Perry Plastics for Franco Prussian War

[Mark M Down]

I am thinking of starting an army for this period. I know that Perry are about to release their Prussian infantry box. Wargames Atlantic are about to do Bavarians. The metal cavalry that Perry have recently produced look lovely. However, I was wondering if any of the existing plastic cavalry or infantry ranges could be adapted or used for the Franco Prussian period?  Thanks.

[MaleGriffin]

I think the Perry Zouaves will work for the French if you ignore the rifles.

[Mark M Down]

Thank you.

[Baron von Wreckedoften]

As something of an afficianado on things wargaming and Bavarian, I have to say that I was not very impressed with the WA plastics set - not great poses and the clumsy way they are carrying their rifles reminded me of 1970s figure ranges.

https://www.beastsofwar.com/news/wargames-atlantic-new-plastic-bavarians/

I've been chatting with Michael Perry and he intends to do the Bavarians in metal only (probably). but might be persuaded to include the 1866 peaked caps (see the North Star range) which I gather were still being worn at the start of the FPW.

[Mark M Down]

Good to know thank you. You think Perry Napoleonic Cuirassiers would work for French Cuirassiers for the Franco Prussian War? Or are the uniforms too different?

[waterproof]

The uniforms do not differ much at first sight.
After all, there are 55 years between the two eras.
The helmet 1870 is blank and no longer has a cover of fur.
The uniform skirt 1870 is much longer, has no more laps.
The trousers 1870 is wide cut and sewn on the end in black leather. This is also red and tightly cut for officers.
I don't think the plastic cuirassiers from the Perrys work well.

But it's always in the eye of the beholder.

[waterproof]

you can see it here

[Mark M Down]

Thanks. That is very helpful.

[williamb]

I highly recommend getting a copy of  "L'Armee de Napoleon III dans la Guerre de 1870".  The French army was in the midst of a change in uniform regulations and some units still had the older uniforms or even a mixture of new and old.  Dragoons were changing from green to blue tunics, while the chasseurs and hussars were changing to sky blue tunics.   Chasseurs and Hussars could have busbys, kepis, or shakos.

[Mark M Down]

Brilliant. Thanks for the recommendation.

[Roo]

Woo hoo the Prussian infantry have arrived!

[bluechi]

"Auf auf , ran an den Feind ! "

[Admiral Alder]

The Perry Plastic ACW range can be gently converted for the Danish in 1866...

[tom_aargau]

Regarding the question about French cuirassiers above - Ingo Gohlke has a nice selection of FPW miniatures, see link.

https://ingos-figuren.jimdofree.com/figuren-1-56-28-mm/1870-71/

[John Boadle]

 My personal opinion is that anyone who wants to do the FPW in 28mm needs to be a bit patient, because there isn't much else in plastic or metal that would be accurate and compatible with the new Perrys figures. I'm afraid the plastic French infantry are a few months down the line as yet, but I understand Michael has sculpted metal Chasseurs a Pied, which could be out quickly and so you'll have a first unit to hold off the Prussian hordes.

I agree you could do French Zouaves out of the Perrys ACW guys, so long as you don't mind the rifle being different and also the equipment. Off hand I don't think they are carrying much gear, so that might not be too problematic. And they are certainly in the right sort of "dashing forward" poses for proper zouaves!

Come to think of it, there are good, compatible figures available for the Prussians in the form of the North Star 1866 range, recently revamped and with many figures that will blend in to give variety and cover some current vacancies. These are characterful and accurate figures; some might be just a fraction on the bulky side, but would probably go alongside their plastic comrades.

I also agree with the good Baron's opinion of the forthcoming WA plastic Bavarians: just not up to scratch. If you are in a tearing hurry to have some Bavarians and aren't too picky about anatomy or details they might fill a gap. Incidentally, I could be wrong here but I don't know where the idea of some Bavarian infantry wearing caps "in the early days of the FPW" comes from. The Bavarians went to war exactly like Prussia and most of the other German states, ie wearing helmets, but also carrying their soft caps with them. These would be worn out of action or occasionally for a "packs down" charge, just like the Prussian infantry. The Bavarian cap was smarter than the Prussian version, having a peak and a chinstrap, but was just as much a softly constructed cloth garment that could be rolled or folded and shoved into the bread-bag.