tried painting the artillery base in a variety of very Flemish and Spanish browns, beige and buff. The inspiration behind this has been the wonderful book "Painting Wargame Figures" by Javier Gomez ("El Mercenario"). Javier dedicates a chapter in his book to the colour brown. This does not sound exciting, but honestly, it really is! Brown is one of those paint colours which can be really varied, and which is perfect or adding colour and tone in a 17th century army. Javier's painting was very much the inspiration behind what I was trying to do here.  Thanks, Javier!

I like the contrast in the browns and their tones, which I think are brought out by a lighter base, and which I am hoping should look good against the more grey-themed French on the field of battle. I'm hoping to try and replicate this is some future submissions. The main colours used were Vallejo Beige Brown, Flat Brown, Light Brown, Burnt Umber, Chocolate Brown, Khaki, Stone Grey, Orange and Deck Tan - all from around the same place on a colour wheel.

As to points, there are 6 new Flemish Horse (60 points), and the cannon and crew should add another 35 points (5 crew at 5 points, and the gun at 10 points).  

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Another beautiful addition to the Laarden collection, Sidney. I always enjoy your posts as it's clearly evident that each of your units is carefully considered and finely crafted.  The second half of your Flemish horse regiment is a excellent as the first and that artillery piece is wonderful. I think your new basing recipe is a winner, with it setting a stage for the miniatures without being too overpowering. (Note to self: I really need to get a copy of 'El Mercenario's' book.)

With a little extra for the banner, basing and feathers, here are 98 well-earned points for you sir. Thank you for treating us to another colourful chapter in your Laarden adventure Sidney!

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