"French Horse Artillery" Topic

These form part of my ongoing project to recreate 1st Heavy Cavalry Division c.1812.

Artillery support to 1st Heavy Cavalry Division came in the way of 1st and 3rd companies of 5th Horse Artillery Regiment (5eme régiment d'artillerie à cheval). First up is 3rd company, resplendent in their Hussar-type uniform of French blue with the red trim of an elite unit. These models by Alan Perry are dressed in the 1812 uniform. Although many units did not receive it until a year or two later, they will not be out of place in my c.1812 force.

More photos on my blog, as usual, link

Nice work. One comment I would make though. The crew about to fire the gun would have the gun recoiling into two of them with dire results. They really need to be clear of the wheels. I suppose the rules you use set limitations on the size of the base so maybe it's unavoidable.

The angle makes them look closer to the gun than they are, but they would have to step back a tad

Very nice! What did you use for bases, and what size are they?

Good painting. On the first stand closest to us, looks like the gunner getting ready to fire the cannon is careless of the procedures, or just hates his two mates in front of the cannon. Both are in for a shock, but that one guy that looks like he is looking around the wheel is in for a a big surprise as well as permanent ear damage with other injuries.

Nice work!

Mdf by Warbases, Jeff, 45mmx70mm

I can sympathise with Janner. Unless the bases are to get over large, the gunners do have to crowd in around the piece…at huge risk to life and limb of course. What I always think is even more important is to have the various gun numbers correctly placed (as here) and not obstructing each others' actions ie as you go through the stages of firing, each has a specific role. Let's also face it…how many of us ever have more than four men serving a gun?

Great painting.

I agree the bases look crowded. That's one of the reasons I went with 15/18mm. Lets you space out the artillerymen to a more realistic (and safer) distance without too having to have a huge base. 28mm always seems limited to having the figures right up close to the guns.

Still, a fantastic paint up!

I have my foot artillery on larger bases, but limit the horse artillery to a narrower frontage to allow them greater 'agility'.

Of course, I then stick a chuffing great limber behind them to limit deployment, but the choice of small base size is entirely down to me. Still perhaps an extra 5mm wouldn't have done any harm

I wonder if changing the angle helps,

Look great to me!

That last photo shows your work to much greater effect, Stephen--bravo!

Really nice painting and basing.

Very nice!

I agree the basing is a tricky thing to work out, and it bothers me with my own a little too, which can be seen here: link
A necessary compromise given we have to get something that works in a wargame rather than a diorama!

Thanks chaps and it's not the first time I've visited that page, Markco

Ah yes of course, just recognised name, thanks Janner! :)

Very nice work!

Agreed, very nice painting and basing.