Napoleonic British

[fred.]

Cracking!

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

My word, brilliant.

[paulr]

 

[Last Hussar]

I hate you

[Womble67]

Absolutely fantastic

Take care

Andy

[Techno]

Those really are rather special. 

Can I show my ignorance again, and ask what the long, non wheeled weapon is, at the front right of the top photo ?

Cheers - Phil

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

It's one version of the Congrace Rocket launcher that the British used in the Penninsula, Waterloo and 1812 American campaigns (and features in the American national anthem)

[Techno]

Thanks, Will. 

I'll go and look that up.

Cheers - Phil.

[Westmarcher]

Boat launched version of the Congreve rocket system.

.... and its target ....

[Techno]

Ta, Westie !

So.....Just to make sure I don't go away with completely the wrong idea. (I should put, the wrong end of the stick, shouldn't I ?)

The projectile itself was basically shaped like a 'modern' firework rocket ? (To me)
But......Unlike a firework rocket, the propulsion didn't come from the head of the rocket, (firing backwards) but from a black powder charge in the 'launcher' ?(A bit like a cannon firing a ball) ?
The head of the rocket was a sealed metal tube, filled with powder, which presumably exploded on impact with anything solid ?

Yes ?

Cheers - Phil

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

IF you were incredibly LUCKY! 

[Westmarcher]

Basically the same as a modern fireworks rocket with stick longer than the cylinder, Phil. It was self contained so all you needed was a trough like launcher (like a length of roof guttering) - it could also be place on the ground and launched from there. I don't think they were fitted with percussion caps - it was like a howitzer shell* insofar as it had a fuse so it usually blew up in mid-air (showering shrapnel all around) or on the ground (if it landed 'safely') when the fuse ran out or on impact (if it burst open because it was full of powder which does not go well with a naked flame). I wasn't aware of tubular launchers for Napoleonic rocket artillery (but what do I know?) but sounds like a good idea, especially for the naval version. Very erratic. Could go anywhere - including doubling back! So, as Lemmey says, "if you were incredibly lucky!"

A link with some further info -

http://waterloo200.org/200-object/congreve-rocket/  



* actually, the more I think about it, I don't even think it was that sophisticated (unfortunately, can't look into it further - must dash - have an appointment to keep! Help, someone else?

[kev1964]

Thank's for the comments chaps, here are a few cav, should get the final few including the generals done tomorrow.

kev

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

Stunning

[Leman]

I am now crying in my beer.

[Szymon]

Love it !!!!

[Leon026]

I wish I could paint that well

[Ithoriel]

I'd settle for painting half that well!

[jambo1]

Cavalry look absolutely stunning.

[kev1964]

The blues and greys plus commanders, next lot up will be the French.

kev