"The Bridge at Charleroi modelled" Topic

My attempt at the Bridge at Charleroi at long last. Just before Ligny and a little documented event. The bridge is a much modified card model for a railway viaduct. The real bridge was reconstructed in 1826 and I suspect a stone parapet, for something that was 17th C originally, rather than railings. The figures are all Gringos40 other than the officer of First Hussars (Front Rank). The barricade contains a Perry ACW ambulance and a Westfalia British Napoleonic version. The larger barrels? Who remembers the Airfix Scammel Scarab?

Now I know they would not have fought in full dress. I know the bridge was wider (8m) and longer, but at least it was three arched as here. I do now see the chap in sunglasses and the other in the stripy T shirt but….

Fortunately the bridge can come apart, so it will soon join everything else in the dark attic…but for now, loads more pictures here;

imageshack.com/a/77Bl/1

Nicely done!

superbly atmospheric work Deadhead ….

brought the figures to life!

cheers

Ged
gringo40s.com
gringo40s.blogspot.com

"Why can't the infantry clear the blockade? We haven't fought on foot since 1763!"

Great work!

Amazing work! Thanks for sharing

Cheers. Funny thing is that most accounts just suggest Pajol's cavalry stormed through Charleroi, but ignore the small detail of the barricade or abatis that stopped them on the bridge. Very little written on this.

I am not even sure they faced any opposition by the stage of clearing the blockage;

TMP link

but it makes a nice image;

The figures are very nicely painted.

Fantastic work

i'm sure if you moved the image with the sunglasses and striped top individuals an inch to the left you'd see neither!

J

Or you just cheat and use modern software to hide your sins….I should have gone for that TV aerial as well…

Brilliant sunny day for February so I used natural light for some pics…very harsh shadows but beats the spotlights I think, as used for the rest. The latter shows the detail better. Anything but flash!

Thanks all, glad you liked it.

Way to go, Deadhead!!

Lovely stuff Liam. Is that a pile of bicycles under the street light – wicked aren't i…

Marc, I really did not think anyone would notice the bikes…they are instead a hedge…a grey hedge…that has not yet come into leaf, even if in early June……a very rare variety

No one could see this…….Really….not at this resolution.

The lamp that looks so electric did bother me, but I thought no-one would notice the bikes. It takes a 1/72 guy……

But you are right. I am trying to encourage 'er indoors that we need to tour all these French/Belgian villages just to get the photos I need.

But God help you trying to find any history preserved in Belgium outside Bruges. The rest is concrete and glass…or rendered bungalows…like the Land of my Birth and passport.

Looks fantastic :-) Love the composition ;-)

This is brilliant – great idea, great figures, great painting. Inspiring stuff.

Well thanks again to all. It really is very encouraging.

Marc, as above, has e mailed me with a painting improvement suggestion, but he hesitates to post it here, as it might be seen as criticism.

My reaction is thanks Marc! Definitely taken on board and precisely why I want to post such things here. I do know that some can take any comments, however well intended, badly……

Geat work!

Very nice work deadhead!! You really do catch that "feel of the era" in your vignettes:) I also like your attention to details. Compliments Sir!
Now, who makes these sappeurs in 18mm me wonders….

Dr J

Bonjour Liam,

How very splendid to see this well-executed diorama.

I also love the painting.

Thanks for sharing.

Cheers,

Paul

great looking diorama!