"New 28mm Franco-Prussian War greens" Topic

Hi all,

I have posted pics of the 28mm Franco-Prussian War greens I have done so far on my blog at:

cooleyminiatures.wordpress.com

You can click on most of the pics to see a slightly larger version of it as well. Some of the figures are not completely finished yet so you may notice some details that need to added/finished yet.

Let me know what you think.

I have additional figures in progress, but still have many more to do in this range as well. What figures in what poses would you like to see? I am open to suggestions even though I cannot promise anything…

I am still looking at possibilities for getting these produced so if anyone is interested please contact me concerning that.

Kind regards,
Jon Cooley

Excellent well done! One of my favourite periods, if not the favourite.

FPW in 54 mm (60mm) there is very little available for the collector and wargamer, apart from AIP I believe. I collect larger figures and on 'toy soldier' forums such as Treefrog, many collectors have bemoaned the lack of quality models at 54/60 mm and have urged manufacturers to consider starting a range, however big players such as Britains, K&C, John Jenkins have ignored the pleas. So, I think there is a niche market here waiting to be exploited , especially if pre-painted.

Your sculpts remind me of the style of John Jenkins and over the years he has gained a lloyal following.

Good luck and please keep us posted!

Superb,

my 28mm stuff is pretty full as will be in the game at Bovington 7/8 July, but I would happily add a couple of extra units from these chaps! Perhaps on the Prussian side some of the minor state units – Brunswick etc. Size wise a little bigger than Foundry so should sit well with the now Northstar 1866 range.

Tally Ho!

The Prussian is a gorgeous figure. Just one small technical point. The Model 1860 pickelhaube should have a metal reinforcing strip running down the middle of the rear of the helmet, a feature omitted on the model 1867, which was lower, and also replaced the cruciform spike mount with a circular one. But both Prussians and French are beautiful examples of the sculptor's art.

Mollinary

Hmmm! I see the strip is already on the 28mm figures. I love them, sadly I am a 10mm man for this period. That said, best of luck!

Mollinary

Nice, very nice indeed.

Right- now I'm encouraged to finish off the French flags I've been working on ( Prussians are already done ). I was beginning to think that there'd be no figures available to carry them.

Grahame. GMB Designs
gmbdesigns.com

I am still looking at possibilities for getting these produced

These are wonderful, I am with Evzone too, one of my very favorite eras, 1859-71. Where do I sign up?

For those among us who may have other 28mm figures from the era can we have a clue as to what they may compare favorably with? Small as in old Foundry, larger as with North Star "1866"?

Mentioning 1866, I wouldn't be at all averse to mixing units wearing the early and later picklehaube within the same army. Likely the case anyway, in 1870-71, I suspect.

Very good fortune with this enterprise. keep us posted…

BTW, best of all, I see you are based in the US (for shipping).

Thanks for all of the kind comments.

Good point on the missing helmet strip for the 54mm fig Mollinary. I'll look into adding that. Tips like that are always appreciated as I want the most accuracy I can attain.

Some asked about the size of the figs. They are somewhat larger than the old Foundry range figs (you can see a side-by-side comparison of a Foundry fig with mine on the blog site). I haven't gotten any of the NorthStar figs so I can't be sure about mine compare with theirs.

I would like to do all of the troop types at least for the Imperial phase of the war and look at Republican phase a bit later. So I will try to get a few of the minor states in as well if I can.

Kind regards,
Jon Cooley

Evzone (and others),

What would you like to see done as far as poses and figure types for 54/60mm scale?

My next project in this scale is a French line infantryman (1870) advancing, but I would like to hear ideas on what else to do and how many figures to consider for a range in this scale.

Thanks,
Jon Cooley

Hi Jon

I think you've started off on the right foot with the poses so far so well done!

My personal preference in the larger scales is for action poses, such as march attack, firing line, under fire etc. This way I can utilise the figures for wargaming, displaying and collecting. I also like 'off duty' relaxed poses as well as they add another dimension.

Rather than gabble on may I kindly suggest you have a look at the work of John Jenkins. I know I have mentioned him before and I assure you I am not his agent but purely a fan of his work. His sculpts convey a sense of action and drama, with the non-action poses convey a relaxed and sometime humorous appeal.

I particularly suggest the Jacobite, FIW and Seven Years War ranges could be a source of inspiration as some of the figures depict famous paintings such as the attack of the Prussian Guards at Leuthen or the Highlanders charge at Culloden. Therefore, for FPW paintings such as Le Cimitiere De Saint Pravat by Alphonse De Neuville or the Death of Major Hadelin by Carl Rochling could also be inspirational.

As regards figures, my preference would be for early war but the siege of Paris and the republicans would be exciting as well.

Look forward to your updates!

Absolutely gorgeous. The 28mm figures are exactly what I have been looking for in the period. That Prussian look of charging into a "hail storm" is perfect. The French are also brilliant. Do you also intend to work on cavalry?

When you start to sell them, please post to let us know so we can buy.

Finally, if a request for 28mm, please consider sculpting mounted officers.

Thanks and hope the line is a success.

The 54mm is spectacular!

Erik

I haven't gotten any of the NorthStar figs so I can't be sure about mine compare with theirs.

Sorry, I missed that comparison image yesterday.

From that I would definitely say your figures (in overall proportions) are much closer to the NorthStar "1866" line than to the Foundry, which is avery good thing, IMHO.

Evzone,

Thanks for the tips. I like the John Jenkins figures I have seen, but I will definitely check out the ranges you mention. What do you think of King and Country figures? Any other 54/60mm figs you particularly like?

I also utilize many of the paintings from the Franco-Prussian War artists for inspiration for my figures. I love the paintings of Rochling, Zimmer, Knotel, Detaille, and deNeuville (as well as others). I also love Keith Rocco's work and Don Troiani's as well for ACW, Napoleonics, and FIW/AWI.

Would you/others like to see some figures done for dioramic or just battelefield enhancement purposes that are not in battle action that "reenact" scenes from famous paintings? I have thought of doing this in the past… Kind of like vignettes of scenes.

My preference is also early war for the FPW, but eventually hope to do some republican phase as well. I was inspired early on by the Michael Howard book as well as Detaille and deNeuville paintings.

Kind regards,
Jon Cooley

Erik,

I plan to do all figures in the period over time including cavalry and mounted officers. I also hope to eventually do some figures of the minor units like Papal Zouaves, Brunswick troops, etc…

I would love to eventually do Austrians and Saxons from 1866 as well.

I'm hoping to convince my brother Perris to join me in working on this line so we can get it done in a more timely fashion. No pressure Perris :-)

Kind regards,
Jon Cooley

Hi Jon,

Yes, Howard was a source of inspiration for me,followed by finding Cassells two volume history of the war which led me to scouring many second hand bookshops in an almost fanatical quest to delve in to the detail of this fascinating conflict (all pre the worldwide web!).

John Jenkins is my favoured manufacturer, although I have K&C, Britains, Frontline and a number of smaller manufacturers in my collection. Most of my collection consists of figures I can wargame with, at 54 mm scale it's no more than skirmish (by the way I fully recommend the new Muskets and Tomahawks rules) although I have a few that tell their own story.

I like K&C but find them to lack a little character in comparison to JJD, but please don't think this is a criticism, it is purely my prefence.

To be perfectly frank with you Jon, given the total disregard toy soldier/miniature figurine manufacturers have given to late 19th century Europen conflicts I would support any serious attempt to promote the period. If only someone would take a punt and resist producing yet another colonial range I am convinced that it will attract a good following.

To answer your question on what sort of poses I would like to pour over in my display cabinet, I want the lot! …….and as Cheriton said "….where do I sign up…"

Yea,….no pressure Perris….. !

Kind regards

These look absolutely fantastic! I remember seeing some of these greens a number of years ago. At that point it appeared that they would bed picked up and released by a manufacturer imminently. I was so inspired I started picking up Foundry figures while I waited. I now have over a division of French and Prussians for each side. 24 figs per battalion French, 32 for Prussians. Cavalry 16 and batteries are 2 guns. It's quite a site and really has become my premiere collection. I recently expanded my games table so that I could get up to corps size. Really, Really hoping these get released. They look great. I especially like the French running at trail. They appear slightly larger the Foundry but i think they will work fine on the same table according to the picture. The pictures foundry figure is crouching and the Cooley figures appear to be on thicker bases as well.

Jon have you considered contracting out the moulding and casting and selling them yourself. It seems a number of people have been doing that lately as well as contracting out sculpting which you wold not have to do!

Cheers

Michael.

Michael,

I have looked into contracting out molding and casting in the past, but it was too pricey for me to get going. I would love to go this route as then I own the molds and rights to the figures, but can't do it at the moment.

I'm hoping someone in the industry will join with me in producing these. I have talked to 19th Century Miniatures in the past, and there seemed to be some interest at one time, but then I didn't hear anymore back from them.

I may try to contact them again to see if there is any interest. They produce the 25mm Battle Honors figures that have 1866 Austrians and a few French figures so they might have interest.

If anyone on this board that is a manufacturer has interest please contact me.

Kind regards,
Jon Cooley

I have looked into contracting out molding and casting in the past, but it was too pricey for me to get going. I would love to go this route as then I own the molds and rights to the figures, but can't do it at the moment.

That is understandable, but I think I'd be very circumspect about surrendering your rights to your work.

Hello Jon,

Please drop me a line at: roger.murrow@mmc2100.co.uk

May be able to help getting this range manufactured and available.

Roger

Can we see some Garge Mobile for the French, IE French in double breasted tunic no epaulettes, but love the figures

Jon

most interested in what you are doing as im producing a

range in 40mm……..and a 28mm range appeals !

see gringo40s.com

feel free to contact me as i may be able to assist on

the production front

regards

Ged

www,gringo40s.com
gringo40s.blogspot.com

contact me at gringo40s@btinternet.com

Shipka,

Yes, I plan on doing some Garde Mobile eventually along with Republican French line infantry (no epaulettes, etc…). Maybe I'll mix a few of those in as I'm working on the Imperial phase.

Thanks for the interest.

Kind regards,
Jon Cooley

Please please please do this line! Your scuplting is incredible in both 28mm & 54mm.

18th Century Guy,

Thanks for the kind words. I am exploring options on getting the range produced and have gotten some interest. I'll certainly let folks know when something gets worked out to produce these.

Great ideas on the 54mm scale with dioramas based on paintings. I believe the painting you are referring to is "The Last Cartridge" by Alphonse de Neuville. Indeed a famous painting.

Kind regards,
Jon Cooley

Woohoo!

These figures look incredible. I wish you luck in getting them cast. I'll be a customer.

Roly

These are excellent. I'd heard of these greens and to me they have a semi mythical status. I am not disappointed in any way!!
They truly invoke the great artworks of the period.
If suggestions are wanted maybe some crouching and kneeling poses to model those firing lines going to ground in a hail of lead.
Interesting to see Papal Zouaves/Volontaires de l'Ouest on the possibles list -ACW types in kepi just don't look right and my Republican army needs these.
Thank you for posting and good luck with the project.
Wallet at the ready.

The poses I am working on right now are French Line kneeling firing, French Line and Prussian buglers, French Line and Zouave/Turco officers, and Bavarian standing firing. Of course, there are many troop types to consider after that. I have some heads done already for Bavarian and Prussian Jaegers as well as Zouaves.

I'll post pics on my blog as soon as they are nearing completion.

I am open to pose suggestions as there are a myriad of poses to consider.

I have given some thought in the past to doing some "unique" poses or poses that are not easily cast as one-offs, meaning I would not get them cast. There would only be one unique figure (a green) like that (maybe painted up). I plan to do these for myself, but would also consider the possibility of doing them for someone else that wanted something unique as I have time (no promises though). This would also be cool for doing a vignette, a little scene of unique figures maybe out of a painting.

What ideas do you all have for poses? What about marching type poses?

Kind regards,
Jon Cooley

Jon,

Yes, that is the painting I was thinking of – The Last Cartridge. An excellent opportunity for a 54mm diorama.

I'm still very excited about this whole thing…

Jon

i have e-mailed you………looking forward to your reply

regards

Ged

gringo40s.com
gringo40s.blogspot.com
and 28mm

message me if you would like!….

Fantastic work. I would love to see you offer this range in 15mm.

DCW1962,

Hey, back of the line! We've got him for 28mm & 54mm first! :)

DCW1962 -Perris and Jon Cooley did the Old Glory 15mm FPW range so your prayers have already been answered!!

Bumping this….any updates on getting this line produced?

Hi all,

Its going slowly, but I have some possibilities out there. I just have to see if I can raise the funds to get going on this in the near future. I have to do some further research to see how all of this works, but I have do have some interested partners in getting them produced.

I do need to gather some information from you all. How would you like to see the figures made available once they are produced? How many figures per pack/bag and how would you like to see the packs/bags organized (command, advancing, firing, etc…)? If by advancing, firing, etc…, how many poses would you like to see in each of these groups?

Thanks for your suggestions to these questions and any other thoughts you have on this line of figures.

Kind regards,
Jon Cooley

I would say:

Bn Bags – 16 total – French Command + Inf in one pose (ie advance) Choice for 1st and 2nd Bn without a standard bearer.
Bn Bags – Prussian/Allies – 20 Total as above, advancing at trail etc
Single figures
Poses – as many as practical – think of all those different styles of mustaches,

Tally Ho!

Hi Jon,

In my mind, to make the best possibilities to build varied unities, I would say 4 or 6 figs/pack max with as many different poses as possible for soldiers and command. What you show on your blog seems to be in that perspective. I have in mind what do Artizan miniatures for its FFL of the late 19th century: 4/pack with 4 different poses.
Firing poses, advancing, runing, skirmishing.
Separated command pack.
Cavalry in battlefield equipement (ie kepy for hussars for example) in pack of 3. Dismounted cavalry soldiers and command.
Both foot and mounted artillery.
General and command staffs etc.
And may be some scenery from pictures of the war.

Thank you,

All the best

Phil

I agree with what Phil (Faidherbe) said. Four to six foot figures per bag/pack and 3 mounted per bag/pack along with all the other goodies he recommended.

Greg

Thanks for the feedback nickinsomerset, Faidherbe, and 18th Century Guy!

What does everyone else want?

Keep the feedback coming…

Kind regards,
Jon Cooley

How about filling in the major gaps? What everyone I know complains about is lack of Mounted Command for the FP and similar wars in 28mm. Like others I have plundered From Waterloo to Mons, Castaway, Eureka etc looking for a bit of variety. Only Battle Honours make a cannon de quatre. Foundry are the only source of German Allies. What about Langensalza Hanoverians? Why more of the same?

The green show lovely figures, but I'm still not going to ditch entire armies of Foundry or put them next to non-compatible near 30mm giants. These are atmospheric and 'authentic' poses but commercial suicide without more thought. Whatever a minority say on TMP, in practice we all hate part ranges, minimal command figures and incompatibility with historic market leaders. Look at Mutineer Miniatures – super sculpts condemned to low sales because they are entirely incompatible with what has gone before. The range also grew rather slowly and full units were impractical at first. 30 years experience teaches me that people want units they can get painted up and in use, not just individual masterpieces.

Beaumap,

I agree with you but only up to a point. I would like to have compatible figures but compatible with who? Floundry (my spelling) is the only major company to do a FPW line. It isn't bad but it isn't great either and it is quite old as well. Why not start out with something new and fresh versus trying to match a line that is old. Plus I'm not sure I can trust Floundry to follow through with things, their track record is less than stellar.

I would say that if Jon Cooley can produce a FULL line for the FPW then let him. The only thing that will slow him down is lack of sales so the more support we give then the better we can count on getting all those extra goodies people want. Just use the Warfare Miniatures from Barry Hilton as an example. A very niech period – 1690's – but he has built it up quickly because those people who'd been wanting a line just like that supported him. If all of us who are interested in the FPW support Jon when he finally is able to produce this then he too can give us what we're asking for.

Greg

Absolutely and to be honest if there were only Prussian and French line types that would be enough for me. I have a load of Foundry and if these mix in then fine but if they are big chaps I'll just put them in their own units.

I think packs of 6 would work -it's works for the Perrys!!

Of course there is a comparison pic on Jon's blog -looks like they will fit in just fine.
Still very excited about this!!!!
I like the idea of the scenery items put forward by Faidherbe -backpacks, rifles etc to make little dioram bases.

Bump. Just keeping this near the top of active threads as I don't want people to lose sight of this.

I'm impressed by the goodwill being shown here, but can't support what does not exist

Have faith brother!!!

Good points guys. As a manufacturer, I have to agree with 18th Century Guy: if you want a line to expand, you have to support it and not wait for it to become "complete."

I don't think most gamers understand the extent of investment needed to get a range of figures going--I certainly didn't.

Encouragement in the form of sales is the signal the marketplace needs.

If there were only ever a few Prussian and French line infantry that would do -I'd certainly buy them and if other stuff appears then that's a bonus.

Ok stop this please, your all becoming victims lol

Attention seek much Jon ?

This thread is starting to look like a self harm thread. I doubt anyone thats been around as long as Jon Cooly, realy needs the advice he has been asking for to get them into production.

How many figures in a bag?….. lol

Time to maybe move on with our lives its not going to happen anytime soon at this rate ………..

Nice greens BTW well they were in June ……..

The dream is over (sound of sobbing)