"Mixing manufacturers" Topic

Does anyone out there take the view that historically, apart from possibly in some elite units, the size and stature of soldiers varied so much that you can mix some quite different manufacturers within a unit (infantry at least)?

I've done it with some French Infantry in a sort of "leftovers" battalion and I actually think it looks OK. The unit has mainly Foundry with a few Coniosseur and Elite (in particular as Grenadiers) and some Minifigs and others.

You're right that you can get away with a lot more with infantry units. My 1809 15mm armies have old Mininfigs, new Minifigs, Old Glory, Essex, Battle Honors, AB, Chariot, and ... probably one or two I can't think of right now! 90% of these are in same-type units, but the few times I've mixed it hasn't been a problem. I know I've used old Minifigs "drummer boy" sizes with a Battle Honors command stand, for instance, that also has an AB size grenadier. Sounds like a pizza, but it looks fine.

Where size becomes a real issue is cavalry. Small horses can ruin a good table look - having your cuirassier charge up and run into their adversaries' chests just doesn't look right!

Now, the one thing that can be done is to mix all sorts of mounted command - I collect every one I can get my hands on - since they are mounted individually or in pairs and don't come into contact, the size difference doesn't really matter, and each commander can be unique.

Christopher

I did this deliberately in my 7 Years War/French and Indian War Highlanders. I mixed Old Glory, RAFM, Dixon, RSM, Essex and Hinchliffe Highlanders to make up both Fraser's and the Black Watch. Leftovers went to make up the AWI North Carolina Highlanders. Men are not the same height, etc. You've all heard the arguments.

I think they came out terrific. Fraser's will have their public debut this Saturday. No more hiding and fighting in the secrecy of my cellar! Wish them luck.

I have not done this with stodgy line units like the 35th or 15th. Or Languedoc or la Reine, for that matter. Just not done, old chap. But the wild Highlanders, that's another story.

,,,,Yes, but the guns are often so different in size that it can start to look funny.