Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => Age of the Big Battalions => Topic started by: PeteW on 01 April 2024, 05:07:44 PM
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I purchased a set of the General D'Armee2 rules at their launch recently and am sufficiently impressed with them that given my imminent retirement, the building of two Armies for the rules will be a major retirement project.
As several wise men said - start with the French. While I love painting figures I think 28mm is just too big for the rules, and my available space, and so 15/18mm it is.
The first French Line Battalion was purchased as a set of 24 figures direct from Campaign Game Miniatures and only took a week so to arrive in the UK from Spain, and very nice they are.
The battalion pack consists of 4 command figures (Officer, Eagle-bearer (porte-aigle) Eagle escort and drummer) and a selection of fusiliers, 8 of which have epaulettes and shako plumes for the flank companies, the remainder for the centre companies with just pompoms on their shakos.
(https://i.imgur.com/iCwm4dr.jpg)
Figures measure 17-18mm and so are compatible with AB figures, although these are just a little slimmer in the body than the CGM.
The command figures come with both a separate Eagle and plain staff (for the 2nd and subsequent battalions) which adds flexibility, although I chopped the Eagle off the provided staff and replaced that with a pin and brass micro tube for strength and straightness.
(https://i.imgur.com/Bpte9Jd.jpg)
Given the small size I'm happy to save a few pennies and paint my own flags - at 80cm square real life these measure only about 10mm square at scale.
(https://i.imgur.com/Q88PDNH.jpg)
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and the first unit complete.
(https://i.imgur.com/nll39YV.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/CtPS0eM.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/AMEEm1O.jpg)
The mounted officer is from AB, and also an absolute beauty to paint.
I wanted a movement tray with a little more space around the edges than generally provided, and so made my own ordering the required bases from Warbases.
Very happy with the result, but still facing into a dozen or so more units being required along with some cavalry and artillery.
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Nice job. I specially like how you do your flags. What is it about General D'Armee2 that you like?
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Very nice!
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Excellent job, love the work with the flag.
Paul
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Nice job. I specially like how you do your flags. What is it about General D'Armee2 that you like?
I've not played the rules yet, but on reading them through they are an easy read, and seem sophisticated without being overly complex.
I like the variable number of ADC each turn which restricts the number of orders that can be given, and that each orders task is specific. (reminiscent of Kreigsspiel)
I can see them creating an enjoyable battle where control of all of one's force is the key, but accepting there will often be occasions where you cannot give all the orders you would wish. I love these kind of dilemmas within a game.
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I've not played the rules yet, but on reading them through they are an easy read, and seem sophisticated without being overly complex.
I like the variable number of ADC each turn which restricts the number of orders that can be given, and that each orders task is specific. (reminiscent of Kreigsspiel)
I can see them creating an enjoyable battle where control of all of one's force is the key, but accepting there will often be occasions where you cannot give all the orders you would wish. I love these kind of dilemmas within a game.
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Well, done on the unit Pete!
Don't forget about the skirmish bases. You'll need 4-5 per brigade but only 2-3 figs per base. You can also paint ADC figures instead of using markers, I believe both CGM and AB have them. Although for starting out the TFL wood markers do look nice.
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Well, done on the unit Pete!
Don't forget about the skirmish bases. You'll need 4-5 per brigade but only 2-3 figs per base. You can also paint ADC figures instead of using markers, I believe both CGM and AB have them. Although for starting out the TFL wood markers do look nice.
yep, skirmishers, ADC's, artillery and command figures are all on the list. It's going to take a while though
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Taking a break from painting French infantry, and having a go at making low walls (of a drystone style).
(https://i.imgur.com/XYkamqr.jpg)
Thin cuts of xps foam, cut to size and textured.
(https://i.imgur.com/3ueC4vG.jpg)
I've painted one section with thinned PVA to see if this is needed. Paint up next.
Next batch I'll make just a smigden taller, but these will do for starters - cheap as chips
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Progress with the walls. The lower section is painted, with a thin oil wash, the second has been drybrushed with a few rocks picked out in colour, and the last two are complete with flock and foliage.
(https://i.imgur.com/mQ8klIK.jpg)
and with a section of road
(https://i.imgur.com/Y9tWw9H.jpg)
Now to make lots more. I also think I can make hedgerows using a similar process and the xps foam.
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When the OCD kicks in - When the Eagle comes in either the wiggly or DIY kit version
(https://i.imgur.com/12niFMg.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/tB25chA.jpg)
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GDA2 is a good update of GDA1 and the group I game with ordered 8 copies.
I find the ADC allocation very interesting as they provide re-rolls for brigade action or specific tasking but there is never enough to do everything you want to do so careful planning is in order.
The closest other set that I have played is Age of Eagles (F&F variant) but even with those you can manipulate your ‘orders’ by careful placing of commanders.
GDA2 makes you think.
Neat idea on the flagpoles though I just drill the original out and replace with one of the 50mm long thinner steel ‘spears cut to length.
We are using mainly AB Figures 18mm as the gamer that introduced us to GDA1 has big forces using these figures and a bulk order to Eureka.AU gets a discount and airmail shipping for AU$25 worldwide.
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GDA2 is a good update of GDA1 and the group I game with ordered 8 copies.
I find the ADC allocation very interesting as they provide re-rolls for brigade action or specific tasking but there is never enough to do everything you want to do so careful planning is in order.
The closest other set that I have played is Age of Eagles (F&F variant) but even with those you can manipulate your ‘orders’ by careful placing of commanders.
GDA2 makes you think.
Neat idea on the flagpoles though I just drill the original out and replace with one of the 50mm long thinner steel ‘spears cut to length.
We are using mainly AB Figures 18mm as the gamer that introduced us to GDA1 has big forces using these figures and a bulk order to Eureka.AU gets a discount and airmail shipping for AU$25 worldwide.
Good to hear that the rules are solid - I love the concept of not being in total control - seems very real to life !
As for the flag staff, I would use wire if I had any of the right width. The benefit of the pin and micro tube is I get a slightly stronger joint.
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good units and the stone walls look good.
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Second battalion almost complete, so have been working on the Mounted Officer for the unit - a slightly unusual outfit, but an amazing sculpt.
(https://i.imgur.com/lFbpiFH.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/s24pIXf.jpg)
Gaps should be filled this weekend
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Lovely painting
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Lovely painting
Cheers
And the second battalion drummer - another top notch sculpt
(https://i.imgur.com/wQj13CT.jpg)
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Lovely stuff! That mounted officer is a beautiful figure and beautifully painted.
I’ve got a stalled French Napoleonics in 15mm project myself. It takes dedication to keep going with the uniforms I find, but the satisfaction of seeing a battalion done is wonderful.
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Second battalion now complete and based - AB Figures this time.
(https://i.imgur.com/1MOtPp0.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/nXxBOqD.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/RCnYYMp.jpg)
Third battalion is ready for priming and I have a 4th on order, this time from Fizzer Johnson - it will be interesting to see how they compare with CGM and AB.
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This all looks amazing so far, cracking work :-*
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Two battalions of figures arrived a couple of days ago from Fizzer Johnson's Men of Metal. My first Fizzers and my first British infantry. Couldn't stop myself from diving in and test painting the flank companies. Very impressed with these which were a delight to paint. To be the 57th Foot.
(https://i.imgur.com/KBujkCo.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/9IP58vV.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/UQ1xOjz.jpg)
Boots and gaiters still to be painted - doh !
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The 57th Foot are almost complete, just two more figures to paint.
In the meantime have added the colours - great little flags from GMB Designs.
(https://i.imgur.com/ZcXqvL6.jpg)
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You’re right- those are great flags! Looking forward to seeing the completed company :)
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You’re right- those are great flags! Looking forward to seeing the completed company :)
Me too!
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Gosh :o! You did a nice job on that unit. Also love the walls. This is going to be a nice setting.
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Cheers all for the kind words
Ahead of ordering my first cavalry regiment I thought I would get hold of a figure from each of the main types used by the French in Spain and paint them up to see how they look. The conveyor belt under way.
(https://i.imgur.com/rZC3CzW.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/GEVV8Lk.jpg)
A truly delightful figure to paint. I can see a Regt of 2nd Hussars featuring on my table in the near future. 15mm AB Hussar
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Your brushwork on these 15/18mm is better than a lot of 25/28mm Nappy's I've seen! Gorgeous!
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Your brushwork on these 15/18mm is better than a lot of 25/28mm Nappy's I've seen! Gorgeous!
Cheers MG, kind of you to say
Next up an Elite Co Trooper -21st Chasseurs de Cheval. Another fabulous AB sculpt
(https://i.imgur.com/XyVzpOa.jpg)
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The third test piece - 14th Dragoons. I attempted a dark bay, for the horse, but it was not a great success
(https://i.imgur.com/p5hsph1.jpg)
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...and the last of my test paints, 1sr Regt Vistula Lancers. I think it is the sculpting of the horses that makes these figures look so good.
(https://i.imgur.com/lCxW5Di.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/eYzYwOQ.jpg)
Now to crack on and build a couple of Cavalry Regiments - Hussars and Lancers first I think.
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Lovely as always :D
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A drummer based on a Knotel plate from the 67th Line. I treat drummers, officers and standard bearers as "character" figures and so paint them individually and take a little longer on them.
(https://i.imgur.com/KBMLXze.jpg)
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Very good painting in these 15mm. :-* :-*
Will follow with interest. :)
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Couldn't resist getting some paint on a few figures, generously provided by Fizzer Johnson's Men of Metal, while priming the next French Line Battalion and a Regiment of Hussars. A hot and bothered RHA gunner and trooper from 13th Cuirassiers just coming off overnight piquet duty
(https://i.imgur.com/XWU8qUK.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/j2OQFCi.jpg)
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With the arrival of a drummer I was able to get the 57th Regiment of Foot complete and based.
Figures from Fizzer Johnson's Men of Metal, with flags from GMB. Based for GdA2.
(https://i.imgur.com/IUPiArx.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/13mhUsF.jpg)
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So after I bit of a hiatus I'm back in the game.
Two more British Battalions completed being the 3rd Foot, and 1st Provisional, so with the addition of the Brigade command base and skirmish line Byng's Bde is born.
(https://i.imgur.com/3EqyjgP.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/S7PibFL.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/IdwMd1m.jpg)
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I have also painted a battle mat from a £7 fleece blanket - trying for a slightly arid Peninsular look.
(https://i.imgur.com/rEs8eM4.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/StGAbcV.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/DNEKB9q.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/FRfexCc.jpg)
and an Imperial Guardsman - as who doesn't like les Grognards
(https://i.imgur.com/0lFFqV0.jpg)
Still bashing out figures, but also working on trees and other terrain so I can start to build a table.
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Lovely figures! How Tony gets such amazing detail in 18mm figures! Masterfully painted!
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Really good stuff and great painting. I've just started assembling a British Peninsular force so I'll be taking some inspiration from your thread.
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Cheers guys
How Tony gets such amazing detail in 18mm figures! Masterfully painted!
I think its some kind of magic. I must add that while most of the last batch were AB, there is also a handful of Fizzer Johnson figures. Not quite as good or as detailed as AB, but not far off the mark, and I am happy to mix and match.
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Super thread. Lovely painting.
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The painting is just incredible. :o :o :o
I read the thread twice, somuch do I like it.
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That's some great stuff you have there. Well done, lad!
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Cheers Capn'
Just working on how to build some 15mm terrain. Card fence, the XPS foam wall mentioned before and clump foliage hedgerow.
(https://i.imgur.com/YJpyQv5.jpg)
Pleased with each of these.
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Great painting. :-* :-*
And the terrain bits look great.
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Lovely terrain! Simple but effective :)