From PaulOG: Russians of the Crimean War! (345 points)

Presenting my first two Russian battalions for my 28mm Crimean War project. While the Russian Army of the time was renowned for having largest cavalry contingent on the continent, Infantry still made up the bulk of the Army. These are typical Line Infantry battalions of a Regiment, each of which fielded 4.

Two Battalions with Regimental officers advancing in Attack columns 

I used different shades across the greatcoats to show varying wear and quality in pre dye-fast colours, and gave the units some identity with one unit sporting a mix of helmets and forage caps (mutzes) which became more common as the war progressed, and another with more strict NCOs ensuring all the troops wear their issued helmets! 

1st Battalion - all in helmets

I enjoyed a good dose of the inevitable "basing dilemma", badly overthinking it before deciding to go with groups of poorly drilled troops with intermingled casualties, representing both bad training and a stoic intent to get to grips with the invaders regardless of cost! Groups of 8 figs make a line unit in Sharp Practice and I figured that four units per Battalion would give some good 'visual heft' as the attack columns advance.

2nd Battalion with mixed helmets and forage caps

Figures are mostly plastic Warlord figs with some metal models by Great War Miniatures mixed in. The former are relatively monopose, but the seperate heads let you impart some great character with modest turns. The latter are wonderful sculpts and mixing them in gives a more dynamic look. Colours by Battle-Flag.com

Normally I hate doing faces but these were very satisfying to do

This project was to be a full Regiment of 4 Battalions plus an artillery battery and a troop of Cossack cavalry...but when real life got in the way I opted to not sacrifice quality just to 'get it done'. I really enjoyed building them and the rest will follow post Challenge. Pity I have no nice mat or terrain in this country to pose them on!

The army grows: this submission plus the skirmishers from Bonus round 3

These units and the two Regimental Officers tally 67 x 28mm foot plus 1 mounted, totalling 345 points: my biggest submission of this Challenge to take me across my 500 point target line. Just in time!

Now feverishly working on a last minute 'something else'...

From Millsy:

I'm pinching this from fellow minion Sylvain so I apologise in advance mate!
We've been talking about these on and off at out paint and chat sessions so I couldn't resist when I saw the title of the post.

I have to say I am NOT disappointed and I 100% endorse your decision to stick with the quality vs. quantity approach Paul. You've done a smashing job and the mix of bulk plastic miniatures with metal command and casualties mixed in really looks the business.

Cracking work buddy and a stonking 345 points added to your tally.

Cheers,
Millsy