From SidneyR: Le marquis de Lunéville, Lorrainer Horse, 1688 (125 points)

After missing a submission last week, I'm hopefully a little more on track with this squadron of Horse from the Duchy of Lorraine.  

The Dukes of Lorraine had a complicated and difficult relationship with the Kings of France in the 17th Century, culminating in the French invasion of the Duchy in 1670.  Stripped of his hereditary lands and titles, Charles V of Lorraine (confusingly also sometimes called Charles IV) served with the Imperial armies of the Hapsburgs in the 1680s and 1690s.  One thing which the Dukes of Lorraine were well known for in the mid- and late- 17th Century was the good quality of their cavalry, and the Hapsburgs made good use of that advantage. 

Whereas the Governors of the Spanish Netherlands recruited cavalry on a campaign-by-campaign basis, the Lorrainer Horse was maintained on a more continual basis, mirroring what was becoming the practice in the mid- and late-17th Century French armies.  This allowed for greater cohesion in the field, and made the recruitment by Imperial armies of Lorrainer (and Alsatian and Burgundian horse) a common feature through the 1640s to the 1690s.

You can trace regiments of Lorrainer Horse, serving with Imperial and Spanish forces, through the campaigns in Flanders in the 1640s (at Rocroi and Lens), through the Franco-Dutch Wars to the Nine Years War, making them suitable for my army of the Spanish Netherlands based around my fictional Flemish Free City of Laarden.

I've also reasoned that, whereas Flemish horse may have preferred to use pistol firearms as a primary weapon for more recently raised cavalry, the Lorrainer horse would have been more inclined, with better training, to use cold steel.  In that regard, there's a reasonable chance that makes them closer to French Cheveau-légers than Spanish or Flemish cavalry of the period.

I chose some 25-28mm Dixon Miniatures 'Grand Alliance' figures for the squadron.  I went with the backplate and breastplate versions; one source I looked at suggested that the Imperial horse tended to still use heavier armour than the French horse in the 1670s.  

I added some extra greenstuff frills to the officer and the kettedrummer, such as monogrammed pistol holsters, extra lace ribbons and bows on the horses and additional lace cravats. There are also some greenstuff feathers on the hats of the troopers.  This was really to try and make the regiment a little more 'French', despite their presence in the Imperial and Spanish forces allying with the Flemish forces in the field.

The squadron shown in the photographs is identified in the order of battle I've been using just as "Lunéville".  It's a complete guess, but I'm assuming that it might have been raised near the current town of Lunéville in the commune of Meurthe-et-Moselle in Lorraine, close to the current German border.  

The flag is frankly a bit of a fudge. It's a lovely standard from Flags of War, but I drew a blank in trying to locate standards of the squadron.  However, as the troops would have been in Hapsburg service, I can't see any reason why their standard would not have reflected their new allegiance.

Bases by Warbases and tufts by Mini-natur and WW Scenics.  Points wise: 12 cavalry figures in 25mm for 120 points.

I make this my twelfth submission to this year's Challenge, which is a bit of a milestone for me. I never thought I'd get this far, and certainly would not have done without all the encouragements from other Challengers, Minions, Tamsin and Curt himself. So thanks everyone!  Now, into the final furlong to try and finish everything else off!

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From Minion Tamsin:
How wonderful - I get to minion some of Sidney's lovely work. I was a bit disappointed when I hadn't seen any in the draft queue last night, but was pleased to see this post appear there this morning.
These are simply splendid, as always, and an excellent 12th submission. There are a couple of weeks left, so hopefully we'll get to see even more of your gorgeous figures.
The twelve horsemen do give you a base of 120 points and I'm going to add a few more for the flag and greenstuff work.

From SidneyR: More Troops in 'Flight': Laarden, 1688 (50 points)

Way back in early January - hands up, Challengers, who can remember the early days of Challenge VIII? - I did some bases for the “Flight” themed round. I carefully (and naively) prepared six bases. “They’ll not take long, there’s hardly any figures on each base”, I reassured myself. Oh, such bold dreams without any contact with reality!

I think what’s taken the time is two things. First, I’ve tried to jumble and mix up uniforms in each "Flight" base, creating an impression of units, brigades and even a full army in flight. Second, I glued the figures directly onto the “Flight” bases. This saved time when the figures are painted (no need to base them once completely painted), but takes longer to paint each figure. Swings and Roundabouts, dear Challengers...

So here are bases 'four' and 'five', one being Spanish and one Flemish. The figures are a jumble of Dixon’s, Foundry, 1st Corps and Perry. These manufacturers mix well together, being in the 25-28mm camp. I used some of the ‘newer’ Dixon figures (circa 2006). If you’re hesitating about using these 2006-era Dixon Grand Alliance figures - (which at first seem far less lovely that the Mark Copplestone Grand Alliance 1987 originals or the Gary Morley Grand Alliance second wave from 1989-90) - then please don’t. 

The newer-2006-vintage Dixon Grand Alliance range are very clean sculpts, paint up very well and actually look great on the table. OK, before painting they do look just a little odd (some slightly strange hand and leg positions), but persevere, Challengers - they do look good when painted. Both standard bearers here are from the new Dixon set.

I green-stuffed a broken drum (with ripped drum-skin), added a sprig of Scalelink brass fret oakleaves to the German soldier dressed in green helping his comrade to stand, added cuffs for a late 17th Century 'look' onto the prone/ wounded figure, added a couple of feathers in the hat of the officer and added finials to each standard (Bicorne). The scattered muskets are Dixon flintlocks, as is the discarded powder scoop.

The irregular-shaped bases are Warbases (thanks Martin!) and the standards are from Flags of War. The Flemish standard is cut with a scalpel before gluing, washed with a very, very pale wash of dirty green and then spattered with muddy coloured paint (... go on, paint flicking is fun... ). The aim is really to show a standard carried to safety from the shipwreck of a battalion after heavy fighting, the preciou cloth and silk shredded with musket and canister fire.

The damaged cannon is from 1st Corps. The 1st Corps figures (being the prone soldier reaching for a musket and the two soldiers propping each other up) are lovely to paint and have a few similarities with the Dixon sculpting style. For those with good eyesight there is a curious anatomical anomaly on one of the figures, which reminds me of an air-brushed ‘third hand’ in a celebrity photo shoot. 

I like these strange oddities in figures - I’m definitely towards the end of the spectrum which likes my wargames figures a little chunkier and ‘toy soldier-ish’, rather than super slender and realistic. 

The tufts are from WW Scenics. I’m really happy with the products from this small terrain maker. They’re a bit more robust than the Silfor tufts. The tufts’ bases are dipped in PVA before being placed on the base. I got carried away, as you can tell.  I dry brushed the tufts are flying with Vallejo German Camo Ochre and Medium Grey just to tone them down a little.

Painting wise, all Vallejo paints. Again, I tried the trick on the Spanish base with focusing on brown as the theme colour. I should have done the same on the drum but could not resist a deep Hapsburg red and castle tower to try and match the standard.

One more “Flight” base to go, so hopefully I can have that dropped in a submission in March.

On a forthcoming Challenge-submission note - I’m still working on the Lorrainer Horse (and desperately trying to find some... any?... details of their standards). The regiments I’m painting are Luneville and Garnier.... so if anyone has any ideas.... well, you know where to find me. I’m the chump with the crystal ball and the confused expression on my face.

Points-wise: 4 standing figures (20 points), two prone figures (5 points) and a seated wounded drummer with drum (4 points for the seated drummer and 1 point for the drum?) and a damaged cannon (10 points?).  Does that make 40 points, Curt?

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Absolutely superb work Sidney. I loved the original three bases from this series and continue to be amazed with these two new additions. These are truly artisanal little gems of imagination and craftsmanship. Each are packed with such storytelling detail - a real feast for the eyes. 

I also like your detailed description of the materials and method behind your work. So much of it is common sense but much of it is pure inspiration. Thanks so much for sharing these with us.

As to points, let's start with a base of 40 and give another 10 for the banners and various conversions/additions.  So 50 sounds about right to me.

Again, beautiful stuff Sid!

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From: MartinC - Loads of ACW and Other Stuff (475 points)

I'm playing ACW in 28mm shortly so I needed to paint up by remaining figures. I have tried with a couple of regiments but they are awful figs and a bugger to paint so I stopped them and may return to them later. I did have loads of others though

These are a mix of Perry plastics and Dixons that I bought in a junk shop for about 25p each. 

There are 3 full regiments and 1 regiment missing a command stand - 76 figures

Next up another of the Hasslefree hot chicks in fur figures

The ice is a sheet of mica and nearly works

Finally some Picts. These are Newline, cheap but basic.

The command figures are better

Damage done

83 28mm infantry - 415 pts

6 28mm cavalry - 60 pts

That's 475 pts. Off to paint some more ACW

Hoi Martin, what a fabulous collection of figures! All equally brilliant, if I was asked to name a favourite it would be the ACW figures. You have really managed to capture the atmosphere of the conflict with these figures. Using mica as ice-sheeting is an inspired trick I have not heard of before and I will look into for sure. The lady does look the part on it if a tad cold with just that fur-coat to protect her from the elements. The Picts are great with some nice plaids to finish this post. All in all some brilliant stuff!

From SidneyR: The Count of Bucquoy's Horse, and field gun, 1688 (98 points)

My sixth submission for the challenge is the second half of the Flemish regiment of Horse of the Count of Bucquoy. They follow hard on the hooves and spurs of the first half of the regiment which I submitted two weeks ago (with apologies for missing a submission last week). They will be joining my Flemish, Spanish and German army from 1688, focused around the fictional town of Laarden in the Spanish Netherlands, but leaning on history for the uniform and flags of the units concerned.

The figures in this submission are all 25mm Wargames Foundry from their Marlburian range, including the horses. They’re painted in Vallejo and the bases are by Warbases (in 3mm laser cut MDF). To save a little time, I added the flag from "Flags of War", and the finial is from Bicorne Miniatures. There’s very little conversion work on these cavalry, although the feathers are almost all added with green-stuff.

I've shown the new cavalry together with their front rank comrades in arms, below, ready to take the field with the Lorrainer and German Horse (up next on the painting table).

The Flemish Horse are joined by a large field artillery piece from the small but potent arsenal of the Citadel of Laarden. The figures were intended to be part of a 'BFG' themed round submission, but sadly real-life intervened and I didn't come close to finishing it in time (well done and huge respect to everyone who entered, and again to the winners!). Yes, fellow Challengers, there is a lesson here. I should make my themed round submissions a bit more personally manageable!!

The figures around the Wargames Foundry cannon are from Dixon's 'Grand Alliance' range, with Wargames Foundry matross helping out. I’ve been experimenting with a slightly lighter tone shade for the ground base (inspired by fellow Challenger, Benito - Anibal Invictus, from his blog). For years, I've simply painted the ground work (a mixture of 'Polyfilla' filler, gravel and sand) with a very flat matt Humbrol Black (33). 

This time, I’ve used Flat matt Humbrol Brown (110) and shaded up from there using Vallejo Beige Brown, Vallejo Khaki and Vallejo Stone Grey. I think this produces a brighter base tone which I think works with the gun carriage and figures. The tufts are from WWS and Warbases, inspired by the great figure bases created by another of our fellow Challengers, ChristopherS (Axebreaker). Huge thanks to both Benito and Christopher for their inspiration and encouragement over the years!

I’ve also tried painting the artillery base in a variety of very Flemish and Spanish browns, beige and buff. The inspiration behind this has been the wonderful book "Painting Wargame Figures" by Javier Gomez ("El Mercenario"). Javier dedicates a chapter in his book to the colour brown. This does not sound exciting, but honestly, it really is! Brown is one of those paint colours which can be really varied, and which is perfect or adding colour and tone in a 17th century army. Javier's painting was very much the inspiration behind what I was trying to do here.  Thanks, Javier!

I like the contrast in the browns and their tones, which I think are brought out by a lighter base, and which I am hoping should look good against the more grey-themed French on the field of battle. I'm hoping to try and replicate this is some future submissions. The main colours used were Vallejo Beige Brown, Flat Brown, Light Brown, Burnt Umber, Chocolate Brown, Khaki, Stone Grey, Orange and Deck Tan - all from around the same place on a colour wheel.

As to points, there are 6 new Flemish Horse (60 points), and the cannon and crew should add another 35 points (5 crew at 5 points, and the gun at 10 points).  

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Another beautiful addition to the Laarden collection, Sidney. I always enjoy your posts as it's clearly evident that each of your units is carefully considered and finely crafted.  The second half of your Flemish horse regiment is a excellent as the first and that artillery piece is wonderful. I think your new basing recipe is a winner, with it setting a stage for the miniatures without being too overpowering. (Note to self: I really need to get a copy of 'El Mercenario's' book.)

With a little extra for the banner, basing and feathers, here are 98 well-earned points for you sir. Thank you for treating us to another colourful chapter in your Laarden adventure Sidney!

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Quite a Lot of Infantry - MartinC (321 Points)

I had a plan to submit 100 infantry today as next week I'm 50 and have 2 parties and guests for 1/2 the week. Also it's my busiest teaching week so it could be a quiet week painting wise. However I sit here looking at 36 partially painted figures and a Bonus round entry (I forgot about that).
So instead I have a meagre 64 figures to present.
1st up are some Nationalist Chinese from Reiver Castings that I bought at the York Show. Not the best figures but there was nobody selling Copplestone and the money was burning a hole in my pocket. They will be the foreign force supporting my Afghans in the up coming Back of Beyond Campaign vs Matt Crump

To be honest they have come out quite well

2 LMG sections

Command Section with big assed flag

This chap is a Dixon's Dahomey fighter that was in the wrong box in the lead mountain. These figures are really great

Persian Napoleon Militia force. These are Old Glory renaissance Persians and needed lots of conversion to make them suitable, esp. the hats.

Senegalese Triailleurs for 19thC Africa. Most of these are Dixon's  but some are Perry ACW zouaves and the out of focus officer is a WW1 German officer with a headswap.

Overall that is 64 figures for 320 points. And now we drinking, although bonus points for anyone who knows which film the quote "And now we do heroin" comes from

MilesR: wow 64 infantry in one week is still a mighty points bomb and you'll get a bonus point for the flag!  You are the first of several "big booms" this Monday

From MichaelA: Everything stops for tea! (25 Points)

Just the briefest of posts today as I see to have run out of time with regards to all things hobby related.  That said I am happy to present this collection of loosely themed miniatures in a bid to snaffle some more much needed points.  In the back of my mind, I have an inkling that the new 'Congo' rules are something that I need to have and in order to justify that purchase, I have dusted down a few bits and pieces that might be suitable. 

Various manufacturers on show, Copplestone, Dixon and Northstar, I believe, but do correct me if not the case.  I was actually quite surpassed at how many potentially suitable miniatures I already have for this departure and so who knows where this may lead?

Guest Editor PD:  Nothing like a good cuppa tea to start the day Michael.  Excellent collection of figures and I am looking forward to seeing more on this project.  I can't judge the source of these figures but the thrree that you suggest are all likely culprits, Copplestone being the odds on favourite in my eyes.  Other manufacturers that you might check out include Foundry (Darkest Africa range) and Irregular (because they do everything weird and wacky).  I do like the missionary lady, at least that's what I think of her as and the group of locals.  You're venturing into old National Geographic areas on the seated young lady but I don't think that there is need of an NSFW label yet.  The only thing that this group needs is the back story - please let us know what it is.

I concur on your original points tally and have thrown in an extra five for the books and cultural objects, that mask alone is nearly a figure's worth.

From RayR Donnybrook - Pioneers (100 points)

For this entry you'll all be surprised that I've gone all Donnybrook again??

Never?

I've been beavering away getting some Pioneers or Sappers or just plain workmen painted up.

The first 6 figures plus equipment are not Nine Years War figures (Shock Horror!)

They are infact a lovely ECW set from Bicorne Miniatures, that'll cost you only £8

to buy unpainted. I've painted them up in a variety of colours, so they could be for

either side in my Donnybrook skirmish games.

The second set of 10 figures are from Reiver Castings, they are painted up with the green 

troos and stocking for Kirke's regt. But once again could be used for any side during the war.

They could even be added to a Civilian Mob, or added to other troops to make a Rebel unit for Sedgemoor.

Lastly, are 3 figures and some equipment from Dixon Miniatures.

The Engineer from a previous entry is also included in this pack.

And here they all are in a group shot.

19 figures, 2 wheelbarrows, 2 barrels, piles of wood and a discarded coat.......

Not sure how many points this time, I'll leave that up to Miles??

MilesR: Nice little group here Mr Ray, all working away for the betterment of the villages.  I really like the 'extras' so will toss in another 5 points bringing you to a cool 100 pointer fro this submission

Well done Ray!