Friday, June 14, 2019

Franco-Prussian War Project - A Humble Beginning

Sorry for being away so long, but I finally have something to post. The start of a new project in well over a year. This time a new venture - into the short in duration, but deadly, Franco-Prussian War. Not sure how it'll play out, but I hope to use Bolt Action for squad-sized skirmish games. Adding to some Perry Zouaves already painted up will be another squad of Zoauves and a couple of squads of Algerian Tirailleurs. For opponents, I plan to order some Prussians and Bavarians from Eagles of Empires - once the Bavarians are back in stock. Anyway, here's the Perry figs in the initial painting stages.
Some images from the French Colonial Army of Africa uniform book I picked up last fall at Fix Bayonets' bring and buy.
Love them red baggies!
Both Zoauves and Algerian Tirailleurs fought with distinction at the Battle of Woerth - where the French were outnumbered 2 to 1.
So much for now - thank you for your patience and continued visits! Until next time, happy painting and good gaming!

37 comments:

  1. Best wishes on your new project! A fascinating period with colorful uniforms. I will be following your progress closely.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by and your encouraging words, Jonathan! Warm regards , Dean

      Delete
  2. Replies
    1. Thank you very much, Michal! Kindest regards, Dean

      Delete
  3. Looking good Dean.
    A cracking start.
    Cheers
    Stu

    ReplyDelete
  4. Very nice job Dean, wish you all the best for the project!

    ReplyDelete
  5. An interesting and very manageable project, with wonderful colour. I can see this inspiring others to follow in your lead on this.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Norm. Keeping units squad-sized will hopefully keep me on track! Kindest regards, Dean

      Delete
  6. I do not think the Tirailleur Algerians had the light blue uniform for the FPW.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh they might have done in Africa, but there are images of darker jackets in France. The Officers uniforms look the same though.

      Delete
    2. Thanks, Simon. I must go with the light blue - they look too cool! :) Regards, Dean

      Delete
  7. Your troops are looking good already Dean! It is a fascinating period for sure. The uniforms are just amazing, a combination of the practical and decorative and some of the most interesting firearms ever made (in my opinion). I really enjoy painting FPW troops. I'm looking forward to seeing your finished units.
    Best wishes,
    Jason

    ReplyDelete
  8. ps. Hopefully the link below shows. Interestingly there is a group of Turco Prisoners- the uniforms do look of the lighter shade to me: http://18edelignesecondempire.clicforum.fr/t1116-Tirailleurs-Alg-riens.htm

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the link, Jason. I will go with light blue regardless - it's a nice way to distinguish them from the Zoauaves. BTW, that Cantinière has quite a manly looking face! :)

      Delete
  9. All great projects have to start somewhere Dean. Lovely work Sir.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you kindly, Michael! Warmest regards, Dean

      Delete
  10. It is an interesting era including the Crimean War, the first and 2nd Schleswig-Holstein Wars, the Austro-Sardinian and Franco-Austrian Wars, The Austro-Prussian War, and finally the Franco Prussian War. If wars were won by style points, the French would surely have been the victors! :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Peter. Yes, the era of "Hyphenated Wars"! :) Best, Dean

      Delete
  11. Nice start to a great sounding project! It's very tempting and if you like light blue, paint them in light blue!
    Best Iain

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I do, and in light blue! Thanks, Iain. Warm regards, Dean

      Delete
  12. Very glad to see you've found a new inspiration. I am developing a 15mm French army for FPW over a long time and in no hurry. I think they are fascinating and one day I'll tackle the Prussians. Here's an idea - try finding a locomotive and train for the period. It's a way to dress up the table top which screams age-of-steam. I'm having the devil of a time finding trains for the period in 15mm.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A train, oh yes, that would be very cool on the table. Thanks for the tip. Warmest regards, Dean

      Delete
  13. They're already looking rather nicely. The FPW is a highly interesting period and I'm looking forward to see how this project develops.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much! I've always liked the look of mid-to-late 19th C. European armies. Just never got around to researching the conflicts enough. Figure a 6-month war is a good gateway. Kindest regards, Dean

      Delete
  14. A brilliant looking project. Looking forward to more. The French certainly seem to have had a thing about red trousers! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Looking good so far Dean and one must always start somewhere! Enjoy!

    Christopher

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Christopher! Yes, indeed. Best, Dean

      Delete
  16. My congrats on the new project, Dean! Figures look nice in early stage already, can't wait to see the final.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much, Dmitry! Warm regards, Dean

      Delete
  17. Great start to your new project Dean.

    Cheers, Ross

    ReplyDelete
  18. Just started and already looking good. Thumbs up!

    ReplyDelete
  19. One of the reasons we love this hobby so much is all that research we get to do ^_^ Seriously, if a job ever needed research skills, all the interviewer has to do is ask "are you a figurine painter?" :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. Really appreciate you sharing this blog post.Much thanks again. Great.
    sbobet88

    ReplyDelete