Monday, November 12, 2018

Sappers and Engineers of the Guard

Figured I'd finish these guys while awaiting the arrival of the shield transfers for the Samnites. Incidentally, I also ordered a set each of Greek Light Cav and Archers from Victrix. Anyway, the figures here consist of Sappers from Black Hussar Minis (formerly Westfalia Minis) and Victrix French Artillery bodies with Perry Carabinier heads.
The wheel barrow is also from Black Hussar - included as a freebie; I can't recall where I got the chest from, but it  might've also came with the Black Hussar order. Wicker gabions would probably be more appropriate, but didn't have any.
I always liked the look of these guys, both the crested helmet and also the armor used by the Sappers. The latter looking so "medieval" and generally bad a@%.
I think the actual helmets for the Engineers might've been a little taller than Carabinier ones, but they look close enough. The "Eagle" front plate was painted on as the Carabinier front plate is designed a bit differently with an Imperial "N" and a much smaller Eagle above it.
Sappers were used for siege works and preparation of gun positions, among other thing. The Engineers themselves were an odd lot created originally in 1810 as the official fire-fighters for the Imperial palaces. They eventually grew to battalion-strength and "on campaign were responsible for leveling and preparing ground where the General Headquarters were to be installed." - quote from Histoire & Collections' The French Imperial Guard, 1. The Foot Soldiers, 1804-1815.
The dark blue uniform was closely based upon the ones worn by the Guard Foot Artillery. The facings were black, piped red. Practical, yet elegant IMO.
In addition to the Victrix Ancients, I also placed a small order from Perry Minis - some Red Lancers and Scots Greys. So much for now, and wishing you all the very best!

36 comments:

  1. Inspired and beautiful job on this vignette!

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    1. Thank you very much, Phil! I love these guys - although not sure how they'd play into a game. :) Best, Dean

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  2. Dean! This latest work of yours is truly cool vignette. Beautiful work!

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    1. Thank you very much for the kind words as always, Jonathan! Yes, I let these guys sit unpainted for too long. Glad to have them finished and presentable. Warmest regards, Dean

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    1. Thank you very much, Christopher! Kindest regards, Dean

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  4. I spent a bit of time staring into this piece, seeing more the longer I looked. The sappers are indeed intriguing.

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    1. Thank you very much, Norm. Your kind comment warmed my heart. Best regards, Dean

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    1. Thanks, Fran! I may someday get them into a game. Warm regards, Dean

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  6. They're great looking figures Dean.

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  7. Great work Dean, as ever an inspiration.

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    1. Thanks a lot for your kind words, Scrivs. Warmest regards, Dean

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    1. Thank you very much, Michal! Warm regards, Dean

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  9. Lovely painting work of one of my favourite wargaming periods

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    1. Thank you very much, Benito! How are your Austrians coming along? Great to see you posting again too. Your comparison/review of various social media was very insightful. Kindest regards, Dean

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    2. Hi, working now with some Austrian Cavalry units. Just finished the Uhlans and now Cuirassiers. Thanks for asking!

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    3. Good to hearthat. Sounds like a potent addition to the army.

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  10. Dean, your work continues to amaze and inspire me. Nicely done.

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    1. Ah, you're too kind, Jake. Thank you very much for your thoughtful words. Best regards, Dean

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  11. Lovely looking sappers and engineers! Rendera make a plastic kit of wicker gabbions, I've just been assembling some,a an I know you like plastic kits!
    Best Iain

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    1. Thanks, Iain. I saw those - they even have them on the Perry site. However, those are too "pristine" looking. I saw some resin ones on ebay that look battle worn - but they cost $15 for 3! :) Best, Dean

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  12. Beautiful vignette! Fine details and Special job on the trousers highlighting!Well done!

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    1. Thank you very much for your kind words. I like adding highlights to dark colors, especially blues. Warmest regards, Dean

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    1. Thanks a lot, Simon! I always thought these guys looked pretty cool - particularly if used in a siege. Kind regards, Dean

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  14. Lovely piece, Dean. My dad, who retired as a Lt Colonel in the Army Corps of Engineers (reserves), would have especially liked them, too!

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    1. Ah,thanks for the kind words and memory of your dad. Warmest regards, Dean

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  15. Great idea! Now I need something like that for myself. Thank you for inspiration.

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    1. Thanks for the kind words, Bartek! Warm regards, Dean

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