I had no plans to add anymore Guard units to my Retreat from Moscow project, but, you may remember I posted about the loot I picked up at Cavalier in Tonbridge, in late January. I couldn't say no see these all painted up for the measly sum of £25?
I left them to after the Challenge, because I wanted to concentrate on getting figures painted for that. So now it's finished I found the time to tart them up.
Apart from the snowy bases, and a little touch up here and there the major change was inking them. I use a 50% mix of Warlord Strong and Soft tone. Which normally gives an even, quick drying stain in all the nicks and crannies. I'm getting g to the bottom of my pot and didn't realise, there was quite a lot of sludge built up at the bottom of the pot. So the ink settled a lot heavier than normal. Giving a darker and dirtier look to the figures. I wasn't best pleased at first, but the more I look at the figures the better I feel about them. Just lucky that the original blue colour of the coats was so light, I guess!
Long kept in reserve, the four Old Guard regiments were required to hold together the survivors during the later stages of the retreat, which they accomplished with great distinction but horrific loses. By 1st February 1813 only 408 Grenadiers and 415 Chasseurs were fit to take to the field again, out of the 5291
They look formidable
ReplyDeleteThey do, don't they?
DeleteHmm, Guards always look formidable! Nice rebasing.
ReplyDeleteCheers Joe!
DeleteI much prefer the blue to the ragtag colours of the other units you've done. But they are Old Guard after all, must keep up appearances!. They look superb.
ReplyDeleteI'm feeling old and creaking today, but I'll take the compliment and pretend I'm still young.
DeleteThe ragtag units were a right royal pain in the butt to paint up!
Deleteps, don't tell Lee. He thinks he's an old grognard. He's just a sprog!
ReplyDeleteHe looks like a grognard, that's for sure!
DeleteYou picked up a bargain there Ray, and they have come out looking - dare I say it - formidable (pronounced the French way, n'est pas?)
ReplyDeleteThink I was lucky, £25 was a bargain!
DeleteThey look really sharp.
ReplyDeleteThanks Alex!
DeleteThey look great and a formidable addition to your force
ReplyDeleteThanks Neil.
DeleteThese look excellent mate.
ReplyDeleteCheers Lee!
DeleteLovely looking unit there Ray.
ReplyDeleteThanks Andy.
DeleteBeautiful work!
ReplyDeleteCheers Michal.
DeleteI think the darker tone suits them perfectly and darkens the blue nicely. Great work Ray.
ReplyDeleteAgreed, I think they were painted a tad too light in the first place, so the tone has.....toned it right down!
DeleteThey look great.
ReplyDeleteGlad you like them, Neil!
DeleteLovely. Looking forward to your 15 mins of fame on Ken’s podcast.
ReplyDeleteMe too, George!!! Gotta put on my best telephone voice!
DeleteVery nicely done with these! They look like they'll blend nicely with the rest of your French.
ReplyDeleteYes, they match in quite well.
DeleteFine Guardsmen, Ray! Sometimes the stain is heavy but that’s OK. Uniforms on campaign get filthy.
ReplyDeleteExactly, they wouldn't be in their pristine, best would they.
DeleteAn absolute bargain Ray and you have rebased and added the finishing touches very nicely indeed. Cracking recruits fort he project.
ReplyDeleteI am , very pleased with them Donnie.
DeleteGreat buy Ray. The dirty appearance looks good and very appropriate.
ReplyDeleteAgreed!
DeleteWho wears pretty clean uniforms when they are running for their lives from rabid Cossacks anyway?
ReplyDeleteReally good looking unit. Can't say no to such a good deal.
Too right Dai!
DeleteA fine addition to the project Ray!
ReplyDeleteThanks David!
DeleteGreat additions to your project! I think you were lucky with the stain, they've turned out suitably grubby!
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
Very lucky, It was a lot darker than it should have been.
DeleteVery cool looking.
ReplyDeleteThanks Whisk!
DeleteVery nice! That blue came iut lovely.
ReplyDeleteEven though it was a mistake, it did come out looking great.
DeleteStout fellows, they will do the job! :)
ReplyDeleteThey sure will!
DeleteYou wintery Guard look very cool! :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Jason!
DeleteHello Ray, your work is superb. Thank you for this snowy imperial guard.
ReplyDeleteNo problem Syl, glad you like them.
DeleteNicely turned out Ray, I often forget to stir my stain and suddenly I get some much darker figures, but normally I am highlighting anyway
ReplyDeleteI always give mine a shake or stir, sometimes though I get bubbles in the ink, which are a right pain in he butt!
DeleteTheir blue greatcoats looks awesome against the snowy background, Ray!
ReplyDelete