"Boki: New Release" Topic

I did new mould and results are better, but some troops still have weak bases.
This is caused by negative angle of bases in mould, so bases don't fill with metal properly.

There are also Early French Line Infantry doll in mould, so I hope to release my Mass Army French Infantry with hats before new year.

nice, no some back to front kaskett as for the Germans?

Very good and big program.
The general thing needs: first find out those who are looking special (can be a couple of generics too)
Then which ones serve most in battles most likely to be done by gamers.
Then pictures, not just top busts… diantre.

For the generic generals, avoid the mamluk style Sabre in favor of epee or light cavalry sabres so they are good pre 1799. Some with the lapels closed up, others folded back in triangles.
As far as interest in named Generals, Jourdan and Desaix might be a good start.
Phil

Dumouriez, Custine, Houchard, Kellermann, Jourdan, Pichegru for the ealier wars, then of course plenty of others for later like Moreau, Kleber, Saint Cyr, Hoche, Marceau, but I agree best would be generic ones for a start, and yes no Mamelucke sabres.

So.. Valmy92 suggested Jourdan and Desaix, von Winterfeldt suggest Dumoriez, Custine and Houchard. Also Moreau, Macdonald, Augereau, Scherer, Kleber and Championnet. Some of these are unknown to me.

P.S. VW added now also Kellermann, Pichegru, Saint Cyr, Hoche and Marceau.

And Jcfrog is right, named generals must have special look.
By myself I will do the Man Himself and generic fat Commissar with cylinder hat.

Commissars had very nice uniforms – and a nice hat as well, no cylinder though, they were military men.

Scherer, Custine, are near useless and not good, unlikely to be played as such.
Richepanse, Massena on foot at Rivoli…
Really to find pics of odd looking ones.

I cannot say that Custine is useless, a dominant general in the first days of the Revolutionary Wars and quite distinctive with his mousetache, I have to find out about the early uniforms which might still be of Royal distinction, Sho is right about distinctive uniforms, like Marceau, on foot at Rivoli, then Joubert beating the drum with the hilt of his sabre – but I find generals on foot of no great value, at least for my collection.

As far as distinctive (and uniquely unable to play or be played by anyone else would be Alexandre Dumas (the Black Count, and somewhat of a giant). Of course we all need more brigade and division commanders than famed army commanders.
And, everyone could use a representant en mission or two (but not many more)
Phil

All Generals will be mounted.

I now prepare entry in my Blog where I will summarize all what we discuss here.
I have no talking possibilities on my homepage, so we will talk here and see results there.

Link to status page of these Generals..

boki.ee/8BLOG/Blog_0013/Blog.htm

By "free" you mean that nobody has pledged for that general yet?
Is that Jourdan you have a good portrait of as the link to pledge?

Yes, "free" general is mentioned here or I have picture, but not supported yet.

Von Winterfeldt sent me a lot of pictures about Generals. On one of them are Jourdan, but as there are two generals, I don't know which one. Probably one without epolettes.

I will create converged picture of portraits of Generals later and show in my blog.

Jcfrog also sent to me some nice pictures of Generals.
Thanks to both, to Jcfrog and von Winterfeldt.

First Generals are commissioned..

Souham is another one who shows up as important much earlier than I had realized. (Tourcoing 1794)
Phil

One full mould of Generals are commissioned..
Thanks, von Winterfeldt and Valmy92!

maybe you should change free – and use open, otherwise people like me initially have had the impression that those titled free are those which don't need kickstarting and will be free of charge.

so nobody up for Alexandre Dumas? A must have.

Alexandre-Davy Dumas
by Geert van Uythoven
Born on the island of San Domingo, in Jérémie, on 25 March 1762. Bastard son of Antoine-Alexandre Davy, marquis de la Pailleterie, chevalier de Saint-Louis, extra-ordinary commissary with the artillery, and a negress. A son of Alexandre would become the famous novelist. Johnson writes about him: "In addition to being a first-class soldier and a staunch Republican, Dumas was possibly the strongest man in the French army. One of his favourite tricks was to place four infantry muskets on the floor, insert one finger into each barrel, and raise them simultaneously to shoulder height; in the riding school he liked to stand up in the stirrups, take hold of an overhead beam, and lift himself and his horse bodily of the ground. On one occasion, having seen a soldier commit some breach of discipline, Dumas rode up to him, grasped him by the collar, and without even bothering to put the man across his saddlebow galloped off with him to the nearest police post". 2) Herold says the same and adds: "Once, in Austria, when some infantrymen were unable to scale a palisade, the general simply picked them up and threw them across it one by one, thus putting the terrified Austrians to rout". His assessment of Dumas is "a veritable one-man army but not a good General". 4)
Alexandre entered service on 2 June 1786, as a dragoon in the 5th Régiment Dragons "la Reine". When the French Revolution started he was a Brigadier, serving in Dumouriez' army. Stationed at Camp Maulde, on 11 August 1792, on his own he captured twelve Tyrolean Jaeger. Dumouriez promoted him to maréchal-de logis, some time later to Lieutenant with the hussars, and was promoted to higher ranks, distinguishing himself all the time.
After a while Dumas was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel of the "Légion Franche de Cavalerie des Américains et du Midi". On a certain day in 1793 he was ordered to occupy an outpost with one of his squadrons at Mouviau, in the vicinity of Lille. During this stay he attacked a Dutch outpost of 42 men with fourteen of his own, and killed six of them and took sixteen prisoners. For this fait of arms Dumas was promoted to Général de Brigade (30 July 1793). In this rank he was charged with the defense of Pont-a-Marque in order to keep open communications between Douay and Lille, and again distinguished himself in such a way that he was nominated for Général de Division (3 September 1793). On 9 September the convention approved his promotion, and ordered him to take over a command in the 'Armée des Pyrénées-Orientales', which command became vacant by the death of Général Delbecq.
However, Dumas would never make it to that army proper. He was transferred to the Alpes to take over command of the 'Armée des Alpes', at the age of 31. One of his first acts was to 'invite his staff officers tp strip of their gold and silver rank badges, which in his view smacked of luxury and corruption, and replace them with items made of wool. 2) He led on 23 April 1794 the attack on the Piemontese defences on the mountain St.-Bernard after marching for two days through heavy snowfall, capturing all redoubts, and following up this victory by attacking three Piemontese-held redoubts at Mont-Valérien. Taking these, the guns were turned on their former owners, who were compelled to evacuate the chapel of the Saint-Bernard also. The French took five guns beside mortars, thirty mountain guns, 200 muskets, and capturing 200 prisoners. In this way Dumas secured this access into France.
Following up his previous successes, Dumas planned to throw the Piemontese out of their defences at Mont Cénis. In a daring night attack on 11 May, but not after heavy fighting, Fort Miraboue was taken. At the same moment, Dumas took a column of 3,000 men to the rich valleys of Bordonnach and Césanne, and established himself at Coulx. Then the attack on Mont Cénis was executed, The charge was led by the Division Bagdelaune, who advanced impetuously, in spite of the heavy fire by the Piemontese. The left column took Rivetz, while the right column turned the Piemontese line, who took flight. The French advanced as far as the towns Ferriéres and Novarre, capturing much muskets and ammunition, and taking 38 guns and mortars, all the baggage and 1,700 prisoners.
On 21 July 1794, Dumas was appointed to Général en Chef of the 'Armée de l'Ouest', and had to fight battles in the Vendée that brought glory to no-one. However, Dumas did what he could to enlarge and maintain discipline, and to do justice to anyone. Later he also served in the province Bouillon to quell the insurrection there.
After this, Dumas was send to the 'Armée du Rhin' (General Pichegru), commanding the right wing of the army. During 1795 he was again send to the 'Armée des Alpes' to serve under Kellermann. During 1796, he was send to Italy to serve under Napoleon Bonaparte, leading the 2nd Cavalry Division. He commanded a Division taking part in the siege of Mantua. His active participation in the siege and the interception of important messages brought him to the notice and he received praise from Napoleon himself. When on 16 February 1797 the Austrians under Provera tried to enter Mantua, Dumas vigourously counterattacked near San-Antonio and managed to capture 800 men and two guns.
Before Mantua, again Johson tells: "Berthier had infuriated Dumas by reporting that he had remained 'in observation' when Wurmser had made his final attempt to break out of Mantua. Having first got nine officers of the 20th Dragoons to certify in writing that he had one horse killed under him on the day in question, and another one buried by a shell, Dumas wrote to Bonaparte to express the hope that the author of the report would now 'make caca in his breeches'". 2)
After Mantua had capitulated, Dumas was send to the defile of Borgo. Then Napoleon dispatched him to Tyrol leading a cavalry Division, to reinforce the French there. Commanding the French force was General Joubert, who put so much trust in Dumas that he gave him command of the advance guard. On 22 March 1797 the Austrians were defeated at Neumarkt, and scattered. Dumas and General Belliard were ordered to pursue the Austrians that were retreating to Tramin with the 5th and 8th Dragoon Regiment and the 85e Ligne. At Saint-Valentin the Austrians tried to make a stand and managed to hold again against repeated attacks by General Belliard with the 85e Ligne, until they were taken in the flank by Dumas at the head of his cavalry. Driven from the battlefield by an all out attack led by Dumas and Belliard, the Austrian lost their bagage, two guns and 600 prisoners. Returning to Joubert at Brixen, Dumas led again the pursuit at the head of his cavalry on the following day.
On 25 March 1797 coming to grips with Austrian cavalry near Botzen (Tyrol), the French were temporarily driven back by overwhelming numbers. General Alexandre Dumas killed a number of Austrian in close combat, receiving two slight sabre wounds. Then he blocked for some minutes, standing on his own on a bridge, the advance of a complete squadron, before he was reinforced by his own troops. In his report to Napoleon Joubert wrote: "Especially the conduct of General Dumas was outstanding. Three times he charged at the head of his cavalry, and with his own hand he killed many of the enemy. His valour has contributed much to the success of today's actions. He received two light sabre cuts, when he held back the Austrian cavalry, standing on his own on a bridge". Driving the Austrian from one position after another, all natural fortresses, Dumas also took the village Klausen leading the attack of the 5th Dragoons and the carabiniers (light infantry).
Arriving before the defile of Innsbrück on 27 March, defended by an Austrian battalion, three guns and Tyrolean inhabitants, General Belliard forced the defile, after which Dumas charged through it in hot pursuit, loosing a horse that was shot dead under him. The Austrians lost 600 men, two guns, three caissons, some wagons and twenty dragoon horses. Dumas lost his pistols during this combat, but they were replaced by Napoleon with some superb others. However, his original pistols were returned by the Austrian General Baron de Kerpen, accompanied by a honorary letter about Dumas' valour.
Advancing further then Innsbrück was very hazardous for the French because of the kind of terrain and the activities of the inhabitants. Therefore, by orders of Napoleon Dumas was given command over two Divisions counting 5,000 men at Brixen to hold the Austrians in check, while Joubert returned to Italy with the remainder of the French. Campo-Formio made an end to hostilities. Returning to France Dumas received much praise from Napoleon for his conduct, and therefore not surprisingly would accompany him to Egypt. 3)
Dumas accompanied Napoleon in the expedition to Egypt. The cavalry was divided into four brigades (commanded by Leclerc, Murat, Mireur and Davout), under overall command of Dumas. When the French reached Egypt in July 1798, Dumas went ashore without waiting for his cavalry, borrowed a musket, and set off into the interior with the advance guard of the 4e Légère. 2) Dumas took part in the battle of the Pyramids. When the insurrection of Cairo took place, according to some it was Dumas who led the counterattack at the head of the French that restored French control. However, Dumas was very critical of Napoleon and it nearly came to mutiny. While Napoleon was preparing his Syrian campaign, Dumas told him that he was very ill because of the climate. Napoleon is stated to have said: "I can easily replace him with a brigadier", and let him go. 4)
Dumas' passage back to France was terrible. The ship he was on was leaking and in order not to sink nine Arabian horses and ten guns were thrown overboard. The ship managed to reach Tarente and the captain asked for help, but instead the passengers and crew were captured, and Dumas was held prisoner in very horrible circumstances. At last returning in France, Dumas received no active posting in the new French army, and was finally dismissed by the consuls.
Sources:
1) Babié, F. & Beaumont, L., "Galerie Militaire ou Notices Historiques sur les Généraux en Chef, Généraux de Division, etc…." (Paris An VIII) Tome 3e
2) Johnson, David, "The French Cavalry 1792-1815" (London 1989)
3) Derrécagaix, Général, "Nos Campagnes au Tyrol, 1797 – 1799 – 1805 – 1809" (Paris 1910)
4) Herold, J. Christopher, "Bonaparte in Egypt" (London 1962)
5) Panckoucke, "Victiores, Conquêtes, désastres, revers et guerres civiles des Français, de 1792 à 1815" (Paris 1817-) Tome II –

"maybe you should change free – and use open"

Done.

All those famous generals are quite interesting, but I prefer common troops, regular troops.

What about a Piedmontese/Sardinian troops kickstarter? (including light troops).

One my own kickstarter per year. But sculpting of Piedmonteses is also possible, through my usual sculpting request offer. The only difference is that I don't organize the process of supporting by myself as I do with kickstarter.

So if you will organize kickstarter, using my "sculpting request" offer, I have nothing against that. That was done before couple of times.

Couldn't your Hessians be used as Piemontes as well?

Like for any other nation with similar uniform, yes, but not really, if we want to be purists. A little details were different. Grenadier fur-hat plates, musketeer hat lace and pompoms, cartridge box badges, drummer wings, officer coat tails etc.

Couldn't your Hessians be used as Piemontes as well?

No, their uniforms and equipment were very different. For example, Piedmontese infantry used backpacks.

You can see examples from Eureka Miniatures. Their Piedmontese/Sardinian range is excellent. But they are 28mm figures. I prefer 15/18mm (1:100) figures.

@Ruchel

I initiated several ranges to be sculpted and produced by Sho, the cost in my view is reasonable – you could get in touch with Sho directly and he will be able to explain in detail, yes Sardinians would be nice.

So far we have on the Allied side from Sho : Austrians, Russians, Prussians, British, Spanish, Dutch, Hessen Kassel, Bavarians (in the Rumford uniform), Bengals – hope I did not forget any.

Actually the Dutch would make a good fit for Sardinians.

Actually the Dutch would make a good fit for Sardinians.

Piedmontese/Sardinian hats were different (larger and with a different shape), and their coats were larger as well. Grenadiers' bearskins were different too, and the backpacks and equipment were not so overloaded.
There were other differences regarding officers, NCOs and musicians (drummers and fifers).

I initiated several ranges to be sculpted and produced by Sho, the cost in my view is reasonable

Yes, the cost is reasonable, but in my case it does not compensate the benefit. I paint small armies (brigade or divisional level) and a handful of small units (battalions with 12-16 figures each) due to lack of space and the use of small game boards.

So, I prefer to share the cost through collective kickstarters or crowdfundings.

No problems, you may call other interested supporters to join with you right here. And after you will find common ground about needed figures, everyone may commission his part.

I myself run my kickstarters only here in TMP too.

An example of Piedmontese/Sardinian project:

Line Infantry:

1 Mounted officer
2 Foot officers
1 Standard bearer
1 Fusilier drummer
1 Fusilier fifer
1 Fusilier NCO
4 Fusiliers marching
1 Chasseur loading
1 Chasseur firing
1 Grenadier drummer
1 Grenadier NCO
3 Grenadiers marching

Light troops may be added:

1 Foot officer
1 Hornist
4 Light infantry skirmishing

I think it is not too ambitious.

Just ask Sho what that would cost initiating a production of masters and moulds, then ask people to contribute – as for like a subscription.

My usual sculpting-producing cost – 50 EUR per figure.
And marching Troops (Grenadiers & Fusiliers) count as one for each, not 3 & 4, because pose is the same, only faces and some little equipment differ.

And there probably will be added some Vendée Generals also to my Revolutionary Kisckstarter list. There are many interesting personalities and commissioner can't choose yet, which one deserves to be honoured first.

Some Vendee Generals are kickstarted.

"Monsieur Henri" de la Rochejaquelein
François Anasthase Charette de la Contrie
and
François Séverin Marceau-Desgraviers

boki.ee/8BLOG/Blog_0013/Blog.htm

Piedmont Army Kickstarter is up and running..

boki.ee/8BLOG/Blog_0014/Blog.htm