Pendraken Miniatures Forum

Wider Wargaming => Genre/Period Discussion => Firelocks to Maxims (1680 - 1900) => Topic started by: shireman on 30 July 2018, 02:30:32 PM

Title: WSS colour of artillery carriages
Post by: shireman on 30 July 2018, 02:30:32 PM
Grant's books suggest blue for the French but I can't find any reference there or online to the colours of gun carriages for the British, Dutch, Spanish or Portuguese. Of course, the information may not be available. I'd be very grateful for any help with this topic from forum members.
Title: Re: WSS colour of artillery carriages
Post by: Glorfindel on 30 July 2018, 02:50:34 PM
This thread on TMP might help, particularly the list at the bottom.

http://theminiaturespage.com/boards/msg.mv?id=250161 (http://theminiaturespage.com/boards/msg.mv?id=250161)


For the French, my understanding is that they used red until some point
between 1744 and 1756 when it changed to blue.   

I expect, however, that the wargamers' wish to impose a uniform colour
on the artillery may not be matched by reality....

Not sure if anyone has any further information ?


Phil
Title: Re: WSS colour of artillery carriages
Post by: shireman on 30 July 2018, 03:01:17 PM
That was extremely helpful and thank you very much for the prompt response. It gives me something to go on. That comment about paint 'em all reddish-brown appealed to me!
Title: Re: WSS colour of artillery carriages
Post by: Leman on 30 July 2018, 04:41:07 PM
I find that helpful as well as I was recently given some 6mm WSS armies to do with as I please. I immediately thought Spain and Italy for something a little different.
Title: Re: WSS colour of artillery carriages
Post by: shireman on 30 July 2018, 04:44:59 PM
I, too, wanted something different so I'm doing the Spanish campaigns using the excellent Pendraken figures. :)
Title: Re: WSS colour of artillery carriages
Post by: Terry37 on 31 July 2018, 02:20:31 PM
I agree with red for the French at that time. However, my research indicates that it was not a bright red, but more of a barn red or brick red color - more like a very reddish brown.

Terry
Title: Re: WSS colour of artillery carriages
Post by: DHautpol on 02 August 2018, 02:24:09 PM
I can't remember where I read this, whether it was on TMP or in The Arquebusier.

Whilst the references to lead paint for English guns is widely assumed to be red lead, it should be remembered that there is also white lead. 

The author drew attention to the fact that near contemporary images of the guns (i.e. the Blenheim tapestries and paintings from the period) seem to show the guns as grey.  An application of white lead paint would render the guns as light grey in appearance.
Title: Re: WSS colour of artillery carriages
Post by: Leman on 02 August 2018, 04:04:37 PM
This is all very useful information - thanks a lot. I wonder if Vallejo Cavalry Red would be a good colour for French guns. The consensus on the HOW site seems to be blue for Brunswick.
Title: Re: WSS colour of artillery carriages
Post by: Dr Dave on 02 August 2018, 08:20:04 PM
Surely British would be grey?

Grey in the later New Model days and still grey in the AWI and Napoleonic wars.
Title: Re: WSS colour of artillery carriages
Post by: Leman on 02 August 2018, 09:04:47 PM
Didn't DHautpol just make the case for grey.
Title: Re: WSS colour of artillery carriages
Post by: Dr Dave on 03 August 2018, 06:19:39 AM
Quote from: Leman on 02 August 2018, 09:04:47 PM
Didn't DHautpol just make the case for grey.

Yes, but he seemed doubtful. I was backing him up without saying "of course they're bl**** grey!"  ;)
Title: Re: WSS colour of artillery carriages
Post by: Leman on 03 August 2018, 06:21:28 AM
 ;D ;D ;D Point taken. Grey seems like the choice then.