A bit of re-basing

As my 28mm Austrian collection for Sharp Practice very rarely gets used, I decided to rebase and eventually expand the figures for use in either Black Powder or General d'Armee. They were originally painted up to represent the 15th regiment or d'Alton. 

I decided to go for 40 figure battalions, so another 20 figures were quickly painted up to complete the second battalion. Unlike the already completed figures which were Victrix, these are from Perry as they were passed on by another club member. The uniform is a slightly different cut, no doubt the purists will be aghast, but they are fine for me.

I am awaiting an order from flags of war to add the standard to the second battalion. Once these were done I completed a couple of Brigadiers, some Jaegers and a 6lb gun. These are a mix of Perry and Frontrank miniatures. The Jaegars still need some of their paintwork touched up.

I do still have 12 line skirmshers to rebase. Looking at the unpainted pile, I have enough figures for a Grenadier battalion. There are also some more of the Perry figures, but not quite enough for a 3rd battalion, so ordered another box to put that right and give me a 4th battalion.

General D'Armee, Austrians vs French

Thursday at the club pitted my Austrians defending a ridge against some marauding French. I had 2 small infantry brigades with a mix of Jaegers, Line and Landwehr. They were supported by a small cavalry brigade of 2 Hussar regiments. The French had 2 large infantry brigades supported by some Hussars and Lancers.

To say the game was a disaster for my Austrians is an understatement. When my artillery couldn't hit a barn door, they became low on ammo. My Jaegers on the left got pounded by the enemy. When the enemy charged my closing fire missed. In fact most of my infantry lost Fire discipline which is not good when outnumbered and trying to defend. Still a very enjoyable game.

Austrian left wing

Austrian center

Desultory fire against French skirmishers

Casualties start to mount

Right wing under pressure

Jaegers forced back

Uh oh, 41st regiment about to run

Struggle on the left

French assault repelled

It was nice to get the Austrians on the table again. The game did seem to flow more than previous games. I put that down to less cavalry, which seem to dominate club games and leave little time for the infantry.

Sharpe Practice Austrians VI

I've made another small addition to my core Austrian force. This time in the shape of 2 extra officers, which I'll probably use as either level 1 or 2 to lead my infantry groups. Both figures are from Front rank and mix well with the Victrix plastics.

As I am being out gunned by my opponents  decided to add a 6lb artillery piece from Perry miniatures. Unfortunately you only get 4 crew so I added an extra from Front rank as well as an officer.

I feel that now this force is only lacking in some mounted troops. I have my eye on the Perry's Hussars in campaign uniforms. So here's a few photos of the force so far.

Not a bad little force. The figures from Victrix, Perry and Front rank have mixed well.

Sharp Practice Austrians V

With the club enjoying these rules and a couple of players in the middle of an arms race. I decided it was time to add some extras to my core Austrian force. I've decided on an artillery piece and some Jaegers. While the artillery is in the process of being prepped I made a start on the Jaegers. First up is their officer Lt. Wilhelm Schnauser . I picked him up from Front rank. I plan on  him leading my Jaegers and the 2 units of 3rd rank skirmishes I have.

Next up is his group of Jaegers from Perry miniatures. Bases were picked up from Warbases. These guys have already seen their first action and promptly set fire to the building they were defending.

As well as the artillery I also have a couple of extra officers to help lead my units that need painting up. I just wish someone would produce some plastic Austrian cavalry as i would like to add a couple of groups of Dragoons to the force. Prices of metal 28mm cavalry out of my range at the moment with other projects on the go.

Sharp Practice Austrians IV

I've now finished my last group of fusiliers to complete the core of my Austrian force. This brings me up to 6 groups of fusiliers and 2 groups of skirmishers. I've also got a fair number of officer figures completed as they are vital in the game. I also picked up some bases for my skirmishers from Warbases.

Completed Fusiliers

Completed Force

Skirmishers to the front

Officer look on

So far in our practice games it has become apparent we need more extras such as animals, carts etc. So I've dug out some old models from Gripping beast to be rebased,  probably more suitable to the dark ages but they will do. I've also been picking up some livestock from the Warbases range to fill out the gaps such as geese and chickens. Well better get back to basing them.

Sharp Practice Austrians III

As I didn't manage to get to the club this week I was able to finish off another group of Austrian musketeers from the Victrix boxed set. These are the start of my 2nd company.

As part of ny loot from the Border Reiver show; I picked up a bluster from the Perry stand of the Austrian high command. I envisage using these as high level commanders during games. Here is the first if them completed.

I've put in an order with Perry miniatures for a unit of Jaegers. These will stuffen my skirmish line. I have also taken advantage of an offer from Warlord games. I received a £10 voucher after they took over Saxon miniatures (I was on their mailing list). So I've ordered a Prussian line battalion. Another 46 figures to do after the Austrians.

Sharp Practice Austrians II

Following my last post, I've made some more progress on the Austrians. First up is another group of 8 Fusiliers. This brings the battalion up to 3 groups. This will be 50% of the required fusiliers I want to field.

So far I'm quite enjoying the Victrix figures. I already have a unit of skirmishers part painted and have started building the next 3 groups if fusiliers I need.

Now with a game like Sharp Practice I feel that I will need so extras to add to the story of a game. Luckily from the Colonel Bills stand at the Border Reiver show, I picked up just such a figure. I give you the Lady Charlotte d'Arlot. Currently in disguise wearing a Hussar uniform. I will be able to use her as an officers concubine.

Well best get some more painting done.

New Project

As I hinted in a previous post, I've started work on a new project. Though I'm still working on my Poles in the background. It all came about after a visit to the Border Reiver show. The Dave Thomas stand was selling Victrix boxed sets 3 for £45.  So Thom, Neil and myself decided to pick up a boxed set of Napoleonics each. Thom chose French, Neil the British leaving me with the Austrians. Our aim is to put together forces for the Sharps Practice rules.

So 56 Austrians for £15 was too good a bargain.  I also picked up a Perry's high command set. I've already decided on a starting force, picking up a couple of extra sprues on Ebay. I should end up with 2 battalions each with 3 groups of fusiliers a single unit if 3rd rank skirmishers. I can then add some Jaegers or cavalry at a later date.

So here are the first figures painted up. 2 groups of fusiliers and some command figures.

Must admit I'm impressed with the Victrix figures. These being the first I've put together. Quite straightforward to put together. Just need to add the flag. I've already started the 3rd group of fusiliers and have built the skirmishers.