Lord Ashram | 11 Oct 2007 7:38 p.m. PST |
Hey all, So. I am starting my Napoleonic Russian collection, to match my French Napoleonic collection. My french infantry is done in units of 24 with a single flag per unit; four units of line infantry and two guard units. However, my Russians will be in units of 32, also four units of line infantry but only a single guard unit. So my question is this; which do you like better: Flag Option 1) EVERY Russian unit gets two flags, a white and a colored flag. Flag Option 2) The Russian line units get a single flag, but the guard unit gets two. What do you all think? I am a bit torn; I have the figures for both options
but I don't know what to do! |
Flashman14 | 11 Oct 2007 9:40 p.m. PST |
I like Option 1 But I have a question: weren't Russian battalions smaller then French? I'm assuming 1812 here which could be off the mark. |
Stavka | 11 Oct 2007 9:43 p.m. PST |
Personally, I'd go with the two flags as that is what was done historically (a white and coloured for the first batallion, two coloured for the third (the second batallion was a depot unit). Quite aside from that, having two flags looks great! Given you're unit sizes and the fact that you have the figures, I'm not sure what you feel your option 2 has going for it. |
Stavka | 11 Oct 2007 9:45 p.m. PST |
But I have a question: weren't Russian battalions smaller then French? I'm assuming 1812 here which could be off the mark. Generally true, with both sides fielding (non-guard)batallions down to about 450 men on average by Leipzig, IIRC. |
abelp01 | 12 Oct 2007 2:34 a.m. PST |
Option 1 is what I'm going with on my 1812 Russians. It looks nice on the battlefield. |
Lord Ashram | 12 Oct 2007 4:36 a.m. PST |
Hey guys! Thanks for the input so far
I would really love some more opinions
The reason the Russian units are so big is because
well, because A) the Russians to me always mean "massive hordes of infantry." and also because B) I built my French army first and the Russians just come that way from Foundry:) I would normally go for option 1, the double flags. The only reason I would go with option 2, single flag except the Guards, is because I am afraid of flag overload
you know, the Russians with two flags each just WAY out-flagifying my French, who only have a single flag each. Now, overall if I do Option 1 (the double flag) the Russian army will have 10 flags (5 infantry units with 2 each) compared to my french who have 8 total (8 infantry units.) I suppose this is fine
? Anyway, more input VERY welcome, I am totally torn on this. Oh, and while I am at it; I am only going with a single drummer in each unit. That is fine, right? Or should I go with two, which is what they come with? *sigh* Decisions decisions! |
Littlearmies | 13 Oct 2007 3:30 a.m. PST |
I used to think OG were the only problem company for this kind of thing! Have you considered Sash & Saber as an option to mix in with your Foundry? I'm not sure how Foundrys Russians are size wise but when I did a few ACW regiments S&S were an excellent match (although a bit more hairy – a good thing for ACW). I would go with two flags (by GMB for choice) and if you have drummers then why not (although I always find they progress abit more slowly on my painting table). |
jeffreyw3 | 13 Oct 2007 5:14 a.m. PST |
Sash and Foundry Russians mix very well, as has been noted in other threads. Sash sells command packs, so you can get as many drummers/flag bearers/officers as you feel you need. I personally use two drummers + two flags for my GdeB battalions. Oh, and Sash is very, very inexpensive in the US, even in comparison to Foundry regiments packs (I just picked up three of those myself). If you're worried about flag overload, paint them as Jaegers. jeff |
Lord Ashram | 13 Oct 2007 7:14 a.m. PST |
Hey all, Actually I don't need help on the figures anymore; I went with a big army pack from Foundry, and ordered it a few days ago
they were on sale (20 percent off) and they match my Perry french very well. However, more advice is definately needed on the flag situation
please! :) |
cameronian | 14 Oct 2007 10:22 a.m. PST |
In any of my armies, if a battalion had a sovereign's or national flag and a regimental flag, that's what they get. However I draw the line at company colours! Wasn't it the 'cuckoo' that counted with the French anyway? IMHO lots of flags gives a better 'look' to an army. Period engravings always show lots of flags in evidence, so why not? In these days of downloadable, printable flags or flag sheets for purchase in a variety of scales it's comparatively easy anyway. |
cameronian | 14 Oct 2007 10:24 a.m. PST |
Lord Ashram – I'm shortly embarking on a Russian army myself though in 15mm, so I'll be looking forward to cribbing ideas from your future postings :) |
un ami | 14 Oct 2007 10:45 a.m. PST |
Here one will see the General Raevsky (Раевский Николай Николаевич, 1771-1829) leading his Corps at the battle of Saltanovka against the maréchal Davout. One flag – still it is OK, may be : picture The young men with him are his two sons. It is said he did hold the hand of the younger boy (age about 12 years), as if to have a walk in the park, and did tell to him to have a good courage to inspire the troops. It is his name for the earthe-works at the battle of Borodino. - un ami |