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Sunday, 1 February 2015

RP No 164 NYW French - Gardes Francaises



Only my second entry into Curt's Analogue Painting Challenge V, which is quite a sorry state of affairs, I'm sure you'll agree???
These fine looking fellows earned me the massive sum of 42 points which pushed me up to my highest position in the Challenge so far, a lowly No 42, but as I type I'm already back down to 45th!


I thought it was about time the French had some guard infantry, so it just had to be the Gardes Francaises. The figures are as per usual from Essex minis. For some reason they don't sell command figures for their Guard Infantry they sell, so a quick rummage threw my unloved bag and I came out with some WSS English Grenadiers, I lopped their heads off and replaced them with other spare figure heads and Volare! French command!


The Gardes Francaises were raised in 1563 by Charles XI of France, In times of war the Gardes Françaises had the privilege of choosing their own battle positions (usually in the centre of the first line of infantry). Other privileges included being that of leading the assault when a wall was breached during a siege, the first choice of barracks, and special rights of trail. When on parade, the Gardes Francaises took precedence over all other regiments in the Royal Army.
The Gardes were present at the following battles Walcourt 1689, Fleurus 1690, Mons 1691, Steenkirke 1692, Neerwinden 1993 and  Charleroi in 1693.




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52 comments:

  1. The Happy Whisk1 February 2015 at 22:45

    Bumped down a few points just as you wrote this blog. Still though, congrats on the hard work and have a groovy night. Or day. Or morning.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ray Rousell1 February 2015 at 22:50

    Night actually, its 22:50 here in the UK, nearly my bedtime,but the Matrix is on, just have to watch it all.....again!

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  3. TamsinP1 February 2015 at 22:56

    Very nice looking regiment Ray :)

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  4. thefrenchjester1 February 2015 at 22:57

    Hi Ray,

    well done ! your paint job is great , the extra work you done on the command base is impressive , did you reinforce the separated body and the head with a small brass wire?

    all the best.

    Gilles

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ray Rousell3 February 2015 at 11:48

      I just used lots of Superglue, hopefully the heads will stay on!!

      Delete
  5. Jonathan Freitag1 February 2015 at 23:09

    Nice! Good to see more NYW action on your painting table.

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    Replies
    1. Ray Rousell3 February 2015 at 11:53

      Cheers Jonathan, I do plan on a few more units, and fingers crossed some 28's as well.

      Delete
  6. Steve1 February 2015 at 23:20

    Lovely work and a fine looking unit on the table
    Cheers

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  7. Chris C.2 February 2015 at 01:06

    I've always liked the uniforms of the Gardes Françaises, and you've done a great job on them!

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  8. DeanM2 February 2015 at 01:09

    Lovely looking Gardes - red stockings and big laces!

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  9. Mike2 February 2015 at 01:19

    Nice job, Ray. You know what they say, "En garde!"

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  10. Zabadak2 February 2015 at 04:21

    Great looking unit, one of my favourites.

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  11. Jeppan2 February 2015 at 05:19

    A great looking unit!

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  12. Rodger2 February 2015 at 09:06

    Great looking unit Ray! Very nice work!

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    Replies
    1. Ray Rousell3 February 2015 at 22:23

      Lets hope they perform on the battlefield???

      Delete
  13. Sander2 February 2015 at 09:41

    Very colourful! Nicely done Ray.

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  14. The Extraordinarii2 February 2015 at 09:50

    Nice one Ray they look sweet, the flags are a good touch.

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  15. Ken2 February 2015 at 10:44

    A great unit as always Ray!

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  16. Alex J. Cavanaugh2 February 2015 at 11:23

    Nice looking unit, Ray.
    For a moment, based on the name, thought it might have something to do with Fran.

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  17. Thanos2 February 2015 at 11:30

    Νice looking fellows Ray! :)

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  18. Phil2 February 2015 at 12:35

    "Haut les couleurs, Gardes Françaises, le Roy vous regarde!"...beautiful job Ray!

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  19. AdamC17762 February 2015 at 13:05

    Lovely work.

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  20. Unknown2 February 2015 at 13:47

    Great looking unit Ray! Love those flags and the conversions look like they belong.

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  21. Sam Wise2 February 2015 at 14:43

    good work ! always a pleasure to see your figures and flags !
    congrats for your progress in the challenge !
    and "Vive la France" !

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    Replies
    1. Ray Rousell3 February 2015 at 22:26

      There's not a lot of progress in the challenge Pascal, but I'm trying!

      Delete
  22. Jay2 February 2015 at 15:55

    More finely dressed troops. And I really like the three flag bearer's whose flags have blown off their poles.

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  23. Mad Padre2 February 2015 at 16:32

    It's a lovely unit, Ray, and nice to see you playing to your strengths. You know, if I had my choice of where to be on the battlefield, I would choose a pub well in the read. Mind you, with that attitude, I'm sure I'd get bounced from the Gardes, especially ones as sharp looking as yours!

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    Replies
    1. Ray Rousell3 February 2015 at 22:28

      I'm sure they were just as bad in real life Mike, if not worse!

      Delete
  24. Rod2 February 2015 at 20:08

    Very nice Ray!

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  25. Christopher(aka Axebreaker)2 February 2015 at 22:54

    Very nicely done unit Ray! Your not the only one with few posting in the challenge so far.

    Christopher

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    Replies
    1. Ray Rousell3 February 2015 at 22:29

      I'm really struggling to get anything done!!!

      Delete
  26. Paulalba2 February 2015 at 23:44

    Cracking figures Ray!

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  27. Foss106612 March 2015 at 15:50

    Totally inspiring, I love how well the colors pop, especially at that scale.
    Cheers
    Thomas

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