At long last the first of the French artillery is complete. I had
actually started painting these figures well over a year ago. Now, I
have seen some of the Old Glory figures painted up really well so I am a
little disappointed with my results.
 |
| Old Glory 15s French Artillery 1870 |
This is not a criticism of the OG figures, but the Essex and Minifigs have "clean lines" and I can clearly see where the paint is meant to go; but not so with these. I am glad they are finished and while I have some Prussian Dragoons and French Chasseurs (which I will finish) I think thereafter I will stick to figures that suit my painting abilities/eyesight better.
Size wise they are a little bigger than the Minifigs and Essex figures. When I finish the Chasseurs I will take some comparison shots for those interested in that kind of thing.
 |
| The high water mark for muzzle loading artillery technology! |
The French artillery is much maligned in accounts of the war however it should be remembered that Napoleon III's choice was based on sound logic. They presented the pinnacle of muzzle loading technology at a time when breech loaders were considered by many countries as experimental, expensive and unproven. The world was in for a a bit of a rude awakening!
I am working on a few command bases (which were also started over a year ago) before returning to either more French infantry or adding the first of the Prussian and Bavarian troops
Fine looking guns and crews , Tony
ReplyDeleteLooking good, I have to agree OG figures do not suit everyone's style, I have never got on well with them.
ReplyDeleteWe can only play to our strengths sometimes!
DeleteThe artillery look very good - interesting point about lack of casting detail. I guess it is my eyesight, but I find it difficult to paint some old castings these days - some vintage Alberken 20mm were a recent case in point - because it is necessary to visualise exactly what you are doing and paint in details which are only implied. I have grown used to Les Higgins and Art Miniaturen, where you just have to put paint on what the sculptor has set out for you!
ReplyDeleteNicely done, anyway - lovely job - I'd love to see these guys in action.
It is almost as if there is too much raised detail for me to establish what is what on these figures. Others can get fantastic results but clearly my eyesight, even with correction, is not up to it!
DeleteI think you've made a very good job of them regardless of any obscure detail on the castings (and I know about painting figures like that!). OG figures do have a certain appeal that I don't see in many other 15's.
ReplyDeleteI agree, the OG figures have a charm and movement akin to Elite Miniatures in 25mm - its just a shame I cannot do them justice!
DeleteVery nicely done..."Prêts à faire feu?...Feu!"...
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Phil!
DeleteHello Matt. Sorry I tried to publish your comment on my phone and deleted it instead! Yes the fuses were poor and were the main problem.
ReplyDeleteMatts comment as follows:
DeleteOops, I nearly missed these. I think you've achieved a cracking result, Matt, although I take your point about how too much relief detail can actually be confusing and/or distracting. I think I've come to prefer figures which only hint at the details. One is free to either ignore or enhance them as the fancy takes you.
I always understood that the main problem with the French artillery in 1870 were the shell fuzes, not the launching equipment