I have a system for painting during the challenge, and I’m sure it is one many painters adopt. I always have multiple projects on the go at the same time. This means that while I’m waiting for one stage of painting to dry I can shift to another set of models and do the next stage on them. Impatience is the mother of ruination in painting and waiting for stuff to dry before starting the next stage may be annoying, but it is essential. So while I was working on the latter stages of my Grenadiers I was already beginning this unit of Russian Line Musketeers.
Once again they are wearing the 1808 pattern ‘stovepipe’ Shako, this time covered with an oilskin cover to keep them clean on the march. I will eventually get some infantry with the 1812 Kiwer Shako but many regiments hadn’t adopted the new style before the French invasion. One thing my troops have in abundance are Greatcoats. So as well as making my figures considerably easier to paint than the French troops, they were also much more comfortable in the harsh conditions of the Russian winter. Ironically as my boys are warmer than the Frenchies the greatcoats are also a great way to show the cold by dusting the lower edges with frost.
More Russian reinforcements arrived on the 25th of December (thank you Santa) so I’ll be spending the next few evenings cleaning and priming the next sets of figures for this project. I have already started on some units of skirmishing Jägers which I hope to finish later in the week. No project ever stays ‘small’ of course so I am looking at the force I have gathered so far and will make a 'few' last-minute additions. I need more cavalry (I have two units so far) and I don’t have any militia yet. So in the time-honoured tradition of wargamers the world over I’ll be expanding my collection before I have even finished the first batch of models. What can I say, I’m weak and I love it.
(Scoring: 8x28mm Foot = 40 points)
______________________________________________
Lovlerly work on these musketeers, Lee. I greatly admire those who have these mysterious 'systems' aiding their hobby time. I'm afraid my approach is not dissimilar to a racoon on meth - everything all the time with detritus everywhere.
Very nice and tidy brushwork on these Russian lads. When I did my Russian Retreat project a few years ago I found that the basing took as much time as the figures themselves. Your cold-weather work here has really paid its dividends, especially on how you've carried over the effect to the sabot trays. Wonderful stuff. I look forward to seeing your upcoming Jagers.
- Curt
Nice unit Lee. They look suitably bundled up. Interestingly they’d almost pass for French in the greatcoats and shako covers. Great winter effects and basing.
ReplyDeleteI too have several units/projects on the go simultaneously, but wouldn’t dignify the process as a system.
Great brushwork Lee! And I respect your attempt at a "system". As Curt notes, these winter-type projects really count on a certain look to deliver, and you have really nailed it here.
ReplyDeleteGreat looking snow effect here Lee. They really get the feeling across of a cold miserable winter.
ReplyDeleteAs for your system, pretty much like I do, I try to keep several things on the go at once that way when washes are drying or I get hung up or bored of one thing I can swap to another and hopefully keep myself moving forward. It doesnt always work, but does enough to keep doing it.
Lovely stuff Lee - they look suitably winterised and ready to eject the French invaders!
ReplyDeleteGreat looking unit Lee, and yes I to have my mad system like yourself keeps everything on the move, the only problem is I have moved faster than I thought and the weather has been shocking here, so it looks as though I'm going to catch up on my undercoated pile very quickly.
ReplyDeleteBrilliantly done - love the snow. Brrrrr.
ReplyDeleteThese look magnificently frosty!
ReplyDeleteWonderful unit Lee and coming from the land of cold and snow, spot on with the basing. Cheers.
ReplyDeleteBruce
Great work on the unit. They definitely have the cold winter feel.
ReplyDeleteExcellent job Lee. I've always had a soft spot for Russian Napoleonics and these look great. (Thinks: maybe after I finish the Spanish I can build a Russian horde...)
ReplyDeleteAgain, another excellent addition to your project. You've definitely captured the "chilly" look.
ReplyDeleteFabulous work on this unit! I really dig your basing.
ReplyDeleteLove the basing - great looking unit.
ReplyDeleteThat's an awesome looking unit! The basing, as has been mentioned above already, is extremely well executed. Top notch Lee!
ReplyDeleteAnother set of fine looking troops Lee!
ReplyDeleteChristopher
Great looking unit Lee
ReplyDelete