From PaulO'G: Vive La Garde! (200 points)

G'day all, its great to be back for my 10th Challenge! This year my target is a curiously specific 603 points, which is what I need to get me to 8,000 lifetime points.

"Mon dieu! Tre magnifique!" say the swooning Mesdemoiselles!

My Season 14 opening salvo is the start of my new Crimean War project. I'm starting with a French Brigade, and the Grenadier Garde is up first! As a larger, well equipped battalion it musters 36 Guardsmen and Officers. 

Allons enfants de la patrie,
Le jour de gloire est arrivé !

Why the red bases you might ask? Because they will serve on Mars for our Space 1889 VSF campaign first - obvious really! Once thats done I'll redo the bases for a more routine deployment to the Crimea.

Their features are wonderfully sculpted - doing them some measure of justice was a challenge!

Models are by Great War Miniatures, distributed via Northstar. Painted in classic triad style - no speed/contrast paints were harmed in the making of this unit. I also discovered a new technique for painting small buttons - a toothpick! (Thanks for the tip John, and for the emergency flag resupply!)

A Brigade Commander's view of their march to Victory!

So off the mark with a 36 figure mini-bomb @ 5 points each, plus 20 points for shelving in the History section. While these are the first Guard figs I've painted for any era, I understand they are not be the only French Grenadiers likely to be posted today - hopefully they pass muster! :-)

From Millsy: A French guardsman is impressive in any setting Paul, be it terrestrial or otherwise! I'm sure these fine fellows will do sterling service wherever they may fight, even lightyears from home.

The greatcoats are presumably for night operations as they'd be a serious hazard in the heat of Martian day! Lovely work on the red/blue combo which works really well with the bases. It is almost a shame to think they'll be repainted eventually as they really do look great.

200 points to kick start your challenge!