Minor states of the Wars of the Spanish Succession

[fsn]

I've just finished painting the first unit of my WSS armies. A dragoon regiment from the (completely fictitious) North Duchy. They just need basing, but I've just taken some photos and am so embarrassed that I ain't gonna publish 'em.  I'm going for big units, my cavalry units are 32 figures and my infantry 72. Don't ask about rule sets, I'm still soiling my breeches at the size of each unit!

The North Duchy comprises 8 bttns, 6 regiments of horse, 3 of dragoons and 3 btty of artillery. Their sworn enemies, the Westlands have 7 bttns, 5 horse, 4 dragoons, 1 cuirassier and 4 bttys.

I promise I will publish some photos, more to establish the low standard of painting, and also because if I do, I'll probably have to try a bit harder.

I've taken delivery of an optiviser today. Just need a bionic arm and I'll be set!

Gulp! - FSN


 

[mollinary]

Best of luck FSN.  It is a very good looking period. I know I have a bit of a reputation (? ) as a flag geek, but if I could offer a small piece of advice based on my own experience, mediocre paint jobs are often lifted by that extra bit of effort on the basing and the flags. And with Imaginations, you have no excuse not to have exotic and colourful flags. Look forward to seeing the end results.

Mollinary

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

Looking forward to these and their pictures.

Like the unit size idea too. 

[fsn]

It is a very good looking period.

It was 'till I got my hands on it!

I'm hoping the flags and bases will lift my efforts!


Thanks, chaps - FSN

[mollinary]

Sorry about the doubles posting!
Mollinary

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

What double post?

What double post?

[mollinary]

What double post?

What double post?

That one!

That one!

No, this one!   

Mollinary

[Hertsblue]

Welcome to the wonderful world of the early eighteenth century, fsn. Where pretty well everybody in Europe got a go at somebody else. One small point, however, "horse" and "cuirassiers" are effectively the same thing. Horse could, and often did, wear the cuirass. Oh, and the French confused everybody by calling them "light horse" (chevaux légères).  Good 'ere innit?    

[fsn]

I think you'll find that in the Westlands the Cuirassiers were an elite unit! 

Thank you for that.

Where's that Duffy book? - FSN

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

From my research (Vin Fluffywitz et al) they were officially referred to as:
'The Westlands Regiment of Light Heavy Hussar Dragoon Horse Currasiers a Cheval'. Normally shortened to 'Those overpaid lay-abouts'.

Their standard was usually carried below half mast, officially in memorial of all the lost Colonels from the regiment, but actually because they misheard the visiting Grand Duke of Gelderland describe them as a 'half masted bunch'!

[Matt J]

nice idea FSN looking forward to the pics. Big project though by my maths that's best part of 2,000 models - I'm guessing you aren't going for much lace on the uniforms

[fsn]

How many! Oh for goodness sake!

What a pillock!

Must buy a calculator - FSN

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

2000, lightweight!

Counted my Franco Prussians recently, 25 boxes averaging 120 figures per box. Close on 3000 figures. Started in 2009. Been distracted too many times.

Oh, FSN, Von Fluffywitz states the common misconception that the Westlands Curassier's yellow jackets was a misidentification of their new Buff jackets, but the brown trousers are accurate....

[fsn]

You know, they now will be yellow jacketed! The Westlanders do, of course, prefer green, but I wanted something special for the elite.

Breeches are probably white. Or buff. Or green ... probably not green.



Is my table big enough? - FSN

[Matt J]

Is my table big enough?

might not be, the 8 battalions of the North Duchy infantry alone formed in firing line 2 ranks deep will be 8 foot long

(oh forgot all your models are marching  )