The Caprica challenge asks us for something that depicts either an ambush or something that is doomed. I think the Great Retreat of 1812 fits the latter category quite well, so I decided to add a few more models to this slowly growing collection.
These are all Perry metals, and in my opinion, some of the best work they've done. These figures skilfully capture the utter desolation, the complete despair of these men trying to fight their way out of frozen Russia. Brrr! Just looking at them makes me want to turn up the heat and put on another pair of socks.
I have to apologize as my iPhone camera struggles with the grey and white of my snow bases. I finally had to shrug and give up.
Hmm, I'm thinking that these figures would be great for a Silver Bayonet scenario - perhaps a story built around ferocious Ithaqua pursuing a group of cut off French and Russian infantry... Excuse me as I dash to get my notepad!
These five poor frozen poilu will give me 25 points, plus another 20 for Caprica's theme while also checking-off one of the twelve project objectives I've set for myself this year.
2. 10mm Fantasy
3. Moonstone
4. Malta
5. Italian Wars
6. Sisters of Battle
7. 28mm Napoleonics
8. Spanish Civil War
9. 28mm Modern
10. 20mm WWII
They'll also give me one Squirrel Point and count as 'R' for Retreat in our Alphabet Soup Challenge - 3 letters down, just 23 to go (yiiikes...). Win!
- Curt
Beautiful work Curt! Those figures are some of my favourite ever, and you have done them proud. Just last night PaulO'G,JohnS and I were talking about using them for Silver Bayonets....
ReplyDeleteHaha! And I just bought my Kindle copy last night. :) The new shiny.
DeleteIt is indeed! :-)
DeleteMost excellent work my friend! If I wasn’t cold already I‘d feel so just by looking at them. Poor souls…
ReplyDeleteYep, as soon as I finished them the thermometer plunged to -25... I should have left well enough alone.
DeleteAbsolutely bone chilling. Great figures for SB. Those of us from the North can imagine the terrible slog, in the cold, without proper winter gear. Brrrrr
ReplyDeleteBruceR
Absolutely. I've slogged in that type of cold and it's no fun at all.
DeleteAnother great set of figures for your collection. Those 'Retreat' minis have loads more character than the usual Napoleonic firing line.
ReplyDeleteThanks Stuart, I totally agree. Some of their best offerings, I think.
DeleteI'm feeling the chill just viewing them! Very well done Curt!
ReplyDeleteChristopher
Cheers Christopher! You should know too as you're originally from Minnesota, right?
DeleteGreat figures Curt. Did you have to post them on the first day of a deep freeze? It’s going to be -38c or so over the next few days.
ReplyDeleteI know! I think I jinxed us! Sorry.
DeleteBrilliant work Curt! Good to see these back on the blog!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ray. Yes, it's nice to add a few more to the collection.
DeleteChilly! I feel cold just looking at them (or maybe its my yuletide cold??)
ReplyDeleteIf you were here you'd slap me and say stop painting this stuff!
DeleteSplendid looking stalwarts, struggling to get home!
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
Thank you Iain. Yes, poor blighters.
DeleteFine looking figures - can’t imagine what it too to walk all the way to Moscow and then try to get back in the mud and snow.
ReplyDeleteThanks Pete. Yes I have the Minard Map which many think of as the best statistical chart ever made. Terrifying.
DeleteI used that map as a teaching tool, I had my students fit a survival model to the Grande Armees strength.
DeleteLovely work Curt, the bases remind me of the Yorkshire Dales in July 😄👍
ReplyDeleteCheers Ken. Perhaps with the recent yearly heatwaves the Dales will be a much sought after destination. :)
DeleteLove the snow effect, the problem with Napoleonics as good as this is that they serve as both a temptation and distraction to those up us who plan to be, and should be doing other things but who love Napoleonics! Well done
ReplyDeleteYou're very kind. I feel the same way in that every time I see Napoleonics I want to get out my stuff and play.
DeleteThis is a great project, good work with snow bases.
ReplyDeleteThank you Teemu!
DeleteI have always enjoyed your Retreat from Moscow vignettes. While the iPhone may not like the gray and white, they suit your stark black background quite well!
ReplyDeleteCheers Robert. My phone is confounded with high contrast gradations. I'd love to get a iPhone 13, but I can't rationalize the cost as mine is fine enough.
DeleteExcellent Curt!
ReplyDeleteThaks!
DeleteNicely painted as usual
ReplyDeleteCheers!
DeleteBrilliant work mate, and I agree, they are some of the Perry's finest work.
ReplyDeleteYeah, those two guys are geniuses, but they really hit it out of the park with this small range.
DeleteOutstading work, Curt. The models are full of character. I got my eyesight set of these Perry guys when they were released but so far have resisted... you are not very helpful señor Curt
ReplyDeleteHaha! I'd love to see your versions of them Benito.
DeleteAh ha! So it is you I have to thank for the icicles on my eyelashes! Great figures. You can feel their cold!
ReplyDeleteI know! It's sooo cold out right now. Event my dogs are doing the three-foot shuffle.
DeleteGorgeous as ever Curt! We too have been talking about a setting using revenants and their Eternal Retreat from Moscow...
ReplyDeleteOooh, I like the idea of revenants with this theme. Good one. I wish I could just whisk myself to your hobby room for a beer and a game. :)
DeleteMe too mate - you are welcome anytime :-)
DeleteI honestly can't tell which of your projects I like the most. The Italians or the winter retreat. The sculpts do look absolutely mind numbing cold and the hoarfrost clinging to their hems really let's you feel the chill of the howling winds. The colors of the jumbled units showcases the mess of the retreat and the misery of the troops. Still can't pick from the two, but everytime I see these guys I want to ask my wife if I can get a couple packs or ten! ;)
ReplyDeleteYou're very kind David. I'm sure with your training you've been in some cold settings as well. It's not comfortable at all! I say get 10 packs and have fun with them. :)
DeleteThese are truly great Curt, the colours are at the same time vibrant yet also muted enough to be "real-life" and used/ well worn. The basing is really awesome for sure. Must be from first hand experience there Snowlord ;-)
ReplyDeleteCheers Sander
Thank you Sander. Yes, the cold bases are from the school of (ice cold) hard knocks, being a kid in a sub-arctic climate.
DeleteBrilliant brushwork as always dude, and the snow and basing have me shivering. These guys could be waiting for a bus downtown in February! They would still need the weapons…
ReplyDeleteHaha! Yes, when it's this cold a hot barrel would be a godsend. ;)
DeleteNice return to your 1812 retreat project, Curt! :)
ReplyDeleteCheers Tamsin, it's been awhile. :)
DeleteI do love your snowy bases and the white on their lower halves. I do want to see your Ithaqua scenario! (Or White Walkers from ASoIaF!)
ReplyDeleteThank you Barks. The way the forecast is shaping up here, I expect Ithaqua to knock on the door for a nice hot drink and a game...
Delete