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Miniatures Adventure => Age of the Big Battalions => Topic started by: abu iskander on April 01, 2019, 07:55:12 PM

Title: 6mm Insanity in the Seven Years War
Post by: abu iskander on April 01, 2019, 07:55:12 PM: I've begun a somewhat crazy project. The Prussian right flank at Zorndorf at a roughly 1/6 figure ratio. Planning on doing both forces to the tune of about 4000 figures total.

Here's a start. One division (~company) of Prussian line infantry and a half squadron base of Russian horse grenadiers. I'll be adding some command elements, NCOs, etc. behind the line troops, which is why there is some extra space to rear of the figures. Constructive C&C welcome.

(https://i.imgur.com/ihdEVoE.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Y6KRsxL.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/FSsxTX1.jpg)
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity. Battle of Zorndorf
Post by: FierceKitty on April 02, 2019, 12:29:31 AM: Good luck to you, SYW rules and all that, but shouldn't this be in the next sub-page?
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity. Battle of Zorndorf
Post by: abu iskander on April 02, 2019, 05:14:00 AM: Yes, I think you're right, and must have made a mistake when I posted. I'm happy to let the mods move it.
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity. Battle of Zorndorf
Post by: jambo1 on April 02, 2019, 05:51:27 AM: Crazy indeed!! But absolutely brilliant!! Will be following this with great interest. :)
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity. Battle of Zorndorf
Post by: DintheDin on April 02, 2019, 10:03:26 AM: Me too! Good luck to your project!!!
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity. Battle of Zorndorf
Post by: jon_1066 on April 02, 2019, 01:12:33 PM: That is a lot of painting (at least they are 6 mm!). They look very nice

One question - why the choice of three deep? Just interested in your thought process. Obviously the Prussians ranked up three deep but with the width to depth ratio if you went 2 deep it would look pretty good still (especially with the rear NCOs, etc), be more in the aspect ratio of the actual units and save you painting about 1000 figures.
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity. Battle of Zorndorf
Post by: abu iskander on April 02, 2019, 03:51:12 PM: Thanks. gentlemen.

Why model all the ranks when I'm only modeling 1/4 or so of the files? I guess it just comes down to which compromise you want to make when doing the figure scaling. Here's roughly how I envision BNs looking on the table:

(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eggnovwjZ5M/VY3xjtpKzrI/AAAAAAAAB7E/wxKgCcXdnDs/s1600/Infantry%2Bcompany%2Bcomparisons.jpg) http://obscurebattles.blogspot.com/2015 ... -1758.html (http://obscurebattles.blogspot.com/2015 ... -1758.html)

And, I'm thinking once multiple BNs are arrayed, and the file closers and command added, that I'll be happy with the overall look. Here's one of my planning sketches:

(https://i.imgur.com/ZqdlSnu.png)

And how half a BN has shaped up so far...love how quickly these paint up, even with some layering of paints.

(https://i.imgur.com/aJ1kWt1.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/87Rirne.jpg)
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity. Battle of Zorndorf
Post by: vtsaogames on April 02, 2019, 05:54:40 PM: A fine madness!
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity. Battle of Zorndorf
Post by: DintheDin on April 03, 2019, 07:47:21 AM: Although the scale is small, you achieved nice faces and from a distance the overall look is excellent!
Congrats! Keep them coming!
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity. Battle of Zorndorf
Post by: abu iskander on April 05, 2019, 06:50:23 PM: Thanks gentlemen.

Busy week, but got a bit of basing done. Decided to go with another thin layer of Liquitex stucco and paint the grass effects. Have some 1mm static grass on the way which I may use to pick out a few details.

Hoping to finish the rest of the BN over the weekend.

(https://i.imgur.com/aqr62wX.jpg)
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity. Battle of Zorndorf
Post by: abu iskander on April 08, 2019, 12:40:13 AM: First BN done and based.

(https://i.imgur.com/7vjDzXB.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/ZLtRuTD.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/nsBsaY1.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/KJjsBkg.jpg)
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity. Battle of Zorndorf
Post by: DintheDin on April 08, 2019, 10:32:20 AM: In mass they look amazing! A substantial battalion!
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity. Battle of Zorndorf
Post by: abu iskander on April 26, 2019, 01:14:01 PM: Prince v Preussen Cuirassiers. On to the next unit after I finish basing.

(https://i.imgur.com/mq61aJn.jpg)
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity. Battle of Zorndorf
Post by: Roo on April 26, 2019, 01:29:08 PM: Simply wow...one of those projects that’s makes me want to sell everything in 28mm and follow suit...if only for a few minutes...keep on with the updates this is lovely stuff
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity. Battle of Zorndorf
Post by: Sparrow on April 27, 2019, 11:18:58 AM: Wonderful stuff!
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity. Battle of Zorndorf
Post by: jambo1 on April 27, 2019, 05:49:41 PM: Super work, nice to see them. :)
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity. Battle of Zorndorf
Post by: abu iskander on April 29, 2019, 09:01:07 PM: Thanks gentlemen.

A modest update... some Jaegers and a BN gun

(https://i.imgur.com/kDxbUrZ.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Fw9mKP6.jpg)

And the beginnings of something to fight over. 6mm village house from Paperterrain.com. Tree courtesy of Noch.

(https://i.imgur.com/nKNYWrk.jpg?1)
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity. Battle of Zorndorf
Post by: DintheDin on April 30, 2019, 10:30:13 AM: Cute tiny wee soldiers! Beautiful! :-*
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity. Battle of Zorndorf
Post by: jon_1066 on April 30, 2019, 11:08:06 AM: Looking great. Have you seen this site?

https://www.grundschule-pretzschendorf.de/en/Our_village/paper_models.html (https://www.grundschule-pretzschendorf.de/en/Our_village/paper_models.html)

They are paper models for a Christmas Diorama but some work very well for Napoleonic buildings in 6 mm.

eg
(https://live.staticflickr.com/793/27025144918_227e81bc10_z.jpg)

They have various half timber houses, barns, a couple of churches, etc.
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity. Battle of Zorndorf
Post by: tomrommel1 on April 30, 2019, 01:57:28 PM: nice project indeed
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity. Battle of Zorndorf
Post by: abu iskander on April 30, 2019, 03:48:30 PM: Thanks, all.

Wow, those look great - I'll definitely be using some of those. Thanks for the link!

Quote from: jon_1066 on April 30, 2019, 11:08:06 AM
Looking great. Have you seen this site?

https://www.grundschule-pretzschendorf.de/en/Our_village/paper_models.html (https://www.grundschule-pretzschendorf.de/en/Our_village/paper_models.html)

They are paper models for a Christmas Diorama but some work very well for Napoleonic buildings in 6 mm.

They have various half timber houses, barns, a couple of churches, etc.
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity. Battle of Zorndorf
Post by: DintheDin on May 01, 2019, 08:21:07 AM: I had spotted this nice site long ago and downloaded all the buildings, but didn't make them yet...
In 6mm scale they will look just great!!!
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity. Battle of Zorndorf
Post by: abu iskander on May 25, 2019, 06:32:43 PM: Some progress. Slow going these days due to other obligations, but progress is progress...

Prussian Fusiliers... waiting on flags to finish up some last details.

(https://i.imgur.com/FM6Z0ZI.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/IJIaPpU.jpg)

And the Austrians have arrived. Couldn't resist test painting some of them.

(https://i.imgur.com/VmKxJdU.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/OEpObTP.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/a7N6PyD.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/86gXVSf.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/WA9SupS.jpg)
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity in the Seven Years War
Post by: jambo1 on May 25, 2019, 06:42:27 PM: Super work once more!!! The Prussian fusilers are really nice but it's great to see some Austrians too!! :)
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity in the Seven Years War
Post by: DintheDin on May 25, 2019, 08:08:43 PM: You are doing a very nice job on these tiny figures and your pics say so!
Keep them coming!
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity in the Seven Years War
Post by: 6mmfan on May 26, 2019, 04:25:18 AM: Brilliant work
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity in the Seven Years War
Post by: FifteensAway on May 26, 2019, 04:36:36 AM: You realize putting too much of such insanity on display is likely to result in a contagion, yes?

Bacchus figures?

All quite nice except that tree is WAY too wide but easily fixed if you trim it down some - though likely easier to buy smaller trees.

Madness, madness, I say. What was the name of that river they were building a bridge over? ;)
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity in the Seven Years War
Post by: vcina on May 27, 2019, 05:33:55 PM: Lovely work. Love the mass look of the Battalions. It will look epic on the table for a game.
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity in the Seven Years War
Post by: abu iskander on June 02, 2019, 07:12:28 PM: Thanks all. Yes, Baccus figures. Minimal progress this week, but sharing to help keep me motivated. Lots more well underway, but not yet camera ready.

(https://i.imgur.com/caeP1W7.jpg)
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity in the Seven Years War
Post by: jambo1 on June 03, 2019, 05:30:03 AM: Nice looking Austrian artillery. :)
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity in the Seven Years War
Post by: Roo on June 03, 2019, 01:24:19 PM: Lovely!
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity in the Seven Years War
Post by: 15thpanzer on June 06, 2019, 03:35:44 PM: Love this project. Quantity and quality.
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity in the Seven Years War
Post by: Sparrow on June 07, 2019, 05:56:55 PM: Superb - to me this is what 6mm gaming should be about! Really inspiring....
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity in the Seven Years War
Post by: abu iskander on June 07, 2019, 06:03:22 PM: Many thanks, gentlemen.

A couple more bases done this week, and have a bunch of cavalry on the go.

(https://i.imgur.com/pQdiV4J.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/dfyWBUN.jpg)
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity in the Seven Years War
Post by: 6milPhil on June 08, 2019, 12:26:03 AM: Very nice indeed. 8)
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity in the Seven Years War
Post by: jambo1 on June 08, 2019, 05:56:01 AM: Super work and a great inspirational thread, keep them coming!! :)
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity in the Seven Years War
Post by: DivisMal on June 08, 2019, 08:04:55 AM: This is absolutely mad. Crazy. Bonkers. Hilarious.

...but also beautifully done and very inspiring! Great painting on those small devils.
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity in the Seven Years War
Post by: Costanzo on June 10, 2019, 02:15:50 PM: Great work! Compliments!
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity in the Seven Years War
Post by: abu iskander on June 15, 2019, 05:35:12 PM: Thanks much, gentlemen.

Finally managed to finish up most of the brushwork for the Lieb Carabinier regiment... basing to catch up on as usual. But which troops to work on next...

(https://i.imgur.com/Ik4j8H6.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/PtG74Jk.jpg)
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity in the Seven Years War
Post by: 6milPhil on June 16, 2019, 08:16:39 AM: So sweet, I swear i can see one man who needs a shave and another who should do his tunic button up. ;)

What are you using for filling/levelling out the bases?
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity in the Seven Years War
Post by: DintheDin on June 16, 2019, 05:02:41 PM: Gorgeous little riders! Splendid!
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity in the Seven Years War
Post by: Leman on June 19, 2019, 11:15:41 AM: Really appreciate seeing this in 6mm (my own SYW armies are 10mm) I particularly like the style of scenic items as, although a 10mm gamer, I usually use 6mm buildings etc. The look of mass is terrific.
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity in the Seven Years War
Post by: abu iskander on June 19, 2019, 03:09:57 PM: Thanks all, and more to follow.

Phil, I use Vallejo plastic putty to smooth out the transition from figure stand to base and then apply Liquitex Artists Stucco, which is great, when repurposed as a basing medium.

Quote from: 6milPhil on June 16, 2019, 08:16:39 AM
So sweet, I swear i can see one man who needs a shave and another who should do his tunic button up. ;)

What are you using for filling/levelling out the bases?
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity in the Seven Years War
Post by: abu iskander on June 22, 2019, 03:28:01 AM: Some middling progress this week. A couple bases of Croat/Pandours to start.

(https://i.imgur.com/7o7r3JC.jpg)

And some Austrian Dragoons - did several horses with the new Contrast Paint. Look reasonably good. Total game changer? Probably not, at least for this scale.

(https://i.imgur.com/rD1Vy4D.jpg)

Their elite company of horse grenadiers. Great sculpts here by Baccus.

(https://i.imgur.com/DV69mKs.jpg)

And lastly. How I unwind between SYW units... I need to add the front rank with lowered lances.

(https://i.imgur.com/spZvzY9.jpg)
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity in the Seven Years War
Post by: Sparrow on June 22, 2019, 06:24:16 AM: Brilliant- I’m finding these photos really inspiring (and I’m a 28mm junky!) - thanks so much for posting these!
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity in the Seven Years War
Post by: DintheDin on June 22, 2019, 06:36:01 AM: You continue doing an amazing job and you take good care so that the horses are well done, too!
The Winged Hussars when finished, they will be awesome!
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity in the Seven Years War
Post by: abu iskander on June 29, 2019, 08:17:51 PM: Thanks, all.

First stand of Winged Hussars ready for basing... Must get back Fred and the boys!

(https://i.imgur.com/ffoYwHB.jpg)
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity in the Seven Years War
Post by: Sparrow on June 30, 2019, 06:51:56 AM: “Must get back Fred and the boys!”

Don’t feel you have to! Those Poles are wonderful! Feel free to keep working on your Polish force and show us more pics!
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity in the Seven Years War
Post by: MGH on June 30, 2019, 10:41:22 PM: Agree with Sparrow, those Poles are very cool.
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity in the Seven Years War
Post by: abu iskander on July 10, 2019, 02:40:39 PM: Thanks much, gentlemen.

Minimal painting time this last couple weeks - posting to maintain motivation ::). But one more squadron of von Preussen cuirassier ready for basing. One more to go, then on to some dragoons methinks.

(https://i.imgur.com/JuOILM8.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/JZEGrNp.jpg)
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity in the Seven Years War
Post by: cstoesen on July 10, 2019, 05:08:00 PM: This is a fantastic project to see come along. It definitely shows how nice 6mm models can be. Thanks for sharing your progress.
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity in the Seven Years War
Post by: Leman on July 11, 2019, 11:48:01 AM: Ditto.
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity in the Seven Years War
Post by: abu iskander on July 17, 2019, 04:25:32 AM: Happy to do so, and thanks to both of you.

One squadron at a time these days. First progress on the dragoons, now ready to base.

(https://i.imgur.com/5hhvL4k.jpg)
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity in the Seven Years War
Post by: Norm on July 17, 2019, 05:58:37 AM: really nice, the high contrast painting style makes a huge visual impact, I am going to try putting a bit more contrast in my next unit. Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity in the Seven Years War
Post by: abu iskander on August 12, 2019, 02:23:36 AM: Thanks.... Minimal painting time recently, but added one more squadron of cuirassier this week.

(https://i.imgur.com/CC6XRQl.jpg)
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity in the Seven Years War
Post by: Leman on August 13, 2019, 03:43:06 PM: Lots of inspiration for me to work with as I embark on a Baccus James II in Ireland project.
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity in the Seven Years War
Post by: LazyStudent on August 15, 2019, 03:45:53 PM: This is INCREDIBLE! I am in awe of the painting skill!

A painting and basing tutorial would be amazing!?!

Which paint do you use for the Prussian blue? The colour really pops out and looks great!

I was thinking of starting a Napoleonic 6mm project soon. Any tips?!

Thanks!
LS :D
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity in the Seven Years War
Post by: abu iskander on August 17, 2019, 06:14:08 PM: Thanks guys. LS -- here's a couple links that shows them in some step by step phases. Hope it's helpful for you. My advice would be to pick colors just a bit lighter than you would otherwise use for 15mm+. For example, for the Prussian Blue, I used the Foundry Bavarian blue triad.

http://www.looseasswargamers.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=539&start=50 (http://www.looseasswargamers.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=539&start=50)

http://www.looseasswargamers.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=457&start=110 (http://www.looseasswargamers.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=457&start=110)
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity in the Seven Years War
Post by: LazyStudent on August 18, 2019, 11:52:09 AM: Hi,
Thank you for the links! I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to do three layers on 6mm figures! But they do look amazing! I need to get my order into Baccus soon. Thank you for the hint on the blue. I have mostly Vallejo paints so I need to check what it's equivalent is in their range, but it's a great help!

If you don't mind me asking, but what base size do you use? And is it 2mm MDF?

Thanks again and really looking forward to more pictures! :)

Cheers,
LS
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity in the Seven Years War
Post by: abu iskander on August 18, 2019, 02:55:54 PM: LS- Two or three layers goes quickly on figures this size and, to my view, really benefits the results. If nothing else, I'd prime the figures medium grey and then wash them with dark brown ink to subtly soften the outlines if you choose to just block paint.

My cavalry are all based as companies (2 = squadron) on 40x40mm 2mm plywood. 60x30mm for the Prussian infantry. Pretty standard stuff to source.

Got nearly all the Austrian horse grenadiers complete - consolidation of the companies from 4 parent dragoon regiments, hence the variation. Just 7 to go to finish the last company, but work travel beckons, so will have to wait to next weekend. Smallest unit of the project, outside of artillery.

(https://i.imgur.com/htARQUl.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Xezd49t.jpg)
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity in the Seven Years War
Post by: abu iskander on August 27, 2019, 02:46:40 PM: Finished the last base of figures for the HG. And completed the brushwork for the first 2 squadrons of Austrian Dragoons. Posting my minimal progress to maintain motivation. 1000s of minis left to go!

(https://i.imgur.com/O2D0TFX.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/FZYf0Rn.jpg)
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity in the Seven Years War
Post by: Billchuck on August 27, 2019, 05:12:24 PM: Gorgeous work. You’re inspiring me to get back into my 7YW project.
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity in the Seven Years War
Post by: LazyStudent on August 29, 2019, 08:39:11 AM: Amazing! I have to say you're probably a little too harsh on yourself. I would struggle too paint that many minis in a month, let alone a weekend! 😃
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity in the Seven Years War
Post by: Treebeard on August 29, 2019, 08:59:19 AM: A big WooooW !

Very impressive. Probably best 6mm I've seen so far.
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity in the Seven Years War
Post by: Ssendam on August 29, 2019, 10:25:32 AM: Really impressive; not just the painting but the whole project execution.
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity in the Seven Years War
Post by: FierceKitty on October 29, 2019, 05:21:38 AM: Mmmm, there's nothing like a big little army of SYW!
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity in the Seven Years War
Post by: Leman on October 29, 2019, 07:50:08 AM: Excellent work on those.
Title: Re: 6mm Insanity in the Seven Years War
Post by: DintheDin on October 29, 2019, 09:19:16 AM: Quote from: Ssendam on August 29, 2019, 10:25:32 AM
Really impressive; not just the painting but the whole project execution.

+1 !!! :-*