My 1:72 diorama of the Battle of Borodino is now 65% complete and with the model due for display at the London Russian Embassy Cultural Centre in September I am very busy completing both the display itself and the last 110 figures. This first, central part has 1,025 figures plus horses etc. There are another 710 to add! The base is established at 2.5 x 1.7m so as to fit into a van – it was going to be wider but at least now I will able to lean over for adjustments etc. web site:
borodino1812.co.uk
Started in the mid 1980's, it captures the battle around the three fleches at about mid-morning during the third French attack. The diorama pictures
A French line regiment occupying the northern fleche, having been pushed back from advancing further and now subject to column assault by 27th Division's Tarnopol regiment. That regiment had just fended off a cavalry attack.
A Portuguese line regiment occupying the southern fleche. The human debris (French & Russian) from the first attack on the fleche is there too.
Württemberg 25th Division (jaeger, line & light regiment) having just arrived, outside the southern fleche defending against cuirassiers. Action captured by Faber du Faur highlighting Murat's escape from the Russian cavalry!
The surviving main defenders of the fleches – Voronzov's Combined Grenadier Division and artillery – now pushed back to around the rear fleche.
Russian cuirassiers pushing back Württemberg Chevaulegers and French 4th Chasseurs.
Remaining parts of the diorama will feature actions in the forest to the south (Westphalians) and advancing from the west, French troops and Polish Lancers.
Almost all figures are converted, some drastically. There is, for example, ex-Africa Korps and WW1 Airfix Germans featured!
IMG_5949 by
tolstoy1812, on Flickr
IMG_5957 by
tolstoy1812, on Flickr
S1051874 by
tolstoy1812, on Flickr
S1051886 by
tolstoy1812, on Flickr
S1051889 by
tolstoy1812, on Flickr
S1051903 by
tolstoy1812, on Flickr
S1051906 by
tolstoy1812, on Flickr
S1051909 by
tolstoy1812, on Flickr
S1051921 by
tolstoy1812, on Flickr
S1051934 by
tolstoy1812, on Flickr
S1051945 by
tolstoy1812, on Flickr
S1051948 by
tolstoy1812, on Flickr
S1051949 by
tolstoy1812, on Flickr
S1051999 by
tolstoy1812, on Flickr
S1052004 by
tolstoy1812, on Flickr
1. Württemberg trumpeter seeking refuge with countrymen
2. Württemberg jaegers and a dead French Light Infantry officer (ex Airfix 7th Cavalry)
3. Portuguese infantry
4. Württemberg cavalry passing Württemberg infantry
5. Russian cuirassiers pushing back Württemberg Chevaulegers and French 4th Chasseurs
6. Dead and wounded
7. View looking southwards
8. Inside the northern fleche
9. Aerial view of two main fleches
10. French Light Infantry dead from earlier assaults
11. Murat!
12. Rear of the northern fleche
13. Russian line infantry counter attack
14. Aerial view of model a week ago
15. Rear fleche with surviving Combined Grenadiers, staff officers, etc
