Fresh off the painting table, and ready for their photo-shoot, the Spanish Cuirassiers. An unusual unit but, as they primarily served in Catalonia, ideal for my army intended for the fighting in eastern Spain.
The regiment was formed to make use of captured French cuirassier equipment supplemented with red uniforms provided by the British. There was only enough French equipment for half the regiment[1], exactly what the remainder wore, especially with respect to headwear is less well documented. So, while I used French cuirassier figures for the first squadron ...
... I used Bavarian figures, kindly provided by David of 'Miniature Minions', for the remainder ...
... as their helmets are similar to those worn by Spanish dragoons like the rather smart trooper below.
The trumpeter figure was converted from another Bavarian trooper while the officer started life as an Empress Dragoon ...
... and was inspired by a wonderful contemporary(?) illustration of an officer from the regiment that I found online.
Usually in my cavalry units, the trumpeters accompany the officer in the front rank, but as neither wore cuirasses, I felt that would reduce the impact of the regiment, in both senses of the word.
After their studio session the unit had to dash off to report to the army ...
... where they paraded past my Spanish cavalry general who was delighted to no longer be a general with only one regiment of dragoons under his command.
The parade ended with the regiment swearing to faithfully serve His Most Catholic Majesty, King Ferdinand the Seventh, and drive the hated French from the land.
They will only have to wait 'til next weekend for a chance to prove their mettle; and break the curse of the newly-painted unit.
Notes:
[1.] The regiment had two squadrons each of three companies.
Lovely looking unit, really nice uniform, looking forward to seeing if they will do the job on the table!
ReplyDeleteThanks, although when it comes to the game next week both sides will be fielding a newly-painted, untried, cavalry unit, so surely someone has to break the curse.
DeleteAnother splendid unit Rob. I really like to see less well known known regiments on the table. You have really got to grips with the Hinton OPCs as I know that they can be a challenge with some lack of casting detail. Hope they survive a few turns at least!
ReplyDeleteI'm not usually keen on odd / quirky units, but as these guys fought in the conflict / region I want to game they passed the 'should I field them?' test. Also, as they use French / Bavarian figures it's a great to get some I can use for Spanish with the minimum of conversion. Apart from the officer and trumpeter, the only modifications were new epaulettes and replacement carbines for the Bavarians - their cast on carbines were an abomination.
DeleteA very smart addition and resourceful figure choices. The Duke of Baylen always approves of more horsemen for the king's cause.
ReplyDeleteStephen
Thanks, more king's-men always welcome, so long as we're not talking about that interloper, Joseph.
DeleteA fine looking unit indeed Rob…
ReplyDeleteI can see me shamelessly copying you at some point in the future…
All the best. Aly
Please do; imitation, flattery, et cetera, et cetera ...
DeleteOoof, this is really feeding my need to paint some Spanish Cavalry! Those look fantastic Rob, especially those yellow coated Dragoons and the command group ala Deighton. Nicely done!
ReplyDeleteThanks, the unit was only possible with your gift of the Bavarian dragoons.
DeleteThese are really clever Rob! Another wee masterclass in toy soldiery. I must confer with you at some point about how you pull off those spectacular reds.
ReplyDeleteThat would be Revell SM330, it's brighter than any of the Humbrol reds.
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