This week I have a unit of Don Cossacks charging across my desk. It is said that just hearing their cry of “Hurrah” could send entire battalions into retreat. Even Napoleon seemed impressed by these wild undisciplined horsemen, stating “Cossacks are the finest light troops among all that exist. If I had them in my army, I would go through all the world with them."
The Cossacks had a fearsome reputation and formed fast units that could exploit open flanks and harry retreating troops. They were excellent for reconnaissance when they could be bothered to report back on the position of enemy troops rather than chase after them. It was said (mainly by the French) that the easiest way to distract Cossckas was to present them with an unguarded baggage train. This unit is painted as Don Cossacks with a dark blue uniform, red trim, and a broad red stripe down the leg of loose-fitting trousers. They wear various cloaks and many have ill-matching headgear, from tall fur busbies to soft forage-style caps. All bar the officer carries a lance and I can testify to the sharpness of these…they drew blood on several occasions when I let my attention wander while handling them!
Unlike the regular troops, the officer was cast as a single figure. That said, I decided to assemble all the figures before painting…a practice that doesn’t have universal approval, judging from a very quick search online. I think I prefer this method, and while it makes painting some parts of the model a little more tricky, overall, I found it easier than trying to combine painted figures without destroying the paintwork.
I’m happy with how these turned out although I think I’ll take a rest before painting more cavalry!
(Scoring: 9x28mm Mounted =90 Points)
What a fine troop of Cossacks, Lee! As a unit, the effect of all the browns and the blue uniforms is very pleasing to the eye. Beautiful painting. And as always, your basing is very effective, giving these troops a good wintery feel. Well done indeed!
Martijn
Nice work Lee. To paint before or after construction is always one of those difficult to answer questions.
ReplyDeleteI think I prefer constructing first, but I guess it would depend on the figures. These weren't too difficult, aside from the lances.
DeleteWhich one is Don? Great brushwork!
ReplyDeleteLol. Its gotta be the grey bearded guy 😂
DeleteGreat looking figures Lee. And now that they have been "blooded", they will surely find more success on the table!
ReplyDeleteBloodied indeed. Actually the figures came with ordinary white metal lances and I replaced them with steel ones that Ray gave me. Their perfectly straight but also very sharp so any injuries are entirely my own fault!
DeleteA beautiful if deadly to move unit. I used steel lances on a few units of cavalry. Usually bloodied once a game.
ReplyDeleteLovely looking unit Lee! You really are making great progress.
ReplyDeleteChristopher
That's a great looking unit Lee
ReplyDeleteDelightful Lee, cracking brushwork
ReplyDeleteThat is a fabulous looking unit of light cavalry, Lee.
ReplyDeleteLovely work with the painting and basing, and the background was an interesting read too.
ReplyDeleteInteresting read and great brushwork. I usually glue riders on horses before painting.
ReplyDeleteExcellent addition to your project. Who doesn’t like a batch of mad Cossacks. The coloring with the snow bases is ace.
ReplyDeleteCan't do retreat from Moscow without Cossacks! Lovely work Lee
ReplyDeleteDamn fine brushwork Lee!
ReplyDeleteNow these are a bit nice indeed! Very well done on the basing once again
ReplyDeleteYour project keeps getting better with each entry, come Challenge's end your table will present a gobsmacking spectacle I am sure!
ReplyDeleteGreat work, Lee! I, too, struggle with whether or not to fix riders to mounts before painting.
ReplyDelete