Victrix Imperial Old Guard Grenadiers & Perry French Hussars

I picked up a box of Victrix Imperial Guard for the Black Powder game I've been planning.  The French reserve brigade will combine one regiment of Imperial Old Guard Grenadiers a pied and Imperial Guard cavalry (still to be decided).

The Victrix set is less 'fiddly' than the line regiment set with less construction required. The Old Guard are one of those units that everyone has to have in their collection; Highlanders, 95th Rifles & Scots Greys probably filling the same role for the British.

Also on the shopping list recently was the Perry Hussar set.  I've chosen the 7th Regiment positioned on the left of Napoleon's lines at Waterloo.  The buttoned trouser overalls are green based on a plate from '|The Waterloo Companion' although there is conflicting information from Mont-Saint-Jean and other sources that suggest the overalls should be red.

 



Perry Heavy Cavalry - Cuirassiers

In addition to the box of Dragoons I also added a box of the Heavy Cav.  This is a clever set that enables both Cuirassier & Carabinier options.  The plastic sprue is crammed full of parts but the figures themselves are simple to assemble. I've gone for the 1st Regiment, ready to join Ney in his charges against the squares!

I've used the 'at charge' pose rather than the more sedate option.

Another choice is whether to have an officer, bugler or eagle carrier.  I decided on all three (bugler & eagle shown below) as I reckon the 1st deserves some pomp & circumstance!

The quality of this set is excellent - I'm now a real fan of the Perry Miniatures figures.  The launch of the new Prussian Line plastics can't come quickly enough (due to be on sale at Salute in April 2011)

Perry French Dragoons 1812-15

I finally gave in to temptation and bought some boxes of Perry cavalry (Dragoons, Heavy Cav & Hussars). Below is the first regiment completed, the 7th Dragoons.

In keeping with the Waterloo theme, the 7th took part in the massed cavalry charges that attempted to break the Anglo-Allied squares on Mont St Jean ridge.  They were also present at Borodino which is tempting as 1812 draws nearer.  The elite company (far left of picture) has the Grenadier plumes rather than bearskins, although that was an option with additional heads available.

 

The Perry figures are (as usual) fantastic to put together and paint.  Included in the box are a number of dismounted Dragoons that I probably won't get around to completing - my needs are for the massed charge rather than picquets or skirmishers. 

The officer is my favourite figure in the set, perhaps because it provided a break from painting woollen saddlecloths!

I have found it difficult to achieve a realistic effect on the silk cloth in gold or silver.  As I start on the General staff officers this is going to be a challenge.  Maybe practise will make perfect?