Like most Wargamer's other projects get waylaid by prospects of other shiny toys or periods to game. It seems like this bug has definitely afflicted me this year, regardless of the painting output.
The original plan for the year was to get into a position where I could be gaming ACW, but as seen by the infrequent updates due to life getting in the way of hobbies, this has not transpired. Looking at it, I'm actually fine with taking a more lax approach to project deadlines, as the size of the projects inevitably seems to grow from my initial plans.
So with that said, something completely different which I have wanted to buy for a long time some Foundry Russian Napoleonic's. These are on par with their ACW range when it comes to scale, just absolutely lovely sculpts. I've always been interested in the Napoleonic wars, but more enthusiasm is often placed on Victorian era projects. With that said if there's one thing I adore painting, its a Greatcoat and the Napoleonic Campaigns of 1812/1813 are rife with them. I chose specifically for my Jaegers to have Forage Caps, as I do really love that appearance the Russians had in the Crimean War.
I have a few friends who have Napoleonic army's and I play Sharp Practice far too much, so finally have got cracking. The project started just over a month ago and I am very happy to at least say I have a starting Force for games. This list is based on the Partisan Russian forces of 1812/1813 and also following the French into Prussia in 1813 and was honestly chosen based on my fascination with Russian Jaegers and Cossacks.
The starting list is as follows:
- Three groups of Line Jaegers
- Two groups of Opolcheniye (St Petersburg)
- Two groups of Line Jaeger Skirmishers
Next on the painting table are as follows:
- One group of Opolcheniye with Pikes
- One group of Cossacks
- Two groups of Guard Jaegers
- Support Options for the Force
I'm also working on various scenic pieces such as Moveable Deployment Points, Water carts, Musicians for Support options.
Most of the list is in Greatcoats as mentioned, which are not only easy to paint but look great en-masse especially for Russian army's. Realistically this is what most armies on campaign looked like (unless the sun was out!)
One new thing I should have done years ago is finally magnetize my bases. This has been an absolute life saver taking models down the club and I really wish I'd done this with my ACW Collection, so will need to figure out how to sort that. It does add a few pounds on the old Warbases order though!
With that said here's some pictures from a recent game and of the units themselves. (I hadn't quite finished the third block of Jaegers in time for the game, but it was a fun game nonetheless!)
The plan for the rest of the year is to finish off the remaining options selected and start gaming on a regular basis down at the club with these.
We are also planning another Ronin day, for another chance to bring out the Samurai. I'm hoping to get some more Koreans painted as I enjoyed these before but I will see what time permits.
I guess final thoughts would be positive. My hobby output has nearly eclipsed that of last year, despite a slow pace near the summer months. Actually getting my ACW collection on the table will happen at some point, certainly the enthusiasm comes and goes. The problem isn't my Confederate Collection, its getting some more Union done!
