Lead Adventure Forum

Miniatures Adventure => Age of the Big Battalions => Topic started by: Ray Rivers on July 25, 2020, 08:07:13 PM

Title: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on July 25, 2020, 08:07:13 PM
I'm off on a new project, the Franco-Prussian war in 10mm using Pendraken miniatures. I don't expect to do more than a Corps worth of troops per side, but that will be enough.

I've decided instead of going the 1871 rules route where you use "bases" as your units (irrespective of the amount of minis on the base), that I will instead use miniatures as the basic element instead. So I will model a French Regiment of 3 battalions numbering approximately 2,250 men at a 1 to 75 ratio, or 30 men per regiment. A chasseur battalion would then have 10 men and a cavalry regiment also at 10 men.

I've decided to go this route because 1 base of chasseus of 6 men per battalion and 2 bases of 3 cavalrymen on a base per regiment just doesn't cut it for me visually.

Here is where I stand ATM:

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

The photo represents 3 regiments in work (with the glue still drying  lol). Each base will have 6 men. I will be adding another 9 men charging, 5 men running, 2 fanion battalion flag bearers on the two bases at each end and one addition officer to each regiment. As the work progresses I will post other photos, but I expect it to be slow as I will also be working on Commanders, cavalry and artillery at the same time.

I have an inbound shipment of command minis, Guard infantry, Zouaves, infantry running, hussars and dragoons.

So off we go... a new project. Haven't done one in years, so wish me luck!
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: jambo1 on July 26, 2020, 07:42:24 AM
Good start, and i will be following with interest, i have some Magister Militum 10mm Prussians in the lead pile, you may just spur me on!! :)
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: fred on July 26, 2020, 10:57:06 AM
A good start, and these units will look very good once filled out.

These figures look very sharp!
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Sparrow on July 26, 2020, 12:28:50 PM
Looking good!  (and a very sensible scale for the period 😉)
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on July 26, 2020, 01:56:54 PM
Thanks, guys!

I noticed last night that I had 2 rows of the same miniature, so I have moved them about a bit to give a more scattered appearance.

But yep, the intent was to say... this is how I'm doing it and I will show my progress as it goes along.

After that, only full units.
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: vodkafan on July 26, 2020, 11:48:29 PM
It's going to look fantastic  :o
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: FierceKitty on July 27, 2020, 02:41:11 AM
Pretty beginning.  :)
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on July 27, 2020, 02:53:43 AM
It's going to look fantastic  :o

I sure hope so!  :)

And thanks to you FierceKitty... let's hope I can keep it up!

I'll be posting a photo of my WIP charging minis tomorrow.

Thought folks might like to see the online links I have for reference for my project:

Painted Miniatures:

This is from one of our own, Dangerdaz, back in 2017:
http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=99107.0

Stephen Smith who has a bunch of YouTube videos on the FPW and a really nice style:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PW_l8-jrbRI

This is from the Fawcett Avenue Conscripts blog:
https://wpggamegeeks.blogspot.com/search/label/Pendraken

This is "Kev1964's" ImageShack album of 1675 photos of pretty much every era by Pendraken miniatures. He is the guy who painted most of the minis you see in the Pendraken store:
https://imageshack.com/user/kev1964

Pendraken photos found in the Pendraken store:
http://www.pendrakenforum.co.uk/index.php/board,112.0.html

Javier Gómez (aka El Mercenario pro painter) Franco-Prussian War thread on Pendraken forums. THIS THREAD is what sold me on 10mm FPW miniatures:
http://www.pendrakenforum.co.uk/index.php/topic,11203.0.html

Photo and painting resources online:

Wargame Foundry painting guide:
http://vintagewargaming.blogspot.com/2009/09/wargames-foundry-franco-prussian-war.html

Les uniformes de la guerre franco-prussienne de 1870-71 (a French blog which I like a lot):
http://antan.unblog.fr/category/uniformes/

Mark Strachan's French painting guide (blog):
https://stracmark.blogspot.com/p/franco-prussian-uniform-guide-french.html

Flickr 1870 French Uniforms (click back to albums list for Prussians, Bavarians and Germans):
https://www.flickr.com/photos/59568506@N02/albums/72157706415837451

If you all have any links to comprehensive online sources, please don't hesitate to post them! Any and all help appreciated!
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on July 27, 2020, 02:16:20 PM
So here is a picture of my next batch of infantry ready to paint:

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

I post this to show how I prepare my minis for painting. Of note is that I have glued some sand between the feet of the minis before I primed them. Then the first thing I do is paint that area as it can be very sloppy and almost impossible to do later on, especially when attached to the base.

These folks I call the charging big noses!  :D

This batch of 18 will fill 2 regiments.

Painted project minis: French 45
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: fred on July 27, 2020, 05:41:17 PM
Interesting thought on adding the sand to the cast on base at this stage. While I tend to paint the cast base pretty early in the process, I've never thought of doing this. I tend to 'carefully' apply some PVA to the cast base when attaching figures to the MDF base - it works with differing degrees of success.
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on July 27, 2020, 06:53:28 PM
The reason I do it right from the start is because I have more control over where the sand goes. So if a bit falls alongside a boot, for example, I can take my scalpel and remove it at the moment. Even after it dries, if I don't like it, I can just hack away and not worry about scaring my troops pants.

It is in-between the legs that are the problem, because if I do it later I invariably end up painting the mini accidentally with my base paint.

For these guys they have a base color and a lighter shade which was heavily dry brushed. The entire base will get yet another lighter shade but it will be light dry brushing, which is more precise and thus I don't worry about it now, because even if it goes on the shoes, it just looks like dust.
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: vodkafan on July 28, 2020, 05:29:24 PM
Great idea, I will steal adopt this  :D
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on July 29, 2020, 01:56:48 AM
 ;)

Just received another package of minis from Pendraken. Mailed on Thursday from the UK and arrived here in Spain Tuesday.

So now I have enough miniatures for 5 line regiments, 2 Zouave regiments, 2 Guard regiments, 1 Chasseur battalion, 1 Hussar regiment, 1 Dragoon regiment, 1 Cuirassier regiment, 6 guns and all the officers I will ever need.

Guess I'd better get painting...
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: vodkafan on July 29, 2020, 08:13:07 PM
;)

Just received another package of minis from Pendraken. Mailed on Thursday from the UK and arrived here in Spain Tuesday.

So now I have enough miniatures for 5 line regiments, 2 Zouave regiments, 2 Guard regiments, 1 Chasseur battalion, 1 Hussar regiment, 1 Dragoon regiment, 1 Cuirassier regiment, 6 guns and all the officers I will ever need.

Guess I'd better get painting...

Er...what about the Prussians?
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on July 30, 2020, 01:46:52 AM
Er...what about the Prussians?

To be quite honest I haven't given it much thought.

First I want to see if I can maintain steady progress on my French army. To do this, I have decided, for now, to scale back my regiments to 3 bases. If everything goes well, and I can get this done, I'll look at enlarging them to five bases because I have dry fit my unpainted fanions and infantry to see what they would look like and I was pretty impressed. But that now becomes a long term goal.

As for opposition, I may well go with Bavarian's as their uniform is very swish. Dunno thought... I just need to push forward and make progress.
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: vodkafan on July 30, 2020, 08:47:49 AM
Fair enough. I must admit to doing exactly the same. I often really like the look of one side in a conflict (Zulu War British) but find the other side really boring (Zulus) so just do one side in the hope one of my pals will want to do the other.
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: vtsaogames on July 31, 2020, 02:07:34 AM
My crew played a campaign of the whole war a few years back using Bloody Big Battles. I provided the French and a buddy did the Prussians. I also put together Bavarians. We played a series of historical battles, no map movement, made it easy for me since I'm the guy who keeps track of stuff.

Once the Prussians are done go for Bavarians. It is amazing how many battles they were in, both in the Imperial phase and the later Republican phase.
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on July 31, 2020, 11:57:12 AM
Food for thought.

Right now I'm working on 5 regiments. Hopefully an update soon.
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on August 06, 2020, 04:53:20 PM
Just finished another batch of 18 infantry and here are a couple pics:

(https://i.imgur.com/pAZfMu2.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/S9UDYlf.jpg)

The charging figures were more difficult to paint than the standing ones, however, that brings me to a total of 63 infantry of the 90 I need for 5 regiments.

I'm still having a problem with basing because all the command figures are standing and the infantry are standing, charging and running. So I'm not sure if I should base them by figure pose or mix them all together. Another option would be to have one regiment of the same pose and the rest mixed. I'll be doing some mock ups with my finished and unpainted troopers to see how I proceed.

Think for the next group I will do another batch of infantry and a regiment of hussars.
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on August 06, 2020, 06:05:06 PM
Here is a mock up using just the standing and charging infantry:

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

They look pretty good. In their final form each base would include 1 mini running.
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: vodkafan on August 07, 2020, 09:47:24 AM
Looks fantastic  :o
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on August 07, 2020, 03:01:12 PM
Thanks, matey!

To be quite honest I would love to do these at the battalion level instead of the regimental level. So 1 of those units would be a battalion and 3 of them would be a regiment. Cavalry would be 15 miniatures per regiment and artillery 3 guns per battery but the amount of painting required would be crazy!  o_o
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Captain Blood on August 07, 2020, 04:25:50 PM
They are nifty looking little chaps.
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on August 07, 2020, 04:49:31 PM
They are indeed.

Hope I don't get sidetracked with the beta release of Grand Tactician Civil War on the 21st of August.

http://www.grandtactician.com/thecivilwar/index.html
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: vodkafan on August 07, 2020, 08:22:13 PM
Thanks, matey!

To be quite honest I would love to do these at the battalion level instead of the regimental level. So 1 of those units would be a battalion and 3 of them would be a regiment. Cavalry would be 15 miniatures per regiment and artillery 3 guns per battery but the amount of painting required would be crazy!  o_o

DO IT  :D
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: valleyboy on August 07, 2020, 09:19:49 PM
This looks great and very interesting
I've never painted 10mm figures but I've struggled to get 15s done on sticks and prefer individual bottle tops being jealous of those of you who seem able to do its this way particularly when the paint job is so good
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on August 08, 2020, 12:40:57 AM
This is the first time I use sticks. Never used them for 15mm either.

There are 2 reasons why I have gotten used to using them. First, of course, is that I have got to paint a snot load of miniatures. Second, is because they have so much detail that doing them individually would take way too much time. So with the stick, I will position the bottom figure such that the stroke for some detail (say a nose) is clearly seen and easily accessible with the brush. Then I will make that stroke on the first mini, let the stick slide through my hand to the next so it maintains the same position visually, and then stroke again. I keep doing that until they are all completed. Then it is back to the first one and over and over. With all the detail on the minis, I am doing a lot of single stroke paint work... over and over.

To be quite honest it is a huge pain in the arse and it is only when I have actually completed a batch of minis am I able to sit back and say to myself... those are nice and worth the effort.

On the workbench ATM are 12 more charging infantry, 10 hussars and a mounted officer.
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: OB on August 10, 2020, 12:48:10 PM
They are hugely impressive.
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Jacksarge on August 13, 2020, 11:23:49 AM
These are excellent Ray! I've been thinking about doing some 10mm ACW, not sure which manufacturer yet.
With regards to the new ACW PC game, yep, it surely does look interesting. I really enjoyed watching a bunch of your play-throughs of Ultimate General Civil War on YouTube, a very cool game.
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on August 13, 2020, 12:59:09 PM
Hey thanks Jack for the great comments!

I almost went ACW with my new project, but I have done at least 2 in the past so I decided to try something different. The ACW has a special place in my heart and was my first wargaming army in 15mm (both sides). If time permits though, at my age, I may very well do it again.

Ultimate General Civil War was a blast to play, from either side. I will dive into Grand Tactican and given all goes well (being fun to play, etc.), will almost certainly do a couple YouTube campaigns with it as well. Don't expect that to happen any time soon though as it will take some time to learn how to play it and then tackle the game at its hardest difficulty.
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Captain Blood on August 13, 2020, 07:18:47 PM
To be quite honest it is a huge pain in the arse and it is only when I have actually completed a batch of minis am I able to sit back and say to myself... those are nice and worth the effort.

Wonderfully honest as usual lol
Pretty much sums up how I feel about almost every set of figures I’ve ever painted, Ray. I don’t greatly enjoy the process quite a lot of the time. But the end result usually makes it worthwhile.

Keep at it  :)
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on August 13, 2020, 07:41:57 PM
Wonderfully honest as usual lol
;)

Keep at it  :)

I'm trying. The darn cavalry are fighting me tooth and nail... especially the horses. Have decided I'll go with the colors I've got to get them finished but will have to come up with a couple other schemes in the future. Making these miniatures pop is no easy task.
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: vodkafan on August 14, 2020, 09:06:11 AM
;)

I'm trying. The darn cavalry are fighting me tooth and nail... especially the horses. Have decided I'll go with the colors I've got to get them finished but will have to come up with a couple other schemes in the future. Making these miniatures pop is no easy task.

Your pain is so worth it for us  ;)
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on August 14, 2020, 01:56:13 PM
Your pain is so worth it for us  ;)

 lol

Right, here is a WIP of my hussars:

(https://i.imgur.com/hS1Km9O.jpg)

I have painted the bodies of all the horses and am now cleaning them up and adding markings.

From left to right... 1 - legs have one white sock and 3 black, 2 - 3 white socks and a small blaze on the forehead and 3 - 4 black stockings.

I'm trying to be subtle with the white or it just glares at you and I am using a blueish grey to highlight the black (Foundry Charcoal Black). Overall, though, I'm not all that happy with the brown colors I'm using for the bodies but we'll see when they are all finished.

However long that takes.  o_o
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: vtsaogames on August 14, 2020, 09:03:29 PM
Dang. Those horse look pretty good to me.
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: vodkafan on August 15, 2020, 10:06:52 AM
I would be happy with those horses.
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on August 15, 2020, 02:57:51 PM
The reason I don't quite like the color of the horses is because normally I paint massed cavalry predominately in a bark brown color with a reddish tinge to it (chestnut). I tried the color I wanted on a test mini but it didn't come out like I was hoping. I will try again though with the next cavalry regiment.

Having said that, I have noticed that a lot of 10mm painters tend to shy towards lighter colors on the horses. I believe the reason why they do that is so you can easily see details such as horse furniture.

The hussars will be fine.
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Sparrow on August 16, 2020, 08:03:05 AM
Looking good!
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: flatpack on August 16, 2020, 09:04:45 AM
You are doing a fantastic job on these figures.
Don’t be too hard on yourself.
When you get them to the table, I’m sure you’ll be happy with the end result.
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on August 16, 2020, 03:57:11 PM
Thanks guys!

The horses should be finished today and then it is on to the riders. Looks like my first "finished" units will be a command stand and a hussar regiment. Then back to the infantry...
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on August 25, 2020, 05:25:56 PM
Quick update:

Hussar troopers are finished and the command figures are not far behind. In the end I will have one regiment of 9 hussars (3 per base) and a divisional command stand of one officer escorted by a hussar.

Here is a quick hand held photo of some of the completed troopers (oops... forgot to shade the brim of their kepi):

(https://i.imgur.com/9TG2IVE.jpg)

Not the greatest (especially so close) but I think they will look okay when based.
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: DintheDin on August 25, 2020, 05:32:31 PM
Beautiful riders and horses! Very neat job and let's remember it's in 10mm! Congrats!
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: batu on August 25, 2020, 08:25:34 PM
Wonderful work! Cant wait for more  :D
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Captain Blood on August 25, 2020, 09:21:25 PM
Well they are delightful  :-*

Stripes on 10mm trousers  :o
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on August 26, 2020, 01:28:14 AM
Thank ya'll!

@ batu: I'll post pics of my command group when finished, and of course, the completed regiment based, hopefully fairly soon.

Stripes on 10mm trousers  :o

The artillerymen have a double red stripe going down their trousers...  o_o

Did you notice they all have EARS!

Thought I would put together a little 'paint' show on how I paint the faces:

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

Results vary depending on whether or not there is a brow or upper lip area to paint. Normally they have one or another but not both. Nevertheless, it is all kinda 'ish' in the end as the point is for them to look half way decent at a meters distance. As such, I pretty much accept what ever happens while painting (warts and all) and just keep pushing on.
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Jacksarge on August 26, 2020, 02:55:47 AM
Great stuff Ray! Very impressed by your painting.
Wouldn't have thought you would have time to paint now that Civil War game is out on early access  ;)
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on August 26, 2020, 11:14:40 AM
Wouldn't have thought you would have time to paint now that Civil War game is out on early access  ;)

Thanks, Jack!

I bought Grand Tactican the moment it was available, but at this time they have a lot of bugs to fix. I normally have more free time in the winter... so that is when I will probably do a "deep dive" of the game. At the moment, at least, this army has my full attention.
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: vodkafan on August 26, 2020, 05:23:16 PM
Little guides like that are most useful. Many thanks!
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on August 29, 2020, 12:00:07 PM
At Last!

The command minis are finished!

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

Will base them today and then we will have our first unit actually finished!  :) o_o
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: ChrisBBB on August 29, 2020, 01:26:36 PM
Lovely work, Ray!

Chris

Bloody Big BATTLES!
https://groups.io/g/bloodybigbattles
https://bloodybigbattles.blogspot.com/
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: flatpack on August 30, 2020, 07:30:59 AM
Great looking figures, full of colour and character. Brill.
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on August 30, 2020, 04:23:01 PM
Thanks Chris and flatpack, really appreciate the comments.

So here is the (almost) finished hussars and Brigadier (as usual crappy photos):

(https://i.imgur.com/fr0AO0G.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/IDe4mHD.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/SAsJ0uw.jpg)

At the present I don't have any scatter material for 10mm figures. My static grass and tufts are for 28mm figures, so until I get some more appropriate material, they will just have to go au naturale.

Back to the infantry...
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: DintheDin on August 30, 2020, 05:43:01 PM
You have achieved a very neat paintjob, very nice shading and you took advantage of all the little details of the sculpts!
Very natural horse colors as well! Congrats!
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on August 30, 2020, 07:28:23 PM
Thanks Din!

I'm not expecting an overwhelming response to my photos, especially due to their quality.

My main purpose at this moment is to paint minis... lots of minis. In this case, the next time I get something from Pendraken I will also order some 2mm flock and go back and finish my based miniatures.

I'm in no rush though...
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: DintheDin on August 30, 2020, 07:29:42 PM
You are on a good way though...  ;)
Keep it up!
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Roo on August 30, 2020, 08:16:45 PM
Your ‘crappy’ photos are clearly designed to increase the enjoyment at discovering your wonderful paint jobs...those little fellas pop!

Top job!
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on August 30, 2020, 08:24:18 PM
Thanks, Roo!  :)

You are on a good way though...  ;)
Keep it up!

I guess.  o_o

Having never done 10mm before I find my resources fairly scarce. As can be seen from the Hussars, I don't even have appropriate scatter material. The only terrain I have is some old rivers that can be repurposed... but nothing else, not even a single tree.

At my age I am loath to go on a buying spree only to have most of the stuff get packed away somewhere in a box.

So this is a big test into whether or not I really enjoy the period, the scale and am able to put in the time needed to get things down. I'm happy to be back working on the infantry and ATM I have 5 regiments in work. I am shooting for 18 men each for the time being but really want 30. Regimental packs from Pendraken have 30 men each.

When I finish this next lot of 12 infantry, I'll take a photo showing how they look like on the base (but obviously not finished).

Painted project minis: French - Inf: 63, Cav: 9, CMD: 2

Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: vodkafan on August 30, 2020, 09:56:58 PM
They look fantastic very impressive. I quite like the bases as they are, quite good enough to game with.
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on August 30, 2020, 10:05:34 PM
They look fantastic very impressive.

Cheers!

I quite like the bases as they are, quite good enough to game with.

That is always an option.  ;)
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Captain Blood on August 31, 2020, 08:40:26 AM
These look great. It’s not just the painting, which is just perfect on these little figures - the figures themselves are actually really good for such a tiny size. I have a bucketload of assorted 10mm Pendraken C17th/C18th types I was going to use for pirates. I even painted a few. But truthfully the sculpts are not that great. Whereas with these, you can really see what they are meant to be, and the period character comes through.

Hmmm... Maybe I’ll go back and have another dabble with a few of my 10mm figures buried in the lead mountain. I only bought a couple of dozen packs, but of course in this scale, that’s about 2,000 figures lol
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on August 31, 2020, 02:20:03 PM
the figures themselves are actually really good for such a tiny size.

Exactly. There is only so much you can do with a mini if it is not sculpted well.

Pendraken have a number of periods with really good sculpts (and some not so good). I have already linked to Javier Gómez's FPW thread. Here is one to Dazza's AWI thread with over 122,000 views (http://www.pendrakenforum.co.uk/index.php/topic,560.0.html)... and for good reason.

Another important point made by Javier, which needs to be mentioned, is that the minis are actually easy to mod and you can find minis from one period, which with a dab of different color paint and slight modification, can work in another.

When it comes to big battles I have always been a 15mm advocate. But after seeing these minis, I believe that 10mm is now the way to go. I say that not because I dislike 15mm (because I love that scale) but due to space (both on the gaming board and in storage), quality of sculpt and... price.
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on September 08, 2020, 08:16:19 PM
Update time...

So I finished a dozen more charging infantry and at this time I should have 4 of the 5 line regiments done. However, since I decided to mix 3 different poses (+ command figures) in each regiment that has caused a big delay in finishing the 5 regiments.

Here is where I stand:

(https://i.imgur.com/S9x5WLa.jpg)

I have 15 command figures, 30 figures receiving and 30 figures charging. I need 15 figures running to finish, and you can see the holes where they will fit.

So quite a bit of delay here, but I think overall they will look good with all the different poses mixed.

Next up is some artillery (4 guns with 16 crew) and another command stand of 2 mounted officers.

Painted project minis: French - Inf: 75, Cav: 9, CMD: 2

NB: I still haven't finished all the minis in the starter army which costs 28.50 GBP.
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Roo on September 08, 2020, 08:20:13 PM
More little beauties!
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Captain Blood on September 08, 2020, 09:19:46 PM
Wow  :o :-*

You are really motoring along with these little fellas Ray.
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on September 09, 2020, 01:44:39 PM
Thanks, Roo!!!!!

You are really motoring along with these little fellas Ray.

Thanks, Richard. I'm enjoying myself immensely painting them up.

Once the infantry, artillery and a battalion of Chasseurs are finished (starter army complete) I'm going to have to start doing some terrain as well... and I am really looking forward to that.
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Malamute on September 09, 2020, 02:44:38 PM
Amazing stuff Ray, really enjoying seeing these and I can't believe the size of them given your superb painting!
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on September 09, 2020, 03:51:09 PM
Really appreciate that, Nick!  :)

I've had to learn a totally new way of painting (using black for shade) to get the colors to pop. Some things like the rifles, I do better now. The faces are always tough to figure out. I was having a heck of a time with the charging minis faces at first, until I realized they had a mustache and goatee. lol

Little buggers...  ;)
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on September 09, 2020, 07:02:54 PM
So... does anybody have an idea what they think would look best on my bases and terrain?

Normally I use static grass, but I think for this scale, scatter (flock) would look at lot better.

Any opinions?
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: SupremeLittlenessDesigns on September 15, 2020, 03:22:34 PM
For 10mm, I just use what I use on all my bases for all scales.

www.michaelscott.name/1809/1809blogpost127.htm (http://www.michaelscott.name/1809/1809blogpost127.htm)

I generally go for smaller tufts and I might take the scissors to static grass.

www.michaelscott.name/1809/blog2015/1809blogpost185.htm (http://www.michaelscott.name/1809/blog2015/1809blogpost185.htm)

Cheers, Michael
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on September 15, 2020, 04:15:38 PM
Hey thanks, Michael, for weighing in.

I must say, that blog of yours is a fantastic 10mm resource and I have, of course, book marked it. You answered a lot of questions I had, seeing as I am a 10mm newbie, by going through it. I almost certainly will return to it repeatedly. For example, how compatible are Magister Militum minis with Pendraken.

I would also be remiss to not say how wonderfully you paint your minis! Really nice, mate.  :-*

Highly recommended to Napoleonic 10mm fans.
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: SupremeLittlenessDesigns on September 15, 2020, 05:54:28 PM
Great thing about 10mm is that skills acquired are usable across periods. And scenery and terrain can be just the same for different periods!

MM and Pendraken comparisons are here:

www.michaelscott.name/1809/blog2015/1809blogpost180.htm (http://www.michaelscott.name/1809/blog2015/1809blogpost180.htm)

probably easier to see here:

www.michaelscott.name/1809/1809blogpost40.htm (http://www.michaelscott.name/1809/1809blogpost40.htm)

All easier to find by subject matter in the Blog Index:

www.michaelscott.name/1809/map/1809index.htm (http://www.michaelscott.name/1809/map/1809index.htm)
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on September 20, 2020, 05:49:11 PM
Small update.

Crewman for my 4 batteries of artillery are finished. Still need to do the officers and the mounted commanders.

Once again a not so great shot (fairly blurry):

(https://i.imgur.com/OYxSs6e.jpg)

Another development was that after I read that a lot of folks use 6mm scenery for 10mm, I went on a deep dive (and I do mean deep), to see if I could find some 6mm scenario I did probably almost 20 years ago.

I found most of it... 17 based buildings and a bunch of metal trees but am still missing the river sections I have. They are there somewhere... I just don't know where.  o_o

Here is a couple shots of one of the building bases:

(https://i.imgur.com/bMyc6TD.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/xIfKW6f.jpg)

I think they will work, but I will need to do some work on them and rebase them.

Back to my artillery...
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: DintheDin on September 20, 2020, 07:07:37 PM
Although the figures are small, your painting is very neat! Keep up the good job! Cheers!
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: valleyboy on September 21, 2020, 11:10:37 AM
Those really are very neat Ray
As to the basing question I've often thought that the smaller the figure then the lighter the base ought to be to make the figures pop.
What about a mix of scatter and earth dry brushed to make it look dry
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on September 21, 2020, 03:07:21 PM
@Din: thanks mate, hopefully they will be finished soon. I actually had a bit of a rest painting because the figures weren't going fast enough. I finally remembered my hussars and how in the end I painted all the troopers first (the same pose) and the rest last. Once I started concentrating on the minis by pose (and there are 4 different poses for the artillery), then once again I saw some pretty quick progress.

@valleyboy: I agree that a lighter touch is needed on the bases. I have a couple different flocks from years past, but I don't like them for what I am doing. I have ordered some Jarvis flock from Pendraken and hopefully soon I will able to finish the bases. I think overall I want about 50% coverage and the rest sand. The bushes are clump material soaked in PVA and if necessary, can be painted.

I'm fairly happy with the project so far and will probably soon start making terrain as well. But first I need to complete my artillery and infantry.
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on September 24, 2020, 04:56:41 PM
So I have to report that I haven't made any real progress in the last couple weeks.

It has been a really bad year for me (beginning with my mother's death, followed by two weeks in the hospital with double pneumonia). A couple weeks ago my wife was involved in a very weird car accident. The car received a lot of damage and she was pretty bruised up but is mending well. The other day my dog yelped on our walk and refused to come out from under the bed. We took him to the vet and he gave the pooch a shot and said he was in a lot of muscular pain in the leg, but should recover nicely. And overreaching all of this, I have been involved with correspondence with the insurance company of my mother's car (which I thought had been sold for $100 but it appears was not executed) which was involved in an accident and the driver ran away. Unfortunately, I am also at the same time preparing to fire a worker for stealing and that will probably go to court.

 :?

I can't seem to relax and paint. What a shitty year this has been for me, though, of course, I realize that lots of other folks have far worse to contend with, and I am, in the main, blessed.
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: fred on September 24, 2020, 06:49:44 PM
That is a lot to contend with, without mentioning Covid.

Don’t force it, I found a couple of years ago when I was going through a stressful time with my wife’s health, painting felt like to much effort, but doing a bit of modelling (sticking plastic kits together, not catwalk) worked for me. So go with what seems fun / relaxing at the time, and don’t fret the progress or not of a project.

PS Really liking how these figures are coming out, particularly the gunners
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Roo on September 24, 2020, 06:51:24 PM
Don’t worry there is sufficient eye candy here to keep even greedy folks like me happy.  Take the break and sort out all that ‘stuff’ and come back smiling.  Go steady.
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: batu on September 24, 2020, 08:20:46 PM
I am sorry to hear that you had to struggle that much in the last months. Your painting progress was a joy to watch und I hope you will get back into the mood for painting. I feel like painting will lure you back in eventually, so don't stress your self too much about it. We all return to the brush...
 
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on October 02, 2020, 12:32:01 PM
Okay... sorry for the cry baby stuff, though I am in a better place now (thanks all). I have to admit though that fred's suggestion to do something else (in this case some terrain) worked a treat.

Here are my artillery officers, general and his staff officer, completed:

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

Again another rather fast hand held (way too) close up shot; a bit blurry and bright, so not the greatest.

The General comes from Pendraken's 1st Schleswig-Holstein War Danish collection. He looks like an old dog, but I really like the figure.

With those complete, I will now be basing up 4 bases of guns (batteries), 1 Division Commander base and a scenic base featuring a country cottage. I recently received some Javis Scatter no 71 Spring Mixture flock and it looks just like static grass.  :)  So I am a bit excited to see how it looks on my bases.

I'll be showing the finished bases next (probably also including the hussars) and they will all be complete. Hopefully, soon.

Thanks for following...  ;)
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Malamute on October 02, 2020, 12:57:57 PM
Great stuff Ray, I am really enjoying seeing this project come together. You are doing a fantastic job with such small figures. Truly amazing brushwork. :-*
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on October 02, 2020, 01:59:39 PM
You ought to see me painting them, Nick. For stability... I have the figures in my left hand. My right hand and brush is braced up against my left hand. My wrists are laying on my painting table and both elbows are laying on the arms of my chair.  o_o

Of course, I have my Opti-visor on, but I am so concentrated that a bomb could go off and I probably wouldn't realize it.  lol

Old age... what can I say.  :D
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Malamute on October 02, 2020, 03:06:44 PM
You ought to see me painting them, Nick. For stability... I have the figures in my left hand. My right hand and brush is braced up against my left hand. My wrists are laying on my painting table and both elbows are laying on the arms of my chair.  o_o

Of course, I have my Opti-visor on, but I am so concentrated that a bomb could go off and I probably wouldn't realize it.  lol

Old age... what can I say.  :D

I can well believe it, I've been supporting my wrists etc whilst painting the heraldry(not greatly!) on my 28mm knights. I really need to invest in an opti-visor though, my specs just aren't doing the job for me lol
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on October 02, 2020, 03:27:51 PM
I can well believe it, I've been supporting my wrists etc whilst painting the heraldry(not greatly!) on my 28mm knights. I really need to invest in an opti-visor though, my specs just aren't doing the job for me lol

On Amazon UK they go for up to like 150 pounds, but don't be fooled, they are all the same.

I think mine is similar to this:

Amazon UK Optivsor (https://www.amazon.co.uk/NIUPIKA-Head-Mounted-Headband-Magnifier-Magnifications/dp/B07229CF7X/ref=sr_1_147_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=optivisor+with&qid=1601648336&sr=8-147-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExQ1RJME4xNUFGSzhJJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNjUwMDMyMzJKM0VTVjZOVlBQUSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNzI3NzU1UkVDMjIwTTBISjJPJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmX25leHQmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl)

They work great!
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: ChrisBBB on October 03, 2020, 06:37:42 AM
Your general is splendid, Ray!

Chris

Bloody Big BATTLES!
https://groups.io/g/bloodybigbattles
BBBBlog:
https://bloodybigbattles.blogspot.com/
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: DintheDin on October 03, 2020, 08:43:46 AM
Your officers look great! They could be easily taken for 15mm!
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: fred on October 03, 2020, 10:49:36 AM
I have to admit though that fred's suggestion to do something else (in this case some terrain) worked a treat.

The General comes from Pendraken's 1st Schleswig-Holstein War Danish collection. He looks like an old dog, but I really like the figure.

Glad the suggestion helped - these new guys look splendid.

I need to get back to painting 10mm been doing 28s recently, mainly as they are a bit more practical when remote gaming
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Kublaibenzine on October 03, 2020, 11:18:45 AM
What a gorgeous job! Kudos.

My eyes are too old for this now, but I do love 10mm.

Sorry if I missed this, but what rules will you be using?

JP
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on October 03, 2020, 11:53:15 AM
Well... thanks everybody! Especially fred.  ;) Ya'll made my day!  :)

Sorry if I missed this, but what rules will you be using?

Grand Tactical. So 1871 or BBBs.
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: gamer Mac on October 03, 2020, 12:35:48 PM
Stunning paint jobs on something so small
I can't get over the edging on the horse blankets, very neat, what size of brush are you using?
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on October 03, 2020, 12:52:03 PM
Cheers, mate!

I have 4 or 5 brushes that I use. I'm using a 00 ATM but I also have a size 3 with a really nice tip. Mind you, I do not paint with the tips, I paint with the side of the tips. So it is the tip of the brush which is most important, not the size.
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on October 04, 2020, 02:01:42 AM
Here is a little graphic to show how I paint little lines on my miniatures:

(https://i.imgur.com/SacTH3p.jpg)

 o_o
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: fred on October 04, 2020, 08:33:41 AM
And that explains why yours look so much better than mine, as I only have 2 steps, blue sleeve , red stripe.
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: DintheDin on October 04, 2020, 08:36:05 AM
And that explains how neatly your figures are painted!
Thanks for sharing this how-to!
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on October 04, 2020, 12:12:08 PM
Well... that is worst case.

If you are really neat you only need to paint the cuff first, then the stripe and then the arm; leaving a thin black line around the stripe. During that progression, if you screw a bit up, you just touch it up and continue until finished.

I try to be as neat as possible to avoid lots of clean up but that requires a lot of brush and paint control, and I screw it up quite a bit.

It is a technical form of painting, which can be used for any size miniature.
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: vodkafan on October 04, 2020, 01:56:01 PM
Great tip! Many thanks
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on October 04, 2020, 03:21:22 PM
 ;)
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on October 08, 2020, 11:15:49 AM
Update time...

Here are all my French folks who are totally completed (finally):

Group Shot:

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

Artillery (4 batteries):

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

Infantry Division Commander (a little blurry):

(https://i.imgur.com/YYd4huk.jpg)

What doesn't seem like much... but once I finish the 5 Line Regiments (next up) will begin to look like an army with 1st Division almost complete.

Here is a little graphic I did of the French Army I am making:

(https://i.imgur.com/t7hnx7s.jpg)

Completed Project minis: CMD: 4, Inf: 75, Cav: 9, Guns: 4, Art. men: 16, Terrain: 1
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Malamute on October 08, 2020, 11:31:14 AM
Awesome! :-*
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: DintheDin on October 08, 2020, 12:01:38 PM
Beautiful!
And nice organizational diagram!
You still have a lot of work to do...
Following with great interest! Cheers!
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on October 09, 2020, 01:37:40 AM
Thanks Nick and Din!  :)

Yep, it seems like a lot left to do, but I'll get there, little by little.  ;)
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: gamer Mac on October 12, 2020, 11:38:00 PM
Great stuff :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on October 13, 2020, 01:15:37 AM
Cheers!  :)

Hopefully have some infantry regiments done soon...
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: vtsaogames on October 15, 2020, 01:13:50 PM
That's the technique I use for painting stripes on 15mm figures, except I didn't break it down as neatly. Well done.
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: vexillia on October 15, 2020, 01:34:45 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/SacTH3p.jpg)
Nice graphic.  That's the way I do details too.  For 15 mm I use the base colour instead of black which results in a smoother transition.
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on October 15, 2020, 03:10:29 PM
Thanks, guys.

You know there is really a huge difference between a 10 and 15mm miniature. Because of that, you have a lot more surface in which to use lots of techniques such as blending to make your details pop. Though to be honest, I still have a tendency of using black lining for 15s.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/47/1615-270720021437.jpeg)

With these guys, because they are so small, I adopted a totally different way of painting than I have ever used and that amounts to using black as a "shade" if you will, irrespective of color. By doing that, the result is that your colors will "pop" and you will be able to see details such as stripes, creases and such because they will significantly contrast with the black shading. I also tend towards brighter colors for the same reason. It plays a trick on the eye and prevents all the colors from blending in and looking like a fruit salad.  :D
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Malamute on October 15, 2020, 03:35:01 PM
They look stunning and when placed against a 28mm figure you really see just how teeny they are.
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on October 15, 2020, 03:55:56 PM
Thanks, Nick!

They are tiny and to be quite honest I am amazed at how well they have been coming out.
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: DintheDin on October 15, 2020, 04:23:32 PM
"With these guys, because they are so small, I adopted a totally different way of painting than I have ever used and that amounts to using black as a "shade" if you will, irrespective of color. By doing that, the result is that your colors will "pop" and you will be able to see details such as stripes, creases and such because they will significantly contrast with the black shading. I also tend towards brighter colors for the same reason. It plays a trick on the eye and prevents all the colors from blending in and looking like a fruit salad".

Great! You said everything! This is it!
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: vodkafan on October 15, 2020, 05:09:06 PM
Thanks, Nick!

They are tiny and to be quite honest I am amazed at how well they have been coming out.

They are not just "coming out" they have been setting a standard  and also started a 10mm itch for me personally. Possible future 10mm projects are under discussion with my oppo as I write....like I need  yet another project  ???
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: valleyboy on October 16, 2020, 05:09:57 AM
Its great to see this thread developing Ray, the cuff tip is brilliant and I like the diagram showing your progress. I could do with that sort of disciplined approach!
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: schoey on October 16, 2020, 11:26:47 AM
Wonderful detail on such little figures.

Paul
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Sparrow on October 17, 2020, 06:31:06 AM
I’m finding this thread hugely inspiring - thanks so much for sharing all this with us! 👍
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: rct75001 on October 17, 2020, 07:08:34 AM
This thread and your painting has - I'm afraid - had a very big impact on my plans.

I am intrigued by this period's warfare in Europe - buit had always shied away from doing it because of my impression of the drab and dull colours of the armies.  I would only do it in 10mm given the size of some of the battles.

But these images have changed my mind and reopened the strong desire to collect Pendraken figures to make this a project.

Thanks a lot ...... I think :)

Richard
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: ChrisBBB on October 17, 2020, 08:56:28 AM
I am intrigued by this period's warfare in Europe - buit had always shied away from doing it because of my impression of the drab and dull colours of the armies. 

Richard, I'm glad that Ray's fine work has changed your mind. There is plenty of colour to be found in 1859, 1864, 1866, 1870, 1877 etc. There are also lots of fascinating tactical challenges to explore because of the asymmetry of weapons and doctrine in late C19 wars as technology evolves, and as generals and armies keep having to adapt to how the rules have changed.

Chris

Bloody Big BATTLES!
https://groups.io/g/bloodybigbattles
https://bloodybigbattles.blogspot.com/
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on October 19, 2020, 06:11:14 PM
Thanks very much for all the comments! I've been dying to reply, but, you know, I need to get an update in there too so that we got some pictures to see!  :)

In Spain we say... "mucho ruido y pocas nueces" (literally a lot of noise and very little nuts) or much ado about nothing.  8)

So...

I've finished painting the last of my infantry to complete my 5 regiments. I still need to base them though. Anyway, here is a waaaay too close and fairly horrible photo:

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

These guys are actually Chasseurs painted up to look like line infantry. The cut of their coat is a bit different and shorter, but when they are all mixed in, I don't think it will make a difference. For those wanting more poses in their infantry I would really recommend the Chasseurs as their charging and firing poses are very nicely sculpted.

At the same time that I am painting a batch of minis I am also trying to do some terrain pieces. I have 2 small forest bases that I have been working on and they will be finished with my line infantry.

Here is a photo of all the old 6mm trees I have that need reconditioning and new bases. They are in a Chessex high impact plastic box which I use for storage (I have 10 or so of these):

(https://i.imgur.com/l8QGv6Z.jpg)

They are in pretty bad condition as they are over 20 years old, but I think I have enough for this project. They are all lead including the bases. I'll be rehabilitating them little by little.

Here is a photo of all the old 6mm buildings I have that are in pretty good shape:

(https://i.imgur.com/sDF7jf3.jpg)

So in total I have like 16 buildings and a farm, so that should be good enough as well.

As I do more minis, I'll be posting up my newly based terrain. (I forget to get some farm animals in my last buy...  :-[)

Have no idea who made this terrain. I'm thinking GHQ or Irregular Miniatures but after looking about I figure they are way OOP.

And here is just a general interest thing. Everything I paint I record on a note pad document so that I can refer to it as I am doing the project and if... several years later I want to return to it, I have all the information on how I painted them.

(https://i.imgur.com/xnlZGPz.jpg)
DAMN that's big!  lol

Writing down what paints you used I think is a really good idea and can be used for other projects when you think to yourself... how did I paint those boots on that mini... for example.

So that's it for now. In a couple days I'll have my 5 regiments of line infantry and 2 terrain pieces finished and then I'll post some pictures so ya'll can see the state of my project!

Once again, for those following my progress... a big thanks!  :-*
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Malamute on October 20, 2020, 08:23:50 AM
More goodness :)
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on October 20, 2020, 01:21:52 PM
Cheers, Nick!

Wanted to provide a small update on my project with a few photos. Last night I had a marathon session gluing sand on 17 bases. Today I will be painting and hopefully flocking as well. That will finish off my infantry.

Glad folks feel inspired by the thread and enjoy seeing my completed minis. Uniform wise it is indeed filled with lots of wonderful uniforms. Mind you, it has only been 50 years since the end of the Napoleonic wars, so a lot of traditions have continued. The Prussians are still wearing their grey and Prussian blue uniforms with colorful cuffs, collars and epaulettes, but now are also sporting a swish spiky helmet. Their cavalry however, in many respects still have some beautifully colored uniforms and of course, on both sides, they drip with tons of brad. So plenty of great looking uniforms to be seen on these battlefields.

(https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fs-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com%2F736x%2F52%2F83%2F22%2F528322e2649133abdb91484d416b6137--german-uniforms-military-uniforms.jpg&f=1&nofb=1)

The trick, of course, will be to paint the Prussian infantry so that those colors pop and don't all jumble together in a blueish grey mess.

There are also lots of fascinating tactical challenges to explore because of the asymmetry of weapons and doctrine in late C19 wars as technology evolves, and as generals and armies keep having to adapt to how the rules have changed.

This also makes the war very interesting. On the one hand you have one army (the French) which seeks to use the devastating fire power of the rifle on the defense against massed attacks of infantry in the open. While on the other hand you have an army (the Prussians) who are quite prepared to assault, but use maneuver to outflank its foe so that they are not funneled into a great killing ground. Paradoxically, within 50 years of the Napoleonic wars, military doctrine has completed flipped and it is now the Prussians who are the masters of maneuver as they so plainly displayed (a foreshadowing for the French) during the Austro-Prussian War of 1866 at the Battle of Königgrätz.
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Malamute on October 20, 2020, 01:31:40 PM
I've always liked the uniforms from the FPW and had plenty of the original Wargames Foundry range from the 1980s. :)

  The figures also fit perfectly into the VSF settings we have played over the years! lol
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on October 20, 2020, 02:02:44 PM
The figures also fit perfectly into the VSF settings we have played over the years! lol

(https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse1.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIP.zo1pYtdxEeiglDwGFuaCqgHaDa%26pid%3DApi&f=1)

 lol
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on October 23, 2020, 04:09:22 PM
So I am finishing the bases of my newest miniatures and I thought I would make a couple comments first.

Nick knows I love VSF and while I am very tempted to veer in that direction, I want to stay focused on the historic armies. So I'm trying to keep my head down to finish the French and Prussian armies. Having said that, because VSF is fairly Brit oriented, I have done some searching around for complementary figures as Pendraken doesn't really have the figures I would want to do.

Magister Militum does some nice Zulu War minis that would fit:
https://www.magistermilitum.com/era/age-of-rifles.html?cat%5B0%5D=59661&cat%5B1%5D=62241&cat%5B2%5D=62242&cat%5B3%5D=61918&p=1

And some of their Crimean War range would also do nicely (cavalry, guards, highlanders, and generals):
https://www.magistermilitum.com/era/age-of-rifles.html?cat%5B0%5D=59661&cat%5B3%5D=61918&cat%5B4%5D=62238&p=1

As a side note, my son and daughter-in-law tested positive for Covid earlier this week, and my wife and I have just received the results of our tests: negative (thank God)
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on October 24, 2020, 04:05:18 PM
A major update!

Finally finished my 5 infantry regiments:

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

And here is my entire army including 2 new forest terrain pieces:

(https://i.imgur.com/mBvZca0.jpg)

Completed Project minis: CMD: 4, Inf: 90, Cav: 9, Guns: 4, Art. men: 16, Terrain: 3
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: DintheDin on October 24, 2020, 04:38:36 PM
An impressive sight! Congrats for your work!
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on October 24, 2020, 06:24:50 PM
Thanks, Din!

Here is link to the full sized photo of my army to date:

https://i.imgur.com/mBvZca0.jpg
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: DintheDin on October 24, 2020, 06:31:14 PM
Excellent! Keep them coming!
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: valleyboy on October 24, 2020, 08:29:08 PM
Yeah well done
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: vtsaogames on October 25, 2020, 12:36:55 AM
Very nice!
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on October 25, 2020, 01:24:47 AM
Thanks, all!

Here is where I stand:

(https://i.imgur.com/7APSC3F.jpg)

2 battalions of Chasseurs and a regiment of Cuirassiers being prepped. I'll also probably do another couple tree bases as well.
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Captain Blood on October 25, 2020, 10:03:02 AM
Blinking marvellous Ray. I was going to say it looks like you’ve broken the back of it, but under the circumstances... ;)
You’re well into it though. That’s a big achievement. Now finish off those Frenchies and bring on the Prussians!  >:D
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on October 25, 2020, 11:10:54 AM
Thanks for the support, Richard!

Four months into the project and I'm not quite yet half way through the French... but I'm getting there.

I'm looking forward to see how the Cuirassiers come out. I'm going to paint their horses white based on this painting:

(https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse1.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIP.fo_Y19qKcOnh6R8hFJHc6AHaFH%26pid%3DApi&f=1)

It's been a rough start though. I had to green stuff all the right ears on their tiny little horses...  o_o

 :)
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: gamer Mac on October 25, 2020, 06:34:37 PM
Wow keep up the good work :-* :-* :-*
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Roo on October 25, 2020, 06:51:40 PM
Lovely collection you have building there...green stuff ears in 10mm...the stuff of nightmare to most; you will smash it!
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on October 25, 2020, 07:29:08 PM
Cheers, Mac and Roo!

...green stuff ears in 10mm...the stuff of nightmare to most; you will smash it!

The ear of my officer's horse fell off!  :(   lol  The rest are very crude... but I think they will do.

We'll see!
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on November 13, 2020, 02:33:24 PM
Small update...

The Cuirassiers white horses were driving me crazy (whose idea was that!  ::)) so I pivoted and did my Chasseurs.

Here is a way too close picture of them:

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

And here they are based with a couple more tree scenics:

(https://i.imgur.com/0vJIk78.jpg)

In a grand tactical format they should be one base of 6 figures per battalion. In the end, because I wanted them to look like they were skirmishing I decided on 2 bases of 3 minis per battalion. So these represent 2 battalions of Chasseurs.

So... back to finishing my Cuirassiers and .... maybe... some sheep.  :)
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Malamute on November 13, 2020, 03:11:35 PM
They look splendid :-*
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: fred on November 13, 2020, 03:52:22 PM
They look very nice
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: DintheDin on November 13, 2020, 06:37:48 PM
I like the blue of their uniforms and the perfect yellow lining! Very well done!
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on November 14, 2020, 12:29:19 PM
Thanks all!

I went with a bit finer sand and more flock on these bases for an overall greener look.

I'm not sure what I prefer to be quite honest. I kinda like the more spartan bases with more earth. Unsure...

Also received a new packet from Pendraken. It contained a number of animal packs and a new army of dudelies with pointed heads.  :D
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on November 22, 2020, 07:05:51 PM
Been awhile since I have made an update...

Finally, I have finished my Cuirassiers!

Here is a closeup look:

(https://i.imgur.com/epGqI7J.jpg)

And here are a couple photos (too dark unfortunately) of them based:

(https://i.imgur.com/CIX6xkQ.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/r5MFW4F.jpg)

So much detail and the white horses... drove me crazy.

On a brighter side... I finished a flock of sheep!  :D

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

Currently I am working on a piece of terrain which may be interesting. After that, a couple regiments of Zouaves. I'm past the half way mark on my initial army and have pretty much painted all the minis in the army deal.
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: DintheDin on November 22, 2020, 07:08:00 PM
Awesome paintjob! Many congrats! And I like the sheep, too! Cheers!
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: vtsaogames on November 22, 2020, 07:52:29 PM
Mutton on the menu for the troops!
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Captain Blood on November 22, 2020, 08:27:36 PM
Very precise work once again, Ray.

The sheep are lovely too  :)

Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Roo on November 22, 2020, 08:39:45 PM
Consistently lovely work
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on November 23, 2020, 12:23:44 PM
 :)

Cheers!

Am getting there now!

(https://i.imgur.com/3iqNHoC.jpg)

Completed Project minis:
CMD: 4, Inf: 102, Cav: 18, Guns: 4, Art. men: 16, Terrain: 5, Animals: 11
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Malamute on November 23, 2020, 12:29:58 PM
Love the Cuirassiers  :-*
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on November 23, 2020, 12:32:16 PM
Thanks, Nick!
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: gamer Mac on November 23, 2020, 01:57:14 PM
Lovely stuff
I don't see your sheep on you army list :D
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on November 23, 2020, 07:27:02 PM
Lovely stuff
I don't see your sheep on you army list :D

I was going to list them as the platoon of engineers that accompanies the artillery but I thought that might be a stretch...

 ;)
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Svennn on November 23, 2020, 07:39:46 PM
Terrific project very nicely executed indeed. I have become a big 10mm myself in recent years and these are just marvelous sir
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on November 23, 2020, 07:50:36 PM
Svennn¿!¿! Nice to hear from you!  :)

Thanks for the compliment, but you know after that statement, photos will be demanded!  ;)
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Gunner who? on November 25, 2020, 06:51:04 AM
Hello Ray,

I don´t want to spoil your phantastic miniatures but I am afraid the horse-tail of the trumpeter´s helmet was red...but that is easy to fix I guess.

If you search for "casque 1858 trompette" you will find some nice originals.

Cheers Fedja
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Svennn on November 25, 2020, 10:41:21 AM
Svennn¿!¿! Nice to hear from you!  :)

Thanks for the compliment, but you know after that statement, photos will be demanded!  ;)

I'm pretty sure you don't really want to see lots of tiny Chinese daubed by my hand.

Anyway, get a move on, I am waiting impatiently to see your Boche
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on November 25, 2020, 12:06:55 PM
Hi, Fedja

I don´t want to spoil your phantastic miniatures but I am afraid the horse-tail of the trumpeter´s helmet was red...but that is easy to fix I guess.

There are a couple inaccuracies with my troopers. Another is that the officers should have white epaulettes. But I think in the cause of the horse-tail, I will change it to red. Thanks!

Svennn...

Anyway, get a move on, I am waiting impatiently to see your Boche

Indeed, I've been getting that vibe for quite some time now. Perhaps after I do the 2 Zouave Regiments I'm prepping right now, I will begin painting some of the Prushans.  ;)
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on November 25, 2020, 02:08:51 PM
So a question for folks a lot more familiar with this period than myself?

Since I have a French regiment depicted as 3 bases of 6 men (on 30x30 bases) representing roughly 750 men per battalion, would it be correct to say that for the Prussians I would need 3 bases of 8 men (40x30) to represent a regiment of 3,000 men with 1,000 men per battalion? (This is my intention ATM.)

Or should I just blow off historical proportions and base my Prussians just like my French?
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Svennn on November 25, 2020, 03:10:09 PM
For my two penneth I am sorry to say but I think you are going to have to paint those six extra figures.

Argument 1 says don't do it to maintain neatness and symmetry between the armies.

This isn't chess plus argument 2 says you already know the differences and it will always be in the back of your mind if you do not represent it.

Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on November 25, 2020, 05:11:19 PM
I don't mind painting the extra minis for the Prussians as they are probably a lot easier to do than the French.

I'm still trying to get my head around having 2 different infantry battalion size frontages. Don't think I have ever seen that with war gaming. Wouldn't one side or the other adjust their frontage in battle to be symmetric?

For the Prussians I could:

1) Use a 40mm front and accept an asymmetrically frontage.

2) Use a deeper base so that the frontage is the same but the Prussians have more men (3,3,2 for example).

3) Try to cram 2 more Prussians onto the same 30x30 base I am using for the French.

Thoughts?
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Svennn on November 25, 2020, 05:36:55 PM
I didn't take into account those rather valid points when I replied. My excuse is two fold. I use 40mm frontage for all my 10mm (the plastic bases from Pendraken in the main) so envisaged the French being more spaced out. I generally put eights per base but my only consideration is aesthetics as I am not ever working to a rule set and treat everything as an element.

Maintaining frontage would be sensible so going deeper would be my choice, I would probably go 3,3,3 personally to maintain the block look.

Someone will come along with the correct answer I am sure.
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on November 25, 2020, 08:44:36 PM
Well... I found this:

Quote
On the parade ground the company drilled in three ranks, but in action the third rank became a third platoon that was largely used as a skirmish line. In the official reports for 1866 and 1870 they were often referred to as the skirmish section. - Mark Strachan
https://stracmark.blogspot.com/p/franco-prussian-war-armies-german.html (In the comments section)

That would mean I should go deep with the same frontage as the French. So a first line representing "the skirmish section" and then behind them a bit 2, formed lines of infantry. So it would be 2,3,3.

Comment, recommendations, anyone?
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on November 26, 2020, 12:14:04 PM
Okay, so it appears the answer to my question lies in the rules that I use.

BBBs uses the amount of stands for strength. So in this case, the Prussians would have 4 stands of 6 to represent a regiment. The 1870/1871 rules abstracts strength and uses bases. So 3 battalions are 3 bases irrespective of the strength. I shall be buying both and go from there.
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: ChrisBBB on November 27, 2020, 06:08:23 PM
I applaud your choice, Ray!   :D

I hope you'll be very satisfied with your purchases, and that they do your gorgeous armies justice.

Chris

Bloody Big BATTLES!
https://groups.io/g/bloodybigbattles
BBBBlog
http://bloodybigbattles.blogspot.com/
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on November 27, 2020, 09:23:59 PM
It will probably be after the Holidays though Chris. I have already spent my money for more miniatuers Christmas.

 ;)
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on December 20, 2020, 04:14:03 PM
A small update.

I've been working a bunch of stuff, but in general progress has been slow. I've done a "woods" scenic which I think is interesting but haven't been able to get pics of it because of the lowered sun.

I've done some more generals... a division commander and aide and a Garde Brigadier:

(https://i.imgur.com/6pKGRKJ.jpg)

The center figure looks a little strange because he is tilted to one side, however, he also has an arm change. These guys are based and as soon as conditions permit I'll have a shot of them finished.

Have also been working on 2 pretty colorful regiments of Zouaves. This is the first batch of 15 minis complete (a fairly blurry crappo photo but I think you get the idea of how they look):

(https://i.imgur.com/1qDm0AH.jpg)

Once they are finished I'll try to do a photo shoot of all my new stuff based and ready to fight!

Anyway... I'm still at it...  :)
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: DintheDin on December 20, 2020, 05:52:08 PM
Your work on the generals is outstanding! I also like the posture of the Zouaves! Keep up the good job!
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Tellus on December 20, 2020, 08:33:12 PM
This is a great project. Good job on the minis Ray, they look excellent!
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Captain Blood on December 21, 2020, 10:30:42 AM
The tiny generals are spiffing  :-*
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on December 21, 2020, 12:39:46 PM
Cheers, mates!

Your work on the generals is outstanding!

The tiny generals are spiffing  :-*

The generals! It's amazing how long they take to paint...  o_o  The Garde Brigadier is, of course, total fiction from the Napoleonic line. But he looks cool!  :)
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Malamute on December 21, 2020, 12:43:43 PM
Stunning work Ray. Those Zouaves look just the job as well. :-*
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on December 22, 2020, 01:22:57 PM
Thanks Nick!

They will definitely stand out.
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Ray Rivers on March 14, 2021, 05:10:48 PM
This probably isn't important to anyone, but for those following my progress it is pretty obvious that I haven't posted for awhile now.

I started having some real issues with my sight and at first I thought I was overdoing it with painting crazy detail on tiny miniatures. So I took a rest. It became obvious, however, that things were getting worse and due to an upsurge in Covid infections here in Spain I waited until things calmed down a bit before seeing an ophthalmologist. Turns out my blurry and double vision is being caused by cataracts in both eyes. I will need surgery and the first one should occur within about 2 weeks.

Hopefully after I get my eyes squared away, I will be able to get back to painting fairly soon.

It's no big deal, but thought I would post what is happening as the natural tendency is to think that I just lost interest.

Cheers all!
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: DintheDin on March 14, 2021, 05:24:15 PM
Hi Ray!
We love your work and we are enjoying all your postings here!
I strongly wish you a quick recovery and to see you active again!
Health above all!
All the best! 
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: gamer Mac on March 14, 2021, 05:28:41 PM
Hope everything goes well for you, looking forward to seeing you lovely painting again
Title: Re: Franco-Prussian War in 10mm (Pendraken)
Post by: Roo on March 14, 2021, 05:36:38 PM
Ray

Wishing you a full and speedy recovery and return to your superb brushwork.  We will wait patiently...all good things come to those who wait!

Roo