"WSS Bavarians" Topic

I am interested in painting up a War of the Spanish Succession Bavarian force using Front Rank Miniatures. I am geting mixed advice as to whether French or British figures would work best for this project. Can anyone offer advice as to figures and painting guides?

Most of the uniforms of the time are quite similar. There are probably some minor differences between British and French uniforms but probably not enough to make a huge difference. If you are afraid of "button counters", stick with French figures to represent Bavarians.

The unique features of the Bavarian infantry appear to have been gaiters (as opposed to the more usual long stockings); a water bottle; and a large, rectangular cartouche box. As such, they are closer to British than French, but neither is a complete match.

In addition, the grenadiers had an Austrian-style fur cap with front plate and cloth patch on top, plus an axe and a pistol in special frogs attached to the waistbelt (the pistol seems to have been a very large calibre, more like a cavalry weapon). The axe was carried behind the cartridge box, the pistol just to the left of the buckle. I don't think anyone matches, but probably Austrian's are closest.

For the cavalry, use Austrian cuirassiers with the lobster helmet and full cuirass; any dragoons with tricornes, and whatever hussars are available. Artillerymen are standard, but probably had gaiters.

You might think about getting the Robert Hall plates for the Bavarians for Blenheim and Ramillies. You can get them from Dan Schorr at Northern Wars if you're in NA, or the Pike and Shot Society if you're in the UK.

Dan's website is northernwars.com. Look in the bookstore for Robert Hall plates.

thanks